Cap Chat Texas

How does a guy from Ohio who grew up dreaming of playing professional baseball become one of Texas’ top political reporters?   In this episode of Cap Chat Texas,  we visit with Texas Bullpen co-founder Brad Johnson about what it’s like to cover the Texas Legislature, the challenges of starting up a new online publication, and why it's good to not ghost reporters.   People mentioned in this episode...

In this episode, our guests Don Carleton and Erin Purdy discuss their book Bill Hobby: A Life in Journalism and Public Service, which explores the career and legacy of Texas’s longest-serving lieutenant governor, Bill Hobby. Don and Erin also talk about their work at the Briscoe Center for American History, highlighting its extensive resources, including exhibits, archival papers, oral histories,...

In this episode, our guests Don Carleton and Erin Purdy discuss their book Bill Hobby: A Life in Journalism and Public Service, which explores the career and legacy of Texas’s longest-serving lieutenant governor, Bill Hobby. Don and Erin also talk about their work at the Briscoe Center for American History, highlighting its extensive resources, including exhibits, archival papers, oral histories,...

Over a career spanning five decades, Lawrence Olsen has done it all - senate messenger, tour guide, agency staffer, journalist, campaign aide, congressional staffer, and lobbyist.  In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, Lawrence shares memorable stories from his career including the time he gave a lift to Charley Pride and an unexpected benefit of being a “nepo baby”.   People and groups mentioned in...

Before co-founding the legislative tracking service US Lege, Laura Carr Davis worked in DC, did advance work for Governor Abbott, lobbied, and headed policy for a state senate office.   In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, Laura talks about how she started US Lege to help address the challenges of following the legislative process, some of the benefits and challenges of AI’s role in the legislative...

Longtime lobbyist Jim Arnold joins Cap Chat Texas to share insights from his career that began as an intern at the Texas Legislative Budget Board while attending the LBJ School of Public Affairs.  From working on elections across the country to advising emerging democracies and teaching government, Jim reflects on lessons from the campaign trail that still shape his work today. He also talks about...

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...

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 boxin...

Episode Summary In this episode of Cap Chat Texas , we continue our conversation with former Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes.   Ben discusses his approach to leading the Texas House and Senate, what motivated him to write a new book, and why civics education is so important for students.   Ben’s book, Get It Done will be published in June 2026.     People and groups mention...

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...

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....

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 a...

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...

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. Fr...

Before becoming a lobbyist, Ricardo Lopez-Guerra wore many hats at the Texas Capitol running campaigns, staffing committees, as a legislative aide in the Senate and Chief of Staff to two state reps.  In this episode, he talks about some of the differences working in the House and the Senate, the benefits of sometimes “not knowing what you don’t know,” and what his act would be if there is ever a C...

In this episode, we continue our conversation with lobbyist and former Texas House Chief Clerk Robert Haney. Robert shares stories about the infamous “Night of Great Unpleasantness,” the often-overlooked contributions of the dedicated support staff, and a look a side of the lawmaking process that Bill didn’t sing about on Schoolhouse Rock .  Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas...

Cap Chat Texas returns for Season Two with an insightful conversation featuring Robert Haney, whose journey to the heart of Texas politics began by shagging golf balls. Over his 20-year tenure as Chief Clerk of the Texas House, Haney served under five different Speakers, playing a crucial role in keeping the legislative gears turning. From navigating procedural hurdles and managing the complexitie...

When proud Texas Aggie JD Hale headed to Washington for an internship, he never imagined it would lead to a career lobbying for a major statewide trade association. In this episode, JD talks about his appreciation for logos on one-pagers, making the most of every opportunity, and the unique perspective gained from working in both the district office and at the Capitol. People and groups mentioned...

What started as a one-day stint as a House Sergeant turned into a lifelong career working. In this episode, former legislative aide and longtime lobbyist Kwame Walker shares how not making the UT Basketball team unexpectedly led him to the Texas Capitol. He talks about seizing opportunities, respecting staffers' time, and the lasting impact of being nice.  People and groups mentioned in this podca...

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Garrett, the former longtime Capitol Bureau Chief for The Dallas Morning News . Bob shares his insights on the challenges of covering the Texas Legislature, how political journalism has evolved, and reveals a surprising connection between Jimi Hendrix and George Best.  Note: This episode was recorded on March 28, 2025 shortly before the passing of John Thornto...

How did a serial entrepreneur become publisher of the state’s longest-running political newsletter? On this episode of Cap Chat Texas , we sit down with Quorum Report 's Harvey Kronberg to hear how he stumbled into journalism, his take on the state’s shifting political landscape, and the importance of institutional memory. People and groups mentioned in this podcast: Scott Braddock The Honorable D...

In this episode, legislative staffer and community leader Donovon Rodriguez shares how his experience as a 911 dispatcher taught him to stay calm amid the chaos of the Capitol. He also discusses the importance of building strong constituent relationships, his approach to managing a legislative office, and some of the differences between working in the House and Senate. People and groups mentioned...

From Senate Messenger to CEO of Habitat for Humanity Texas, Amy Ledbetter Parham shares the unique challenges of nonprofit advocacy, negotiating with “lizard people” (no, not folks in Austin), and what it's like to build a house on the Capitol grounds. People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  Senator Bob Glasgow  Habitat for Humanity  LBJ School of Public Affairs  President Jimmy Carter  Visi...

Regarded as one of the state’s premier lobbyists, Rusty Kelley literally started out mopping floors in the Capitol.  In this episode Rusty tells about his deep respect for the institution, legislators he has admired and how the Sharpstown Scandal transformed lobbying in Texas. Cap Chat Texas spotlights the people who keep the Texas Capitol running. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, we exp...

People mentioned in this podcast: Representative Roberto Alonzo Senator Hugo Berlanga Speaker Billy Clayton Congressman Ron Coleman Representative Robby Cook Lynn Cutler   Representative Linda Garcia Calvin Guest Representative Susan King Representative Mike McKinney Representative Doug Miller Representative Christina Morales Gloria Moreno Kate Raetz Representative Mark Strama   A very special tha...