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PODCAST

Cap Chat Texas

Stephanie Chiarello, David Mintz

Get to know the people behind the scenes at the Texas Legislature. We interview capitol staff, lobbyists, activists and other worker bees to help build our capitol community.

government careers

All Episodes

00:45:54

S2E5 - This is Where the Difference is Made with...

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/11/04

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

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00:21:25

S2E4 - Just Try with Legislative Aide Oliver Lehr

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/10/28

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

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00:35:26

S2E3 - Chief of Stuff with Ricardo Lopez-Guerra

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/10/20

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

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00:23:12

S2E2 - The Night of The Unpleasantness with Robert Haney

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/09/29

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

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00:33:49

S2E1 - From Ice Age to Space Age with Robert Haney

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/09/29

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

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00:30:25

S1E14 - Driving Mr. Cornyn with JD Hale

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/05/29

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

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00:32:36

S1E13 - No Reason to be Rude with Kwame Walker

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/05/21

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,

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00:31:34

S1E12 - The Second One with Bob Garrett

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/05/06

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

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00:31:44

S1E11 - The One with Harvey Kronberg

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/04/29

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

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00:26:00

S1E10 - Listen More Than You Talk with Staffer...

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/04/23

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

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00:28:49

S1E9 - Surrounded by Love with Habitat for Humanity's...

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/04/15

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

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00:29:42

S1E8 - One Member, One Vote with Rusty Kelley

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/04/08

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

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00:27:05

S1E7 - Managing Expectations with the Unicorn Tammy...

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/03/25

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

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00:27:20

S1E6 - My People Collection with Michelle Wittenburg

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/03/11

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

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00:26:28

S1E5 - A Very Special Episode with Stephanie Chiarello

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/02/26

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

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00:28:26

S1E4 - Tired But Determined with Renzo Downey

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/02/20

How does someone who grew up in California, went to J-school in Illinois, and covered the Florida Legislature end up in Texas? Find out in this episode, where we talk with Renzo Downey, lead writer for The Blast, the Texas Tribune’s newsletter, about what it’s like to cover the Texas Legislature, his love of ‘90s bands, and why you should never burn a source. For more information about The Blast visit https://www.texastribune.org/theblast/. Archived issues of Texas Weekly can be found here:

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00:25:20

S1E3 - Control, Alt, Delete With Monty Exter

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/02/11

Co-hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz bring you Cap Chat Texas, a podcast dedicated to building community at the Texas Capitol by highlighting the people who make it all happen. From staffers to lobbyists to journalists, Cap Chat Texas explores the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping daily life under the Pink Dome.People and topics mentioned in the podcast:Mike Villareal, Baylor Law School LBJ School of Public AffairsA very special thanks to Fallout Theater for providing

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00:36:37

S1E2 - Parliamentary Inquiry with Denise Davis

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/02/04

People and topics mentioned in the podcast:Lt. Governor Bill Hobby House Speaker Joe StrausOveta Culp HobbyInterim BabiesBob KellySteven CollinsChris Greisel“Night of Great Unpleasantness”Bob “Big Daddy” JohnsonSharon CarterGordon Johnson 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.Co-hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz bring you Cap Chat Texas, a podcast dedicated

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00:21:25

Cap Chat with Robyn Hadley - The Capitol Crowd

Cap Chat Texas ·

2025/01/14

Co-hosts Stephanie Chiarello and David Mintz are proud to introduce Cap Chat, 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 dives into the stories, experiences, and perspectives of those shaping the Capitol’s daily life.Join us for candid conversations and fresh insights.

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00:00:09

TEST: Welcome to Cap Chat

Cap Chat Texas ·

2024/12/20

TESTing the simplecast platform.

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