In a recent episode of the Change and Creativity Podcast, host Judy Oskam, professor and director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University, interviewed fellow Bobcat and entrepreneur Justin McKenzie, host of the Building Texas Show. The conversation focused on how Texas’s economic development and innovation are driven by local leaders and storytelling, particularly in smaller communities and rural areas.
McKenzie, a two-time Texas State graduate and first-generation college student, shared his unique perspective shaped by growing up abroad as a Texan. He recalled how people would identify him as Texan before American, fueling his passion to showcase Texas as a hub for growth and opportunity. His show began as a local radio program in the Hill Country to fill a gap in visibility for entrepreneurial activities not covered by local media. "High school kids need to see that even in the rural hill country, anything is possible," he said, emphasizing the importance of storytelling in inspiring the next generation.
A significant portion of the Building Texas Show involves interviewing mayors across the state. McKenzie noted that rapid growth is a common challenge and opportunity, from Bastrop—where companies like SpaceX and The Boring Company have moved in—to Lubbock and Amarillo. He highlighted the symbiotic relationship between cities and universities, using Texas State University and San Marcos as a prime example. "If you can work that together, you can retain a lot of that talent," he said, addressing Texas's tendency to export talent that could otherwise fuel local growth.
McKenzie has launched new initiatives: Vote Like a Texan focuses on nonpartisan civic education, encouraging participation in local elections where turnout can be as low as 7%. The upcoming Work Like a Texan series will connect job seekers with employers, highlighting in-demand skills and trade partnerships. For entrepreneurs, McKenzie advised researching a city's comprehensive plan and regional economic strategy before establishing roots. "Anywhere that you're researching, pull back their comprehensive plan... and say, is this going to fit what I want to be doing in 10 years?" he suggested.
The full interview is available on the Change and Creativity Podcast at https://www.changeandcreativity.com/. For more on McKenzie's work, visit the Building Texas Show at https://buildingtexasshow.com.
