
Y'all-itics
434 episodes — Page 4 of 9
Ep 285Another Storm, Another Electricity Failure In Texas
2.7 million Texans in the dark. Why can’t the energy state deliver reliable electricity? And will anyone be held accountable for the apparent lack of preplanning by Centerpoint Energy. What KHOU’s veteran investigative reporter Jeremy Rogalski found has only exacerbated the problems for Centerpoint. Jeremy joins the Jasons to discuss. Guest Jeremy Rogalski / KHOU News Investigative Reporter Jeremy Rogalski interview with CenterPoint Director of Communications Alyssia Oshodi (7:42) Interview with Investigative Reporter Jeremy Rogalski (16:13)
Ep 283The Texas Dems who started “the Biden conversation”
Texas Democrats are clashing over whether President Biden should remain in the race for the White House. Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett says Democrats are scared of their own shadow and have embarked on a terrible strategy, Congressman Lloyd Doggett argues that Biden must drop out and state Rep. Ron Reynolds wants to remove “Vice” from Vice President Kamala Harris’ title. Guests Congressman Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, D-Dallas State Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City
Ep 282The Presidential Debate (SPECIAL RELEASE)
It was the first time a sitting President has ever debated a former President. And now that the first Biden/Trump showdown is in the books, did either candidate move the needle with voters, especially those who don’t like either candidate? In this special release, our Y’all-itics panel of political experts discusses what the candidates did right, and what they got wrong. Guests Jessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer Michael McCardel, WFAA Political Coordinating Producer
Ep 281The Texas Teen Who Could Force Big Tech to 'Take it Down' (EARLY RELEASE)
Elliston Berry was only 14 when a classmate created fake pornographic images of her that quickly spread on social media. But the courageous teen hasn’t just shared her story, she’s also inspired the TAKE IT DOWN Act, bipartisan national legislation that would protect victims of real and deepfake non-consensual intimate imagery. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Elliston and her mother discuss the difficult odyssey they’ve endured over the past eight months. And we sat down with U.S. Senator Ted Cruz to discuss his legislation after his first ever field hearing held at the University of North Texas at Dallas. Guests Elliston Berry, Deepfake Victim Anna McAdams, Elliston’s Mother U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas
Ep 280DELAY, DELAY, DELAY. What is Texas DPS hiding?
Think you know what happened in the Uvalde massacre? The public hasn’t seen a sliver of the evidence. Now, more than two years later, a Texas attorney walks us through the legal fight to get DPS to finally reveal what a Texas court has ordered it to release. GUEST: Laura Lee Prather, Attorney | Haynes Boone
Ep 279Greed and The Grid: Texas energy expert's theory about our high electricity bills
As we get ready to simmer through another summer in Texas, keep an eye on the grid. The fragility of electricity supply in Texas has been an issue since the near total collapse of the grid in the winter of 2021. University of Houston Energy Fellow Ed Hirs says the 'fixes' since haven't been enough. He sees the potential for summer days where supply might have trouble keeping up with growing demand. And even if there is enough power to go around, he explains why we are paying more for it. Guest: Ed Hirs, Energy Fellow, University of Houston
Ep 278The Worst Little Squatter House In Texas
It is not a crime in Texas for someone to claim your house as their own. State lawmakers finally plan to fix it. Guest Terri Boyette, Mesquite Homeowner State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston
Ep 277‘This is Chernobyl’ on Texas soil
Johnson County ranchers say their cattle, fish and horses are dying and getting sick because of fertilizer spread on nearby farmland. That fertilizer is made from treated human waste and it comes from the city of Fort Worth in the next county over. Ranchers say runoff from the fertilizer has made their land useless, so they’re suing. And the battle has even led to a criminal investigation. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons share a pint with WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter Rebecca Lopez to discuss her investigation. One county commissioner even says ‘this is Chernobyl.’ Rebecca also shares what the company behind the biosolids says about their product. Rebecca Lopez WFAA investigation: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/investigations/texas-johnson-county-ranchers-forever-chemicals-pfas-fort-worth/287-85b7d4ce-c694-4c2a-b221-78bd94d6c8f6 Guest Rebecca Lopez, WFAA Senior Crime and Justice Reporter
Ep 276The Texas Congresswoman Who Claps Back
SYNOPSIS: Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett isn’t afraid to bite back. She has gone viral again for defending herself against a personal attack from U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Georgia. In the 10-days since she called Greene a ‘bleach blonde, bad built, butch body’, memes have popped up online, flowers have come in to her office and she says some Republican members of congress have even given her private praise. On this episode, Crockett explains how it unfolded, why she trademarked the ‘bleach blonde, bad built, butch body’ phrase and what she wants people to know about her. GUEST: U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett / D-Dallas, TX-30
Ep 275Texas Historian: The 24 Traits That Make These 8 U.S. Presidents The Best
Less than six months before we elect our next president, a Texas attorney says there are leadership lessons that eight former U.S. presidents can teach us. Some of these led the country during badly divided times. What will history think about Biden and Trump 50 years from now? The Jasons get a history lesson in this episode from Talmage Boston, author of “How the Best Did It: Leadership Lessons From Our Top Presidents”. Shoutout to Oak Highlands Brewery who shared their space and some cold draft beer. GUEST: Talmage Boston, Attorney & Author
Ep 274‘Red Dawn’ Republicans and Dads with Daughters
There are two groups of Republicans in four states that could decide the next presidential election. The Lincoln Project, a group of former Republican political strategists, has its eyes set on these voters, thinking they will be enough to defeat Donald Trump. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Lincoln Project reveals one line of messaging that works. And the group gives the Jasons a sneak peek at their election strategy over the next six months. Guest Stuart Stevens, Lincoln Project Senior Advisor
Ep 273Why Texans Should Demand Lawmakers Tackle The Childcare Crisis
$11.4 Billion. That’s how much it’s costing Texas every year for failing to provide adequate childcare for working families. And researchers at the LBJ School of Public Affairs at UT-Austin say the crisis should be one of the paramount policy issues facing lawmakers when they return to Austin next January. Bottom line: if families can even find decent childcare, it’s costing them way too much. In this episode of Y’all-itics, one of the authors of that policy brief explains why this issue is so important for parents and non-parents alike, and how it threatens the myth of the “Texas Miracle.” Guest Steven Pedigo, LBJ School of Public Affairs
Ep 272Texans say yes to border policies, but a big fat no to vouchers
They’re Governor Greg Abbott’s biggest priorities: border security and school vouchers. But a new poll by the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation (THPF) makes it clear that while Abbott, and Republicans, are winning big with one, the other issue is a major political loser. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons hit a patio with THPF CEO and former Republican state Representative Jason Villalba, who explains why he thinks the Governor is so hell-bent to move forward with an issue a clear majority of Texans oppose. GUEST Jason Villalba, CEO/Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation
Ep 271“We’re gonna go so far to the right that we’re wrong.”
He does not do a lot of interviews. State Rep. Glenn Rogers, a conservative Texas Republican, lost his re-election last month after a pricey misinformation campaign against him. Despite a very conservative voting record, Gov. Greg Abbott, Sen. Ted Cruz, and billionaire backers campaigned against him because Rogers opposes school vouchers. So, is there still a place for him in the Texas GOP? Is Rogers responsible for enabling any of it? Will he vote for Cruz in November? In this episode of Y’all-itics, Rogers reveals the new priority he’s focusing on now. GUEST State Rep. Glenn Rogers, R-Graford
Ep 269Why Texas secession would be "highly problematic"
Talk of secession has gotten a little louder these days, amplified by the so-called “Take Texas Back” pledge. The site devoted to the pledge boasts that dozens of Republican candidates and officeholders have signed up, promising to support legislation that would push Texas to leave the United States under certain conditions. This has all been talked about before. So, is this time different? And how do we know when chatter about secession is something to take more seriously? The Jasons called Dr. Eric McDaniel, a government professor at the University of Texas at Austin, to learn more about the movement and what might happen if it were to succeed. Guest Eric McDaniel, University of Texas at Austin
Ep 268Is Ken Paxton unstoppable?
Ken Paxton is on a winning streak: acquitted in his Senate impeachment trial, successfully defeating some fellow Republicans on Super Tuesday, and most recently Paxton got the criminal charges against him finally dropped after nine years. So, is Ken Paxton the most powerful Republican in Texas? One of the state’s top Democrats – who tried to take the AG’s job – says Paxton absolutely is. Why then would Joe Jaworski, a Houston attorney and the grandson of Leon Jaworski, the famous prosecutor in the 1973 Watergate scandal, be considering running for this position again in 2026? And if Ken Paxton is unstoppable, Jaworski explains what that means not only for his party, but also for Texas Republicans. GUEST Joe Jaworski, Houston Attorney
Ep 267Finally, Texas has Taxation WITH Representation
It’s almost time for the dreaded property tax appraisals in Texas. For the first time, Texans will get a real say in the process. The board overseeing central appraisal districts have always been appointed. A new state law requires at least three members to be elected. Chandler Crouch, a real estate broker and expert in protesting property taxes, says the new law is a game changer. He joined the Jasons at Turning Point Beer in Bedford, Texas for this episode. GUEST:Chandler Crouch RECORDING LOCATION:Turning Point BeerBedford, Texas
Ep 266SPECIAL RELEASE: ‘Prison was never a possibility.’ Why the special prosecutor settled criminal charges with Ken Paxton.
Ever since settling the criminal case against Attorney General Ken Paxton, special prosecutor Brian Wice told us he has been excoriated by people who think it was a bad move. So why did he do it? And why won’t specifics of the deal be made public? We had lots of questions after this bombshell news broke. Wice made the decision and he took our call from his Houston office in this special episode of Y’all-itics. GUEST: Brian Wice / Special Prosecutor in Paxton case
Ep 265Save the machines! Hand-counting ballots did not work
Turns out, Republicans made errors hand-counting votes. The GOP in Gillespie County (Fredericksburg) did not trust machines to count the votes on Super Tuesday. So, they did it themselves. By hand. 8,000 ballots. And they made mistakes in every precinct. Jessica Huseman, the editorial director of Votebeat, was there on election night and joined the Jasons for a pint on this episode to explain what happened and the bold new project her newsroom is undertaking in Gillespie County. https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/politics/inside-politics/texas-politics/gillespie-county-gop-primary-officials-found-multiple-errors-after-hand-count/287-9cfe3150-cf66-4d4f-ba66-ad1fc6f9feeb Guest Jessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director
Ep 264Texas isn’t an oil and gas state. It’s an energy state.
There have been several times recently when 60% - 70% of all the power consumed in Texas came from renewables. And in January, the state set a new solar production record, topping out at over 14,000 megawatts, more than enough to power San Antonio and Austin. Life is so good for renewables in Texas, a new study funded by the oil and gas industry found that they should likely connect to the grid to get cheaper power… thanks to the influence of renewables. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons pop open a cold one with energy expert Doug Lewin who explains why Texas should no longer be considered an oil and gas state, just an energy state. Guest Doug Lewin, Stoic Energy Founder
Ep 263Texas Election hangover edition
How do you beat a Republican in Texas? Move further to the right. And in many ways, that’s exactly what happened in Texas during the primary. But one of the biggest surprises of the night happened on the Democratic ballot. In this election hangover edition of Y’all-itics, the Jasons and our panel experts discuss the results of the GOP civil war, the fallout from the results and what it all means for the future of Texas. Guests Berna Dean Steptoe, WFAA Political Producer Michael McCardel, WFAA Political Coordinating Producer
Ep 262A woman will likely lead Mexico this summer. Will she impact border politics?
Mexicans elect a new president this summer and two women are competing for the top job. How might they impact our politics, our shared border, and the hundreds of billions of dollars in trade that move across it? Laura Collins, an immigration expert at the Bush Institute and Jennifer Apperti, a former Mexican diplomat who now leads SMU’s Mission Foods Texas-Mexico Center join the Jasons to explain how immigration impacts politics on the other side of the border. Guests Jennifer Apperti, Director/SMU Mission Foods Texas-Mexico Center Laura Collins, Director/Bush Institute-SMU Economic Growth Initiative

Ep 261What else is flooding over the Texas-Mexico border
The border politics dominating conversations have long overshadowed the importance of all the other stuff flooding over the border from Mexico. And the bickering, bloviation and incessant battling is negatively impacting the Texas economy and our wallets, a loss of more than a billion dollars in output and thousands of jobs. Dr. Ray Perryman is the brains behind this new report, which is a political hot potato. But Dr. Perryman tells the Jasons why he thinks it’s a good thing he’s called an “equal opportunity offender” and why it’s vital Texans – and politicians – hear this information. Texas-Mexico trade report: https://www.perrymangroup.com/media/uploads/brief/perryman-the-economic-benefits-of-texasmexico-trade-02-15-24.pdf Guest Dr. Ray Perryman, CEO/The Perryman Group

Ep 260Election 2024: Is Texas breaking its own law?
It is an election system designed to find cases of illegal voting, keep voter rolls accurate, and make elections cheaper and more efficient. But Texas, and eight other Republican-led states, abandoned the program without any plan to replace it. That is bad news for Texas voters and the bill comes due on Super Tuesday, March 5. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons crack open a cold one at Celestial Beerworks with Jessica Huseman, the editorial director of Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization that reports on elections across the country. Jessica explains why Texas’ decision to leave the Electronic Registration Information Center, or ERIC, couldn’t have come at a worse time and how Texas voters could feel this impact when they go vote. GuestJessica Huseman, Votebeat Editorial Director

Ep 259Nikki Haley in Texas. Unedited.
She’s the only major Republican presidential candidate left standing not named Donald Trump. And former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley hit Texas recently to raise cash and build momentum leading up to Super Tuesday on March 5. But everything’s bigger in Texas, including Trump’s lead. In this early release episode of Y’all-itics, candidate Haley explains her views on everything from Texas’ abortion law to whether we should be taking guns away. GuestNikki Haley, Republican Candidate for President

Ep 258The political theater of Eagle Pass, TX
Many residents of Eagle Pass, Texas, say they’ve had enough. But they’re angry with the Texas Governor, not the migrants crossing the border. They just sent him a letter, accusing his rhetoric of putting the community in danger now that armed militias are actively showing up after hearing the Governor’s words. In this episode of Y’all-itics, a local business owner who’s already sued the state tells the Jasons what life is truly like now on the ground in Eagle Pass. And you’ll learn why Congressman Michael McCaul calls the failed Republican-led effort to impeach the Homeland Security Secretary, who oversees federal border policy, an embarrassment. Guests Jessie Fuentes, Eagle Pass Business OwnerCongressman Michael McCaul, (R) Austin

Ep 257Is Ken Paxton a Flight Risk? GOP lawmaker goes unplugged.
Our guest this week decided to go public with what so many Republican lawmakers have said in private. State Rep. Jared Patterson, R-Frisco, does not have a primary opponent and is free to speak openly and boy does he in this episode with the Jasons. Patterson goes unplugged about Paxton, the far right disruptors in the Texas GOP, Republicans in Congress who trot down to the Texas border for photo ops and much more. This episode was recorded at Community Beer Co. in Dallas. GUEST:State Rep. Jared Patterson (R) Frisco / District 106

Ep 256“The biggest term of our lifetimes”: Texas challenges law & order at the Supreme Court
One of the nation’s foremost experts on the U.S. Supreme Court says its current session is likely “the biggest term of our lifetimes.” That’s because the docket is chock-full of cases that will impact your daily life, many of them originating here in Texas. The Justices have already waded deep into the immigration battle taking place in the Rio Grande along the Texas-Mexico border. Will Texans still have access to a widely prescribed abortion pill? Will Trump even be on the ballot in 2024? Constitutional law expert and best-selling author Steve Vladeck from the University of Texas School of Law explains how our lives could be different by summer when the term ends. Guest Steve Vladeck, University of Texas School of Law

Ep 255Uvalde victims may lose their right to sue to the state
The state of Texas just did something that will make it near impossible for the Uvalde families to sue over the law enforcement failures the day of the massacre at Robb Elementary, failures recently described in detail inside a Department of Justice investigative report. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons are joined by an attorney who is waist deep in the effort to make the evidence file public. And she says Texans still have no idea what truly happened on May 24, 2022. GuestLaura Lee Prather, Attorney

Ep 254The caucus carcass: A postmortem from Iowa.
After surviving subzero temps, a blizzard and a surprising cut of meat, the Jasons get into the nitty gritty of the Iowa Caucuses.

Ep 253Iowa is gonna leave Texas with slim pickins
Three major candidates remain in the Republican race for president. What happens on Monday night in Iowa might reduce that even further. And the winter weather that’s freezing Texas has socked in Iowa with snow, briefly paralyzing politics and adding another factor campaigns didn’t count on. The Jasons braved a blizzard warning to get beer, barbecue and this this conversation with Averi Harper, the Deputy Political Director at ABC News.Guest: Averi Harper ABC News Deputy Political Director

Ep 252Why Texas is dead last in personal freedom
Reality doesn’t live up to reputation when it comes to freedom in Texas. The Lone Star State is dead last in personal freedoms in an annual study by The Cato Institute. Which states are more free? How did Texas get so restrictive? The Jasons have questions for William Ruger, a Texas native himself, who prepares the freedom report every year. “Freedom in the 50 States” report: Freedom in the 50 States 2023 | Cato Institute Guest William Ruger, CATO Institute

Ep 251Rewind: Will “Educational Freedom” Handcuff Public Schools in Texas?
The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But the Jasons wanted to share two of our top performing episodes of 2023 with you while they’re out. In this rewind episode, you’ll once again hear about an issue that was never resolved in 2023, despite the Governor’s best efforts and multiple special sessions. And we’re still waiting for word whether Governor Abbott will call a fifth special session to address school choice. We first released this episode on March 17, 2023. Guests Dr. Michelle Smith, Raise Your Hand Texas Exec. Dir. Sen. Brandon Creighton, (R) Conroe

Ep 250Rewind: Are Texas Democrats destined for permanent minority status?
The Y’all-itics team is on holiday break, spending time with family. But the Jasons wanted to share two of our top performing episodes of 2023 with you while they’re out. In this rewind episode, you’ll learn more about whether the minority political party in Texas will stay that way forever. We first released this episode on August 6, 2023. GUESTSState Rep. John Bryant, D-Dallas (HD 114)

Ep 249Republicans do it. Democrats don’t. That’s why this race is so rare.
On the last day she could file to run, state Rep. Victoria Neave Criado confirmed the rumors and announced she wants to unseat fellow Democrat, state Senator Nathan Johnson. But neither time nor money are on her side. The Texas Democratic primary is 80 days away and Johnson has a lot more money. So, why is Neave Criado taking the gamble? And will this race help or hurt the Texas Democratic Party in a high-stakes election year? GUESTS:State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado / D-DallasState Sen. Nathan Johnson / D-Dallas

Ep 248Houston got 60% of its homeless off the street. Here’s how.
You may not have noticed, but the Houston area has been quietly, and quite successfully, addressing its homelessness problem for years now. And the coalition leading this effort has a simple mantra: housing first. They’ve learned it’s more expensive to leave people on the street or put them in temporary shelters than it is to permanently house them. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the CEO of the “Coalition for the Homeless” tells the Jasons the secret to their success comes down to three things: organization, pragmatism and scale. And you’ll learn why cities from across the country may soon follow Houston’s lead. Coalition for the Homeless: https://www.homelesshouston.org Guest Mike Nichols, CEO/Coalition for the Homeless

Ep 247Can 1,500 sq. ft. makes Texas more affordable?
The city of Dallas needs 33,000 affordable homes. Fast. Statewide, the Texas Miracle is under threat. The affordability crisis is already driving away businesses and people. But one solution may come down to 1,500 square feet. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Dallas councilman Chad West pours a pint with the Jasons and explains why Dallas could be doing more with its dirt.GuestChad West, Dallas City Council Member/District 1

Ep 246SPECIAL RELEASE EPISODE: Republican Lawmaker Responds To Our Last Episode
State Rep. David Spiller heard the last episode of Y’all-itics and had something to say. Spiller wrote the controversial legislation that lets local and state police charge undocumented immigrants with a misdemeanor. State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado and Congressman Joaquin Castro criticized it, worrying it will lead to racial profiling of lawful U.S. citizens. But Spiller argues this soon-to-be Texas law will not result in roundups of migrants who have been here for decades and, he says, police likely won’t enforce it too far north of the Rio Grande. Spiller sits for our questions in this special release episode. GUESTState Rep. David Spiller / R-Jacksboro

Ep 245Texas Will Test Federal Law Again. Bring Your Passport
*CAUTION: This episode contains adult language*Texas will soon become the ‘Show Me State’ when Governor Abbott signs Senate Bill 4 into law. This is the legislation that lets local and state police arrest people who cannot prove whether they are a citizen. Immigration law is a federal responsibility, not a state one. That’s why lawsuits are threatened. In this episode, state Rep. Victoria Neave-Criado, D-Dallas, told the Jasons that she now carries her passport, worried of having to prove she is a citizen. U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro says he’s pressuring the Biden administration to respond to the Republican-led legislature’s latest move. GUESTS:State Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston [4:51]State Rep. Victoria Neave Criado, D-Dallas [5:55 & 20:23]U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio [32:54]

Ep 244Many Texans owe $0 in school property taxes... possibly FOR LIFE! Is it sustainable?
Thanks to voters recently approving the tax relief constitutional amendment, many Texas homeowners owe $0 in school property taxes - possibly permanently! The state will now pick up their tab and pay the schools. But in this episode, one of those taxpayers tells Y'all-itics that she's skeptical about the math and the motive. Is this a step toward defunding and undermining Texas public schools, she wonders. And even if that's not the aim, is this too good to be true? Can the state afford it in the long term? Can school districts? The Jasons put those questions to a superintendent of a fast-growing district and to the lawmaker who authored the tax changes. GuestsPat Hill, Homeowner who owes $0 in school taxesTexas Sen. Paul Bettencourt, (R) HoustonDr. Justin Terry, Forney ISD Superintendent

Ep 243Weeks Before Winter, A Revelation from ERCOT's CEO
The Jasons are in Austin for this episode with President and CEO of ERCOT, Pablo Vegas...who manages the state's electric grid. In his first-ever podcast appearance, Vegas reveals that Texas might not be able to get enough reserve electricity to have on standby if the state gets socked in with a severe winter storm. Vegas also reveals how much ERCOT has been paying big electric users to shut down to keep the rest of us out of rolling outages. And he estimates how much power Texas will need by the end of this decade (Hint: It's a LOT more than we have now). GUEST:Pablo VegasPresident & CEO of ERCOT

Ep 242Depression isn’t political
This is a raw, unedited explanation from Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo about her depression, suicidal thoughts, and the breaking point that led her to check-in to an out-of-state facility. In this episode of Y’all-itics, Judge Hidalgo opens up about where she went, the therapy she brought back, and how it is possible to heal and be your best again… even after hitting rock bottom. ** If you or someone you know is in crisis, or struggling, call or text 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline ** Guest Lina Hidalgo, Harris County Judge

Ep 241Who writes this s***? Y’all-itics: October 29, 2023
Texas voters are deciding 14 different potential constitutional amendments, but if you’ve read them, they’re clear as mud. In this episode of Y’all-itics, the Jasons decipher these hard-to-read amendments that will solidify property tax cuts, among other things. Bud Kennedy from the Fort Worth Star Telegram brought Fort Worth beer to this episode. Election day is November 7. Go vote – after you listen to this! GuestBud Kennedy, Fort Worth Star Telegram

Ep 240What Texans don’t know about Roland Gutierrez and his campaign for U.S. Senate Y’all-itics: October 22, 2023
State Senator Roland Gutierrez faces an uphill fight to become the Democrat who will challenge incumbent U.S. Senator Ted Cruz next year. But Gutierrez is unlike other Texas Democrats who have run for Senate. He met the Jasons at Peticolas Brewing Co. in Dallas to have a pint, explain how he’s different from Democrat Colin Allred, and lay out positions on Israel, Ukraine, immigration, inflation and guns. And he shared what Texas voters likely don’t know about him. ** This episode contains graphic descriptions and includes adult language ** GUEST State Sen. Roland Gutierrez, D-Candidate for U.S. Senate

Ep 239How fragile is U.S. Democracy? 13 Presidential Centers issue an urgent call to action Y'all-itics: October 15, 2023
Never before have 13 Presidential Centers come together to make a joint statement… on anything. But they just did with one simple message: save U.S. Democracy. It’s a call to action for all Americans, but it originated here in Texas. The Executive Director of the George W. Bush Institute says the extremes are drowning out the middle, the majority. And he says we all have a role to play to save the oldest Democracy in the world. Joint statement: https://www.bushcenter.org/publications/reaffirming-americans-commitment-to-a-more-perfect-union Guest David Kramer, Executive Director/George W. Bush Institute

Ep 238Why Texas moms could sink school choice Y’all-itics: October 8, 2023
The third special legislative session begins October 9, and “school choice” and vouchers will be front and center once again. But has anything changed to make passage more likely? In this episode of Y’all-itics, veteran political consultant Brian Mayes gives it even lower odds than the regular session because he says Governor Abbott has woken up parents, teachers and especially moms… and they’re fighting mad. For more than three decades, Mayes has only worked on Republican campaigns, so you’ll also want to learn why he calls the Governor a “boot licker” for wealthy donors. GuestBrian Mayes, GOP political consultantLocationKearney's Feed Yard, 3602 N Belt Line Rd, Sunnyvale, TX 75182

Ep 237How many millions you might still pay the Paxton whistleblowers: “$3.3 can turn into $9.3” Y'all-itics: September 28th, 2023
Even though Attorney General Ken Paxton was acquitted by the Texas Senate, taxpayers could still be on the hook for a settlement agreement Paxton himself approved. And if the case makes it to trial, the $3.3 Million settlement could double or even triple. In this episode of Y’all-itics, whistleblower Mark Penley and his attorney Don Tittle explain to the Jasons why they’re confident they could win… in a real court. And Penley describes how he felt while listening to the impeachment votes and answers the difficult question of whether he’s still a rock-ribbed Republican. GuestsMark Penley, Paxton whistleblower Don Tittle, Penley’s attorneyLocationManhattan Project Beer Co.2215 Sulphur St, Dallas, TX 75208

Ep 236Dan Patrick takes us behind the scenes of the Paxton impeachment trial and acquittal Y'all-itics: September 20th, 2023
SYNOPSIS:In his first in-depth interview since the senate acquitted Ken Paxton, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick takes Jason Whitely behind the scenes of the trial, the reforms he wants to the impeachment process, why the alleged mistress, Laura Olson, did not testify, whether it was a good idea to take $3M from a pro-Paxton group and whether Patrick thinks Paxton’s behavior crossed a line. GUEST:Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick / R-Texas

Ep 235The closing arguments in the Ken Paxton impeachment trial Y’all-itics special release: September 15, 2023
Before state Senators began deliberating the fate of suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton, attorneys from both sides had one final opportunity to make their case. In this special release Y’all-itics, listen to those closing arguments in the historic impeachment trial. Each side received one hour, but the arguments are split. State Representative Andrew Murr, a Republican who is the chair of the House board of impeachment managers, went first with a 10-minute argument. He was followed by Paxton’s lead impeachment attorney Tony Buzbee, with a brief argument from fellow defense attorney Dan Cogdell. You’ll then hear Rep. Murr conclude his closing, before yielding his final time to state Representative Jeff Leach, another Republican member of the House board of impeachment managers.Closing arguments:State Rep. Andrew Murr, (R) House board of impeachment managers chairTony Buzbee, Paxton’s lead impeachment attorneyDan Cogdell, Paxton impeachment attorneyState Rep. Jeff Leach, (R) member of the House board impeachment managers
Ep 234After the Paxton trial could there be a season of revenge?
Y’all-itics special release: September 13, 2023 The leader of the Republican Party of Texas says there will be an “all-out Republican civil war” if suspended Attorney General Ken Paxton is removed from office. In this special release Y’all-itics, Matt Rinaldi also explains why no matter the outcome, Republican primaries in 2024 could become a season of revenge. Guest Matt Rinaldi, Republican Party of Texas Chairman