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bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard

Bob Rivard
San Antonio
Community Engagement
Education
Economic Development
Homelessness
Bexar County
Covid-19
Texas
Infrastructure
Geekdom
San Antonio, United States
Public Education
Immigration
Workforce Development
Corazón Ministries
Housing Affordability
Orchestra Of San Antonio
Entrepreneurship
Climate Change
Launch SA

The bigcitysmalltown podcast, hosted by Bob Rivard, is dedicated to telling the stories of San Antonians working to make the city a more sustainable, better educated, equitable and prosperous city. We want San Antonio to become a destination city for talented and creative people, and a city where young people born or raised here want to build their futures here. We embrace diversity, multicultural... more

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Artwork for bigcitysmalltown

Latest Episodes

This week on bigcitysmalltown, the conversation focused on San Antonio’s persistent literacy gap and a local nonprofit working to address it. Literature Matters, founded in 2021, is dedicated to making both books and representation accessible to all ... more

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, the conversation focused on leadership transition in San Antonio’s police department, a significant shift for the city after nearly two decades under chief McManus. As newly appointed Chief Jesse Salame Jr. takes the re... more

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, the conversation focused on the intersection of art, business, and community in San Antonio’s music scene through the story of Doc Watkins and the evolution of Jazz Texas at the Pearl. Now celebrating its 10th anniversa... more

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine the current landscape and future direction of economic development in San Antonio, focusing on the interplay between attracting new employers and creating long-term opportunities for local residents. Host Cor... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Doc Watkins
San Antonio pianist, bandleader, entrepreneur, and author of Jazz Texas
Jazz, TX
Episode: 194. Doc Watkins on 10 Years of Jazz, TX, His New Memoir, and the Business of Live Music
Leo Gomez
CEO of the Brooks Development Authority
Brooks Development Authority
Episode: 193. What Makes a Good Job? Greater:SATX and Brooks on How San Antonio Picks Its Economic Partners
Sarah Carabias-Rush
President and CEO of Greater:SATX
Greater:SATX
Episode: 193. What Makes a Good Job? Greater:SATX and Brooks on How San Antonio Picks Its Economic Partners
Leo Davila
Chef leading Essencia and Anacacho at St. Anthony Hotel
St. Anthony Hotel, Essencia, Anacacho
Episode: 192. From 8 Tables to the St. Anthony: Chef Leo Davila on Bringing San Antonians Back Downtown to Eat
Charles Woodin
CEO of Geekdom since 2019
Geekdom
Episode: 191. San Antonio Joins MIT's REAP Program: Geekdom's Charles Woodin on Building a Startup Ecosystem That Stays
Ben Masters
Texas filmmaker famous for Unbranded, The River and the Wall, Deep in the Heart
Ben Masters Films / Texas wildlife conservation
Episode: 190. Filmmaker Ben Masters on Texas Rivers, What We've Lost, and What We Can Get Back
Johnny Garcia
Sheriff's Deputy running as Democratic candidate for Congressional District 35
Democratic candidate for Texas 35
Episode: 189. Barbacoa, Big Red, and Blue-Collar Votes: Johnny Garcia’s Vision for Texas’ 35th Congressional District
Duke Reiter
Distinguished architect, urban designer, educator, and founder of Ten Across
Ten Across; Arizona State University
Episode: 188. Duke Reiter on What Phoenix Can Teach San Antonio About Water, Heat, and Downtown Universities
Michelle Cuellar Everidge
President & CEO of the Witte Museum
Witte Museum
Episode: 187. The Witte Museum at 100: Michelle Cuellar Everidge on Creating "the Most Curious Texans Yet"

Hosts

Bob Rivard
Host of the show and Big City Small Town podcast; longtime San Antonio journalist and civic commentator
Cory Ames
Co-host and moderator; oversees interview flow and show structure

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 79 ratings
  • Helped me vote for mayor

    There are 27 candidates running for mayor. Thank goodness for this podcast and being able to listen to the top contenders in depth. I really appreciate having this locally focused podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Annie5111978
    United States2 years ago
  • Always interesting and informative!

    I’ve been following Bob Rivard’s work since The Rivard Report. The detail and depth he brings to each story and episode is an expression of the passion he has for his work. I listen regularly, even to episodes that don’t seem initially all that interesting to me, because his work always inspires me to broaden my interests in, and to engage with, my community and beyond! Definitely worth a follow if you live, ever lived, and/or love San Antonio, Texas, or of well done and informative content!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    FranciscoG1
    United States3 years ago
  • San Antonio on tap!!!!

    If you live in San Antonio, this podcast is a must listen. Rivard’s cultivated perspective of our city, and network in San Antonio translates to an informative and thought provoking podcast. However most importantly Big City Small Town host conversations that should be heard and had all over San Antonio. Subscribe. Subscribe. Subscribe.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cblank92
    United States3 years ago
  • Thanks!

    I have thoroughly enjoyed every episode. Keep up the good work.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Roy lover of music
    United States4 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Locally focused and informative with in-depth looks at San Antonio figures.
A must-listen for residents who want to understand city growth, governance, and local business.
Depth and detail from a host with strong community ties; great for San Antonio listeners.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

194. Doc Watkins on 10 Years of Jazz, TX, His New Memoir, and the Business of Live Music
Q: Do you think it's also because in the United States of America, unlike other countries with highly developed Western cultures, we don't publicly subsidize it, whereas if you go over to Europe or anywhere in Latin America, where, incidentally, in both cultures, private philanthropy plays a much lesser role?
Watkins argues that arts funding reflects different cultural and political systems, and that San Antonio needed an honest discussion about whether orchestras can rely on ticket sales and private donations. He says the symphony's challenges involve leadership and management as well as inconsistent public support.
194. Doc Watkins on 10 Years of Jazz, TX, His New Memoir, and the Business of Live Music
Q: Are you spreading yourself too thin by saying, I'm going to go all the way up to Chicago and somehow put my personal imprint on a club in a different city in a different state?
Watkins says the expansion will test how the company can grow while keeping each club bespoke and personal. He acknowledges the risk of overextending himself and says the balance is still to be worked out.
193. What Makes a Good Job? Greater:SATX and Brooks on How San Antonio Picks Its Economic Partners
Q: Where do you all think we're at in the trajectory of San Antonio's economic development?
Sarah Carabias-Rush says the region is well positioned, with partners, talent and strong manufacturing prospects, but needs more shovel-ready sites. She also stresses building momentum in other sectors to diversify the economy and strengthen long-term resilience.
193. What Makes a Good Job? Greater:SATX and Brooks on How San Antonio Picks Its Economic Partners
Q: What types of jobs are you hoping to bring to San Antonio?
Sarah Carabias-Rush says Greater:SATX prioritizes industries suited to the region and jobs across education levels that offer competitive wages and benefits. Advanced manufacturing is a major focus, along with cybersecurity, life sciences, professional and financial services, and corporate headquarters recruitment.
183. Nearly Half of Bexar County Families Struggle: Behind the ALICE Data with United Way
Q: What would you say to policymakers about addressing ALICE in the next budget cycle?
Focus on long-term, collaborative solutions that reduce barriers across transportation, childcare, and training, backstopped by sustained investment rather than short-term funding, and use ALICE data to target aid where it's most needed across districts.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About bigcitysmalltown

What is bigcitysmalltown about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show concentrates on San Antonio's local economy, governance, culture, and civic life, featuring in-depth conversations with business leaders, policymakers, journalists, and city builders. Episodes frequently explore urban development, public policy, infrastructure, education, and community initiatives, often anchored by a San Antonio–centric perspective and a focus on practical impact for residents and local ecosystems. A notable strength is its ability to bring high-profile local figures and longtime stakeholders into sustained, story-driven discussions, giving listeners actionable context about how decisions shape the city's future. For potential listeners, expect thoughtful, locally grounded storytelling that connects politics, busi... more

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Which podcasts are similar to bigcitysmalltown?

These podcasts share a similar audience with bigcitysmalltown:

1. Beyond the Bite
2. ENside Politics
3. Still Counting
4. The Daily
5. The NPR Politics Podcast

How many episodes of bigcitysmalltown are there?

bigcitysmalltown launched 4 years ago and published 197 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on bigcitysmalltown?

Recent guests on bigcitysmalltown include:

1. Doc Watkins
2. Leo Gomez
3. Sarah Carabias-Rush
4. Leo Davila
5. Charles Woodin
6. Ben Masters
7. Johnny Garcia
8. Duke Reiter

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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