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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail sits down with Dr. Mark P. Jones—Rice University professor and political analyst—to break down the inner workings of Texas politics. They dive into Elon Musk’s influence on the Texas Legislature, the balance of wealth and political power, the evolution of conservative dominance in the state, and what Javier Milei’s drastic reforms in Argentina teach us about shrinking government. From the backdoor legalization of marijuana to the role of Donald Trump in local politics, this is a must-listen for anyone serious about understanding where Texas is headed.

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.

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Cynthia Cabrera, Chief Strategy Officer at Hometown Hero and leading hemp advocate, joins Brad Swail to expose the political battle threatening Texas’ hemp industry. From false claims about regulation to pressure from Big Alcohol and law enforcement, Cabrera lays out why the proposed SB3 and SB5 bills would devastate small businesses and veteran access to legal THC products. This is a raw, unfiltered look at the fight to keep hemp legal in Texas — and what it says about government power, misinformation, and economic sabotage.

Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt joins Brad Swail to discuss the July 4th floods, the urgent need for coordinated disaster response, and why climate resilience should be a legislative priority. They break down the political dynamics behind Governor Abbott’s special session, including the controversial THC industry crackdown and looming redistricting debates. Eckhardt also shares insights on housing affordability, SNAP cuts, insurance reform, and how Texas can better serve its most vulnerable residents.

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Veteran Texas lawmaker Donna Howard (D-Austin) joins host Brad Swail for an unfiltered conversation on the Texas Talks podcast. Representing House District 48 since 2006, Rep. Howard opens up about her decades of legislative experience, the political transformation of Austin, the state’s unsustainable budget tactics, and her deep concerns over school vouchers and underfunded public education. She also weighs in on the 89th Texas Legislature, the upcoming special session, and redistricting rumors. This is a grounded, thoughtful discussion on what real leadership looks like in an era of performative politics.