The People of Pearland Podcast Thu, 25 Jun 2026 13:38:45 -0400 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2049995 en-us © 2026 The People of Pearland Podcast yes 36d94f7e-211e-5082-b770-9216d018c48a City of Pearland episodic false A podcast dedicated to the City of Pearland employees that keep the City running strong.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) City of Pearland https://storage.buzzsprout.com/bj7fu5jpncafogy65naczm1uubr3?.jpg The People of Pearland Podcast https://www.buzzsprout.com/2049995 People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 9 - Chief Johnny Spires People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 9 - Chief Johnny Spires "Both of them were very service-oriented. Don’t turn people away. Help everybody you can."

That’s the legacy Johnny Spires was born into. Raised by young parents-- a father often overseas on Navy duty and a mother raising three young kids and helping her community til her last day-- Johnny was living a life of service long before he wore a Pearland Police badge.

And now after 36 years of service to the City of Pearland, Pearland Police Chief Johnny Spires has retired. 

But just before his retirement, Johnny joined us on the People of Pearland Podcast to reflect on his journey, sharing stories of his childhood, finding his home in Pearland and discovering his calling in a single criminal justice class and a starting wage of $10.50 an hour.

Join us as we celebrate the career, leadership, and lasting impact of Chief Johnny Spires — and thank him for 36 years of service to Pearland.

Listen here: pearlandtx.gov/popp 

]]> "Both of them were very service-oriented. Don’t turn people away. Help everybody you can."

That’s the legacy Johnny Spires was born into. Raised by young parents-- a father often overseas on Navy duty and a mother raising three young kids and helping her community til her last day-- Johnny was living a life of service long before he wore a Pearland Police badge.

And now after 36 years of service to the City of Pearland, Pearland Police Chief Johnny Spires has retired. 

But just before his retirement, Johnny joined us on the People of Pearland Podcast to reflect on his journey, sharing stories of his childhood, finding his home in Pearland and discovering his calling in a single criminal justice class and a starting wage of $10.50 an hour.

Join us as we celebrate the career, leadership, and lasting impact of Chief Johnny Spires — and thank him for 36 years of service to Pearland.

Listen here: pearlandtx.gov/popp 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-19402711 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -0500 4589 3 9 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 8 - Julian Kelly People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 8 - Julian Kelly This month's guest is Assistant Director of Utilities Julian Kelly! Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a music producer and you can even find some of his songs online. Now, you can find him leading breakthrough projects behind the scenes for the City of Pearland.

Tune in to hear more about Julian's journey and why helping others realize how amazing they are brings him the most joy. www.pearlandtx.gov/popp 

]]> This month's guest is Assistant Director of Utilities Julian Kelly! Growing up, he dreamed of becoming a music producer and you can even find some of his songs online. Now, you can find him leading breakthrough projects behind the scenes for the City of Pearland.

Tune in to hear more about Julian's journey and why helping others realize how amazing they are brings him the most joy. www.pearlandtx.gov/popp 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-19262631 Fri, 29 May 2026 15:00:00 -0500 2966 3 8 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 7 - Malcome Kennedy People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 7 - Malcome Kennedy In this episode, we sit down with Malcome Kennedy, Engineering & Public Works Superintendent, Texas A&M alum, former New Orleans Saint, and lifelong public servant. If you need motivation, this episode is it. 

Malcome opens up about showing up for others, owning your journey, lifting your team, and never leaving your gifts on the table. His perspective is a light in the workplace and in our community.

]]> In this episode, we sit down with Malcome Kennedy, Engineering & Public Works Superintendent, Texas A&M alum, former New Orleans Saint, and lifelong public servant. If you need motivation, this episode is it. 

Malcome opens up about showing up for others, owning your journey, lifting your team, and never leaving your gifts on the table. His perspective is a light in the workplace and in our community.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-19104482 Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0500 3729 3 7 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 6 - Raquel Garza & David Alvarenga People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 6 - Raquel Garza & David Alvarenga In this episode, we sit down with Raquel Garza, Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Outreach & Recruitment Supervisor, and Police Officer David Alvarenga from our Community Outreach Division. Tune in to hear about jiu-jitsu, a runaway tortoise, and more! 

]]> In this episode, we sit down with Raquel Garza, Fire Department Community Risk Reduction Outreach & Recruitment Supervisor, and Police Officer David Alvarenga from our Community Outreach Division. Tune in to hear about jiu-jitsu, a runaway tortoise, and more! 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-18941323 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 16:00:00 -0500 3252 3 6 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 5 - Sasha Buchheit People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 5 - Sasha Buchheit Meet Sasha Buchheit! Our Stormwater & Floodplain Supervisor who has worked for the City of Pearland for 23 years! Hear about her time here, her travels, and the 26 half-marathons she's ran. 

]]> Meet Sasha Buchheit! Our Stormwater & Floodplain Supervisor who has worked for the City of Pearland for 23 years! Hear about her time here, her travels, and the 26 half-marathons she's ran. 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-18762600 Fri, 27 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0600 3787 3 5 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 4 - Mario Tellez & Yolci Ramirez People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 4 - Mario Tellez & Yolci Ramirez Tune in to hear our first ever duo interview! Meet Mario Tellez, Traffic Superintendent, and Yolci Ramirez, Traffic Engineer. If you see one, the other is probably nearby. Together with the help of their team, they keep Pearland moving safely and efficiently. Listen to their story, their bond, and how they help us everyday! 

]]> Tune in to hear our first ever duo interview! Meet Mario Tellez, Traffic Superintendent, and Yolci Ramirez, Traffic Engineer. If you see one, the other is probably nearby. Together with the help of their team, they keep Pearland moving safely and efficiently. Listen to their story, their bond, and how they help us everyday! 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-18598407 Fri, 30 Jan 2026 15:00:00 -0600 5432 3 4 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 3 People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 3 From bees and snakes to getting stuck in a jail cell—Building Maintenance Technician Manuel Sanchez has seen it all in 12 years with the City. As a founding member of our Facilities Department, he keeps Freedom Drive buildings running smoothly, from the animal shelter to police and fire.

🎙️ Tune in to hear his wildest work orders and what it’s like behind the scenes of City facilities!

]]> From bees and snakes to getting stuck in a jail cell—Building Maintenance Technician Manuel Sanchez has seen it all in 12 years with the City. As a founding member of our Facilities Department, he keeps Freedom Drive buildings running smoothly, from the animal shelter to police and fire.

🎙️ Tune in to hear his wildest work orders and what it’s like behind the scenes of City facilities!

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-17752209 Thu, 28 Aug 2025 16:00:00 -0500 3274 3 3 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 2 - Michelle Braswell People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 2 - Michelle Braswell It’s good to be back and what better way to get back in the groove than with Battalion Chief Michelle Braswell of the Pearland Fire Department!

From sunrise beach workouts to hiking the Grand Canyon, Chief Braswell brings the same energy and determination to life that she brings to the firehouse. Hear how she balances it all — and what fuels her passion for service.

]]> It’s good to be back and what better way to get back in the groove than with Battalion Chief Michelle Braswell of the Pearland Fire Department!

From sunrise beach workouts to hiking the Grand Canyon, Chief Braswell brings the same energy and determination to life that she brings to the firehouse. Hear how she balances it all — and what fuels her passion for service.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-17527513 Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:00:00 -0500 2973 3 2 full false People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 1 - Joan Connelly People of Pearland - Season 3, Episode 1 - Joan Connelly From New York to Texas, and newspapers to local government, meet Application Specialist Joan Connelly. Learn more about Joan and her love for IT on this episode of the People of Pearland Podcast!

]]> From New York to Texas, and newspapers to local government, meet Application Specialist Joan Connelly. Learn more about Joan and her love for IT on this episode of the People of Pearland Podcast!

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-16541831 Fri, 31 Jan 2025 17:00:00 -0600 3844 3 1 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 11 - Victor Brownlees People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 11 - Victor Brownlees Did you know our Assistant City Manager Victor Brownlees is from the United Kingdom? Learn more about his rock band days and when he was Chief Executive Officer of an island 7 miles off the coast of France!

]]> Did you know our Assistant City Manager Victor Brownlees is from the United Kingdom? Learn more about his rock band days and when he was Chief Executive Officer of an island 7 miles off the coast of France!

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-16342163 Thu, 26 Dec 2024 14:00:00 -0600 2816 2 11 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 10 - Joshua Craft People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 10 - Joshua Craft On this episode of the People of Pearland Podcast, we learn that there is more than meets the eye for Animal Services Manager Joshua Craft. If you like to watch anime, fish in salt water, go to car shows, listen to blues, smoke cigars and WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE, then this episode is for you!

]]> On this episode of the People of Pearland Podcast, we learn that there is more than meets the eye for Animal Services Manager Joshua Craft. If you like to watch anime, fish in salt water, go to car shows, listen to blues, smoke cigars and WHO KNOWS WHAT ELSE, then this episode is for you!

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-16186700 Wed, 27 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0600 5468 2 10 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 9 - Nathaniel Smith People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 9 - Nathaniel Smith Backflow Compliance Program Coordinator Nathaniel Smith follows all of his dreams...even to a completely different state. After spending two weeks in Texas visiting family, Nate decided to make it permanent and never left. Hear more about his journey in episode 9 of season 2 of the People of Pearland Podcast!

]]> Backflow Compliance Program Coordinator Nathaniel Smith follows all of his dreams...even to a completely different state. After spending two weeks in Texas visiting family, Nate decided to make it permanent and never left. Hear more about his journey in episode 9 of season 2 of the People of Pearland Podcast!

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-16018782 Wed, 30 Oct 2024 13:00:00 -0500 3657 2 9 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 8 - Kathleen Paid People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 8 - Kathleen Paid Wanna know why Communications Specialist Kathleen paid quit her job only to return seven days later? Find out this and more on the latest episode of the People of Pearland Podcast! 

]]> Wanna know why Communications Specialist Kathleen paid quit her job only to return seven days later? Find out this and more on the latest episode of the People of Pearland Podcast! 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-15781478 Thu, 19 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0500 3121 2 8 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 7 - James Polanco People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 7 - James Polanco Code Enforcement Officer James Polanco is the life of the party...literally. He has been a DJ outside of work for 11 years and already has gigs booked for 2025. Over the years he has met popular Houston rappers, traveled the U.S. for softball, and played music in front of a crowd of 2,000 people. But, his biggest accomplishment are his twin girls. Listen to learn more! 

]]> Code Enforcement Officer James Polanco is the life of the party...literally. He has been a DJ outside of work for 11 years and already has gigs booked for 2025. Over the years he has met popular Houston rappers, traveled the U.S. for softball, and played music in front of a crowd of 2,000 people. But, his biggest accomplishment are his twin girls. Listen to learn more! 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-15553043 Tue, 13 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0500 5712 2 7 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 6 - Victoria Kirk People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 6 - Victoria Kirk Victoria Kirk is the Accounts Payable Supervisor in our Finance Department with a love for crafts, theater, and fashion outside of work. Hear about her past on stage, take note where she likes to buy her clothes, and learn about her volunteering efforts! All of this, and more, on Episode 6 of Season 2 of the People of Pearland Podcast!

]]> Victoria Kirk is the Accounts Payable Supervisor in our Finance Department with a love for crafts, theater, and fashion outside of work. Hear about her past on stage, take note where she likes to buy her clothes, and learn about her volunteering efforts! All of this, and more, on Episode 6 of Season 2 of the People of Pearland Podcast!

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-15435311 Thu, 18 Jul 2024 10:00:00 -0500 3011 2 6 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 5 - Steven Ibarra People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 5 - Steven Ibarra When curiosity piques his interest, Steven isn't afraid to take a leap into the unknown. Join us on our latest episode with CCTV Technician, Steven Ibarra, where he tells us about his time living on a ship, how he gets to drive a remote control car for work, and more! 

]]> When curiosity piques his interest, Steven isn't afraid to take a leap into the unknown. Join us on our latest episode with CCTV Technician, Steven Ibarra, where he tells us about his time living on a ship, how he gets to drive a remote control car for work, and more! 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-15090416 Fri, 17 May 2024 17:00:00 -0500 2354 2 5 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 4 - Larry Berger People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 4 - Larry Berger Join us as we host our first guest from outside our City of Pearland organization! Not only does Pearland ISD Proud Superintendent Larry Berger have his own podcast, but now he's guest starring in ours! Listen in to hear Berger words to live by as he drops little bites of wisdom throughout the episode. 

]]> Join us as we host our first guest from outside our City of Pearland organization! Not only does Pearland ISD Proud Superintendent Larry Berger have his own podcast, but now he's guest starring in ours! Listen in to hear Berger words to live by as he drops little bites of wisdom throughout the episode. 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-14915549 Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:00:00 -0500 2441 2 4 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 3 - Melinda Thomas People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 3 - Melinda Thomas Human Resources Training & Development Coordinator Melinda Thomas joins us in the studio for episode 3 of the People of Pearland Podcast. Join us to learn about her time in higher education, the hobbies she's picked up along the way, and vacation stories. 

]]> Human Resources Training & Development Coordinator Melinda Thomas joins us in the studio for episode 3 of the People of Pearland Podcast. Join us to learn about her time in higher education, the hobbies she's picked up along the way, and vacation stories. 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-14747516 Fri, 22 Mar 2024 16:00:00 -0500 2517 2 3 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 2 - Officer CJ Ehlinger People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 2 - Officer CJ Ehlinger Did you know Officer Ehlinger used to be a Back Country Ranger before joining the Pearland Police Department? Join us as we learn more about Pearland Police Officer CJ Ehlinger, her career path that lead her here, and more. 

]]> Did you know Officer Ehlinger used to be a Back Country Ranger before joining the Pearland Police Department? Join us as we learn more about Pearland Police Officer CJ Ehlinger, her career path that lead her here, and more. 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-14540074 Tue, 20 Feb 2024 12:00:00 -0600 2594 2 2 full false People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 1 - Shelby Lowe People of Pearland - Season 2, Episode 1 - Shelby Lowe Join us as we learn more about Community Development Administrative Assistant Shelby Lowe, what she does for the City of Pearland, and why she loves this community.

]]> Join us as we learn more about Community Development Administrative Assistant Shelby Lowe, what she does for the City of Pearland, and why she loves this community.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-14320382 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 11:00:00 -0600 2454 2 1 full false People of Pearland Podcast - Episode 12 - Why We Do What We Do People of Pearland Podcast - Episode 12 - Why We Do What We Do Join us as Josh Lee and Joe Calderon talk about how the People of Pearland Podcast came to be, why it exists, and how it will grow in the future.

]]> Join us as Josh Lee and Joe Calderon talk about how the People of Pearland Podcast came to be, why it exists, and how it will grow in the future.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-14183327 Wed, 20 Dec 2023 17:00:00 -0600 1543 1 12 full false People of Pearland - Episode 11 - Joel Hardy People of Pearland - Episode 11 - Joel Hardy Join us as we learn more about Grants/Special Projects Administrator Joel Hardy and the work he does for the City of Pearland.

]]> Join us as we learn more about Grants/Special Projects Administrator Joel Hardy and the work he does for the City of Pearland.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-13890598 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:00:00 -0500 3439 1 11 full false People of Pearland - Episode 10 - Tracy Rohrbacher People of Pearland - Episode 10 - Tracy Rohrbacher Join us as we talk with Executive Director Tracy Rohrbacher from the Pearland Convention and Visitor's Bureau. 

]]> Join us as we talk with Executive Director Tracy Rohrbacher from the Pearland Convention and Visitor's Bureau. 

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-13731063 Fri, 06 Oct 2023 16:00:00 -0500 2898 1 10 full false People of Pearland - Episode 9 - Paul Yeates People of Pearland - Episode 9 - Paul Yeates City of Pearland Buzzsprout-13513668 Fri, 01 Sep 2023 14:00:00 -0500 3714 1 9 full false People of Pearland - Episode 8 - Jacob Johnson People of Pearland - Episode 8 - Jacob Johnson Listen to our conversation with Jacob Johnson, how he became a fire fighter, and what gets him going every day.

]]> Listen to our conversation with Jacob Johnson, how he became a fire fighter, and what gets him going every day.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-13336631 Wed, 02 Aug 2023 08:00:00 -0500 5250 1 8 full false People of Pearland - Episode 7 - Mayor Emeritus Tom Reid People of Pearland - Episode 7 - Mayor Emeritus Tom Reid Listen to an interview with Mayor Emeritus Tom Reid recorded at the end of his last term in office.

]]> Listen to an interview with Mayor Emeritus Tom Reid recorded at the end of his last term in office.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-13175165 Thu, 06 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0500 4157 1 7 full false People of Pearland - Episode 6 - Mychal Mitchell People of Pearland - Episode 6 - Mychal Mitchell Get to know Recreation Operations Manager Mychal Mitchell on this episode of the People of Pearland podcast.

]]> Get to know Recreation Operations Manager Mychal Mitchell on this episode of the People of Pearland podcast.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-12993692 Tue, 06 Jun 2023 23:00:00 -0500 3808 1 6 full false People of Pearland - Episode 5 - Vance Wyly People of Pearland - Episode 5 - Vance Wyly Learn about Community Development Assistant Director for the City of Pearland, and what his role contributes to this great community.

]]> Learn about Community Development Assistant Director for the City of Pearland, and what his role contributes to this great community.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-12759615 Mon, 01 May 2023 13:00:00 -0500 2647 1 5 full false People of Pearland - Episode 4 - Mary Kate Ward People of Pearland - Episode 4 - Mary Kate Ward City of Pearland Buzzsprout-12588136 Tue, 04 Apr 2023 15:00:00 -0500 2203 1 4 full false People of Pearland - Episode 3 - Erin Coleman People of Pearland - Episode 3 - Erin Coleman In this episode we talk with Records Manager Erin Coleman about her job here at the City, games she likes to play in her spare time, and geology jokes.

]]> In this episode we talk with Records Manager Erin Coleman about her job here at the City, games she likes to play in her spare time, and geology jokes.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-12170563 Fri, 03 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0600 2034 1 3 full false People of Pearland - Episode 2 - Dante Prescod People of Pearland - Episode 2 - Dante Prescod A conversation with Right of Way Superintendent Dante Prescod from Pearland Engineering and Public Works.

]]> A conversation with Right of Way Superintendent Dante Prescod from Pearland Engineering and Public Works.

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-11788215 Wed, 01 Feb 2023 08:00:00 -0600 2102 1 2 full false People of Pearland - Episode 1 - Meredith Jaso People of Pearland - Episode 1 - Meredith Jaso A conversation with Pearland Police Officer Meredith Jaso

]]> A conversation with Pearland Police Officer Meredith Jaso

]]> City of Pearland Buzzsprout-11789461 Wed, 04 Jan 2023 09:00:00 -0600 1654 1 1 full false