The Bubble Lounge (Highland Park & University Park Texas)

Latest Episodes:

The Pause We Need at Christmas with The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Christmas week can feel like a beautiful blur — full of tradition, emotion, and let’s be honest… exhaustion. In this week’s episode of The Bubble Lounge, I’m joined by The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, for a conversation that feels like a deep breath in the middle of it all. We start with Chris’s journey — how he was called into ministry and what led him to lead one of the largest Episcopal churches in the country — and then gently move into what Christmas really looks like in real life.

This isn’t a checklist-Christmas or a perfectly wrapped-up version of the season. It’s an honest, thoughtful conversation about faith, leadership, grace, and letting Christmas meet you exactly where you are. If this week feels full, complicated, joyful, heavy — or all of the above — this episode is for you.

Listen while you’re driving, wrapping gifts, or stealing a quiet moment for yourself.

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

The Holiday Wake-Up Call: Recognizing When Loved Ones Need Extra Help Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

The holidays have a way of bringing everything into focus.

We’re home. We’re together. And sometimes, we notice things we didn’t see before — a parent who’s more forgetful, a loved one struggling with daily routines, or a quiet feeling that something has changed.

This is the kind of moment no one prepares you for.

In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Levy, Chief Relationship Officer at Cambridge Caregivers & Manchester Care Homes, to talk about what those “little moments” might actually mean — and how to respond with clarity instead of panic. We cover how to recognize early signs that a loved one may need extra support, how to start the conversation without fear or guilt, and how planning ahead can make an emotional situation feel far more manageable.

This isn’t about rushing into decisions or giving up independence. It’s about being informed, proactive, and prepared — so when the time comes, you’re not navigating it alone.

If you’re spending time with family this holiday season and find yourself paying closer attention than usual, this episode may be one of the most important listens of the year.

To learn more about Brian Levy and Cambrindge Caregivers click here and to learn more about Manchester Care Homes click here

For Brian's list of Frequently Asked Questions 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.

Ghosting the Host: The Holiday Habit Parents Need to Break Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

This week, Dr. Kelly Jameson joins me for a timely holiday reality check: RSVPs, manners, and the surprising double standard so many of us fall into.

We expect our kids to honor every commitment—practice, games, rehearsals—yet as parents, we’ll cancel on a dime, ghost a hostess, or bail the morning of a party simply because life feels hectic.

Dr. Jameson breaks down why this is happening, what it’s teaching our kids (even when we don’t realize it), and how a few simple shifts can make us more thoughtful, more accountable, and a whole lot less stressed this season. It’s honest, eye-opening, and just in time for the busiest month of the year.

If you’re drowning in holiday invites or tempted to text “We’re not gonna make it,” this episode is your gentle nudge to listen.

To learn more about Dr. Jameson 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.

Inside the ABPA Home Tour: How One Event Transforms Two Schools Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

The Armstrong Bradfield Preschool Association’s Home Tour is one of the most beloved traditions in the Park Cities — and this year, we’re giving you a front-row seat. In this episode, I sit down with 2025 Home Tour Chair Kelly Ogena, who pulls back the velvet ribbon on everything that makes this event such a magical kickoff to the holiday season. From stunning architecture and festive décor to the incredible community spirit behind the scenes, Kelly shares how this tour not only delights thousands of attendees each year but also directly supports Armstrong and Bradfield elementary schools in a meaningful, lasting way.

We talk about what’s new for this year, the stories behind the featured homes, and the impact the tour continues to have — including funding essential classroom resources, programs, and teacher initiatives. Kelly also lets us in on the planning process, how homeowners are selected, what makes this year’s tour special, and why this cherished tradition has become a highlight for so many families.

If you love our community, our schools, or just a good peek inside some of the most beautiful homes in Highland Park and University Park, you won’t want to miss this one.

To learn more about the ABPA Homes for the Holidays Home Tour and to purchase tickets 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.

Navigating College Admissions with Casey Gendason Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve been quietly wondering why college admissions feel so much harder than when we applied, this episode is for you. I sat down with Casey Gendason, a trusted college advisor in our community, to break down what has changed, what colleges actually care about now, and how families can navigate the process without losing their minds.

We talk timelines, school lists, essays, testing strategies, and the biggest mistakes families make without realizing it. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a breath—this conversation will get you grounded, informed, and back in the driver’s seat.

To learn more about Casey Gendason Guidance 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.

Home for the Holidays: When College Kids Return with Dr. Kelly Jameson Nov 20, 2025

Show notes

They’re home! The suitcases are in the hallway, the laundry’s multiplying by the hour, and your college kid has turned your quiet house back into a frat party. In this week’s episode of The Bubble Lounge, Dr. Kelly Jameson joins me to talk about the joy (and chaos) of having everyone home for the holidays — and how to manage it with humor, grace, and maybe a little wine.

We’ll unpack how to reset house rules without sounding like the warden, navigate sibling dynamics, and let go of those “perfect family movie night” expectations. Because at the end of the day, the goal isn’t control — it’s connection.

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

How Preservation Park Cities Protects Our Community’s Heritage Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

The Park Cities wouldn’t be what it is today without the people dedicated to preserving its history and charm. I sat down with Jason Morski, president of Preservation Park Cities, and Larry Good, architect and author of 100 Houses in the Park Cities, to talk about the stories behind our most iconic homes and why preservation matters now more than ever.

From the famous “Mushroom House” to the beloved landmarks that define our neighborhood, this episode is a love letter to the past — and a reminder that protecting it keeps our community special for generations to come.

To learn more visit https://preservationparkcities.org/

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

Courtside with the Highland Park Basketball Captains Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Bubble Lounge, we’re courtside with the Highland Park basketball captains — the leaders driving both the boys and girls teams this season. Get ready for big energy, team chemistry, and a peek behind the scenes at what makes HP basketball special.

And don’t miss “Meet the Scots: Hoops & Hot Sauce” on November 10 from 6–8 PM at the HPHS Main Gym!💙💛

Come meet the players, get autographs and photos, enjoy a kids’ shooting contest, basketball raffle, tacos, and snag a Hoops & Hot Sauce shirt. It’s the perfect night for fans and families to celebrate Scots basketball! For more information 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.

The Woman Behind Dallas’ Tastiest Weekend: Iris Midler of Chefs for Farmers Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

This week on The Bubble Lounge, we’re celebrating seven incredible years of storytelling, laughter, and community—and we couldn’t think of a better guest to mark the occasion than Iris Midler, founder of Chefs for Farmers. Iris embodies everything this show stands for: passion, resilience, and making a difference right here in Dallas. In this episode, she opens up about what it’s like balancing motherhood, a family emergency, and one of the biggest food festivals in the city—all in the same week. It’s raw, real, and deeply relatable for anyone who’s ever tried to “do it all” while keeping a smile on their face.

From a simple idea to connect chefs with local farmers to a nationally recognized culinary celebration, Chefs for Farmers has become a can’t-miss Dallas event—and it’s happening this weekend! Iris shares the story behind the festival, the grit it takes to pull it off, and why championing local food and community is her mission. Whether you’re a foodie, a mom, or just someone who loves a good success story, this episode will leave you inspired (and hungry). Grab your tickets, grab your headphones, and join us for a delicious dose of heart and hustle!

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

Navigating Teen Friend Groups with Dr. Kelly Jameson Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

It’s homecoming season in the Park Cities, which means friendship dynamics are in full swing — the group texts, the photo plans, the dinners, the after-parties… and yes, sometimes the hurt feelings.
That’s why we’re bringing back one of our most popular episodes of The Bubble Lounge with teen expert Dr. Kelly Jameson, PhD. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Jameson helps us make sense of the ever-changing world of teen friendships — how friend groups form, shift, and sometimes leave kids feeling left out.
She breaks down what’s really happening beneath the surface, from the social hierarchy of group chats to the anxiety-inducing world of Snap Map. Most importantly, she shares how parents can guide their teens with empathy instead of interference, helping them build resilience and self-worth when friendships get rocky.
If your teen is struggling to find their place — or you’ve been on the receiving end of those “everyone was invited but us” moments — this episode is for you. It’s honest, compassionate, and packed with real tools to help both parents and teens navigate one of the trickiest parts of growing up.
🎧 Tune in for wisdom, perspective, and maybe a little peace of mind during this very friendship-fueled season.

To learn more about Dr. Kelly Jameson visit www.drkellyjameson.com

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