The Bubble Lounge (Highland Park & University Park Texas)

Latest Episodes:

8 YEARS. 10 SEASONS. A WHOLE NEW BUBBLE LOUNGE. Oct 01, 2026

Show notes

Your weekly catch up on all things Bubble!

Starbucks is leaving Snider Plaza. Australia’s Yo-Chi is moving into the neighborhood. University Park has an important election coming up. The Scots got the Homecoming reset they needed. And we’re celebrating a pretty big milestone of our own: eight years of The Bubble Lounge and the start of Season 10!

This week I’m also taking you inside the SMU Impact Lab and sharing why I walked away so impressed with the opportunities SMU is giving its students.

Plus, we’re celebrating Highland Park’s six Homecoming Queen nominees and 2026 Queen Ellington Heis, looking ahead to Chefs for Farmers and a VIP ticket giveaway, and I’m taking you along on our first Texas A&M visit with Blake, including an unforgettable experience with the Corps of Cadets.

Season 10 also brings a new sound and a new format to The Bubble Lounge, and I want YOUR input. What do you want to hear more about each week?

Who to know. Where to go. What’s happening.

It’s all in this week’s Bubble Lounge.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

Links to things we talked about:

ABPA Home Tour 2026
SMU Impact Lab
Chi Omega Christmas Market
Chefs for Farmers
City of University Park Tax Rate Election

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Homecoming and A lot of Other Things! Sep 24, 2026

Show notes

It’s Homecoming week in the Park Cities, and there’s plenty buzzing around the Bubble.

This week, I’m catching you up on the latest in the Highland Park Methodist lawsuit, what’s coming to the former Sprinkles space in Preston Center, and everything you need to know before Highland Park kicks off district play on Homecoming night.

I’m also recapping a fabulous afternoon at the KidneyTexas Runway Report, looking ahead to Chefs for Farmers, and yes, The Bubble Lounge will be giving away VIP tickets. Stay tuned for that one!

Plus, I’m sharing a little from Theta Parents Weekend in Austin with Alexis and why your child’s senior year suddenly seems to be filled with “lasts” you didn’t see coming.

It’s your weekly catch-up on who to know, where to go and what’s happening around the Bubble.

Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Football, Philanthropy and a Very Public Typo Sep 17, 2026

Show notes

One missing letter, one very public caption mistake and suddenly half of HPHS had something to talk about. This week, Martha owns her football flub, celebrates the Scots’ first win, talks with Clayton Kershaw and Anna Harper about Partners in Opportunity, and shares what’s coming up around the Park Cities. Plus, North Texas Giving Day, Caniac Supper and her mission to meet Bevo during her final Theta Parents Weekend at UT.
Links to things we talked about
North Texas Giving Day
Kidney Texas 2026 Runway Report Luncheon and Fashion Show
"Handbags & Heels"
Caniac Supper
2026 Tax Rate Election
UP vote - check if you are registered
Partners in Opportunity
The Family Place Partners Card

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Flock Cameras, Friday Night Lights and What’s Buzzing in Snider Plaza Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

What the flock is going on in the Park Cities?

In this episode, Martha takes a closer look at the Flock cameras quietly tracking vehicles around Highland Park and University Park. What do they collect, who can access the information, and are they keeping us safer or watching us a little too closely?

Then it’s time for Friday Night Lights. Martha recaps Highland Park’s thrilling 49 to 46 battle against Rockwall-Heath and looks ahead to the Scots’ first home game against the undefeated Tyler Lions. Plus, everything you need to know about the Highland Belles Spaghetti Supper before kickoff.

Also in this week’s Park Cities catch-up: Is Kilo Coffee really worth that line stretching through Snider Plaza? Which Dallas charity events belong on your calendar? And why has “Are you going to this?” officially replaced “How are you?” as the standard September greeting?

Local news, football, openings, events and a little Park Cities humor. It’s everything you need to know about what’s happening around the Bubble this week.

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

SAT or ACT? Everything You Need to Know About Test Prep Sep 03, 2026

Show notes

SAT or ACT? When should your student start test prep? And does “test optional” really mean you shouldn’t submit a score?

If you have a high school student thinking about college admissions, this episode is for you.

I sat down with Nima, founder of Scholastic Success, to talk about what parents need to know about SAT prep and ACT prep today, including:

• How to decide between the SAT and ACT
• When your student should start preparing
• Why great grades don’t always translate to great test scores
• Test optional admissions and when to submit scores
• SAT and ACT accommodations
• Realistic score improvement
• The biggest mistakes parents make during test prep

One of my biggest takeaways? Standardized testing isn’t just about what your student knows. Pacing, pressure, anxiety, adaptability and test-taking strategy can make a huge difference.

If you have a sophomore or junior, this is an episode worth saving and sharing with another parent.

🎧 Listen to The Bubble Lounge Podcast wherever you get your podcasts

To learn more about Scholastic Success click here
Email Nima Baha nbaha@scholastic-success.com

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Friday Night Lights Are Back: The 2026 Scots Football Captains Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

🏈 Highland Park football is BACK, and there’s nothing quite like the start of a new season.

We sat down with this year’s Scots football captains for an inside look at the 2026 team, from the players to watch and what’s happening behind the scenes to the traditions, expectations and energy they’re bringing to the field this fall.

Every season has its own story, and these guys are ready to write theirs.

The lights are on, the stands are filling up, and Friday Night Lights are officially back in Highland Park. 💙💛

🎧 Listen to the full episode of The Bubble Lounge Podcast and get ready for another season of Scots football.

To purchase tickets to the Caniac Supper click here

Thank you to Mother Modern Plumbing for supporting this episode. To learn more and book an appointment click here

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Back-to-School Health Guide with Advance ER Aug 13, 2026

Show notes

Back-to-school season means new schedules, fall sports…and inevitably, a few illnesses and injuries along the way. But when your child is sick or gets hurt, how do you know when to wait it out, call the pediatrician, head to urgent care, or go straight to the ER?

In this episode of The Bubble Lounge, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Allen and Dr. Larry Pettit of Advance ER to answer the questions parents are actually asking this time of year.

We talk about the illnesses that tend to show up once kids are back in school, what symptoms parents shouldn't ignore, ER vs. urgent care, concussions and common sports injuries, heat-related illness, and the warning signs that mean it's time to seek emergency care.

It's practical, straightforward advice from two experienced emergency physicians designed to help parents feel more confident making those "Do we need to go in?" decisions.

This is one you'll want to save for the school year.

This episode is a sponsored podcast feature in partnership with Advance ER
To learn more and to contact Advance ER click here
Advance ER Park Cities: (214) 494-8222

Advance ER Preston Hollow/Galleria: (214) 247-7909

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Celebrating National Tequila Day with Pablo Antinori Co-Founder of Socorro Tequila Jul 24, 2026

Show notes

In honor of National Tequila Day, I'm bringing back one of my favorite conversations with Pablo Antinori, co-founder of Socorro Tequila, one of Dallas' most exciting success stories.

What started as an idea among friends during the pandemic has grown into an award-winning tequila brand that's now served on American Airlines flights and enjoyed across the country. But behind the bottles is an even better story about friendship, taking risks, building a business from the ground up, and giving back to the community.

We talk about how Socorro got its start, the challenges of breaking into one of the most competitive industries out there, and, of course, share plenty of laughs, tequila tips, and behind-the-scenes stories along the way.

Whether you're hearing this episode for the first time or giving it another listen, it's the perfect way to celebrate National Tequila Day.

So pour yourself a margarita (or your favorite tequila cocktail), sit back, and enjoy. Cheers!

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

Hope, Help, and Healing for the Park Cities with Rev. Chris Girata Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.

The Compass School Proposal: A Conversation with Boone Parent Katelyn Clinton Jul 02, 2026

Show notes

The proposed move of The Compass School of Texas to Northway Christian Church has become one of the biggest community conversations in the Park Cities.

In this episode, Boone Elementary and Northway Christian Day School parent Katelyn Clinton shares why many neighbors have concerns about the proposed zoning change, traffic, pedestrian safety, and where the process stands today.

My goal is to help our community better understand the issues by hearing directly from those involved. Representatives from The Compass School of Texas and Northway Christian Church have also been invited to share their perspectives.

Please share this episode with anyone who wants to better understand this important community conversation.

This episode is supported by: Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance
Please show your support for the show by visiting our amazing sponsors.