Brad Swail welcomes Charles Blain—Houston Chronicle contributor, Manhattan Institute City Journal writer, Fox 26 panelist, author of the forthcoming The Brotherhood of Facts (Johns Hopkins Press, spring 2027), and founder of Local Insights. 

Charles shares how an accidental AI-assisted review of Houston Metro contract documents uncovered a $215k-to-$4.2M ballooning deal tied to board chair conflicts—ultimately leading to cancellation after public pushback. He explains how Local Insights aggregates Texas local government data (budgets, bonds, agendas, campaign finance, property records, business ownerships, jail stats, court filings) into searchable dashboards, cross-references, trend alerts, and interrogatable interfaces—empowering everyday citizens, journalists, and activists to hold officials accountable without needing newsroom resources. 

They discuss AI’s role in leveling the civic playing field: parsing dense agendas, flagging anomalies, aiding open records fights, and educating users on government mechanics (strong vs. weak mayor systems, charters, CAFRs vs. budgets). Charles critiques Trump-era talk of banning institutional homebuyers (mostly mom-and-pop investors, not mega-corps) and argues Texas should focus on permitting reform, standardized processes, property tax relief (e.g., incentives for first-time buyers near aging parents), and deeper transparency mandates to boost affordability. 

Essential for anyone tracking Texas local governance, transparency, housing policy, or AI in public accountability. Visit localinsights.ai (or follow @CJBlain10 on X) for more. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify for Texas Talks.

• 00:00:00 - Welcome to Texas Talks
• 00:00:06 - Guest Intro: Charles Blain – Writer, Commentator & Founder of Local Insights
• 00:00:51 - Meeting in Person After Years of Online Collaboration
• 00:01:36 - Charles’s Background: Houston Chronicle, City Journal, Fox 26, Forthcoming Book
• 00:02:19 - Origin of Local Insights: Accidental AI Use on Houston Metro Contract
• 00:03:45 - Metro Scandal Breakdown: $215k → $4.2M Contract & Board Chair Conflict
• 00:05:30 - How AI Flagged Issues & Led to Contract Cancellation
• 00:06:26 - Building Tools: From Templates to Civic Data Platform
• 00:07:23 - Hermann Park / Ben Taub Eminent Domain Dashboard Example
• 00:08:06 - Civic Engagement Mission: Leveling the Field for Citizens
• 00:09:35 - Who It’s For: Citizens, Journalists, Busy People Seeking Transparency
• 00:10:23 - Presentation to Water Board Directors & Early Demand
• 00:11:41 - Special Purpose Districts, Water Districts & Citizen Tools
• 00:12:51 - Full Platform: Every Texas Local Government Data (Budgets, Bonds, Agendas, Campaign Finance)
• 00:13:40 - Cross-Referencing: TDCJ, Campaign Finance, Property Records, Business Ownership
• 00:15:19 - Agenda Interrogation, Alerts & Jurisdiction Comparisons
• 00:17:11 - State-Level Data (Contracts, Legislative, Open Records)
• 00:18:13 - Public Information Act Tools: Collaboration, Filing Help & Trends
• 00:19:51 - Disappointing Need for This Tool + Future of Civic Transparency
• 00:21:22 - Educational Library: Government Basics (Strong/Weak Mayor, Charters, CAFRs)
• 00:22:51 - Property Taxes Confusion at Council Meetings & Clear Visuals
• 00:24:40 - Building Connections: Why Votes Happen, Potential Anomalies
• 00:26:34 - State Policy Ideas: Standardization, Deeper Transparency Mandates
• 00:27:35 - Jail Data, Court Filings & Missing Details Across Counties
• 00:29:02 - Personal Financial Statements & Persistent Denial Issues
• 00:30:31 - Who Uses It: Busy Citizens, Journalists, Activists
• 00:31:47 - Urgency: Local Accountability Drives Bigger Change
• 00:32:26 - Housing & Institutional Investors: Critique of Ban Proposals
• 00:33:47 - Mom-and-Pop vs. Mega Investors & Affordability Realities
• 00:35:21 - State Fixes: Property Tax Relief, First-Time Buyer Incentives
• 00:36:57 - Permitting Reform & Standardization as Key to Affordability
• 00:39:56 - AI in Permitting, Protests & Exemption Tracking
• 00:41:51 - Closing Thanks & Plugs: @CJBlain10 on Social

 

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Brad Swail sits down with Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath and Mary Lynn Pruneda (Texas 2036 Director of Education & Workforce Policy) for a forward-looking conversation on the future of Texas public education. They discuss post-COVID recovery (literacy at all-time highs, math still climbing), the game-changing Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA) shifting to performance-based pay and creating more six-figure teacher salaries, the role of timeless classics vs. accelerating technology (robots, AI, tablets), parental guidance on AI/ChatGPT risks, Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) growth and school choice diversity, A-F accountability rigor increases, why leadership matters more than funding alone, extended learning time incentives, and the key metrics Texas 2036 is tracking—on-grade reading/math proficiency and career readiness—for Texas to thrive by its 2036 bicentennial. Perfect for parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone tracking Texas schools. Visit texas2036.org for progress tracking. Subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify for the Future of Texas series.

• 00:00:08 - Welcome & Series Intro: Future of Texas Education
• 00:00:33 - Guest Introductions: Commissioner Mike Morath & Mary Lynn Pruneda
• 00:01:07 - Why They're Optimistic About Texas Education's Future
• 00:03:01 - Where Texas Stands Today: Post-COVID Literacy & Math Recovery
• 00:05:03 - Biggest Reform to Celebrate: Teacher Incentive Allotment (TIA)
• 00:06:31 - How TIA Works: Merit Pay, Six-Figure Salaries & Projected Growth
• 00:08:45 - Education in 2036: Technology Acceleration & Enduring Fundamentals
• 00:09:50 - Robots, AI & the Chinese Boomi Example
• 00:11:14 - Why Classics & Timeless Wisdom Still Matter Most
• 00:13:51 - Smart Use of Tech Tools vs. Replacing Good Teaching
• 00:15:46 - Math & Science as Immutable Foundations
• 00:17:56 - AI/ChatGPT in Schools: Opportunities & Parental Risks
• 00:20:13 - Controlled Tech Access & Building Discernment
• 00:23:10 - Intentionality: Avoiding "Shiny" Tech Distractions
• 00:25:06 - Education Savings Accounts (ESAs): Early Demand & Future Growth
• 00:27:02 - School Choice, Competition & Diversity of Options
• 00:29:33 - Accountability: A-F Ratings, Rigor Increases & Interventions
• 00:33:22 - Funding vs. Leadership: Why Management Choices Matter More
• 00:36:12 - Extended Learning Time Incentives & Global Comparisons
• 00:38:19 - Texas 2036 Tracking: On-Grade Reading/Math & Career Readiness
• 00:39:12 - Recruiting, Supporting & Retaining Great Teachers by 2036
• 00:41:21 - Closing Thoughts & Call to Action: texas2036.org

Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Former professional tennis player and ATP top-20 competitor Christo van Rensburg joins the Texas Talks podcast to discuss building the ATX Open into one of America’s premier women’s tennis tournaments. The conversation covers WTA rankings, why Austin is the perfect home for women’s pro tennis, developing public courts, attracting top players, and the future of tennis culture in Texas.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Russell Woodward is the senior manager of product marketing at Texas Beef Council. In his role, he fosters strategic partnerships and builds programs to strengthen the beef presence in the retail and foodservice sector. Growing up on a farm in North Texas, he knows how personal producers take growing and raising quality products for the consumer’s plates. His desire to pursue a career in the meat industry led him to Texas A&M University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in food science, with a special emphasis in meat science. Russell has been with Texas Beef Council since 1996. He brings knowledge and experience from his previous work with the National Cattleman’s Beef Association and the National Livestock and Meat Board to his role. By serving on the Texas Restaurant Association Education Foundation Board of Trustees, Russell is able to ensure beef is part of the conversation throughout Texas, among the foodservice sector. He is also a member of the American Meat Science Association to stay at the forefront of the industry. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Mark Nemir is the owner of Dirty Martin's, a hamburger joint near UT campus, and Bill Aleshire is a local attorney representing Mark and four other plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the City of Austin. Their lawsuit regards the City's Project Connect plans, how it was sold to the public, what it has become, and how it is being paid for. https://www.savedirtys.com/ https://twitter.com/AleshireLaw Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Representative Salman Bhojani of House District 92, immigrated to Texas as a teenager, and worked several minimum wage jobs to help support his family. He went on to become a business owner, an attorney, a Euless city councilman, and one of the first Muslims and South Asians to be elected to the Texas State House. Bhojani on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SalmanBhojaniTX Bhojani on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalmanBhojaniTX Bhojani's Website: https://www.bhojanifortexas.com/ Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Arjun Sharda, a 12-year-old student, is the founder of the nonprofit organization, TLEEM. The acronym stands for Technology, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, Engineering, and Mathematics. TLEEM's purpose is to help his peers and beyond to better their skills in those areas. TLEEM's Website: https://www.tleem.org/ Arjun's Website: https://www.arjunsharda.com/about.html Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

https://txcharterschools.org/

https://twitter.com/tpcsanews

https://www.facebook.com/TPCSAnews/

https://www.instagram.com/tpcsanews/

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Mark Teixeira is a former professional baseball first baseman who played 14 seasons in the MLB for the Texas Rangers, Atlanta Braves, Anaheim Angels, and New York Yankees. One of the most prolific switch hitters in MLB history, leading the American League in home runs and RBI's while finishing second in the MVP balloting. Teixeira was a three-time All-Star, won five Gold Glove Awards and three Silver Slugger Awards, and holds the major-league record for most games with a home run from both sides of the plate, with 14. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Find CLEAT at:

X/Twitter

Facebook

Website

 

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Jaeson Jones is an internationally renowned border intelligence expert. He has led investigations targeting Mexican cartel leadership and collaborated closely with the US intelligence community to help save lives throughout Mexico and the USA. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Dick Lavine is a Senior Fiscal Analyst at Every Texan, a Texas-based organization that advocates for policies that enable Texans of all backgrounds to thrive. In this episode, Dick and Brad speak about property taxes in Texas, including alternatives to the property tax, the school financing system, and economic development programs such as the Chapter 313 program and the recently passed House Bill-5. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Vance Ginn, Ph.D., is a free-market economist who extensively evaluates policies to let people prosper while equipping lawmakers and leaders nationwide with frameworks for practical solutions to modern problems. Dr. Ginn is the founder and president of Ginn Economic Consulting and host of his Let People Prosper Show podcast. He is a senior fellow at Americans for Tax Reform, associate research fellow at American Institute for Economic Research, chief economist at Pelican Institute for Public Policy, and contributor at many other free-market think tanks across the country. In these roles, he provides high-quality research and trusted insights on how to improve human flourishing with policy considerations at federal, state, and local levels. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas faces a growing rural health care crisis as hospitals close and emergency access shrinks. In this episode of the Texas Talk Podcast, Rob Morris—CEO of Complete Care and former president of the National Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers—explains how freestanding emergency rooms improve access, reduce costs, and stabilize rural communities. The conversation covers Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement barriers, the Emergency Care Improvement Act, rural hospital closures, wait times, aging demographics, and why emergency care must be protected as a core public service

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Paul Bettencourt is an American politician and businessman based out of Houston, Texas, who serves as a Republican member of the Texas State Senate from District 7. On January 13, 2015, he succeeded state Senator Dan Patrick of Houston, who successfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

On the first episode of Texas Talks, Brad speaks with Russel Boening. Russel is a full-time farmer and rancher from Wilson County. He grows feed grains, cotton and wheat, as well as operates a dairy and a beef cattle operation with his brother near Floresville. The fourth-generation farmer was elected president of Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) and Affiliated Companies in December 2014. He was first elected to the TFB board of directors in December 2008 and became secretary-treasurer in December 2011. He was elected to the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) board of directors in 2015. He currently serves on the AFBF executive committee. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Veteran Texas politics reporter Brad Johnson joins the Texas Talks Podcast to break down the biggest policy fights shaping Texas in 2026. From water shortages and data centers to property tax relief, school vouchers, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence, this wide-ranging conversation explains what actually passed in 2025—and what still lies ahead. The episode closes with a sharp analysis of the Texas U.S. Senate race, including Cornyn vs. Paxton, Democratic strategy, and what primary voters are really signaling about the future of Texas politics.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas Christmas trees are more than a holiday tradition—they’re a growing agricultural industry reshaping rural economies across the state. In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Stan Reed, Executive Secretary of the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, to explore how Texas farmers are expanding from traditional crops into Christmas tree farming, agritourism, and year-round family experiences.

The conversation covers how Christmas trees are grown in Texas, why demand for real trees is rising, how water rights and land use affect growers, and why locally grown trees are better for both communities and the environment. From seedling to six-foot tree, Reed explains the four-year process behind a Texas Christmas tree—and why this old-school tradition is finding new life in a changing economy.

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Texas Hospital Association CEO John Hawkins joins Brad Swail to break down the toughest challenges facing health care in Texas — from rural hospital closures and workforce shortages to Medicare policy, uninsured rates, and the future of federal funding. Hawkins explains how geography, payer mix, population growth, and administrative burdens are reshaping the system, and outlines the state and federal solutions that could stabilize care for millions of Texans. A must-listen for anyone tracking Texas policy, health care access, or the future of hospitals in fast-growing states.

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Texas housing is shifting fast — and in this in-depth interview, Texas Realtors Vice President of Governmental Affairs Tray Bates breaks down the real forces driving prices, affordability, and policy debates across the state. We cover the post-COVID market cooldown, interest-rate shocks, short-term rentals, global capital flowing into Texas development, and the growing “missing middle” problem affecting first-time buyers.

Bates also explains the legislative fights ahead: property-tax reform, permitting delays, lot-size requirements, infrastructure bottlenecks, and the strategic plan Texas Realtors will take into the 90th Legislature. If you want a clear, candid, insider look at Texas real estate from someone who lives it every day, this conversation lays out exactly what’s happening and what comes next.

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Texas Talks host Brad Swail sits down with Peyton Schumann — the Interim Executive Director of Government Relations for the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association — for a deep dive into the challenges and future of cattle ranching in Texas. They cover everything from rising beef prices and drought-driven herd declines to the complexities of beef imports, federal trade policy, and the threat posed by the New World screwworm. Peyton also breaks down the high costs ranchers face, processing bottlenecks, truth-in-labeling laws, water shortages, and what the Texas Legislature may tackle next. If you want a clear, inside look at the realities of ranching in 2025 and what it means for consumers, landowners, and the state’s economy, this conversation delivers it.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Dr. Audrey Young, elected to the Texas State Board of Education in 2020, joins Texas Talks for an in-depth conversation about the real state of special education in Texas. Drawing from 31 years in public schools as a speech therapist, reading specialist, administrator, and executive director, Dr. Young clarifies how dyslexia policy is being reshaped, why the statewide special-education population has risen to 20%, and how House Bill 568 is changing funding models across districts.

We dig into the challenges facing rural and urban schools, the growing role of advocates, the impact of education savings accounts, and why Texas still struggles with uneven services for students with disabilities. Dr. Young also explains her vision for expanding gifted-education support and why leadership experience in special education matters now more than ever.

For parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone trying to understand how Texas is rebuilding its special-education system, this episode provides a candid and informed roadmap for where the state is heading.

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Former Railroad Commission Chairman and current head of the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance, Barry Smitherman, joins host Brad Swail to break down the next big chapter in Texas energy. From the state’s oil legacy to the rise of geothermal power, Smitherman explains how advances in drilling technology, abandoned oil wells, and dispatchable clean energy could redefine the grid. They discuss what Texas lawmakers can do to meet surging power demands, the role of AI data centers, and why geothermal might be the most inexhaustible, zero-carbon resource on the planet.

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In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail interviews Kelley Shannon, Executive Director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. They discuss the state’s Public Information Act, government transparency, and why access to information is essential for accountability. Shannon explains how Texas laws were built after the Sharpstown scandal, how lawmakers have gradually weakened them, and what reforms could restore stronger transparency. The conversation also touches on the Hill Country floods, Governor Abbott’s emails with Elon Musk, and the balance between privacy and public interest.

This is a must-watch for anyone who believes in open government, free speech, and the public’s right to know.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

After the 2026 primaries delivered a fresh wave of “new blood” in the Legislature, will property taxes finally get crushed… or will the same old insider games continue?

In this hard-hitting episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Jeramy Kitchen, President of Texas Policy Research and the driving force behind the brand-new Texas Liberty Compact. Jeramy breaks down exactly what the primary results mean for the 90th Legislature, why compression beats gimmick exemptions, how to finally kill taxpayer-funded lobbying, and the 10 structural reforms that could reshape Texas for a generation.

If you’re tired of skyrocketing property taxes, backroom deals, and government bloat — this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.

What you’ll learn: • Why “new blood” in Austin is both exciting and risky • The REAL difference between homestead exemptions and true compression • How the Texas Liberty Compact turns voter frustration into lasting reform • The next big fights: data centers, regulatory overreach, and budget transparency.

00:00 — Welcome and Jeramy Kitchen introduction
02:25 — 2026 primary results: mixed bag or game changer?
05:06 — Why “new blood” in the legislature matters
06:58 — Property tax reform and what could happen in 2027
08:44 — Compression explained and why it’s the most equitable fix
17:01 — The Texas Liberty Compact and its 10 policy planks
19:01 — Ending taxpayer-funded lobbying
22:48 — Limiting local spending and debt and stronger voter approval
28:34 — Making government transparent and understanding the budget
37:55 — Big policy fights ahead: data centers and regulation
41:07 — Closing thoughts and how Texans can get involved

If you want honest, no-spin analysis of what’s coming to Austin next year, hit PLAY, smash that LIKE, and drop a comment: “What’s YOUR #1 issue for the 90th Legislature?”

Subscribe for more unfiltered Texas policy deep-dives every week! 

Visit Texas Policy Research: https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com

Read the full Texas Liberty Compact: https://texaslibertycompact.com

Follow Jeramy: https://x.com/JeramyKitchen

Turn on notifications — the 90th Legislature is coming fast, and this episode gives you the inside track!

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Texas Talks host Brad Swail sits down with Reed Clay, President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, to discuss how nuclear energy could reshape Texas’ power future. Clay explains why the state hasn’t built a new plant in over 30 years, the myths and politics that sidelined nuclear in the 1990s, and how AI data centers and small modular reactors (SMRs) are driving a modern nuclear renaissance. From Winter Storm Uri to House Bill 14 and the creation of the Texas Nuclear Energy Office, this episode explores how Texas can stay competitive, reliable, and carbon-free through a smart mix of nuclear and natural gas.

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Economist Dr. Raymond Robertson joins host Brad Swail on Texas Talks to explain a surprising discovery: the United States actually imports plastic waste — and how tariffs, recycling incentives, and Texas-style solutions could change that. Robertson, Director of the Mosbacher Institute at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, breaks down how a simple deposit-refund system could clean up our lakes, create jobs, and save millions, while reviving the “Don’t Mess With Texas” spirit for a new generation.

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In this Texas Talks interview, Vulcan Technologies CEO Tanner Jones explains how his AI platform “maps the law” to simplify regulation, empower builders, and strengthen American competitiveness. From Virginia’s landmark use of AI in government to the potential for Texas to unleash new growth, Jones shares a bold vision for abundance, innovation, and smarter governance.

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In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail sits down with Tom Butler, Vice Chair of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. They dive into Texas’s booming energy sector, the state’s role in powering the nation, and how licensing reforms are shaping a skilled workforce. Butler shares insights on balancing regulation with growth, the rise of AI and data centers, and why small nuclear power and water management will be central to Texas’s future. A must-listen for anyone interested in Texas energy, jobs, and policy.

 

Watch Full-Interviews: 

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath joins the Texas Talks podcast to discuss the future of education in the Lone Star State. From literacy challenges and the impact of cell phones in classrooms, to the A–F accountability system and the new Bluebonnet curriculum, Morath shares his vision for improving student outcomes statewide. He also breaks down the Teacher Incentive Allotment program, which is reshaping how educators are paid—rewarding performance, boosting retention, and pushing more teachers toward six-figure salaries.

Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or policymaker, this conversation dives deep into how Texas schools are tackling systemic challenges and rethinking what it means to serve 5.5 million students.

Watch Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

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In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Mary Lynn Pruneda, Director of Education & Workforce Policy at Texas 2036 and former education policy advisor to Gov. Greg Abbott.

They dive into the controversies and complexities of Texas public education—from the end of the STAAR test to the new three-test system, literacy challenges, teacher pay, and the long-term workforce impact if Texas fails to catch up.

Pruneda explains why public education is harder than most people realize, the consequences of pandemic learning loss, how Texas stacks up against other states like Mississippi, and what parents can do to step up as their children’s first teachers.

If you care about the future of Texas schools, accountability, testing, and workforce readiness, this conversation is a must-listen.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail sits down with Kelsey Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer at the Texas Restaurant Association, to discuss the future of Texas dining. From Covid recovery to supply chain disruptions, property tax hikes, immigration, tariffs, and credit card swipe fees, restaurants are facing relentless challenges. Kelsey breaks down how new legislation like SB 1008 is cutting red tape, how childcare access and workforce policies are shaping the industry, and why Texas still leads as the best state to own and operate a restaurant. A must-listen for small business owners, policymakers, and anyone who cares about the food service industry in Texas.

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

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In this Texas Talks interview, Senator Tan Parker of District 12 joins Brad Swail to discuss his decades-long fight against human trafficking, including the passage of Senate Bill 11 to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. Parker also breaks down disaster relief efforts following the July 4th floods, new legislation to safeguard Texas children, and the state’s leadership in AI innovation and regulation. A deep dive into protecting the vulnerable, strengthening public safety, and keeping Texas at the forefront of progress. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Representative Gary VanDeaver (TX House District 1) to discuss the future of rural healthcare, the ongoing opioid crisis, and the heated debate over hemp-derived THC in Texas. VanDeaver, a retired educator and cattle rancher, shares his perspective on hospital closures, telemedicine, physician shortages, and policy battles shaping public health. From House Bill 18 on rural health stabilization to the controversy around THC regulation and opioid test strips, this conversation offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing Texans today. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with State Representative Cody Vasut (HD-25) for an in-depth conversation about the most pressing issues facing Texas lawmakers. Vasut, Chair of the Redistricting Committee, breaks down the quorum standoff at the Capitol, why redistricting has become a national story, and how Texas maps compare to Democratic-led states. The discussion also covers hemp-derived THC regulation, the fight over age limits and bans, and the balance between public health and personal freedom. Finally, Rep. Vasut dives into property tax reform—why Texans feel like they’re “renting from the state,” potential alternatives to the current system, and the long-term conservative goal of reducing or even eliminating property taxes. This wide-ranging conversation gives listeners a candid look inside the Texas Legislature and the policy battles shaping the state’s future. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Future of Texas is a special limited series from Texas Talks exploring the ideas, leaders, and innovations shaping the state’s next century. 

As Texas approaches its bicentennial in 2036, this series brings together some of the state’s most influential thinkers—from entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to policy experts and public leaders—to discuss the opportunities and challenges that will define Texas for generations to come. 

Each episode features in-depth conversations with guests who are actively shaping the state’s economic, technological, and policy landscape. In the first episode, host Brad Swail sits down with Joe Lonsdale, venture capitalist, founder of the Cicero Institute, and co-founder of Palantir Technologies, alongside John Hryhorchuk, Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy at Texas 2036. Together they explore Texas’s emerging role as a national hub for innovation and what must be done to sustain that momentum—from infrastructure and workforce development to AI, energy, and economic growth. 

Throughout the series, Future of Texas highlights the people and ideas working to ensure that Texas remains a leader in opportunity, entrepreneurship, and prosperity well into the next century. 

Learn more and sign up for the newsletter: 

https://Texas2036.org

Through the Future of Texas podcast series, Texas 2036 brings together diverse perspectives as we explore the opportunities and challenges facing our state over the next ten years. The views expressed in this program are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Texas 2036, its staff or its Board of Directors.

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Texas State Demographer Dr. Lloyd Potter to explore the trends shaping Texas’s future. From population growth and migration patterns to slowing birth rates, infrastructure demands, and water security, Dr. Potter explains the demographic forces influencing policy, the economy, and everyday life in the Lone Star State. They also discuss the impact of urbanization, housing pressures, immigration shifts, and how Texas can plan ahead to maintain its quality of life. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this installment of Texas Talks Presents: Hemp in Texas, host Brad Swail speaks with Scott Gates—Law enforcement veteran, farmer, hemp industry advocate, and co-founder of Texas Hemp Growers—about the business, science, and politics shaping hemp’s future in the Lone Star State. From soil health to small-town economies, Gates lays out how hemp isn’t just an agricultural product—it’s a path toward sustainable farming, rural revitalization, and consumer choice. He warns that the proposed SB5 hemp ban threatens not only businesses and jobs, but also the rights of Texans to choose safer alternatives to alcohol and pharmaceuticals. Gates brings a unique blend of farmer’s pragmatism and legislative savvy, explaining what’s at stake for growers, manufacturers, and everyday Texans if the state outlaws hemp-derived cannabinoids. Check out the rest of the Hemp in Texas series on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL52AXg4M428dkbHAHPN3L_EkibznzbR86 Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In next installment of Texas Talks Presents: Hemp in Texas, host Brad Swail sits down with Sarah Stogner, the elected District Attorney for Texas’ 143rd Judicial District. Known for her unfiltered honesty and fierce independence, Stogner makes the legal case against SB5—the controversial bill to ban hemp-derived THC. She argues that the real threat to Texans isn’t hemp, but selective prosecution, government overreach, and bad lawmaking driven by special interests. From generational alcohol abuse to the collapse of prosecutorial credibility in THC cases, this episode is a wake-up call from inside the justice system. Stogner says what others won’t: banning hemp won't protect children—it’ll destroy businesses, waste resources, and push more Texans into the black market. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In the first episode of our special three-part series, Texas Talks Presents: Hemp in Texas, host Brad Swail sits down with Navy combat veteran, bestselling author, and advocate Janae Sergio to discuss the urgent mental health crisis facing veterans—and the life-saving role hemp-derived products can play. From exposing the failures of the VA system to challenging the Texas legislature’s proposed hemp bans, this episode is a powerful, personal testimony to the stakes of healing, access, and dignity for Texas’ 1.4 million veterans. Sergio shares her own story of trauma, recovery, and the fight to make alternative treatments available and respected. Learn more about Grunt Style Foundation: https://www.gruntstylefoundation.org/ Janae Sergio: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janae_perfectlyflawed/?hl=en X/Twitter: https://x.com/janae_sergio?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail sits down with Dr. Mark P. Jones—Rice University professor and political analyst—to break down the inner workings of Texas politics. They dive into Elon Musk’s influence on the Texas Legislature, the balance of wealth and political power, the evolution of conservative dominance in the state, and what Javier Milei’s drastic reforms in Argentina teach us about shrinking government. From the backdoor legalization of marijuana to the role of Donald Trump in local politics, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about understanding where Texas is headed. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Political scientist Dr. Mark Jones joins Texas Talks to analyze the ideological shifts defining modern Texas politics. From his background in Latin American studies to his influential rankings of the Texas Legislature, Jones breaks down how the GOP has reshaped itself around Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, why Elon Musk’s political power has waned, and whether regulatory reform is just smoke and mirrors. He also weighs in on the SB3 THC ban, the Doge-style efficiency push, and what Argentina’s radical cuts might signal for the U.S. This is a must-listen for anyone trying to understand where Texas politics is headed—and how fast it’s getting there. 📱 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lonestarstandard/ Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Cynthia Cabrera, Chief Strategy Officer at Hometown Hero and leading hemp advocate, joins Brad Swail to expose the political battle threatening Texas’ hemp industry. From false claims about regulation to pressure from Big Alcohol and law enforcement, Cabrera lays out why the proposed SB3 and SB5 bills would devastate small businesses and veteran access to legal THC products. This is a raw, unfiltered look at the fight to keep hemp legal in Texas — and what it says about government power, misinformation, and economic sabotage. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt joins Brad Swail to discuss the July 4th floods, the urgent need for coordinated disaster response, and why climate resilience should be a legislative priority. They break down the political dynamics behind Governor Abbott’s special session, including the controversial THC industry crackdown and looming redistricting debates. Eckhardt also shares insights on housing affordability, SNAP cuts, insurance reform, and how Texas can better serve its most vulnerable residents. Follow Sarah Eckhardt: Website: https://www.saraheckhardt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saraheckhardttx/?hl=en X/Twitter: https://x.com/SarahEckhardtTX Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Veteran Texas lawmaker Donna Howard (D-Austin) joins host Brad Swail for an unfiltered conversation on the Texas Talks podcast. Representing House District 48 since 2006, Rep. Howard opens up about her decades of legislative experience, the political transformation of Austin, the state’s unsustainable budget tactics, and her deep concerns over school vouchers and underfunded public education. She also weighs in on the 89th Texas Legislature, the upcoming special session, and redistricting rumors. This is a grounded, thoughtful discussion on what real leadership looks like in an era of performative politics. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Brian Phillips, Chief Communications Officer of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, for a deep dive into the 89th Texas Legislature. They unpack the long battle for school choice, the hard truths about skyrocketing property taxes, and the foundation's push to empower parents and protect children. Phillips also previews what's ahead for the 90th legislature—health care reform, grid reliability, and the ongoing border crisis. It’s a frank, behind-the-scenes look at how conservative policy is shaping the future of Texas. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Is the “Texas Miracle” still alive — and what does it take to keep Texas competitive in 2026 and beyond?

In this episode of Texas Talks, Megan Mauro, Interim President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), joins Brad Swail to break down the state of the Texas economy. As the state chamber of commerce representing businesses of every size and industry, TAB sits at the center of Texas’ pro-growth policy debates.

Mauro explains how Texas maintains its reputation as a top business destination — from no personal or corporate income tax to regulatory consistency and recent property tax relief for small businesses. She discusses HB 9’s business personal property tax exemption increase, why consistency across Texas’ 254 counties matters, and how the Legislature is approaching affordability and housing challenges.

The conversation also dives into:

• Why Texas is the 7th largest economy in the world
• Attracting corporate headquarters while protecting small businesses
• The importance of USMCA for Texas trade
• Workforce alignment between industry and education
• Childcare as a workforce issue
• Why data centers and AI are both economic and national security priorities
• Texas’ “all of the above and below” energy strategy

Mauro makes the case that a thriving business climate isn’t just about corporations — it’s about livelihoods, job creation, and ensuring Texas families can continue building the American dream.

As the 90th Texas Legislature approaches, this episode explores what policies will shape the next chapter of the Texas economy.
 

00:00 — Introduction and Megan Mauro’s background
01:12 — What the Texas Association of Business does
03:13 — Light regulation and pro-business principles
04:35 — The Texas Miracle and economic growth
06:29 — Why industry diversity matters in Texas
10:01 — Data centers, AI, and national security
14:53 — Tech policy and regulatory consistency
18:47 — Balancing legacy industries with innovation
21:01 — Property tax reform and small business relief
27:10 — Affordability and housing challenges
29:21 — Energy policy and grid reliability
30:59 — Advocacy in Washington and USMCA
34:45 — Workforce development and childcare solutions
38:37 — TAB Foundation and education initiatives
 

Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

John Hryhorchuk of Texas 2036 returns to unpack the biggest wins of the 89th Texas Legislature—from the groundbreaking $20B water investment to a sweeping school finance bill that redefines public education. In this deep dive, we explore how pragmatic, long-term planning is shaping Texas’s future in water, housing, and workforce readiness. What passed, what didn’t, and what it all means for Texans today and tomorrow. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Tom Burnett, former NCAA March Madness chair and longtime Division I conference commissioner, joins Texas Talks to discuss the evolving world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) in college sports. As the founder of Lone Star NIL and CEO of Southwest Sports Partners, Burnett dives into how Texas legislation is reshaping college athletics, the transfer portal's unintended consequences, and the vital need for education around contracts, taxes, and branding for young athletes. Burnett also explains how Lone Star NIL supports student-athletes through guidance, opportunity building, and professional development—especially for those outside major programs. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas State Rep. Lacey Hull joins host Brad Swail to discuss major legislative wins from the 89th Texas Legislative Session. From championing food transparency and health education with HB 25 to expanding rights for sexual assault victims and protecting parental choice in healthcare, Hull shares the stories behind the bills and the challenges of facing off against powerful lobbies. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks