Cap Chat Texas

Lawyer and lobbyist Denise Rose joins us on this episode of Cap Chat Texas to share her journey from aspiring doctor to prominent lobbyist, with a strong focus on health care policy. Denise discusses both the blessings and the challenges of working in a constantly changing environment, her different approaches to collaborating with legislative offices, and how she finds stress relief through boxing.People and groups mentioned in this podcast:  Jennifer Banda, John Hawkins, the Honorable Glenn Hegar, Kathy Hutto, Marsha Jones, the Honorable Joe Straus, the Honorable Vicki Truitt,  Gabe Valenzuela, the Honorable Gene Wu, Americorp, Jackson Walker, Texas Children’s Hospital, Texas Hospital Association, Texas Sunset Commission, & University of Houston. 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 [email protected] us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

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 [email protected] us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

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 [email protected] us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

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 [email protected] us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.

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 [email protected] us? Please recommend us to three friends, subscribe and rate the podcast, and share on your socials. We'd love to get to 1,000 unique listeners this year.