Olaf Growald
Kylie Johnson, coach and athletic director at Southwest High School.
Brian Kendall, Executive Editor
It’s always a fun, and even reassuring, exercise to look back on the year and select some faves. I’ll even go down the rabbit hole of rereading a 5,000-word piece just to nod and say aloud to myself “you know, that was pretty darn good.” One such piece, a feature that is no doubt worthy of multiple rereads that I’ll go ahead and call the article of the year, was my colleague John Henry’s heartfelt — and award-winning — longform essay that advocates for the preservation of Farrington Field, “Save It, and They Will Come.” Like rewatching a Stanley Kubrick flick, I find something new and fascinating about the story with every read.
John also hit a home run with “Delivering Jameela,” our April cover feature. Part story on a historic birth at the Fort Worth Zoo, part profile on obstetrician Dr. Jamie Erwin, and part piece on the resilience of a baby gorilla, it’s engrossing, educational, and uplifting. But reader beware: I recall getting a bit misty-eyed when first reading it. And in October, John went outside the box with his interview subjects and shot the shit with some dead historical figures at Oakwood Cemetery. It’s classic John humor.
Our main dining writer, Malcolm Mayhew, also had a trio of incredible pieces. His feature on local soul food has me licking my chops just thinking about it, and his annual piece on the city’s best new restaurants is a masterclass in food writing. Yet perhaps my favorite story he wrote this year went outside the realm of dining and beautifully sermonized framing and art restoration at the iconic Dow Art Galleries.
For my last couple of selections, I guess I’ll stroke my own ego and include my profiles on Shane McAnally, a Mineral Wells native who’s written 50 Billboard-topping country songs, and Adan Banuelos, who I argued was the sport of cutting’s first superstar. Thoroughly enjoyed chatting with and writing about both of them.
John Henry, Fort Worth Inc. Executive Editor
Olaf Growald
John Henry, Fort Worth Inc. Executive Editor at Farrington Field.
Ever since I dipped my toe into the genre of horse writing, I’ve been intrigued by the idea of the Mongol Derby, a 621-mile race inspired from the days of Genghis Khan, who lived … a long time ago.
Eight hundred years ago, in fact.
Well, anyway, riders jump on the backs of Mongolian horses and take them on a more than 600-mile journey of the Mongolian Steppe, figuratively retracing Genghis Khan’s long-distance system to send messages. This is no over-the-river-and-through-the-woods-to-Grandma’s-house-we-go-type thing. It’s more like across arid desert terrain, over vast plains and through craggy mountain passes — get out your Rosary beads, cross your fingers, and hope for the best.
It requires a unique toughness. Writer Tyler Hicks introduced us to Josh Edwards, a tough guy, who got in the Mongol Derby in 15 days. Hell of a read to kick off the new year.
Speaking of grit. In September, Brian Kendall told the stories of four women who work in male-dominated professions, including a landman — a real landman — and a firefighter.
Back to horses. This man was born to ride. Brian Kendall also introduced us to cutting horse trainer extraordinaire Adan Banuelos in November in advance of the NCHA Futurity. Banuelos was born in the saddle — quite literally — and has spent his life translating the unspoken language between horse and rider into championships, artistry, and a legacy. He is today the sport’s first true superstar — with a supermodel as a girlfriend. Genghis Khan was right: It’s easy to conquer the world on the back of a horse.
Of those I penned, “A Love Letter to a Stadium” in August was my favorite, simply because of the topics of history, places, and preservation are favorites. And Farrington Field is particularly a favorite. My story on Jamie Erwin became a favorite the instant I sat down with the engaging medical doctor who brought the miracle of Jameela into the world through C-section at the Fort Worth Zoo.
Stephen Montoya, Digital Editor
Fort Worth Zoo
As 2025 winds down, some stories linger longer than others — the ones that make you pause, reflect, or smile long after you’ve closed the magazine. This year, the stories that stayed with me spanned personal essays, historical explorations, culinary celebrations, and bold visions for the future of our city. From the enduring charm of Farrington Field to the smoky brisket of a family-run barbecue spot honoring a late son, these features captured the heart, history, and promise of Fort Worth.
A Love Letter to Farrington Field
Topping the list is John Henry’s homage to Farrington Field, one of Fort Worth’s most cherished sports monuments. Long before the story was greenlit, John had immersed himself in research and storytelling, blending personal reflection with historical detail. The result is a piece that feels both intimate and enduring — the kind of story that keeps conversations alive long after the cover story has left newsstands.
Table for One, And Proud of It
Malcolm Mayhew explored what it’s like to dine alone in a city built for company, turning solo meals into a quietly revealing experience. His commentary captures the subtle rhythms, social cues, and unexpected freedoms of eating alone, balancing humor with a touch of poignancy. For anyone who’s ever wondered whether dining solo feels lonely, Malcolm’s insight hits home — and makes you think twice about that empty chair at your table.
Cowgirls of the Chisholm Trail
In September, Shilo Urban chronicled the women who blazed trails — literally — along the Chisholm Trail. Part of a magazine issue dedicated to women in male-dominated jobs, the piece honors those whose grit and determination reshaped the history of the West, offering a vivid portrait of courage that feels both timeless and urgently relevant.
A Look at Arlington’s New National Medal of Honor Museum
In April, Shilo Urban delivered a masterful feature on the newly opened National Medal of Honor Museum. She begins with a lede that humanizes extraordinary heroism: ordinary people from diverse backgrounds, connected by courage, sacrifice, and service. Her reporting strikes the perfect balance between historical rigor and empathetic storytelling, creating a reverent spotlight of not just the building but the people it was built to honor.
True Grit: No Job Is Off Limits for These Leading Ladies
In September, our Executive Editor Brian Kendall put together a cover story that involved four women who currently work in male-dominated industries with poise and respect — his reporting was an illuminating read that put the spotlight on the shattering of the glass ceiling. From pioneering culinary entrepreneur Lucille Elizabeth Bishop Smith to modern trailblazers in firefighting, athletics, and the energy sector, Fort Worth women have consistently defied societal norms and transformed careers into legacies and sources of personal empowerment. Their stories show that success in male-dominated fields is not about fitting in — it’s about excelling on one’s own terms.
What Will Fort Worth Look Like in 2050?
By 2050, Fort Worth is set to become a thriving, world-class city while preserving its cowboy roots — with a growing population, walkable urban villages, expanded transit, and emerging hubs for aerospace, technology, and film. Watching Brian Kendall craft this cover story — juggling multiple sources over several weeks to cover every angle — reminded me of my early days in journalism, where in-depth, localized reporting was the gold standard, and this article embodies exactly that. From AI-driven city planning and booming industries to education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, Cowtown’s future promises a balance of progress and heritage that feels both ambitious and authentically Fort Worth.
In October, John Henry brought Fort Worth’s past vividly to life in a unique exploration of Oakwood Cemetery, telling the stories of some of the city’s most notable figures from a bygone era. Through encounters with the spirits of pioneers, civic leaders, artists, and athletes, he writes these individuals back into the present in a way that both engages and informs readers. The cemetery becomes more than a resting place — it is a living chronicle of memory and legacy, showing how the people who shaped Fort Worth continue to resonate today.
The Obstetrician, the Gorilla, and the Historic Delivery
One of the biggest miracles in Fort Worth this year was the first-ever C-section delivery of a female gorilla named Jameela, a groundbreaking procedure that saved both her and her mother. Contributing Editor John Henry spoke with the obstetrician who led the operation and brought this extraordinary event to life in our March cover story, capturing the tense, triumphant, and meticulous efforts that made the delivery a success. The story showcases not only the intersection of science, compassion, and conservation but also Henry’s ability to translate a staggering real-life event into a narrative that engages and informs readers without becoming overly technical.
Smoky Brisket and Family Love Fuel New Fort Worth Barbecue Spot
The loss of a child is a tragedy no parent ever wants to bear, yet John and Brandi Berry channeled their grief into Lil JJ’s Smokehouse, a restaurant opened in September that honors the memory of their late son, JJ. Malcolm Mayhew captured their story with heart, showing how the couple’s dedication to family and tradition shines through in every dish, from perfectly smoked brisket to their beloved baked beans. More than just a food story, this piece celebrates resilience, love, and the enduring presence of JJ in both the restaurant and the Fort Worth barbecue community.
