Texas Talks

Latest Episodes:

Texas Economy, Education Freedom Accounts, and State Spending Transparency w/Kelly Hancock Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Kelly Hancock, Acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, breaks down what the Comptroller’s office actually does—and what the latest numbers say about the Texas economy. Hancock discusses revenue estimating, procurement, contracts, and why sales tax trends matter so much to the state budget. He also explains how Texas is tracking key indicators like manufacturing, construction, and the impact of major projects such as data centers, plus how the state is making more economic data accessible to the public through Texas Comptroller “TexStats.”

The conversation also covers the rollout of Texas Education Freedom Accounts (education savings accounts)—including registration numbers, program priorities, and the office’s focus on customer-service speed and transparency. Finally, Hancock addresses procurement policy changes tied to DEI-era frameworks, what “leveling the playing field” means in practice, and why he wants stronger auditing authority to protect taxpayer dollars.

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Mandy Drogin on School Choice, ESAs & the Future of Texas Education Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation to discuss Texas Education Freedom Accounts, school choice policy, and the evolving future of education in the state.

The conversation explores how education savings accounts (ESAs) work, why more than 100,000 families applied within days of launch, and the ongoing debate between supporters and critics. Topics include parental rights, funding models, homeschooling options, special-needs education, and the long-term impact of market-driven education reform in Texas.

Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, educator, or simply interested in Texas politics and public policy, this episode offers a detailed look at one of the biggest education reforms in the country.

👉 Listen as they break down how ESAs function, who qualifies, and what the program could mean for the future of students and schools across Texas.

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https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 101 - Margaret Byfield (Energy Policy) Feb 12, 2026

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In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail interviews Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty, to break down the growing controversy surrounding proposed transmission lines across Texas. The discussion explores property rights, eminent domain, data-center energy demand, grid reliability after Winter Storm Uri, and the debate between local dispatchable power and large-scale transmission infrastructure.

Byfield shares firsthand insight into how landowners could be affected by thousands of miles of new transmission corridors, the rising cost of electricity tied to infrastructure expansion, and the broader policy questions shaping Texas’ energy future.

Whether you’re interested in energy policy, land use, rural property rights, or the economics behind grid expansion, this conversation offers a detailed look at one of the most consequential infrastructure debates unfolding in Texas today.

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

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https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 100 - Jaime Olin (Animal Policy Advocate) Feb 05, 2026

Show notes

Brad Swail interviews Jaime Olin, interim executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, about landmark animal welfare laws in Texas, enforcement challenges, and upcoming legislative priorities. They cover spay-neuter funding, roadside puppy sales bans, criminal negligence protections, ethical pet store reforms, and rural veterinary access. A must-listen for animal advocates, policy watchers, and Texans who care about humane treatment for all.

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https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 99 - Veronda Durden Jan 29, 2026

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Early childhood intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life—but in Texas, funding hasn’t kept pace with growing need.

In this episode of the Texas Talks Podcast, host Brad Swail sits down with Veronda Durden, President and CEO of Any Baby Can, to discuss how early intervention services support children with developmental delays, strengthen families, and build long-term community resilience across Central Texas.

Drawing on her 32-year career in Texas state government and her leadership at Any Baby Can, Durden explains how federal and state policies shape early childhood services, why providers are required to serve eligible children without guaranteed funding, and how rising costs are forcing difficult decisions in rural and fast-growing counties.

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Ep. 98 - Christo Van Rensburg Jan 22, 2026

Show notes

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.

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Ep. 97 - Rob Morris (TX Healthcare) Jan 15, 2026

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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

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Ep. 96 - Brad Johnson (TX Politics Reporter) Jan 08, 2026

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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

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Ep. 95 - Stan Reed (TX Christmas Tree Growers Association) Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

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Ep. 94 - John Hawkins (TX Hospital Association CEO) Dec 11, 2025

Show notes

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.

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

X: @Texas_Dispatch

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https://thetexasdispatch.com