Season 2

In our year end episode we reflect back on all of our guests "Best Day Ever".  Tune in to find out who was number one and who couldn't get the answer right.

Renfro Foods opened its doors to Fortitude. BP and JW got to visit with Renfro Foods president, Doug Renfro, for an inside look into the legendary company and factory that has been providing Mrs. Renfro's delicious products since 1940. From syrups to chow chow to world famous salsas, the Renfro Family has endured through through it all as they continue to make those products with hard work, determination, and a touch of creativity and humor. If you know, you know. If you don't, you are missing a Fort Worth staple that never disappoints. We may heard been privy to a few family secrets. Enjoy!

Alexander Chandler comes to Fortitude with some unbelievable stories.  Chandler, long time FW realtor, has a family tree like you won't believe.  Beginning with Robert the Bruce to arriving in America in 1498 to George Washington's sister to the founders of San Antonio, you gotta hear this.  One of the largest cattle ranches in Texas, doing business with Pancho Villa, founding Steeplechase, Rivercrest, and FW Boat Club, Chandler's family ties are as thick as the brush that once adorned Tarrant County.  We've only scratched the surface here so please sit down, crack open a cold one, and hear this!!

To say Bill Meadows has been active in business, political and civic life would be an understatement. From Lloyd's of London to Hub International to the Ft. Worth City Council and Mayor Pro-Tem and the director of the Ft. Worth Stock Show and Rodeo or serving as Vice Chair of the North Texas Toll way Authority, we learn how much Bill has given back to the DFW area with his business, political and civic endeavours.

Cannabis 101. Curious about cannabis? The stigma, the culture, legalization, the government, War on Drugs, "the highs and the lows", the future, the history, and is it coming to Texas? Fortitude sits down with expert, Mackie Barch, co-founder of socially conscious cannabis, cultivator, extractor, processor, distributor, and retailer, called Culta in Maryland. Barch answers all our questions and then some. Join us and learn about this thing called Weed. Expand your mind. Everything you'd ever want to know about cannabis. Enjoy!

Markus Kypreos, founder of Blackland Distillery, tends the Fortitude bar. This former attorney, turned chef, turned sommelier, and now distiller, Markus, a local, shares how he created one of FW's fastest growing brands. Looking for a great time, Blackland Distillery reigns as one of city's coolest bars, best distillery's, and best date spots. A fantastic look into the world of alcohol from a hellava cool guy. He even lets us try the juice. Cheers! 

Think you are cool? Chris Cassidy, a retired US Navy Seal and decorated NASA astronaut wins the coolest life story award. Cassidy details his involvement with the US Navy SEALS followed by his three trips to space. From his time in the Space Shuttle, the Soyuz, and on the ISS, Cassidy spent over a year in space recording ten space walks, Cassidy was the subject of a Disney documentary of his mission. He now leads the construction and launch of the new Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington Texas. Check out this fascinating and remarkable life. Go Space!

Marshall Harris, artist extraordinaire, joins Fortitude for a big/little culture lesson. Harris, a former TCU football Hall of Famer turned NFL'er, discovered early on that he had a unique talent for creating art. His creativity bore the legendary Flying TCU logo and we hear the story behind it. His incredible photo-realistic graphite drawings have drawn the attention of collectors worldwide and have garnered him awards o'plenty. He earned accolades for his realistic saddle drawings, but Harris is much broader in scope. Harris details his recent artist residency/mentor project in Paris, France, which changed his life. If you are looking to be wowed, this episode deserves your attention. Let's go art!

Denis Linnik, Fortitude, Cliburn Series, Episode 2. Linnik, 27, Belarus, began playing at age 7, launching a career that has seen him play globally, win multiple pianistic competitions, and most recently compete in the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition. (Add Cliburn tag)  The supremely talented Linnik (Denis Linnik tag) talks music, the Cliburn, Fort Worth, shows off his talent on the piano as well as the mechanical bull. Remember his name. Linnik will impact the classical music world. #beautifulmusic

Dickies Arena President and GM, Matt Homan, stops by Fortitude. Ever been to Dickies Arena? Ever wonder how it all works? Homan explains its history, inner workings, daily grind, scheduling, future, and uniqueness. A fascinating look into Fort Worth's coolest arena and what it takes to make it go. Homan is one of this city's movers and shakers with a passion for entertainment. 

If you've eaten out in Fort Worth there's a good chance you've enjoyed the food of restaurateur Felipe Armenta. From Pacific Table to Press Cafe, Cork & Pig Tavern and the ode to his mother Maria's Mexican Kitchen award winning Chef Armenta has taken his roots in west Texas to a super successful career in DFW.  On this episode he speaks to the beginnings of his career, his vision behind his restaurants and his love of cars.

Road Trip for Fortitude. JW and Brinton took their willingness to try something new to Dallas for the 2022 Fan Expo, the largest event of its kind. No way to describe this scene except, extreme sensory overload. We caught up with the fascinating world of Comics, Sci-Fi, Horror, Anime, Gaming and our personal fav, CosPlay. Cosplay, a world so unique and foreign to us that we had to see it. The 3 day massive event brought celebrities, fans, shoppers, the inquisitive, and thousands of characters all under one roof. The only way to understand it, is to visit, or watch this episode. We interfaced with all things pop culture and some you need to see to believe. We tried out best to fit in but this episode of Fortitude was the craziest ever. 

Former Deputy Assistant of the FBI and owner of the security consulting firm Coulson and Associates, Danny Coulson, drops in for this episode of FORTitude FW.  Danny talks about how he got his start with the FBI,  his first undercover job, the most common way he "caught" guys, how he avoided a hand grenade ending his life, the Waco standoff and how well Tiger Woods took his advice as well as his book "No Heroes: Inside the FBI's Secret Counter-Terror Force".  Truly one of America's hero's, Mr. Coulson's story is a must hear.

JW & Brinton welcome Jacques Marquis to the show where they discuss the amount of practice that each contestant puts into their daily schedule, what winning The Cliburn means to a contestant and if Brinton can finagle a piano for his home.

Please enjoy the best art Fort Worth has to offer.

Hosts of the new Roxo Media House podcast the Signal 51 Chronicles, Jake White and John Henry, join JW & Brinton on this episode of FORTitude FW and talk about why a crime podcast and why now?

Dat Nguyen joins this episode and shares his memories of playing for Bill Parcells, being recruited to Texas A&M, how his family ended up in Rockport Texas and why Chick-fil-A made sense as a business investment.  FORTitude FW - Where the Stories Never Die.
A Fort Worth centric podcast featuring luminaries and everyday Fort Worthians sharing their story.  

Mike Micallef joins the guys on this episode and talks about possible locations opportunities for the relocation of Reata restaurant in downtown Fort Worth.  Mike discusses the start of the restaurant in Alpine, the amount of guests they serve daily and the incredible team that serves those guests.

Larry Cole played professional football for the Dallas Cowboys over the course of three decades, that alone is a story to share.  Lucky for us Larry shared many more stories in this episode of FORTitude FW.  He was a member of teams that went to 5 Super Bowls and has many Dallas Cowboys records that stand to this day.

Santa Claus joins the guys for this Christmas episode of FORTitude FW

Joe Lancarte, co-owner of legendary eatery, Joe T. Garcias serves up its history, growth, operations, facts, future, and some secrets. Joe T’s take an army to run day to day but the Lancartes and Garcias make it look easy. Enjoy the amazing story of Fort Worth’s most famous establishment. When you’re finished, get in line for its #1 seller, cheese enchiladas and a marg. Life is good!.

Dr. Virat Dave, Gastroenterologist, stops down at Fortitude. Gut health, nutrition, obesity, diarrhea, ohh my. Check out this fantastic look at whats happening inside the body, specifically the digestive system. Its not as beautiful as you might think. Virat details the things he's seeing and whats going on inside of us. Enjoy if you dare!

Jonathan Morris, owner of the boutique Hotel Dryce and the Fort Worth Barber Shop as well as star of Self Employed, on The Magnolia Network. This smooth local entrepreneur shares his story about following your dreams and doing it the right way. Jonathan exudes style and grace as he inspires others to think big and never settle. Love this dude! 

Emmet Smith tackles Fortitude. Yes, the original and 95 year old retired organist for TCU invites us into his home. From his arrival at TCU in 1950 to playing for over 2600 weddings and nearly as many funerals, Emmet has some stories you wont believe. The man even built an organ in his house, which he pulls out all the stops for us. Emmet details his years in FW and the people he influenced and music he made. If you've never heard the name, welcome to Earth. This Emmet is a Hall of Famer for sure!

Chann McRae, former professional road cyclist, current cop for Austin PD, and now, new Director for Roxo Racing, Fort Worth's newest professional women's cycling team. McRae raced with powerhouse pro teams Mapei, Mercury-Viatel, and US Postal, where he raced alongside the sport's giants. His successes in the sport accompany a fascinating career. As director of new pro women's team, Roxo Racing, McRae sets his sights on podiums across the US, then the world. If you're a fan of cycling, sports, amazing athletes, or inspiring people, please check out this Fortitude episode. Chann McRae does not disappoint!

Think you are cool? Chris Cassidy, a retired US Navy Seal and decorated NASA astronaut wins the coolest life story award. Cassidy details his involvement with the US Navy SEALS followed by his three trips to space. From his time in the Space Shuttle, the Soyuz, and on the ISS, Cassidy spent over a year in space recording ten space walks, Cassidy was the subject of a Disney documentary of his mission. He now leads the construction and launch of the new Medal of Honor Museum in Arlington Texas. Check out this fascinating and remarkable life. Go Space!

Jonathan Mak joins Fortitude, The Cliburn Series, Episode 3. At the age of 3, Jonathan wasn't like other kids. His orchestral debut the following year launching a life at the piano. A Toronto native, Mak, an avid chamber musician, has studied at CIM and Yale under some of their legendary teachers. He is headed to Rice University to begin his doctoral studies. Mak's talent has won him multiple gold medals on the international stage, soloed with several notable orchestras, and given recitals across the world. Mak details his time at the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition, his experience in Fort Worth, and music in general. We also look into his first round performance at  the Cliburn. Enjoy this incredible talent! 

Arseniy, 23, comes to us from St. Petersburg, Russia, but has been living in Cleveland for the last 4 years attending the Cleveland Institute of Music (CIM). He was one of 30 worldwide competitors chosen to compete in the 2022 Cliburn International Piano Competition. Music found him at an early age and he has since dedicated his life to it. The uber talented pianist and composer shares his life, his talent, his Cliburn experience, his future, and his prospective on the Ukrainian situation. His performances and composition span the globe and he will surely be force to recon with in the classical music world. Additionally, he exhibits his talent on the piano for you to enjoy!

Fort Worth Police Officer Zach Briseno is one of only three police officers in the United States who is a double amputee.  His goal to walk again was motivated by his kids and his determination to show them any thing is possible if you have the desire and determination to work to that goal.

To say J Mack Slaughter has had a unique career path is an understatement.  From stage acting in Fort Worth to touring with the boy band Sons of Harmony to acting in tv and movies and finally, helping others as an emergency room doctor, J Mack has excelled at every profession.  On this episode of FORTitude FW he talks about each of those career stops, how music is healing and the history behind his name.

Need a fresh look? Fort Worth and dallas’ most celebrated stylist, Charlie Price, joins Fortitude. He blows out his amazing life story from rehab to finding himself to learning his master craft. A craft that makes him the most sought-after stylist in the metroplex. From the famous scalps he’s worked on and his legendary mentors, Charlie gave Fortitude its sexiest make-over yet. Brinton looks the same though. 

Rep. Romero shares his thoughts on the issues that impact District 90 (the district he represents), how his family came to Fort Worth, his love of golf, why he dropped out of college and how that led to his pool cleaning and restoration business which he still runs today.  Ramon delves into his beginnings in the world of politics, how his community is under served and why his mother played such a pivotal role in his decision to serve.  

Rob joins J.W. and Brinton on this episode of FORTitude FW and discusses the changes he's bringing to the speedway and they're not all race day related.  He talks about his journey to his new position as Senior VP & GM, where NASCAR is and what he wants to do to bring the entire community together at events.

Fort Worth City Manager David Cooke stops by the Roxo Media House studios and joins JW & Brinton on this episode of FORTitude FW.  David talks about the challenges of managing a city like Fort Worth, the plan and investments he's betting on to propel the city forward.  He also talks wrestling and whether people are drafting in their cars.

David Cooke was named Fort Worth City Manager in 2014 after  13-1/2 years as County Manager and four years as Deputy County Manager, in Wake County, N.C.; and 12 years with the city of Charlotte, N.C.  David is tasked with implementing the Mayor and City Council’s policies and managing the $1.6 billion city government enterprise with approximately 6,600 employees.  His focus on exceptional customer service, maintaining a long-term perspective, stressing partnerships to provide services and solve complex public policy problems and planning and implementing the infrastructure needs of a city that has grown by 20,000 residents a year has served the city of Fort Worth well the last 8 years.

On their new western lifestyle show for Roxo Media House, Kirbe Schnoor talks about everything that appeals to her most with best friend Lizzy Bentley. Fashion, food, music, art, rodeo and Western culture — they cover it all, while giving you a behind-the-scenes look at their lives, favorite places, and things to do in Fort Worth.
Their friendship and careers are rooted in Cowtown. Now, tired of just talking to each other, the duo is looking for a new audience to appeal to. In some episodes, Kirbe and Lizzy grill special guests in studio; in others, they hit the streets of Fort Worth for the likes of red carpet interviews, shopping sprees, and to hunt for the best margaritas in town.

They play games, get real, and showcase more than just their curb appeal!

JW & Brinton welcome Rob Semple, President of the West Side Little League. Rob talks about his responsibilities, the money-making venture that is the concession stand, the history of the league, as well as a number of other topics relating to the season, the facilities, competing leagues, and much more.

Panther City Lacrosse Club players Will Malcom, Nathan Grenon, and Phil Caputo talk to FORTitude FW about what it’s like to play professionally in Texas while living in Canada, how they got into the game, the difference between field and box lacrosse, and so much more. Be sure to check out this amazing start to season 2 of FORTitude FW.