Cap Chat Texas

• S1E14 - Driving Mr. Cornyn with JD Hale

  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. 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.

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• S1E13 - No Reason to be Rude with Kwame Walker

  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. 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.

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• S1E12 - The Second One with Bob Garrett

  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. 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.

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• S1E11 - The One with Harvey Kronberg

  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. 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.

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• S1E10 - Listen More Than You Talk with Staffer Donovon Rodriguez

  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. 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.

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