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Student Voices of the Hill Country

Student Voices of the Hill Country: A Schreiner Student Pod Series: Season 2 – Into the Media Verse: Film Director Trivia, Favorites, and What Makes Movies Work

Welcome to Season 2 of the Student Voices of the Hill Country: A Schreiner Student Pod Series. In this series, we continue to explore the lives, views, and observations of Schreiner Students. In this Episode 1, we look at Into the Media Verse: Film Director Trivia, Favorites, and What Makes Movies Work.

Host Austin and cohosts Phoebe and Heath launch their first episode with a true/false director trivia segment, including Titanic—James Cameron; The Empire Strikes Back—Irvin Kershner; “Sinners”—Ryan Coogler, and discuss favorite films, Mission: Impossible—Fallout, The Sandlot, “Revenge of the Fifth”. They compare older directors such as Alfred Hitchcock, Mel Brooks, John Ford, and newer directors, including James Gunn, J.J. Abrams, and Steven Spielberg, emphasizing that successful films depend on aligned writing, directing, producing, and crew execution, plus appropriate casting and research. The conversation critiques sequels, reboots, live-action remakes, and inconsistent adaptations, and it also examines the risks posed by writer strikes, citing examples across franchises such as Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Marvel/DC, Borderlands, Fast & Furious, Riverdale, and Stranger Things. They close by naming preferred films from selected directors, including Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, Star Trek, and Guardians of the Galaxy.

Key highlights:

  • Movie Directors
  • Nostalgia and Superheroes
  • Franchises Going Off Rails
  • Disney Remakes And Musicals
  • Writing From Scratch And Reboots

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⁠⁠Hill Country Authors Podcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠Hill Country Artists Podcast⁠⁠

⁠⁠Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

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The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast: Schreiner University’s Jane Ragsdale Memorial Polo Celebration: Honoring Legacy and Funding the Equestrian Team

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. In this episode, host Tom Fox speaks with Sage Walter about the upcoming Jane Ragsdale Memorial Polo Celebration, which will be held at Camp Stewart in Hunt, Texas, on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The event honors longtime Schreiner Board member Jane Ragsdale, who was lost in the July 4 flood, and raises funds to build an endowment for Schreiner’s equestrian team led by head coach Ashley Brune, whose riders compete through IHSA against larger universities and have recently attended a national qualifier. Sage outlines event logistics and programming, including sponsor/VIP tents, general admission options, halftime equestrian demonstrations, hat contest, divot stomping, polo basics, parking details, and “rain or shine” execution. VIP and sponsorships are sold out, with general admission still available, and attendees are advised on smart-casual polo attire.

Highlights include:

  • Meet the Equestrian Team
  • Remembering Jane Ragsdale
  • Tickets, Weather, and Attire

Resources:

Schreiner University

Jane Ragsdale Memorial Polo Celebration 

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Hill Country Authors Podcast

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Cover Art

Nancy Huffman

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The Hill Country Podcast

Student Voices of the Hill Country: A Schreiner Student Pod Series – Episode 5: Ads and Controversies: Lessons in PR and Marketing

Welcome to a special production of the Hill Country Podcast, a 12-part series in collaboration with the communicators of tomorrow from right here in the Texas Hill Country. The Hill Country Podcast and the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network have partnered with the talented students from Dr. Adolfo Mora’s Communications class at Schreiner University to turn the microphone over to them. Join us each episode as these fresh voices explore critical topics, challenge modern ideas, and provide their unique perspectives on the world of communication.

In this episode, hosts Alina and Bailey are joined by Autumn Pate, a history enthusiast specializing in old advertisements. Together, they delve into the realm of advertising and PR controversies. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted game about distinguishing between makeup and food products, setting the stage for a lively discussion. The episode then explores major controversies, such as the Mario Badescu Healing Cream scandal and the SK-II Essence serum by Procter & Gamble, and examines the unforeseen risks posed by undisclosed ingredients. Autumn shares the infamous New Coke disaster of 1985, highlighting corporate missteps in altering beloved products. The hosts also tackle recent controversies, such as American Eagle’s tone-deaf ad campaign featuring Sidney Sweeney, juxtaposed with Gap’s more inclusive approach. Additional discussions cover the provocative Calvin Klein ads of the 1980s, Childish Gambino’s ‘This is America,’ and the impact of storytelling in modern advertisements. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of strategic communication and the challenges of balancing goodwill with public perception.

 

Key highlights:

  • The New Coke Debacle
  • American Eagle vs. Gap Ad Controversy
  • Calvin Klein’s Controversial Campaign
  • Childish Gambino’s ‘This is America’ Controversy
  • Scented or Sentient: Celebrity Baby Names vs. Luxury Candles
  • Gillette’s Controversial Ad: The Best a Man Can Get

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Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Cover Art

Nancy Huffman

Categories
The Hill Country Podcast

Student Voices of the Hill Country: A Schreiner Student Pod Series – Episode 4: Skip It or Play It: Understanding the Power of Influencer Advertising

Welcome to a special production of the Hill Country Podcast, which is a 12-part series collaboration with the communicators of tomorrow from right here in the Texas Hill Country. The Hill Country Podcast and the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network have partnered with the talented students from Dr. Adolfo Mora’s Communications class at Schreiner University to turn the microphone over to them. Join us each episode as these fresh voices explore critical topics, challenge modern ideas, and provide their unique perspectives on the world of communication.

In this episode of ‘Would You Skip It,’ hosts Pilar and Brianna delve into the captivating world of social media and influencer advertising. They explore how parasocial relationships—one-sided bonds formed between audiences and influencers—impact purchasing decisions. The episode breaks down three key aspects: perceived intimacy, authenticity, and emotional investment, using examples like Emma Chamberlain, Mr. Beast, and Selena Gomez. The discussion aims to unravel why influencer ads often feel more genuine and effective compared to traditional advertisements. By understanding these dynamics, listeners can more effectively navigate the digital marketing landscape and make more informed decisions.

Key highlights:

  • Understanding Parasocial Relationships
  • Perceived Intimacy in Influencer Marketing
  • Authenticity and Trust in Influencer Ads
  • Emotional Investment and Influencer Loyalty
  • Future of Influencer Advertising

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The Hill Country Podcast

Student Voices of the Hill Country: A Schreiner Student Pod Series – Episode 3: Skip It or Play It

Welcome to a special production of The Hill Country Podcast, which is a 12-part series collaboration with the communicators of tomorrow from right here in the Texas Hill Country. The Hill Country Podcast and the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network have partnered with the talented students from Dr. Adolfo Mora’s Communications class at Schreiner University to turn the microphone over to them. Join us each episode as these fresh voices explore critical topics, challenge modern ideas, and provide their unique perspectives on the world of communication.

In this engaging episode of our special series, hosts Pilar, Brianna, and Noah dive into a musical game called ‘Would You Skip It?’. The trio selects and shares songs representing various themes: Happy, Nostalgic, Confident, Love, and Sad. Each host explains their personal connection to the music, while the others decide whether to skip or play the track and explain their reasoning. With a mix of personal anecdotes and a wide range of musical tastes, this episode not only explores the hosts’ musical preferences but also offers a reflective discussion on how songs evoke different emotions and memories. Tune in to discover their thoughts and perhaps find new favorites or revisit old classics.

Key highlights:

  • Happy Songs
  • Nostalgic Songs
  • Confident Songs
  • Gym Songs
  • Love Songs
  • Sad Songs

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The Hill Country Podcast

Student Voices of the Hill Country: A Schreiner Student Pod Series – Episode 1: The Role of Music in Enhancing Film Experiences

Welcome to a special production of the Hill Country Podcast, which is a 12-part series collaboration with the communicators of tomorrow from right here in the Texas Hill Country. The Hill Country Podcast and the Texas Hill Country Podcast Network have partnered with the talented students from Dr. Adolfo Mora’s Communications class at Schreiner University to turn the microphone over to them. Join us each episode as these fresh voices explore critical topics, challenge modern ideas, and provide their unique perspectives on the world of communication.

In this first episode, Carter, Connor, and Nathan discuss how music intensifies the viewer’s experience of different film genres such as drama, romance, and comedy. They explore various aspects such as the psychological effects of instruments, the use of light motifs, and the role music plays in animated and CGI films. The conversation delves into how music enhances storytelling, connects the audience emotionally, and influences cultural perceptions. The hosts provide examples from iconic movies like Star Wars, Toy Story, and the Fast and Furious series, examining how different musical themes contribute to the films’ popularity and impact.

Key highlights:

  • Psychological Impact of Music
  • Mass Media and Music
  • Disney’s Influence on Animation and Music
  • Netflix and Modern Music Integration
  • Exploring the Soundtrack of K-Pop Demon Hunters
  • The Evolution of Happy and Moody Music
  • The Power of Light Motifs in Movies
  • Iconic Themes in Superhero and Action Movies
  • The Emotional Impact of Movie Soundtracks

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Cover Art

Nancy Huffman

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The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast – A Symphony of Healing: A Conversation with Gene Dowdy

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this one of the most unique areas of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes Gene Dowdy, the Director of Music at Schreiner University and conductor of the Symphony of the Hills.

Gene shares his serendipitous journey to becoming a conductor and the importance of succession planning in organizations. He also discusses the profound role music plays in promoting healing and community wellness, emphasizing initiatives that involve music and health. Additionally, Gene provides an overview of the Symphony of the Hills’ upcoming 25th anniversary season, highlighting the planned concerts and their significance. The episode underscores the symphony’s commitment to community engagement and highlights the emotional power of music.

Key highlights:

  • Gene Dowdy’s Journey to Becoming a Conductor
  • The Power of Music in Healing
  • Symphony of the Hills: Upcoming Season

Resources:

Symphony of the Hills Kerrville

Professor Eugene Dowdy at Schreiner University

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The Hill Country Podcast – From Small Town Dreams to College Baseball: Noah Ochoa’s Journey

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, we have guest host RJ Ochoa from Schreiner University, who sits down with his older brother, Noah Ochoa, to discuss Noah’s extensive baseball journey.

Noah shares his experiences playing baseball from high school in Loveland to various college levels, including EPCC, University of Arkansas Fort Smith, and Schreiner University. They delve into his recruitment process, the challenges of JUCO ball, and the transition to a four-year college program. The conversation also touches on the emotional culmination of their baseball journey, playing together in Noah’s final college season. Additionally, they discuss the impact of the transfer portal, handling setbacks, and plans post-baseball, offering insights and advice for aspiring athletes facing similar challenges.

Key highlights:

  • High School Baseball Journey
  • Recruitment, Challenges, and Experiences in JUCO
  • Transition to the University of Arkansas Fort Smith
  • Adapting to New Challenges at Schreiner University
  • Life After and a Lesson from Baseball
  • Advice for Future Athletes

Resources:

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Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country

Rotary Voices of Kerrville

Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Categories
The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast – Resilience and Leadership in Coaching with Jen Hardy

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, Tom welcomes Jen Hardy, who shares her inspiring journey from being a high school soccer player in Austin, Texas, to becoming a successful coach and leader.

Jen talks about her challenging yet transformative experience at Schreiner University, where she transitioned from playing to coaching soccer. She elaborates on how she developed her leadership skills, the lessons learned from coaching, and how she addressed her shortcomings to support her athletes better. After leaving public education, Jen co-leads the Academy of MotivAction, focusing on supporting high-stress professionals in overcoming burnout and building resilience. She also discusses her recent honor of giving the commencement speech at Schreiner University and her key message on the importance of self-identity beyond professional achievements.

Key highlights:

  • Early Life and Journey to Kerrville
  • College Soccer Experience at Schreiner
  • Transition to Teaching and Coaching
  • Coaching Philosophy and Growth
  • Current Career and Business Ventures
  • Commencement Speech and Reflections

Resources:

Jen Hardy on LinkedIn

MotivAction

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Artwork

Nancy Huffman Fine Art

Categories
The Hill Country Podcast

The Hill Country Podcast – Overcoming Adversity: Kiara Garza’s Journey

Welcome to the award-winning The Hill Country Podcast. The Texas Hill Country is one of the most beautiful places on earth. In this podcast, Hill Country resident Tom Fox visits with the people and organizations that make this the most unique area of Texas. This week, we have our first guest host from Schreiner University, RJ Ochoa, who visits with Kiara Garza, a junior from the Class of 2026 and a guard on the Schreiner Women’s basketball team, to discuss her journey from Rio Grande City, TX, to pursue a degree in exercise science.

Garza shares her experiences growing up in a small, close-knit community and how it influenced her personality and aspirations. She delves into her high school basketball career, reaching the Thousand Point Club and transitioning to college basketball with its higher level of competition and maturity. The discussion takes a poignant turn as she recounts her freshman year injury, a severe ankle fracture, and the subsequent challenging recovery period. Despite the setback, her determination, buttressed by a strong support system of family, friends, and teammates, kept her motivated to return to the court. Garza talks about the emotional and physical hurdles she had to overcome and emphasizes the importance of resilience, teamwork, and never giving up on oneself. She also shares her future goals in basketball, plans for PT school, and a personal dream of opening a cafe with karaoke. The episode concludes with Rabell giving heartfelt advice to younger athletes facing setbacks or doubts.

Key highlights:

  • Growing Up in Rio Grande City
  • Transition to College Basketball and Freshman Year Injury-Recovery and Mental Struggles
  • Return to the Court and New Coach
  • Balancing Life as a Student Athlete
  • Advice for Young Athletes

Resources

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Hill Country Authors Podcast

Hill Country Artists Podcast

Texas Hill Country Podcast Network

Reel Creators of the Texas Hill Country

Rotary Voices of Kerrville

Cover Art

Nancy Huffman Fine Art