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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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes181Founded3 years ago
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Artwork for bigcitysmalltown

Latest Episodes

This week on bigcitysmalltown, the conversation turns to the Youth Orchestras of San Antonio (YOSA) at a pivotal moment in its history. As YOSA prepares for its 50th anniversary and the opening of its first permanent home, the discussion examines the... more

YouTube

This week on bigcitysmalltown, the focus shifts to homelessness in San Antonio—an issue that remains top-of-mind for both policymakers and residents, despite substantial public and private investment.

Bob welcomes Rhonda Mundhenk, who recently stepp... more

YouTube

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we sit down with U.S. District Judge Fred Biery, a San Antonio local who has served 32 years on the federal bench. Known for his distinctive, often witty legal opinions, Judge Biery offers a candid look into the realiti... more

YouTube

This week on bigcitysmalltown, we visit Clementine, a family-owned restaurant in Castle Hills that has quietly become a fixture for neighborhood dining and local sourcing in San Antonio. Bob Rivard sits down with Chef John Russ to discuss the realiti... more

Key Facts

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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
Ron Nirenberg
Former Mayor of San Antonio; author
The Education of a Texas Public Servant (author)
Episode: 176. The Education of a Texas Public Servant: Ron Nirenberg's Memoir and Vision for Bexar County
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

Hosts

Bob Rivard
Host focusing on San Antonio's development, policy, and culture; long-time local journalist and commentator.
Cory Ames
Host and moderator with a focus on in-depth interviews and regional issues.

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 States2 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.

Guests bring diverse viewpoints, keeping coverage balanced and engaging.
Listeners appreciate deep dives with local context and practical takeaways.
Cities and politics feel closer to home and more informed after each episode.
The host's local network and insight help illuminate San Antonio's complexities.

Top Society & Culture Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
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This American Life
This American LifeThis American Life
The Ezra Klein Show
The Ezra Klein ShowNew York Times Opinion
Sword and Scale
Sword and ScaleSword and Scale
Behind the Bastards
Behind the BastardsCool Zone Media and iHeartPodcasts
Determined Society with Shawn French | Adversity & Mindset
Determined Society with Shawn French | Adversity & MindsetShawn French | Adversity & Determination Expert
Freakonomics Radio
Freakonomics RadioFreakonomics Radio + Stitcher
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
The Way I Heard It with Mike RoweThe Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Modern Wisdom
Modern WisdomChris Williamson

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 center of gravity is San Antonio-focused, examining local policy, urban development, journalism, public affairs, and cultural topics through in-depth conversations with city leaders, journalists, educators, and nonprofit and business figures. Episodes frequently explore governance, infrastructure, green space, education access, housing, and the regional economy, all with an eye toward making the city more sustainable, educated, equitable, and prosperous. Notable strengths include long-form interviews, strong ties to regional institutions, and a track record of bringing together diverse perspectives to illuminate local issues that matter to residents and professionals alike.

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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 Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
4. The Interview
5. The Ezra Klein Show

How many episodes of bigcitysmalltown are there?

bigcitysmalltown launched 3 years ago and published 181 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact bigcitysmalltown?

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What guests have appeared on bigcitysmalltown?

Recent guests on bigcitysmalltown include:

1. John Russ
2. Ron Nirenberg
3. Claudia Zapata
4. William Bill McManus
5. Charlie Amato
6. Gary Dudley
7. Antonio Garza Jr.
8. Ashley Alvarado

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