Alexandra & Friends Podcast

Alexandra and Friends November 22nd: Guests Steve Hopwood and Hilton Jackson

Steve Hopwood Founder & CEO, Corsair Tactical Solutions | Founding Partner, The Alliance Training Network NRA Certified Instructor | USCCA Instructor | Texas LTC Instructor | Texas Security Instructor
Steve is a U.S. Navy military veteran with multi-theater experience and a battle-tested mindset that translates seamlessly into the civilian security and firearms training world. With a sharp focus on readiness, accountability, and tactical precision, he brings over [insert number] years of real-world operational knowledge to every training scenario.
As the Founder and CEO of Corsair Tactical Solutions, Steve leads one of Texas' premier security training schools—licensed by the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Security Contractor, Training School, and Continuing Education provider. He is certified as:
• NRA Instructor
• USCCA Certified Instructor
• Texas License to Carry (LTC) Instructor
• Texas Security Officer Instructor (Levels II, III, IV)
Under his leadership, Corsair Tactical Solutions delivers legally compliant, scenario-driven, and high-impact training for armed professionals, civilians, and corporate clients alike. From advanced firearms techniques and conflict de-escalation to private security licensing and church safety consulting, Steve ensures every course is built on a foundation of discipline, situational awareness, and moral responsibility.
As a Founding Partner of the Alliance Training Network, Steve also collaborates with a select group of elite instructors to elevate training standards statewide—developing curricula, advising on safety strategy, shaping the next generation of certified instructors and protection professionals.
With a mission to protect, train, and elevate, Steve blends military integrity, instructor certification, and street-smart wisdom to deliver training that’s as real as it gets.
Hilton Jackson
Owner of Gideon Training Solutions and Founding Partner of The Alliance Training Team (alongside Steve Hopwood)
Community Safety Advocate and Firearms Educator
With over 20 years of experience rooted in military service and first responder work, Hilton Jackson is a distinguished firearms educator dedicated to promoting responsible gun ownership and community security in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. As owner of Gideon Training Solutions, he specializes in providing personalized, comprehensive training tailored to the diverse needs of the community—from youth to seasoned adults.
Hilton is a founding partner of The Alliance Training Team, offering a wide range of expert safety and tactical services. His extensive credentials include certifications as a USCCA Trainer (Home Defense Fundamentals), NRA Trainer, Texas License to Carry Instructor, US Law Shield Instructor, Range Safety Officer, and Security Officer Levels II-IV. His approach emphasizes safety, responsibility, and confidence, earning him over 4.5-star reviews on Google for his effective and personalized instruction.
Dedicated to ongoing professional growth, Hilton continuously sharpens his skills to ensure his methods remain current and impactful. His grassroots, referral-driven reputation stems from a commitment to fostering safe, responsible, and confident firearm users through tailored training, security audits, and community outreach.
Contact Hilton Jackson today to learn how he can help enhance safety and responsible firearm ownership in your community:
Phone: 817-683-3282
Email: hj@gideontrainingsolutions.com
Website: https://gideontrainingsolutions.com

Alexandra and Friends November 1st: Guest Gus Cabarcas

Meet Gus Cabarcas, U.S. Army veteran and North Texas Regional Coordinator at Combined Arms. With over 20 years in the NYPD, he brings powerful lessons on leadership, service, and resilience.  Tune in to hear his inspiring journey and how he continues to serve his community today!

Alexandra and Friends October 4th: Guest Maureen Jirikowic

Maureen Jirikowic's journey is one of resilience and transformation. After being a single mom for a decade, Maureen met Peter, the love of her life. Together, they faced the challenges of his terminal cancer diagnosis in 2021, with Maureen by his side every step of the way. After his passing in 2023, Maureen found a new calling as a transformational coach for women. Through her expertise in color analysis, wardrobe coaching, skincare, and makeup, she empowers women to rediscover their strength and confidence. Maureen also shares her personal story through her "Widow Talk" podcast and speaks to women's groups, offering hope and inspiration to those navigating life's transitions.

Alexandra and Friends September 27th: Guest Nanci Duplant

My name is Nanci DuPlant, and I’m a certified hypnotherapist. Chances are, if you’re visiting my website, you might have some habits you’d like to change or maybe you’re simply curious about what hypnosis is. Either way, you’ve landed in the right spot. My website strives to help others understand what hypnosis is and what it accomplishes, since this term can hold some misconceptions. I hope you find this information helpful, and please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or would like to schedule an appointment. You can reach me at 972-669-1393, I look forward to speaking with you.
 
What the Word Hypnosis Means When spoken, the word is debated as curiosity often gives way to more questions. A person's background and experience with hypnosis can be influenced by many different factors. The word hypnosis refers to a state of consciousness in which people experience a very focused awareness of thoughts, feelings, images, and behaviors. Many people have found hypnosis to be a positive answer and solution to problems that may have once dominated their lives.

Alexandra and Friends September 6: Guest Pocket Sandwich Theatre

Jeff Vance
Jeff Vance was introduced to the Pocket in the early 1980s when he worked on an independently produced play that performed on the late-night stage, “When You Comin Back Red Ryder.” The title role was played by Tracey Letts, who would go on to win a Tony Award for Best Actor, and the Pulitzer Prize as a playwright. In 1985, Jeff worked on his first Pocket show as propmaster for “Ebenezer Scrooge.” After working on a few more shows, he paused to finish his theater degree at St. Edward’s University in Austin. Upon returning to Dallas in 1988 he began working at the Pocket again and has been there ever since.
In those early days Joe Dickinson directed many of the plays. Jeff worked with him as his stage manager or assistant director for years studying under his tutelage. With Rodney Dobbs designing every set, Jeff started designing the lights to accompany them. In the earl 1990s Jeff was hired to direct that year’s production of “Ebenezer Scrooge.” He cast in the title roll a 28-year-old David H.M. Lambert. David H.M. Lambert has now played Ebenezer Scrooge at the Pocket for two dozen or more productions and over 600 performances. Jeff went on to direct the show a dozed or so times including the final production at our Mockingbird location and as the opening production of our current space in Carrollton.
In 1995, Jeff joined the Pocket as a partner. He continued to design and direct at the Pocket through this time. In addition to “Ebenezer Scrooge” he directed other shows such as “T Bone and Weasel” and “Never Too Late.” Jeff acted in a few shows. He played Old Joe in the last “Ebenezer Scrooge” at the old Greenville Ave. location and was in “Hot L Baltimore” on that stage. At the Mockingbird location, he appeared in “The Return of the Phantom of the Opera,” “Light Up the Sky,” and “Death the Musical.”
Through the years Jeff has done just about every job there is on a show that doesn’t involve music. He learned Joe Dickinson’s style of designing the programs, a role jeff has now assumed. With Rodney’s retiring at the time we moved to Carrollton, Jeff has had the opportunity to design more set including “Spider’s Web” and “I Hate Hamlet.” The Pocket has afforded Jeff many opportunities over the years. He is most proud of how many DFW theater artists the Pocket has provided with similar opportunities.

Alexandra and Friends August 2nd: Guest Jonathan DeFex

Jonathan is a dedicated financial advisor with a deep passion for helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals. Growing up in Dallas with Colombian roots, he was raised in a culturally rich and bilingual household, which has shaped his approach to client relationships. Jonathan attended the University of Arkansas, where he honed his financial knowledge and skills, preparing him for a successful career in wealth management.
What sets Jonathan apart is his ability to connect with clients from diverse backgrounds, making him particularly skilled at understanding and addressing the unique needs of each individual. Fluent in both English and Spanish, Jonathan’s bilingualism allows him to communicate effectively with a broader range of clients, ensuring they feel heard and understood in their financial journeys.
For Jonathan, the most rewarding part of being a financial advisor is the opportunity to make a lasting impact. He believes that the right advice at the right time can have generational effects on a family’s financial well-being. Whether it’s helping clients plan for retirement, manage investments, or navigate life’s unexpected changes, Jonathan is committed to providing personalized solutions giving his clients the peace of mind to live life as the best version of themselves

Alexandra and Friends July 26: Guest Kim Pollock McGrath

Kim Pollock McGrath is a lifelong Kansas resident who claims Texas as her second home. During her 29 incredible years as a first grade teacher, she took every opportunity to make her classroom fun and interactive by incorporating her own jingles, songs, and stories into her lessons. Family, friends, and her two dogs take priority, but when she has free time she loves to free her soul spending time out in nature exploring, hiking, rock hounding, and admiring God’s wondrous creations. Inspiration for her four books stem from times spent soaking up nature’s simple pleasures! Her books include, The Carefree Tumbleweed, Little Tree, Ask Me!, A Fable about Miss Able, and Little Tree, Ask Me! ( Alone and Lonely).

Alexandra and Friends June 28: Guest Hester Moore

Hester J. Moore is a student leader and activist dedicated to giving marginalized students a platform to be heard. As the founder of Hebron High School’s Black Student Union, she advocates for equity, representation, and safe spaces for Black students. Through open dialogue and community-building, Hester empowers her peers to speak up, stand strong, and push for meaningful change.

Alexandra and Friends June 7: Guest Rodrigo Morales

Rodrigo Morales is the co-founder and head baker at Croix Bakehouse in Frisco, Texas. His journey into baking began over seven years ago in his own kitchen, driven by a deep curiosity about the science of natural fermentation. After studying Culinary Arts in Peru, he completed an internship at a 3 star Michelin restaurant in Barcelona, experience that sparked his passion for bread and led him to dive deep into sourdough, fermentation, and the craft of traditional baking. In 2022, Rodrigo and his family launched Croix Bakehouse from a shared kitchen at Cibo Kitchens, selling his pastries and breads at the Frisco Fresh Market. What began as a small weekend setup quickly grew into something more meaningful, rooted in craft and shared with intention. Through each loaf, each pastry, and every conversation, Rodrigo built a community around honest, handcrafted baking. Three years later, that community helped bring Croix into a permanent home with the first brick and mortar in the heart of Frisco.

Alexandra and Friends May 31st: Guests Annette and Anita

Together, Annette and Anita both have Master’s Degrees in Counseling and have over
50 years experience in the mental health, educational fields and beyond. Serving in
public schools, private practice, career and college counseling, residential treatment
centers, juvenile justice systems, homeless, drug and alcohol counseling, inpatient and
outpatient, certified in Y12SR, 200 hr. Yoga and mindfulness.
The desire to have fun creating and supporting individuals, families, their community
and beyond is what brought these two together. Collaboration is at the heart of
everything they do.
These two are avid lovers of the outdoors. You can find them spending time fishing,
boating, looking to the heavens and admiring the stars, kayaking, roller skating, hiking,
growing zinnias, loving animals and constantly looking for opportunities to connect
with nature. In addition, Annette is a lover of music and dabbles with writing while
Anita is a crafter and loves making colorful beautiful things.
Wellness is their area of passion, whether it be understanding the role of nature in our
wellbeing, struggling with their own weight loss journey, equipping others with
relationship skills, embracing faith and spirituality or focusing on the power of
curiosity, these two friends want to walk beside you in your journey of wellness. As you
get to know Annette and Anita, you will see the role humor, compassion and empathy
play in their lives.
If you are looking for someone to pool intellectual resources and a desire to save you
time, effort, and money in your wellness journey, then come along with Heart To Heart
Collaborations. Open up your heart to weekly podcasts, e-news, website, in person
events and more.
Own Your Wellness. Elevate Your Life.
Annette & Anita