Texas Talks

Texas Talks
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Texas Talks with Brad Swail is a weekly podcast that features wide-ranging discussions with the people, organizations, and businesses that shape public policy in Texas. Texas Talks aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the policy debates and reasons and insight into the personalities that shape public policy in Texas.

  1. Property Taxes, the Texas Liberty Compact, and the Fight for Real Reform w/Jeramy Kitchen

    6 HRS AGO

    Property Taxes, the Texas Liberty Compact, and the Fight for Real Reform w/Jeramy Kitchen

    After the 2026 primaries delivered a fresh wave of “new blood” in the Legislature, will property taxes finally get crushed… or will the same old insider games continue? In this hard-hitting episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Jeramy Kitchen, President of Texas Policy Research and the driving force behind the brand-new Texas Liberty Compact. Jeramy breaks down exactly what the primary results mean for the 90th Legislature, why compression beats gimmick exemptions, how to finally kill taxpayer-funded lobbying, and the 10 structural reforms that could reshape Texas for a generation. If you’re tired of skyrocketing property taxes, backroom deals, and government bloat — this is the episode you’ve been waiting for. What you’ll learn: • Why “new blood” in Austin is both exciting and risky • The REAL difference between homestead exemptions and true compression • How the Texas Liberty Compact turns voter frustration into lasting reform • The next big fights: data centers, regulatory overreach, and budget transparency. 00:00 — Welcome and Jeramy Kitchen introduction 02:25 — 2026 primary results: mixed bag or game changer? 05:06 — Why “new blood” in the legislature matters 06:58 — Property tax reform and what could happen in 2027 08:44 — Compression explained and why it’s the most equitable fix 17:01 — The Texas Liberty Compact and its 10 policy planks 19:01 — Ending taxpayer-funded lobbying 22:48 — Limiting local spending and debt and stronger voter approval 28:34 — Making government transparent and understanding the budget 37:55 — Big policy fights ahead: data centers and regulation 41:07 — Closing thoughts and how Texans can get involved If you want honest, no-spin analysis of what’s coming to Austin next year, hit PLAY, smash that LIKE, and drop a comment: “What’s YOUR #1 issue for the 90th Legislature?” Subscribe for more unfiltered Texas policy deep-dives every week!  Visit Texas Policy Research: https://www.texaspolicyresearch.com Read the full Texas Liberty Compact: https://texaslibertycompact.com Follow Jeramy: https://x.com/JeramyKitchen Turn on notifications — the 90th Legislature is coming fast, and this episode gives you the inside track! Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    42 min
  2. Innovation Nation: Texas’ Next Economic Boom (Future of Texas)

    1D AGO

    Innovation Nation: Texas’ Next Economic Boom (Future of Texas)

    Future of Texas is a special limited series from Texas Talks exploring the ideas, leaders, and innovations shaping the state’s next century.  As Texas approaches its bicentennial in 2036, this series brings together some of the state’s most influential thinkers—from entrepreneurs and venture capitalists to policy experts and public leaders—to discuss the opportunities and challenges that will define Texas for generations to come.  Each episode features in-depth conversations with guests who are actively shaping the state’s economic, technological, and policy landscape. In the first episode, host Brad Swail sits down with Joe Lonsdale, venture capitalist, founder of the Cicero Institute, and co-founder of Palantir Technologies, alongside John Hryhorchuk, Senior Vice President for Policy and Advocacy at Texas 2036. Together they explore Texas’s emerging role as a national hub for innovation and what must be done to sustain that momentum—from infrastructure and workforce development to AI, energy, and economic growth.  Throughout the series, Future of Texas highlights the people and ideas working to ensure that Texas remains a leader in opportunity, entrepreneurship, and prosperity well into the next century.  Learn more and sign up for the newsletter:  https://Texas2036.org Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    44 min
  3. The Texas Miracle, Data Centers, and the Future of Business in Texas w/Megan Mauro

    MAR 5

    The Texas Miracle, Data Centers, and the Future of Business in Texas w/Megan Mauro

    Is the “Texas Miracle” still alive — and what does it take to keep Texas competitive in 2026 and beyond? In this episode of Texas Talks, Megan Mauro, Interim President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), joins Brad Swail to break down the state of the Texas economy. As the state chamber of commerce representing businesses of every size and industry, TAB sits at the center of Texas’ pro-growth policy debates. Mauro explains how Texas maintains its reputation as a top business destination — from no personal or corporate income tax to regulatory consistency and recent property tax relief for small businesses. She discusses HB 9’s business personal property tax exemption increase, why consistency across Texas’ 254 counties matters, and how the Legislature is approaching affordability and housing challenges. The conversation also dives into: Why Texas is the 7th largest economy in the world Attracting corporate headquarters while protecting small businesses The importance of USMCA for Texas trade Workforce alignment between industry and education Childcare as a workforce issue Why data centers and AI are both economic and national security priorities Texas’ “all of the above and below” energy strategy Mauro makes the case that a thriving business climate isn’t just about corporations — it’s about livelihoods, job creation, and ensuring Texas families can continue building the American dream. As the 90th Texas Legislature approaches, this episode explores what policies will shape the next chapter of the Texas economy.   00:00 — Introduction and Megan Mauro’s background 01:12 — What the Texas Association of Business does 03:13 — Light regulation and pro-business principles 04:35 — The Texas Miracle and economic growth 06:29 — Why industry diversity matters in Texas 10:01 — Data centers, AI, and national security 14:53 — Tech policy and regulatory consistency 18:47 — Balancing legacy industries with innovation 21:01 — Property tax reform and small business relief 27:10 — Affordability and housing challenges 29:21 — Energy policy and grid reliability 30:59 — Advocacy in Washington and USMCA 34:45 — Workforce development and childcare solutions 38:37 — TAB Foundation and education initiatives   Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    40 min
  4. Texas Economy, Education Freedom Accounts, and State Spending Transparency w/Kelly Hancock

    FEB 26

    Texas Economy, Education Freedom Accounts, and State Spending Transparency w/Kelly Hancock

    In this episode, Kelly Hancock, Acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, breaks down what the Comptroller’s office actually does—and what the latest numbers say about the Texas economy. Hancock discusses revenue estimating, procurement, contracts, and why sales tax trends matter so much to the state budget. He also explains how Texas is tracking key indicators like manufacturing, construction, and the impact of major projects such as data centers, plus how the state is making more economic data accessible to the public through Texas Comptroller “TexStats.” The conversation also covers the rollout of Texas Education Freedom Accounts (education savings accounts)—including registration numbers, program priorities, and the office’s focus on customer-service speed and transparency. Finally, Hancock addresses procurement policy changes tied to DEI-era frameworks, what “leveling the playing field” means in practice, and why he wants stronger auditing authority to protect taxpayer dollars.   Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    36 min
  5. Mandy Drogin on School Choice, ESAs & the Future of Texas Education

    FEB 19

    Mandy Drogin on School Choice, ESAs & the Future of Texas Education

    On this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation to discuss Texas Education Freedom Accounts, school choice policy, and the evolving future of education in the state. The conversation explores how education savings accounts (ESAs) work, why more than 100,000 families applied within days of launch, and the ongoing debate between supporters and critics. Topics include parental rights, funding models, homeschooling options, special-needs education, and the long-term impact of market-driven education reform in Texas. Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, educator, or simply interested in Texas politics and public policy, this episode offers a detailed look at one of the biggest education reforms in the country. 👉 Listen as they break down how ESAs function, who qualifies, and what the program could mean for the future of students and schools across Texas. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    43 min
  6. Ep. 101 - Margaret Byfield (Energy Policy)

    FEB 12

    Ep. 101 - Margaret Byfield (Energy Policy)

    In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail interviews Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty, to break down the growing controversy surrounding proposed transmission lines across Texas. The discussion explores property rights, eminent domain, data-center energy demand, grid reliability after Winter Storm Uri, and the debate between local dispatchable power and large-scale transmission infrastructure. Byfield shares firsthand insight into how landowners could be affected by thousands of miles of new transmission corridors, the rising cost of electricity tied to infrastructure expansion, and the broader policy questions shaping Texas’ energy future. Whether you’re interested in energy policy, land use, rural property rights, or the economics behind grid expansion, this conversation offers a detailed look at one of the most consequential infrastructure debates unfolding in Texas today. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    26 min
  7. Ep. 100 - Jaime Olin (Animal Policy Advocate)

    FEB 5

    Ep. 100 - Jaime Olin (Animal Policy Advocate)

    Brad Swail interviews Jaime Olin, interim executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, about landmark animal welfare laws in Texas, enforcement challenges, and upcoming legislative priorities. They cover spay-neuter funding, roadside puppy sales bans, criminal negligence protections, ethical pet store reforms, and rural veterinary access. A must-listen for animal advocates, policy watchers, and Texans who care about humane treatment for all. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    38 min
  8. Ep. 99 - Veronda Durden

    JAN 29

    Ep. 99 - Veronda Durden

    Early childhood intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life—but in Texas, funding hasn’t kept pace with growing need. In this episode of the Texas Talks Podcast, host Brad Swail sits down with Veronda Durden, President and CEO of Any Baby Can, to discuss how early intervention services support children with developmental delays, strengthen families, and build long-term community resilience across Central Texas. Drawing on her 32-year career in Texas state government and her leadership at Any Baby Can, Durden explains how federal and state policies shape early childhood services, why providers are required to serve eligible children without guaranteed funding, and how rising costs are forcing difficult decisions in rural and fast-growing counties. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

    35 min
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About

Texas Talks with Brad Swail is a weekly podcast that features wide-ranging discussions with the people, organizations, and businesses that shape public policy in Texas. Texas Talks aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the policy debates and reasons and insight into the personalities that shape public policy in Texas.

Information

  • Creator
    Texas Talks
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Texas Talks

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