Deconstructing Dallas

Deconstructing Dallas

Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble deconstruct politics, government, sports, entertainment current events, all things Dallas and all things Texas. An Allyn Media production. Deconstructing Dallas has garnered multiple awards. The podcast was internationally recognized with a 2021 Hermes Creative Award and a 2021 Communicator Award, and was part of Allyn Media's work that helped the firm win D CEO's Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards 2021 for Equity Leadership, out of fellow finalists the Boston Consulting Group, Cardinal Health Sonexus Access and Patient Support, Texas Instrument and Dallas Mavericks.

Episodes

March 19, 2026 30 mins
This week on “Deconstructing Dallas,” Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams sit down with Mahiri Takai — creator, branding strategist and founder of “Cook, Dad, Cook.”

Mahiri shares his journey from South Dallas to working alongside Jimmy Fallon and Bozoma Saint John, and how that experience helped shape his approach to branding, storytelling and business.

The conversation dives into:
  • The difference between branding and marketing — and ...
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Interview begins @ 7:05

In this on-site episode of “Deconstructing Dallas,” Shawn and Ryan head to Oak Cliff to celebrate a major milestone — 15 years of Lockhart Smokehouse.

Before diving into brisket, the hosts cover what’s happening around Dallas: momentum at the Dallas Regional Chamber with new leader Brad Cheves, Winter Olympics, Vista Bank Academy’s Banking & Breakfast featuring State Senator Royce West and a reminder that ...
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Interview begins @8:23 

Hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams return with another lively episode of “Deconstructing Dallas” — featuring a special on-location interview with Dallas Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux at Dallas Police Headquarters.Before the interview, Ryan and Shawn kick things off with their signature mix of fun, honesty and sports talk — including Shawn’s confession about multitasking through a Chelsea match during work...
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It’s the Holiday Edition of Deconstructing Dallas, recorded live at the Allyn Holiday Happy Hour from the Allyn Worldwide Headquarters at Turtle Creek Village. Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams celebrate the season with local holiday traditions, behind-the-scenes party moments, and quick-hit conversations with three standout Dallas leaders: Jennifer Sanders (Dallas Innovation Alliance), former Mayor Pro Tem Tennel Atkins, and Warren ...
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Interview Begins @6:50
Episode Summary:
In this on-site video episode of “Deconstructing Dallas,” Shawn and Ryan sit down inside the George W. Bush Institute with one of the region’s most respected economic thinkers — Dr. Cullum Clark, Director of the Bush Institute, SMU Economic Growth Initiative and adjunct economics professor at SMU.
Dr. Clark shares his remarkable journey from a long career in investment management to earning a Ph...
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 Episode Summary:
In this special first-ever video episode of “Deconstructing Dallas”, Shawn and Ryan sit down with Dr. Justin Lonon, Chancellor of Dallas College, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, education and the role of Dallas College in North Texas.Dr. Lonon shares how his journey from small-town Arkansas native to Dallas City Hall staffer shaped his commitment to public service and education. He explains why Dalla...
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In this episode, hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn P. Williams sit down with Ben Leal, President of the Addy Foundation, to explore how philanthropy is shaping North Texas and beyond.Ben shares his journey from government service to nonprofit leadership, and now to guiding one of Dallas’ most intentional family foundations. He opens up about:
  • The Addy Foundation’s mission – how its focus areas (education, healthcare, civic engagement...
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Episode Summary:
In this episode of Deconstructing Dallas, hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams sit down with Jamee Jolly, President & CEO of The Real Estate Council (TREC). From her early days leading the Greater Dallas Restaurant Association to her return to TREC, Jamie shares her journey, her vision for Dallas’ commercial real estate landscape and how the organization is shaping the future of our city.

Interview Begins @6:14

W...
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Ryan Trimble and Shawn P. Williams return to the mic as summer winds down, reflecting on a mild Texas season, back-to-school transitions, and the role Walmart plays in community health with its back-to-school fairs. They also celebrate Dallas ISD’s significant progress in accountability ratings and highlight local successes across the city.The heart of this episode is a conversation with Randall Bryant, Vice Chair of the DART Board...
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Interview Begins @ 8:26
In this high-energy episode, hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn P. Williams sit down with longtime friend and SMU legend Flip Croft Caderao — founder of Cali Sober, the THC-infused mocktail brand shaking up the beverage world.Flip takes us on his unconventional journey from studying theater to running a marketing agency, diving into the cannabis industry and ultimately creating a legal, alcohol-free alternative tha...
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Dallas native and longtime police officer Joe King joins Ryan and Shawn for a candid conversation about mental health in law enforcement, the evolution of officer wellness programs and how his top-ranked podcast is helping bridge the divide between the badge and the community.

As a 28-year veteran of the Dallas Police Department and a leader in the Assist the Officer Foundation, Joe is on the frontlines of culture change — challengi...
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💧 Episode Summary:

In the wake of devastating floods in Texas, Shawn and Ryan sit down with the passionate and multi-talented David Marquis — playwright, environmentalist and author of The River Always Wins. Known as “the water whisperer,” Marquis brings deep insight into Texas’ water challenges and the emotional, cultural and political dimensions of conservation.From personal stories about growing up in Dust Bowl-era Lubbock to ad...
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🌳 Episode Summary:
In this episode, Shawn and Ryan sit down with Molly Morgan, the Texas Executive Director of the Trust for Public Land, to explore how parks are transforming Dallas communities — one green space at a time. From her early days as a landscape architecture intern to leading multimillion-dollar campaigns, Molly shares how equitable park access is improving quality of life and advancing health, community, and sustainab...
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Interview Begins @ 10:50 mark

🎧 Episode Summary:
In this high-energy episode, Shawn and Ryan kick things off with a moment of fashion déjà vu — realizing they showed up in coordinated blue blazers (again). That sparks a fun conversation on workplace style, standout accessories and a shoutout to Judge Dominique Torres Williams for suggesting the perfect Jackie Robinson hat for Shawn. From there, the conversation moves into purpose-dr...
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     🎧 In This Episode: (Interview begins @ 6:35)


    🏠 Studio Dreams & Summer Adventures:
    Ryan and Shawn kick things off with visions of a new studio, talk about office refreshes and share a big summer adventure update—including a shout-out to 13-year-old Beckett Potter, who just earned his associate’s degree from Dallas College! A Doogie Howser moment, indeed!

    🌟 Special Guest: Cece Cox, CEO of Resource Center
    Cece shares her journey f...
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    🏞️ Episode OverviewIn this inspiring episode, Ryan and Shawn sit down with longtime friend and Director of Dallas Park and Recreation Department John Jenkins to talk about the incredible progress of Dallas Parks and Recreation. From a rising national ParkScore to summer programming that changes lives, this episode celebrates the green spaces that bring Dallas together and the man helping lead that charge.

    Interview begins at 6:40

    ✨ ...
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    How do you turn a bold vision into lasting change?
    In this inspiring episode of Deconstructing Dallas, hosts Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble sit down with Wil McCall, President of the Dallas Leadership Foundation, for a powerful conversation on transformational leadership and grassroots impact.

    Before diving into the interview, Shawn and Ryan catch up on a few local highlights—from the futuristic Walmart drone delivery system to Dall...
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    Description:
    What happens when a massive pile of toxic waste shows up in your backyard—and no one seems to care? Dr. Marsha Jackson found herself at the center of an environmental justice battle when "Shingle Mountain" loomed over her southern Dallas neighborhood. Join hosts Shawn Williams and Ryan Trimble for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Jackson, Founder & Executive Director of Southern Sector Rising, as she shares her jo...
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    Stepping into the frostiest stretch of the Dallas winter, Deconstructing Dallas hosts Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams kick off the episode in style—Ryan sporting an SMU beanie from Young Kings Clothing and Shawn wrapped in a vintage Texas A&M bomber jacket. After swapping stories about surprise snow flurries and icy roads, they sit down with Jennifer Bartkowski, the dynamic CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.

    A lifelong Girl ...
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    The dynamic duo of Ryan Trimble and Shawn Williams are back for an electrifying 8th season of Deconstructing Dallas! After being named one of the Top 20 podcasts (#17) in the city, they’re ready to deliver another lineup of can't-miss episodes.

    Interview starts at 10:00

    In this season premiere, Ryan sits down with Monica Paul, the Executive Director of the Dallas Sports Commission, who’s been pivotal in transforming Dallas into a pre...
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