Y'all-itics

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But we wanted to share some of the top performing episodes of 2025 with you while we’re out. (originally aired: June 25, 2025) After six months of tumultuous change inside Dallas-based Southwest Airlines, from eliminating bag fees and open seating to talk of European flights and partnerships with other international carriers, CEO Bob Jordan promised the airline would keep evolving. “We won't stop here,” Jordan told the Jasons on this episode, “we're gonna keep changing."

The impact of this corporate relocation will be felt in Texas for decades: AT&T moving its headquarters from downtown Dallas to Plano, a suburb 30 minutes north. For Dallas, it’s an economic hit in the billions of dollars. For Plano, it’s another corporate coup. But it raises plenty of questions. Do downtowns even matter anymore? Does the relocation influence the Mavericks or Stars? Can Dallas recover? In this episode of Y’all-itics, Will Anderson, editor-in-chief of the Dallas Business Journal, answers some of those questions with the Jasons at the Katy Trail Outpost in Plano, another Dallas institution that’s expanded north. GUEST Will Anderson, Dallas Business Journal Editor-In-Chief

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But we wanted to share some of the top performing episodes of 2025 with you while we’re out. (originally aired: May 4, 2025) More and more Americans are considering decamping from the USA and moving overseas… permanently. And a former Texas resident is leading the way. We first introduced you to Jana Lynn Sanchez last November when she announced she was leaving Fort Worth to move to The Netherlands after Donald Trump’s re-election. Nearly six months later, her new company, GTFO Tours, is, literally, helping people “GTFO” out of the country. Sanchez joined the Jasons to explain how it all works, and who is best suited for relocation. * Warning: this episode contains adult language Guest Jana Lynn Sanchez, Texas Expatriate

In the January 4, 2026, episode, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins tells us land will be purchased for a new jail, but he explains why it will move to a new location. Cameron County Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. on why his county is expecting to add thousands of employees starting in 2026. And Potter County Judge Nancy Tanner discusses the financial challenges facing her county during her final year in office.

The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But we wanted to share some of the top performing episodes of 2025 with you while we’re out. (Originally Aired: September 7th, 2025) It is a rare event in Texas these days: finding a Republican who supports renewables. Y’all-itics did just that. And John Davis tells us the money he makes from the wind turbines on his property saved his west Texas ranch, which has been in the family since 1880. But if you really want to get this Republican worked up, talk about the GOP’s attack on renewables. To Davis, it is a property rights issue, and he says his own party is trampling all over it. The rancher and former state lawmaker also tells the Jasons why he thinks energy has become so political in Texas… and the beer his 89-year-old aunt recommended for his Y’all-itics debut! GUESTS John Davis, Texas Rancher Doug Lewin, Stoic Energy Consulting

In the December 28 episode, Plano Mayor John Muns discusses the city’s effort to entice the Dallas Stars to move north, and how long it will take to fix those darn roads. McAllen Mayor Javier Villalobos talks about the immigration crackdown in the border city and how its impacting business. And San Antonio Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones tells us about the opportunities and challenges facing her city in the year ahead.

As you’re making your naughty and nice list, so is the Y’all-itics team. In this special holiday episode, the team raises a toast, or offers jeers, for the Texas lawmakers, leaders and “landmen” who made a difference in the Lone Star state this year… both good and bad.

There is always some “nook or cranny” burning in Texas, the third most dangerous state for wildfires. As the risk continues to grow exponentially, the Texas A&M Forest Service, the state agency for wildfire response in Texas, asked lawmakers for the moon to help them better protect our backyards. Well, lawmakers gave the moon… and more. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Division Director for Fire & Emergency Response explains how they aren't wasting any time spending more than half a billion dollars on "game-changer" upgrades to respond to wildfires and other disasters in Texas.

In the December 14 episode, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett discusses the internal polling that helped her decide to enter the race for U.S. Senate, reshaping the 2026 Democratic primary. State Senator Paul Bettencourt explains why a plan to lower the age at which Texans could enjoy senior property tax exemptions from 65 to 55 is “transformative.” And U.S. Senator John Cornyn on why he’s asking for stringent vetting procedures for all Afghan nationals who’ve entered the country since 2021.

Alpha Schools say they’re revolutionizing education by harnessing the power of AI technology. No homework. No grades. And only two hours a day is spent on academics. But tuition isn’t cheap. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Lead Guide of Alpha Fort Worth joins the Jasons to explain the benefits and challenges of the AI learning model. And she dispels one common myth: humans, not robot teachers, are leading the way. GUEST Sam DePalo, Alpha Fort Worth Lead Guide

In the December 7 episode, acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock discusses key dates for the voucher program, and why he removed women and minorities from the state’s Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) program, replacing them with disabled vets. State Senator Royce West tells us why he doesn’t think Hancock can do that and if he thinks the saga will end up in court. And Congressman Pat Fallon on why he still has confidence in the Secretary of War.

Congressman Roger Williams has done something almost no one alive today can claim: he’s personally met—and shaken the hand of—every U.S. president from Harry Truman to Donald Trump. In this episode of Y’all-itics, he opens his personal archives and shares the stories behind each encounter, from meeting Truman under the bleachers at a baseball game to encountering Carter while jogging without a shirt. Hear which commander-in-chief had the firmest grip and who had the softest in this episode.

In the November 30 episode, it’s time to hand out our Turkey Awards! The roundtable has extra helpings of legs and gizzards for the Texas lawmakers, leaders and “landmen” who made a difference in the Lone Star state this year… both good and bad.

Less than four months before the primary, “sheer chaos” has been unleashed in Texas. A federal court struck down the new congressional maps passed by the Texas Legislature over the summer. Republicans who filed to run in the new districts might have to rethink their plans, while Democrats who thought they had been drawn out of office might have now have a path back. Meantime, voters are stuck, yet again, in the middle. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, our experts unpack the congressional confusion: from the expected response by the U.S. Supreme Court… to the dissenting opinion that’s raised eyebrows all over the country. GUESTS Eric Opiela, Republican Attorney Matt Angle, Democratic Strategist

In the November 23 episode, State Rep. Nicole Collier, who slept inside the House chamber during the redistricting battle, tells us why she’s not ready to break out the champagne glasses quite yet even though a federal court struck down the new congressional map. Joe Jaworski explains why he’ll be on the attack more during his second campaign for Texas Attorney General. And Sid Miller, the incumbent Ag Commissioner, talks about his primary against a former donor and why he disagrees with President Trump for the first time ever.

Mass transit in North Texas faces a mutiny. Four of the 13 cities that make up Dallas Area Rapid Transit want to walk away. In this episode, DART's CEO, Nadine Lee, tells us she’s not optimistic that a solution will be found before the citizens vote next May. Lee joined one of the Jasons (we think you know which one) for a cup of coffee one recent morning at the Manhattan Project Beer Company to explain why leaving DART would ultimately cost those voters more time… and money.

In the November 16 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson explains why she disagrees with the Democratic Senators who helped end the longest shutdown in history. Congressman Jake Ellzey tells us why we shouldn’t expect another shutdown when temporary funding ends January 30. And Mike Collier discusses his decision to launch a third campaign for Lieutenant Governor, but this time as an independent.

He’s won a Latin Grammy for album of the year, eight Tejano Music awards and in a couple of days, he might just win another Latin Grammy for best Tejano album of the year. But this time next year, the only contest Bobby Pulido is worried about winning is the race for the 15th Congressional District in south Texas. So, is he independent-minded? Progressive? A centrist? In this episode of Y’all-itics, the music star turned politician explains why the answer is D, all of the above. And there’s a frustration in south Texas he says nobody really talks about, and it’s a big reason why he’s running.

In the November 9 episode, Plano Mayor John Muns discusses that city’s decision to allow its voters to decide whether to leave Dallas Area Rapid Transit and the offer he hopes DART can’t refuse. Council Member Mario Castillo talks about a new homeless supercenter that will soon open in Houston and the promises made to ease the concerns of nearby residents. And Matt Mackowiak explains why he thinks Austin residents loudly rejected a proposed 20% property tax increase and what the city must do to regain the trust of its voters.

Even though a federal judge ordered the government to tap into emergency funds to keep SNAP benefits flowing, 42 million Americans, including 3.5 million Texans, are still in limbo because those funds won’t even cover a full month. And as long as the shutdown continues, so will the fear. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the COO at Metrocrest Services explains how the shutdown revealed a fragile safety net “woven together with barbed wire.” And a couple of lawmakers explain how the shutdown is hurting Texans. WFAA Senior Reporter & Anchor, Teresa Woodard, is the guest host this week for both Jasons. GUESTS Calvin Moore, Metrocrest Services COO Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District State Rep. Gene Wu, D-District 137

In the November 2 episode, Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne discusses the results of a recent survey she sent out gauging the impact of the shutdown on Texans. State Representative Ramon Romero Jr. tells us why he doesn’t think the state should assume control of an entire school district because of one failing campus. And Nate Sheets on why he wants to make the jump from business owner to Texas Agriculture Commissioner.

In the October 26 episode, Senator John Cornyn tells us why he’s “optimistic” about a Trump endorsement and his path to victory in the U.S. Senate race. And Congressman Roger Williams explains why he thinks the government shutdown could last through Thanksgiving.

If you’ve recently bought a plate of barbecue, or a T-bone at the meat market, you already know beef prices are ridiculously high, even breaking records recently. And it does not appear they’ll be coming down anytime soon. But what’s behind the price surge? And what’s being done to put those prices on a diet? The Jasons turn to the Texas Agriculture Commissioner and a Texas A&M Professor who specializes in livestock economics for answers. And naturally, they saddled up and headed to Panther City barbecue in Fort Worth. Guest Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner David Anderson, Ph.D., Texas A&M Professor & Extension Economist-Livestock/Food Product Marketing

Texas faces a memory crisis — and a moment of opportunity. Prop 14 on the November ballot could redefine the state’s future in healthcare and research. If approved, Texas will invest $3B on dementia research – a sum no other state has come close to and one that almost matches the federal governments outlay against alzheimer's last year. In this episode, the Jasons found out why Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick made it a political priority and now if voters pass it, what the investment will mean to Texans living with dementia.

In the October 19 episode, what Congresswoman Wesley Hunt said about his place in a new poll, where he sees a path to victory and why he’s attacking John Cornyn rather than Ken Paxton. Plus, Republican Party of Texas chairman Abraham George on what role the White House played in keeping veteran lawmakers on the ballot. Also, Kendall Scudder, chairman of the Texas Democratic Party wiped away the party’s debt, but how will he restructure party offices and is he outsourcing responsibilities?

It’s a tax you’ve likely never heard of. But you’re paying for it. For decades, small businesses in Texas have been paying the “business personal property tax” on everything from desks to filing cabinets... even the raw material used to make their product. Only eight other states do this. Next month, voters have a chance to change that with Prop 9 on the November ballot. The Jasons were on the run during this episode of Y’all-itics but still sat down with the Texas Director of the National Federation of Independent Business to learn how this would be good for business.

In the October 12 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson tells us how she sees the shutdown ending and why she calls the Texas National Guard deployment to Illinois “outrageous.” State Representative Lacey Hull explains why she’s thankful a court blocked the execution of death row inmate Robert Roberson. And Dallas City Council Member Chad West discusses the future of City Hall and whether he’s had any talks with the Mavericks about the location.

Now a few days old, there’s still no end in sight to the government shutdown. Republicans and Democrats blame each other, with Texans caught in the middle. So, who’s still getting paid? Are Texas veterans still receiving services? And could this all lead to massive layoffs? In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, three members of the Texas Congressional delegation explain the situation, and their view on who’s to blame. GUESTS U.S. Representative Jake Ellzey, R-6th District U.S. Representative Marc Veasey, D-33rd District U.S Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District

On the October 5 episode, three members of the Texas Congressional delegation discuss the government shutdown and who they think is to blame. Congressman Jake Ellzey also talks about the services still available to Texas veterans. Congressman Marc Veasey tells us why this is a fight over healthcare, not the President. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne explains why now might be the right time to right size government.

The Jasons took a road trip to Panther City Barbecue in Fort Worth for this episode to have brisket and beer with Congressman Craig Goldman. From tariffs to town halls to the oil patch to political violence, they cover a lot in less than an hour. Will Trump’s style of foreign policy affect Lockheed’s lucrative contracts? And why Fort Worth is known as the Panther City. This is classic Y’all-itics!

In the September 28 episode, Congressman Keith Self discusses an $88 million effort to increase security for all branches of government and why he doesn’t think members of Congress should have the same level of security as a President. Dallas City Council Member Paula Blackmon explains why she’s asked for an investigation into four of her council colleagues. And state Representative Rhetta Bowers tells us why she thinks a bipartisan effort to save death row inmate Robert Roberson has gone quiet.

After months of speculation, the Federal Reserve finally announced a quarter point interest rate cut. To get a better understanding of how 0.25% could put some dollars back into your bank account, the Jasons sat down with the President/CEO of the Consumer Bankers Association. Lindsey Johnson also explains how AI is transforming how we bank...and she tells us why all the big players on Wall Street are abuzz about what's happening here in her home state.

In the September 21 episode, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner Alisa Simmons explains why she skipped a meeting to prevent Commissioners from adopting a lower tax rate, and whether she plans to do it again. Congressman Michael McCaul tells us why he chose “door number 3.” And Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller discusses the steps being taken to help Texas farmers facing a catch-22 of record yields and low prices. GUESTS Commissioner Alisa Simmons, D-Tarrant County Precinct 2 U.S. Rep. Michael McCaul, R-10th District Sid Miller, Texas Agriculture Commissioner

In the September 14 episode, state Representative James Talarico explains why he entered the race for U.S. Senate, shaking everything up. Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones tells us about the savings she found in the budget before asking residents to pay more. And Congressman Roger Williams reveals whether he sees signs of a weakening economy as chair of the House Small Business Committee. GUESTS James Talarico, D-Candidate for U.S. Senate Commissioner Lesley Briones, D-Harris County Precinct 4 U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-25th District

Just like Republicans, Texas Democrats are now forced to take sides in their race for U.S. Senate. Seminarian, former middle school teacher and current state Representative James Talarico just announced he will run for the seat held by John Cornyn since 2002. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, the social media star with several viral clips explains where he sees a path to victory.

It is a rare event in Texas these days: finding a Republican who supports renewables. Y’all-itics did just that. And John Davis tells us the money he makes from the wind turbines on his property saved his west Texas ranch, which has been in the family since 1880. But if you really want to get this Republican worked up, talk about the GOP’s attack on renewables. To Davis, it is a property rights issue, and he says his own party is trampling all over it. The rancher and former state lawmaker also tells the Jasons why he thinks energy has become so political in Texas… and the beer his 89-year-old aunt recommended for his Y’all-itics debut!

In the September 7 episode, Corpus Christi councilmember Mark Scott explains how the city council defeat of a proposed desalination plant will harm residents, industry and perhaps cripple the city. State Senator Paul Bettencourt tells us why he was surprised and disappointed that so many House Republicans joined an effort to defeat his property tax reduction bill. And State Representative Donna Howard reacts to the passage of what’s been referred to as the “bounty hunter” abortion pill ban. GUESTS Mark Scott, Corpus Christi City Councilmember State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-District 7 State Rep. Donna Howard, D-District 48

Kimberly Bizor Tolbert was selected in January as the first Black woman to serve as Dallas City Manager after beginning her career more than 30 years ago as an intern at City Hall. And it’s been non-stop work since, from trying to figure out what happens to the Dallas Mavericks, to the $5 billion budget. WFAA anchor Dia Wall scored an exclusive sit down with Tolbert and she joins the Jasons to discuss the interview. Despite what you may have heard, Dia learned the number one concern for Dallas residents isn’t public safety. Dia’s interview: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-county/dallas-city-manager-kimberly-bizor-tolbert-budget-hero-amendments-mavericks-new-arena/287-25040793-dcf3-40f3-be48-1b19eee27856

In the August 31 episode, state Representative Richard Hayes explains why he wants voters to change the definition of a quorum. State Representative Sheryl Cole responds to the punishment Republicans are debating for the quorum breakers. And state Representative Cody Harris discusses his legislation that puts a temporary stop to moving water out of east Texas.

In the August 24 episode, Congresswoman Julie Johnson reveals how some lawmakers may divvy up offices now that Republicans have passed the redistricting map in Texas. State Rep. John McQueeney tells us what punishment Republicans are considering for the Democrats who left the state. And Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert discusses their $5 billion budget and possible layoffs.

If you’re like us, you love podcasts that come with a language warning. For this episode of Y’all-itics, you’ve been warned. Congresswoman Julie Johnson joins the Jasons for a cold one at her favorite Dallas watering hole. And the Democrat got candid on everything from how lawmakers might divvy up offices now that the Republican redistricting map has passed, to why you should expect to hear a lot more about the Epstein files in September. And then there’s the “cocktail caucus” she helped form to bring the left and right together over a couple of cold ones.

There’s another billionaire who is getting active in American politics. But this is different. Daniel Lubetzky, the son of a holocaust survivor and founder of the company behind KIND Bars, started the Builders Movement with a goal to help voters learn how to think in politics, not what to think. And the key to it all is technology that counteracts algorithms and extremism in American politics. They’ve already found success in other states and it’s coming to Texas next. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Lubetzky shares a deeply personal story to explain why he's trying to get voters to adopt a “builder’s mindset.” GUESTS Daniel Lubetzky, Builders Movement Founder Tori Larned, Builders Movement Senior Communications Manager

In the August 17 episode, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett reveals the one thing that would get her to consider a U.S. Senate campaign. Abraham George, chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, lays out why the party wants to also redistrict the Texas House. And state Representative John H. Bucy III explains the two reasons why Texas Democrats believe they won big in the redistricting battle. GUESTS U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett, D-30th District Abraham George, Republican Party of Texas Chairman State Representative John H. Bucy III, D-District 136

In the August 10 episode, leading Texas Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. State Rep. Shelley Luther tells us why she thinks lawmakers who leave the state to stall legislative action should face even stiffer penalties. And U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California’s 3rd District, spells out why he’s trying to ban mid-decade redistricting. GUESTS State Representative Rafael Anchia, D-District 103 State Representative Ann Johnson, D-District 134 State Representative Chris Turner, D-District 101 State Representative Gene Wu, D-District 137 State Representative Shelley Luther, R-District 62 U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley, R-California’s 3rd District

It’s been five days since Democrats left Texas to deny quorum in the Texas House and stall redistricting legislation. There has been a non-stop whirlwind of activity and developments since they left. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, leading Democrats explain why they’re risking arrest and their livelihoods. Puck political reporter Abby Livingston will tell you where the battle is headed next. And a California Republican spells out why he’s trying to ban mid-decade redistricting. Guests Abby Livingston, Puck Political Reporter U.S. Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-California’s 3rd District

A plan to drill wells into an east Texas aquifer has led to angry public hearings, lawsuits, even new legislation lawmakers are trying to add to the special session agenda. East Texas residents say the wealthy businessman’s project would drain their water for his profit, while leaving their communities high and dry. In this episode of Y’all-itics, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice reporter Rebecca Lopez explains how an old law known as the “rule of capture” is at the heart of this dispute and why so many folks fear the outcome of this case could impact drinking water across Texas. Rebecca’s latest story: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/dallas-investor-kyle-bass-faces-opposition-over-plan-to-pump-15b-gallons-of-water-a-year/287-d8515481-f6c9-49e8-8911-33a1b56d05cd GUEST Rebecca Lopez, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter

In the August 3 episode, the chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus, State Rep. Gene Wu, says the new GOP congressional map calls for “extraordinary action.” State Rep. Salman Bhojani explains why he and other Democrats were looking for allies in New Mexico. And Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne tells us why she doesn’t think any district is safe and how Texans can soon find jobs. GUESTS State Representative Gene Wu, D-District 137 State Representative Salman Bhojani, D-District 92 U.S. Representative Beth Van Duyne, R-24th District

One of the nation’s largest homebuilders is suing the smallest county in Texas over a planned development, even though Texas desperately needs new homes. The issue is who pays for the water, the roads, the damage from heavy trucks, and all the infrastructure associated with a huge, new development: the builder or the residents who already live in the county? In this episode of Y’all-itics, WFAA reporter Cole Sullivan discusses his extensive reporting on the issue and explains why if the county wins, homebuilders could be scared away, but if the developer wins, Texas residents could once again be stuck paying for something they don’t own and aren’t even using. (Cole’s “Boomtown” story: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/special-reports/boomtown-dfw/lawsuit-rockwall-county-dr-horton-statewide-growth-implications/287-1579262b-138a-4692-927a-bb92982bff52) Guest Cole Sullivan, WFAA Reporter

In the July 27 episode, U.S. Representative Julie Johnson discusses whether she’ll even have a seat to run for next year. State Representative Chris Turner tells us why he thinks Republicans have yet to release the new political map. And Congressman Nathaniel Moran on how he’s trying to improve weather radar coverage in certain areas. GUESTS U.S. Representative Julie Johnson, D-32nd District State Representative Chris Turner, D-District 101 U.S. Representative Nathaniel Moran, R-1st District