Chad West didn’t grow up in Dallas, but Oak Cliff is where he found his community—and where he’s been working ever since to serve it. In this episode, we talk with the District 1 City Council Member about his path from Southern Illinois farm kid to Oak Cliff homeowner, small business owner, and public servant. Chad shares how he ended up in city politics, what he’s learned about housing, zoning, and walkability, and why the real work of change starts at the neighborhood level.

This special episode takes us inside one of the most quietly significant homes in Oak Cliff—the Oswald Rooming House Museum. Filmed on-site in the very dining room where Lee Harvey Oswald once sat, we sit down with owner Patricia Puckett-Hall to hear the deeply personal and often surprising stories behind the walls of her family's century-old home. Patricia shares what it was like growing up in the rooming house, and her unique perspective on Oswald—not just as a boarder, but as a young man who played with her brothers and once tried to help her with homework. From alternative theories to untold memories, this episode offers an intimate look at the legacy of a space that remains steeped in both neighborhood history and national mystery.

How do you turn a creative passion into a sustainable business? In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Salter of Salter Pottery to explore his journey from college student to full-time ceramicist and studio owner. Stephen shares how a chance introduction to pottery sparked an unexpected career, the lessons he learned through apprenticeships and mentorships, and the realities of building a business as a craftsman. From his early days selling too soon to finding his stride in the Oak Cliff creative community, we dive into the challenges of scaling handmade work, the balance between artistry and entrepreneurship, and how persistence (and a lot of clay) helped him carve out his place in the Dallas pottery scene.

From the kitchens of Portland and Austin to the heart of Oak Cliff, Chad Dolezal has always followed his gut—literally. A musician-turned-chef, Chad co-founded Cenzo’s Pizza & Deli, a neighborhood restaurant that has quickly become a local institution. In this episode, he shares his journey through the restaurant world, how his punk rock roots shaped his approach to hospitality, and why Cenzo’s is more than just a place to grab a slice. Plus, we get into the unexpected way a Mattress Firm employee helped put Cenzo's on the national pizza map.

Photographer and filmmaker Don "Tortellini" Thomas II didn’t set out to document Oak Cliff—he just picked up a camera and let the neighborhood guide him. From capturing the heartbeat of community initiatives to having his work archived at UNT, Don shares his journey from picking up a Canon A1 on a whim to becoming a recognized visual storyteller in the city. We talk about his early creative experiments, his transition from photography to filmmaking, and the responsibility that comes with telling a community’s story the right way.

In this episode, we sit down with architect and urbanist Stephanie Behring, co-founder of ReStudio Architecture, to explore what makes Oak Cliff—and cities like it—truly work. From the balance of historic preservation and new development to the challenges of affordability and density, Stephanie shares her deep knowledge of how the built environment shapes our daily lives. We discuss the power of 15-minute cities, the role of adaptive reuse in maintaining affordability, and why neighborhood involvement is key to keeping communities thriving. Stephanie also offers a look at her work in East Oak Cliff, the evolving architectural landscape of Dallas, and how thoughtful design can create places that are both beautiful and functional.Tune in for a conversation about urbanism, walkability, and the future of Oak Cliff, with insights that go far beyond architecture.

Alex Bhore is a musician and producer, and the man behind Elmwood Recording, a studio tucked away in the Elmwood neighborhood of Oak Cliff. In this episode, Alex shares how he went from touring with This Will Destroy You to working alongside Grammy-winning producer John Congleton, eventually taking over the Elmwood Recording studio from John. We talk about some of Alex's past projects including composing for Halo Infinite and Meow Wolf, and he shares what makes Elmwood Recording a hidden gem for artists and how Oak Cliff continues to shape its sound.

In this episode, we sit down with Matt Goodman, Online Editorial Director at D Magazine, to talk about the stories that shape Dallas. From the evolution of Oak Cliff and the power dynamics of the city to his in-depth investigative journalism—including his pivotal role in uncovering the chilling case of Dr. Death—we explore what it means to tell the stories that matter. Matt takes us behind the scenes of his reporting, from heart transplants to high-stakes legal battles, and reflects on the changing landscape of journalism in the digital age.

Oak Cliff historian and author Gayla Brooks joins us to unpack the rich, layered history of this legendary Dallas neighborhood. From the post-war boom and tight-knit high school rivalries to the unforgettable legacy of Stevie Ray Vaughan, Gayla shares firsthand stories that connect Oak Cliff’s past to the present. She also sheds light on lesser-known local figures, the impact of JFK’s assassination on the community, and the long-lost hotspots that once defined the area—like Austin’s Barbecue, Wynnewood Theatre, and the infamous drag on Hampton Road. Plus, we dive into the myths and truths about Bonnie and Clyde’s Oak Cliff ties and uncover a wild Heisman Trophy story you won’t believe. If you love Oak Cliff, this one’s for you.

Paul Torres, the visionary behind Sobremesa Studios, joins us today to talk through his creative evolution. Born in Monterrey, Mexico, and raised in Plano, Texas, Paul reflects on how his experiences shaped his unique approach to branding. Discover how the Oak Cliff community became a catalyst for his work, why sobremesa moments inspire his storytelling, and how he helps small businesses tell authentic stories that resonate. From strategy to creativity, this conversation dives deep into the power of connection and community in building meaningful brands.

In this episode, we sit down with Collin Martin, the founder of Bingo Markets, and explore his unique approach to the vending machine industry which emphasizes local, curated snacks and a vibrant design ethos. Collin shares his journey from living in Oak Cliff to creating a business rooted in community, quality, and creativity. Discover the entrepreneurial story behind Bingo Markets, how Collin's eye for design and love for local brands shaped the company's identity, and the challenges of innovating in a traditional industry.

In this episode of the Hidden City, we dive into the rich tapestry of Oak Cliff's music and history with Diana Cox, Vice President of Kessler Presents. Diana shares fascinating stories behind legendary venues like the Kessler Theater and Longhorn Ballroom, the vision of preserving historic spaces for future generations, and the magic of intimate live music experiences. From tornado-scarred walls to Grammy-winning artists, Diana’s highlights the soul of Oak Cliff’s music scene.

In this episode of the Hidden City, we dive into the rich tapestry of Oak Cliff's music and history with Diana Cox, Vice President of Kessler Presents. Diana shares fascinating stories behind legendary venues like the Kessler Theater and Longhorn Ballroom, the vision of preserving historic spaces for future generations, and the magic of intimate live music experiences. From tornado-scarred walls to Grammy-winning artists, Diana’s highlights the soul of Oak Cliff’s music scene.

Merry Christmas from The Hidden City Podcast! In this special bonus episode, we journey into the heart of Oak Cliff's coffee scene with Shannon Neffendorf, the founder of Oak Cliff Coffee Roasters. Shannon shares his incredible story of how a childhood memory of drinking coffee with his grandfather and a love for Italian coffee culture inspired him to create a coffee business rooted in quality and community. We also dive into Shannon's ventures into bread, chocolate, and his vision for sustainable, community-driven food production.

In Episode 14, we sit down with artist, designer, and visionary Gary Buckner, founder of Stash Design. Known for transforming reclaimed materials into functional art, Gary has left his mark on iconic Oak Cliff spaces like Wild Detectives, Davis Street Espresso, and Tyler Station.

We discuss his unique approach to design, his passion for preserving history through sustainable craftsmanship, and his vision for the future of architecture and wellness-focused spaces. Join us for a conversation about creativity, community, and how intentional design can shape the places we live, work, and gather.

In this episode, we sit down with artist, designer, and creative visionary Temi Coker. From his early days in Lagos, Nigeria, to making an impact in Oak Cliff, Temi shares how his journey shaped his artistic style and his passion for merging photography and graphic design. We explore his collaborations with major brands like Nike and Adobe, his commitment to amplifying Black voices, and his vision for building community through creative spaces like TX Studio. Join us for an inspiring conversation about identity, purpose, and the power of art to bring people together.

In this week's episode, we speak with Bettina Bennett, an entrepreneur, accidental technologist, and 30-year Oak Cliff resident, shares her journey from Germany to Texas and her love for the unique spirit of Oak Cliff. Bettina discusses her career milestones, including founding a technology company and initiating the Women in Technology Awards, and her commitment to community-driven change. From painting over graffiti to championing diversity, Bettina embodies the philosophy of questioning boundaries and taking small actions to make a significant impact. Tune in for an exploration of leadership, resilience, and the heart of a neighborhood that defines her identity.

In episode 11, we sit down with JR Huerta, founder of Dallas Youth Sports and District 1 representative on the Dallas Parks and Recreation Board. JR shares the journey of turning a small volunteer-run baseball program into a thriving multi-sport organization serving thousands of kids. We also dive into his work organizing Oak Cliff’s annual Mardi Gras parade, his commitment to family-led leadership, and the lasting impact of Dallas Youth Sports on generations of kids and their families.

In episode 10, we dive into the life and work of Monte Anderson—developer, visionary, and lifelong advocate for Oak Cliff. Monte shares his journey from motocross racer to shaping iconic projects like Tyler Station and the Belmont Hotel. We explore his unwavering commitment to Southern Dallas, his principles of “gentlefication,” and how he’s fostering walkable, multi-generational communities. With decades of experience and a deep love for Oak Cliff, Monte reveals how building with purpose creates a legacy that transcends generations.

In episode 9, we welcome chef and owner Skye McDaniel of La Bodega in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts. Skye shares the journey of building a food-centric community space, inspired by her Sicilian family roots, love for travel, and commitment to ethical food sourcing. From hosting beloved “Sunday Suppers” to creating a space where intentionality meets hospitality, Skye dives into the challenges and rewards of sticking to her values in an industry driven by convenience. Join us for a deep look into how she’s built La Bodega as a neighborhood haven, fostering connections over every meal.