Our Hosts

Dr. Richard Ludwick
Richard L. Ludwick became the 9th president of the University of St. Thomas on July 1, 2017. He previously served as president of the Independent Colleges of Indiana, the nation’s oldest association of 31 private, nonprofit colleges and universities enrolling more than 100,000 students. In that capacity, he led strategic initiatives in public policy at the state and federal levels, spurred innovative, intercollegiate collaborations, and successfully executed multi-million dollar philanthropic campaigns.

Isabel Garcia
Isabel Garcia is the host of the BOLD podcast with MAX Studios. Originally from Mexico, she's a Catholic junior at UST who is majoring in communications. She loves to get involved in campus activities and interview people on just about anything. She's a voracious reader (reading a book a week!) and she enjoys taking care of her plants. She also teaches kids how to swim.

Nicole Labadie
Nicole Labadie is passionate about helping young adults grow in their faith and you’ll often find her giving talks at UST or with the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. She loves singing, two-stepping, and cake decorating. She likes games, coffee shops, and hanging with her husband, Chris, their son, Levi, and their dog, Bear.

Max Linnville
Max Linnville has a heart for missionary work and marginalized communities. You can often find him playing baseball, going somewhere outdoors on his bike with his wife Emily, and listening to his favorite music - bluegrass.

Darnell Miller ’10, MLA ‘15
Darnell Miller is a writer, photographer and videographer who loves storytelling in all forms. He is a UST alumnus who is passionate about education and study abroad.

Larry Payne
With nearly 50 years of experience in public service, education, and non-profit and religious leadership, Larry Payne is the go-to person to get things done in the city of Houston. An author, philanthropist, and probably on every former Houston mayor’s speed dial, Larry heralds himself as a voice for the voiceless on issues of race, culture, education, and civic engagement. He likes to fish, play golf, chess, and occasionally the Congo drums, Larry is happily married and is proud of his 14 godchildren.

Bridget Richardson
A producer with MAX Studios, Bridget Richardson loves to engage in conversations with just about anyone. A sports fan and homebody, Bridget enjoys spending time with her family, watching baking shows, and traveling to understand different cultures and eat delicious food.

Alexandre Yemeck
Originally from Cameroon, Africa, Alexandre Yemeck is a Gospel artist, musician, and father of five. A constant student, Alex believes that spiritual and intellectual knowledge is the major power that shapes humanity.