Stephanie Chiarello, David Mintz

Cap Chat Texas

Government EN ↓ 31 episodes

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.

Author

Stephanie Chiarello, David Mintz

Episodes

S1E6 - My People Collection with Michelle Wittenburg 11.03.2025 27:20

Lawyer/lobbyist Michelle Wittenburg shares how a chance encounter at a charity event—and a love of reading the paper—launched a career that has included running campaigns and working in all three branches of government. Michelle talks about the value of surrounding herself with good people, balancing work with philanthropic efforts, and the joy of coming home to a house full of animals. People men...

S1E5 - A Very Special Episode with Stephanie Chiarello 26.02.2025 26:28

How does an aspiring ballerina and environmental scientist end up running a legislative office? From starting as an intern in 2007 to serving as Chief of Staff for a state representative, Stephanie shares tips for new staffers, explains the '72-hour rule' for reviewing potential legislation, and reveals the surprising benefits of befriending penguins. People talked about on this episode: Sherri G...

S1E4 - Tired But Determined with Renzo Downey 20.02.2025 28:26

People and topics mentioned in the podcast: The Texas Tribune, Texas Weekly, Ron DeSantis, The Florida Legislature, cats 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...

S1E3 - Control, Alt, Delete With Monty Exter 11.02.2025 25:20

People and topics mentioned in the podcast: Mike Villareal, Baylor Law School LBJ School of Public Affairs 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...

S1E2 - Parliamentary Inquiry with Denise Davis 04.02.2025 36:37

People and topics mentioned in the podcast: Lt. Governor Bill Hobby, House Speaker Joe Straus, Oveta Culp Hobby, Interim Babies, Bob Kelly, Steven Collins, Chris Greisel, “Night of Great Unpleasantness”, Bob “Big Daddy” Johnson, Sharon Carter, Gordon Johnson A very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy...

S1E1 - The Capitol Crowd with Robyn Hadley 14.01.2025 21:25

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. Jo...