Greg Brownderville is a poet, musician, professor of English at SMU, and editor of the Southwest Review. He joins us to talk about growing up in Pumpkin Bend, Arkansas, discovering community in Oak Cliff, and the deep influence of Southern folklore on his work. We dig into Firebones, his multimedia storytelling project, and Frontera Fest, a free literary and arts festival in Bishop Arts that blends voices from the U.S. and Latin America. Along the way, we talk ghosts, shade tree storytellers, and why literature should never be boring.

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.

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.

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.

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 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, 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 episode 8, we welcome photographer Richard Doherty whose book Framing Oak Cliff offers a deeply personal visual diary of this vibrant Dallas neighborhood. Over 40 years, Richard has documented Oak Cliff’s ever-changing streets, capturing candid panoramas, quiet neighborhood scenes, and the small, often-overlooked details that define daily life. In this conversation, Richard shares his journey, revealing the stories behind his favorite shots, his unique techniques, and the inspiration that Oak Cliff provides. Join us for an exploration of Oak Cliff’s lasting impact on Richard’s work and the heart of the community as seen through his lens.