The Civics Lab

Send us Fan Mail Description: In this episode of the Civics Lab, we sit down with Joe Jaeger, founder and CEO of Statecraft Simulations, a project-based learning simulation for civics and politics. We delve into his entrepreneurial journey creating the platform, and how it teaches students the complexities and nuances of the political system. Joe connects his work to the contemporary political lan...

Send us Fan Mail Description The Civics Lab toured an abandoned Travis County landfill now slated for redevelopment into housing. We explore its history, a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Travis County, and the developer’s push for county accountability. Guests include Ashika Ganguly Executive Director of Transit Forward, Luis Osta Lugo, Board Member for AURA, Corbin Gra...

Send us Fan Mail Description The Civics Lab sits down with Jill Goodman, CEO of Leadership Austin. Tune in to learn about Leadership Austin’s dynamic leadership programs and the diverse cohorts they engage. Jill shares insights on the importance of tough conversations, why leadership is essential for community progress, and why she’s so passionate about the organization’s mission.  More about Lead...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Civics Lab, we sit down with Dottie Watkins, President and CEO of CapMetro. Dottie shares her remarkable journey starting as a bus operator while attending the University of Texas at Austin to leading the entire organization. Tune in to learn how CapMetro is adapting to shifting riding patterns, aligning its goals with community needs, and shaping the future...

Send us Fan Mail Description: In this episode of The Civics Lab Podcast, we take you inside the annual Hillhops event at St. Edward's Munday Library - home to one of the country's few brewery archives focused specifically on Texas craft brewing. Join us as we explore this distinctive celebration that stands out as one of Central Texas's most unique beer events, offering listeners an...

Send us Fan Mail Podcast description  On January 15, 2025, We interviewed the author of The Holy Land at War. The Civics lab also brought in Dr. Selin Guner a professor of political science at St. Edwards's University. This conversation offered insights into both sides. Date Recorded January 15, 2025 Music Credit Title: Reflected Light Artist Sergii Pavkin

Send us Fan Mail Podcast Description  On November 14, 2024, The Civics Lab attended the Texas Tribune’s Rural Symposium at the University of Texas in San Antonio . This event featured insightful panel discussions on the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities. From environmental struggles and economic development to shifting populations and agriculture, experts and community leaders s...

Send us Fan Mail St. Edward's University PoliSci honors students, Jacob Zivin, Paige Kennedy, George Reyes, and Janie Herring analyze statements from our Election panel with Grace Chemane (League of Women's Voters), Chuck DeVore (Texas Public Policy Foundation) and Bruce Elfant (Travis County Tax Assessor).   This episode is brought to you by a civic engagement grant from Pi Sigma Alpha...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chad Long, a Political Science Professor at St. Edward's University and an expert in American politics. Dr. Long offers his insights on federal spending, analyzes the 2024 presidential campaign, and dives into the key issues shaping the outcome of the election. Song credit Song name: Remember  Artist: KalzanBlu 

Send us Fan Mail Victoria Guerrero, a Kozmetsky Fellow at St. Edward's University, shares her research on the relationship between South Korean music and Austin.  She discusses the Asian Music Festival in Central Texas and the variety of cultures represented by music.  Jacob Zivin interviews and George Reyes introduces the episode.  

Send us Fan Mail In this second part of our episode, we discuss whether Texas is restricting or securing voting access.  Our discussion is with Chuck Devore, Texas Policy Foundation, Grace Chimene, League of Women Voters, Amy Stansbury, Austin Common .  Questions and comments are from those attending the recording, live on the St. Edward's University Campus with the Kozmetsky Center.   This p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss whether Texas is restricting or securing voting access.  Our discussion is with Chuck Devore, Texas Policy Foundation, Grace Chimene, League of Women Voters, Amy Stansbury, Austin Common .  Questions and comments are from those attending the recording, live on the St. Edward's University Campus with the Kozmetsky Center.   This podcast was funded b...

Send us Fan Mail Interview with Amy Stansbury, Austin Common   and Grace Chimene, with League of Women Voters Texas after the Kozmestky Center's panel on voting access in Texas. If you need help voting, go to vote411.org    Happy Voting!

Send us Fan Mail Before someone votes, they must first register to vote.  States across the country vary in how they register voters.  According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 42 states, plus DC have on-line voter registration to make it easier to register.  Texas does not allow on-line registration.  Why not?  We visit with Travis County (Austin, TX) Voter Registrar Bruce Elfan...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the Civics Lab team discusses the challenges of democracy with Legal Professor and ABC Legal Correspondent, Kim Wehle .  We discussed the current state of the United States Constitution, the role of voting, holding elected officials accountable, and the threats of tyranny and authoritarianism to our democractic norms.  The Civics Lab team is led by Dr. David Thoma...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with State Representative Gene Wu.  Gene Wu is a Democrat representing District 137, located in West Houston. It was an enormous pleasure to talk with Gene about the current legislative session, and we hope you enjoy his honesty and clarity as much as we did!

Send us Fan Mail You may be asking, what is the Texas Land Commission?  Texas elects a Land Commissioner?  Why?  In this episode, we have Jay Kleberg in the Civics Lab studio to discuss why he is running for this statewide office and what makes this position important in the fight against climate change, education funding,  Veterans' healthcare, and protecting and expanding our access to publ...

Send us Fan Mail Civics Lab team members went to John P.  Ojeda Middle School , in Southeast Austin to discuss a project that teachers and students are collaborating to grow, market and finance the production of salsa.  Students and teachers have literally turned computer rooms into greenhouses and are applying the spirit of American entrepreneurship to address access to healthy foods.   Join in o...

Send us Fan Mail Join Michael Baumgartner and Esther Heymans as they attend and interview participants at the RevUP Texas (Register Educate Vote Use Your Power! ) rally to promote voter registration and raising awareness of disability issues in Texas politics.  The Civics Lab team interviews Bob Kafka, organizer and advocate for RevUp.  Join them in this quick take! RevUp! Texas: https://www.revup...

Send us Fan Mail We sat down for a casual conversation revolving around some of the biggest political stories of the week, and some that might have flown under your radar. Listen in as we discuss the January 6th hearings,  Beto's defamation lawsuit,  and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.   Episode recorded on 3/8/22

Send us Fan Mail In this Quick Take, we sat down with Claire Campos-O'Neal , a candidate for state representative from an Austin district.  She discusses her passion for education and the way more women can run for office.   And check out Cosmic on South Congress! Websites: https://www.clairefortexas.com/ https://annieslist.com/ https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/ https://www.cosmiccoffeebeer...

Send us Fan Mail Civic Arts is an organization that promotes equity, justice, and civic engagement through the arts. We sat down with Civic Arts' Executive Director Lynn Osgood to hear her thoughts on the state of civics in America, how we can make engagement more inclusive, and how civics and art go together and inspire communities. Civic Arts website is:  https://www.civicarts.org

Send us Fan Mail Ross Ramsey.  co-founder and chief editor of the Texas Tribune, sat down in the Civics Lab Studio this week.  A lively and information conversation, Ramsey shares his thoughts on the state of Texas politics.  We cover the primary voter turnout, controversial statements by statewide leaders, how Denton in the 1970's ended up passing liquor laws and whether Blue Bell Ice Cream...

Send us Fan Mail We did a quick take with Erika Thompson (@texasbeeworks), founder of Texas Beeworks and professional bee keeper, along with advocates from UT  and the community, on a recent Austin City Council to make Austin a Bee City.  What's a Bee City?  Have a listen!  If you want to know more about the work Erika Thompson is conducting, take a look at her profile article in Texas Monthl...

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