Texas Talks

Is the “Texas Miracle” still alive — and what does it take to keep Texas competitive in 2026 and beyond? In this episode of Texas Talks, Megan Mauro, Interim President and CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB), joins Brad Swail to break down the state of the Texas economy. As the state chamber of commerce representing businesses of every size and industry, TAB sits at the center of Texas’ pro-growth policy debates. Mauro explains how Texas maintains its reputation as a top business destination — from no personal or corporate income tax to regulatory consistency and recent property tax relief for small businesses. She discusses HB 9’s business personal property tax exemption increase, why consistency across Texas’ 254 counties matters, and how the Legislature is approaching affordability and housing challenges. The conversation also dives into: Why Texas is the 7th largest economy in the world Attracting corporate headquarters while protecting small businesses The importance of USMCA for Texas trade Workforce alignment between industry and education Childcare as a workforce issue Why data centers and AI are both economic and national security priorities Texas’ “all of the above and below” energy strategy Mauro makes the case that a thriving business climate isn’t just about corporations — it’s about livelihoods, job creation, and ensuring Texas families can continue building the American dream. As the 90th Texas Legislature approaches, this episode explores what policies will shape the next chapter of the Texas economy.   00:00 — Introduction and Megan Mauro’s background 01:12 — What the Texas Association of Business does 03:13 — Light regulation and pro-business principles 04:35 — The Texas Miracle and economic growth 06:29 — Why industry diversity matters in Texas 10:01 — Data centers, AI, and national security 14:53 — Tech policy and regulatory consistency 18:47 — Balancing legacy industries with innovation 21:01 — Property tax reform and small business relief 27:10 — Affordability and housing challenges 29:21 — Energy policy and grid reliability 30:59 — Advocacy in Washington and USMCA 34:45 — Workforce development and childcare solutions 38:37 — TAB Foundation and education initiatives   Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode, Kelly Hancock, Acting Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, breaks down what the Comptroller’s office actually does—and what the latest numbers say about the Texas economy. Hancock discusses revenue estimating, procurement, contracts, and why sales tax trends matter so much to the state budget. He also explains how Texas is tracking key indicators like manufacturing, construction, and the impact of major projects such as data centers, plus how the state is making more economic data accessible to the public through Texas Comptroller “TexStats.” The conversation also covers the rollout of Texas Education Freedom Accounts (education savings accounts)—including registration numbers, program priorities, and the office’s focus on customer-service speed and transparency. Finally, Hancock addresses procurement policy changes tied to DEI-era frameworks, what “leveling the playing field” means in practice, and why he wants stronger auditing authority to protect taxpayer dollars.   Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

On this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation to discuss Texas Education Freedom Accounts, school choice policy, and the evolving future of education in the state.The conversation explores how education savings accounts (ESAs) work, why more than 100,000 families applied within days of launch, and the ongoing debate between supporters and critics. Topics include parental rights, funding models, homeschooling options, special-needs education, and the long-term impact of market-driven education reform in Texas.Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, educator, or simply interested in Texas politics and public policy, this episode offers a detailed look at one of the biggest education reforms in the country.👉 Listen as they break down how ESAs function, who qualifies, and what the program could mean for the future of students and schools across Texas. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail interviews Margaret Byfield, Executive Director of American Stewards of Liberty, to break down the growing controversy surrounding proposed transmission lines across Texas. The discussion explores property rights, eminent domain, data-center energy demand, grid reliability after Winter Storm Uri, and the debate between local dispatchable power and large-scale transmission infrastructure.Byfield shares firsthand insight into how landowners could be affected by thousands of miles of new transmission corridors, the rising cost of electricity tied to infrastructure expansion, and the broader policy questions shaping Texas’ energy future.Whether you’re interested in energy policy, land use, rural property rights, or the economics behind grid expansion, this conversation offers a detailed look at one of the most consequential infrastructure debates unfolding in Texas today. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Brad Swail interviews Jaime Olin, interim executive director of the Texas Humane Legislation Network, about landmark animal welfare laws in Texas, enforcement challenges, and upcoming legislative priorities. They cover spay-neuter funding, roadside puppy sales bans, criminal negligence protections, ethical pet store reforms, and rural veterinary access. A must-listen for animal advocates, policy watchers, and Texans who care about humane treatment for all. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Early childhood intervention can change the trajectory of a child’s life—but in Texas, funding hasn’t kept pace with growing need.In this episode of the Texas Talks Podcast, host Brad Swail sits down with Veronda Durden, President and CEO of Any Baby Can, to discuss how early intervention services support children with developmental delays, strengthen families, and build long-term community resilience across Central Texas.Drawing on her 32-year career in Texas state government and her leadership at Any Baby Can, Durden explains how federal and state policies shape early childhood services, why providers are required to serve eligible children without guaranteed funding, and how rising costs are forcing difficult decisions in rural and fast-growing counties. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Former professional tennis player and ATP top-20 competitor Christo van Rensburg joins the Texas Talks podcast to discuss building the ATX Open into one of America’s premier women’s tennis tournaments. The conversation covers WTA rankings, why Austin is the perfect home for women’s pro tennis, developing public courts, attracting top players, and the future of tennis culture in Texas. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas faces a growing rural health care crisis as hospitals close and emergency access shrinks. In this episode of the Texas Talk Podcast, Rob Morris—CEO of Complete Care and former president of the National Association of Freestanding Emergency Centers—explains how freestanding emergency rooms improve access, reduce costs, and stabilize rural communities. The conversation covers Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement barriers, the Emergency Care Improvement Act, rural hospital closures, wait times, aging demographics, and why emergency care must be protected as a core public service Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Veteran Texas politics reporter Brad Johnson joins the Texas Talks Podcast to break down the biggest policy fights shaping Texas in 2026. From water shortages and data centers to property tax relief, school vouchers, nuclear energy, and artificial intelligence, this wide-ranging conversation explains what actually passed in 2025—and what still lies ahead. The episode closes with a sharp analysis of the Texas U.S. Senate race, including Cornyn vs. Paxton, Democratic strategy, and what primary voters are really signaling about the future of Texas politics. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas Christmas trees are more than a holiday tradition—they’re a growing agricultural industry reshaping rural economies across the state. In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Stan Reed, Executive Secretary of the Texas Christmas Tree Growers Association, to explore how Texas farmers are expanding from traditional crops into Christmas tree farming, agritourism, and year-round family experiences.The conversation covers how Christmas trees are grown in Texas, why demand for real trees is rising, how water rights and land use affect growers, and why locally grown trees are better for both communities and the environment. From seedling to six-foot tree, Reed explains the four-year process behind a Texas Christmas tree—and why this old-school tradition is finding new life in a changing economy. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas Hospital Association CEO John Hawkins joins Brad Swail to break down the toughest challenges facing health care in Texas — from rural hospital closures and workforce shortages to Medicare policy, uninsured rates, and the future of federal funding. Hawkins explains how geography, payer mix, population growth, and administrative burdens are reshaping the system, and outlines the state and federal solutions that could stabilize care for millions of Texans. A must-listen for anyone tracking Texas policy, health care access, or the future of hospitals in fast-growing states. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas housing is shifting fast — and in this in-depth interview, Texas Realtors Vice President of Governmental Affairs Tray Bates breaks down the real forces driving prices, affordability, and policy debates across the state. We cover the post-COVID market cooldown, interest-rate shocks, short-term rentals, global capital flowing into Texas development, and the growing “missing middle” problem affecting first-time buyers.Bates also explains the legislative fights ahead: property-tax reform, permitting delays, lot-size requirements, infrastructure bottlenecks, and the strategic plan Texas Realtors will take into the 90th Legislature. If you want a clear, candid, insider look at Texas real estate from someone who lives it every day, this conversation lays out exactly what’s happening and what comes next. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas Talks host Brad Swail sits down with Peyton Schumann — the Interim Executive Director of Government Relations for the Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association — for a deep dive into the challenges and future of cattle ranching in Texas. They cover everything from rising beef prices and drought-driven herd declines to the complexities of beef imports, federal trade policy, and the threat posed by the New World screwworm. Peyton also breaks down the high costs ranchers face, processing bottlenecks, truth-in-labeling laws, water shortages, and what the Texas Legislature may tackle next. If you want a clear, inside look at the realities of ranching in 2025 and what it means for consumers, landowners, and the state’s economy, this conversation delivers it. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Dr. Audrey Young, elected to the Texas State Board of Education in 2020, joins Texas Talks for an in-depth conversation about the real state of special education in Texas. Drawing from 31 years in public schools as a speech therapist, reading specialist, administrator, and executive director, Dr. Young clarifies how dyslexia policy is being reshaped, why the statewide special-education population has risen to 20%, and how House Bill 568 is changing funding models across districts.We dig into the challenges facing rural and urban schools, the growing role of advocates, the impact of education savings accounts, and why Texas still struggles with uneven services for students with disabilities. Dr. Young also explains her vision for expanding gifted-education support and why leadership experience in special education matters now more than ever.For parents, educators, policymakers, and anyone trying to understand how Texas is rebuilding its special-education system, this episode provides a candid and informed roadmap for where the state is heading. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Former Railroad Commission Chairman and current head of the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance, Barry Smitherman, joins host Brad Swail to break down the next big chapter in Texas energy. From the state’s oil legacy to the rise of geothermal power, Smitherman explains how advances in drilling technology, abandoned oil wells, and dispatchable clean energy could redefine the grid. They discuss what Texas lawmakers can do to meet surging power demands, the role of AI data centers, and why geothermal might be the most inexhaustible, zero-carbon resource on the planet. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail interviews Kelley Shannon, Executive Director of the Freedom of Information Foundation of Texas. They discuss the state’s Public Information Act, government transparency, and why access to information is essential for accountability. Shannon explains how Texas laws were built after the Sharpstown scandal, how lawmakers have gradually weakened them, and what reforms could restore stronger transparency. The conversation also touches on the Hill Country floods, Governor Abbott’s emails with Elon Musk, and the balance between privacy and public interest.This is a must-watch for anyone who believes in open government, free speech, and the public’s right to know. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Texas Talks host Brad Swail sits down with Reed Clay, President of the Texas Nuclear Alliance, to discuss how nuclear energy could reshape Texas’ power future. Clay explains why the state hasn’t built a new plant in over 30 years, the myths and politics that sidelined nuclear in the 1990s, and how AI data centers and small modular reactors (SMRs) are driving a modern nuclear renaissance. From Winter Storm Uri to House Bill 14 and the creation of the Texas Nuclear Energy Office, this episode explores how Texas can stay competitive, reliable, and carbon-free through a smart mix of nuclear and natural gas. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Economist Dr. Raymond Robertson joins host Brad Swail on Texas Talks to explain a surprising discovery: the United States actually imports plastic waste — and how tariffs, recycling incentives, and Texas-style solutions could change that. Robertson, Director of the Mosbacher Institute at the Bush School of Government and Public Service, breaks down how a simple deposit-refund system could clean up our lakes, create jobs, and save millions, while reviving the “Don’t Mess With Texas” spirit for a new generation. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this Texas Talks interview, Vulcan Technologies CEO Tanner Jones explains how his AI platform “maps the law” to simplify regulation, empower builders, and strengthen American competitiveness. From Virginia’s landmark use of AI in government to the potential for Texas to unleash new growth, Jones shares a bold vision for abundance, innovation, and smarter governance. Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail sits down with Tom Butler, Vice Chair of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. They dive into Texas’s booming energy sector, the state’s role in powering the nation, and how licensing reforms are shaping a skilled workforce. Butler shares insights on balancing regulation with growth, the rise of AI and data centers, and why small nuclear power and water management will be central to Texas’s future. A must-listen for anyone interested in Texas energy, jobs, and policy. Watch Full-Interviews:  Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks