Galveston Experience Podcast

Mike Dudas spends time with Nick Crow of Christy's Wish and explains the goals and plans of this nonprofit organization. 

To donate or get more information visit:  https://christyswish.org/

May 1st is the 25th Grand Kids Festival and Mike Dudas gets all the details from Sarah Piel of the 1894 Grand Opera House. 

For more information visit:

https://www.thegrand.com/2020-the-grand-kids-festival/

Mike Dudas gets the Scuttlebutt on the efforts of Mark Kelso to identify the remains of WWII Marine soldiers. 

Get more Scuttlebutt on the PODCAST page at www.GalvestonExperience.com

Mike Dudas speaks with Clarissa Ayala and Leslie Burgoyne about Lone Star Legal Aid’s mission is to protect and advance the civil legal rights of the Texans living in poverty

For more information, visit https://lonestarlegal.blog/

Join Mike Dudas as he introduces you to Bubba Smith, the immediate president of he Propeller Club, Port of Galveston.

Know someone that would be interesting to be featured on the Scuttlebutt?  Contact is at www.RadioGalveston.com

Mike Dudas sits down for an interview to get the Scuttlebutt on the Island's youngest Entrepreneur, Cole Wallace of Steals & Deals. 

For more podcasts, check out the Podcast Page of the Galveston Experience Company, www.GalvestonExperience.com 

The holidays are always a time for reflection, and Mike Dudas captured some great comments from his students from their best holiday memories.  There was an interesting common thread for their best memories.  Give it a listen and hear what is important to them. 

Happy Holidays from everyone at the Galveston Experience Company and RadioGalveston.com

Mike Dudas interviews Galveston's newest City Council Member, William Schuster about his historic campaign for Councilman.  

We'll take a look at events happening around Galveston and you can always find them on the Galveston Island Guide at www.Galveston.VIP or the Island Events page at www.RadioGalveston.com

Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season and we look forward to a fresh start and a return to normal in 2021!

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas all over the Island.  On this episode you'll hear about many holiday events happening around the Island, and Mike Dudas provides the Scuttlebutt on a great program for seniors 55+ at Libbie's Place.

For details, check calendar page at www.GalvestonExperience.com If you are aware of events or holiday support programs happening around the Island, click the SUBMIT AN EVENT button on the same calendar page. 

With the arrival of the holidays there are several contests and special events happening around the Island, we'll discuss several, including the Scuttlebutt on two programs by the Galveston Police Department. 

RadioGalveston.com is holding the first-ever "DJ of the Day" contest.  Use your cell phone to record DJ segments to be played with your four favorite songs.  Every entry has a chance to win.  Listen to hear your friends and neighbors on the air, and the #1 voted DJ gets $500 along with other prizes and an hour LIVE on RadioGalveston.com

To keep up with all the holiday events, download the Galveston Digital Island Guide from the Google or Apple store or at www.Galveston.VIP

2020 has been a year filled with challenges for individuals, families, businesses and organizations of all types.  Yet, there is still much to be thankful for.  Mike Dudas speaks with some of his students from Ball High School to hear what they are thankful for.

At the Galveston Experience Company, we're thankful for you, and everyone we've met since launching our historic, hurricane and ghost bus tours, RadioGalveston.com, our store, www.Galveston.VIP Island Guide and for all of the people we have met in the past year and a half. 

From our family to yours, all the best for a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving!

With the news of Dickens being cancelled for 2020, cruises delayed until at least February 2021 and uncertainty of Mardis Gras, it's great to hear that The Grand will start with limited seating performances in January 2021.  Meet Maureen Patton, the Executive Director of the Grand Opera house as she shares some interesting stories from her 39 years at the Grand.  Hear what they've been up to during the pandemic, and what's to expect in the future. 

The Galveston Experience Podcast is produced by RadioGalveston.com - the voice of the Galveston Experience Company. 

Join Mike Dudas and learn about the historic First Lutheran Church from Rev. Richard Rhodes as he tells of the first 170 years of the Church history. 

ETC Theatre is also performing the hilarious Trailer Park Christmas through December 12th.  Get all the details on this and other events on the Island on Episode #112 of the Galveston Experience Podcast. 

For more info, check the Radio Galveston Island Events page at www.RadioGalveston.com

Mike Dudas discusses the GISD Teen Parenting program with Carla Geters, and hear the many events happening around the Island for this first weekend in November. 

Be sure and download the Galveston Digital Island Guide which includes several free tours. In the Google and Apple App stores or at www.Galveston.VIP

Learn all about the incredible work done by the Rotary Club of Galveston and the great work done globally by Rotary International. Several programs coming up for the holiday season - find out how you can get involved. 

Mike Dudas talks to VFW Commander Dean Growcock about how COVID has impacted their operations, and a fundraiser underway to replace their A/C units to allow them to get back into full operation once again. 

Listen also for details on how you can win an overnight stay in a Haunted House, win 1 of 13 Ghost Hunts from www.GalvestonGhostHunt.com, Sugar Skull items donated by the Seawall Sugar Skull Shop or surrey, bike or scooter rentals from the Salt Water Gift Shop at 18th and Seawall. 

Listen for details on RadioGalveston at www.RadioGalveston.com

Mike Dudas talks to Brittany Viegas about this great program which allows you to help out our schools and students, just by going to dinner. 

Mike Dudas interviews new Ball High School Football Coach Sheldon Bennight who moves to Galveston from his position as Assistant Coach on the very successful North Shore football program. 

The Galveston Experience Podcast is sponsored by the Galveston.VIP Digital Island Guide, putting the best of Galveston in the palm of your hand. Download for free from the Google or Apple stores or at www.Galveston.VIP

Episode #106 is all about FOOD.  Get the Scuttlebutt on the great work being done at the Galveston County Food Bank as Mike Dudas speaks with Donnie Van Ackeren - hear how you can support this important effort.

And, local food is back at the Bryan Museum with Galveston's Own Farmer's Market.

Also, as we get ready for the Spooky Season, hear about the new Galveston Ghost Hunt from the Galveston Experience Company, an App-based, social distancing fun, entertaining and educational historic and ghost hunt around Galveston Island. 

More info at www.GalvestonExperience.com and www.RadioGalveston.com

After a wet and stormy week, we deserve the great weekend ahead, and there's plenty to do on the Island including the opening weekend for Fully Committed at ETC.  Details on the Island Events page at www.RadioGalveston.com

Mike Dudas also brings us the Scuttlebutt on the Pregnancy Help Center of Galveston.  For more information visit https://www.pregnancyhelpcentergalveston.org

And, Radio Galveston is now on Alexa!  Just enable the skill by saying "Alexa, enable Radio Galveston" - then you can listen anytime just by saying "Alexa, PLAY Radio Galveston".

Thanks to Billy Hill for the great cover photo!

Mike Dudas has a fascinating interview with Scott Gordon, President of Lighthouse Charity Team who have been helping charitable organizations for  over 30 years.  And, given the approaching tropical storm, may be called again soon.  On September 19th, check out the drive-in movie at Stewart Beach, and hear about the many other events on the Island the weekend of September 18th, 2020. 

If you know someone who'd be a great guest on the Scuttlebutt, get in touch with us at www.RadioGalveston.com

The Pandemic has caused dramatic changes for us all and Lindsey White, the Executive Director of United Way Galveston joins Mike Dudas to share how they have been impacted.

September 8th was the 120th anniversary of the Great Storm that destroyed a third of Galveston and took as many as 10,000 lives.  The Galveston Experience Company has launched a new Hurricane Tour narrated by Dr. Hal Needham, known as "Hurricane Hal" on RadioGalveston.com

The one-hour Bus tour celebrates the innovation, resiliency and ingenuity of the people of Galveston to resurrect the Island from a devastating storm.  To book this informative, engaging and entertaining tour, visit www.GalvestonExperience.com

The tour departs daily at 12 Noon from the Galveston Experience Company.  Groups of 8 or more can schedule a private tour for up to 20 people. 

September 8th, 1900, Galveston Island was changed forever and we remember that anniversary and introduce and all new Hurricane Bus Tour featuring Dr. "Hurricane" Hal Needham which shows how Galveston was forever changed by that storm. 

COVID has also changed the way we learn and Mike Dudas speaks with Carol Langston from Galveston College on this edition of the Scuttlebutt. 

Podcasts listeners can also get a $5 per ticket discount on Hurricane tickets through the month of September by using the discount code "1900" when booking online at www.GalvestonExperience.com

Dr. Hal Needham discusses the history of hurricanes in Galveston, including our recent close call with Category 4 Hurricane Laura how that storm compares it to the 1900 storm, whose 120th anniversary is coming up on September 8th.  

Learn the amazing work that was done after the 1900 storm to protect Galveston from future storms.  We'll also talk Dan Rather, Ultimate Frisbee and much more on this episode. 

#galveston #hurricanelaura #1900hurricane #ultimatefrisbee #1900storm #GalvestonIsland

When's the last time you went to a Drive-In Movie?  Hear what's coming up at Stewart Beach, plus the reopening of the Naval Museum, weekend events and Mike Dudas gets the Scuttlebutt from Hospitality ER from Caytlyn Stanley and how COVID has impacted their business.

RadioGalveston.com will be broadcasting regular updates on the Tropical storm activity in the Gulf of Mexico from Hurricane Hal Needham.  For more on Dr. Needham, visit the Hurricane Hal page at www.RadioGalveston.com

For more information on Island events, download the Galveston Digital Guide from the Apple or Google Stores or at www.Galveston.VIP.

Wyona Wyche stopped by the studios of RadioGalveston.com to introduce us to this new effort to provide a lifeline to senior citizens.  SOS provides a life anchor to help combat loneliness, depression and isolation which has been made worse by the pandemic. 

For more information visit: https://www.facebook.com/groups/SaveOurSeniorsTexas

And, check for updates on the Island Events page at www.RadioGalveston.com

Meet "Galveston's Publicist" Robyn Bushong and hear the many Island nonprofit organizations she is involved in, and how they have been impacted by the pandemic. The Galveston Experience Company is a supporter of all types of non-profits and we'll provide details on how we can assist your organization. 

For everything happening on Galveston Island visit www.Galveston.VIP and listen to www.RadioGalveston.com

Thanks to Billy "Blues" Hill of G-Town Surf for the awesome cover photo.

Dennis Nance of the Galveston Arts Center joins Mike Dudas for an update on the many programs and events ongoing, even through these times of social distancing.

You'll also get a sneak preview of the new self-guided Galveston Ghost Hunt which is coming to the Digital Island Guide at www.Galveston.VIP

Sea Star Base is an amazing facility for water-lovers of all ages, as well as a fantastic location for family events, weddings, reunions and much more.  In this episode of the Galveston Experience Podcast, Mike Dudas gets the Scuttlebutt on Sea Star Base from their Executive Director Glen Urbach. 

For more information on topics discussed in this episode visit:

www.SSBGalveston.org

www.STARskaters.org

www.Galveston.VIP

www.RadioGalveston.com

Anthony Jenson of Zapp Realty joins Mike Dudas to talk about Island realty and how the market has been impacted by COVID.  We also welcome back the Harborside Express and some beach weekend events. 

Save the date of August 7th for Free Clothes and breakfast tacos at St. Vincent's House.  Get complete details on Island events, things to do, family friendly events, FREE Tours and so much more on the new digital Island guide.  Download at www.Galveston.VIP - also available in the Google and Apple App stores. 

Thanks to Billy "Blues" Hill for the great cover photo for this episode.  Listen for his G-Town Surf Reports at the top of the hour on www.RadioGalveston.com

With Galveston events now easily found on the EVENTS page of the new Galveston Digital Guide available at www.Galveston.VIP we focus on the people and organizations that make Galveston a special place.  In this episode, Mike Dudas introduces us to Carol Hodges of the Noon Optimist Club.

If you know of someone who would be a good future guest, contact Mike on his page at www.RadioGalveston.com

We're pleased to have long-time Galveston resident Mike Dudas join the podcast to bring us the Scuttlebutt on interesting people, places and organizations around Galveston.  On his first episode we'll learn about the Galveston Seafarers Center.  You can learn more about Mike and his history at www.RadioGalveston.com

The 4th of July parade and fireworks have been cancelled, but there are still many activities around the Island.  Download the Galveston Digital Guide from the Apple or Google App stores or at www.Galveston.VIP to keep updated on Island events. 

The City of Galveston issued a mandatory mask order until September 30th causing conflict between some customers and retailers charged with enforcing the order.  We'll talk about that as well as more new free tours that have been added to the Galveston.VIP Island Guide now available for download from the Google and Apple App stores.

And, starting next week, Mike Dudas will premiere a new interview feature called "The Scuttlebutt" - hear those details as well on episode #91 of the Galveston Experience Podcast. 

Dr. "Hurricane" Hal Needham is known for his straightforward no-nonsense forecasting.  He tells it like it is without the media hype and we are fortunate that he is an Island resident, heard every day on RadioGalveston.com.  He also has his own page on the new Galveston.VIP Digital Island guide that was just launched this week in the Google and Apple App stores.  

Hal is also an avid Frisbee Golf player - you can hear him talk about his love for that sport on episode #41 of the Galveston Experience Podcast. 

The SLAB's are coming to town.  SLAB = Slow, Low Loud & Bangin' - will be descending on Galveston Island Saturday afternoon.  The event, organized by Galveston Slingshot Rentals isn't scheduled for any particular part of the Island, but look for them all around the Island on Saturday. 

Just got word from Apple that our Galveston VIP Island Guide will be live in the App store by June 6th - it's already available as a Web App by opening Galveston.OnCell.com on any mobile device.  So, with the App replacing the EVENTS section of these podcasts, we'll be focusing more on people, personalities and the many other elements of the Island that make Galveston a special place. 

The WE ARE RAISING MEN Free Lawn Care segment of this Podcast is one example of the many ways we can all give back to the Island.  Hopefully you find something, and if the Galveston Experience Company can assist your non-profit efforts, please let us know!  STARskaters.org non-profit was started by our founder Jim O'Neill in 2008 and teaches disabled kids to skate and supports a Sled Hockey program in Houston for disabled military vets and anyone unable to play stand-up hockey due to their disability. 

If you have a person who'd be an interesting interview for the GEX Podcast - have them get ahold of us at info@GalvestonExperience.com

Moody Gardens opens Memorial Weekend, hear what's open, who is playing live music, Kayak the Preserve, Free Bucket Brigade on Stewart Beach and much more.  Also, new FREE parking areas on the Seawall, all details available in the new Galveston.VIP Digital Island Guide.  Visit www.Galveston.VIP or open Galveston.OnCell.com on a mobile device. 

Jeep "Go Topless" Weekend has reportedly been cancelled, but don't be surprised to see a lot of Jeeps on Bolivar this weekend.  Law enforcement is getting ready for a busy weekend.  Hear what we were told when we called Bolivar.  

You'll find FREE tours and a lot of great information on the new Galveston VIP Digital Island Guide - Details at www.Galveston.VIP or open Galveston.OnCell.com on your cell phone.

This episode also details Virtual Bay Day, the new Artist Boat Kayak schedule and more. 

The Galveston Experience Podcast is produced in the studios of RadioGalveston.com - and, is heard on all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe to be notified of new episodes as they are released. 

Beach lovers are rejoicing as all Texas beaches reopen on May 1st.  How this will impact the spread of COVID-19 is unknown, but we'll talk about all of the latest updates on restrictions, and introduce you to the www.Galveston.VIP application which we have been working on during the weeks of lockdown.  A web version is available at www.Galveston.OnCell.com - open that link from a mobile device and you'll find an excellent resource for all things Galveston tailored specifically for your mobile device with many location based features - and more to come. 

The Galveston Experience Podcast is produced by RadioGalveston.com - if you have items you'd like to have included or suggestions for future guests, contact us at info@GalvestonExperience.com

As the COVID-19 numbers grow exponentially every day, we all need to do what we can to minimize the spread, but more importantly use whatever resources we have to help our friends, neighbors and even total strangers get through this.  It will end at some point, and hopefully the bonds that we make during this difficult time will help make us a stronger community when this is over. 

On this episode we talk about where you can go to find resources to help your personal or business situation, and ways to support our local businesses, which will in the end, support our community. 

Many businesses are offering deep discounts at this time.  Others, such as the Galveston Experience Company are closed.  To help us recover we are offering a 50% off discount on future Historic, Hurricane and Ghost Bus Tours - use the code TWOFER at www.GalvestonExperience.com

We are also airing a Virtual Happy Hour Friday nights from 5:30-6:30pm, grab your favorite beverage and enjoy some great music - we're taking requests at 409-741-3400, press 1 at the main menu - or email request@RadioGalveston.com 

You can also use that contact information to provide any other information you'd like to share.  

Social distancing in Texas has helped to limit the spread of COVID-19 compared to areas such as New York which on March 30th had more than DOUBLE the new cases in one day as reported so far in all of Texas.  We'll cover the latest statistics, orders and resources in this edition.

To find online resources, visit the CALENDAR page at www.GalvestonExperience.com

If you have information to report, contact us at 409-741-3400 #1 at the main menu. 

Listen to www.RadioGalveston.com for COVID updates at :30 past the hour as well as the latest weather and community information. 

Most importantly, please continue to STAY HOME - STAY SAFE to allow the virus to subside in our area as soon as possible. 

With no slowdown in the spread of the Coronavirus across the U.S. and Texas, stricter regulations are being put in place.  In this episode we'll look at the latest for Galveston, how Texas compares to the U.S, and how the U.S. compares globally, how we can help, and the six stages of Coronavirus.

Individuals needing support individually or for their business can find resources on the CALENDAR page of www.GalvestonExperience.com and on-air updates every hour at :30 past the hour on RadioGalveston.com

If you have an update to provide, contact us at 409-741-3400, extension 1 at the main menu.

Should you like to support the Galveston Experience Company, we are offering a TWOFER gift certificate with no expiration date.  Purchase on the EXPERIENCES page at www.GalvestonExperience.com website, click on GIFT CERTIFICATE and use the discount code TWOFER when you purchase 4 or more experiences. #Galveston #COVID #coronavirus #GalvestonBeach

With the Stay at Home order in place, many residents have questions about what this means.  On this episode we provide all the details and encourage all to listen to RadioGalveston.com for hourly updates on the latest restrictions, community information and Island Weather.

Anyone with information to provide RadioGalveston, the GEX Podcast or online calendar can email info@GalvestonExperience.com or phone 409-in 741-3400 extension #1. 

Updates are also available on the Calendar page at www.GalvestonExperience.com with helpful links to community resources and other helpful information. 

Everywhere you turn people are talking about the Coronavirus but as yet there have been no reported cases in Galveston county and we do encourage anyone who is feeling ill to please STAY AT HOME.  Based on the volume of visitors on the Strand, on the Beach, in our store and on our tours, there doesn't appear to be an impact as yet on the Island.  We've even talked to people who made the trip to Galveston because other events such as the Rodeo and sporting events were cancelled. 

So, if you are healthy, come to the beach and enjoy the many events on the Island this weekend, hear all about them on episode #81 of the Galveston Experience Podcast, produced by RadioGalveston.com where you can also hear event updates and Galveston Island weather as well as a great beachy music mix.

For more details, click the CALENDAR page at www.GalvestonExperience.com

Whether you are into history, art, music, boating, or beach activities there is something for everyone on the Island as the first weekend of Spring Break gets underway.  Hear all about it on episode #80 of the Galveston Experience Podcast for the weekend of March 6th. 

The podcast is produced by RadioGalveston.com, which is now conducting a fun on-air contest called the St. Paddy's Song Scramble - listen for details every hour from 5am-7pm. 

See you on the Beach!

RadioGalveston.com weather guru Hurricane Hal forecasts a gorgeous weekend on the Island with temperatures around 70 and plenty of Sunshine.  A great day to check out Seawolf Park and the Naval Museum Saturday morning at 10am for the Commissioning anniversary of the USS Cavalla. 

Hear all about that event and other events on this Island this weekend.

If you have an event you'd like included on the calendar and Galveston Experience Podcast, use the SUBMIT button on the Calendar page at GalvestonExperience.com

Looking for details on parades and other events for the final weekend of Mardis Gras . Check out this edition, produced by RadioGalveston.com

For full event details visit www.mardisgrasgalveston.com

Galveston is the 3rd largest Mardis Gras Celebration in the USA and from Feb 14-25th the Island will be buzzing with parades and events.  In this episode of the Galveston Experience Podcast we'll take a look at the first weekend parade schedule and other events happening on the island.

And, stop into the Galveston Experience Company at 1522 Seawall for your FREE BEADS, FREE PHOTO with our resident ghost as well as a nice discount on future tours!

The Galveston Experience Podcast is produced by RadioGalveston.com

According to RadioGalveston.com weather guru Hurricane Hal, this will be a spectacular weather weekend on the Island to come down and assist with the Seawall Mural Project which draws attention to the need to restore our Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary, or take in a beach run with the 50k or Galveston Marathon & Half Marathon.  Or, if you're up for a slower pace - East End Lagoon guided trail walk, Birding 101, family day at Ocean Star or train rides at the Railroad Museum.

For kids, there's Saturday stories at the Library, or Children's roundup at the Bryan Museum.

Or start gearing up for Mardis Gras with Menardis Gras at the Menard House, the Mystic Krewe Pardis Gras Ball.

On the cultural side, the Bryan Museum presents "Call in the Cavalry", or the Galveston Symphony Orchestra at the Grand Opera House, or the 10 minute play festival at Galveston College.

Listen here for all the details, and check out the Calendar page at GalvestonExperience.com

Next week we'll talk about our new BUS joining our tour fleet, and WE ARE HIRING Bus Drivers - NO CDL Needed, just a Galveston Chauffeur license.  For details contact jim@GalvestonExperience.com

Congratulations to our Houston Chamber of Commerce celebrating their 175th anniversary with a Gala at the Convention Center Friday January 31st.  For Theatre lovers, Finding Neverland is at the Grand 1894 Opera House this weekend, and "Actually" at the ETC Theatre on Mechanic.  Take a ride on the Harborside Express at the Railroad Museum,  Farmers Market back at Bryan Museum, or check out Schooner Sunday at Sea Star Base. 

If you know someone interested in driving Tours, have them get ahold of us at the Galveston Experience Company as we have a NEW BUS joining the fleet in the next weeks.  Contact jim@galvestonexperience.com