The Bubble Lounge (Highland Park & University Park Texas)

Eight years ago, Martha changed clothes several times before recording an audio-only Halloween episode. More than 360 episodes later, The Bubble Lounge is celebrating eight years of Park Cities stories.

This week, Martha looks back at meaningful milestones and covers the Highland Park Methodist vote, Proposition A, Partners Card, the Scots’ final home game, HP Cheer’s Hamburger Supper and upcoming holiday events. Plus, learn how to enter for sold-out Sunday VIP tickets to Chefs For Farmers.

Links to things we covered
Holiday at the Arboretum opens November 11 and includes the final season of t...

We all love a great Dallas fundraiser, but do we really know the story behind the cause we're supporting?

Partners Card is back for its 34th year, and while we all love the shopping and savings, there's so much more behind that $100 card!

Did you know that just ONE Partners Card purchase provides a night of safety for someone experiencing family violence?

This week on The Bubble Lounge, I'm joined by Tiffany Tate, CEO of The Family Place, and Courtney Kerr Noonan, Partners Card co-chair, to talk about the incredible work The Family...

What would approximately $193 more a year fund in University Park?

Proposition A would fund four additional police officers, two firefighters, improved firefighter retirement benefits and residential parking technology. The city's $193 estimate is for a median taxable home compared with the base budget rate; your cost depends on taxable value and exemptions.

And that parking technology? It's separate from Flock, and enforcement images aren't stored.

City Manager, Robbie Corder, Police Chief, Bill Mathes and Fire Chief, Randy Howell, join us to explain the proposal, the costs and what happens if it passes or fails.<...

A missing dog, a package on the wrong porch, a burst pipe while you're out of town. These are the moments when knowing your neighbors makes a difference. But do you know how to reach them?

Our Block founders Sarah Brown and Trey Bowles join Martha to share how their app helps you connect with the people who live closest to you. We talk about verified neighbors, privacy controls and practical ways to stay informed, find recommendations and help each other, especially as winter approaches.

You'll also learn how to become a Block Leader and...

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 Homec...

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...

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

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 Spaghe...

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 w...

🏈 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 Pa...

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...

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...

Please support our podcast sponsors Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance Agent 

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 <...

After my last episode on the DART vote, some of you wanted to keep the conversation going so today I’m joined by Peter Young, who is leading the “Yes for DART” campaign and is involved with the Dallas Area Transit Alliance. He shares his perspective as we continue to break down what this vote means for both University Park and Highland Park.

As always, my goal is to make this easier to understand so you can feel informed heading into the polls.

Resources to learn more:
University Park TX Transit

DART...

Today we’re talking about the upcoming DART vote in the Park Cities — and this is one of those topics that a lot of us feel like we kind of understand, but maybe don’t fully.

At first glance, it sounds simple: stay in DART or leave. But as I started digging into it, it became clear that this is about so much more than a bus route.

This vote impacts both University Park and Highland Park, and it really comes down to a few key things:

Round Top is back, and if you’ve ever heard friends talk about their annual girls’ trip there but wondered what it’s really like, this episode is for you.

The Round Top Antiques Show runs March 14–28 and has grown from a small Texas antique fair into one of the largest shopping events in the country. Thousands of vendors set up across miles of barns, tents, and fields, drawing shoppers, interior designers, and treasure hunters from all over the country.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Swail of Kate Swail Designs to talk about how...

There’s something special that happens when great food, incredible wine, and a meaningful cause all come together in one room — and that’s exactly what makes Côtes du Coeur such a signature event in Dallas. In this episode, I sit down with 2026 Event Chair Chris Clark and Executive Lead Chef Richard Chamberlain to go behind the scenes of one of the most anticipated culinary and philanthropic weekends of the year. From the inspiration behind the multi-course menu to the world-class wineries pouring rare vintages, this conversation gives you a true insider look at what makes this night unforge...

Personal safety looks very different today than it did even a few years ago — and it’s not just about where we go, but how we live, what we click, and how aware we are in a world that moves fast.

In this timely episode, Martha sits down with Tracy Walder, a former CIA and FBI special agent and current national security contributor for NewsNation, to talk about modern personal security, cyber scams, and the everyday habits that can help protect all of us — regardless of age.

Inspired by the headlines surrou...

In this timely and powerful episode, Martha sits down with Mr. Donavan to talk about something every parent needs to hear: parent the child you have, not the child you want.

Mr. Donavan shares his own journey—from a bullied, non-athletic kid to a trusted coach and counselor who’s spent 35 years guiding families. His message is simple but profound: when we truly listen to our kids and honor who they are, everything changes.

Together, they unpack the tricky balance between parental expectations and children’s real passions. You’ll hear practical advice on recog...

Some conversations stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. This episode brings together three of those stories — stories of adversity, resilience, and the quiet strength it takes to keep going when life doesn’t go as planned.

In Grit & Grace: Three Conversations I’ll Never Forget, you’ll hear from three individuals whose journeys are deeply personal and incredibly inspiring. Their experiences remind us that courage can be found in unexpected places and that even in the hardest moments, there is hope, purpose, and the power of community.

To listen to the f...

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The 2026 Highland Park baseball season is officially here, and we’re kicking it off the best way we know how — by putting faces, personalities, and stories behind the jerseys with Catpains, Trip Mattison, Adam Richey and Martin True.

Be sure to join us for BASEBALL MEET THE SCOTS
Saturday, January 30 | 5:30–7:30 PM (NEW DATE!)
Scotland Yard

Goff’s burgers, games, giveaways, fan merch, and raffles

Tickets: MTS2026.cheddarup.com 

This episode is yo...

Thinking bigger sometimes means learning differently—and that’s exactly what this episode captures. I sat down with MAPS students from Highland Park High School, Natalie Denton, Ryan Moore and Rohan Portteus, to talk about what really happens inside the program. Collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and learning skills that actually translate beyond the classroom. Hearing students describe MAPS in their own words is a powerful reminder that when kids are given ownership of their learning, incredible things happen.

They had also just returned from hearing a guest speaker, which sparked a great conversation about the value of real-world voic...

A new year is a chance to reset, refocus, and move forward with intention.

Life coach Jen Maroulis joins us to share practical tools for setting meaningful goals, staying focused, and creating momentum—especially for moms navigating the teen years. This conversation is encouraging, actionable, and the perfect way to start the year.

To learn more about Jen and JCM Life Coaching click here

Please support our podcast sponsors Kathy L. Wall State Farm Insurance Agent 

New Year’s Eve at The Bubble Lounge was anything but quiet—a full house, plenty of laughs, and our most honest recap yet. From a surprise “Citizen of the Year” phone call to a Yankees hat that crashed a Rangers Zoom, we looked back on a year packed with small, unforgettable moments that made life in the Bubble so special.

We relive it all—rain-drenched parades, the volleyball team’s electric state run, late-night band bus takeovers, and the parents, students, and neighbors who keep this community buzzing. It’s a love letter to the Park Cities—real, f...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 l...

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...

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...

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 ce...

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 t...

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 socia...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Cathy Williamson, the inspiring voice behind The Middle Page Blog, to hear her extraordinary journey through breast cancer — a disease that often hides in plain sight.

Cathy’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes life changes in an instant. With no symptoms, no warning signs, and nothing unusual in sight, a routine check-up revealed a diagnosis that would turn her world upside down: triple-negative breast cancer.

Through her honesty and strength, Cathy shares what it’s really like to face the unthinkable — from the...

If you’ve done the whole college Parents Weekend thing, you know it’s a wild mix of excitement and exhaustion. There’s the scramble for reservations, the nonstop walking, the emotional rollercoaster of seeing your kid thriving — and then having to say goodbye all over again.

In this week’s episode of The Bubble Lounge, Martha sits down with two fellow moms who’ve each had totally different Parents Weekend experiences. From the ones who planned every minute to the ones who just showed up and winged it, they’re sharing what really happens when you visit your col...

When you think of the Scotsmen, you probably picture them sprinting across the field waving flags. But that’s just the beginning. The truth is, there’s so much more to being a Scotsman—and in this episode, we pull back the curtain to share it all.

From the unique way they’re chosen, to the hours of practice, community service, and their role as positive role models for younger kids, the Scotsmen are a tradition that’s bigger than most people realize. Today, you’ll hear directly from the five guys who bring the noise, the energy, and...

Today’s episode is heartfelt, raw, and one that so many of us will connect with. I’m sitting down with Highland Park native and multi-talented creative, Josh Hickman, to talk about his powerful new book Forgetting: The Trials and Triumphs of Caregiving for a Difficult Parent with Dementia.

Josh is known for his art, novels, and sharp wit—but this book reveals a deeply personal side as he shares what it was like to care for his mother through her battle with dementia. We’ll talk about the emotional highs and lows, the frustration and exha...

Meet the Highland Belles Lieutenants, Sadie Baker, Josie Borders, Ashley Mowan, Dylan Roy and Elizabeth Slates. 💙💛

In this episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really takes to lead one of the most iconic high school drill teams in Texas. From the crack-of-dawn practices to the electric energy of Highlander Stadium, these girls bring precision, power, and pure school spirit to everything they do.

We talk about how they motivate their teammates when the mornings are early and the schedules are packed, what it feels like to step onto the field in front of...