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bigcitysmalltown with Bob Rivard

Bob Rivard
San Antonio
Community Engagement
Education
Economic Development
Homelessness
Bexar County
Covid-19
Infrastructure
Texas
Public Education
Immigration
Workforce Development
Corazón Ministries
Housing Affordability
Orchestra Of San Antonio
Entrepreneurship
Climate Change
Public School Funding
Mexico
Affordable Housing

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes188Founded3 years ago
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Latest Episodes

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we take a closer look at one of San Antonio’s cornerstone cultural institutions as it enters its centennial year—the Witte Museum. Marking 100 years since its founding in 1926, the Witte continues to serve as the city’s... more

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we look at how UT San Antonio's Klesse College of Engineering is driving new ambition among San Antonio students—and earning global attention in the process. 

As UT San Antonio continues its evolution into a Tier 1 res... more

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This week on bigcitysmalltown, we take a close look at the evolution of solar energy in San Antonio, a city that now leads Texas and ranks among the top five in the nation for solar capacity. As CPS Energy’s long-running rebate programs wind down and... more

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we examine how San Antonio is preparing for—and managing—the increasing threat of extreme heat. As another sweltering summer grips the city, heat is no longer just an annual inconvenience but a growing risk to public he... more

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Recent Guests

John Russ
Chef, Clementine (guest on site)
Clementine
Episode: 177. Staying Small in San Antonio: How Clementine Found Success Without Expansion
Claudia Zapata
Registered dietitian; Diplomacy Diet founder
Diplomacy Diet / Diplomacy Diet website
Episode: 175. Claudia Zapata's Advice on Eating Well, Staying Active, and Living Healthier in San Antonio
William Bill McManus
San Antonio Police Chief, longtime leader of SAPD
San Antonio Police Department
Episode: 174. Twenty Years at SAPD: Chief Bill McManus on Recruiting, ICE, and Who Comes Next
Charlie Amato
Chairman, SWBC; co-founder
SWBC
Episode: 173. Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley on Building SWBC — and Betting on San Antonio for 50 Years
Gary Dudley
President, SWBC; co-founder
SWBC
Episode: 173. Charlie Amato and Gary Dudley on Building SWBC — and Betting on San Antonio for 50 Years
Antonio Garza Jr.
Former United States Ambassador to Mexico (2002–2009); lawyer and advisor
White & Case (Mexico City)
Episode: 172. Ambassador Tony Garza on Mexico, Trade, and What San Antonio Gets Right
Ashley Alvarado
From Texas Public Radio
Texas Public Radio
Episode: 171. Texas Public Radio and the San Antonio Report Are Merging — Here's Why
Angie Mock
From The San Antonio Report
San Antonio Report
Episode: 171. Texas Public Radio and the San Antonio Report Are Merging — Here's Why
Abel Chávez
President of Our Lady of the Lake University
Our Lady of the Lake University
Episode: 170. Don Graham and Dr. Abel Antonio Chávez on Journalism, Our Lady of the Lake, and Why Access to Education Changes Everything

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 Statesa year 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 States3 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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Behind the Bastards
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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

175. Claudia Zapata's Advice on Eating Well, Staying Active, and Living Healthier in San Antonio
Q: How does the Diplomacy Diet work for someone who wants to start incorporating healthier choices without feeling overwhelmed?
Claudia explains that the Diplomacy Diet is about negotiating with yourself and your environment, prioritizing protein and vegetables, planning meals, and making the healthy choice the easy choice, with room for occasional indulgences.
176. The Education of a Texas Public Servant: Ron Nirenberg's Memoir and Vision for Bexar County
Q: How did your personal experiences, including family and setbacks, shape your approach to public service and decisions in office?
Family experiences, especially the loss of Sophia, shaped my leadership lens toward equity, long-term stability, and a commitment to creating a community where every child can thrive.
176. The Education of a Texas Public Servant: Ron Nirenberg's Memoir and Vision for Bexar County
Q: What are your thoughts as the former mayor and, in my view, soon to be county judge about public health spending at the city and county level?
We should continue to strengthen the public health infrastructure, reduce duplication, and find sustainable funding sources beyond federal relief dollars to ensure essential services endure after crises.
174. Twenty Years at SAPD: Chief Bill McManus on Recruiting, ICE, and Who Comes Next
Q: How has dealing with homelessness been reframed by the city and the police department?
The approach shifted from one of enforcement to a collaborative, service-oriented model that uses the Haven and other facilities, provides options, and attempts to move encampments with offers of help while balancing safety and resources.
174. Twenty Years at SAPD: Chief Bill McManus on Recruiting, ICE, and Who Comes Next
Q: What is your view on recruiting future leaders from within the SAPD versus hiring externally?
There will be many internal applicants, but the council's direction and a formal search will determine whether internal candidates or external ones lead next; both paths are possible depending on the community's needs.

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. The Daily
4. Freakonomics Radio
5. This American Life

How many episodes of bigcitysmalltown are there?

bigcitysmalltown launched 3 years ago and published 188 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. John Russ
2. Claudia Zapata
3. William Bill McManus
4. Charlie Amato
5. Gary Dudley
6. Antonio Garza Jr.
7. Ashley Alvarado
8. Angie Mock

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