In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Mary Lynn Pruneda, Director of Education & Workforce Policy at Texas 2036 and former education policy advisor to Gov. Greg Abbott.They dive into the controversies and complexities of Texas public education—from the end of the STAAR test to the new three-test system, literacy challenges, teacher pay, and the long-term workforce impact if Texas fails to catch up.Pruneda explains why public education is harder than most people realize, the consequences of pandemic learning loss, how Texas stacks up against other states like Mississippi, and what parents can do to step up as their children’s first teachers.If you care about the future of Texas schools, accountability, testing, and workforce readiness, this conversation is a must-listen.
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Ep. 82 - Kelsey Streufert
In this episode of Texas Talks, Brad Swail sits down with Kelsey Streufert, Chief Public Affairs Officer at the Texas Restaurant Association, to discuss the future of Texas dining. From Covid recovery to supply chain disruptions, property tax hikes, immigration, tariffs, and credit card swipe fees, restaurants are facing relentless challenges. Kelsey breaks down how new legislation like SB 1008 is cutting red tape, how childcare access and workforce policies are shaping the industry, and why Texas still leads as the best state to own and operate a restaurant. A must-listen for small business owners, policymakers, and anyone who cares about the food service industry in Texas.Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks
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Ep. 81 - Senator Tan Parker (District 12)
In this Texas Talks interview, Senator Tan Parker of District 12 joins Brad Swail to discuss his decades-long fight against human trafficking, including the passage of Senate Bill 11 to protect victims and prosecute traffickers. Parker also breaks down disaster relief efforts following the July 4th floods, new legislation to safeguard Texas children, and the state’s leadership in AI innovation and regulation. A deep dive into protecting the vulnerable, strengthening public safety, and keeping Texas at the forefront of progress.
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Ep. 80 - Gary VanDeaver (TX House District 1)
In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Representative Gary VanDeaver (TX House District 1) to discuss the future of rural healthcare, the ongoing opioid crisis, and the heated debate over hemp-derived THC in Texas. VanDeaver, a retired educator and cattle rancher, shares his perspective on hospital closures, telemedicine, physician shortages, and policy battles shaping public health. From House Bill 18 on rural health stabilization to the controversy around THC regulation and opioid test strips, this conversation offers an inside look at the challenges and opportunities facing Texans today.
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Ep. 79 - Cody Vasut (HD-25)
In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with State Representative Cody Vasut (HD-25) for an in-depth conversation about the most pressing issues facing Texas lawmakers. Vasut, Chair of the Redistricting Committee, breaks down the quorum standoff at the Capitol, why redistricting has become a national story, and how Texas maps compare to Democratic-led states.
The discussion also covers hemp-derived THC regulation, the fight over age limits and bans, and the balance between public health and personal freedom. Finally, Rep. Vasut dives into property tax reform—why Texans feel like they’re “renting from the state,” potential alternatives to the current system, and the long-term conservative goal of reducing or even eliminating property taxes.
This wide-ranging conversation gives listeners a candid look inside the Texas Legislature and the policy battles shaping the state’s future.
Texas Talks with Brad Swail is a weekly podcast that features wide-ranging discussions with the people, organizations, and businesses that shape public policy in Texas. Texas Talks aims to provide listeners with a deeper understanding of the policy debates and reasons and insight into the personalities that shape public policy in Texas.
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