Martha Jackson started the Bubble Lounge Podcast to give Park Cities businesses, traditions, and families a chance to shine.
Now, it’s Martha who’s in the spotlight.
She was named the city of University Park’s 2025 Citizen of the Year in recognition of her work showcasing neighbors’ achievements, highlighting Park Cities businesses, and keeping the community informed on everything from construction to travel hacks.
It’s an honor that Martha was stunned to receive.
“The mayor called me, and my heart was racing because I didn’t know what was going on. I was ecstatic,” she said. “I don’t do the podcast for recognition, but to be recognized by someone like the mayor of University Park was so humbling, and so flattering, and so exciting.”
Martha had no idea whether anyone would tune in when she recorded her first podcast about Halloween in the Park Cities in 2018. She did not have any background in podcasting. Although she had been a Radio, TV, Film Major in college, she wasn’t comfortable drawing attention to herself and had pursued behind-the-scenes roles in advertising, marketing, and public relations.
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Martha was 49 and the mother of a 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son when she decided to push through her insecurities and hit publish on her first podcast.
“I was really doing a lot of self-exploring and thought, there’s so much more that I want to accomplish in my life,” she said. “And I also wanted to prove to my kids that it’s never too late to start something new. Don’t let age hold you back. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams.”
Martha credits her husband, Sean, for encouraging her to get the project off the ground. Sean had experience developing podcasts and knew that producing one was relatively easy. It would be more difficult, he said, to create engaging content.
Almost seven years and more than 300 episodes later, the Bubble Lounge has been listened to upwards of 170,000 times. Though creating the podcast was a team effort, Sean said that Martha is wholly responsible for its success.
“She’s a very kind person. And I think that kindness comes across in the audio podcasts,” he said. “It’s really not just all about her, but it’s her desire to make others stand out.”
Martha said that each guest brings something unique to the Bubble Lounge. She loves sitting down with passionate student athletes, having conversations with community leaders, and hearing how small business owners have overcome their struggles.
When she started the podcast, Martha didn’t have a plan for her side project. She never imagined she’d still be producing Bubble Lounge episodes in 2025.
“It’s gone from being a fun little podcast to something that families and businesses have grown to count on,” Martha said, explaining that audiences appreciate the chance to learn more about their neighbors, peers, and community.
She would like the Bubble Lounge to continue reaching more listeners and sharing what makes the Park Cities so special for years to come.
“The main thing is, I hope people feel more connected,” Martha said, “and have more of a sense of community here.”
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