Spool is a conversation series hosted by Dr. Nils Roemer, Dean of the Bass School at UT Dallas. Each episode takes a clear and thoughtful look at issues shaping our world, from culture and society to history, innovation, and the people behind the stories. Spool brings context, insight, and accessible understanding to timely topics.
How to Build Meaningful Business Relationships | Steve Ramona | Spool S2 EP6
In this episode of Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with entrepreneur, podcast host, and Ramax Development Managing Partner Steve Ramona. From renewable energy and smart cities to interviewing more than 100 entrepreneurs and founders, Steve shares the lessons he's learned about leadership, business, and connection. Together, they explore why the best relationships are built on trust and purpose, turning networking from something transactional into something truly transformational.
10 Jul 2026
Leadership Through Education with Dr. Leon Ben | Spool S2 EP5
In this episode of The Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Dr. Leon Ben to discuss his lifelong work with Apache communities in Arizona and the powerful connection between culture, education, and leadership. Dr. Ben shares how his own upbringing shaped his resilience and explains how community involvement helps create an education system that reflects the values, needs, and future of its students.
19 Jun 2026
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29 May 2026
Viktor Frankl’s Vision: The Statue of Responsibility | Spool S2 EP3
In this episode of The Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Leesa and Gary Price to discuss the vision behind the Statue of Responsibility. Leesa, Senior Vice President of the Statue of Responsibility Foundation, and Gary, world-renowned sculptor, author, and creator of the statue’s design, share the story behind the monument inspired by Viktor Frankl’s belief that freedom must be paired with responsibility. Together, they explore the statue’s mission, its meaning, and why responsibility matters more than ever today.
15 May 2026
Building a Creative Empire with Mary Engelbreit | Spool S2 EP2
In this episode of The Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with iconic artist and illustrator Mary Engelbreit to discuss her journey from sharing her artwork locally to building a $100 million creative brand. Mary reflects on how getting her art in front of people early helped launch her career, the power of authenticity, and what it takes to turn creativity into a lasting business.
17 Apr 2026
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27 Feb 2026
Spool Episode 8 - Olympic Gold and a World Record: The Earl Young Story
Dr. Nils Roemer speaks with Earl Young, Olympic gold medalist, world record holder, author, and leukemia survivor. Earl shares how a childhood hero, Bobby Morrow, helped lead him to Abilene Christian University and ultimately to the Olympics, where he set a world record and won gold. In this inspiring conversation, he reflects on faith, perseverance, and his book Gold and Grace.
13 Feb 2026
Spool Episode 7 - From Counselor to CEO: Leading the YMCA of Dallas
Dr. Nils Roemer speaks with Curt Hazelbaker, President and CEO of the YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas, about his 42 year journey with the organization. Starting as a counselor and rising to CEO, Curt reflects on leadership, service, and the YMCA’s vital role in strengthening communities and supporting generations of families.
30 Jan 2026
Spool Episode 6 - How Art Museums Shape Cities and Communities
Dr. Nils Roemer speaks with Chris Hightower, President and CEO of the Museum of Art in Arlington, Texas, about the museum’s spectacular new venue and how art is shaping cities. They discuss the value art museums bring to communities, their role as the heart and soul of a city, and why cultural tourism now makes up more than half of museum visitors and is a key function of a thriving community.
16 Jan 2026
Behind the Scenes of a Science and History Museum
Dr. Nils Roemer is joined by Dr. Regina Faden, CEO of the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, an institution founded by 16 women. Regina shares her journey from graduate school to museum leadership, her lifelong interest in museums, and how she works with historians to bring history into the museum’s mission.
2 Jan 2026
Spool Episode 4 - True Crime & Creative Investigation: Robert Sadler Reveals How Cases Are Really Solved
In this episode, creativity takes center stage in crime investigation as investigators use creative thinking to uncover hidden connections in complex cases. Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with investigator and author Robert Sadler to discuss real investigations, criminal psychology, and a chilling case where a seemingly trustworthy individual was linked to disturbing crimes, revealing how appearances can be deceiving.
9 Dec 2025
Spool Episode 2 - How Brian Cuban Rebuilt His Life After Bullying and Addiction
Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Brian Cuban to discuss his experience with eating disorders, addiction, and the long process of recovery. Brian shares how early trauma shaped his struggles and why open conversations about mental health for men are still so important.
1 Dec 2025
Spool Epsiode 1 - How Susan G. Komen Changed the Fight Against Breast Cancer
In this episode of Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Natasha M. Meje to discuss her work with Susan G. Komen and the movement that forever changed the fight against breast cancer. Together, they explore how the organization sparked global awareness, accelerated research, and fueled groundbreaking advancements in treatment over the past 40 years.
27 Nov 2025
Spool Episode1 - How Susan G. Komen Changed the Fight Against Breast Cancer
In this episode of Spool, Dr. Nils Roemer sits down with Natasha MMmeje to discuss her work with Susan G. Komen and the movement that forever changed the fight against breast cancer. Together, they explore how the organization sparked global awareness, accelerated research, and fueled groundbreaking advancements in treatment over the past 40 years.
21 Nov 2025
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