Wake Up Beaumont

Writer Jenny Wilson and poet Daniel Valdez sit down to read poems inspired by life in Southeast Texas and how politics, life, and art all intersect in ways that can't be easily traced.

In this episode, I follow up with Mitch Templeton of the 172nd District Court, elected  to the court in 2018. We have a conversation about what his first year on the bench has been like, if he’s kept his campaign promises, and what changes are coming to the Jefferson County judicial court system.

I'm excited (and a little nervous) to give you this new show that I've started with Teej Rodman. It is totally unlike any of my other episodes - long form, unedited, purely conversational, and a bit vulgar (don't tell my mom!). 

Teej is a local social media instigator who creates on point Beaumont memes, argues with trolls, and is hard to ignore. Thinly veiled behind the shock value of his words are intelligent and wise observations that always keep me (and others) engaged with what he is saying. 

In this conversation we touch on hot button issues like the cultural phenomenon OK Boomer, the Thanksgiving plant explosion in Port Neches, the hotly debated FEMA funds given to the city of Beaumont, and Impeachment.

The inaugural episode will be in the main feed for everyone to listen to but after that you will only get access to his witty profane ramblings by becoming a part of the Coffee Grounds $5 tier or other higher tiers on Patreon!

Enjoy!

In this episode, we talk to a Houston artist with strong Beaumont ties who’s newest show at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas is charged with social and political critique and observations. I was anxious to ask Prince Varughese Thomas about some of my favorite pieces and the conversation runs the gamut from feminism, civil discourse, narcissism as well as his process as an artist. It is a great companion piece to anyone who has seen the show and will compel those who haven’t to go see it before it’s gone!