In this episode of Kent shares insightful anecdotes about leadership, integrity, and the importance of details. He recounts stories involving John Wooden's meticulous coaching methods, a thoughtful birthday gesture that fostered a lasting political relationship, and a memorable encounter with a police chief that underscored the value of keeping one's word. The discussion also touches on the evolving landscape of banking, political dynamics, public opinion on immigration, and the role of law enforcement. Through these narratives, the episode highlights the profound impact of small gestures and the significance of doing things right the first time.

In this episode of the "Kent Hance: The Best Storyteller in Texas" podcast, host Kent Hance engages in a heartfelt discussion about the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, who recently passed away at the age of 100. Chancellor Hance shares personal anecdotes and reflections on Carter's early life in Plains, Georgia, his political career, and his presidency. Key achievements such as the Camp David Accords and his humanitarian work with Habitat for Humanity are highlighted. The conversation also touches on Carter's temperament, leadership style, and the challenges he faced, offering a comprehensive tribute to his enduring legacy.

In this episode, host Kent Hance welcomes Senator Phil Gramm, a former senator and economist, to discuss his book, "The Myth of American Inequality." The conversation highlights their shared experiences in Congress and focuses on Gramm's critique of government statistics on income inequality and poverty. Gramm argues that the narrative of the rich getting richer while the poor get poorer is misleading, presenting data to support his claims. He emphasizes the importance of accurate data in shaping public policy and advocates for work requirements in government assistance programs to promote self-sufficiency.

Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction of Senator Gramm (00:00:04)   The speaker introduces Senator Phil Gramm, highlighting their friendship and shared congressional experiences.

Senator Gramm's Background (00:01:21)   Gramm discusses his origins in Fort Benning, Georgia, and his academic background in economics.

Overview of "The Myth of American Inequality" (00:02:03)   Gramm introduces his new book, challenging the narrative of growing income inequality in America.

Government Statistics on Poverty (00:02:27)   Gramm critiques government statistics, showing discrepancies in poverty rates despite increased welfare spending.

Transfer Payments and Income Reporting (00:04:25)   Discussion on how the Census Bureau underreports transfer payments, skewing income inequality statistics.

Real Income Inequality Statistics (00:06:05)   Gramm presents revised statistics showing income inequality is not as severe as reported.

Poverty Rate Misconceptions (00:07:49)   He argues that the actual poverty rate is significantly lower than commonly believed.

Economic Mobility in America (00:08:47)   Gramm emphasizes that most children from poor families improve their economic status as adults.

Living Standards Comparison (00:09:26)   He compares modern lower-income Americans' living standards to those of historical kings.

Wealth and Opportunity Perspective (00:10:28)   Discussion on how wealth accumulation by individuals does not detract from others' wealth.

Envy and Economic Perspectives (00:10:49)   The speakers discuss the societal issues of envy and how it affects perceptions of wealth.

The Role of Government Assistance (00:13:30)   Gramm argues that government assistance programs often fail to reach those truly in need.

Welfare Reform Insights (00:15:52)   He proposes extending work requirements to all means-tested programs to encourage employment.

Job Market Discrepancies (00:16:28)   Discussion on the mismatch between job openings and unemployment rates in the current economy.

Personal Responsibility and Opportunity (00:17:21)   Gramm shares personal anecdotes emphasizing the importance of hard work and opportunity.

Need for Accurate Data (00:18:03)   He stresses the importance of accurate data in informing public debate on economic policies.

Government Transfers and Income Distribution (00:19:40)   Gramm discusses the significant amount of money transferred to needy individuals in America.

Book Collaboration and Insights (00:20:03)   Gramm mentions his co-authors and their contributions to the book's findings.

Critique of Income Tax Reporting (00:23:24)   He critiques how tax data is reported, emphasizing the importance of context in income discussions.

Discussion on Taxation and Billionaires (00:25:12)   Senator Gramm critiques the misconception that taxing billionaires can significantly fund government needs.

Middle-Income Tax Burden (00:26:14)   Speaker 1 highlights how middle-income earners, not billionaires, bear most of the tax burden.

Clinton's Tax Increase (00:26:50)   Discussion on the tax increase under Clinton, affecting middle-income Americans, not just the wealthy.

Job Creation vs. Government Benefits (00:27:45)   Speaker 1 shares experiences of losing workers to unemployment benefits that paid more than construction jobs.

The Myth of American Inequality (00:30:11)   Speaker 1 emphasizes the book's argument against the narrative of growing inequality in America.

Capitalism vs. Socialism (00:30:32)   Comparison of North and South Korea illustrates the benefits of capitalism over socialism.

Reagan Budget Cuts Discussion (00:32:09)   Plans to discuss Reagan's budget and tax cuts in a future episode.

Funny Anecdote about Locked Keys (00:32:41)   A humorous story about Speaker 1 locking his keys in the car at the White House.

In this insightful episode, former congressman Kent Hance shares his experiences and perspectives on the federal budget process and government spending. Hance discusses the complexities of drafting and passing budgets, the frequent use of continuing resolutions, and the contentious issue of the debt ceiling. He highlights the political dynamics between Republicans and Democrats, the impact of government spending on inflation, and the challenges posed by entitlement programs. Interspersed with personal anecdotes and humor, Hance provides a comprehensive and relatable overview of the budgetary challenges facing Congress and their broader economic implications.

In this episode, host Kent Hance engages with Merrie Spaeth, a communications expert with a distinguished career in public service and media. Merrie shares her journey from her Quaker school education to Smith College, emphasizing the foundational values and critical thinking skills she gained. She recounts her early career as a reporter, her transformative experience as a White House Fellow, and her impactful roles at the FBI and Federal Trade Commission. The discussion highlights her strategic approach to communication, crisis management, and leadership, offering valuable insights into navigating complex political and business landscapes.

In this episode of "Ken Hance: The Best Storyteller in Texas," host Ken Hance offers a mix of humor and insightful commentary. The episode opens with a saying from Clint Murchison Sr. and transitions to a discussion on the high-profile trial of Daniel Penny in New York City. Hance explores the legal complexities, public sentiment, and broader societal issues surrounding crime and safety in urban environments. The conversation also touches on a recent CEO murder, the lottery, and financial advice. Hance's engaging storytelling provides a thoughtful and entertaining exploration of current events and personal finance.

This episode was originally published on Sept 28, 2023

In this episode: Kent talks with US Representative Tony Gonzales of San Antonio, who represents Texas’ 23rd Congressional District, which runs from El Paso to San Antonio and Del Rio and encompasses 42% of the southern border. Gonzales discusses his childhood, family, and stellar career in the Navy, which gave him the leadership skills and tenacity not only to win a hotly contested congressional race, but also to be awarded a coveted seat on the House Appropriations Committee as a freshman.

In this episode: Kent chats with a Texas statesmen, former Governor and U.S. Secretary of Energy Rick Perry about a range of topics: Perry’s upbringing in the remote West Texas town of Paint Creek; how his parents, coaches, and scoutmaster positively influenced his life; and the iconic small-town cultural experience of six-man football. The secretary reveals the three things he knew he wanted from life at age 16, discusses his years at TAMU, and reveals a point of pride from his long public service career.

Kent again talks with former Texas Governor Rick Perry. What was it like to go from being a Paint Creek boy who’d seldom left home to flying C-130s for the Air Force in Europe? Perry tells how a 30-inch rainfall changed the trajectory of his life, discusses his early days in politics, reflects on the rewards of volunteering, and shares one of the most valuable lessons from his public service career. With all its drama, why does Perry prefer the Texas political arena over Washington, DC?

Kent wraps up his visit with Rick Perry, who talks about his two years as Texas lieutenant governor and his accomplishments as Texas’ longest continuously serving governor. Perry tells us why being Texas governor was the best job he’s ever had, why being Secretary of Energy in the Trump administration was the most interesting, and ticks off some impressive accomplishments at DOE that have made America substantially safer, stronger, and more competitive.