The 005

Welcome to THE 005, the podcast that celebrates the people, places, and stories that make West University Place such a special community!

Each episode takes you behind the scenes of our neighborhood — from local events and hidden gems to conversations with the community leaders, neighbors and business owners who make West U so special. Whether you live here or just love our charming corner of Houston, this is your inside look at life in West U.

Hosted by longtime resident and realtor, Natalie Crossley…along with her co-host and husband, Austin.

Recent Episodes

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Sept. 11, 2026

Episode 4: Celebrating Little Matt's: West U's Favorite Neighborhood Restaurant

If you live in West U, you already love Little Matt's — but the story behind it might surprise you. In this episode of The 005, Natalie talks with owners Cindy and Bill Lillard and longtime general manager Tim Myers about how a former auto shop became one of West University Place's most beloved gathering places. They dig into the real reason it's called "Little Matt's," the charitable mission that ties the restaurant to Texas Children's Hospital, taking over just months before COVID and the w...

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Aug. 18, 2026

Episode 3: Behind the scenes of West U Information Exchange: Meet Mariana Pope

If you live in West U, you almost certainly know the West U Information Exchange — the invite-only Facebook group where neighbors find plumbers, reunite lost pets, rally around families in crisis, and occasionally deal with controversy like the infamous thong post and lemon-stealing nanny. In this episode, Natalie sits down with the woman behind it all: Mariana Pope, who started the group in 2014 and has quietly run it as a volunteer ever since — all while working full-time as a healthcare compl

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June 23, 2026

Episode 2: Inside the West U Police Department with Chief Gary Ratliff

Natalie Crossley sits down with West U's Chief of Police Gary Ratliff to talk about what it really means for a community to have its own dedicated police department — and the people working behind the scenes to keep West U safe. Chief Ratliff brings nearly four decades of law enforcement experience to West U, having built his career in League City before stepping out of retirement to lead the department here. In this conversation, he reflects on the path that brought him to West U, what surpr...

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May 9, 2026

Episode 1: Principal Disch & 100 Years of West U Elementary

In the very first episode of The 005, Natalie Crossley sits down with West University Elementary Principal, Principal Scott Disch, to talk about what makes West University Elementary School — and the West U community itself — such a special place. As West University Elementary School celebrates its 100th anniversary, Principal Disch reflects on the history of the school, the incredible level of parent involvement that continues to shape it today, and the traditions that generations of families

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About the Host

Natalie Crossley

Host

Natalie Crossley is a native Houstonian and 15-year West U resident. Natalie and her husband Austin have raised two kids in West U, and along the way have been involved in many of the traditions that characterize our amazing community: West University Elementary School, West U Little League, ballet classes at the Rec Center, Girl Scouts, and much more. Natalie and Austin’s kids are now a sophomore and a senior at Episcopal High School.

Natalie is very active in the West U Community. She greatly enjoys volunteering with the West U Senior Center, and currently serves on the Good Neighbor Team and calls Bingo on Friday afternoons. Natalie and Austin have long been involved with Friends of West U Parks and have served on several committees for the annual Gala. Natalie recently graduated from the West U Citizens’ Police Academy and enjoyed learning about our amazing police department and all they do to keep us safe. Natalie has also served in many volunteer and leadership roles at her children' s schools: WUES, Presbyterian and Episcopal. She has also played a leadership role in the National Charity League and has supported many other organizations in West U and beyond.

Natalie is also a competitive ballroom dancer and proud TCU Horned Frog. She is also an avid Round Top enthusiast where the Crossleys have a country home.

Natalie is a real estate agent with Nan & Company, and specializes in luxury real estate. Natalie’s strong network of local resources and discerning eye for design makes her especially attuned to the needs of families moving into or within West U.