Good Work West Texas

About Good Work West Texas

What happens when ordinary people decide to do something extraordinary—right where they live? Good Work! West Texas shines a light on those who roll up their sleeves, step into the needs around them, and quietly transform their communities. From nonprofit leaders and small business owners to volunteers and neighbors next door, this podcast shares stories of service, grit, and hope across the Permian Basin. Hosted by Cindy Payton alongside Leslie Crisp - driven by a desire for community and connecting others - this podcast offers inspiration—and a nudge to get involved—because good work isn’t

Publisher

Every Neighbor

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

13 Jun 2025

Latest episode

29 May 2026

Latest episodes

15 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   29 May 2026

   Bringing the World's Largest Student Rocket Competition to West Texas

   What happens when 2,000 engineering students from over 20 countries descend on Midland, Texas to launch rockets into the West Texas sky? Cindy Payton sits down with Steve Taylor, president of the Experimental Sounding Rocket Association (ESRA), to talk about the International Rocket Engineering Competition — known as IREC — and why Midland is at the center of it.Steve shares how a childhood fascination sparked by the Apollo moon landing turned into a lifelong passion and eventually a mission to develop the next generation of aerospace engineers. ESRA, which has been running for over 20 years, is now the largest student rocket competition in the world — and this year's event is coming to Midland.The competition kicks off on June 15 with a free public poster session at the Horseshoe Pavilion, where student teams from around the world display a full year's worth of engineering work. The launch takes place at a site outside of Saragosa in Reeves County, where rockets are fired at altitude targets — with everything from aerospace to electrical engineering to business and multimedia represented on each team. The week of June 15 is the critical window, and volunteers are needed at every level — from runners and merchandise to registration and food service. No rocketry experience required.The award ceremony wraps everything up, drawing 2,000 students hooting and hollering as category winners are announced. The Blake Planetarium will also livestream the launches for those who want to experience it in the air conditioning.Learn more and find out how to get involved at https://esrarocket.orgChapters:0:00 Introduction — Welcome to Good Work West Texas0:54 Meet Steve Taylor — president of ESRA and lifelong rocketry enthusiast1:54 Inspired by Neil Armstrong — and the current race back to the moon3:56 What is ESRA? The history and mission of the organization5:08 Multidisciplinary teams — aerospace, electrical, business, multimedia and more6:27 The world's largest student rocket competition — 170+ universities, 20+ countries7:07 Jay's question: what would you say to a student thinking about getting involved?8:43 ESRA meets with Midland ISD, Midland College, and UTPB — free to attend10:51 IREC comes to Midland — June 15 at the Horseshoe Pavilion, free and open to the public11:37 What the poster session looks like — students explain their projects to visitors12:41 A year-long project — applications in October, safety reviews, technical publications13:44 Learning from failure — the stories that stick with Steve15:18 Teams from Turkey, Australia, UAE, New Zealand — experiencing Texas culture16:38 Midland's hospitality — what sponsors and teams said after last year's event17:15 Jay's question: how many volunteers does it take to pull this off?19:00 The volunteer breakdown — core team, judges, flyers of record, and community roles20:40 What community volunteers actually do — runners, food, merchandise, registration21:29 You don't need to know rocketry to help — Cindy on what she can actually do23:00 Jay's question: what's the one reason a volunteer would never want to leave?24:03 The launch site experience — what it's like to actually be there26:05 Building a space economy alongside oil and gas in Midland27:15 Every Neighbor's mission and what it means to invest in people28:22 Steve on his father's legacy — the origin of his own spirit of giving back29:47 ESRA website and YouTube channel — esrarocket.org30:19 How to participate, volunteer, or donate31:09 The launch site — outside Saragosa in Reeves County, roads and all32:36 The award ceremony — 2,000 students, the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat33:03 Closing — thank you Steve Taylor and ESRA

2. 

   13 Nov 2025

   The Heart Behind Advance Church in the Permian Basin

   In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Dustin Pearce and Jacobe Kendrick of Advance Church — a growing movement rooted in deep relationships, everyday discipleship, and serving people where real life happens.Dustin and Jacobe share their stories of coming back to the Permian Basin, why Midland has become home, and how their vision for Advance Church was built on a simple but powerful idea: invest in people, not just programs.From house churches to community investment, from walking with people through messy parts of life to equipping everyday believers to live out their faith — this conversation is a refreshing and inspiring look at what it means to serve, lead, and love others in West Texas.Whether you're part of a church, volunteering in the community, or looking for a deeper purpose where you already are, this episode will challenge and encourage you.Chapters00:00 – Cold Open00:30 – Welcome to Good Work West Texas01:10 – Meet Dustin Pearce & Jacobe Kendrick04:00 – Why They Love Midland06:45 – The Power of Community & Relationships10:30 – How Dustin & Jacobe First Met13:00 – The Birth of Advance Church18:40 – What “Advance” Actually Means23:15 – Investing in People vs. Inviting People27:00 – Equipping Everyday People for Ministry30:50 – Serving in Practical, Everyday Ways35:00 – Navigating Messy Real-Life Discipleship41:20 – A Story of Transformation45:30 – The Cost & Beauty of Long-Term Relationships48:00 – Their Dream for the Permian Basin52:00 – Quote Card Reflections54:30 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect55:45 – Episode Wrap

3. 

   6 Nov 2025

   Providing Hope and Healthcare: Inside Community Children’s Clinic

   In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Executive Director Renee Meiner and Medical Director Dr. Casey Mraz, MD of Community Children’s Clinic—a nonprofit serving local families who fall between the gaps of traditional healthcare.Renee shares the clinic’s inspiring origin story dating back to 1984, when a small group of community members came together to ensure children could receive medical care regardless of insurance or income. Dr. Mraz discusses her personal journey from residency at the clinic to becoming its medical director and the impact of their $20 all-inclusive visits for Midland County families.Together, they highlight how the clinic bridges access to healthcare, provides on-site pharmacy services, and collaborates with partners like Midland Memorial Hospital and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. They also share volunteer opportunities, community partnerships, and their annual “Dink & Dine” Pickleball Tournament, which raises funds to keep kids healthy and cared for in our community.It’s a heartfelt look at how compassion, collaboration, and faith continue to make a difference for thousands of children across Midland.Chapters00:00 – Intro01:00 – History of the Community Children’s Clinic02:00 – Serving uninsured and low-income families04:00 – Inside the daily operations of the clinic07:45 – Who qualifies for care10:50 – Stories of families served12:40 – The cost of care and donor support16:25 – Renee’s journey to nonprofit leadership19:40 – How volunteers and board members help21:45 – “Dink & Dine” fundraiser and community fun23:35 – Dr. Mraz’s background and calling to serve26:10 – Awareness and collaboration goals31:10 – Legacy stories of families helped through generations35:30 – The importance of Every Neighbor’s partnership38:25 – Closing reflections and final thoughts

4. 

   30 Oct 2025

   Senior Life Midland — Serving 5 Million Meals and Counting

   n this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Kathleen Kirwan-Haynie, Executive Director of Senior Life Midland, and Saul Herrera, who has served the organization for over 30 years.They share heartwarming stories of connection, compassion, and community through programs like Meals on Wheels, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and the Foster Grandparent initiative. From delivering over five million meals to providing purpose for volunteers of all ages, Senior Life Midland is making a difference every day across the Permian Basin.Discover how a single knock on the door can bring hope, how volunteers become family, and how every act of service—big or small—creates a stronger, more caring community.Learn more: https://seniorlifemidland.orgChapters00:00 – Intro: Meals, Volunteers, and Community Impact02:00 – Saul’s 32-Year Journey with Senior Life07:30 – Kathleen’s Calling to Serve Seniors10:00 – How Meals on Wheels Changed Her Family’s Life14:00 – Serving Families, Not Just Seniors17:00 – The Hidden Need in Midland19:00 – Reaching Six Million Meals and Counting21:30 – Everyone Has Purpose and Value23:00 – Inspiration and Leadership Through Service27:30 – Programs You Might Not Know About30:00 – Generational Learning Through Foster Grandparents32:00 – Volunteers from Ages 7 to 9937:00 – How $10 Can Feed and Encourage a Neighbor39:00 – Safety Checks and Saving Lives42:00 – Cookie Fridays and Generational Legacy44:30 – Dreams for Senior Life’s Future47:00 – Every Person Has Ability and Value49:30 – Closing Reflections and Gratitude

5. 

   17 Oct 2025

   Giving a Voice to the Visually Impaired | Recording Library of West Texas

   In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Rachel Stone, Executive Director of the Recording Library of West Texas, and Anthony Rodriguez, board member and HR leader, to explore how this remarkable organization brings words to life for people who can’t see them.Since 1963, the Recording Library of West Texas has served individuals across the region — from Midland and Odessa to Tennessee — providing free audio recordings of newspapers, books, ads, and more for the blind, visually impaired, and anyone with reading barriers such as dyslexia or Parkinson’s.Rachel shares her 16-year journey from volunteer reader to Executive Director and how the power of a human voice creates connection and comfort for those who often feel isolated. Anthony discusses the deeper meaning of accessibility, his passion for service, and the importance of leadership and community in the nonprofit world.Together, they reflect on the transformative act of volunteering, the organization’s dream of one day owning their own building, and the vital role of donors and volunteers who make this mission possible.👉 Learn more about the Recording Library of West Texas or get involved at https://recordinglibrary.org👉 Discover volunteer opportunities across the region at https://everyNeighbor.com#GoodWorkWestTexas #EveryNeighbor #RecordingLibraryofWestTexas #MidlandTexas #VolunteerMidland #Accessibility #CommunityImpact #Nonprofits #BlindCommunity #WestTexasStoriesChapters00:00 – Welcome and introduction02:00 – Rachel’s Midland roots and how she discovered the Recording Library06:50 – The mission: reading for those who can’t11:00 – Anthony’s story and connection to the nonprofit world15:45 – How remote reading began during COVID19:45 – The human touch behind every recording25:00 – How clients receive their recordings29:30 – Empathy through sound: stepping into the listener’s world32:00 – People who inspire us to serve38:50 – Passing down a legacy of giving46:45 – The dream: a building of their own and a stronger volunteer team50:30 – The importance of donors and volunteers52:00 – Closing reflections and gratitude

6. 

   9 Oct 2025

   Feeding Midland with Love | Inside Breaking Bread Kitchen

   In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Shirley Almanza, Executive Director of Breaking Bread Kitchen, to discuss how this Midland-based organization is changing lives—one meal at a time.What began in 1986 with a single man feeding people from the back of his pickup has become a thriving community where compassion and dignity meet daily needs. Shirley shares heartfelt stories about the guests they serve, the volunteers who make it all possible, and the partnerships that keep Breaking Bread connected to over 30 agencies through the Midland Homeless Coalition.From understanding the realities of homelessness to finding joy in serving others, this conversation will inspire you to see people not by their circumstances but by their value and potential.Chapters00:00 – Intro00:54 – Meet Shirley Almanza and Breaking Bread Kitchen02:00 – The History of Breaking Bread03:00 – Serving Midland’s Homeless and Hungry05:00 – The Power of Collaboration and Faith-Based Service09:00 – Who Breaking Bread Serves12:00 – Misconceptions About Homelessness15:00 – The Heart Behind Nutrition First18:00 – A Day in the Life at Breaking Bread Kitchen22:00 – The Power of Dignity: Showers, Meals, and Hope25:00 – How Volunteers and Donations Make It All Possible27:00 – Volunteer Opportunities Through Every Neighbor31:00 – Understanding the Homeless Coalition38:00 – Collaboration Across Midland’s Nonprofits40:00 – From Compassion to Care: Helping Without Judgment45:00 – Shirley’s Faith and Motivation46:00 – Dreams for the Future of Breaking Bread48:00 – How the Community Can Support50:00 – Reflecting on Compassion: “Leave the Road, Take the Trails”55:00 – Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

7. 

   2 Oct 2025

   How Midland Christian School Builds Servant Leaders

   In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Kresha Grizzard, Campus Minister at Midland Christian School. Kresha shares her journey from teaching and coaching to ministry, and how she helps lead the school’s Mission Week — a powerful program where students serve locally, nationally, and internationally.From discovering personal gifts to finding identity in Christ, Kresha explains how Mission Week transforms lives and creates a ripple effect in the community. Hear stories of mentorship, service projects, and the cultural shift happening among students and staff at Midland Christian.Subscribe to Good Work West Texas to hear more inspiring stories of nonprofits, schools, and organizations making a difference.Chapters0:00 – Welcome & Introduction1:34 – Kresha’s path to becoming Campus Minister2:32 – What a campus minister does at Midland Christian5:02 – Early love for kids, coaching, and teaching6:01 – Mentors and role models who shaped her calling8:36 – History and vision behind Mission Week10:34 – Transformational impact of service on students16:12 – Behind-the-scenes ways students serve19:51 – Ripple effects of service in the community21:00 – Expanding Mission Week to national and international trips26:11 – Parents and staff supporting Mission Week28:00 – Culture shifts within the school32:00 – Stories of life change among students and teachers37:20 – Helping students discover their true identity38:16 – Closing reflections & thanks

8. 

   25 Sept 2025

   Fixing Foster Care in West Texas with One Accord

   In this week’s episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Brandon Logan and Matt Waller of One Accord.One Accord is tackling the challenges of foster care and child welfare in West Texas—supporting families, preventing separation, and providing hope for children in the system. Brandon and Matt share their powerful personal journeys, how One Accord was formed, and the role of community, churches, and neighbors in creating lasting impact.From foster care struggles to the Heart Gallery and innovative community programs like the Attic Resource Center, this episode reveals how everyday people can step in, say “yes,” and change lives.Learn more about One Accord: https://oneaccordtx.orgBe sure to check out Cindy and Leslie’s other work on the Good Work West Texas podcast, and don’t miss their partnership with Every Neighbor, connecting nonprofits to the community.Chapters00:00 – Introduction & Welcome01:13 – Matt Waller’s path into foster care advocacy02:36 – Brandon Logan’s journey from law to policy change03:31 – The meaning behind the name One Accord04:14 – Stories that fueled their passion for foster care reform07:14 – Leaving law practice to pursue justice for children09:32 – Matt’s adoption story and the birth of the Attic Resource Center13:12 – How CPS and foster families connect with resources15:02 – Vetting process and community support at the Attic17:05 – The bigger foster care picture in West Texas20:03 – The urgent need for more foster homes locally21:00 – Challenges and red tape in fostering22:24 – Legislative changes aimed at fixing the system24:25 – Returning foster care to the community, not just the state25:53 – Stories of resilience and doing what “makes sense”29:02 – How community support fills immediate foster needs31:08 – Adoption stories and the importance of family restoration33:11 – Saying “yes” to the next opportunity to help33:25 – The Heart Gallery explained34:45 – What happens when kids age out of foster care36:46 – How Heart Gallery showcases children waiting for adoption39:12 – Summer Adventures: giving foster youth joy and hope42:25 – Adoption successes through visibility and awareness44:01 – Supporting older youth and those with special needs45:10 – One Accord’s vision for the future47:43 – Community, churches, and upstream support for families50:16 – Gratitude for advocacy and community leadership51:11 – Closing thoughts and encouragement to get involved

9. 

   28 Aug 2025

   Building Community Through Service with Kristine Busse of Stonegate Fellowship

   In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Lesie Crisp sit down with Kristine Busse, staff member at Stonegate Fellowship, to talk about her journey from growing up in Alaska to making Midland, Texas her home. Kristine shares how her upbringing in a family deeply rooted in church service inspired her lifelong passion for mobilizing others.She reflects on the importance of inspiring rather than instructing, and how that philosophy has guided her work in mobilizing volunteers both inside and outside the church. From leading children’s ministry to launching ESL programs and supporting initiatives like Winter Wishes, Kristine emphasizes the power of relationships, servant leadership, and creating opportunities for families to serve together.This conversation is a reminder that small acts of kindness—like a smile at the grocery store—can create ripples of change across a community.Chapters00:00 – West Texas spirit: independent thinkers and entrepreneurs01:00 – Kristine’s background: growing up in Alaska and serving in church04:15 – From Missouri to Texas: how God led Kristine to Odessa and Stonegate07:30 – Early volunteer experiences and discovering joy in serving10:00 – Transitioning from children’s ministry to mobilizing people for missions12:30 – Learning from refugees: serving at For the Nations in Dallas16:00 – Building relationships with nonprofits in Midland20:00 – Challenges of mobilizing people to serve outside church walls25:00 – The power of one good serving experience28:00 – Launching ESL at Stonegate and its lasting impact31:00 – Winter Wishes and community collaboration to bless teachers36:00 – Needs of local nonprofits: volunteers, bilingual help, advocacy40:00 – Serving as a family and raising the next generation of volunteers43:00 – Everyday service: eye contact, smiles, and seeing people

10. 

    1 Aug 2025

    Building a Better Midland Texas with Yoshi Pradhan and Jay Whitlow

    In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with two incredibly community-minded leaders, Jay and Yoshi, for a conversation about calling, purpose, and what it really means to serve.Yoshi, a petroleum engineer, YouTuber, podcaster, and coach, shares how she chose to make Midland home—not once, but twice—and how her journey led her to become a passionate advocate for giving back through nonprofits and mentorship. Jay, a former faculty member and mission leader with a background in ministry and business, tells the humorous story of how he ended up in Midland (after declaring he never would), and how serving others has shaped the core of his identity.Together, they explore:-The unique spirit of West Texas and its deep generosity-Why some of the best service begins with just one hour-The role of companies in supporting their employees' desire to give back-How wealth, when redefined, becomes a powerful tool for community transformation-The barriers that nonprofits still face—and the solutions already emergingThis episode is full of truth, encouragement, and real stories from two leaders who model what it means to live with purpose in the Permian.Chapters00:00 – The Purpose Behind Good Work West Texas01:00 – Introducing Jay & Yoshi02:00 – Yoshi’s Journey: Choosing Midland06:20 – Jay’s Story: “When Hell Freezes Over…”10:00 – What Makes Midland Worth Investing In14:20 – How Businesses Can Support Volunteerism18:30 – The Importance of Finding Your ‘Why’22:00 – Abundance vs. Scarcity in Nonprofit Work26:00 – The Spark That Starts a Life of Service30:00 – Connecting Talent to Community Needs34:00 – Redefining Wealth & What It Means to Give38:00 – What Midland Does Well (and What’s Still Missing)42:00 – Hope for the Future of the Permian Basin45:00 – Surprise Quote Challenge & Final ReflectionsProduced by Ryan Shewchuk at Forty Wolves. Learn more at https://fortywolves.com.

11. 

    17 Jul 2025

    Helping Families Rebuild: Midland Fair Havens & Habitat for Humanity

    In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with two local leaders whose organizations are creating generational impact across the Permian Basin.DiAnn Koehl Whigham, Executive Director of Midland Fair Havens, shares how transitional housing and life-skills programs are helping single mothers break cycles of abuse, poverty, and instability.Joey Hopkins, Executive Director of Midland Habitat for Humanity, explains how 0% mortgages and sweat equity are turning hard-working West Texans into homeowners.This powerful conversation highlights the continuum of care that exists in Midland—from emergency shelter to permanent home ownership—and how collaboration between nonprofits is changing the trajectory for countless families.Learn how you can be part of the solution, whether through volunteering, donating, referring someone in need, or simply spreading the word.Chapters00:00 – “Why did you say yes?”00:47 – Meet DiAnn & Joey02:10 – The Origin of Midland Fair Havens03:07 – What Transitional Housing Really Means07:09 – Who Qualifies for the Program09:10 – Parenting Classes & Reentry Support13:28 – The Partnership with Habitat for Humanity14:11 – Joey on the Misconceptions About Habitat15:46 – Hope Through Homeownership17:13 – From Oil & Gas to Nonprofit Leadership20:05 – How Habitat Provides At-Cost Homes22:22 – How to Qualify & Apply24:01 – Sweat Equity and Volunteer Impact26:20 – Habitat's 203rd Home Dedicated28:27 – Expansion to Odessa and Big Spring29:07 – Real-Life Success Story of a Single Mom32:03 – From Survival to Supporter36:10 – Full Circle Impact39:23 – Collaboration vs Competition in the Nonprofit Sector41:15 – Continuum of Care in Midland44:12 – Every Neighbor Has Value45:06 – Quotes, Surprises & Reflections47:33 – The Strength of a Yes51:01 – Dedication Days & Confetti Cannons52:13 – How You Can Get InvolvedProduced by Forty Wolves - https://fortywolves.comPresented by Every Neighbor - https://everyneighbor.com

12. 

    10 Jul 2025

    Building Faith Through Sports: Fellowship of Christian Athletes

    In this episode of Good Work West Texas, hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp sit down with Tori Martinez and Talor Nunez from the Permian Basin Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) to share how coaches, athletes, and communities are being transformed through faith and discipleship.Tori and Talor open up about their personal FCA journeys, the power of student-led huddles, and how FCA's disciple-making tools are equipping the next generation of leaders—from junior high to college. They discuss the deep legacy of FCA in the region, the impact of coaches, and the game-changing role of All-Star Week, Fields of Faith, and local volunteers.“We shouldn’t just be leading—we should be creating leaders who create other leaders. That’s discipleship.” – Talor NunezLearn how you can get involved, from volunteering at student huddles to bringing a tray of tacos. Every role matters.Learn more: https://permianbasinfca.orgPresented by: https://everyneighbor.comProduced by Ryan Shewchuk at Forty Wolveshttps://fortywolves.com

13. 

    26 Jun 2025

    From Trauma to Triumph: The Mission of Basin Dream Center

    Hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp interview Tina Gillihan and Stephanie Hart of Basin Dream Center, who share how their experiences shaped a nonprofit that empowers vulnerable young adults, offering resilience and second chances.

14. 

    19 Jun 2025

    Inside the Volunteer Powerhouse at Midland Health

    Hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp interview Jackie Geiling, Director of Auxiliary Services at Midland Health, about the evolution and impact of hospital volunteers, highlighting how diverse generations contribute to patient care and community support.

15. 

    13 Jun 2025

    Teen F.L.O.W: Empowering Midland’s Youth Through Mentorship & Faith

    Executive Director Jainah Clark and board member Kristina Leigh Johnson discuss Teen F.L.O.W.'s leadership development through mentorship and support for underserved youth in Midland, highlighting community transformation; this is an interview with hosts Cindy Payton and Leslie Crisp.

Who has been a guest on Good Work West Texas

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Tina Gillihan
• Stephanie Hart
• Jackie Geiling
• Jainah Clark
• Kristina Leigh Johnson

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 18 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

35

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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