Jordan Maddox is the social media manager and media editor for the Dallas Observer. She started as an intern tasked with building their TikTok from scratch and eventually turned that into a full-time career covering Dallas's food, music, and culture scene. We talk about her path from small-town East Texas to working in Dallas media, what the job actually looks like behind the scenes, and her thoughts on where local news is headed. We cover: - Growing up in Henderson, TX and finding journalism via Gilmore Girls - Starting the Observer's TikTok account as a college intern - What goes into creating content before you ever hit record - Balancing social media, ethics, and community in local news - Why she believes local news should always be free and accessible

Jordan Maddox

Dallas Observer

Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

What does it take to build a music scene from the ground up? Christian Chavarria has been doing it for over 30 years. He's the owner of The Creatives Factory in Dallas and the Executive Director of the Downtown Dallas Arts and Music Festival. We talk songwriting, artist development, the music business, and why Dallas is one of the most exciting creative cities in the country right now.

The Creatives Factory

Downtown Dallas Arts & Music Festival

Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on The Dallas Famous Podcast, we sit down with legendary Dallas guitarist Jim Suhler.

Known for his longtime band Monkey Beat and for serving as guitarist for George Thorogood since 1999, Jim shares stories from decades on the road playing clubs, theaters, and massive stages around the world.

We talk about his deep Dallas roots, the Texas blues scene, life as a touring musician, working alongside legends, and the path that led him from local stages to international tours. Jim also reflects on the influence of artists like Johnny Winterand the enduring power of blues and rock music.

Stick around after the interview for a special performance of “Dallas” by Johnny Winter.

🎙️ The Dallas Famous Podcast spotlights the musicians, artists, and personalities that shape North Texas culture.

Jim Suhler

George Thorogood

Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

Singer-songwriter Katherine Patterson, known as Kpat Music, joins the Dallas Famous Podcast. Fresh off winning Best Songwriter at the 2025 Dallas Entertainment Awards, she shares her journey from classical violin training to becoming a standout voice in the indie folk scene.

In this episode, we get into her creative process, how she approaches songwriting, and what it takes to build an authentic artistic identity. Katherine also talks about the Dallas music scene, finding her audience, and the stories behind her music.

If you’re into indie folk, singer-songwriters, or the Dallas music community, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Katherine Paterson

Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

🎸Vaden Lewis of the Toadies joined us at the Loop, his rehearsal studio in Fort Worth, to talk about growing up a Fort Worth kid, how the Talking Heads and the Pixies cracked his world open, and the wild early days of the Toadies: from sweating it out in a metal storage unit to landing a deal with Interscope Records after a showcase at the Whisky a Go Go.We also dig into The Charmer, the band's brand-new album recorded with the legendary Steve Albini, a dream Vaden had since the very beginning that took nearly 30 years to finally make happen. And we get into what it took to build the Loop into the kind of place musicians actually want to show up to.

Recorded at The Loop Artist Rehearsal Complex, Fort Worth

Toadies

Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Season 5 Finale of the Dallas Famous Podcast, we’re joined by Jenni Rose of Vandoliers for one of the most powerful conversations of the season.

Jenni shares her journey from growing up in Texas surrounded by punk rock and country music to touring the world, building Vandoliers from the ground up, and publicly coming out as a transgender artist while in the spotlight. We talk about the chaos and camaraderie of life on tour, the early DIY days of the band, and the courage it takes to live authentically — both onstage and off.

Honest, funny, vulnerable, and deeply inspiring, this episode explores identity, music, resilience, and staying true to yourself no matter where the road leads.

This might be my favorite interview of the season — and I think you’ll dig it too.

🎙️ Dallas Famous Podcast
Real stories from the people shaping Dallas music, culture, and creative life.

Jenni Rose

Vandoliers

Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, we sit down with Joel Salazar, better known as DJ Leo J — a true pillar of the Dallas music scene.

With over 25 years behind the decks, Joel has done it all. From rocking Dallas nightclubs and community events to building platforms that uplift the next generation, his impact runs deep. As a master of turntablism, an educator, and a community leader, Joel has helped shape the culture through initiatives like Cipher Dallas and Battlegrounds, creating safe and accessible spaces for DJs, dancers, and artists to thrive.

In this episode, we dive into:

• The evolution of the Dallas DJ scene

• The art of turntableism & what separates real DJs

• Building community through music

• Launching and growing Cipher Dallas

• Mentoring the next generation of creatives

• 25 years of stories from behind the decks

If you care about Dallas music history, DJ culture, hip hop, turntablism, or creative entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-watch.

Joel Salazar

⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.

This week on the Dallas Famous Podcast, we’re joined by Kate Siamro, co-owner of Lady Love and a key figure in Dallas nightlife and music culture. Raised on an eclectic mix of goth, punk, and new wave influences, Kate knew early on she wanted a career rooted in music and media. After moving to Dallas in 2011, she quickly connected with the city’s creative energy and found her place within its independent nightlife scene.

Kate is the proud co-owner of Lady Love, a concept she originally envisioned as a record lounge that naturally evolved into one of Oak Cliff’s most vibrant dance clubs. Today, Lady Love stands as a space where music, art, nightlife, and community intersect, reflecting Kate’s passion for culture-driven spaces and authentic experiences. We talk about her journey, the evolution of Lady Love, and what it takes to build something meaningful in Dallas nightlife.

Kate Siamro

Lady Love

⁠Salim Nourallah⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Unstoppable" Theme Song (All Rights Reserved to Salim Nourallah)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Electrik Ants ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - "Place To Be" Outro Theme (All Rights Reserved to Electrik Ants)

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Andrew Sherman⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Your Host

The Dallas Famous Podcast is supported by the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Mullen & Mullen Music Project⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. The Music Project was created by Mullen & Mullen Injury Law Firm to champion the independent music scene in North Texas.