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The Civics Lab at St. Edward's University (Austin, TX) is a student and faculty collaborative podcast on civics life in America. We interview guests and discuss issues around the intersection of politics, economics, society, public policy, religion and other important issues to the civics life in the United States and Texas. Dr. David Thomason, on the faculty at St. Ed's, is the director of the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence and project manager of the Civics Lab. Students at St. Ed's produce, research and comment on the podcast. The Civics Lab team is led by St. Edward's University students Jacob Zivin, George Reyes, Charlie Mossberger, Paige Kennedy, Tori Fleming and Janie Herring. The podcast is brought to you by the Kozmetsky Center. Some of the podcasts are also funded by a Civics Engagement grant from Pi Sigma Alpha.
37 Episodes
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Send us a text 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 landscape, delving into topics such as the separations of power, the constitution, and the influence o...
Send us a text 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 Graham, Principal at Graham Development, and attorney Jim Blackburn, discussing the environmental and ...
Send us a text 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 Leadership Austin For more information on Leadership Austin, visit their website: https://leadersh...
Send us a text 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 of public transit in Austin. Date Recorded : Friday, May 16th, 2025
Send us a text 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 insider's perspective on both the archive's significance and the vibrant experience of Hillhops itself. Date R...
Send us a text 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 a text 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 shared valuable perspectives on the future of rural Texas. Tune in as we break down key takeaway...
Send us a text 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 Political Science Honors Society. Music By Mike Kirpak from Pixbay
Send us a text 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 a text 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 a text 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 podcast was funded by a Civics Engagement Grant from Pi Sigma Alpha.
Send us a text 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 by a Civics Engagement Grant from Pi Sigma Alpha. Part 2 of this discussion will be re...
Send us a text 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 a text 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 Elfant, and discuss the politics and hurdles of registering citizens to vote.&n...
Send us a text 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 Thomason (Director of the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward's University, and St. Edward's Univers...
Send us a text 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 public lands.
Send us a text 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 on this week's quick take! Websites on what Austin is doing to address food insecurit...
Send us a text 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.revuptexas.org/ Twitter for RevUP: REV UP Texas @REVUP_Texas Bob Kafka https://www.youtube.c...
Send us a text 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 a text 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.com/
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