Podcast Archives - The 1839 https://the1839.com/category/podcast/ Galveston's stories told right Thu, 22 Jan 2026 17:05:59 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 https://the1839.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/cropped-Modern-Niconne-asymetrical-inner-break-scaled-e1736971029778-1-32x32.jpg Podcast Archives - The 1839 https://the1839.com/category/podcast/ 32 32 David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 2 https://the1839.com/david-squared-galveston-politics-unfiltered-episode-2/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 17:42:59 +0000 https://the1839.com/?p=3154 The post David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 2 appeared first on The 1839.

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The 1839: David Squared Podcast - Episode 2

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered

Politics gets personal in Episode 2 of David² as David Landriault and David Finklea break down how revenue caps, limits, and policy decisions are shaping day-to-day life in Galveston. Real conversation. Real stakes.

Listen to Podcast
David and David Podcast: Getting Real with Galveston

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered: Episode 2

Episode 2: Revenue Caps, Real Impact


In each conversation, co‑hosts David Landriault and David Finklea bring their decades of civics leadership and community insight to the table. They explore the forces shaping our island—from policy and development to culture and community—offering candid analysis and inviting listeners to think about what comes next. These episodes aren’t just about politics; they’re about understanding how Galveston works and how informed citizens can help it thrive.

Getting Real with Galveston

Real voices. Real issues. Galveston, unfiltered.

In this episode, the Davids dig into one of the most debated topics in Galveston governance: revenue caps — what they are, why they exist, and how they directly affect essential services on the island.

What starts as a numbers discussion quickly becomes a conversation about daily life in Galveston. From public safety and road maintenance to long-term planning and neighborhood quality of life, the Davids examine how decisions made at City Hall ultimately show up in your street, your taxes, and your community’s future.

Along the way, they break down:

  • How revenue limits were created — and the political forces behind them

  • The difference between “no-new-revenue,” “effective rate,” and actual tax bills

  • Why percentages can be misleading when public safety and infrastructure are on the line

  • How today’s choices will shape Galveston for decades

  • The gap between public perception and political reality

Unfiltered and unapologetically local, Episode 2 brings clarity to a topic that impacts every resident — even if they never step into a council meeting.

If you’ve ever wondered why Galveston sometimes feels stuck between what it needs and what it can afford, this conversation connects the dots.

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered — The 1839 Podcast Channel
More About Galveston Politics
David Landriault

David Landriault

Founder of The 1839

David is the co-founder (alongside his brilliant, infinitely patient wife Christy) of The 1839 and Falcontail Marketing & Design — two ventures built on storytelling, strategy, and a deep love for community.

At Falcontail, David has quietly helped shape the marketing presence of organizations ranging from Stanford University to local legends like Sunflower Bakery & Café. He’s known for turning big, messy ideas into sharp, strategic campaigns — the kind that move people, not just pixels.

He’s been called a creative powerhouse, a strategic Swiss Army knife, and the guy who always ‘has a guy’ for everything. But despite his track record, David avoids the spotlight, preferring to elevate others, solve impossible problems, and deliver dad jokes with unnerving confidence. His work is serious. He just refuses to take himself too seriously.

David Finklea

David Finklea

Proud 39er

David Finklea blends professional expertise with deep civic roots to spotlight Galveston’s vibrant culture, local governance, and community pulse. A licensed professional engineer and owner of FaustHaus, David has called Galveston home since 2018—embracing its natural beauty, diversity, and community spirit.

David breaks down complex development issues into accessible stories, helping us understand everything from new construction and neighborhood planning to smart growth, sustainability, and city strategy. Whether it’s a council decision or a new streetscape proposal, David helps readers understand how Galveston is growing — and why it matters.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Galveston Story

Share Now

Join the Conversation

Click Here

Galveston Pictures and Videos

Click Here

Get Involved with The 1839

Click Here

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Click Here

The post David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 2 appeared first on The 1839.

]]> david-david-2 David L David Finklea icons8-facebook-100 icons8-instagram-100 (1) icons8-call-100 icons8-email-100 Harry & Lisa Blair – Heart of Galveston – Episode 1 https://the1839.com/harry-lisa-blair-heart-of-galveston-episode-1/ Mon, 17 Nov 2025 14:22:56 +0000 https://the1839.com/?p=3121 The post Harry & Lisa Blair – Heart of Galveston – Episode 1 appeared first on The 1839.

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The 1839 - Hearts of Galveston with Harry and Lisa Blair. Owners of The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe

Hearts of Galveston: Episode 1

Harry and Lisa Blair: Inside The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe

Every day on 14th Street, the doors of The Sunflower Bakery & Café swing open to a familiar rhythm—regulars finding their favorite table, visitors discovering the brunch spot locals swear by, and the Blairs quietly moving through it all with warmth and intention.

In this first episode of Hearts of Galveston, Harry and Lisa Blair open up about family, rebuilding after storms, and why creating a place that feels like home matters more than chasing trends.

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Summary

In this first episode of Hearts of Galveston, we sit down with Harry Blair and Lisa Blair of Sunflower Bakery & Cafe, a family-owned brunch institution on Galveston Island. The conversation traces their early days of getting the café off the ground, the challenges they faced (including rebuilding after storms), and their philosophy that making a place feel like home matters more than chasing fads. They reflect on family (their son Zach being part of the business), community, consistency, and the values that have kept Sunflower a local favorite. The tone is warm, reflective, and grounded in the island’s character.

~ David Landriault

Podcast: Hearts of Galveston, Episode 1

Prefer to Listen

Here’s the audio version of my conversation with the owners of The Sunflower Bakery & Cafe: Harry and Lisa Blair. Whether you’re on a walk, driving, or just taking a moment, I hope you enjoy it.

Hearts of Galveston: Episode 1

Inside The Sunflower Bakery and Cafe with Harry & Lisa Blair

Part One

When you walk into Sunflower Bakery & Café on a Saturday morning, the pressure plate under your foot registers more than steps. It counts stories. It takes in the aroma of a new loaf, the hum of coffee machines, the easy rhythm of a family-owned business that has found its groove. This is the stage where Harry and Lisa Blair set their scene two decades ago — and keep it running today.

Origins and aspirations
Harry had a vision: a café where people would linger, where pastry and coffee weren’t afterthoughts but anchors. Lisa brought the warmth, the personality, the steady hum behind the scenes. Together they launched Sunflower on 14th Street, in Galveston, with modest beginnings and big hopes.
They didn’t start with a blueprint for a “hipster brunch spot” or a national chain vibe. Their ambition was simpler: “Make good food, treat people right, and build a place where our family felt proud,” as Lisa put it.

Storms, setbacks, and rebuilding
Galveston is beautiful — but it’s not easy. Hurricanes, flooding, salt air that eats steel — these are part and parcel of doing business here. The Blairs faced seasons where the café wasn’t just about new flavors, but about surviving and rebuilding. They talk openly about getting through those tough years, how the community rallied, how staff stepped up when things weren’t glamorous. It’s not a sob story. It’s real life.
From those trials came stronger relationships, deeper community ties, and a culture of “we do it together.”

Family and culture
Their son, Zach, came into the business not just as “the owner’s kid” but as part of the team. The Blairs emphasize that Sunflower isn’t just a brand — it’s their home turned outward. The staff, the regulars, the newcomers — all become part of a larger family ecosystem. They want the café to feel like more than a transaction: “You come in, you’re seen, you’re valued.”

Hearts of Galveston - Episode 2: Jeff Antonelli on Service and Stewardship | The 1839

Values over trends
In the podcast, Harry reflects on how “doing things the right way” has always meant paying attention — to ingredients, to guests, to staff. Lisa adds that when they started, the islands’ restaurant scene hadn’t exploded yet; there weren’t brunch-lines every weekend. So they leaned into rhythm over hype.
They didn’t chase the next gimmick. They kept refining — the pastry case, the consistency of coffee, the friendly greeting, the place where kids and grandparents felt comfortable alike. And they say that consistency builds trust. Trust builds loyalty. Loyalty builds community.

Community connection
Sunflower is inside Galveston’s daily life. It’s not just the weekend crowd or the tourists. It’s the locals who show up midweek for breakfast, families who pick it for Sunday brunch, friends who meet for coffee. The Blairs talk about how much that matters to them: when someone says “See you next week” as they walk out the door. That comment isn’t a tagline — it’s proof the café became part of someone’s routine.
They also reflect on how being rooted in the island means being involved: not just in business, but in the life of Galveston. They mention Lisa’s time on the city’s planning commission and how being part of the civic conversation matters in a place this interdependent.

Looking ahead
Even though they’ve been doing this for decades, the Blairs say they’re still learning. They don’t view themselves as “finished.” There’s always some new challenge — whether staffing, supply chain, climate, or guest expectations. But they see those challenges as part of the adventure.
They emphasize that for Sunflower to remain a place people talk about, it’s less about being flashy and more about being genuine. They want newcomers to feel what longtime locals already know: this place cares.

David Landriault

David Landriault

Founder of The 1839

David is the co-founder (alongside his brilliant, infinitely patient wife Christy) of The 1839 and Falcontail Marketing & Design — two ventures built on storytelling, strategy, and a deep love for community.

At Falcontail, David has quietly helped shape the marketing presence of organizations ranging from Stanford University to local legends like Sunflower Bakery & Café. He’s known for turning big, messy ideas into sharp, strategic campaigns — the kind that move people, not just pixels.

He’s been called a creative powerhouse, a strategic Swiss Army knife, and the guy who always ‘has a guy’ for everything. But despite his track record, David avoids the spotlight, preferring to elevate others, solve impossible problems, and deliver dad jokes with unnerving confidence. His work is serious. He just refuses to take himself too seriously.

Lisa Blair

Lisa Blair

Proud 39er

As the longtime co-owner of Sunflower Bakery & Café, Lisa Blair has been a cheerful, steady force in Galveston’s culinary and civic life. Her commitment to the island extended beyond the kitchen—she also served on the city’s Planning Commission, helping shape Galveston’s future with care and insight. Though she and her husband, Harry, now enjoy retirement in Colorado, their hearts remain firmly anchored to the island. In the Lifestyle section of The 1839, Lisa shares a warm, seasoned perspective on island living—offering reflections on food, community, and the quiet joys that make Galveston unforgettable.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Galveston Story

Share Now

Join the Conversation

Click Here

Galveston Pictures and Videos

Click Here

Get Involved with The 1839

Click Here

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Click Here

The post Harry & Lisa Blair – Heart of Galveston – Episode 1 appeared first on The 1839.

]]> Harry & Lisa Interview 0.00_44_48_04.Still002 IMG_0116 David L Lisa icons8-facebook-100 icons8-instagram-100 (1) icons8-call-100 icons8-email-100 Jeff Antonelli – Heart of Galveston: 2 https://the1839.com/jeff-antonelli-heart-of-galveston-2/ Thu, 16 Oct 2025 17:39:56 +0000 https://the1839.com/?p=2368 Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp N Stuff. Fewer know his decades of civic service—on the Planning Commission, with the early Galveston County Food Bank, and in countless acts of quiet generosity. In this 38-minute conversation with The 1839, Jeff shares what drives him: family legacy, community gratitude, and a belief that Galveston’s future depends on balance—between growth and preservation, business and responsibility.

The post Jeff Antonelli – Heart of Galveston: 2 appeared first on The 1839.

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Hearts of Galveston: Episode 2

Jeff Antonelli on Service, Stewardship and the Soul of Galveston

Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp ‘N Stuff. Fewer know his decades of civic service—on the Planning Commission, with the early Galveston County Food Bank, and in countless acts of quiet generosity. In this 38-minute conversation with The 1839, Jeff shares what drives him: family legacy, community gratitude, and a belief that Galveston’s future depends on balance—between growth and preservation, business and responsibility.

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Summary

Most islanders know Jeff Antonelli as the man behind Shrimp ‘N Stuff, but his roots in service run much deeper. In this conversation, Jeff shares how his family’s legacy of helping others shaped his own decades of civic involvement—from the Planning Commission to the early Galveston County Food Bank—and how those experiences taught him the balance between growth, preservation, and gratitude.

He reflects on rebuilding after Hurricane Ike, supporting city workers, and creating jobs that let families stay on the island. From switching to eco-friendly packaging to championing local gardens and wetlands, Jeff’s message is simple: Galveston thrives when its people care for one another. “We may argue day to day,” he says, “but when it matters, we’re family.”

~ David Landriault

Watch the Full Interview

In this episode of Hearts of Galveston, Jeff Antonelli shares how family legacy, community gratitude, and quiet acts of service have shaped both his life and the island he loves.

Podcast: Hearts of Galveston, Episode 2

Prefer to Listen

Here’s the audio version of my conversation with Jeff Antonelli. Whether you’re on a walk, driving, or just taking a moment, I hope you enjoy it.

Legacy, Leadership, and Heart

Jeff Antonelli on Service, Stewardship and the Soul of Galveston

A Family Tradition of Helping

“My grandmother was born here, and after the 1900 Storm our family went back to Italy and helped rebuild after the war. I grew up watching my grandparents help people—build small community hospitals. Service to others was just the thing to do.”

That sense of duty came naturally when Jeff returned to Galveston and built both a business and a life of community involvement.

Shrimp ‘N Stuff and Resilience

Jeff bought Shrimp ‘N Stuff in 2008—just before Hurricane Ike. “After the storm I got calls from Dallas, Fort Worth, even Illinois asking if we were okay. It showed me how much the place meant to people.”

Today the restaurant has three locations, including a downtown spot that adds grilled and broiled Gulf favorites. “People came to Galveston for grilled and broiled seafood—snapper, shrimp. We wanted to bring that back.”

Hearts of Galveston - Episode 2: Jeff Antonelli on Service and Stewardship | The 1839

Lessons from the Planning Commission

Serving on the Commission gave Jeff perspective on coastal growth. “Water lines change, storms come, dunes erode—and we have to find a balance between economic development and preserving our island.”

He also learned how misunderstood city boards can be. “People think we can fix everything, but we have to follow the law. Sometimes you’re telling friends no, and that’s hard.”

Appreciating Public Workers

Jeff is known for quietly feeding city crews during emergency repairs. “The people who pick up our trash or fix water lines keep us safe too. If they don’t show up, we’d have outbreaks and rodents. They deserve appreciation just like police and firefighters.”

For him, gratitude is part of public safety.

Building Jobs that Keep Families Here

“We need jobs that let people live on the island,” Jeff says. “When I graduated from O’Connell there were 120 students. Now the numbers are way down because people followed the jobs.”

He’s hopeful about new industrial growth and potential ship-building work at the Port. “Those jobs—$80,000 to $120,000 a year—let people raise families here again.”

Ecotourism and Everyday Stewardship

“One of our biggest sources of tourism is birding,” Jeff explains. “Between Anahuac and High Island is a major migration route. Those visitors spend money and help preserve wetlands.”

He praises programs like Seeding Galveston and the school gardens: “Kids learn how food is grown. It changes them—and it strengthens the community.”

Doing Business the Right Way

When his daughter questioned the use of Styrofoam, Jeff listened. “The eco-friendly cups cost more, but we found a way. There’s more to it than the bottom line.”

That same mindset shapes how he serves customers—and neighbors.

Why He Stays

“People joke about being ‘taxed off the island,’” he says with a smile, “but this is home. There’s still work to be done.”

Whether rebuilding after storms or feeding those in need, Jeff’s goal remains simple: help where you can, without judgment. “When things go bad—hurricanes, freezes, floods—we all pull together. Galveston may argue day to day, but when it matters, we’re family.”

Closing:

Stories like Jeff Antonelli’s remind us what keeps Galveston strong—humility, gratitude, and steady hands willing to help.

To learn more please check out -> Shrimp ‘N Stuff’s About Us Page

Listen to the full audio conversation and subscribe to The 1839 newsletter to hear more voices shaping our island’s future.

David Landriault

David Landriault

Founder of The 1839

David is the co-founder (alongside his brilliant, infinitely patient wife Christy) of The 1839 and Falcontail Marketing & Design — two ventures built on storytelling, strategy, and a deep love for community.

At Falcontail, David has quietly helped shape the marketing presence of organizations ranging from Stanford University to local legends like Sunflower Bakery & Café. He’s known for turning big, messy ideas into sharp, strategic campaigns — the kind that move people, not just pixels.

He’s been called a creative powerhouse, a strategic Swiss Army knife, and the guy who always ‘has a guy’ for everything. But despite his track record, David avoids the spotlight, preferring to elevate others, solve impossible problems, and deliver dad jokes with unnerving confidence. His work is serious. He just refuses to take himself too seriously.

Jeff Antonelli

Jeff Antonelli

Proud 39er

Jeff Antonelli is the proud owner of three Shrimp ‘N Stuff locations—local favorites that have served Galveston with flavor and heart for decades. Beyond the kitchen, Jeff is deeply rooted in the community, lending his time and support to causes like the Galveston County Food Bank and numerous local initiatives. His love for the island runs deep, and in the Lifestyle section, Jeff brings stories that celebrate the people, places, and pulse of everyday life in Galveston.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Galveston Story

Share Now

Join the Conversation

Click Here

Galveston Pictures and Videos

Click Here

Get Involved with The 1839

Click Here

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Click Here

The post Jeff Antonelli – Heart of Galveston: 2 appeared first on The 1839.

]]> Video-Icon TLDR-Icon Audip-Icon Social-Icon Post 2 David L Jeff icons8-facebook-100 icons8-instagram-100 (1) icons8-call-100 icons8-email-100 David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 1 https://the1839.com/david-squared-galveston-politics-unfiltered-episode1/ Wed, 06 Aug 2025 16:29:03 +0000 https://the1839.com/?p=1946 The post David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 1 appeared first on The 1839.

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The 1839: David Squared Podcast - Episode 1

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered

A monthly podcast hosted by David Landriault and David Finklea—two longtime civics voices with deep roots in Galveston’s business, political, and cultural life. Each episode offers a sharp, honest, and often surprising look at the people, policies, and power dynamics shaping the island’s future. From city hall to the East End, the Davids break down what’s really happening behind the headlines—asking the questions others won’t and spotlighting the ideas that could move Galveston forward. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, new to the island, or just care about what comes next, David² is your inside track to Galveston politics—unfiltered, unvarnished, and unapologetically local.

Listen to Podcast

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered: Episode 1

Episode 1: August 2025 – Meet David Finklea


In each conversation, co‑hosts David Landriault and David Finklea bring their decades of civics leadership and community insight to the table. They explore the forces shaping our island—from policy and development to culture and community—offering candid analysis and inviting listeners to think about what comes next. These episodes aren’t just about politics; they’re about understanding how Galveston works and how informed citizens can help it thrive.

Getting Real with Galveston

Meet the Davids Behind David²

“I am proud to do this podcast with one of the brightest minds in Galveston Politics, my good friend David Finklea.” ~ David Landriault

David² isn’t your average political podcast—and that’s because its hosts, David Landriault and David Finklea, aren’t your average commentators. Each brings decades of leadership across business, politics, and public life to the table. Together, they offer something rare in local media: informed, unfiltered conversation about how Galveston really works—and where it might go next.

Landriault is the founder of The 1839, Galveston’s new premium media platform, and co-founder of Falcontail Marketing & Design, a boutique creative firm known for shaping the brands and campaigns of businesses, nonprofits, and political figures alike. His work spans strategic messaging, civic consulting, and media production, making him uniquely positioned to dissect the language—and leverage—of local politics.

Finklea is Councilperson for Galveston’s District 2, a licensed professional engineer and the founder of Faust Haus, a project management and owner’s representation firm with a 30-year track record delivering major real estate and infrastructure projects across the public and private sectors. Known for his systems thinking and straight talk, he’s also a seasoned civic participant who brings deep credibility and calm scrutiny to every conversation.

With David², the two Davids offer more than commentary—they offer access. This is a podcast built for those who care about how decisions get made, who’s really shaping Galveston’s future, and what smart leadership could look like on an island that deserves better. It’s not just politics—it’s clarity, context, and a little accountability, from two people who know the game and love the place.

David²: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered — The 1839 Podcast Channel
More About Galveston Politics
David Landriault

David Landriault

Founder of The 1839

David is the co-founder (alongside his brilliant, infinitely patient wife Christy) of The 1839 and Falcontail Marketing & Design — two ventures built on storytelling, strategy, and a deep love for community.

At Falcontail, David has quietly helped shape the marketing presence of organizations ranging from Stanford University to local legends like Sunflower Bakery & Café. He’s known for turning big, messy ideas into sharp, strategic campaigns — the kind that move people, not just pixels.

He’s been called a creative powerhouse, a strategic Swiss Army knife, and the guy who always ‘has a guy’ for everything. But despite his track record, David avoids the spotlight, preferring to elevate others, solve impossible problems, and deliver dad jokes with unnerving confidence. His work is serious. He just refuses to take himself too seriously.

David Finklea

David Finklea

Proud 39er

David Finklea blends professional expertise with deep civic roots to spotlight Galveston’s vibrant culture, local governance, and community pulse. A licensed professional engineer and owner of FaustHaus, David has called Galveston home since 2018—embracing its natural beauty, diversity, and community spirit.

David breaks down complex development issues into accessible stories, helping us understand everything from new construction and neighborhood planning to smart growth, sustainability, and city strategy. Whether it’s a council decision or a new streetscape proposal, David helps readers understand how Galveston is growing — and why it matters.

Join the Conversation: Share Your Galveston Story

Share Now

The post David Squared: Galveston Politics, Unfiltered – Episode 1 appeared first on The 1839.

]]> david-sqaured-episode-1-cover David L David Finklea icons8-facebook-100 icons8-instagram-100 (1) icons8-call-100 icons8-email-100