Beyond the Bite

This episode of Beyond the Bite takes listeners inside San Antonio’s annual “SA to DC” trip, where business leaders, elected officials, and community advocates travel to Washington to advocate for the region’s priorities. Guests Kevin Matula of USAA and Krista Piferrer of the First Day Foundation provide a behind-the-scenes look at how a diverse coalition—from large corporations to small business owners and nonprofits—comes together to present a unified voice. With a record-breaking delegation this year, the conversation highlights why showing up in force matters and how collaboration across industry and community sectors strengthens San Antonio’s influence on the national stage.The discussion explores the dual nature of advocacy—pushing for new opportunities and funding while also protecting existing resources and funding. From military appropriations and infrastructure to housing and nonprofit support, the guests emphasize that much of the work in Washington is about “playing defense” to preserve what the community already has. They also highlight the growing role of entrepreneurs, C-suite executives, and nonprofit leaders in these conversations, bringing real-world expertise into policy discussions and helping lawmakers understand how legislation works in practice.Finally, the episode underscores the importance of relationships and long-term engagement. In a rapidly changing political environment—with congressional turnover, funding uncertainty, and evolving legislative strategies—San Antonio’s leaders must remain adaptable and proactive. Whether it’s building connections with congressional staff, inviting policymakers to experience the city firsthand, or maintaining momentum after the trip ends, the message is clear: effective advocacy doesn’t stop in Washington—it requires consistent follow-up, collaboration, and a compelling story about why San Antonio matters.Greater San Antonio Chamber of CommerceSan Antonio Hispanic Chamber of CommerceMetro SA Chamber of CommerceSouth Texas Business PartnershipgreaterSATX

In Part Two of our interview with Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller, the Archbishop explores the vital role of the laity in shaping business, civic life, and public policy, highlighting organizations like Legatus as examples of how faith can guide leadership in the marketplace. The conversation then shifts to moments of profound tragedy—from Uvalde to the migrant deaths in San Antonio—where he reflects on leading through grief by embracing both the human and spiritual dimensions of service, emphasizing presence, prayer, and shared responsibility.The discussion also addresses the growing demands on institutions like Catholic Charities, noting the challenge of serving more people with fewer resources, while remaining committed to helping all in need. Archbishop García-Siller shares optimism around expanding Catholic education through new funding mechanisms and reflects on the recent surge in Mass attendance and conversions as signs of spiritual renewal driven by the Holy Spirit.The episode closes with a message of unity and hope, emphasizing interfaith collaboration, mutual respect, and the universal call to serve others. Through it all, the Archbishop reinforces a central theme: faith is not meant to be lived in isolation, but actively expressed in community, leadership, and service to the broader human family.www.archsa.org

Part One of this two-part episode is a wide-ranging and deeply personal conversation where Archbishop Gustavo García-Siller of the Catholic Archdiocese of San Antonio, reflects on his upbringing in a large family in San Luis Potosí and how those early experiences shaped his worldview. Growing up as one of 15 children, he describes a culture where family was seen as a blessing rather than a burden, rooted in faith, responsibility, and shared sacrifice. The discussion explores how shifting cultural norms—both in Mexico and the United States—have influenced declining birth rates, and how economic realities like poverty and comfort continue to shape family size and values today.The conversation then turns to poverty, particularly in San Antonio, where longstanding economic disparities remain a pressing challenge. Archbishop García-Siller emphasizes that addressing poverty is a shared responsibility—one that belongs not only to government leaders, but to society as a whole. He highlights the importance of personal choices, community engagement, and moral responsibility, noting that both wealth and poverty can create barriers to empathy and action. His perspective underscores a central theme: meaningful change requires both structural leadership and individual commitment.A recurring thread throughout the episode is the tension between individualism and community. Drawing from his upbringing, the Archbishop reflects on how a life centered on faith, family, and daily responsibility naturally cultivates humility and service to others. In contrast to today’s increasingly self-focused culture, he makes the case for rediscovering a sense of shared obligation—what it truly means to “belong to a village.” The conversation also touches on San Antonio’s history of interfaith collaboration, offering a reminder of the city’s legacy of unity across differences.Finally, the discussion explores the intersection of faith and public life. Archbishop García-Siller shares insights into how the Catholic Church engages with policymakers across the political spectrum, advocating for issues ranging from poverty to immigration to religious freedom. He candidly addresses the challenges of navigating politics while remaining grounded in enduring moral principles, describing the Church as “politically homeless” yet ultimately free. The episode closes on a philosophical note, reflecting on the temporary nature of political systems and the enduring mission of faith—offering listeners a broader perspective on leadership, purpose, and the common good.https://archsa.org/

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with San Antonio City Councilwoman Phyllis Viagran for a candid conversation about the recent censure of Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones and what it means for leadership and collaboration at San Antonio City Council. Viagran walks through why she supported the vote to censure the mayor following an investigation into violations of the city’s code of conduct. She explains the difference between political disagreement and accountability, emphasizing that the vote was about maintaining respect, professionalism, and the institutional integrity of City Hall. While acknowledging the tension the episode created, she also makes clear that the work of governing never stopped.The conversation also explores how City Council moves forward after such a public conflict. Viagran discusses the importance of coalition-building in a council-manager form of government, where major decisions require collaboration and at least six votes to move forward. She reflects on leadership, communication among council members, and the role the mayor plays in persuading colleagues and building consensus. From rebuilding trust at City Hall to maintaining focus on the city’s priorities, Viagran argues that San Antonio’s leaders must continue working together despite disagreements.Beyond the political headlines, the episode dives into the major issues facing the city in the months ahead. Viagran shares her perspective on potential rate increases from CPS Energy and San Antonio Water System, the growing debate over energy demands from data centers, and early discussions around a future city bond package. She also discusses downtown redevelopment and the broader vision surrounding Project Marvel, along with efforts to balance economic growth with infrastructure, housing, and flood mitigation. It’s a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, accountability, and the complex policy decisions shaping San Antonio’s future.

In this episode of Beyond the Bite, Eddie Aldrete sits down with Texas Transportation Commissioner and long-time friend Alex Meade — not just to talk policy, but to tell the story of a problem-solver who believes progress begins with listening.Meade’s journey starts long before his appointment to the Texas Transportation Commission. From his days in city management to his work in economic development, he learned that big challenges are rarely solved from behind a desk. So, when he joined the Commission, he did something almost unheard of: within his first year, he personally visited all 25 TxDOT district offices. Only one other commissioner had ever done it.What he found wasn’t just a list of projects — it was a patchwork of priorities, personalities, and regional realities. And the lesson wasn’t about asphalt or appropriations. It was about consensus. Meade makes the case that in Texas, the greatest barrier to progress isn’t always funding — it’s alignment. His diplomatic style, grounded in respect and accessibility, has become his most effective tool.That approach was tested in one of the most complicated regional efforts in recent memory: the merger of three Metropolitan Planning Organizations in the Rio Grande Valley. Encouraged by Governor Greg Abbott, the task meant bringing together 47 cities — each with its own leadership, interests, and history — under one unified planning structure. What could have become a turf battle instead became a blueprint for collaborat ion. Through persistence, patience, and a steady focus on shared goals, the Valley emerged stronger and more influential in statewide transportation decisions.Throughout the conversation, Meade reflects on the leaders who shaped him — especially the late Transportation Commission Chairman Bruce Bugg. Bugg wasn’t just a chairman; he was a mentor and an advocate who understood that relationships move projects. Meade speaks of him with genuine warmth — recalling a leader who championed the Valley, believed deeply in Texas’ future, and modeled what it meant to serve with humility. His legacy isn’t just measured in miles of roadway, but in the people he brought together. It’s clear that Bugg’s spirit of collaboration continues to guide Meade’s work today.In the end, this episode is less about transportation policy and more about the art of bringing people together. Alex Meade shares how diplomacy, accessibility, and steady leadership can turn competing interests into common purpose — and how, in a fast-growing state like Texas, consensus may be our most valuable resource of all.https://www.txdot.gov/about/leadership/texas-transportation-commission/alejandro-meade.htmlhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-meade-114b14205/