Olaf Growald
On any given day, Barton Fluker is a man about town, best known for sharing laughs, chambongs, and lively conversations with co-host Robyn Risenhoover on their podcast, Corks in Cowtown.
But for the episode that aired on June 2, there was no joking around. No laughing. No chambongs or drinking at all for that matter. Instead, Fluker and Risenhoover used the hour and 23 minutes to have a candid discussion about racism and answer listeners’ questions in light of the death of George Floyd.
“This is history right now,” Fluker says. “We didn’t want to be silent.”
The issue especially hits home for Fluker, who says that, while he’s grateful his experiences with racism haven’t been as severe as others, racism still exists in Fort Worth. Fluker wants Corks in Cowtown to be about more than just exploring the city’s nightlife and chatting about dating — it’s also a way to help bring change through the power of conversation.
“It was vital to be able to have the platform that we have, myself being a black man and Robyn being a white woman, to talk about everything that’s going on,” Fluker says. “We have an opportunity to speak up and speak out about the terrible injustices that are happening.”
There’s more he wants to do to help the community. Understanding how overwhelming recent events have been, Corks in Cowtown recently announced that local counselor Tiffany Latta will appear regularly on the show, offering free therapy sessions and answering listeners’ questions.
Fluker also wants to spread a message of love through his clothing brand, Love Remixed, which is currently available online at itsloveremixed.com. Shirts and accessories feature phrases like “Choose Love” and “Trust Love” to remind wearers to treat others kindly.
“Choosing love is most important,” Fluker says, “because love can help bridge anything.”
FROM THE FEED
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Catching a ride with fellow podcaster Elena Davies.
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Hosting the Southside C.A.R.E.S. fundraiser, featuring Leon Bridges and Abraham Alexander.
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Filming his demo reel at Shipping & Receiving.
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Hanging with friends at Kent & Co. (Barton works there as assistant GM.)
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Modeling his clothing brand, Love Remixed, in front of the Melt Ice Creams wall.
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Posing for photographer Joe Johnson at Sons Coffee.
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Barton’s hero, Martin Luther King Jr.
5 interesting people I’ve interviewed
Jonathan Morris Owner of Fort Worth Barber Shop
Doug Renfro President of Renfro Foods
Caroline Kraddick Singer/songwriter, local influencer
Abraham Alexander Musician
Tiffany Latta Professional counselor
Films, books, and podcasts I recommend
“13th” (Netflix)
“I Am Not Your Negro”
Tears We Cannot Stop: A Sermon to White America by Michael Eric Dyson
Caroline’s Obsessions (podcast)
The MiscELENAeous Podcast