Soprano Big Sister Podcast

Send us Fan Mail

This is essential listening for Texas voters, science-minded listeners, and anyone who wants to understand why your vote may be the strongest tool left to fight back. 

What happens when a scientist who has worked inside Congress, NIH, and the Government Accountability Office decides the real problem is not politics, but who gets to write the rules? 

Dr. Kristin Hook discusses her path from scientist to congressional candidate.  In this episode, we dive into a compelling conversation with Dr. Kristen Hook, a scientist and congressional candidate for Texas's 21st district. Dr. Hook shares her unique journey from academia to politics, highlighting the essential role of scientific expertise in governance.

From Scientist to Candidate
Dr. Kristen Hook introduces herself as a late-blooming scientist with a PhD in animal behavior. She emphasizes that her career has been rooted in her passion for science, which she discovered while studying at UT Austin. "Public education provides opportunities for people, gives them a fair playing field," she notes, reflecting on her upbringing in a working-class family in South Texas.

Navigating the Political Landscape
Dr. Hook's career path took her through various federal agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the Government Accountability Office.  "I wore a lab coat by day and became a grassroots organizer by night," she explains, highlighting the importance of scientific understanding in policy-making, especially during the pandemic. She believes that having scientists in government is crucial to ensure that policies are based on facts rather than ideology.

The Importance of Expertise
Dr. Hook expresses concern about the current state of federal agencies, noting a significant loss of expertise due to recent administrative changes. "We've lost over 100,000 people from our federal government who were experts and were good at their jobs," she states. This brain drain, she argues, undermines the effectiveness of agencies that are supposed to protect public health and safety.

Understanding Deregulation
A significant topic of discussion is deregulation, particularly concerning the FDA and food safety. Dr. Hook clarifies that many voters misunderstand the implications of deregulation. "What keeps us safe often involves government programs that have been quietly working for decades," she says. She highlights the need for informed policies that prioritize public health over political ideologies.

 "I just want policies to be based on facts and evidence and to help people."  
 — Dr. Kristen Hook

As she campaigns for Congress, Dr. Hook is driven by a desire to restore expertise and integrity to government. Her vision includes a return to evidence-based policy-making, emphasizing that science should guide decisions that affect our lives.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Hook sheds light on the intersections of science and politics, making a strong case for why we need knowledgeable leaders in our government. To hear more about her journey and platform, listen to the full episode.

Learn more about Dr. Kristen Hook: here

Donate to Dr. Hooks campaign here

Follow Dr. Hook on Social Media:

Instagram
Facebook
X
LinkedIn

Support the show

This episode reflects the views of the guest and is presented for Voter Education. Soprano Big Sister is an independent platform; this is not paid political advertising. 

Send us Fan Mail

Episode Summary:

Most Texas voters don’t realize how deeply water, education, and growth policies are intertwined—and how they threaten our way of life. Your Soprano Big Sister, Elizabeth Herlitz Cortes, sits down with Merrie Fox, a passionate candidate for HD73, to uncover the truth behind the policies shaping our communities, from water rights to public school funding. Learn how Texas’ water management is caught in a web of political and corporate interests, risking future generations’ access to clean water. Discover the hidden realities of education policies that keep classrooms entangled in religious influence and standardized testing, often neglecting the skills that truly prepare kids for life. And explore how growth, development, and local control have been sacrificed to a state-centric agenda, fueled by big-money interests and political power plays. 

You’ll hear specific strategies for restoring local authority: how counties can fight back against overpumping and unregulated development, and why protecting our natural resources is a non-partisan issue that requires community voices—a message resonating across the political spectrum. Fox shares her vision of a future where growth pays for itself, where schools are supported without vouchers, and where the right to clean water and quality education isn’t a partisan battle, but a collective promise. 

This episode is perfect for voters frustrated by rapid development and disillusioned with politicians prioritizing billionaires over communities. If you believe in government that works for the people—based on facts, transparency, and local control—you’ll find hope in Fox’s campaign and her call for a government that truly listens. Merrie Fox is a candidate for HD73, known for her grassroots approach, community focus, and her advocacy for water and education reform in Texas. Elizabeth Herlitz Cortes, your "Soprano Big Sister," brings her signature blend of casual insight and sharp perspective. Get inspired, get informed, and discover tangible ways to support real change—because your voice matters more than ever. Join the movement for responsible growth, fair education, and clean water for all Texans.

About Dr. Merrie Fox: 

Dr. Merrie Fox is the Democratic candidate for Texas House District 73, covering all of Comal County and western Hays County. She spent 31 years as a public school teacher, coach and principal before retiring in 2023. Dr. Fox now serves as Executive Director of Circle Arts Theatre in New Braunfels. 

Connect with the Campaign:

Website: foxfortexas.com

Facebook

Linktr.ee

TikTok

Instagram

ActBlue Donation

Get Involved: Volunteer, Phone Bank, or host a house party -- reach out through the campaign website. 

Support the show

This episode reflects the views of the guest and is presented for Voter Education. Soprano Big Sister is an independent platform; this is not paid political advertising. 

Send us Fan Mail

Most Louisiana families are unknowingly paying hundreds of dollars more each year thanks to a deeply broken energy system—and most people have no idea. But Chris Justin, a licensed engineer with 15 years inside energy policy, is running to change that. He’s exposing the complex, often corrupt, mechanisms that keep energy bills skyrocketing while utility giants make record profits—without any accountability to the public.

In this eye-opening episode, Chris reveals how utility regulators are rubber-stamping billion-dollar deals that prioritize corporate profits over everyday affordability. You’ll discover the shocking truth behind ghost charges totaling $12 million, how return on equity is secretly doubling costs for consumers, and why so many Louisiana bills spike in summer—even when we burn natural gas locally.

You'll learn about the critical role of Louisiana’s Public Service Commission—who they are, what they do, and how rigged the deck really is. Chris shares his insider experience navigating this opaque world and his bold plan to fix it—without taking a penny from utility companies. From stopping unfair contract deals with Meta’s data centers to reforming how infrastructure is financed, his solutions are straightforward, effective, and essential for all ratepayers.

This is about more than just energy—it's about reclaiming power for the people. If you’re tired of paying inflated prices, frustrated by the system’s secrecy, or just want to understand why your bills are so high, this episode is your wake-up call. Perfect for Louisiana residents concerned about affordability, or anyone interested in how technical regulation impacts everyday lives—Chris’s campaign proves that competence and integrity can lead to real change.

Ready to cut through the noise and learn how YOU can help reform the system? Tune in now and discover how one engineer’s fight can transform Louisiana’s energy future—and put money back in your pocket.

Support the show

This episode reflects the views of the guest and is presented for Voter Education. Soprano Big Sister is an independent platform; this is not paid political advertising. 

Send us Fan Mail

In this first episode, we start at the beginning and discuss my 5 requirements for being a Soprano Big Sister. I also tell you how to enter our Giveaway! 

Support the show

This episode reflects the views of the guest and is presented for Voter Education. Soprano Big Sister is an independent platform; this is not paid political advertising. 

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

This episode reflects the views of the guest and is presented for Voter Education. Soprano Big Sister is an independent platform; this is not paid political advertising.