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.
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Ep. 73 - Brian Phillips
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.
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Ep. 72 -John Hryhorchuk
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.
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Ep. 71 - Tom Burnett (NCAA)
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.
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Ep. 70 - Rep. Lacey Hull
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.
Texas Talks with Brad Swail is a weekly podcast that features wide-ranging discussions with the people, organizations, and businesses that shape public policy in Texas. Texas Talks aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the policy debates and reasons and insight into the personalities that shape public policy in Texas.
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