Let's Talk Local

A misogyny law might sound like a good idea in theory, but what happens when it comes at the cost of free speech? That is just one of the topics Sarah Zubiate Bennett explores with Ana Campagnolo, State Deputy of Santa Catarina, Brazil. While Brazil is known for its beauty, beaches, and vibrant culture, there is a deeper story unfolding. From the role of faith in everyday life to the rise of conservative thought and voting, the conversation goes far beyond the surface. They also dive into the growing opportunities for investors around the world looking to be part of Santa Catarina’s rapid development.Sarah and Ana cover it all in this episode of Let’s Talk Local.

Where are you in your faith journey? Are you a devoted Christian striving to live fully for God, or someone still searching for what you believe and how to serve?In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah sits down with Matt Bennett, Founder and President of Christian Union, for an honest conversation about faith, deliverance, the power of prayer, and what it means to live a truly spiritual life.Both Sarah and Matt share personal experiences where they’ve witnessed the presence and power of God firsthand. Their stories are candid, thought-provoking, and deeply personal.This is a real, raw, and powerful conversation that may challenge you, encourage you, and perhaps even open your eyes in a new way, no matter where you are in your faith journey.Derek Prince YouTube link: https://youtu.be/m8E1MpNBMFc?si=t1PIhcVkPbsK7T6UShawn Ryan with Chad Ripperger- https://youtu.be/I2p_cfipbEw?si=Skde5eF1pL7kuB8wTucker Carlson with Lee Strobel:https://tuckercarlson.com/tucker-show-lee-strobel?utm_source=google&utm_medium=paid&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23608846004&gbraid=0AAAAAqhFXDPlMbT-2q-SaIH5-B4UdfDOF&gclid=Cj0KCQjw37nNBhDkARIsAEBGI8ObzS5NvwxptIvkyyzlzebtudPWvLJPMpQBm9iFYiRJh6LkCMjMB-8aAmMiEALw_wcBMatt's Website: https://christianunion.org/

Do political conversations in your life get heated fast? Have you seen the name calling and the us versus them mentality coming from both sides? Division feels loud right now, but it does not have to define how we engage.In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, we show that it is still possible to disagree without being disagreeable. This is a candid conversation between people who see the world differently and are still willing to sit at the same table.We dive into some of the biggest topics dominating headlines and dinner tables right now including immigration, ICE enforcement methods, H1B visas, the Trump administration, and more. Joining the discussion are Chris Putnam, CEO of Dallas Express, Kellen McGovern Jones, Senior Investigative Reporter at DX, and Shanon Murphy, producer of the show.It is thoughtful. It is honest. At times it is intense. But above all, it is respectful.If you are tired of the noise but still care deeply about the issues shaping our country, this episode will challenge you, encourage you, and maybe even inspire you to lead better conversations in your own circle. Tune in and join us.

Election Day is March 3, and that means it’s time to get informed and get to the polls. With so many names on the ballot, it can be hard to keep track of who’s running for what and why it matters.On this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah sits down with two candidates running for Senate, Ken Paxton and Wesley Hunt, to talk through the issues shaping this election and what’s at stake for Texans. (Sen. John Cornyn was invited to join the conversation but did not respond to our request.)Sarah asks the questions voters care about most: their priorities if elected, why this moment matters, and how decisions made now will impact Texas at the federal level. From concerns about national debt to broader questions about culture, security, and the future direction of the country, nothing is off the table.Every election matters, but this one will help determine who speaks for Texans on the national stage. Get informed, hear directly from the candidates, and then make your voice heard on March 3.

Sometimes we expect people in certain professions to fit a specific mold… and sometimes, someone comes along and completely shatters it.On this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah is joined by Dr. Sasha Ortiz, a leading clinical psychologist in DFW whose work spans early autism detection, supporting veterans and first responders, and exploring modern, alternative treatments for depression, PTSD, and other mental health challenges.Dr. Ortiz also shares thoughtful insight on kids and teens navigating social media, a conversation many parents and caregivers are having daily.And yes… she also just handed over her crown as Ms. World International.Sasha is truly one of a kind. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, or simply someone seeking a deeper understanding of mental health and healing, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

We all face seasons that test our strength and our faith. In the first episode of 2026, Sarah sits down with author, speaker, mother, and church leader Landra Hughes to share how faith carried her through life’s hardest moments. Her story is honest, inspiring, and the perfect way to begin a new year with renewed hope.

2025 was a year full of meaningful conversations on Let’s Talk Local. From sports and elections to faith and the issues shaping our community, we covered a wide range of topics that sparked thought, dialogue, and perspective. In this episode, we’ve gone back through the data to highlight some of the biggest moments of the year, giving you a chance to catch up on what you may have missed and to revisit conversations from earlier in 2025 that might look a little different today. Happy New Year and we can’t wait for 2026!

Life is full of twists and turns, and sometimes the only way forward is by leaning on something greater than ourselves. In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, Sarah sits down with her son, Louis, to talk about Future Voices, the weekly column he founded and publishes every Sunday in The Dallas Express.Louis writes candidly about what’s on his mind and how his faith helps him face life head-on. The conversation also introduces the column’s very first contributor, Cooper Kimosh. At just 14 years old, Cooper shares how prayer guides him through uncertainty and why faith plays such an important role in his life.Together, they offer a powerful look at life, faith, and perspective through the eyes of the next generation.

Child advocate Jenna Quinn turned her childhood trauma into a nationwide mission to protect kids and educate the adults who care for them. What began with Jenna’s Law in Texas has now become federal law, transforming how America approaches child safety. She’s also created a path to healing for survivors through her ongoing advocacy and support work. Jenna is a true hero, and we’re honored to share her story on this episode of Let’s Talk Local.

Who says Thanksgiving has to mean turkey and dressing? This week, we’re shaking things up with a full-blown Texas-style feast. Think truffle mac and cheese, sweet corn pudding, bacon-wrapped stuffed jalapeños, and Dr Pepper ribs so tender they barely hang onto the bone.And these ribs? They’re not just some recipe pulled off the internet. Award-winning cookoff champion Travis Bennett, yes, Sarah’s cousin-in-law, rolled up with his custom grill-on-a-trailer and shared some of his grill-master secrets for getting ribs just right.If you love food as much as we do, you’re not going to want to miss this episode. This just might be the start to your new Thanksgiving tradition!

Think DART Doesn’t Affect You? Think Again. And it could get worse.Even if you’ve never stepped foot on a DART train or bus, you’re still paying for it—every time you shop in Dallas. A portion of your sales tax goes straight to DART’s budget. But despite all that funding, the agency is buried in billions of dollars of debt.So what went wrong? In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, we dig into the mismanagement that’s led to rising fares, service cuts, executive bonuses, possible corruption, and even a 44% jump in crime on the system. And with cities now considering pulling out of DART altogether—what happens to your money if they do? We discuss with Dallas Express reporter Logan Washburn and Texas House Representative Mitch Little.

Josh Hickman has been creating art since he was a kid and, trust us, you can tell. He’s not just an artist, but also an author with a gift for storytelling. His latest book, Forgetting, shares the deeply personal journey of caring for his mother as she faced dementia.Josh joined Sarah in the studio to talk about his writing, and then welcomed us into his home for an up-close tour of his art collection. It’s emotional, honest, and unforgettable.

Dallas has style and Bob Baumann is proof. At the House of Baumann, he’s crafting custom pieces that fit like they were made just for you (because they are). From suits and sport coats to boots and shoes, Bob brings fashion to the heart of Texas.Join us for a walk through Bob’s spectacular showroom, where everything’s for sale—well, almost everything (the Corvette and Harley are off-limits). Bob’s style is unmatched, and once you meet him, you’ll see why we’re such big fans.

This episode is deeply personal.Sarah opens up about an experience from her teenage years — a time when she faced pregnancy from horrific circumstances and then made the difficult decision to terminate. Now, years later, she reflects on that moment and what it has taught her about life, faith, and grace in a heartfelt conversation with Roland Warren, President & CEO of Care Net.If you’ve ever faced a hard decision and found yourself looking back with questions, this episode is for you. It’s an honest, compassionate conversation about choices, healing, and hope — shared without judgment and with an open heart.

Texas tunes, fried food, and a whole lot of fun!Wade Bowen, Texas Country legend, family man, and Lone Star hero, joins Sarah on Let’s Talk Local! He’s raised millions for families in Central Texas, played thousands of shows, and now he’s sharing stories from the road (and the heart) before taking the stage at the State Fair of Texas.Then Sarah hits the fairgrounds with the toughest critics around — her kids! From deep friend brownies to Wagyu Bacon Cheeseburger Deviled Egg Sliders, these kid foodies don’t hold back.Come for the music, stay for the laughs, and find out which fair foods are Big Tex hits (and which are total Big Tex misses).Watch the full episode, drop your favorite fair food in the comments, and share it with a fellow Texan who loves Wade Bowen or the State Fair!

Wall Street may have the spotlight, but it’s time to make room for Y’all Street! The Texas Stock Exchange (TXSE) just received federal approval from the SEC, a major milestone that sets the stage for Dallas to become a true powerhouse in the world of finance.In this episode of Let’s Talk Local, we take you inside a Metroplex Civic and Business Association (MCBA) luncheon featuring a fascinating Q&A with Nicole Chambers, Global Managing Director of TXSE. With her background at NASDAQ, Nicole brings deep industry insight and contagious confidence about what’s ahead for Texas finance.Sarah also sits down with Onyinye Akujuo, President and CEO of MCBA Dallas, to talk about the organization’s incredible growth and impact over the past several months.This episode is packed with knowledge, optimism, and insider perspectives you won’t want to miss!