Texas Talks

As part of the Future of Texas series in partnership with Texas 2036, this episode explores a critical question: how does Texas ensure its economic growth translates into real opportunity, mobility, and purpose for its people?

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail is joined by Roy Spence, co-founder and longtime chairman of GSD&M and founder of the Make It Movement and the Purpose Institute, along with Renzo Soto, Deputy Director of Education and Workforce Policy at Texas 2036, for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of work in Texas.

The discussion focuses on skills, workforce readiness, career awareness, and how Texas can better connect students and workers to meaningful, high-opportunity careers. Soto explains how Texas is trying to align education and workforce systems earlier and more effectively, including through dual credit, career and technical education, outcomes-based funding, and better data connections between schools, colleges, and the labor market.

Spence argues that Texas does not just have a workforce challenge — it has a marketing challenge. He makes the case that young Texans and their families need clearer, more inspiring language around purpose, careers, and financial independence, and that the state must do a far better job of showing students the real opportunities available to them while they are still in school.

The conversation also explores:

• Why Texas is outperforming much of the country on enrollment and workforce growth

• The “90-60-30” challenge in postsecondary attainment

• How dual credit, CTE, and early career exploration can change student outcomes

• Why purpose matters just as much as paycheck

• How AI is reshaping work and why AI literacy matters for students and workers

• The importance of better education-to-workforce data

• Why Texas can lead the nation by helping more people “make it in Texas”

This is a big-picture conversation about how Texas can turn growth into real opportunity — not just for students entering the workforce, but for workers, families, and communities across the state.

00:00 — Introduction to the Future of Texas series and guest introductions

00:57 — Roy Spence on purpose, partnership, and marketing as a force for good

04:05 — Renzo Soto on why the future of work matters to Texas 2036

05:35 — The “90-60-30” challenge and postsecondary opportunity in Texas

07:18 — Why Texas is bucking national enrollment trends

11:10 — Roy Spence on purpose, talent, and not trying to be average

14:04 — The marketing problem: making Texans aware of career pathways

17:23 — Choice, purpose, and helping young people discover meaningful work

19:59 — Stress points in Texas: credentials, awareness, and workforce shortages

20:46 — Why better data is critical to workforce alignment

25:14 — AI, disruption, and preparing students for a changing economy

30:25 — How to make skilled careers exciting and purposeful

33:23 — What parents want and the case for financial independence

36:41 — Why early exploration and CTE opportunities matter

42:05 — What Texas is doing right on outcomes and accountability

48:49 — Rebranding pathways and measuring how many Texans are “making it”

57:22 — Final thoughts on success, purpose, and the Texas identity

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

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

 

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

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

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!

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