Tara Holley

Tara Holley

Tara Holley's first on-air experience was at age 3 on a jingle in Temple, Texas. Radio has been a part of her life ever since. She received a BA in Theatre and Communication in 2004 from McMurry University. Her professional journey includes theatre, Neilsen media research, advertising and marketing, creative writing and scripting, and more. However, radio has always been her first professional love. Tara writes about all things East Texas -- including fantastic food, Texas legends and lore, and lifestyle topics. She loves conversation, comedy, coffee, animals, philosophy, and the arts. Her basic life philosophy can be summed up in the words of the great Bill and Ted: “Be Excellent to Each Other.” Tara received the Mayor's ROSE (Recognition of Service and Excellence) Award in 2021 and the President's Club Award for Townsquare Media Tyler in 2021 for Contributor of the Year. She served on the Heart of Tyler Board of Directors from 2017-2022, was a 2-year Chair for the Downtown Tyler Film Festival, and served on the Tyler Civic Theatre Board for several years, as well. She is currently on the Tyler Music Friendly Advisory Board.'

15 Forbidden Foods that are Banned in the State of Texas
15 Forbidden Foods that are Banned in the State of Texas
As for me, I appreciate the fact that some of these 'foods' aren't available or are out-and-out banned. In my opinion, some foods are potentially too dangerous and not worth the risk. Others are created or harvested in ways that seem so unethical, that consuming them seems beneath the dignity of otherwise caring, good-hearted people. Again, that's just my opinion.
Why Every Texan Should Keep Paper Towels in Their Fridge All the Time
Why Every Texan Should Keep Paper Towels in Their Fridge All the Time
I mean, this sounds like something one would do on accident. Well, it more certainly sounds like something I would do. I can't tell you how many times I've absent-mindedly put something in the refrigerator that didn't necessarily belong there.
Why is This the #1 Most Banned Book in Texas?
Why is This the #1 Most Banned Book in Texas?
In my opinion, books that are overtly sexual in nature don't have a place in elementary schools--or even perhaps in middle schools, for that matter. But here's part of the controversy: different people have different ideas about what 'overtly sexual' means.
The 7 Weirdest Driving Laws in the State of Texas
The 7 Weirdest Driving Laws in the State of Texas
Granted, not all of these laws are quite that strange, but they will likely surprise some of us. There are also city-specific laws here in Texas that don't apply statewide. For example, when driving in El Paso, Texas, drivers are technically supposed to give a little honk when passing another car.
Does a Warm Winter Mean Summer 2024 Will Totally Kill Us in ETX?
Does a Warm Winter Mean Summer 2024 Will Totally Kill Us in ETX?
I've heard so many friends and colleagues wonder this out loud. Even though living in Longview, Tyler, or anywhere in East Texas, always means sometimes shockingly hot and humid summer days, we still hope it will be at least slightly more tolerable.
10 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Texas Homes
10 ‘Secret Spots’ Burglars Check First When Invading Texas Homes
Unfortunately, some burglars may check online to research the places people think may offer an added level of security for their valuables, so they know where to look. After all, the World Wide Web is available to a large portion of the population.
RUDE! 12 Things Texans Should Stop Doing Immediately at the Grocery Store
RUDE! 12 Things Texans Should Stop Doing Immediately at the Grocery Store
There are some behaviors many of us have seen that may immediately come to mind. Brazenly cutting in line is a HUGE no-no. That should be a given. Insulting people seems fairly obvious, but I've still seen it happen. Heaven help the person who goes after the last bag of Flamin' Hot Cheetos when THESE people are nearby.
President Biden Just Announced Debt Cancellation for Some Texas Students
President Biden Just Announced Debt Cancellation for Some Texas Students
According to a story shared on BuzzFeed, early on Friday, President Biden announced plans to cancel student loans for certain borrowers. The plan is to begin the process in February "as part of a new repayment plan that’s taking effect nearly six months ahead of schedule."
Is it Ever Actually Legal to Pass a Vehicle on the Right in Texas?
Is it Ever Actually Legal to Pass a Vehicle on the Right in Texas?
On occasion I have seen people passing so wildly on the right, then left, and so on, I half expect to see them become a hovercraft and fly away in their apparent frenzy. (To be honest, when drivers seem THAT frantic I wish they would fly away--because they can pose a serious threat to public safety.)
Have You Heard About the Self-Checkout Scam at Texas Stores?
Have You Heard About the Self-Checkout Scam at Texas Stores?
Concerned, the woman went to ask customer service about it, and according to the post, the Walmart employees told her it was a new scam going around. And here's how it allegedly works....
People in Texas Share Strong Feelings Over One Big Change at Stores
People in Texas Share Strong Feelings Over One Big Change at Stores
The employee clarified that yes, the bags were for her purchases that she'd JUST made at the store. When she asked what alternative did she have to take her purchases out of the store, he told her she could either put them in her purse or carry them out.
You Won’t Believe the #1 Texas City Gen Xers are Moving to. (It’s Not Austin)
You Won’t Believe the #1 Texas City Gen Xers are Moving to. (It’s Not Austin)
Well, we already know quite well by now that we're seeing a ton of new folks headed to Texas. At this point, that's likely understood by most. But it's still rather interesting to learn which of Texas cities, in particular, are attracting the most people--and what demographic of people, as well. No, it's not Austin or Dallas, Texas. Nope, it's not Houston, Texas, either.

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