Hobby Talks

On this episode of Hobby Talks, Hobby School Dean Jim Granato sits down with Alejandra Salinas , the newest at-large member of the Houston City Council. They discuss how her early advocacy, from organizing a high school walkout to speaking at the 2012 Democratic National Convention and serving as president of the College Democrats of America, shaped her belief in using her voice to serve others. S...

In this episode of Hobby Talks, Associate Professor Chris Bronk speaks with Evan Mintz , editor of opinion and community engagement at the Houston Chronicle . Their conversation explores the role of the newspaper’s editorial board in shaping civic discourse amid an evolving media landscape and an increasingly polarized world. They also discuss how opinion pages differ from news coverage, the endor...

On this episode of Hobby Talks , an expert panel analyzes the results of the state’s primary elections and what they may signal for the political landscape ahead. Podcast host Renée Cross explores the results of the U.S. Senate primaries and key statewide and local contests with panelists Richard Murray and Mark P. Jones . Renée Cross is senior executive director and researcher at the Hobby School...

On this episode of Hobby Talks, cultural historian and media scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan examines the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on democracy, civic discourse, and the evolving media and political landscapes. Vaidhyanathan shares insights into how technology shapes news consumption, classroom learning, and civic engagement, which institutions are best positioned to meet this...

On this episode of Hobby Talks, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey shares insight into the inner workings of county government. He guides listeners through key components of the new fiscal year budget and his office’s priorities, including continued progress in addressing complex issues such as flood mitigation, public safety and infrastructure. Commissioner Ramsey oversees one of...

On this episode of Hobby Talks, political scientist Richard Murray breaks down the proposed Texas maps for the 2026 midterm elections with podcast host Dean Jim Granato. Murray explains what the newly drawn congressional districts mean for Texans and the balance of power in Congress, as well as the political party strategies and national-level implications. He also reflected on his decades-long ca...

Texas has emerged as a national leader in online privacy enforcement, securing historic settlements with Google and Meta aimed at curbing unlawful data collection. On this episode of Hobby Talks, Tyler Bridegan provided insights into the Lone Star State's comprehensive enforcement strategies and approach to enhancing consumer protections. Bridegan guided listeners through his path to public s...

On this episode of Hobby Talks, political scientist Philip Wallach examines the 119th Congress and the deepening polarization of the legislative branch. Wallach guides listeners through Congress's role as the Founders intended and how it has fulfilled that job differently throughout history, emphasizing its importance in shaping policy and maintaining a balance of power among the branches of...

Houston state lawmaker Lauren Ashley Simmons shares the latest developments at the Texas Capitol with Hobby Talks host Jim Granato. Rep. Simmons represents House District 146 in south and southwest Houston, including the historic Sunnyside neighborhood. She is serving her first term in the Texas House of Representatives. The union organizer and public education advocate discussed her upbringing, w...

On this episode of Hobby Talks, education policy expert Robert Pondiscio discusses the state of public education in Texas and across the country. Pondiscio takes listeners through the education reform landscape, reflecting on its history and fast-forwarding to today's most significant challenges. He shares insight into how his experience inside the classroom informs his perspective on champio...

In the first Hobby Talks episode of 2025, Texas state Sen. Molly Cook shares her policy priorities during her first legislative session, from public education and reliable energy to expanding Medicare and other healthcare equity issues. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato asked the freshman state lawmaker what drove her to run for public office and how her work and background as an emergency room nurse a...

On the second episode of Hobby Talks, historians Don Carleton and Erin Purdy with the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin discuss the history and impact of Bill Hobby and the Hobby family on Texas. The authors of the biography "Bill Hobby: A Life of Journalism and Public Service" take listeners through extensive research and interviews to publication,...

The inaugural episode of Hobby Talks features former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger discussing his public service career, the presidential election outcome and his hopeful vision for the future of America. The former Illinois congressman also shares how the 9/11 terrorist attacks stirred an urgent sense of duty and call to service, how he entered politics, his message to the political parties and his ad...

Welcome to Hobby Talks, a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato, Hobby Talks features timely conversations on various politics and policy topics with experts, scholars, and those who are guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state. The podcast series expands the school's access to thought-provoking discussions and encourages cro...