Let's Talk Local

Join Sarah Zubiate Bennett as she brings her passion for interior design to life in this stunning new episode. Sarah sits down with some seasoned pros at Texas Counter Fitters, home to some of the most awe-inspiring natural stone slabs around. Together, they explore the latest innovations in design — from textures and tones to tech-forward trends reshaping the way we live and decorate. Whether you’re a design enthusiast or...

Local elections are right around the corner, and Let’s Talk Local is your go-to source for getting to know the people aiming to shape the future of Dallas. In this episode, we sit down with Bill Roth, a candidate for Dallas City Council District 11. Known for his no-nonsense approach and clear focus, Bill shares his vision for making Dallas a more vibrant, effective, and community-centered city. He’s the first of several c...

Elizabeth Matus isn’t running for City Council in District 5 because she’s looking for something to do—her resume is already full! She’s stepping up because she believes Pleasant Grove deserves more, and she’s ready to help make that happen. A lifelong resident, Elizabeth’s connection to the community runs deep, and her passion for making it better is what’s driving her campaign. Her story is one we think a lot of people w...

Early voting kicks off soon—are you ready to make your voice heard in the local elections? Local government plays a big role in shaping our everyday lives, and your vote truly matters. In this episode, we’re helping you get to know one of the new voices hoping to represent our community. Meet Ernest Banda, a District 9 city council candidate who describes himself as a “common sense” thinker ready to bring practical solutio...

Are you ready for early voting or election day? Every vote plays a critical role in shaping the future of Dallas—and the time to get informed is now. In this episode of Behind the Ballot, we introduce you to Machelle Wells, candidate for Dallas City Council District 6. With a deep commitment to service and a passion for community, Machelle shares her vision for bringing authentic, people-first leadership to City Hall. Her ...

At Let’s Talk Local, we’re working hard to connect you with the people who want to represent you—especially with the upcoming City Council election on May 3. We know how important it is to feel informed and confident when you vote, and that’s why we’re excited to introduce you to one of the candidates for District 7: Jose Rivas.

Jose has already served our country in the military, and now he’s hoping to bring that same ...

Hey Dallas! 🎙️ Let’s Talk Local is going weekly, and we’re turning up the volume on everything that makes our city shine—big stories, hidden gems, and all the local flavor.

First up: we’re diving into the vintage vibes at Dolly Python and Vintage Martini—two spots so cool, don’t be surprised if you bump into Gigi Hadid or Leon Bridges.

But it’s not just about looking good—fashion is big biz here. Women’s clothing st...

Dallas City Council member Chad West is back on the campaign trail and joining Let’s Talk Local to tackle the biggest issues facing District 1. From housing density and parking reform to the Texas Ethics Commission’s investigation into his campaign spending—no topic is off-limits, no matter how difficult the conversation. After the interview, we hit the streets of Oak Cliff to visit some of Chad’s favorite neighborhood spo...

Len Critcher isn’t just reviving Dallas’ most iconic hangouts—he’s also diving into robotics, ranching, and a whole lot more. In this episode, Sarah catches up with Len at the freshly renovated Milo Butterfingers, a beloved SMU staple, to talk about his incredible career and the magic of bringing legendary spots back to life. But the adventure doesn’t stop there! She wraps up the night at Chelsea Corner, another one of Len...

Dallas-Fort Worth is booming, and with that growth comes a real estate market poised to be one of the biggest in the country. But what really drives homebuyers’ decisions? It’s about so much more than fancy countertops and high-end appliances. In this episode, we dive deep into the market with two top experts—Candy Evans of CandysDirt.com and luxury home builder and real estate agent Harrison Polsky. Plus, we take you insi...

Dallas is at a crossroads—so is it time for a fresh start at City Hall? Filmmaker and local watchdog Damien LeVeck, better known as Dallas En Fuego, thinks so. He’s been digging deep into the city’s biggest issues, and what he’s uncovered might surprise you. We break it all down in this eye-opening episode.

Plus, looking to impress this Valentine’s Day? Sarah shares a must-try sangria mocktail that’s perfect for your va...

In this episode, Sarah tackles the unsettling reality of feeling too safe in your bubble—until something shatters that sense of security. From chilling incidents in Highland Park to a terrifying moment where a 911 call went unanswered, Sarah explores what happens when we let our guard down. It’s a wake-up call about the importance of staying vigilant and taking responsibility for protecting ourselves and our loved ones. La...

The results are in, and big changes are coming to Dallas with the adoption of Propositions S and U. While some are celebrating, others are raising concerns—and we’re here to unpack it all.

In this episode, we sit down with two key voices: former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Dallas HERO supporter Monty Bennett, for an insightful discussion on what these changes mean for our city.

But we’re not stopping there! Join us ...

Planning a gathering doesn’t have to be stressful—Let’s Talk Local is here to make it easy! In this special episode, Sarah Zubiate Bennett shares hosting tips, tricks, and hacks to help you throw a great event, no matter the size. Sarah brings together guests from different backgrounds to share their secrets for hosting success. Get ready for some laughs, surprises, and a moment that leaves one guest stunned while the rest...

In the premiere episode of Let’s Talk Local, host Sarah Zubiate Bennett sits down with newly retired Assistant Police Chief Reuben Ramirez to reflect on his 30-year career with the Dallas Police Department. Together, they dive into the challenges facing the department, including one issue many might not expect. Later, the episode celebrates fresh beginnings with a spotlight on Boxed Bites in Preston Center—a must-visit for...

In this episode, Sarah sits down with Mark Moses, author of The Municipal Financial Crisis, to dive deep into the alarming financial mismanagement in the City of Dallas. With a $38 million deficit, millions spent on underperforming services like DART, and critical shortages in funding for vital assets such as more police officers, the conversation reveals the biggest challenges facing the city today. How can Dallas find a ...