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The conflict in Gaza may be taking place on the other side of the globe, but there are efforts here in Austin to try and support Palestinians. On this episode of the Blue-Headed Stepchild, Sam sits down with Gumbo V from the Austin for Palestine Coalition to talk about everything from city council resolutions and boycotts to Zionism and grass roots organizing. 

To follow Gumbo's work, follow @austinforpalestinecoalition and @atxdsa on IG. You can also follow the other members of the coalition at: @psl.atx @palestinianyouthmovement @psc_atx @jvpaustin @austinagainstapartheid

The blue dot in a sea of red, the blueberries in the tomato soup, the blue-headed stepchild in a nuclear family of blondes – Austin’s progressive politics against Texas’ broader conservative backdrop often brings it to the forefront of many of today’s most pressing issues. From housing and transportation policy to local control and taxation, the City of the Violet Crown serves as a microcosm of the nation’s political discourse. Through conversations with local leaders and practitioners, the host, Sam Lee, aims to flesh out some of the most important issues facing Austinites today.

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Schools are more than classrooms—they’re community anchors. From food and mental health support to childcare and connection, they shape the next generation far beyond academics.

In this episode of the Blue-Headed Stepchild, Sam sits down with Louis Malfaro of Austin Voices for Education and Youth about why schools matter as the heart of our communities, particularly here in Austin. 

Follow @austinvoices on IG to keep up with Louis' work.

The blue dot in a sea of red, the blueberries in the tomato soup, the blue-headed stepchild in a nuclear family of blondes – Austin’s progressive politics against Texas’ broader conservative backdrop often brings it to the forefront of many of today’s most pressing issues. From housing and transportation policy to local control and taxation, the City of the Violet Crown serves as a microcosm of the nation’s political discourse. Through conversations with local leaders and practitioners, the host, Sam Lee, aims to flesh out some of the most important issues facing Austinites today.

Send us a text

Public education is under attack in Texas. From school vouchers and stopgap funding to the blending of church and state, Sam discusses the intricacies of current affairs with Felicia Martin, the President & Executive Director of the Texas Freedom Network. 

Follow @txfreedomnetwork on IG to stay in the loop.

The blue dot in a sea of red, the blueberries in the tomato soup, the blue-headed stepchild in a nuclear family of blondes – Austin’s progressive politics against Texas’ broader conservative backdrop often brings it to the forefront of many of today’s most pressing issues. From housing and transportation policy to local control and taxation, the City of the Violet Crown serves as a microcosm of the nation’s political discourse. Through conversations with local leaders and practitioners, the host, Sam Lee, aims to flesh out some of the most important issues facing Austinites today.

Send us a text

Immigration is at the forefront of American politics, and Austin, Texas is no different. In this episode, Sam sits down with Glenaan O'Neil, the Legal Operations Manager at RAICES, an organization on the front lines of the immigration fight. 

Sam and Glenaan touch on subjects ranging from the dehumanization of immigrants and the challenges of the legal system to immigration overhaul and ways to get involved.

For volunteer opportunities with RAICES, go to https://raicestexas.org/volunteer-activities
You can follow RAICES on IG @raicestexas

The blue dot in a sea of red, the blueberries in the tomato soup, the blue-headed stepchild in a nuclear family of blondes – Austin’s progressive politics against Texas’ broader conservative backdrop often brings it to the forefront of many of today’s most pressing issues. From housing and transportation policy to local control and taxation, the City of the Violet Crown serves as a microcosm of the nation’s political discourse. Through conversations with local leaders and practitioners, the host, Sam Lee, aims to flesh out some of the most important issues facing Austinites today.

Send us a text

From short-term rental regulations to protesting your property taxes, this episode dives into what’s happening at Austin City Hall and how it impacts everyday homeowners. Taylor Smith is the Deputy Director of Government Affairs for the Austin Board of Realtors, the largest trade association in Central Texas. He represents 17,000+ realtors and helps shape the local housing policies that affect homeowners across the region

You can follow Taylor on IG @taylorgsmith10 and his organization @abor_realtors.

The blue dot in a sea of red, the blueberries in the tomato soup, the blue-headed stepchild in a nuclear family of blondes – Austin’s progressive politics against Texas’ broader conservative backdrop often brings it to the forefront of many of today’s most pressing issues. From housing and transportation policy to local control and taxation, the City of the Violet Crown serves as a microcosm of the nation’s political discourse. Through conversations with local leaders and practitioners, the host, Sam Lee, aims to flesh out some of the most important issues facing Austinites today.

Send us a text

Miriam Shoenfield is a board member for Rethink 35, an organization dedicated to fighting the Texas Department of Transportation's plan to expand I-35. 

She can be found across social media platforms @MiriamSchoenf, and her organization can be found @rethink35_atx.

The blue dot in a sea of red, the blueberries in the tomato soup, the blue-headed stepchild in a nuclear family of blondes – Austin’s progressive politics against Texas’ broader conservative backdrop often brings it to the forefront of many of today’s most pressing issues. From housing and transportation policy to local control and taxation, the City of the Violet Crown serves as a microcosm of the nation’s political discourse. Through conversations with local leaders and practitioners, the host, Sam Lee, aims to flesh out some of the most important issues facing Austinites today.

Send us a text

Greg Anderson is the current Director of Community Affairs for Austin Habitat for Humanity and an urban studies lecturer at the University of Texas at Austin. He previously served as the Policy Director for Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole. 

Greg can be found across social media platform @walkableaustin.

The blue dot in a sea of red, the blueberries in the tomato soup, the blue-headed stepchild in a nuclear family of blondes – Austin’s progressive politics against Texas’ broader conservative backdrop often brings it to the forefront of many of today’s most pressing issues. From housing and transportation policy to local control and taxation, the City of the Violet Crown serves as a microcosm of the nation’s political discourse. Through conversations with local leaders and practitioners, the host, Sam Lee, aims to flesh out some of the most important issues facing Austinites today.