Progress Texas Podcasts

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Ep. 67 - ERCOT & The Texas Grid - with Special Guest Luke Warford Jul 14, 2022

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Since the beginning of this historically horrible heat wave, the Texas power grid has teetered on the brink of repeating the disaster of Winter Storm Uri - but, losing power in the summer would be an even more devastating blow for Texans than the horror we endured that winter. Governor Abbott's promises that "the grid is fixed" are clearly baloney, so we thought it a good time for a clear discussion on the nature of our state's energy problem, how we got here, and how we can finally put this sorry, embarrassing affair behind us. We're joined by Texas Railroad Commission nominee Luke Warford, who's clearly doing all he can to bring forward solutions, and Blue Action Democrats co-founder and esteemed energy attorney Carrie Collier-Brown - our go-to expert for all things grid - for a clear discussion on the power problems that continue to plague our state, and what can be done about them - starting with your VOTE this November.

Ep. 66 - SCOTUS and Roe, Part 3: WTF?! And What To Do Now Jul 01, 2022

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We've now had about a week to process the historic overturning of Roe V Wade. This third part of our series on this pivotal crossroads is both a summary of how concerned progressives can take action NOW, with just four months to go until November, and an analysis of how we came to this desperate moment - where not only abortion rights, but the American Experiment itself appears to be hanging by a thread, after a methodical and diabolical half-century crusade by the American right.

Ep. 65 - SCOTUS And Roe, Part 2: Beto O'Rourke, and What's At Stake This November Jun 28, 2022

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As we continue our focus on the fight ahead beyond the ripping away of reproductive autonomy with the overturning of Roe v Wade - which is likely only the beginning - it becomes clear that the upcoming mid-term election this November is of potentially existential importance for our democracy. Texas has proven to be the origin point for the draconian conservative agenda that is now coming to fruition, and it's up to us in Texas to put a stop to it. Part 2 of our three-part series features Democratic gubernatorial candidate Beto O'Rourke's address to his Rally For Reproductive Freedom in East Austin last Sunday.

This is our most desperate hour - it's time for ACTION.

Ep. 64 - SCOTUS And Roe, Part 1 - A Brick Through The Windshield: The Sounds Of Protest In Texas Jun 27, 2022

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Austin, Texas - and cities across the United States - erupted in protest this weekend following Friday's announcement of the overturning of Roe v Wade. In a three-part podcast series, Progress Texas takes stock of the damage, in order to assess the path forward - but for now, we're ANGRY, and so are you. Part One is an audio tour through the announcement, and the outrage that followed.

MY BODY - MY CHOICE.

Mini-sode - Recapping the Progress Texas 12th Anniversary Party! Jun 18, 2022

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A terrific time earlier this week at Antone's in downtown Austin, as a great bunch of like-minded Texas progressive rabble-rousers gathered to celebrate 12 years of Progress Texas! While the good times were rolling, we worked the room and collected quick interviews from a couple-dozen party-goers to survey what they like most about our efforts, and what they consider the most important agenda items as we move forward - we were surprised at the variety of great answers they provided, and those make up this minisode. THANK YOU to everyone who came, and to all of you who have supported us over our first twelve years - including those of you who have subscribed to our podcasts. Here's to another 12!

And by the way: the Espinoza Mimosa is comprised of Espolon Tequila, Agave Nectar, Lime Juice, and Orange Juice.

Ep. 63 - Pride Month: Why We Celebrate, Even In Hard Times Jun 17, 2022

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An honor to host two distinguished guests from the LGBTQ+ activist community for a deep dive into Pride Month: its origins, its meaning today, and what the fight ahead may bring. Ricardo Martinez is the Executive Director of Equality Texas, and Gin Pham is the Communications and Outreach Manager for the Transgender Education Network of Texas (also known as TENT). Progress Texas takes great Pride in our partnership with these orgs, who are working on the ground everyday to fight for LGBTQ+ equality.

All about Pride Month from Progress Texas: https://progresstexas.org/blog/pride-month-celebrations-across-texas-2022

Ep. 62 - Governor Abbott On Shootings: What He Says, vs What He Does Jun 10, 2022

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Following Uvalde, it's not a stretch to predict that in the end, Governor Greg Abbott and the rest of Texas' GOP regime will end up doing nothing meaningful to prevent the next mass killing in our state. After all, following El Paso, Santa Fe, Sutherland Springs, Fort Hood, and far too many other preventable tragedies in Texas, Abbott has done worse than nothing: guns have proliferated as they've increased in firepower, and can now be legally found in almost every corner of our lives. We thought an examination of our Governor's complete failure to protect Texans from gun violence deserved a conversation, and we've brought in Austin gun policy activist Ed Scruggs to join the team this week.

At this point, the only way out of this madness is to VOTE our way out.

Minisode: Diana speaks with three Texas Legislators on abortion rights Jun 03, 2022

Show notes

We’re continuing to focus on crucial issues facing progressive Texans this election year. With the likely fall of Roe v Wade, we've designed an effort to fight back and it's called a Roevolution! To help illuminate the struggle for abortion rights, we're proud to welcome a trio of the toughest women in Texas: State Senator Carol Alvarado from Houston, and State Legislators Donna Howard and Vikki Goodwin from Austin. All have been in the trenches opposite Texas Republicans for years, and in this mini-sode they share their experiences, their insights, and their advice as we prepare for what's shaping up to be a monumentally consequential fight.

Ep. 61 - Uvalde, Guns...And Where We Go From Here May 26, 2022

Show notes

It's been a heavy week, and all of us at Progress Texas are as heartbroken and angry as you are. This week we upend the right-wing talking points, we look at how various leaders have responded to the tragedy, and what actions you can take. We also consider what a future looks like without these tragedies, freedom from fear, and how to renew our resolve to fight back. We skipped the beers and brought in a larger team this week - join us for a frank conversation.

We mourn with Uvalde today - and we recommit to restoring the safety of ALL Texas children, starting now.

Ep. 60 - Roevolution: Recapping the Austin Bans Off Our Bodies Rally May 20, 2022

Show notes

It was our honor to help organize and host the recent Bans Off Our Bodies Rally for Austin - one of dozens that happened across the country on Saturday May 14 - at the Texas State Capitol. This week we're reviewing a few of the tremendous lineup of impassioned speakers, ranging from elected officials to motivated advocates, and all co-emceed by our own Diana Gomez! Join us in getting fired up all over again with former State Senator Wendy Davis (05:45), Lilith Fund activist Paige Alexandria (15:08), State Senator Carol Alvarado (24:40), State Representative Donna Howard (28:09), U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett (36:40), and Democratic nominee and presumptive new U.S. Representative Greg Casar (40:15).

THANK YOU to all who attended. Join the Roevolution today!

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