Is more school funding really the key to better student outcomes—or does how we spend matter more than how much?
In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Andrew Brown sit down with Dr. Eric “Rick” Hanushek, Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, to explore one of education’s toughest questions: Do dollars drive results—or does design and discipline matter more?

Dr. Hanushek is one of the world’s leading experts on the economics of education. His groundbreaking research has shaped how policymakers think about teacher quality, school finance reform, and student achievement.

Together, the panel dives deep into:

• The myth that more spending equals better outcomes
• Texas’ $100B+ public education budget
• What’s working in Dallas, Houston, and Washington, D.C.
• The rise of administrative bloat in public schools
• Teacher pay, accountability, and school choice

• • The impact of AI in the classroom and the future of learning

Hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the critical issue of indoctrination in K-12 education with special guest Ken Pope, CEO of the Coalition for Empowered Education and Senior Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. They discuss how Colleges of Education are shaping teachers with ideological agendas, the impact on classrooms, and solutions to restore critical thinking and balanced education. From Marxist influences to grassroots efforts, this conversation uncovers the challenges parents face and how to combat politicized curricula.

00:30 - Brian and Derek catch up: New baby and festival banter
01:27 - Hot Take: Craziest band names at ACL 2025 (Wet Leg, Spacey Jane, Panda Bear, Dr. Dog)
04:00 - Introducing Ken Pope: CEO of Coalition for Empowered Education
06:47 - How Colleges of Education have shifted to ideological indoctrination
08:52 - The long march of critical theory in academia
12:03 - Exposure vs. Indoctrination: What’s the difference?
14:57 - From Marxism to modern victimology: Evolution of classroom ideologies
17:16 - Are teachers trained to be activists?
19:43 - The disconnect between parents and teachers’ goals
21:20 - Indoctrination in rural and urban schools alike
23:35 - What are education students actually learning?
24:27 - Shocking examples from social studies conferences
29:51 - Coalition for Empowered Education’s mission to retrain teachers
33:56 - Legislative and grassroots solutions to reform teacher training
37:46 - Universities doing it right: Hillsdale, UATX, and others
40:56 - Why mandate Colleges of Education? Alternative teacher certification
44:39 - Red flags for parents: How to spot indoctrination in classrooms
49:56 - How to connect with the Coalition for Empowered Education
50:28 - Closing thoughts and Sam Houston’s wisdom
 
Coalition for Empowered Education: https://cee.org

Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation: https://victimsofcommunism.org

Welcome to The Right Idea, the show where we break down the people, policies, and politics shaping Texas! In Episode 89, TPPF's Chief Communications Officer Bryan Phillips and Chief of Research Derek Cohen give a comprehensive recap of the final week of the Texas legislative session.

🔍 This episode covers:

• 🚫 The Texas House's final push to ban DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) in K-12 education
• 📚 New rules for school libraries: cracking down on sexually explicit content
• 📜 Governor Abbott’s bill signing to stop illegal voting in Texas
• 🏡 The fight for housing affordability and zoning reform
• ⚖️ The latest on criminal justice and bail reform bills
• 🕒 The push to adopt permanent Daylight Saving Time in Texas
• 🔥 Hot takes on barbecue, Pope merch, and Portillo’s (yes, really)

🎙️ Plus: A preview of next week's full session recap and a fun segment on Texas A&M baseball history you won't want to miss.

📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/thepost

2:35 Hot Take - What’s your favorite “Pope merch”?
6:45 DEI out of K-12 Texas Education
10:38 Texas cracks down on sexually explicit content in kids’ sections of public libraries
19:30 Election Integrity - new law stops illegal voting in Texas
28:28 Housing Affordability
35:20 Death Star 2.0
37:50 Bail Reform
43:00 Texas Time!
45:02 Survey Says!
51:25 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics
52:38 What’re you watching? 

In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with David Dunmoyer, Campaign Director for Better Tech for Tomorrow at TPPF, to discuss Texas’ bold leadership in tech policy. From banning social media for minors to pioneering AI regulation, Texas is setting the stage for a safer, innovative future. Learn about the shocking harms of social media on kids, the legislative push to protect the next generation, and why tech giants like Elon Musk are flocking to the Lone Star State.

2:00 Hot Take - What’s the strangest scandal in American political history?
8:20 Texas Tech Policy - Is there a reason Texas has taken the lead?
12:30 The aggressive push to limit children’s access to social media
37:28 Smart phones in Texas classrooms
49:15 2025 - The Year of the Parent!
54:23 A.I. - hero or villain?

TPPF's Brian Phillips, Derek Cohen, and Andrew Brown break down the final stretch of the Texas legislative session on a major deadline day. They discuss Texas’ foster care system, statewide testing, education funding, taxpayer funded lobbying, and more.

1:50 Hot Take: What page of the calendar will the House end on tonight?
5:24 Foster care in Texas
24:40 The Bell Tolls with the first deadline in the Texas House tonight 
35:58 Bye-Bye Texas STAAR Test!
39:56 Senate Bill 2972 reins in college campus protests
41:17 Bail Reform in Texas
43:23 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying
47:22 What’re you watching?

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have TPPF Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester on to discuss the battle against woke indoctrination in higher education. From the groundbreaking Senate Bill 37 to the decline of DEI programs, we explore how Texas is leading the charge to reform public universities.

2:14 Should we reopen Alcatraz to criminals?
5:00 SB 37 - addressing the growing “wokeness” of curriculum and faculty believing they run our universities 
24:33 Jordan Peterson’s view that American universities are “gone”
33:43 President Trump vs. Harvard University
40:01 Maine legislator barred from speaking on the floor and casting votes over social media post
45:05 Survey Says: 72% say the increased focus on race and racial inequality after George Floyd’s death did not lead to change 
51:20 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Only 8% of registered voters participated in Texas' May 3 elections
58:04 What to Watch For

 Brian Phillips and guest co-host Ariana Guajardo tackle the heated debate on bail reform with Nikki Pressley from Right On Crime, exploring why Texas’ Constitution ties judges’ hands and what Governor Abbott’s push for reform means for public safety. They also explore polling insights from the Texas Lyceum and offer a sneak peek at what’s next for the Texas Legislature. And just for fun, the viral "Gorilla vs. 100 Men" social media controversy and what makes Texas truly unique—barbecue, y’all, and Southern hospitality!

1:37 Hot Take 1: Man vs. Gorilla
4:42 Hot Take 2: One “Texas thing” you’d like the rest of the nation to adopt
8:05 Key problems with the current Texas bail system
8:58 Do we need a Constitutional amendment?
12:56 Do other states have a “right to bail?”
13:48 A balanced approach that prioritizes public safety but doesn’t keep low risk defendants languishing in prison
21:31 What does polling reveal about where Texans are on this issue?
29:25 Survey Says: Texas Lyceum poll asks how “Texan” Texas residents feel about themselves
35:34 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Reviewing Trump’s first 100 days
38:56 What to Watch For

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the escalating border security challenges as cartels target Texas with guest Ammon Blair, TPPF Senior Fellow and former Border Patrol agent. They dive into military readiness reforms from the Texas Legislature, deep state resistance to Sec. Pete Hegseth, and close with the local debt crisis driving property taxes. Plus, bail reform!

2:26 Hot Take: Was Joe Biden photoshopped into his family’s Easter picture?
6:08 Deep State attacks on Secretary Pete Hegseth
9:13 U.S. and Texas Military Readiness
19:44 Department of Defense operating under Trump’s EO’s
33:06 SB 659 passed with Ammon’s recommended language making it easier to go after every player in the game, not just the low hanging fruit
40:00 Survey Says - Only 16% of federal mangers who voted for Harris would enforce a legal order from Trump that they disagreed with
45:02 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - Texans face 231 separate bond propositions
51:38 What to Watch For

Celebrate a historic win for Texas with host Brian Phillips and returning co-host Derek Cohen on The Right Idea! Dive into the passage of SB 2, marking Texas’ first-ever school choice legislation after over 36 years of conservative advocacy. From the House debate to what’s next, we break it all down. Plus, we discuss record-low illegal border crossings, higher education reforms with SB 37, non-compete agreements for doctors, and the App Store Accountability Act to protect kids online. And don’t miss our hot take on the worst Easter candy—Peeps or Cadbury Eggs?

1:27 - Hot Take: Worst Easter Candy?
4:19 Texas House passed SB 2 establishing Education Savings Accounts
16:40 What comes next for school choice?
24:55 Illegal border crossings hit record low
30:02 General Education Review Committees could "reshape how history & race are taught in state universities"
38:22 App Store Accountability Act - keeping kids safe on mobile apps
44:43 Survey Says: Support for President Trump's handling of the tariff issue has slipped over the past week
49:10 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Non-compete agreements are eroding the physician-patient relationship 
52:29 What’re you watching?

Join host Brian Phillips on The Right Idea as he welcomes Abraham George, Chairman of the  Republican Party of Texas, for an exclusive deep dive into the policies shaping Texas. From the push for school choice and border security to tackling property taxes and taxpayer-funded lobbying, George shares his take on the GOP’s legislative priorities during the 2025 session. Plus, hear his thoughts on Trump’s first 100 days, election integrity, and closing primaries. Don’t miss this insider look at the people, politics, and ideas driving the Lone Star State!

2:00 - Luka Doncic’s Return & Texas Sports Talk

5:30 - Chairman’s Role During Legislative Session

8:00 - Grassroots Unity & the Big Three

16:30 - School Choice: HB 3 and Beyond

21:08 - Border Security in a Trump Era

23:15 - Property Taxes: A Growing Crisis

30:20 - Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Exposed

36:20 - Election Integrity Challenges

43:45 - Closed Primaries Debate

47:19 - What to Watch Before Sine Die

In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips, Chief Communications Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, sits down with Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila from House District 52. Elected at just 28 years old, Rep. Harris Davila made waves as the Freshman Legislator of the Year, sending 13 bills to Governor Abbott’s desk in her first session. We dive into her groundbreaking work on healthcare transparency with SB 490, her push for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) caucus, and her new bills tackling healthcare costs and HOA overreach in 2025.

This week, Brian and Derek enjoy a “powerful” discussion regarding the future of nuclear energy in Texas with the state’s former Chief Operations Officer, Reed Clay.

0:00 Welcome

1:34 Hot Take: What’s your favorite famous political gaffe? 

5:47 Introduction to the Texas Nuclear Alliance

7:30 Why has it taken so long for an organization like the Texas Nuclear Alliance to be created?

9:47 What are people’s fears regarding nuclear power?

13:27 Why has nuclear “been dark” for over a decade?

16:07 How have today’s reactors improved in regards to safety and efficiency?

23:00 What regulatory hurdles lay in front of nuclear advancement?

28:13 All things considered, including the environment, what is the viability of a nuclear business model?

32:17 Micro-reactors

35:04 NIMBY and transmission issues facing nuclear power

37:30 Legislative hurdles for nuclear power in Texas

41:08 Survey Says: 57% say that making America energy independent is more important than fighting climate change 

44:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Taxpayer Funded Lobbying

TPPF's Derek Cohen and Jose Melendez catch up on the latest from the 89th Legislative Session and subsequent special sessions with Rep. Cole Hefner. They dive into the quorum break that put Texas in the national political spotlight before discussing policy issues like property tax reform, taxpayer-funded lobbying, housing affordability, and safeguarding Texas from foreign adversaries.

00:53 – Hot Take: Jose Melendez on the Last Man Standing Ultramarathon
04:12 – Rep. Cole Hefner: From Citizen to Chairman – His Journey to Public Service
06:19 – Addressing Quorum Breaks: Stiffer Penalties and Legislative Challenges
07:10 – Priorities for the Current Special Session
08:59 – Property Taxes: Balancing State Relief and Local Government Accountability
11:09 – Appraisal Reform: Ensuring Fairness and Predictability
12:40 – Banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
15:04 – Housing Affordability: HB 840 and Revitalizing Downtown Texas
17:56 – SB 17: Protecting Texas Land from Hostile Foreign Adversaries
22:50 – TRACE Act and Protecting Texas Schools from Foreign Influence
25:42 – Senate Bill 1362: Banning Red Flag Laws and Upholding Due Process
30:16 – Transportation: Addressing CDL Standards and Interstate Challenges
33:17 – Water Issues in Texas: Balancing Growth and Private Property Rights
36:15 – Looking Ahead: Key Issues for the 90th Legislative Session
41:14 – Survey Says: Addressing Voter Discontent with Government Responsiveness

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have the pleasure of sitting down with Representative Terri Leo-Wilson to discuss the recent developments in education policy under the pink dome, including bringing school choice to Texas.

1:25 Hot Take: Which business would you stop using if they took a key service away?
5:16 How do Representatives prepare for marathon debates?
11:35 Can Texas be pro-teacher AND pro-parent?
27:15 What made HB 1605 a game changer in 2023?
34:28 How can we help teachers improve across the state?
39:02 HB 1481 would prohibit smart devices in classrooms during instructional periods
42:30 HB 610 addresses severance packages run amok for superintendents 
50:24 What’s next in the legislative process regarding school choice?

TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen react to this week’s nearly 24-hour marathon of testimony and debate over Texas House Bill 3, on Education Savings Accounts.

2:56 Hot Take: Which American product or service would you promote from the White House Lawn?
9:10 Texas House Pub Ed Committee hearing on HB3 reaction
23:35 Department of Education “vacates”
30:59 Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will be the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System 
36:19 Texas Lawmakers aim to supplant Delaware as corporate HQ hub with new pro-business bill
40:06 Survey Says: Texans say they get their political news from social media
46:37 What to Watch For

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF’s K-12 Education Policy Director, Jorge Borrego, to discuss Texas' proposed Education Savings Account legislation and dispel the common myths around it.

1:19 Hot Take: Should the State of the Union return to merely a written letter to Congress?
7:40 ESAs - What are they and how do they work?
18:05 How will ESAs be prioritized?
24:05 Myth busting - School choice will kill Friday Night Lights
26:43 Myth busting - School choice will defund public schools
31:03 Myth busting - School choice = no testing nor accountability
42:25 Survey Says: Overwhelming support for ESAs
47:32 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics - Parental Choice & Black Empowerment
52:10 What’re you watching?

Brian and Derek discuss all things “energy,” from fossil fuels to nuclear to yes… even parent empowerment, with Jason Isaac of the American Energy Institute.

0:00 Welcome
2:12 Hot Take: Following Elon’s example, should hats be a trend at all workplaces?
4:48 School Choice is Nigh - we have the votes!
10:02 Landman… is it real?
12:35 Are we officially past the Biden assault on American energy development?
19:36 The current state of energy reliability and affordability in Texas
42:00 Survey Says: How Free is Free Speech?
45:48 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - taxpayer funded lobbyists are receiving tens of millions from Texans
50:45 What’re you watching?

Brian and Derek review the incredible week’s events at TPPF’s annual Texas Policy Summit, featuring highlights from Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, House Speaker Burrows, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Congressman Chip Roy and so much more!

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from Valentine's Day decorum, to property tax relief, to the lies and damn lies surrounding school choice.

2:17 Hot Take: How long can you date someone and NOT have to buy them a Valentine’s Day gift?
6:50 Property Tax Relief Update
17:17 DOGE cuts nearly $1 billion from Department of Education
22:25 NIH caps non-research funding
25:36 Some in Texas want their own statewide DOGE
29:14 Should Texas be reimbursed for Operation Lone Star?
32:13 Survey Says!
32:46 Taxpayer funded lobbying
34:09 Housing affordability 
35:29 Texas State Border Security Agency
35:47 Nuclear Power
36:21 Bail Reform (the numbers appear split)
39:40 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics - School Choice Myths
45:08 What’re you watching?

This week, Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Vice President of Policy, Andrew Brown, discuss Governor Abbott’s State of the State address, in which he outlined his top priorities for the 89th Legislative Session.

1:46 Hot Take: Best / Worst Trades in Sports History
9:06 Property Tax Relief
16:08 Water
22:07 Education
31:09 Bail Reform
35:06 The Texas Cyber Command
43:57 Survey Says: GOP & American public on the same page
51:55 What’re you watching?

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from the NFL cheers, jeers and tears to the State’s 89th Legislative Session and the quick moves Trump has made nationally in merely two weeks since his inauguration.

7:03 Hot Take: Who will win the Super Bowl… and who cares?
10:24 Governor Abbott announced that he will give his State of the State address on Sunday, where he will reveal his top priorities for the 89th Legislative Session
21:16 Lieutenant Governor Patrick announced his top 40 priorities
29:07 School Choice is Winning!
39:13 Border Security
48:07 Trump swiftly downsizes the federal workforce

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF’s Secure & Sovereign Texas Campaign Director, Selene Rodriguez, to dive into President Trump’s Executive Orders and other plans to secure our southern border.

1:24 Hot Take: Who would be your unexpected band to headline YOUR inauguration party?
6:13 What are President Trump’s border security oriented Executive Orders?
30:11 Survey Says! U.S. leaders’ approval ratings
34:59 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Public school employment is up while enrollment is down
41:09 What to watch for

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by the State of Texas’ Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, to discuss the current and future state of Texas’ financial integrity.

1:17 Hot Take: What’s your favorite rumor or myth about the Texas Capitol? 
4:53 Guest Interview: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar
29:17 Survey Says: America has lost ground over the past four years
35:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Squatting in Texas
46:53 What to Watch For

Hosts Derek Cohen and Andrew Brown talk with Texas State Representative Stan Gerdes (HD-17) about a variety of policy issues addressed in the 89th Legislature. Tune in for the latest on water policy challenges, the future of nuclear energy, local government transparency, and the new smart device ban in schools. Plus, Rep. Gerdes dishes on representing both the Barbecue Capital of the World (Lockhart) and the home of the legendary Snow’s BBQ (Lexington).

1:05 - Hot Take: What Should Be a Crime?

3:09 - Barbecue Talk: Lockhart vs. Snow’s BBQ

5:07 - Rep. Gerdes’ Political Journey with Gov. Rick Perry

10:22 - Water Policy: Challenges and the Vista Ridge Project

13:22 - Nuclear Energy: Texas as the Epicenter

16:02 - HB 119: Banning Foreign Adversary Lobbying

18:17 - HB 1522: Local Government Transparency

25:30 - HB 2017: Grayson's Law (Intoxication Manslaughter Penalties)

30:51 - HB 4086: Stopping Urban Food Waste Dumping

35:02 - Unfinished Business: Local Taxation and Water Issues

38:00 - Post-Interview: More Barbecue and Legislative Updates

39:32 - News: West Texas A&M Drag Ban Discussion

44:14 - News: Cell Phone Ban in Texas Schools

50:28 - News: Travis County Bridge Rebuild Success

52:49 - Survey Says: National Guard in Washington, D.C.

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the upcoming Texas Legislative Session and the key issues that lie ahead with TPPF’s Vice President of Policy, Andrew Brown.

1:24 Hot Take: New Year’s Resolutions
5:55 Parent Empowerment
8:34 Water
10:55 The Economy
12:37 Property Taxes
16:59 School Choice/Parent Empowerment
25:11 The Border
30:40 Energy
34:36 Higher Education / DEI
36:14 Housing Affordability
40:10 Technology Policies
43:12 Survey Says! Healthcare!
49:33 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Gambling In Texas
59:24 What to watch for

Brian and Derek are joined by The Texan’s Senior Reporter, Brad Johnson, to take a fun look back at 2024 and reflect on the year’s highlights, lowlights and even lower lights, typically stemming from AT&T Stadium.

1:27 Hot Take: The O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act would make planting a flag in the center of Ohio Stadium a felony. Overreach much?
4:37 Overall Year In Review
6:32 2024’s Biggest Wins
14:32 2024’s Biggest Disappointments
23:18 2024’s Biggest Stories
31:35 The Year’s Biggest Surprises
43:11 Politician of the Year
47:17 Texan of the Year
57:44 What are we looking forward to?

In this “In Depth” episode, Derek Cohen and Texas State University professor Matt Logan discuss Matt’s upcoming criminal justice paper in City Journal and how criminal justice policy at the state and federal levels might change following recent election results.

In this “In Depth” episode, Brian discusses the cultural battles being fought from Washington D.C. to Main Street, U.S.A. for and against the nuclear family and the institution of marriage with the Washington Examiner’s Conn Carroll.

Brian Phillips and Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian discuss the role of the Railroad Commission, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Texas energy grid, and ESG.

3:18 Commissioner Christian’s thoughts on the election results and what’s to come
7:14 Efficient Energy Creating and Usage
8:21 What will it be like in having a partner in energy policy in Washington, D.C instead of a foe?
11:38 What is the Railroad Commission’s approach to both encouraging energy development and making sure Texas’ consumers are protected?
13:14 What is the role of the Texas Railroad Commission?
14:53 What efforts are made in educating the public about energy creating and efficiency?
17:35 Green New Deal, Inflation Reduction Act and other farces that mean the same thing
24:41 Lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri in 2021 aka “Snowmaggedon”
29:32 What is the Texas Reliable Energy Caucus?
33:21 ESG - What is it and what threats does it impose?
36:46 The Federal Energy Super Team that President Elect Trump is assembling 
38:25 In what ways does the Railroad Commission protect the water supply for Texans?

TPPF CEO Greg Sindelar chats with Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen about the 2024 presidential election, the downstream effects the presidency will have on Texas, and the upstream effects that Texas’ local results will have on the nation.

2:30 Hot Take: What is the best trilogy ever? (Matrix, Star Wars, LOTR, or… Trump?)
8:11 2024 Presidential Election Analysis
34:58 The Election’s impact on Texas
37:06 Survey Says! There was a ‘UGE shift from Dem to Rep in Hispanic men across the country. Why? Does it mean anything?
49:48 Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics: Is Demography Destiny or Dead?
53:14 What’s next?

TPPF’s Taxpayer Protection Project Policy Director, James Quintero, talks government transparency with Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen. They discuss the challenges citizens face requesting information from bureaucrats and policy solutions to better inform the public about how their tax dollars are being used.

0:33 Hot Take: What is Trump’s fantasy football value & can he be flexed?
9:49 Our current system doesn’t allow the public to remain informed
10:29 Their game plan: “Disregard, Delay & Deny”
29:40 Sunshine Week
41:19 Survey Says: 48% of Texan Latinos back Trump (10% increase from 2020)
47:01 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: subsidizing unreliable energy sources

In this “In Depth” episode of The Right Idea, Brian is joined by special guests Dr. Richard Johnson and State Representative Shawn Thierry to discuss the Representative’s battles to stand up for what is right and true at the peril of her own career.

2:26 Rep. Thierry’s experiences during the 2023 Pediatric Gender Modification debate
13:05 Were there substantive discussions regarding the Pediatric Gender Modification Bill?
15:50 Voting to keep your seat vs. voting for what’s right for Texans
19:25 Rep. Thierry’s truly courageous display
23:20 The small but very influential group that steers the left
47:44 The “jumping the shark” moment
31:16 Abandoning what works for Texans for ulterior motives 
37:15 Glimmers of hope in an otherwise dark situation
43:44 Has all of Rep. Thierry’s trials and tribulations this year opened new doors for her?

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by sociology professor Brad Wilcox to discuss his recent findings on rebuilding society by forging strong families. Brad's new book, Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization, is available now.

0:48 Hot Take - How old is too old for ACL and other outdoor festivals?
3:15 Brad Wilcox - Author of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization
4:30 What are the problems that are rooted in America’s decline in marriage?
16:45 The Bright Side - groups of Americans that are doing well
20:55 Brad gets to work alongside young America - the very subjects of his findings
25:50 How can A.I. affect marriage and relationships in the future?
28:36 Busting myths regarding 21st century relationships (especially the Flying Solo Myth & Soulmate Myth)
32:10 The Success Sequence!
34:55 “Family First” in next year’s Legislative Session
37:05 State legislatures who are putting families first
39:05 Survey Says! Are Presidential debates relevant anymore?
43:25 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Is Gen Z unhirable?
46:45 What’re you watching?

Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-right-idea/id1671238569

Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fivytn0Rc2Kd0bjj6v5Pc

In this “In Depth” episode of The Right Idea, Brian is joined by special guest Dr. Marvin McNeese to discuss his role, responsibilities and perspectives on the Open Education Resources (OER) Curricula and Assessments - especially when it comes to introducing Biblical histories and lessons to Texan students.

4:40 Dr. McNeese’s role and expectations in Texas’ Open Education Resources (OER) Curricula
5:35 OER’s perspectives on cross-curricular education methods
7:15 Including or excluding Biblical lessons and history in public schools
8:59 TPPF poll reflects that a majority of Texans including Biblical references in public school curriculum
9:44 What if public school teachers refuse to use OER Curricula?
10:20 How would the board, and Dr. McNeese personally, address concerned parents?
12:14 Understanding secular history is impossible without Biblical context
15:00 “Whitewashing” Christianity
17:05 Addressing the “You’re being heavy handed” criticism

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen unpack the heated Texas special session, covering the ongoing redistricting battle, the Texas Women's Privacy Act (SB 7), and critical flood response efforts in the Hill Country. From quorum breaks to property tax reforms and the push to replace the STAAR test, we explore the policies and politics shaping Texas.

1:37 - Hot Take: Presidential Privileges & Trump’s FIFA Moment
4:45 - Redistricting Debate: Is It Unconstitutional?
18:15 - Texas Women’s Privacy Act (Bathroom Bill) Update
22:45 - Flood Emergency Response Proposals
32:08 - Eliminating the STAAR Test: What’s Next?
35:52 - Property Tax Relief with SB 9
42:09 - Harris Poll: Kids, Smartphones, and Unsupervised Play
50:07 - Potential Dallas Death Star Bill Lawsuit
53:14 - What to Watch

In a very special episode of The Right Idea, Derek is joined by Texas Senator Phil King to discuss several of the hottest issues facing Texans today… including whether or not this is the year for the Dallas Cowboys!

3:18 Hot Take: Will 2024 finally be the Cowboys’ year?
4:55 The Grid
19:30 Border Security
27:25 Anti-ESG/BDS legislation
34:20 Preview of the 89th Texas Legislature
40:05 Survey Says! Polls indicate a virtual tie between Trump & Harris

Derek is joined by guest host Andrew Brown to discuss their adventures at the recent State Policy Network Annual Meeting, including learning what states are doing in regard to child welfare.  

1:09 Fantasy Football Auto-Drafts… AI for dudes who don’t know ball?
4:09 SPN’s Annual Meeting: Child Welfare Panel Discussion
11:30 Interesting things happening in other states
17:44 2024 Democratic National Convention: Four Days Like No Other
27:53 “Pro-lifers for Kamala” or “Why are Never Trumpers Such Cheap Dates?”
35:40 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Will RFK’s endorsement mean anything?

Brian has the pleasure of sitting down with Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley, Representative of Texas District 54,  to discuss what is being done throughout the state to make sure that today’s young Texans are receiving the education they deserve.

Brian and Derek are joined by this week’s guest, Chris Bedford - Senior Editor for Politics and Washington Correspondent for Blaze Media - to discuss the unprecedented times we have been living through in these past two weeks alone!

Brian has the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Tom Lindsay to discuss how today's K-12 students are being educated and what options are available to parents and teachers across the state.

Brian Phillips and this week’s special guest host, Ariana Guajardo, “zoom in” with Shelley Luther - business owner, activist and candidate to represent Texas’ House District 62 - to discuss today’s hot topics.

1:25 Hot Take: Trump vs. Biden on the links!
4:35 The worst two weeks in Presidential Campaign history
8:45 The shift in the media’s treatment of President Biden
12:28 What are “women’s issues”?
15:17 School Choice
25:32 Protecting women in women’s sports
31:25 Drafting our daughters?
35:03 The Border
45:14 Survey Says!
48:10 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics
50:38 What to watch for

Brian and Derek sit down with several key legislators, influencers, journalists and others “fighting the good fight” at the 2024 Texas State Republican Convention in San Antonio.

22:18 Senator Mayes Middleton
40:11 Tyler Norris
1:02:35 Senator Kevin Sparks
1:18:47 Representative James Frank
1:37:42 Brad Johnson
2:00:02 Hannah Beth Jones

Brian Phillips and Andrew Brown are joined by Texas House District 68 Representative David Spiller to discuss a variety of topics ranging from national presidential politics to local schools and our southern border.

0:54 Hot Takes: Caitlin-Gate - Dirty play or “Welcome to the league, Rook!”?
4:28 Political fallout after the Trump verdict
12:06 A house divided? 50% agree with Trump decision, 49% disagree
13:17 Biden’s Border Executive Order
20:55 Texas Border Security - What more can be done at the state level?
24:13 School Choice - post election analysis 
34:34 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying
41:35 Survey Says: Should state governments financially subsidize local news outlets?
45:08 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Local Government Debt - 40% is local SCHOOL DEBT!
49:13 What to watch for: Trump’s poll numbers post-conviction

Brian and Derek sit down with Texas-based political consultant Tyler Norris and TPPF’s Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester to discuss the aftermath of the May 2024 Texas runoff election results.

0:50 Hot Takes: The Trial of the Century!
4:25 Initial reactions to May 2024 Runoff Election Results
4:44 Big Winner: School Choice
8:14 The New Politics: Are we more conservative or is it just a food fight?
17:20 Phase Two of Parent Empowerment
24:35 Property Tax Reform, School Safety and D.E.I.
27:55 New Issues to look forward to in 2025
30:35 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying
33:28 New Issue for Democrats to Fight?
40:21 Survey Says: During the pandemic, how much information released by the federal government was intentionally false and misleading?
44:40: Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: TEA’s Mike Morath: Less than 20% of K-5 reading material is on grade level in Texas
50:37 What To Watch For: Dominos falling after Trump verdict
51:27 Dallas Professional Sports

Episode 50! Brian and Derek sit down with Jonathan Pidluzny, the Director of the Higher Education Reform Initiative at America First Policy Institute, to discuss the current status and influence of DEI on our college and university campuses and much more.

0:34 Hot Takes: Will the Cowboys and/or Texans eclipse 10 wins in 2024?
8:26 Special guest: Jonathan Pidluzny of the America First Policy Institute
9:05 Jonathan’s overall take on Texas’ response to DEI on college campuses
10:09 The overarching aims of DEI administrators
10:58 Texas as compared to other states with different approaches to DEI in education
13:27 The pervasiveness of DEI… even in Texas
15:16 What’s next to do?
16:58 What’s next for the Texas Legislature to do?
19:06 DEI’s relationship to Pro-Palestine protests
22:00 Outside groups and their influence on collegians
25:00 Overall instability as an objective
28:15 What’s the overall response & compliance levels to Texas and other states’ laws regarding DEI?
30:41 What does the public think about special programs for “marginalized people”?
35:50 Is college still worth it?
38:10 Are tribal politics interfering with what colleges and universities should be doing?
39:40 SURVEY SAYS! Polling data in the news: Immigration
45:19 LIES, DAMN LIES & STATISTICS: Relevant research: Educational spending in Texas
51:20 WHAT’RE YOU WATCHING? How will Texas grid do this summer?

In this episode of The Right Idea, co-hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Jill Tate, Vice President of Legislation for the Texas Federation of Republican Women and a powerhouse conservative activist. Jill shares her journey from a young Reagan supporter to a key player in Texas politics, diving into critical issues like school choice, property taxes, energy policy, and the fight against taxpayer-funded lobbying. They also discuss the resilience of Texas culture, the upcoming special session, and what’s next for the 90th Legislature.

05:13 - Jill Tate’s background as a Texas super activist and precinct chair

06:02 - How Jill got involved in conservative activism and politics

10:02 - Evolution of Texas politics and the shift to a conservative stronghold

14:39 - Texas cultural resilience and the significance of the Alamo

21:03 - Recap of the 89th Legislature: Successes in school choice, energy, and AI

23:31 - Jill’s personal story on school choice and its impact on her son

30:03 - Energy policy: Nuclear power and securing Texas’ grid

33:59 - SB 1283: Protecting seniors in retirement communities

37:24 - Special session priorities: Women’s Privacy Act and ending STAAR testing

42:30 - Looking ahead to the 90th Legislature: Energy and emerging issues

45:11 - Water issues in Texas: Balancing rural and urban needs

46:40 - Gambling in Texas: Concerns about social and economic impacts

49:33 - Reforming Texas’ committee process for better legislative hearings

1:05:11 - The fight to end taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas

Brian and Derek sit down with Better Tech for Tomorrow’s David Dunmoyer and the Honorable Zach Whiting to discuss the pros, cons, and oversight efforts surrounding A.I., digital safety for Texas families and much more.

0:20 Hot Takes: Will Biden debate Trump in person?
5:45 Conservative Approach to Tech Policy
10:55 AI: good, bad, or ugly?
35:15 The Government’s role in overseeing Technology
45:00 Survey Says! - polling data in the news
48:20 Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics – 10k illegal aliens flown into Texas!
51:00 What You're Watching – preview upcoming/developing stories

Check out the new Rebel Tech podcast for more on tech policy.

In this special episode of The Right Idea, Brian and Derek sit down with UT Senior and Editor-in-Chief of The Texas Horn, Gerrit Blizzard, to discuss the recent upheaval at the University of Texas.

Brian and Derek have the pleasure of sitting down with TPPF’s Director of Litigation, Chance Weldon, to discuss Olympic break dancing, squatter's rights (or the lack thereof), overpaid superintendents, and much more.

0:55 Olympic Breakin’: Electric Boogaloo
4:05 Squatting in America
19:25 Governor Abbott’s warning to squatters
30:30 Survey Says! 75% think the cost of living is rising, 7% can’t do math
36:00 Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics - 91 TX superintendents make over $300k
42:50 What’re You Watching?

Brian and Derek have the pleasure of sitting down with author, podcast host and founder of the Bahnsen Group, David Bahnsen, to discuss millennials’ attitudes towards work and retirement, the myth of “work/life balance,” the truth behind ESG investing, and much more.

0:23 Hot Take: Willie Nelson taking his Fourth of July Picnic to Jersey?
3:14 Overview of David’s new book: “Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life”
4:03 The Myth of “work/life balance”
7:45 The importance of faith and work… and how God created us to work
10:45 The connection of work and life’s purpose
11:50 The too-typical millennial mindset towards retirement
14:45 “The New Right” and their Marxist attitudes towards work
18:50 State intervention on the labor force (including minimum wage) 
23:40 Trends towards or away from family growth and development vs. career growth and development 
27:00 ESG investing 
33:30 Are activists intentionally trying to take down Texas oil companies?
35:44 Texas’ Permanent School Fund recently divested $8.5 billion from BlackRock over ESG investing
38:52 What can the average person do?