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.'
Tara Holley
The No. 1 Cheapest City to Live in Texas Will Shock You
Uncover Texas' best-kept secrets for affordable living. From charming towns to bustling suburbs, find your perfect home sweet home without breaking the bank.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
Can Texas Police Legally Search Your Vehicle Without a Warrant?
Everyone has been stopped at least once, or has witnessed a traffic stop, but what about having the police search their vehicles? Is it even legal for Texas police to do so without a warrant?
How in the World Can Watching Scary Movies Make Us Feel…Happier?
I noticed after a few weeks that after watching an episode I would often feel a lift in my mood. I felt more energy and more mentally alert.
Peek Inside the Legendary Texas Home of Late ZZ Top Bassist Dusty Hill
This nearly 20,000 square foot home was custom built for ZZ Top bassist Dusty Hill back in 2003.
These are the 10 Prettiest Small Towns in Texas for a Road Trip
In the mood for a road trip? Experience the beauty of Texas by visiting these pretty little Texas towns.
Wow! A Very Rare Two-Headed Snake is on Display at a Waco, Texas Zoo
As un-fond as I tend to be of snakes, there's something about Pancho and Lefty who live at a Texas Zoo that makes me feel compassion for them...or, um...HIM.
The 15 Best Places for Sandwiches in Tyler, TX? Local People Chime in
I love muffulettas so much. I also get serious cravings for Reubens on marbled rye. Other times, some kind of chicken salad sandwich on a croissant is calling my name. And don't even get me started on my occasional heartfelt longings for a Monte Cristo. Yum.
What about you?
Here Is How to Help Hurting Families in Uvalde, Texas Right Now
Here are some practical ways we can help these families impacted by this unspeakable tragedy.