The National Podcast of Texas

By Texas Monthly

What's The National Podcast of Texas about?

Hosted by Andy Langer, the National Podcast of Texas features weekly interviews with prominent Texas thinkers, leaders, and newsmakers.

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The National Podcast of Texas episodes:

12.06.2021
New From Texas Monthly: America’s Girls
The original Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad burst onto the field back in 1972—the same year Title IX passed, the same year Deep Throat came out, and a year before Roe v. Wade. Sarah Hepola digs into the untold stories behind...
08.14.2020
#123 Paul Begala Wrote the Book on Defeating Donald Trump
The legendary Democratic strategist on whether Texas is swingable and what it’ll take for Joe Biden to win.
07.23.2020
#122 Dr. Rebecca Fischer: "With Students Returning this Fall, Contact Tracing is Key"
Texas A&M epidemiologist on the critical systems being put in place to maximize safety in an uncertain time.
07.10.2020
#121 Dr. Peter J. Hotez on How the Federal Government Failed Texas
The pioneering vaccine scientist explains why he believes the White House has put Texas in grave danger.
06.23.2020
#120 Tavel Bristol-Joseph Wants the Culinary World to Have a Hard Conversation about Racism
On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs on systemic racism and re-opening in a pandemic.
06.10.2020
#119 Peniel Joseph on Black Power and the Struggle for America’s Soul
On The National Podcast of Texas, the LBJ School professor and author walks us through how protest, empathy, and action can dismantle racial oppression.
06.04.2020
#118 Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly Yearns for the Days We Argued About Reclining Seats
On the National Podcast of Texas, the leader of the beleaguered, but beloved, Dallas carrier on what it will take to survive the pandemic.
05.29.2020
#117 Congressman Michael C. Burgess on Balancing Public Health and the Economy
On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the legislator and medical doctor weighs in on Texas’ reopening, masks and Trump’s reelection chances.
05.22.2020
#116 José Ralat Believes the Taco is Pandemic-Proof
On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, our taco editor and the author of ‘American Tacos’ on the resilience of “the perfect food.”
05.15.2020
#115 Dr. Hana El Sahly on Remdesivir and How Little We Still Know About COVID-19 Itself
On a special edition of The National Podcast Of Texas, the Baylor College Of Medicine investigator takes us inside the high-stakes world of coronavirus research and trials.
05.06.2020
#114 Mattress Mack Believes Houston Can Pull Together and Persevere. Again.
On a special edition of The National Podcast Of Texas, the high-profile philanthropist and furniture retailer on why the time is right for Texas to carefully reopen for business.
05.01.2020
#113 Yoga With Adriene in the Time of Quarantine
On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the YouTube star on how a renewed concern for wellness – our own and each other’s — might wind up as one of the pandemic’s silver linings.
04.24.2020
#112 Boomtown Host Christian Wallace on a New Reckoning for Texas Oil
On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the West Texas native and ex-oil rig roughneck explains this week’s record-setting price plunge and weighs its long-term impact on the state’s once-thriving energy business.
04.15.2020
#111 Dr. Peter J. Hotez on Why a COVID-19 Vaccine Might Not Be Enough
On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the pioneering vaccine scientist on why he believes banking on miracle cures and treatments is mortally dangerous.
04.09.2020
#110 Tim Ferriss on Using Quarantine to Methodically Confront Your Fears and Desires
On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the best-selling author and podcaster lays out techniques for learning about ourselves, and society, from the pandemic.
03.27.2020
#109 Chris Shepherd’s Dream is That There’s Actually Restaurants Left For Workers to Return to
On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the Houston chef/restaurateur lays out how his Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund is assisting hospitality industry workers.
03.24.2020
#108 Dan Rather Believes in the Good Sense of the American People
On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the legendary news anchor, fully sheltered in place, gives us his takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic.
03.10.2020
#107 Austin Mayor Steve Adler: Why I Cancelled SXSW
A Q&A focused on the public health decision that sent Austin reeling.
03.09.2020
#106 Geneticist Spencer Wells on COVID-19 as “Evolution in Action"
The population geneticist professor on pandemics, DNA adaptation, SXSW and Asia’s mitigation efforts.
03.03.2020
#105 Fox News Analyst Jehmu Greene On Her Plan to Swing “The Movable Middle” Towards the Left
The former DNC Chair candidate handicaps Super Tuesday and explains why she’s looking forward to a contested Democratic National Convention.
02.18.2020
#104 Dr. Daina Ramey Berry on the Courageous and Complex Contributions of Black Women
The co-author of A Black Women’s History of the United States lays out the ways black women transformed America.
02.11.2020
#103 Kate Murphy on the Lost Art of Listening
The author of You’re Not Listening argues that by tuning each other out, we’re only hurting ourselves.
02.04.2020
#102 Michael Lind on Class Warfare and Why Populism Can’t Last
The author and LBJ School Of Public Affairs professor lays out an admittedly controversial plan to redefine democracy.
01.27.2020
#101 The Real Housewives of Dallas’ Stephanie Hollman and Brandi Redmond on Balancing Mental Health and Reality Television Stardom
The reality stars detail the personal impact of the show’s most “heated and hate-filled season.”
01.21.2020
#100 The Defined Dish’s Alex Snodgrass and the Pursuit of a Healthier King Ranch Casserole
The New York Times bestselling author on how Texans cook and diet differently.
01.13.2020
#99 Thor in West Texas? Marvel Comics Phenom Donny Cates on His Plan to Relocate the God of Thunder
The “Bad Boy Of Comics” on his rise from comic shop manager to writing some of Marvel’s biggest titles.
12.24.2019
#98 Turk Pipkin: “Christmas is What Holds Families Together Across the Generations”
The author of When Angels Sing and the co-founder of the Nobelity Project on the spirit of Christmas, global philanthropy and casting Willie Nelson as Santa Claus
12.19.2019
#97 Aarón Sánchez: “You Can Judge a Mexican Restaurant On Three Things: Tortillas, Margaritas, Guacamole.”
The El Paso native and celebrity chef on the tradition and future of Mexican food, immigration and #metoo.
12.10.2019
#96 MJ Hegar: “Texans Have Very Sensitive BS Meters”
The Senate candidate outlines her plan to unseat John Cornyn.
12.04.2019
#95 Texas Traditions’ Lee and Carrlyn Miller on the Tao of the Perfect Cowboy Boot
The acclaimed Austin bootmakers break down their custom fusion of foot measurement, tradition and refined style.
11.27.2019
#94 Ryan Holiday’s New Book About Achieving Stillness Is Not At All About Meditation
The author of Stillness Is The Key details a powerful antidote for our noisy times.
11.18.2019
The West Memphis 3’s Jason Baldwin Fights For The “Hopelessly Innocent” After 18 Years in Prison
Jason Baldwin, the co-founder of Texas’ Proclaim Justice, on the inequality of the justice system, his freedom and the Rodney Reed saga.
11.11.2019
#92 Austin Mayor Steve Adler On The City’s Polarizing Debate Over Homelessness
The Mayor weighs in on Governor Abbott’s intervention. Plus, his takes on Mayors Bloomberg and Buttigieg.
11.04.2019
#91 The Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith Celebrates 10 Years of Nonprofit Journalism
The digital news startup’s CEO and co-founder discusses how a risky bet on covering Texas politics and public policy paid off.
10.28.2019
#90 United Tacos Of America’s Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece
The ‘taco journalists’ on immigration, Texas’ top taco city and the Great Burrito Controversy
10.21.2019
#89 Lara Prescott: “Literature Has Lost None Of Its Power To Change Hearts and Minds.”
Texas Book Festival author Lara Prescott on The Secrets We Kept- a fictionalized thriller about the battle to publish Doctor Zhivago.
10.08.2019
#88 Shawn Colvin: “Since I Was Five Years Old, Music Saved My Life, Over and Over”
Three-time Grammy winner on reimagining the new release of "Steady On", how motherhood shifted her outlook and how music saved her life.
10.01.2019
#87 Jackie Sherrill and Bonnie Bishop: Lessons From Football and the Music Business
The legendary Texas A&M football coach and his step-daughter, musician Bonnie Bishop, discuss winning and losing with dignity.
09.23.2019
#86 Austin Kleon: "Scumbags and Lowlifes Can Create Beautiful Art”
A conversation with the writer/illustrator about sustaining a creative life, the state of self-help and the perils of cancel culture.
09.16.2019
#85 Kimberly King Parsons: “Maybe We Call What I Do Queer Psychedelic Texas Fiction"
The Texas author discusses Black Light, her critically praised collection of short stories, and how it's leading to the debut of her upcoming novel--a novel she describes as an intersection of Texas, motherhood and LSD.
09.09.2019
#84 An Hour With Sen. Ted Cruz On Guns, Civility, Trump and Alex Jones
A freewheeling conversation with the Texas senator recorded in the final days of Congress’ month-long recess.
09.03.2019
#83 Janice Engel: “For Molly Ivins, Politics Was About Who’s Getting Screwed And Who’s Doing The Screwing”
A conversation about Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins with filmmaker Janice Engel and former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Hightower.
08.26.2019
#82 Tanya Tucker: “You’re Gonna Love Me Or I’m Gonna Kick Your Ass”
This week, a conversation with the country legend Brandi Carlile calls “the original female outlaw.”
08.19.2019
#81 Katherine Center: “I Don’t Want To Write Depressing Fiction”
The Houston-based author of the instant bestseller Things You Save In A Fire talks about the importance of allowing comedy and tragedy to live shoulder to shoulder.
08.12.2019
#80 Delbert McClinton: “I’ve Always Been a Fugitive From the Law Of Averages”
The legendary musician surveys the highs and lows and wears and tears of a sixty-year career.
08.05.2019
#79 Chandler Baker: “Even With #MeToo, Speaking Out Can Be Risky”
The author of best-selling ’Whisper Network’ on believing women and using fiction to effect change.
07.29.2019
#78 Russell Gold: “Texas Has Become an Incredible Leader In Renewable Energy.”
The author of Superpower outlines the state’s pioneering role in America’s transition towards fossil fuel alternatives.
07.22.2019
#77 Meredith Walker: “There’s a New Generation Unafraid to Fight For The Common Good”
The co-founder of Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls outlines how to talk to kids about empowerment and representation against the backdrop of our fragile and fractured politics.
07.15.2019
#76 Willie Nelson & Friends: Live From Luck Texas
Willie details his lifelong love for western films and outlines his family’s Golden Rules.
07.08.2019
#75 Adrianne Palicki: “I Miss the Hell Out Of Friday Night Lights. But You Really Can’t Bring It Back.”
The actress who won our clear hearts playing Tyra Collette discusses Friday Night Light’s legacy and her new life aboard The Orville.

What's The National Podcast of Texas about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

The National Podcast of Texas episodes:

New From Texas Monthly: America’s Girls

#123 Paul Begala Wrote the Book on Defeating Donald Trump

#122 Dr. Rebecca Fischer: "With Students Returning this Fall, Contact Tracing is Key"

#121 Dr. Peter J. Hotez on How the Federal Government Failed Texas

#120 Tavel Bristol-Joseph Wants the Culinary World to Have a Hard Conversation about Racism

#119 Peniel Joseph on Black Power and the Struggle for America’s Soul

#118 Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly Yearns for the Days We Argued About Reclining Seats

#117 Congressman Michael C. Burgess on Balancing Public Health and the Economy

#116 José Ralat Believes the Taco is Pandemic-Proof

#115 Dr. Hana El Sahly on Remdesivir and How Little We Still Know About COVID-19 Itself

#114 Mattress Mack Believes Houston Can Pull Together and Persevere. Again.

#113 Yoga With Adriene in the Time of Quarantine

#112 Boomtown Host Christian Wallace on a New Reckoning for Texas Oil

#111 Dr. Peter J. Hotez on Why a COVID-19 Vaccine Might Not Be Enough

#110 Tim Ferriss on Using Quarantine to Methodically Confront Your Fears and Desires

#109 Chris Shepherd’s Dream is That There’s Actually Restaurants Left For Workers to Return to

#108 Dan Rather Believes in the Good Sense of the American People

#107 Austin Mayor Steve Adler: Why I Cancelled SXSW

#106 Geneticist Spencer Wells on COVID-19 as “Evolution in Action"

#105 Fox News Analyst Jehmu Greene On Her Plan to Swing “The Movable Middle” Towards the Left

#104 Dr. Daina Ramey Berry on the Courageous and Complex Contributions of Black Women

#103 Kate Murphy on the Lost Art of Listening

#102 Michael Lind on Class Warfare and Why Populism Can’t Last

#101 The Real Housewives of Dallas’ Stephanie Hollman and Brandi Redmond on Balancing Mental Health and Reality Television Stardom

#100 The Defined Dish’s Alex Snodgrass and the Pursuit of a Healthier King Ranch Casserole

#99 Thor in West Texas? Marvel Comics Phenom Donny Cates on His Plan to Relocate the God of Thunder

#98 Turk Pipkin: “Christmas is What Holds Families Together Across the Generations”

#97 Aarón Sánchez: “You Can Judge a Mexican Restaurant On Three Things: Tortillas, Margaritas, Guacamole.”

#96 MJ Hegar: “Texans Have Very Sensitive BS Meters”

#95 Texas Traditions’ Lee and Carrlyn Miller on the Tao of the Perfect Cowboy Boot

#94 Ryan Holiday’s New Book About Achieving Stillness Is Not At All About Meditation

The West Memphis 3’s Jason Baldwin Fights For The “Hopelessly Innocent” After 18 Years in Prison

#92 Austin Mayor Steve Adler On The City’s Polarizing Debate Over Homelessness

#91 The Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith Celebrates 10 Years of Nonprofit Journalism

#90 United Tacos Of America’s Mando Rayo and Jarod Neece

#89 Lara Prescott: “Literature Has Lost None Of Its Power To Change Hearts and Minds.”

#88 Shawn Colvin: “Since I Was Five Years Old, Music Saved My Life, Over and Over”

#87 Jackie Sherrill and Bonnie Bishop: Lessons From Football and the Music Business

#86 Austin Kleon: "Scumbags and Lowlifes Can Create Beautiful Art”

#85 Kimberly King Parsons: “Maybe We Call What I Do Queer Psychedelic Texas Fiction"

#84 An Hour With Sen. Ted Cruz On Guns, Civility, Trump and Alex Jones

#83 Janice Engel: “For Molly Ivins, Politics Was About Who’s Getting Screwed And Who’s Doing The Screwing”

#82 Tanya Tucker: “You’re Gonna Love Me Or I’m Gonna Kick Your Ass”

#81 Katherine Center: “I Don’t Want To Write Depressing Fiction”

#80 Delbert McClinton: “I’ve Always Been a Fugitive From the Law Of Averages”

#79 Chandler Baker: “Even With #MeToo, Speaking Out Can Be Risky”

#78 Russell Gold: “Texas Has Become an Incredible Leader In Renewable Energy.”

#77 Meredith Walker: “There’s a New Generation Unafraid to Fight For The Common Good”

#76 Willie Nelson & Friends: Live From Luck Texas

#75 Adrianne Palicki: “I Miss the Hell Out Of Friday Night Lights. But You Really Can’t Bring It Back.”