Shows
Mission: TexasEp. 19: Taylor Rehmet's win, the Texas Primaries, and What's Next (Rep. Rafael Anchia)Texas primary season is underway, and Democrats just got a major win with the Senate District 9 special election. In this episode of Mission: Texas, we’re joined by State Rep. Rafael Anchia, a multi-decade elected official, for a clear-eyed breakdown of the Texas Democratic Primaries and what the SD-9 result tells us about the road ahead. Rep. Anchia has served with many of the people running for office in this primary season, including Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico. We discuss: Why the SD-9 win mattered — and why it wasn’t a fluke What worked: candidate...
2026-02-121h 12Mission: TexasEp. 18: Tony Box (Veteran, former AUSA) on Restoring Trust in the Texas AG' s OfficeWe finalize our interviews of all Attorney General candidates with Tony Box, a veteran, former FBI agent, former federal prosecutor, and Dallas-area dad. We talk about what the AG’s office is supposed to do, and how it’s been distorted by decades of partisanship. Tony shares his extraordinary personal story, from surviving a gunshot wound at 16, to serving as a tank commander, JAG officer, FBI agent, and white-collar prosecutor, and explains why that experience uniquely prepares him to lead the state’s top law-enforcement office.We dig into: How the Texas AG became a nation...
2026-02-0546 minMission: TexasEp. 17: Joe Jaworski on Reclaiming the Texas AG OfficeIn this episode, we’re joined by Joe Jaworski, candidate for Texas Attorney General and former Mayor of Galveston, for a wide-ranging conversation about what the Texas AG actually does — and what the office could do if Democrats take it back.We talk about: Joe's immigrant family history How power really works in Texas government — and how the AG can be an independent check Jaworski’s case for a new “Division of Affordability” at the AG’s office to protect Texans as ratepayers, consumers, parents, and policyholders The reality of running statewide as a working person — and what needs t...
2026-01-2957 minMission: TexasEp. 16: What Do The Top Texas Donors Really Want To See?What do Texas donors really want before they invest—and what will it take to fund a winning path for Democrats in Texas?In this episode of Mission: Texas, hosts Kate and Alex talk with leading Texas Democratic fundraisers Claire Dewar and Howard Klion about the donor mindset and the infrastructure needed to win long-term.In this episode: What Texas donors want to see before they give Why “big shiny” statewide races aren’t enough The demand for results, ROI, and accountability Building real infrastructure: precinct chairs, county parties, and year-round organizing Why candidates can’t ke...
2026-01-2243 minMission: TexasEp. 15: Progress Texas and How Media Can Help Flip TexasOn this episode of Mission: Texas, Kate and Alex sit down with Chris and Kathleen from Progress Texas—a 15-year-old progressive media organization (and podcast network) built to fight disinformation, keep attention on the long game, and help Texans stay engaged before, during, and after campaigns. And we even play “Obsessed,” a game from our friends at "Pod Bless Texas," for a little holiday fun.In this episode, we also talk about: What Progress Texas is (and why “campaigns come and go”) The Daily Dispatch: a 7–10 minute weekday show designed for real life (aka “one shower long...
2026-01-1545 minMission: TexasEp. 14: Texas Democratic Veterans on VenezuelaRichardson Area Democrats (RAD) invited Mission: Texas to moderate a special panel of Democratic veterans and military civilians running for office across North Texas for an urgent, in-depth conversation about Venezuela, war powers, and the future of American democracy.Former service members and current candidates from Congress to the Texas House and Senate break down what’s happening, what it means for U.S. foreign policy, why congressional authorization matters, and how unchecked executive power puts service members, families, and global stability at risk — and what voters can do right now to change the trajectory. In th...
2026-01-081h 26
Mission: TexasEp. 13: Recap, Resolutions, and West Wing ReferencesAs Texas heads into a pivotal election year, Kate and Alex kick off the new year with a special recap and resolutions episode inspired by The West Wing. From precinct chairs and working-class messaging to gun safety, faith, and grassroots turnout, this episode breaks down what Texas Democrats must do to actually win. Channeling Sam, Toby, CJ, Josh, and President Bartlet, the hosts revisit their first twelve episodes and lay out concrete resolutions for flipping Texas.We also spark a little friendly Texas rivalry by revealing which major cities are actually showing up on the g...
2026-01-011h 07Mission: TexasEp. 12: Giffords, Gun Owners for Safety in Texas (Steven Kling)A Giffords leader, Army combat veteran, Texas gun owner, and Democrat Steven Kling joins Mission Texas to dismantle one of the biggest political myths in Texas — that being a Democrat is somehow in conflict with being a gun owner. Steve Kling of Giffords Gun Owners for Safety explains why common-sense gun safety laws protect the Second Amendment, preserve public trust in responsible gun ownership, and keep Texas communities safe. As Texans head into the new year, this is a must-hear conversation about public safety, responsibility, and what it really takes to build a winning majority in Texas.
2025-12-2657 minMission: TexasEp. 11: The Most Powerful Job in Texas: Lt. Governor (Rep. Vikki Goodwin)In this episode of Mission: Texas, we talk with State Rep. Vikki Goodwin, a Democratic candidate for Texas Lieutenant Governor, about why this office holds outsized power in Texas politics and how that power impacts everyday Texans. We also discuss Dan Patrick's leadership (or lack thereof) and how the past Democratic candidate, Mike Collier, is now running as an "independent." (right...) We also discuss: Why centralized power in the Texas Senate blocks bipartisan solutions Public education as the foundation for Texas’ future Healthcare, affordability, housing, and water as core kitchen-table issues What it takes to flip Texas...
2025-12-1855 minMission: TexasEp. 10: Filing Day for Texas Dems & the Primary No One Expected (Julie Johnson)Kate and Alex sit down with Congresswoman Julie Johnson on Texas’s filing deadline day—the moment when the political map was shifting in real time. As Jasmine Crockett entered the Senate race, Colin Allred abandoned his Senate candidacy and jumped into TX-33, instantly becoming Julie's primary challenger. Julie talks candidly about why women are not benchwarmers, why this race matters, and how Democrats win long-term by delivering—not performing.In this episode, we cover: The political shakeup: Colin Allred’s last-minute switch from the Senate race to TX-33 and what it signals for Democrats...
2025-12-1122 minMission: TexasEp. 9: Confronting Christian Nationalism in Texas (Brian Recker, author of Hell Bent)Texas is one of the most deeply churched states in America—67% of adults here identify as Christian. So understanding how to navigate the entrenched evangelical culture that shapes so much of Texas politics is at the heart of today’s episode.Kate and Alex sit down with Brian Recker—writer, creator, and former evangelical pastor—whose book Hell Bent is reshaping the national conversation about the intersection of faith, fear, and political power in America.Brian explains how teachings centered on fear, exclusion, and “in-group vs. out-group” thinking have fueled modern Christian nationalism—and how that dynamic s...
2025-12-041h 01Mission: TexasEp. 8: Thankful for Democratic Wins in Texas (fmr Rep. John Turner)This Thanksgiving, we’re serving up a special episode of Mission: Texas with former State Rep. John Turner, the Texas Democrat who flipped a long-held Republican House seat in 2018. Whether you’re on a holiday road trip, cooking dinner, or running in a Turkey Trot, this is your political pep talk for 2026 and beyond.John shares how he went from a successful law career at a law firm to deciding a “one-in-three” shot was enough to run; what makes 2018 similar to 2026; and how suburban, rural, faith, and gun-owning voters all fit into a winning Democratic coalition. John al...
2025-11-2750 minMission: TexasEp. 7: The Elephant in the Room Texas Democrats KEEP Ignoring (Rep. Mihaela Plesa)Note: This episode was recorded before the recent court decision on redistricting.State Rep. Mihaela Plesa (HD 70 – Collin County) joins Mission: Texas to break down how gerrymandering, mid-decade redistricting, and low turnout are keeping Texas red—and what it really takes to win in a suburban swing district north of Dallas.Mihaela shares her journey as the daughter of immigrants and a bilingual kid in Collin County, to small business owner, to unpaid Capitol intern at 32, to Vice Chair of the Texas House Democratic Caucus who flipped a gerrymandered district, won by just 800 votes, and made...
2025-11-2053 minMission: TexasEp 6: The Texas County That Could Save Democrats? (Allison Campolo)On a Friday night, three parents sit down to talk about the future of Texas politics — and the one county that could change everything. Allison Campolo, Chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party, joins Mission: Texas to explain why Tarrant — the last major urban county in Texas still voting Republican — might be the key to finally flipping the state.The episode opens on a hopeful note: how Tarrant has quietly built momentum, made measurable progress, and become one of the few places where Democrats are actually growing cycle after cycle.We also discuss how Democratic candid...
2025-11-131h 01Mission: TexasEp 5: Texas, Assemble! (with Cliff Walker, the self-titled Nick Fury of Texas politics)Are Texas Democrats waiting for another superhero candidate — or finally ready to assemble a winning team? But what we do know - Thanos is coming, and Texas Democrats need to act fast. In this episode of Mission: Texas, Kate and Alex sit down with strategist and former deputy executive director of the Texas Democratic Party, Cliff Walker, the self-titled Nick Fury of Texas politics.Cliff unpacks what a modern state party actually does — from voter-file data and modeling to the strategy behind local organizing — and why Texas needs less Hulk-smash energy and more Ant-Man discipline.But...
2025-11-061h 09Mission: TexasEp 4: How Much Does ONE Vote Cost? (with political fundraiser Alex Andrade)What if every vote came with a price tag? 💸Political fundraiser Alex Andrade joins Mission: Texas to break down the shocking math behind campaign money — from Beto O’Rourke’s $77 million race to why Democrats might be spending big in all the wrong places.Hosts Kate Rumsey and Alex Clark unpack how much a single vote really costs, why fundraising talent is so scarce in Texas, and how smarter investments — not bigger ones — could finally flip the state.🎧 Topics include:• How much campaigns actually spend per vote• The ROI of TV vs. field work• Why...
2025-10-301h 02Mission: TexasEp. 3: From Anger to Hope — Texas Politics Then and Now (ft. Sen. Nathan Johnson)This week on Mission: Texas, we sit down with Texas State Senator Nathan Johnson — now a candidate for Attorney General — to talk about flipping Texas, rebuilding hope, and why the long game matters.We cover what really drove the 2018 wins, how Democrats can re-energize discouraged activists, and the practical math of turning anger and hope into actual turnout. Senator Johnson breaks down statewide wins and why 2026 might just be the moment to "buy the dip" and believe again.He also shares what the Attorney General’s office could be doing to protect Texas voters, fight Trump’...
2025-10-2346 minMission: TexasEpisode 2: The Life of Candidate (feat. Kristian Carranza)On the same day Taylor Swift drops The Life of a Showgirl, we’re bringing you The Life of a Candidate.In this ladies-only episode of Mission: Texas, host Kate Rumsey sits down with Kristian Carranza, a San Antonio organizer and candidate for Texas House District 118, to talk about the real backstage life of running for office — the heartbreak, the hope, and the hustle.Kristian opens up about losing a race, getting back up, and finding her voice again at a town hall microphone. From knocking on 10,000 doors to fighting for public schools and working-class fami...
2025-10-1658 minMission: TexasEpisode 1: Kendall Scudder on Rebuilding the Texas Democratic PartyTexas Democratic Party Chair Kendall Scudder joins Mission: Texas hosts Kate Rumsey and Alex Clark to talk about rebuilding the Texas Democratic Party from the ground up and what it will take to flip Texas by 2032. Scudder shares his plan for strengthening grassroots infrastructure, filling precinct and county chair vacancies, launching Spanish-language communications, investing in data and voter protection, and promoting bold economic populism that reconnects Democrats with working Texans.This episode covers: Redistricting and why it can’t stop statewide wins How Democrats can overcome turnout gaps The role of the state party in messaging, da...
2025-10-0951 minMission: TexasIntroducing "Mission: Texas"In this episode of Mission: Texas, we dive into the seismic electoral shifts set to change the political landscape by 2032. With new congressional seats projected for Texas and Florida, the balance of power in the Electoral College is tipping. Discover why winning traditional blue states might not be enough and how this shift demands new strategies for securing the White House. Strap in for a deep dive into the electoral future that could disrupt decades of political norms.We also challenge stereotypes and redefine what it means to be a Democrat. From serving in the military to...
2025-10-021h 06
Dr. Andy's Poetry and Technology HourJordan Rice, Lissa Provost, Read ForrestOn the 1/22/25 Edition of Dr Andy’s Poetry and Technology Hour:Jordan Rice joins in to talk on her writing life, meditation, reading habits, and award-winning poetry. She describes the voices of her poems as echoes of other works she adores, as well as linguistic cornerstones of her diction that help her find a starting point in a poem. Rice then shares a poem, “Lost Body.” Next Lissa Provost, Director of the San Francisco Writers Conference, calls into the show. Provost outlines the agenda for the 2025 SFWC, including publishing workshops, panel discussions, and the world's longest (allegedly) open m...
2025-01-2349 min
Unthinking Space (formerly Design Feeling)End of Season 1 Recap: Learnings and ReflectionsIt’s the end of the first season of the Design Feeling Podcast! In this episode, host, Nirish Shakya, recaps the 12 guest interviews and shares his top learnings and reflections from them. If this is your first time listening to the Design Feeling Podcast, this might be a good start to start. It’ll give you a taster of all the conversations we’ve had in the show so far so you can pick and choose the episodes you want to listen to in full. Nirish also gives a sneak peak of what’s coming in Seaso...
2022-07-0742 min
Finding the Throughline with Kate Hanley[Body Acceptance Strategies]: Where Body Un-Acceptance Comes From and What to Do About It.I’m super excited about today’s episode because it’s a topic I’ve been really feeling into lately, both as a woman who recently got my menopause wings (I don't call menopause "The Thickening" for nothing), and as the mother of two young teens who are going through all the changes that come with puberty. But body acceptance is really vital at any age, and that’s what today’s guest can help us think about in new ways. Today I’m talking with Alissa Rumsey, a New York City Registered Dietitian & Nutrition Therapist and author of the boo...
2022-06-2224 min
Hospital Radio Medway InterviewsBeanstalk the Children's Literacy CharityIn this episode Gordon Clark talks to Kate Rumsey about Beanstalk the Children's Literacy Charity and how to become one of their volunteer readers.
2022-05-1018 min
Impact at UTS7. Creating research with real world impact todayResearch can be a slow burn, it takes time, and the impact and benefits from research won’t always be realised straight away.As discovered throughout the Impact at UTS podcast, research with impact involves long term relationship building and ongoing engagement with research partners, be that industry, government or community.But even researchers can get impatient. What if you want your work to create change in the world right now? How do you go about it?In the final episode of Impact at UTS we hear from Professor Thalia Anthony, a Law Professor who is leading in...
2020-10-1638 min