Cap Chat Texas

Episode SummaryIn this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we continue our conversation with former Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes.  Ben discusses his approach to leading the Texas House and Senate, what motivated him to write a new book, and why civics education is so important for students.  Ben’s book, Get It Done will be published in June 2026.    People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  The Honorable Bill Clayton, the Honorable John Connally, Wales Madden, Willie Nelson, Frank Sharp, Colonel Pat Speir, and the Sharpstown Scandal. 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, our special guest is Texas political icon Governor Ben Barnes, who served as both Speaker of the Texas House and as Lieutenant Governor. In part one of our two-part conversation, Governor Barnes discusses how he got his start in politics, what the Texas Legislature was like in the 1960s, and some valuable advice he received from Sam Rayburn. Barnes also reflects on his proudest political achievements, including dramatically expanding funding for higher education, the challenges Texas will face as its population continues to grow, and one of the advantages of wearing a hat. People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  Bill Blakely, Colonel Homer Garrison, the Honorable Bill Heatly, Ike Hickman, President Lyndon Johnson, President John Kennedy,  The Honorable Ted Kennedy, President Richard Nixon, The Honorable Sam Rayburn , The Honorable John Tower, The Honorable Byron Tunnell and the Honorable Jimmy Turman.  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, veteran lobbyist Carol McGarah shares her path from working at a state agency to becoming the CEO of Blackridge, one of Texas’s most respected lobbying firms. Carol reflects on collaborating with dozens of stakeholders to shape groundbreaking environmental legislation and how her commitment to continuous learning has sharpened her effectiveness at the Capitol. She also highlights why the most crucial lobbying work happens before the legislative session begins and the importance of mentoring the next generation of the Capitol community.People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  The Honorable Buster Brown, The Honorable Bob Bullock, Lauren Hadley, Rusty Kelley, The Honorable Pete Laney The Honorable Ron Lewis, The Honorable Bill Sims, The Honorable Steve Wolens, Blackridge, Pink Granite, Texas State Board of Dental Examiners 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

From compiling legislative clips to shaping health policy and leading professional associations, Troy Alexander has built a remarkable career in Texas state government. In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, Troy reflects on his journey from starting out as a Senate messenger to becoming a trusted voice on state legislative affairs. He shares why that first job still means so much to him, his deep appreciation for the dedicated people who keep the Capitol running, and offers insightful advice for anyone hoping to build a career under the dome.People and groups mentioned in this podcast:The Honorable Chet Brooks,  The Honorable Tom Craddick , Tim Flynn , The Honorable Bill Hobby, The Honorable Cyndi Taylor Krier, David Marwitz, Carleton Turner, Christine’s List, The Linoleum Club, Texas Academy of Family Physicians, Texas Medical Association, Texas Veterinary Medical Association, Travis County Medical Society    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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

On this lively episode of Cap Chat Texas, we welcome Brian Francis, an inspired and innovative public servant who has led three Texas state agencies. Brian offers an engaging look at the vital connection between legislative policymaking and state agency implementation.He also shares insights into the challenges of testifying on legislation while remaining neutral, his approach to effective team leadership, and his passion for slam poetry. Check out Brian’s website to learn more about his leadership presentations and training.Co-hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz are proud to introduce Cap Chat Texas, a new podcast that creates community at the Texas Capitol by spotlighting the people who make it all happen. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, Cap Chat Texas dives into the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping the Capitol’s daily life.Join us for candid conversations and fresh insights.  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

What’s it like to be a young staffer around the Capitol?  In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we visit with Oliver Lehr, who’s spent time at the Capitol as a Senate messenger and an intern. Oliver shares what it’s like working in the messenger's office, how he handled the stress of session, and his plans for the future.  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

Before becoming a lobbyist, Ricardo Lopez-Guerra wore many hats at the Texas Capitol running campaigns, staffing committees, as a legislative aide in the Senate and Chief of Staff to two state reps.  In this episode, he talks about some of the differences working in the House and the Senate, the benefits of sometimes “not knowing what you don’t know,” and what his act would be if there is ever a Cap Chat Texas Talent Show.  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.comPeople and groups mentioned in this podcast:The Honorable Veronica Gonzales, Representative Bobby Guerra, and Senator Royce West 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

In this episode, we continue our conversation with lobbyist and former Texas House Chief Clerk Robert Haney.Robert shares stories about the infamous “Night of Great Unpleasantness,” the often-overlooked contributions of the dedicated support staff, and a look a side of the lawmaking process that Bill didn’t sing about on Schoolhouse Rock. 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.Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.A very special thanks to the Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.comPeople and groups mentioned in this podcast:The Honorable Christi Craddick, Nadine Craddick, The Honorable Tom Craddick, Tom Craddick, Jr., Denise Davis, The Honorable Harold Dutton, Chris Griesel, The Honorable Todd Hunter, The Honorable Terry Keel, The Honorable Joe Nixon, The Honorable Rick Noriega, The Honorable Joe Straus, The Honorable Ron Wilson 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

Cap Chat Texas returns for Season Two with an insightful conversation featuring Robert Haney, whose journey to the heart of Texas politics began by shagging golf balls. Over his 20-year tenure as Chief Clerk of the Texas House, Haney served under five different Speakers, playing a crucial role in keeping the legislative gears turning.From navigating procedural hurdles and managing the complexities of the state budget, to knowing how to mix a proper Yellow Tail, this episode pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of the Clerk’s Office, revealing a side of the legislative process most people never see. 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.Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.A very special thanks to the Fallout Theater for providing their podcast studio. Check them out for great improv, stand up and sketch comedy just blocks from the Texas Capitol.  Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.comPeople and groups mentioned in this podcast:Jesse Ancira, The Honorable Bob Bullock, Sharon Carter, Steve Collins, Tim Dudley, Nancy Fisher, Don Green, Bob Kelly, Bob “Big Daddy” Johnson, John Keel, The Honorable Mike Krusee, The Honorable Pete Laney, The Honorable Gib Lewis, Barry Miller, Stacey Nicchio, John O’Brien, The Honorable Rick Perry, Chas Semple, The Honorable Carole Keeton Strayhorn, The Honorable Mike Toomey,  & The Honorable Ron Wilson. 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

When proud Texas Aggie JD Hale headed to Washington for an internship, he never imagined it would lead to a career lobbying for a major statewide trade association. In this episode, JD talks about his appreciation for logos on one-pagers, making the most of every opportunity, and the unique perspective gained from working in both the district office and at the Capitol.People and groups mentioned in this podcast:The Honorable John Cornyn, The Honorable Robert Nichols,  Scott Norman, Texas A&M, Texas Association of Builders 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

What started as a one-day stint as a House Sergeant turned into a lifelong career working. In this episode, former legislative aide and longtime lobbyist Kwame Walker shares how not making the UT Basketball team unexpectedly led him to the Texas Capitol. He talks about seizing opportunities, respecting staffers' time, and the lasting impact of being nice. People and groups mentioned in this podcast:Ann Brooks, The Honorable Chet Brooks, Larry Casto, The Honorable Brandon Creighton, Machre Gibson, Shanna Igo, Rusty Kelley, The Honorable Ted Lyon, The Honorable Jerry Patterson, The Honorable Tati Santiesteban, Carlton Turner, Cal Varner, The Honorable Royce West. Cissy Woomer 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Garrett, the former longtime Capitol Bureau Chief for The Dallas Morning News. Bob shares his insights on the challenges of covering the Texas Legislature, how political journalism has evolved, and reveals a surprising connection between Jimi Hendrix and George Best.  Note: This episode was recorded on March 28, 2025 shortly before the passing of John Thornton, who is mentioned during the conversation.People and groups mentioned in this podcast:The Honorable Greg Abbott, The Honorable Bill Clements, The Honorable John Connally, James Barragán, Renzo Downey, Karen Brooks Harper, The Honorable Bill Hobby, Reverend Jesse Jackson, Phil Jankowski, Gromer Jeffers, Tom Johnson, Sam Kinch, Eleanor Klibanoff, Dave McNeely, The Honorable Dan Patrick,  Jasper Scherer, John Thorton, Aarón Torres, Bryan Woolley, Capitol Tonight, Dallas Times Herald, Dallas Morning News, Texas Monthly, Texas Observer, Texas Tribune, The Booze Brothers, The Killer Bees  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

How did a serial entrepreneur become publisher of the state’s longest-running political newsletter? On this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we sit down with Quorum Report's Harvey Kronberg to hear how he stumbled into journalism, his take on the state’s shifting political landscape, and the importance of institutional memory.People and groups mentioned in this podcast:Scott BraddockThe Honorable Doc Arnold The Honorable Warren Chisum  The Honorable Tom Craddick Nick KrajlDavid MincebergDavey Joe MontgomeryJohn MoritzRoss Ramsey The Honorable Stan Schlueter Evan Smith  The Honorable Jonathan Stickland The Honorable Joe Straus The Honorable Carole StrayhornTHe Honorable Mike ToomeyThe Honorable Leticia and Pete Van de Putte The Honorable Ralph Wayne Dixie Flag Company German Shepherd Rescue of Central TexasThe Texas Civil Justice LeagueThe Texas Trial Lawyers Association  The Texas Tribune The Quorum Club  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

In this episode, legislative staffer and community leader Donovon Rodriguez shares how his experience as a 911 dispatcher taught him to stay calm amid the chaos of the Capitol. He also discusses the importance of building strong constituent relationships, his approach to managing a legislative office, and some of the differences between working in the House and Senate.People and groups mentioned in this podcast: Senator Jose MenendezSenator Roland GutierrezRepresentative Diego Bernal Representative Philip CortezRepresentative Trey Martinez FischerRepresentative Ray Lopez City Council Member Shirley GonzalesEdgewood Education Foundation 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

From Senate Messenger to CEO of Habitat for Humanity Texas, Amy Ledbetter Parham shares the unique challenges of nonprofit advocacy, negotiating with “lizard people” (no, not folks in Austin), and what it's like to build a house on the Capitol grounds.People and groups mentioned in this podcast: Senator Bob Glasgow Habitat for Humanity LBJ School of Public Affairs President Jimmy Carter Visit Habitat for Humanity Texas for more information about their work and how you can support their efforts to provide affordable housing.   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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

Regarded as one of the state’s premier lobbyists, Rusty Kelley literally started out mopping floors in the Capitol.  In this episode Rusty tells about his deep respect for the institution, legislators he has admired and how the Sharpstown Scandal transformed lobbying in Texas.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.Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.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. People mentioned in this podcast: Dick Brown Senator Jack ChristieSpeaker Billy Clayton Speaker Price Daniel, Jr. Jeff Davis Senator Kevin Eltife Jack GullahornRepresentative Bill Messer Lawrence Olsen Tommy Townsend The Sharpstown Scandal  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

People mentioned in this podcast:Representative Roberto AlonzoSenator Hugo BerlangaSpeaker Billy ClaytonCongressman Ron ColemanRepresentative Robby CookLynn Cutler  Representative Linda GarciaCalvin GuestRepresentative Susan KingRepresentative Mike McKinneyRepresentative Doug MillerRepresentative Christina MoralesGloria MorenoKate RaetzRepresentative Mark Strama  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

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 mentioned in this podcast:Senator Bill Sims House Speaker Tom CraddickRepresentative Kyle Kacal Representative Ken King  Judge Lee YeakelLewis Sessions Congressman Pete Sessions  Andrea Sloan Justice Nathan Hecht Rahsaan King Jack Jack’s Pack Street Dog Rescue KK125 Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation  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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

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 Greenberg, Mike Villarreal, Peter Clark, LBJ, Gina Amatangelo, Laura Hernandez, Harold Cook, Amber Hausenfluck, CATS, Shawn Leventhal, Mackenzie Astin 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. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com. 

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 to journalists, we explore the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome. Join hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz for candid conversations and fresh insights.Know someone who would be a great guest?  Drop us a note at capchattx@gmail.com.