Cap Chat Texas

Stephanie Chiarello, David Mintz

Get to know the people behind the scenes at the Texas Legislature. We interview capitol staff, lobbyists, activists and other worker bees to help build our capitol community.

  1. JAN 27

    S2E11 - Got Humanity? With Emiliano Romero

    With both of his parents working around the Texas Capitol, Emiliano Romero literally grew up in and around the building. In this episode, Emiliano recounts how he went from landing his first job as a Senate intern to, a decade later, working as a health care lobbyist. He reflects on the transition from staffer to lobbyist, the importance of trusting your intuition, persevering through challenging moments, and why investing in your physical and mental health is essential for long-term success. P.S. Everyone gets old, get ready for it.  People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  The Honorable Diego Bernal, The Honorable Nicole Collier, Denise Davis, The Honorable Rodney Ellis, Luis Figueroa, Lisa Kaufman, The Honorable Angela Paxton, The Honorable Jose Rodriguez, Sushma Smith, Laura Stowe, Carmen Tilton, The Honorable Leticia Van de Putte, Ascension Seton, Leading Age Texas, Texas Legislative Internship Program A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. Like us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

    48 min
  2. JAN 13

    S2E10 - The Message Focuser with Denise Rose

    Lawyer and lobbyist Denise Rose joins us on this episode of Cap Chat Texas to share her journey from aspiring doctor to prominent lobbyist, with a strong focus on health care policy. Denise discusses both the blessings and the challenges of working in a constantly changing environment, her different approaches to collaborating with legislative offices, and how she finds stress relief through boxing. People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  Jennifer Banda, John Hawkins, the Honorable Glenn Hegar, Kathy Hutto, Marsha Jones, the Honorable Joe Straus, the Honorable Vicki Truitt,  Gabe Valenzuela, the Honorable Gene Wu, Americorp, Jackson Walker, Texas Children’s Hospital, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Sunset Commission, & University of Houston. A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. Like us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

    42 min
  3. 12/11/2025

    S2E8 - The Honorable Ben Barnes - Part 1

    In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, our special guest is Texas political icon Governor Ben Barnes, who served as both Speaker of the Texas House and as Lieutenant Governor. In part one of our two-part conversation, Governor Barnes discusses how he got his start in politics, what the Texas Legislature was like in the 1960s, and some valuable advice he received from Sam Rayburn. Barnes also reflects on his proudest political achievements, including dramatically expanding funding for higher education, the challenges Texas will face as its population continues to grow, and one of the advantages of wearing a hat.  People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  Bill Blakely, Colonel Homer Garrison, the Honorable Bill Heatly, Ike Hickman, President Lyndon Johnson, President John Kennedy,  The Honorable Ted Kennedy, President Richard Nixon, The Honorable Sam Rayburn , The Honorable John Tower, The Honorable Byron Tunnell and the Honorable Jimmy Turman.  A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. Like us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

    33 min
  4. 11/26/2025

    S2E7 - Read, Learn, Listen, Repeat with Carol McGarah

    In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, veteran lobbyist Carol McGarah shares her path from working at a state agency to becoming the CEO of Blackridge, one of Texas’s most respected lobbying firms.  Carol reflects on collaborating with dozens of stakeholders to shape groundbreaking environmental legislation and how her commitment to continuous learning has sharpened her effectiveness at the Capitol. She also highlights why the most crucial lobbying work happens before the legislative session begins and the importance of mentoring the next generation of the Capitol community. People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  The Honorable Buster Brown, The Honorable Bob Bullock, Lauren Hadley, Rusty Kelley, The Honorable Pete Laney The Honorable Ron Lewis, The Honorable Bill Sims, The Honorable Steve Wolens, Blackridge, Pink Granite, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. Like us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

    38 min
  5. 11/18/2025

    S2E6 - Relationships and Dialogue with Troy Alexander

    From compiling legislative clips to shaping health policy and leading professional associations, Troy Alexander has built a remarkable career in Texas state government.  In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, Troy reflects on his journey from starting out as a Senate messenger to becoming a trusted voice on state legislative affairs. He shares why that first job still means so much to him, his deep appreciation for the dedicated people who keep the Capitol running, and offers insightful advice for anyone hoping to build a career under the dome. People and groups mentioned in this podcast: The Honorable Chet Brooks,  The Honorable Tom Craddick , Tim Flynn , The Honorable Bill Hobby, The Honorable Cyndi Taylor Krier, David Marwitz, Carleton Turner, Christine’s List, The Linoleum Club, Texas Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, Travis County Medical Society     A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. Like us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

    39 min
  6. 11/04/2025

    S2E5 - This is Where the Difference is Made with Brian Francis

    On this lively episode of Cap Chat Texas, we welcome Brian Francis, an inspired and innovative public servant who has led three Texas state agencies. Brian offers an engaging look at the vital connection between legislative policymaking and state agency implementation. He also shares insights into the challenges of testifying on legislation while remaining neutral, his approach to effective team leadership, and his passion for slam poetry. Check out Brian’s website to learn more about his leadership presentations and training. Co-hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz are proud to introduce Cap Chat Texas, a new podcast that creates community at the Texas Capitol by spotlighting the people who make it all happen. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, Cap Chat Texas dives into the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping the Capitol’s daily life. Join us for candid conversations and fresh insights.   A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. Like us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

    46 min
  7. 10/28/2025

    S2E4 - Just Try with Legislative Aide Oliver Lehr

    What’s it like to be a young staffer around the Capitol?   In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we visit with Oliver Lehr, who’s spent time at the Capitol as a Senate messenger and an intern. Oliver shares what it’s like working in the messenger's office, how he handled the stress of session, and his plans for the future.   Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights. Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. Like us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

    21 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Get to know the people behind the scenes at the Texas Legislature. We interview capitol staff, lobbyists, activists and other worker bees to help build our capitol community.

You Might Also Like