FORTitude FW Podcast artwork

FORTitude FW Podcast

102 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

FORTitude FW is a Fort Worth centric podcast hosted by JW Wilson and Brinton Payne. Each Friday a new episode is released featuring a guest with a FTW tie. From TCU sports to news, politics, entertainment and everywhere in between FORTitude covers Fort Worth. Listen to stories of everyday Fort Worthians doing extraordinary things and those Fort Worthers with athletic and artistic achievements that are national and internationally loved.

FORTitude - Where the Stories Never Die

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Episodes

Fortitude FW featuring Bill Arnold

December 08, 2023 22:13 - 50 minutes - 41.5 MB

Bill Arnold joins Fortitude with his amazing life. Beloved local teacher re-enlisted after 9/11 and commanded his team to retake Fallujah, the bloodiest six weeks of the war. We talk his experience in Iraq and being the 5th generation of his family to serve. Resumed teaching and inspiring kids after. Now helping veterans and their families heal. Service To Others! Take a listen. Good People Doing Good! Blue Diamond Recreation. www.bluediamondrecreation.com "Providing recreation activities ...

TCU President, Daniel Pullin

November 10, 2023 19:00 - 49 minutes - 39.7 MB

Daniel Pullin, TCU's new president, stops by FORTitude. Fresh off his investiture on Nov. 9th, Pullin outlines his amazing vision for TCU. His incredible backstory coupled with celebrating TCU's 150 years of education and its future plans. Pullin leads the "Everything" school forward with his unique perspective, hands on approach, and some damn awesome footwear! Think you know TCU? Check this out! FORTitude FW - Where the Stories Never Die. A Fort Worth centric podcast featuring luminaries ...

William Campbell Gallery

October 02, 2023 17:49 - 4 minutes - 4.63 MB

Fortitude visits the William Campbell Gallery as part of our new Artist Spotlight Series. Anne Kelly Lewis, gallery director, joins us as we dive into Fort Worth's oldest art gallery. Anne takes us through the longtime Byers location and the new gorgeous Foch location as she introduces us to some of the gallery's rep'd artists and their incredible works currently on display. What an amazing collection to see!  Life is better with art in it. 

Mayor Mattie Parker

October 01, 2023 15:00 - 33 minutes - 76.8 MB

The mayor sits down with Fortitude to chat about her job, current priorities, her salary, new city hall, downtown issues, TCU/SMU football, Wes Smith, White Settlement name change, and the literacy rates amongst FW's youth. (it's abysmal) Then we got personal. Enjoy!

Childhood Suicide 101

July 19, 2023 23:53 - 32 minutes - 74.2 MB

Fortitude sits down with local man, Brad Hunstable, as he shares his tragic personal story. He experienced every parent's worst nightmare and now he fights to bring awareness and prevention to others. Teen suicide is skyrocketing and we can all do more, One of the toughest shows we've had BUT his story and his message need your ears. Parents, talk to your kids. Have the Conversation.    In Memory of Hayden Hunstable. 

Presbyterian Night Shelter CEO Toby Owen

July 11, 2023 13:37 - 45 minutes - 42 MB

Presbyterian Night Shelter CEO Toby Owen talks about the homelessness problem and what the PNS is doing about it. The solution is harder than you may think. Fortitude went looking for answers and were humbled by what we saw. PNS is where compassion lives. Together, we can make a difference. This is a must see! Get involved. 

Dr. Keith Argenbright M.D.

May 19, 2023 11:00 - 49 minutes - 113 MB

Dr. Keith Argenbright M.D.

Eugene Gwozdz - Broadway Composer, Arranger and Pianist

May 05, 2023 13:44 - 17 minutes - 16.3 MB

Eugene Gwozdz joins Fortitude. Remember that time you went to Casa Manana to see an off-broadway production of Spamilton? Remember loving it but thinking, who in the world is that remarkable pianist? Then you met him after the show and asked him to come do a podcast? Then he did and what came out was amazing? Well, here it is! Enjoy. We did.

FWPD Chief Neil Noakes rides along with Fortitude, COPS style.

April 25, 2023 17:46 - 30 minutes - 28.2 MB

An in-depth roaming interview with Chief Noakes highlights his life of service and dedication to the people of Fort Worth. Issues within the PD, community involvement, what it takes to keep our city safe, and how to get involved. Think you know him? Now you will. Proud of this episode and the passion in which Chief Noakes leads the FWPD.

Hal "Jay" Harbuck

April 14, 2023 20:12 - 50 minutes - 115 MB

Hal Harbuck, AKA Hal Jay, longtime radio host on WBAP, joins Fortitude. We talk about his brand new heart, talking to God, organ donation, his early radio years with Elvis, flying with Ronnie Milsap, his career on the radio, his laugh, and of course, the beloved Josh. We love us some Hal. 

Rusty Reid, CEO and President Higginbotham Insurance and Financial

April 08, 2023 20:48 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MB

Rusty Reid, CEO and President of well known Higginbotham. A Fort Worth landmark business celebrates its 75th birthday with Fortitude. Rusty took over in 1986 as its 12th employee and has built the Insurance Agency into the largest in Texas. He knew what he was destined to do from an early age and thus has built a reputation as one of Fort Worth's great business leaders. How did it happen? What makes him go? What makes him successful? Where are the skeletons? Watch and find out. Happy Birthd...

Fentanyl 101 - Fort Worth Narcotics Officer Jermy Prescott

March 31, 2023 17:11 - 45 minutes - 42.2 MB

The DEA has called it the most dangerous drug our country has ever faced. FWPD Narcotics Officer, Jeremy Prescott details everything you need and didn't want to know about Fentanyl. From its source, to its forms, to our schools, to the daily overdoses, to the vastness of the problem facing our country. This one will terrify you. 

Dr. Paul Thornton, MBBS - Medical Director, Endocrine and Diabetes Program, Cook Children's Endocrinology

March 10, 2023 13:54 - 53 minutes - 49.9 MB

Over 34 million Americans have diabetes, that's 10%+ of the entire population.  Let's talk about it!  Dr. Paul Thornton, Director Endocrine & Diabetes Program, Cook Children's Endocrinology joins J.W. on this episode of Fortitude and shares information on what he is doing from the research and treatment side of the disease as well as offering useful advice on what parents should look for in their child to assess if they might have diabetes and what can be done if anything, to minimize the ri...

Clint Weber President & CEO, The Advancement Foundation, Diocese of Fort Worth

March 03, 2023 15:00 - 51 minutes - 118 MB

On this episode of FORTitude we hear the story of Clint Weber, President & CEO of the Advancement Foundation, Diocese of Fort Worth.  Clint shares memories of his time as a Marine pilot, 9/11 and being in a war zone.  He also talks to his current position and what that job entails.  Another amazing Fort Worthian with a story to share.

Woodrow Blagg - Artist

February 24, 2023 16:14 - 38 minutes - 53.1 MB

Woodrow Blagg, artist, the greatest Blagg of them all (shared opinion) joins Fortitude by telephone. His art is known throughout the world. His life and stories are not until now. Woody shares his fascinating life with us on Fortitude. If you know, you know. If you don’t, you will love this guy. His art reflects where he’s been and it’s vast and remarkable! Enjoy him and check out his art.

Keith Cerny, Fort Worth Symphony CEO/President

February 17, 2023 14:30 - 40 minutes - 37.6 MB

Keith Cerny, Fort Worth Symphony CEO/President joins Fortitude. Keith shares his impressive life and musical education with us. From age 10 playing the piano, to conducting, singing, earning a Fulbright Fellowship, a Harvard MBA, and a PhD at Open Univ. to name a few of his accomplishments. This visionary understands what it takes to run one of the city's most important institutions, the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra and all its working parts. Take your seats! This podcast is fascinating. Yo...

Eddie Brown, investigative journalist

February 10, 2023 11:44 - 37 minutes - 86.6 MB

Eddie Brown, investigative journalist for the FW Weekly, uncovers some improprieties amongst several Tarrant County District Attorneys. Eddie shares several cases, one personal, that outline a lack of oversight amongst those charged with upholding the law. Fascinating!

Cathy Lin

January 20, 2023 18:34 - 44 minutes - 101 MB

Cathy Lin

TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini

January 13, 2023 20:24 - 36 minutes - 34 MB

TCU Chancellor Victor Boschini sits down with the boys of Fortitude to talk about his life and the last 20 years at TCU. Boschini opens up and shares a rare and exclusive look into his divine Chancellorship. He loves his school, his family, his sports, and his alone time. This Cleveland native bleeds only purple along with so many accomplishments including teaching a class and breaks the news, at that time, of the next man who will one day be king. Enjoy! We sure did!

Psilocybin 101

January 06, 2023 06:01 - 56 minutes - 130 MB

Jim Smeeding, RPh, stops by Fortitude with his decades of Pharma experience to explain the fascinating and mysterious world of Psilocybin, aka, Mushrooms. The myths that scare us, the stories that entertain us, the positives that help us, the negatives that are pushed on us, the ever changing laws, the on-going research, the methods to sample, and being at the real Woodstock. Smeeding tells us everything you've always wanted to know about those little psychedelic fungi. Enjoy!

Best of The Best Day Ever

December 30, 2022 17:50 - 23 minutes - 54.4 MB

In our year end episode we reflect back on all of our guests "Best Day Ever".  Tune in to find out who was number one and who couldn't get the answer right.

Santa Claus

December 23, 2022 16:15 - 33 minutes - 77 MB

Santa pays a visit to the guys and the kids on our special Christmas edition. Merry Christmas everyone.

Doug Renfro - President, Renfro Foods

December 02, 2022 15:56 - 12 minutes - 29.5 MB

Renfro Foods opened its doors to Fortitude. BP and JW got to visit with Renfro Foods president, Doug Renfro, for an inside look into the legendary company and factory that has been providing Mrs. Renfro's delicious products since 1940. From syrups to chow chow to world famous salsas, the Renfro Family has endured through through it all as they continue to make those products with hard work, determination, and a touch of creativity and humor. If you know, you know. If you don't, you are missin...

Joe Lancarte, co-owner, Joe T. Garcias

November 25, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 93.7 MB

Joe Lancarte, co-owner of legendary eatery, Joe T. Garcias serves up its history, growth, operations, facts, future, and some secrets. Joe T’s take an army to run day to day but the Lancartes and Garcias make it look easy. Enjoy the amazing story of Fort Worth’s most famous establishment. When you’re finished, get in line for its #1 seller, cheese enchiladas and a marg. Life is good!

Alexander Chandler - Family Historian

November 11, 2022 05:18 - 42 minutes - 97.5 MB

Alexander Chandler comes to Fortitude with some unbelievable stories.  Chandler, long time FW realtor, has a family tree like you won't believe.  Beginning with Robert the Bruce to arriving in America in 1498 to George Washington's sister to the founders of San Antonio, you gotta hear this.  One of the largest cattle ranches in Texas, doing business with Pancho Villa, founding Steeplechase, Rivercrest, and FW Boat Club, Chandler's family ties are as thick as the brush that once adorned Tarran...

Dr. Virat Dave - Gastroenterologist

November 04, 2022 14:15 - 40 minutes - 92.6 MB

Dr. Virat Dave, Gastroenterologist, stops down at Fortitude. Gut health, nutrition, obesity, diarrhea, ohh my. Check out this fantastic look at whats happening inside the body, specifically the digestive system. Its not as beautiful as you might think. Virat details the things he's seeing and whats going on inside of us. Enjoy if you dare!

Bill Meadows - Co chairman the Fort Worth Report

October 28, 2022 14:37 - 47 minutes - 109 MB

To say Bill Meadows has been active in business, political and civic life would be an understatement. From Lloyd's of London to Hub International to the Ft. Worth City Council and Mayor Pro-Tem and the director of the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo or serving as Vice Chair of the North Texas Toll way Authority, we learn how much Bill has given back to the DFW area with his business, political and civic endeavours.

Jonathan Morris - Entrepreneur

October 21, 2022 17:51 - 58 minutes - 134 MB

Jonathan Morris, owner of the boutique Hotel Dryce and the Fort Worth Barber Shop as well as star of Self Employed, on The Magnolia Network. This smooth local entrepreneur shares his story about following your dreams and doing it the right way. Jonathan exudes style and grace as he inspires others to think big and never settle. Love this dude!

Mackie Barch - Cannabis 101

October 14, 2022 03:17 - 1 hour - 150 MB

Cannabis 101. Curious about cannabis? The stigma, the culture, legalization, the government, War on Drugs, "the highs and the lows", the future, the history, and is it coming to Texas? Fortitude sits down with expert, Mackie Barch, co-founder of socially conscious cannabis, cultivator, extractor, processor, distributor, and retailer, called Culta in Maryland. Barch answers all our questions and then some. Join us and learn about this thing called Weed. Expand your mind. Everything you'd ever ...

Emmet Smith - Organist

October 07, 2022 14:37 - 1 hour - 164 MB

Emmet Smith tackles Fortitude. Yes, the original and 95 year old retired organist for TCU invites us into his home. From his arrival at TCU in 1950 to playing for over 2600 weddings and nearly as many funerals, Emmet has some stories you wont believe. The man even built an organ in his house, which he pulls out all the stops for us. Emmet details his years in FW and the people he influenced and music he made. If you've never heard the name, welcome to Earth. This Emmet is a Hall of Famer for ...

Markus Kypreos, founder of Blackland Distillery

September 30, 2022 03:00 - 41 minutes - 94 MB

Markus Kypreos, founder of Blackland Distillery, tends the Fortitude bar. This former attorney, turned chef, turned sommelier, and now distiller, Markus, a local, shares how he created one of FW's fastest growing brands. Looking for a great time, Blackland Distillery reigns as one of city's coolest bars, best distillery's, and best date spots. A fantastic look into the world of alcohol from a hellava cool guy. He even lets us try the juice. Cheers!

Chann McRae - Director Roxo Racing, City of Austin Cop, Former Pro Road Cyclist

September 23, 2022 02:43 - 49 minutes - 114 MB

Chann McRae, former professional road cyclist, current cop for Austin PD, and now, new Director for Roxo Racing, Fort Worth's newest professional women's cycling team. McRae raced with powerhouse pro teams Mapei, Mercury-Viatel, and US Postal, where he raced alongside the sport's giants. His successes in the sport accompany a fascinating career. As director of new pro women's team, Roxo Racing, McRae sets his sights on podiums across the US, then the world. If you're a fan of cycling, sports,...

Chris Cassidy - Astronaut / Navy Seal Part 2

September 16, 2022 03:17 - 52 minutes - 120 MB

Chris Cassidy - Navy Seal/Astronaut

September 09, 2022 03:40 - 34 minutes - 33.5 MB

Marshall Harris - Artist

September 02, 2022 03:01 - 53 minutes - 122 MB

Marshall Harris, artist extraordinaire, joins Fortitude for a big/little culture lesson. Harris, a former TCU football Hall of Famer turned NFL'er, discovered early on that he had a unique talent for creating art. His creativity bore the legendary Flying TCU logo and we hear the story behind it. His incredible photo-realistic graphite drawings have drawn the attention of collectors worldwide and have garnered him awards o'plenty. He earned accolades for his realistic saddle drawings, but Harr...

Eddie Brown FW Weekly Staff Writer

August 26, 2022 03:00 - 42 minutes - 98.2 MB

Who's Watching The Judges? FW Weekly staff writer, Eddie Brown joins Fortitude to detail his lengthy investigation into judicial misconduct involving several of Tarrant County's top judges. Have more than 200 people been convicted of crimes and incarcerated by an ineligible judge? In this interview, Brown names names and outlines an alarming trend in the Tarrant County judicial system of utilizing retired judges or "personal friends" to preside over cases in which they are legally not qualifi...

Jonathan Mak, Cliburn Series,Episode 3

August 19, 2022 03:00 - 32 minutes - 73.3 MB

Jonathan Mak joins Fortitude, The Cliburn Series, Episode 3. At the age of 3, Jonathan wasn't like other kids. His orchestral debut the following year launching a life at the piano. A Toronto native, Mak, an avid chamber musician, has studied at CIM and Yale under some of their legendary teachers. He is headed to Rice University to begin his doctoral studies. Mak's talent has won him multiple gold medals on the international stage, soloed with several notable orchestras, and given recitals ac...

Denis Linnik, Fortitude, Cliburn Series, Episode 2

August 12, 2022 03:21 - 25 minutes - 58.1 MB

Linnik, 27, Belarus, began playing at age 7, launching a career that has seen him play globally, win multiple pianistic competitions, and most recently compete in the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition. (Add Cliburn tag)  The supremely talented Linnik (Denis Linnik tag) talks music, the Cliburn, Fort Worth, shows off his talent on the piano as well as the mechanical bull. Remember his name. Linnik will impact the classical music world. #Beautifulmusic

Arseniy Gusev - The Cliburn Series​

August 05, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 47.4 MB

Arseniy Gusev, The Cliburn Series, composer/pianist tickles the Fortitude ivories.   Arseniy, 23, comes to us from St. Petersburg, Russia, but has been living in Cleveland for the last 4 years attending the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). He was one of 30 worldwide competitors chosen to compete in the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition. Music found him at an early age and he has since dedicated his life to it. The uber talented pianist and composer shares his life, his talent, h...

Matt Homan Dickies Arena President and GM

July 29, 2022 03:00 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

Dickies Arena President and GM, Matt Homan, stops by Fortitude. Ever been to Dickies Arena? Ever wonder how it all works? Homan explains its history, inner workings, daily grind, scheduling, future, and uniqueness. A fascinating look into Fort Worth's coolest arena and what it takes to make it go. Homan is one of this city's movers and shakers with a passion for entertainment.

Zach Briseno Fort Worth Police Officer Double Amputee

July 22, 2022 03:00 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MB

Fort Worth Police Officer Zach Briseno is one of only three police officers in the United States who is a double amputee. His goal to walk again was motivated by his kids and his determination to show them any thing is possible if you have the desire and determination to work to that goal.

Restaurateur & Chef Felipe Armenta

July 15, 2022 03:00 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MB

If you've eaten out in Fort Worth there's a good chance you've enjoyed the food of restaurateur Felipe Armenta. From Pacific Table to Press Cafe, Cork & Pig Tavern and the ode to his mother Maria's Mexican Kitchen award winning Chef Armenta has taken his roots in west Texas to a super successful career in DFW.  On this episode he speaks to the beginnings of his career, his vision behind his restaurants and his love of cars.

Actor, Singer, Emergency Room Doctor - J Mack Slaughter

July 08, 2022 03:00 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

To say J Mack Slaughter has had a unique career path is an understatement.  From stage acting in Fort Worth to touring with the boy band Sons of Harmony to acting in tv and movies and finally, helping others as an emergency room doctor, J Mack has excelled at every profession.  On this episode of FORTitude FW he talks about each of those career stops, how music is healing and the history behind his name.

Fortitude visits Fan Expo in Dallas

June 24, 2022 13:35 - 32 minutes - 30.2 MB

Road Trip for Fortitude. JW and Brinton took their willingness to try something new to Dallas for the 2022 Fan Expo, the largest event of its kind. No way to describe this scene except, extreme sensory overload. We caught up with the fascinating world of Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, Gaming and our personal fav, CosPlay. Cosplay, a world so unique and foreign to us that we had to see it. The 3 day massive event brought celebrities, fans, shoppers, the inquisitive, and thousands of characters...

Charlie Price, Stylist, owner of Charlie and Co.

June 17, 2022 03:02 - 42 minutes - 98.4 MB

Need a fresh look? Fort Worth and dallas’ most celebrated stylist, Charlie Price, joins Fortitude. He blows out his amazing life story from rehab to finding himself to learning his master craft. A craft that makes him the most sought-after stylist in the metroplex. From the famous scalps he’s worked on and his legendary mentors, Charlie gave Fortitude its sexiest make-over yet. Brinton looks the same though.

Former FBI Deputy Assistant Danny Coulson

June 10, 2022 03:01 - 46 minutes - 107 MB

Former Deputy Assistant of the FBI and owner of the security consulting firm Coulson and Associates, Danny Coulson, drops in for this episode of FORTitude FW.  Danny talks about how he got his start with the FBI,  his first undercover job, the most common way he "caught" guys, how he avoided a hand grenade ending his life, the Waco standoff and how well Tiger Woods took his advice as well as his book "No Heroes: Inside the FBI's Secret Counter-Terror Force".  Truly one of America's hero's, Mr...

State Representative District 90 Ramon Romero Jr.

June 03, 2022 03:01 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB

Rep. Romero shares his thoughts on the issues that impact District 90 (the district he represents), how his family came to Fort Worth, his love of golf, why he dropped out of college and how that led to his pool cleaning and restoration business which he still runs today.  Ramon delves into his beginnings in the world of politics, how his community is under served and why his mother played such a pivotal role in his decision to serve.

Jacques Marquis President & CEO of The Cliburn

May 28, 2022 02:07 - 37 minutes - 34.5 MB

JW & Brinton welcome Jacque Marquis to the show where they discuss the amount of practice that each contestant puts into their daily schedule, what winning The Cliburn means to a contestant and if Brinton can finagle a piano for his home. Please enjoy the best art Fort Worth has to offer.

Rob Ramage Senior Vice President, General Manager Texas Motor Speedway

May 20, 2022 14:07 - 1 hour - 146 MB

Rob joins J.W. and Brinton on this episode of FORTitude FW and discusses the changes he's bringing to the speedway and they're not all race day related.  He talks about his journey to his new position as Senior VP & GM, where NASCAR is and what he wants to do to bring the entire community together at events.

Jake White & John Henry Hosts: Signal 51 Chronicles Podcast

May 13, 2022 03:03 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

Hosts of the new Roxo Media House true crime show Signal 51 Chronicles, Jake White and John Henry, drop in for this episode of FORTitude FW to talk about the premiere of their new show. They discuss why their backgrounds as a former police sargeant and investigative journalist allow them unique insight into each story they tell and what gave them the idea for the show.