Welcome to Melissa, Texas
The Front Porch

Season 3

March 20, 2025

S3, E11: Jennifer Nehls: Getting the Library Outside Its Walls

Season 3, Episode 11: It's ironic that Jennifer Nehls has an incredible story, because for the last nine years she has worked at the Melissa Public Library. Her plan going into college was to be a marine geoscientist. Now, she's the Library Director...

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March 4, 2025

S3, E10: Jennifer Clark - Writing the Script for Downtown

Season 3, Episode 10: Jennifer Clark moved to Melissa, Texas, in 2019. She instantly fell in love with her new community. It didn't take her long to become very curious, too. So, she decided to scratch that curiosity itch by getting involved. It...

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Feb. 20, 2025

S3, E9: Amy Matthews - Embracing a Growth Mindset

Season 3, Episode 9: Amy Matthews has a pretty intimidating title. She is the Development Services Director for the City of Melissa. But don’t be scared by her position with the city. This is an engaging episode that really captures how Melissa is...

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Feb. 6, 2025

S3, E8: Terrell Smith (Asst. City Manager) - 'Daring But Cautious'

Season 3, Episode 8: Terrell Smith has only been on the job in Melissa, Texas, for a few months, but the new assistant city manager already has a heart for this community. On this episode of The Front Porch, Terrell Smith shares his story, talks about...

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Jan. 22, 2025

S3, E7: Katy Vendetti - 'Where Did I Move To?'

Season 3, Episode 7: Growing up in different metropolitan cities, Katy Vendetti never planted roots. After moving to Texas and becoming a mom ... that's all she wanted to do. Spoiler Alert: She quickly made that happen in Melissa, Texas. How did she...

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Jan. 8, 2025

S3, E6: Meals on Wheels - 'You're Not Alone in the Fight'

Season 3, Episode 6: Meals on Wheels of Collin County is creating ripple effects in Melissa, Texas (not to mention the other 26 cities across the county.) On this episode of The Front Porch, we sat down with two Meals on Wheels rock stars - Queen...

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Dec. 19, 2024

S3, E5: Braum's Granny - Source of Light and Kindness

Season 3, Episode 5: If you live in Melissa, Texas, you might not know the name Judy Lewis Smith, but I promise you know exactly who she is. You just know her as "Braum's Granny," and she has probably put a smile on your face with her heart-felt and...

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Dec. 5, 2024

S3, E4: Steve Zeigler: Slice of Community

Season 3, Episode 4: It's all about community and giving back for Steve Zeigler, owner of Mountain Mike's Pizza in Melissa, Texas. That's why he opened his very first Jersey Mike's. That's why he opened five more locations of the popular sandwich shop...

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Nov. 21, 2024

S3, E3: Sebastien Leitz: 'How Can We Impact Kids?'

Season 3, Episode 3: Sebastien Leitz wants to put Melissa, Texas, on the map, and he wants to do it one young athlete at a time. This former collegiate tennis player, who is co-owner of The Athlete Group, is helping turn up the knob on youth sports...

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Nov. 6, 2024

S3, E2: Z-Plex - Fielding the Hard Questions

Season 3, Episode 2: On this episode of The Front Porch, we share a conversation between Mayor Jay Northcut and community advocate Doug Zadow. Both of these gentlemen have been on the podcast before, but this particular episode will highlight their...

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Oct. 23, 2024

S3, E1: Melissa Rotary Club: Creating Ripple Effects

Season 3, Episode 1: Incredible ripple effects are being felt across Melissa, Texas, and the local Rotary Club is the catalyst behind a lot of it. On this episode of The Front Porch, we'll focus on a this impactful organization. We'll tell the Rotary...

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