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.'

The No. 1 Cheapest City to Live in Texas Will Surprise You

With more and more jobs being done remotely, it's changed the on-location work paradigm we've been living with for many years.

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

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?

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.

Texas State Inspection for Your Car is OVER as of 2025

Proponents of the bill say this will save Texans time, but others are concerned this sets us down a potentially dangerous path.

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.

Discover How This Popular Spice Can Keep Cockroaches OUT of Your Texas Home

Discover how a simple spice like can help repel cockroaches from your home in Longview and Tyler, Texas.

Warning! The Drunk Driving Limit in Texas May Be Changing Soon

Supporters of lowering the limit say it will save many lives, while detractors feel it could put too much of a burden on our law enforcement officers.

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.

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

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."

New Study Claims These are the 6 Friendliest Neighborhoods in Texas

How helpful would this info be to real estate agents in these areas? But also, in a state that tends to be known for its friendliness, it's fascinating to hear which neighborhoods rank the highest in that regard. It makes me wonder what it is about those neighborhoods that make them so, too.