Progress Texas Podcasts

It's difficult to throw around the word "happy" at this moment, as progressives across the country and people around the world stand aghast at this week's developments from the U.S. Supreme Court. It's a surreal moment, that feels like an escalation in the culture war past a red line - the first time in our nation's history that a settled right has been taken away from the American people. What's the real legal situation, what's next, and what can we do about it? We welcome our good friend Dyana Limon-Mercado of Planned Parenthood Texas Votes to lend her valuable insight at a truly unsettling time. 

Watch for Part 2, as we cover the Roe drama's likely impact on upcoming elections - speaking of which, there's one Saturday! It's time to stand up y'all - and as always - please, PLEASE VOTE.

Texas transplant Elon Musk has succeeded in drawing the world's attention to himself in buying Twitter. The story's moving quickly, and the implications are building: will he be the next media mogul, or will the era of huge social networks end in favor of micro networks? We also talk about the line between "free speech" and the unfettered flow of falsehood and hate. Finally, will Twitter continue along with business as usual, or will it become an instrument of the right, or will it fade away? Lots of questions - we attempt to give answers!

The crew convenes to remind Texans it's VOTING time again! Early voting is happening now for the "uniform" May 7 statewide election, including two constitutional amendments on housing policy - our very own Brett Isaacs returns to offer her hot takes on the confusing ballot language. Turnout will be very light - making YOUR vote count in a significantly outsized way. There are also 47 school districts holding elections - and as you've heard, those elections have come into the crosshairs of Texas conservatives, who look to further their ridiculous book-banning plans. Plus, here in Austin, we have a chance to vote for Prop A, which if passed will decriminalize marijuana possession in small amounts, and also outlaw no-knock warrants. No lines! It's fun! Go Vote!

Friday marks the 52nd annual Earth Day - over half a century in which climatic decline has developed from a vague threat into a gradually, inexorably manifesting reality. We live on the precipice of the point of no return - and Texas being the energy leader it is, our General Land Office is one of few authorities that stands a chance of making a major difference. We welcome Jay Kleberg, who's currently running for Texas Land Commissioner, for a survey of the current state of the Earth, what can be done to save it, and what his plan of action would be should he win his race.

On this year's 4/20, we take a deep breath and dive into marijuana legalization: a majority of Texas voters want it, including Democrats, Republicans, and independents - so what's the hold-up? We enjoyed a joint discussion with our good friend Jax James, Executive Director of Texas NORML, on the likelihood of Texas ever finally joining the civilized world on cannabis, and ending the widespread injustice that results from prohibition - especially with legal pot now right next door in New Mexico, and the giant green boat being missed for Texas farmers and Texas tax coffers. Happy 4/20 everybody!

Part Two of this week's amazing road trip to D/FW found us in Cowtown at the historic T&P Tavern, situated in the 1930's-era Texas And Pacific Railway building (which is now condos, but those are real trains going by!). We had the pleasure of talking with Dr. Allison Campolo, chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party and founder of Tarrant Together (not to mention an infectious disease doctor and heavyweight Kung Fu fighter!), and Congressman Marc Veasey, currently representing Texas House District 33 - two people who know the ins and outs of the Democratic fight in Fort Worth and Tarrant County better than anyone. Join us for a deep dive into a part of Texas regarded by many as a bellwether for the political future of the Lone Star State.

It's our pleasure to return to Dallas' Toller Patio, which is a terrific outdoor hang (turns out, even in the middle of a thunderstorm!) for a fun and enlightening conversation with Kristy Noble, the new head of the Dallas County Democratic Party. We learned about the vital role of the county level in progressive politics, how Dallas Dems are fighting back against new voting restrictions, and more - plus Diana tried bourbon for the first time, making this episode a must-listen.

Watch for a second episode this week from our Pints For Progress road trip to the D/FW Metroplex, recorded live at the T&P Tavern in Fort Worth!

We're joined by our friend Mike Collier, a familiar face for most Texas Democrats, who is in a runoff election on May 24th for the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Lt. Governor Dan Patrick in November. We ask Mike: what's the most important function of this office, arguably the most powerful in Texas, and what are the most prominent of the hundreds of things he'd do differently than the current guy? And with all of the miles he's put on his truck - what has he learned about running - and himself - on the campaign trail?

Wow, 50 Happy Hours on the books! Two polls this week show Beto O'Rourke gaining on Greg Abbott in the race for Texas Governor - one of them showing the race down to two points.We also address a new push from Lt. Governor Dan Patrick to emulate Florida's ridiculous "Don't Say Gay" bill here in the Lone Star State - not to mention the surreal war that the Texas GOP has declared on Mickey Mouse. Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Mike Collier joins us - and he's got some opinions to share.

Cornbread in the shape of Texas: impractical, or worth the hassle? This week we talk about keeping the progressive light burning in Texas, the evolution of our signature program Humans Against Ted Cruz, and ponder the usefulness of Texas-shaped things. Also in this heartfelt minisode we bid adieu to our longtime anchor and spirit squad leader Saatvik Ahluwalia, who's off to Massachusetts - a much colder state but with a much more reliable energy grid. And we introduce our new Digital Manager and Happy Hour Host Sam Gonzalez - a veteran Texas podcaster and dedicated progressive rabble-rouser.

Vote for our own Diana Gomez in TWO categories in the Austin Chronicle's Best Of Austin poll:

And, get your sweet Humans Against Ted Cruz gear here: https://store.progresstexas.org/