I have a confession.

I have no idea what I’m doing with this newsletter. When I started writing, I had zero plan. I opened a Beehiiv account because that’s what my research told me was the right platform. I’m already thinking I should have started a Substack instead, like everyone else and their momma. After 20 years on television talking to the local news audience, maybe it was time to build my own. But how? And if successful, then what? 🤔

So many questions. I made my career on asking questions. And now? People look to me for answers. To which I generally reply with more questions. 🤣

So what have I learned early-on in this process about building an audience?

Here's what people get wrong about me: they assume I'm completely comfortable in front of a camera. Fair assumption. But with one major miscalculation.

I'm comfortable telling other people's stories. My own? That's a different thing entirely. Two decades covering Houston and I rarely had to make myself the subject. I guess this newsletter is where that changes.

107 of you are along for the ride. Some I know personally. Some through only a social media post. And I’m grateful for all of you, either way.

As we used to say in news, “Still ahead…”

More Houston, more honest takes, more tools I actually use, more conversations, more cat pics, and more who knows what. 😉

Thanks for being here. Now let's see what's next. 🙏

An acquaintance of mine got a new job this week. He had been unemployed for months. In his FB announcement he basically suggested to anyone in the shoes he had removed, use your personal network not the fake “social networks” and the job boards like LinkedIn and Indeed. To which I agreed. Maybe I’m alone on this, but those places feel mostly like AI and BS, than anything worth spelling out. Your network knows you and trusts you. No games. No gimmicks. No optimization needed.

There are a gazillion articles on optimizing your resume for these job boards. But no amount of optimizing will get you in the door compared to knowing someone standing on the other side. Those opportunities aren’t always our first choice. Sometimes, they’re completely out of left field. That’s when you trust your gut. Put away the irrational fear and say, “Yes!” Good things come to those who live in gratitude. That’s what I keep telling myself.

I’ll get around to his kitten video eventually. But for now, enjoy this handsome dude bathed in natural light, perched on one his favorite sills.

Adoption Spotlight This Week: Cap4Pets

When is a trip more than just a vacation? My good friend Mike Schibel asked singer Jason Mraz that question in a great conversation on the Travel With Meaning podcast. Mike has interviewed a lot of interesting travelers over the years. Give it a listen, if you get some time:

I love the deli. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth. And Ziggy is also one my favorite people on Earth. His menu, like the portion size, is gigantic! It can be overwhelming for an indecisive guy like me who came into the place hungry. Don’t go grocery shopping on an empty stomach? Don’t go to the deli like that either. So if you need help deciding, I’ve been an app for that.

Click here to play: What to Order at Kenny & Ziggy’s?

Bookmark it for next time you’re there.

No matter who or what’s on the ballot, I always vote for tacos. Find out information on local elections this coming month, including the Houston City Council, District C runoff.

Click here for the League of Women Voters’ of Houston Election Guide.