Texas Public Policy Foundation

The Sweet Tea Series

Welcome to The Sweet Tea Series! Join Ariana Guajardo and her guests for some pop culture with a splash of policy ✨

Author

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Category

Government

Podcast website

www.youtube.com

Latest episode

Jul 7, 2026

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Episodes

What's Going on in Israel??? 06.05.2024

Calling all foreign policy girls: this one's for you! Taylor sat down with Alexandria Paolozzi, Director of Government Affairs for Christians United For Israel Action Fund, to discuss the current conflict in the Middle East, the rise of anti-Semitic protests around the world and on college campuses, the history behind the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the United States' relationship with Israe...

UT Austin EXPOSED for DEI 26.04.2024

Jordan Leighty is back on The Sweet Tea Series! This week, she sits down with Ariana to talk about her internship at TPPF, why Gen Z is choosing not to attend college, how college doesn't necessarily prepare students for the workforce. Plus, get the tea on the ongoing fight against Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) at UT Austin, the problems with DEI initiatives on colleges campuses, and the a...

Should Christians Be Involved in Politics?!?! 19.04.2024

Taylor sits down with Bunni Pounds, author and President of Christians Engaged, to discuss her brand new book, Jesus and Politics, why getting involved with politics matters for Christians, and her journey and experiences in the political arena. Plus, they touch on the new Beyoncé album, Cowboy Carter, and bringing people to God in modern America. 

Women in Energy Policy with Jacki Deason 12.04.2024

At the 2024 Texas Policy Summit, Ariana sat down with Jacki Deason, host of The Jacki Daily Show to unpack her career on Capitol Hill, her work on energy policy, including as a senior fellow for TPPF's Life:Powered energy initiative, the importance of energy security, how women can get involved with energy policy, and her advice to women who want to attend law school. 

Charity, Government, and Mother Cabrini 05.04.2024

Ariana sits down with Marie Marcalus, Director for Research and Publications for TPPF, to discuss her work at the Foundation and unpack the movie Cabrini. They also discuss how Marie's family immigrated to the U.S. during the same era as the film, tensions between charity and government, and how TPPF is working on foster care reforms.

God Is In Charge (& Reality Dating Shows) 23.02.2024

Ariana is joined by Grace McCreary, Donor Relations Associate at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to discuss Grace's crazy DEI stories at UT Austin, why we love reality dating shows like the Bachelor and Love is Blind, and how God has been at work guiding her career.

Political Corruption in Mexico & the Taylor Swift Super Bowl 16.02.2024

Ariana is joined by Joshua Treviño, Chief of Intelligence and Research at TPPF, to talk all about his recent trip to Mexico, the Texas-Mexico relationship, and the ongoing political corruption in Mexico. Plus, they discuss the Super Bowl, reactions to Usher's halftime show performance, and the theory that Taylor Swift is really a psyop.

Be the Change You Want to See 09.02.2024

This week, Caroline Welton, Campaign Director for Center on Health and Families, sits down with Ariana to discuss how she is affecting change through policy, the importance of civic education, and  the role and purpose of government.

The Crown and Artificial Intelligence 02.02.2024

New Texan Laura Carr joins Taylor to discuss her experience growing up in the United Kingdom, how she moved to the United States, and her thoughts on the finale of The Crown and the British Royal Family. Plus they chat about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Laura's work in the AI space.

A Working Mom Fighting for Liberty 26.01.2024

This week, Ariana sits down with seventh generation Texan, mom, and warrior for liberty, Jessie Ramirez! They dive into Jessie's work as chair of the San Antonio Liberty Leadership Council (LLC), how she prioritizes her family while working as a real estate agent, the current housing market, and her experience on the Library Board in Kyle, TX.

The Hunger Games and Passing Laws in Texas 22.01.2024

Taylor talks with Ciara Hall, Chief of Staff for Texas State Representative Ellen Troxclair, to discuss what it's like to work for the Texas State Legislature and her background in agriculture. Plus, Taylor and Ciara discuss the Hunger Games and their thoughts on Hollywood's portrayal of female leads.

Paris to Proud Texan 08.01.2024

Ariana sits down with Carine Martinez, campaign director of TPPF's Secure & Sovereign Frontier, to discuss fighting for Texas' border security and the realities of the border crisis and U.S. immigration policy. Plus, they discuss how Carine moved from Paris to the United States and is now a proud American! 

Goodbye 2023 | New Years Eve Special! 29.12.2023

Ariana, Britt, and Taylor sit down to recap the major pop culture news of 2023, how 2023 was the Year of the Girl, how the left has taken their policies to the extreme, and predictions for the new year!

Merry Christmas, Y'all! 15.12.2023

Merry Christmas y'all! Ariana, Britt, and Taylor all sit down and chat about their families' Christmas traditions, favorite Christmas movies, Christmas hot takes, and how inflation is affecting the holiday season.

The Kardashians, Bail Reform, and Imposter Syndrome 08.12.2023

Taylor sits down with Nikki Pressley, Chief of Staff and Texas State Director for TPPF's Right On Crime, to talk about her path into the policy world, which Kardashian she identifies most with, Kim Kardashian's advocacy for Alice Johnson and criminal justice, and bail reform in Texas.

Corruption in Mexico and the Lady Saving Democracy 01.12.2023

This week, Alicia Galvan Lopez joins Taylor in studio all the way from Mexico for a riveting discussion on her work as a woman in politics and the state of politics, corruption, and the impact of the cartels in Mexico.

Saving Education in Texas 24.11.2023

Taylor sits down with Mandy Drogin, Campaign Director for Next Generation Texas, to discuss how she is fighting to save the education system, empower parents, and give future generations of children in Texas the opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

A Euro-Moon and Taylor in Paris 17.11.2023

Taylor is back! This week, Ariana asks Taylor about her wedding and honeymoon in Europe. Plus, they discuss Taylor's firsthand experience with socialized healthcare in Italy and all things Paris.

Conservative Women on College Campuses 01.11.2023

Ariana is joined by Jordan Leighty, a student at the University of Texas at Austin and co-chair of the Young Conservatives of Texas, to discuss her experiences and the hardships she has faced as a conservative on a college campus.

Protecting Life and Love is Blind 20.10.2023

Ariana is joined by Rebecca Weaver from Texas Right to Life to talk about Rebecca's journey into politics and policy as a young conservative woman. Plus, Ariana and Rebecca talk about their favorite reality TV dating shows.

Ahsoka Review - SPOILERS 13.10.2023

Attorney and Star Wars fan Chance Weldon joins Ariana Silva to talk about the new Star Wars TV Series, Ahsoka. They also discuss the harmful impact of woke TV shows and movies.

Border Talks & Yellowstone with Selene Rodriguez 02.10.2023

Selene Rodriguez joins Britt Allen to talk about the humanitarian crisis on the southern sorder. Selene is currently the Assistant Director of Federal Affairs, States Trust. She was raised in Del Rio and has witnessed the collapse of true border security. Prior to her work at TPPF,  she served in the Marine Corps as an Intelligence Specialist. The ladies also talk about the TV Show Yellowstone and...

Education, Climate Alarmism, and Being a Working Mom with Courtnie Bagley 08.09.2023

The gals of sweet tea sit down with Education Coordinator for Life:Powered, Courtnie Bagley, to break down the state education, the truth about climate alarmism, and balancing career with motherhood. 

Bolivia, Border, & "Sound of Freedom" Review with Melissa Ford 07.09.2023

Border expert Melissa Ford joins the ladies to talk about her life in Bolivia and what inspires her work in border policy.

Why Sherry Sylvester Left the Left 28.08.2023

Sherry Sylvester is a Distinguished Senior Fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Her career has spanned across multiple states, positions, and even parties.  On this episode, Taylor and Sherry talk about the evolution of women in politics and why Sherry chose to leave the left and embrace Texas conservatism.

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