AJ Ramler didn’t set out to be a developer—he just loved old buildings. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of Proxy Properties to talk about his journey from living in a basement quadplex to leading some of the most ambitious adaptive reuse projects in Oak Cliff. From the historic Struck House to the Oak Cliff Assembly and the Madison Hotel, AJ shares the hard-won lessons of preservation, neighborhood involvement, and balancing community needs with the realities of development. We explore what it means to design for people first, why old buildings resonate, and how investing locally can reshape an entire block.

Amy Cowan has helped shape the identity of Bishop Arts through more than just coffee, cocktails, and food. In this episode, we talk with the co-founder behind Oddfellows, Revelers Hall, Trades Deli, and more about how she found her way to Oak Cliff, what New Orleans taught her about hospitality, and how a neighborhood election night watch party and the first Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade helped spark a movement. With an eye toward quality, long-time staff, and smart vertical integration, Amy shares how she continues to build community-driven businesses that reflect the heart of the neighborhood.

Chad West didn’t grow up in Dallas, but Oak Cliff is where he found his community—and where he’s been working ever since to serve it. In this episode, we talk with the District 1 City Council Member about his path from Southern Illinois farm kid to Oak Cliff homeowner, small business owner, and public servant. Chad shares how he ended up in city politics, what he’s learned about housing, zoning, and walkability, and why the real work of change starts at the neighborhood level.

In this episode, we sit down with architect and urbanist Stephanie Behring, co-founder of ReStudio Architecture, to explore what makes Oak Cliff—and cities like it—truly work. From the balance of historic preservation and new development to the challenges of affordability and density, Stephanie shares her deep knowledge of how the built environment shapes our daily lives. We discuss the power of 15-minute cities, the role of adaptive reuse in maintaining affordability, and why neighborhood involvement is key to keeping communities thriving. Stephanie also offers a look at her work in East Oak Cliff, the evolving architectural landscape of Dallas, and how thoughtful design can create places that are both beautiful and functional.Tune in for a conversation about urbanism, walkability, and the future of Oak Cliff, with insights that go far beyond architecture.

In episode 10, we dive into the life and work of Monte Anderson—developer, visionary, and lifelong advocate for Oak Cliff. Monte shares his journey from motocross racer to shaping iconic projects like Tyler Station and the Belmont Hotel. We explore his unwavering commitment to Southern Dallas, his principles of “gentlefication,” and how he’s fostering walkable, multi-generational communities. With decades of experience and a deep love for Oak Cliff, Monte reveals how building with purpose creates a legacy that transcends generations.