Texas Talks

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 83 - Mary Lynn Pruneda Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

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

X: @Texas_Dispatch

Instagram: thetexasdispatch

LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch

TikTok: texas_talks_podcast

Find more at The Texas Dispatch

Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism.

https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 82 - Kelsey Streufert Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

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

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

X: @Texas_Dispatch

Instagram: thetexasdispatch

LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch

TikTok: texas_talks_podcast

Find more at The Texas Dispatch

Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism.

https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 81 - Senator Tan Parker (District 12) Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 80 - Gary VanDeaver (TX House District 1) Aug 28, 2025

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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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 79 - Cody Vasut (HD-25) Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 78 - Lloyd Potter (TX State Demographer) Aug 14, 2025

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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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

Hemp in Texas - Scott Gates on Agriculture, Policy, and the Future of Hemp Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

Hemp in Texas - DA Sarah Stogner on Cannabis, Criminal Justice, and Corruption Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

Hemp in Texas — Veterans, PTSD, and the Fight for Alternative Healing Aug 05, 2025

Show notes

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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

Ep. 77 - Dr. Mark Jones Jul 31, 2025

Show notes

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 Follow us on social media X: @Texas_Dispatch Instagram: thetexasdispatch LinkedIn: The Texas Dispatch TikTok: texas_talks_podcast Find more at The Texas Dispatch Your source for state news, policy, and investigative journalism. https://thetexasdispatch.com

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