Roses & Weeds

3 judges and a festival director take over the podcast studio to dish on all things Tyler Film Fest! Don’t miss hearing from Festival Director Craig O'Daniel and judges Becca Hale, Trevor Hicks, and Derrick Simiyu about the short films hitting the Liberty Hall screen Sept. 18 and 19 and what makes this year’s festival lineup worth seeing.

They also share a little about the judging process, the variety of stories featured this year, and what audiences can expect from the 2026 Tyler Film Fest.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you...

District 6 gets the mic! In the latest episode of Roses & Weeds, Sage Sowels and Payton Weidman sit down with Councilmember Carleen Dark-Bays to get to know Tyler’s newest representative for District 6. They talk about her Tyler roots, family, community involvement, what led her to serve on City Council, and the goals she’s bringing into her new role. Then, Carleen takes on a “rapid-fire” round with questions about everything from her favorite Tyler restaurants to what she can’t leave home without, and the best advice she’s ever received.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyle...

Mayor Stuart Hene enters the chat! In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Adriana Rodriguez and Sage Sowels sit down with Tyler’s new Mayor to learn more about his background, his vision for the City’s future, and what he hopes to accomplish during his term. Then, they put Mayor Hene in the hot seat for a rapid-fire round covering everything from morning routines and childhood memories to theme songs, quirks, and bucket-list dreams.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topi...

Spring is right around the corner, and Tyler is getting ready to bloom. In this episode, hosts Sage Sowels and Payton Weidman talk with Arborist Luke Alfaro and Horticulturist Jana Pirtle about Tyler’s urban landscape, what’s happening at the Tyler Rose Garden, and a few simple tips to help your own garden thrive.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to t...

When winter weather threatens East Texas, preparation starts long before the first freeze.

In this episode, we sit down with leaders from the City of Tyler’s Streets and Fire Departments to talk through how crews prepare for cold conditions, respond in real time, and keep residents safe when temperatures drop. From road treatment and emergency response to behind-the-scenes coordination, they share what it takes to keep Tyler moving during winter weather events.

You’ll also hear practical tips for the community, including how to prepare your home, protect your pipes, care for your pets, and...

Utility bills can be confusing (and frustrating), and we know many customers have questions about what they’re seeing and why changes are happening. In this milestone 100th episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Payton Weidman and Adriana Rodriguez, along with guest Chris Cambra from the Water Business Office, walk through upcoming updates to Tyler’s utility billing and customer tools, including a redesigned utility bill and a new payment provider. The conversation focuses on clarity and transparency, explains what’s changing, when customers can expect to see those updates, and helps listeners understand the updates, why they matter...

Downtown Tyler is buzzing with change! In the latest Roses & Weeds episode, host Sage Sowels and guests Amber Varona, Lindsey Froneberger, and Haleigh Franck with the Main Street team share what’s taking shape through the Downtown Improvement Project, the stories behind local favorites like Liberty Hall, and how the City is keeping Tyler’s charm while building its future.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure to use #Rose...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, host Sage Sowels sits down with Craig O’Daniel, the Director of the Tyler Film Festival, and judges Shadai Perez and Becca Hale to discuss everything related to the festival. Scheduled for September 12 & 13, the event promises to be an incredible celebration of storytelling, creativity, and community. 

This week's episode was recorded in a unique location: Shadai's Downtown Tyler studio, Lightbox Collective, instead of our usual podcast studio. This setting adds an extra creative spark to the conversation.

Grab your tickets now at TylerFilmFest.com!...

In this episode, hosts Sage Sowels and Adriana Rodriguez sit down with Tyler Area Business Education Council Executive Director LaToya Young and City of Tyler Parks Director Leanne Robinette to discuss the upcoming 12th Annual #SchoolisCool event! It's a free, family-friendly back-to-school celebration happening Aug. 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Rose Garden and W.T. Brookshire Conference Center.

LaToya and Leanne share what makes this event a staple in the community. From free backpacks filled with school supplies to haircuts, vaccinations, and eye exams, all are at no...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, we sit down with Shonda Marsh, the newly elected City Council member representing District 3 in Tyler. Shonda shares her journey from a career in healthcare to serving her community at City Hall. She opens up about her family, the values that shaped her, and the mentors who inspired her to run for office. Join us as we get to know the person behind the title and hear her hopes for the future of District 3 and All of Tyler. 

In this episode, we talk about:
A Partnership for M...

In this episode, we sit down with Mayor Warren, Assistant City Manager Heather Nick, and David Jones from Freese and Nichols to discuss the City of Tyler's new Comprehensive Plan. This strategic roadmap is designed to guide Tyler’s growth over the next 20 years, updating the original Tyler 1st Comprehensive Plan from 2007. Listen now to hear how we're creating a shared vision for Tyler that supports smart growth and embraces new opportunities.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach ou...

In this special episode, we sat down with Mayor Don Warren and City Manager Ed Broussard for a candid conversation about Mayor Warren’s time in office. They discuss the projects that will drive the continued growth in Tyler,  the partnerships that helped move the City forward, and the foundational work laid for the next mayor and all of Tyler. 

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure to use #Rose...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, we highlight a critical but often overlooked part of city planning and public safety: stormwater, drainage and erosion control. These systems play a vital role in protecting homes, roads and the environment — yet they often go unnoticed until problems arise.

City of Tyler Development Services Engineering Manager Darrel Kotzur and Stormwater Management and Environmental Compliance Engineer Paul Neuhaus join the conversation to explain how these systems work, why they matter and what the City is doing to address related challenges. From infrastructure protection and flood prevention to erosion management and environmental st...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Payton Weidman and Sage Sowels sit down with Catherine Cromer, the statewide coordinator of TxDOT’s Adopt-a-Highway program, and Casey Williams, the Keep Tyler Beautiful Coordinator. Together, they explore the Adopt-a-Highway program's rich history and how Tyler played a key role in its origins.

As the program celebrates a major anniversary, our guests share exciting upcoming events and initiatives designed to honor its legacy and encourage community participation. Plus, we dive into the story of Keep Tyler Beautiful’s founding and its ongoing mission to keep our city’s roads and gr...

In this episode of Roses and Weeds, hosts Julie Goodgame and Adriana Rodriguez welcome Leroy Sparrow, Director of Solid Waste, and Casey Williams, Keep Tyler Beautiful Coordinator, to discuss the current state of recycling in Tyler following the devastating fire that destroyed the Rivers Recycling Center in Kilgore.

Leroy provides insights into the challenges faced by the city's recycling efforts in the wake of this crisis, while Casey highlights the available programs and initiatives aimed at helping Tyler residents continue their recycling practices. Together, they explore the importance of community engagement in sustainability and share tips for...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Adriana Rodriquez and Sage Sowels are joined by Todd Lestage and Joe Barboza, who oversee the City of Tyler's three historic cemeteries. Together, they uncover the rich history behind each site, share what it takes to maintain these resting places, and highlight the unique stories that make them special. Tune in for an enlightening conversation behind the scenes of the three City-owned cemeteries—it's an episode you won't want to miss!

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas fo...

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Julie Goodgame and Adriana Rodríguez sit down with the City of Tyler's newest councilmember, Petra Hawkins. Petra shares her inspiring journey, from her nursing and real estate background to her strong family roots in the Tyler community. She discusses how her experiences have shaped her desire to give back and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Tune in to hear Petra's passion for public service and how she hopes to contribute to positive change at a larger scale in Tyler. 

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the Ci...

In this episode of the podcast, City Manager Ed Broussard, Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin, and Senior Management Analyst Blake Cathey join host Julie Goodgame to discuss the City of Tyler's Fiscal Year 2024-2025 budget. Together, they delve into the intricacies of budget development, exploring the various factors considered during the process. The discussion also covers the City's priorities for the coming year and how these changes will impact Tylerites. Listeners will gain insights on how the budget is used to enhance the City's quality of life.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication...

Join host and Tyler Film Festival Assistant Director Payton Weidman as she sits down with this year's festival judges — Craig O'Daniel, Lauren Cater, and Justin Reese. Get an inside look at the judging process and hear about some of the incredible films set to screen during the 2024 festival at Liberty Hall! 

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyl...

It's Parks Month, and to celebrate, co-host Adriana Rodriguez welcomes the Parks and Recreation Department. This episode features Recreation Manager Kandice Johnson and Service Coordinator Kristi Nipp as they dive into all things Parks and Recreation. Discover the essence of #WhereYouBelong as we explore the beauty, diversity, and community spirit of Tyler's parks.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the...

In the latest episode of Roses and Weeds, Adriana Rodriguez and co-host Payton Weidman welcome Tyler Fire Chief David Coble to discuss the aftermath of the recent severe storm in the City of Tyler. Chief Coble shares firsthand accounts of the storm's impact, detailing the extensive damage to homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

The conversation shifts to the City’s immediate response efforts, highlighting the actions of emergency services in clearing debris and ensuring public safety. Chief Coble provides an in-depth look at the collaboration between local authorities and FEMA, illustrating how federal assistance is being leveraged to...

Hear from Mayor Warren on how the City of Tyler is becoming "Future Ready" through initiatives that were in the early planning stages years before and are now complete or moving forward. 

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure to use #RosesAndWeeds on all your questions to the City of Tyler on social media. 

In the latest episode of Roses and Weeds, Utilities Director Kate Dietz and Tyler Water Utilities Project Engineer Jacob Yanker discuss the City of Tyler's Lead Service Line Inventory campaign. They explain the importance of identifying and replacing lead service lines to continue ensuring safe drinking water for the community. They also dive into the challenges and successes of the campaign, as well as the potential impact on future water infrastructure policies. Overall, it's an informative and thought-provoking conversation about the intersection of public health and municipal governance.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's...

In this episode of the podcast, City Manager Ed Broussard and Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin join host Julie Goodgame to discuss the City of Tyler's Fiscal Year 2024 budget. They go into detail about how the budget is developed and what factors are taken into consideration during the process. They also discuss the City's priorities for the coming year and how the changes will affect Tylerites. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the City of Tyler's financial planning and how it impacts our community.

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City. 

In this episode, we'll be discussing the highly anticipated 2023 Tyler Film Festival. This festival is set to showcase some great talent from Texas and around the world.  We'll be diving deep into the lineup with two of this year's judges, Shadai Perez and Craig O'Daniel. They discuss their thoughts on this year's official selections.  Whether you're a dedicated cinephile or just looking for a fun night out, this festival is not to be...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City.

In this episode, Adriana Rodriguez and Julie Goodgame sit down with our new District 5 Councilmember, Lloyd Nichols, to get to know him. Join us as we discuss everything under the sun—from celeb lookalikes to his Marine Corps service to his favorite foods! Be sure to visit his page on our website if you want to learn more about Lloyd! 

Roses & Weeds is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Dep...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City.

In this episode, Bob Mauldin and Adriana Rodriguez discuss Bob's exit from Roses and Weeds and what is on the horizon for the podcast and for Bob.

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topics, please reach out to us at PublicRelations@TylerTexas.com and be sure...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City.

In this episode, Bob Mauldin and Julie Goodgame sit down with Tyler Police Chief Jimmy Toler to learn about the ways the Police Department is moving into the future. From a new police academy to advanced investigative technology, it is an exciting time for TPD!

Be sure to visit our website if you are interested in joining the Tyler Police Department!

Roses & Weeds is hosted by...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City. 

In this episode, Bob Mauldin and Adriana Rodríguez sit down with Mayor Don Warren and Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin to talk about the plans for the Rose Complex and the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center that is replacing Harvey Hall. Stephanie and Don walk us through the 30 years of planning, where we are at with construction and the vision for the future.

Mentioned in the episode:
Rose Co...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful city. 

In this episode, Julie Goodgame, Bob Mauldin, Payton Weidman, LouAnn Campbell and Adriana Rodriguez discuss our Frequently Asked Questions of 2022!

In this episode we talk about:
Walking With Bob - There's An App For That
Walking With Bob - Gimme Costco

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, o...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful city. 

In this episode, Julie Goodgame and Adriana Rodriguez meet City Arborist and Urban Forester Maddie Burton! Maddie and longtime guest Leanne Robinette explain the City's need for an urban forester, how the recent winter storms and droughts have impacted our canopy and what we are doing to mitigate the loss of so many trees. We also tell the amazing story of how we ended with the tallest Christmas tree in the history o...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful city. 

In this episode, Bob Mauldin and Adriana Rodriguez visit with Michael and Jessica Domingos about how the loss of their daughter, Evie, to suicide lead them to create their own non-profit organization to bring awareness to mental health. Leanne Robinette joins the conversation to explain how and why Tiny Evie Rocks partnered with Tyler Parks and Recreation to create an installation at Douglas Park.

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the D...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful city. 

New season, new budget! In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Bob Mauldin and Julie Goodgame bring in special guests City Manager Ed Broussard and Deputy City Manager Stephanie Franklin. Together they explain the City's 2023 budget and this year's theme, "Tyler Transformed."

What are we prioritizing this year? What are the most prominent changes? How are we transforming Tyler externally and internally? All of these questions and more are answered i...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City.

Today we have a crossover episode with Visit Tyler's Rambling Roses podcast! Hosts Julie Goodgame (Roses and Weeds) and Holli Fourniquet (Rambling Roses) sat down with Destination Innovate and Visit Tyler President Shari Lee to talk about the new Arts and Culture Collective. The Tyler Arts and Culture Collective has the mission to educate, inspire, elevate, and preserve Tyler's unique art and culture community.

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City.

In this last episode of the season, hosts Bob Mauldin and LouAnn Campbell take you down the drain... the storm drain. Learn why we are spending $9 million on drainage improvements across the City this year and why we say "only water down the drain." 

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler's Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or i...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City.

In this episode, hosts Bob Mauldin and Adriana Rodriguez discuss the true cost of litter with Keep Tyler Beautiful Community Coordinator Erin Garner and Parks Director Leanne Robinette. Who picks up your litter, who keeps your town clean and who pays for all of these services? Plus some tips and tricks on what you can do to help. 

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted b...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City. 

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Bob Mauldin and Payton Weidman talk to Code Enforcement Manager Chris Lennon and Code Enforcement Field Supervisor Robert Chiasson. Together they discuss what Code Enforcement is and how it helps our community. 

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is hosted by the City of Tyler’s Communication Department. If you have any questions, comments, or ideas for future show topi...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful City. 

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Bob Mauldin and Adriana Rodriguez invite Main Street Director Amber Varona to talk about the rebirth of Downtown Tyler! We learn about where we are now and where we are going. Lots of construction plans by private and public investors and the new Historic District. Meet us Downtown and discover something new. 

Roses & Weeds is recorded at the Downtown Visitors Center and is ho...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful city. 

You may have seen him in our popular Facebook series Walking with Bob. And you may not know, but he is also the creator and man behind the camera for many of our City videos including the internationally recognized Friendly Neighborhood Thief series. He is usually the host of this podcast, but today he is the guest!

City Leaders, Stephanie Franklin and Julie Goodgame turn the tables and interview Bob M...

Welcome to Roses & Weeds! A City of Tyler podcast to keep you up to date with current events and news related to our beautiful city. 

In this episode of Roses & Weeds, hosts Bob Mauldin and LouAnn Campbell invite Housing Manager Prentice Butler and Community Development Specialist Madeline Teel to talk about the housing and community development services provided by the Neighborhood Services Department. The team administers programs supported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 

Prentice and Madeline explain what the City of Tyler's Neighborhood Services Department does to strengthen our neighborhoods an...