Mandy Drogin - Podcast Details

Shows

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin The Red Tape Standing Between Families and Education FreedomWhat happens when families gain education freedom, but schools face roadblocks to serving them?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Pastor Wendell Hutchins, founder and senior pastor of Church of Champions in Houston. Hutchins shares the challenges his church’s private school encountered while seeking to participate in Texas’ Education Freedom Accounts program. Their conversation explores barriers facing faith-based schools, the role of churches in education, and the importance of Texas expands school choice.

2026-10-2354 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Strengthening Literacy in Texas with Robert PondiscioHow can Texas students be set up for success when it comes to improving literacy and reading comprehension?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Robert Pondiscio, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, former teacher, and author of How the Other Half Learns. Their conversation explores why improving literacy takes more than phonics, how Texas is building a comprehensive approach to education, and what parents should look for when choosing a school.

2026-10-1643 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Billion Dollar Bonds with Prof. Philip Harold & James Quintero | Parent Empowerment w/ Mandy DroginIrving ISD is asking voters to approve a nearly $1 billion bond package even as student enrollment declines and taxpayers continue to shoulder billions in school district debt.On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin is joined by Philip Harold, professor at the University of Dallas, and TPPF's James Quintero to examine Irving ISD’s proposed $952 million bond, the true cost of school debt once interest is included, and the role architecture, construction, and consulting firms play in promoting massive bond packages.The conversation explores concerns about transparency surrounding the proposal, declining enrollment in Irving IS...

2026-10-0545 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Education Freedom Accounts in Action | Parent Empowerment with Mandy DroginOn this episode of Parent Empowerment, host Mandy Drogin sits down with a Texas mother and two students from City School in Austin to discuss how school choice and Education Freedom Accounts are helping families access an education that meets their unique needs.The students share their experiences with dyslexia, smaller class sizes, hands-on learning, individualized attention, and specialized reading support. Renee Evans, a mother of 3, explains how City School’s faith-based environment and dyslexia resources have helped her children grow academically and gain confidence in the classroom.They also discuss the financial impact of rec...

2026-09-1816 min

Freedom to Learn Mandy Drogin on Texas Education Freedom Accounts, Great Books, & the Classroom ComebackTexas families are demanding more education options and expecting more of the education system. Ginny Gentles talks with Mandy Drogin, host of the Parent Empowerment podcast, about the 120,000 students benefiting from Texas’s education freedom accounts this year, the huge demand from families of students with special needs, and the growing marketplace of schools, tutoring, therapies, curriculum, and more. Mandy also makes the case for classical education and the Great Books, exposes what she calls the “education cartel,” and previews her upcoming book, Classroom Comeback: How Americans Can Make Education Great Again.Texas Education Freedom Accounts: https://educat...

2026-09-1730 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Restoring Academic Integrity in Texas' Higher EducationHow can Texas restore academic integrity into our public higher education?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Dr. Tom Lindsay, a longtime higher education expert and former dean, provost, and college president. Their conversation explores how Texas can restore academic integrity, strengthen core curriculum, and ensure taxpayer-funded universities prepare students for civic and professional life.

2026-09-1148 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Texas Parents Fighting Back Against The Education Cartel | Parent Empowerment with Mandy DroginOn this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with attorney Justin Nichols to discuss real disputes involving Texas public schools, parental rights, student discipline, and what he describes as the growing power of the Education Cartel.They break down several controversial cases and disputes, including a Frisco ISD student from Israel who was assigned a report on Palestine, a Belton ISD student who was suspended after expressing support for ICE and an interest in federal law enforcement, and a Plano ISD bullying dispute involving students from different social groups.Justin also explains why...

2026-09-0415 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin How Plano ISD Weaponized the Legal System Against ParentsHow is the education cartel trying to silence parents that speak up against it?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Laura Cervantes, president of the Jasper High School Choir Booster Club. Laura shares how questioning Plano ISD’s demands escalated into the seizure of the booster club’s funds, her arrest on a felony theft charge, and an ongoing federal lawsuit. The conversation explores school district accountability, school district transparency, and why parents must be prepared to stand up to intimidation.

2026-09-0134 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin How Plano ISD Weaponized the Legal System Against Parents w/ Laura CervantesHow is the education cartel trying to silence parents that speak up against it?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Laura Cervantes, president of the Jasper High School Choir Booster Club. Laura shares how questioning Plano ISD’s demands escalated into the seizure of the booster club’s funds, her arrest on a felony theft charge, and an ongoing federal lawsuit. The conversation explores school district accountability, school district transparency, and why parents must be prepared to stand up to intimidation.

2026-08-2734 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Administrative Bloat and Rising Taxes with James Quintero | Parent Empowerment with Mandy DroginTexas taxpayers are spending billions on public education but how much of that money is actually reaching teachers and classrooms?In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with James Quintero of TPPF's Taxpayer Protection Project to examine administrative bloat in Texas public schools, rising superintendent compensation, and the impact these spending decisions can have on taxpayers.According to data discussed in the episode, Texas public schools spent approximately $19.5 billion on non-teacher compensation, while hundreds of superintendents earn salaries exceeding that of the Governor of Texas. Mandy and James also break...

2026-08-2136 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin The Radical Islamism Influencing Our Schools w/ Rep. MoneyHow are radical Islamists infiltrating Texas' educational institutions?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Texas State Representative Brent Money. The conversation explores the founding of the Sharia Free Texas Caucus, the threat posed by radical Islamism, infiltration into education and communities, and practical steps Texans can take to protect their state and the next generation.

2026-08-1351 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Hidden DEI in Higher Education w/ Rep. Cain and Tanner FranklinHow are students facing discrimination and fighting for free speech on college campuses?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Texas State Representative Briscoe Cain and attorney Tanner Franklin. The conversation explores free speech, the continued influence of DEI practices, and what students and parents can do when they believe a public university has violated their rights.

2026-08-0647 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Conroe ISD Is Challenging the Education CartelHow did Conroe ISD's school board challenge the education cartel?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Conroe ISD school board members Misty Odenweller, Nicole May, and Melissa Dungan. They discuss why they are challenging the growing influence of the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB). The four discuss how Conroe ISD is fighting to restore local control, transparency, and accountability in public education.

2026-07-3053 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Exposing Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying with Ben Crockett | Parent Empowerment with Mandy DroginExposing the truth about taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas. In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with TPPF policy scholar Ben Crockett to uncover how millions of taxpayer dollars are being funneled to lobbying organizations, activist nonprofits, political advocacy groups, and special interests that many Texans never intended to fund.The discussion explores how local governments use public money to finance organizations that lobby elected officials, influence legislation, engage in political activism, and advocate for policies that many taxpayers oppose. Mandy and Ben examine examples from major Texas cities, discuss the growing role...

2026-07-2721 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Taking Down the Education Cartel with Carroll ISD LeadershipHow did Carroll ISD leadership take on the education cartel and win?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Carroll ISD School Board President Cam Bryan and Vice President Andrew Yeager to discuss how they challenged the education establishment, fought the education cartel, and helped turn Carroll ISD into a model for academic excellence.Cam and Andrew fought to eliminate DEI initiatives, reduce reliance on classroom technology, increase academic achievement, and break away from the influence of organizations like TASB. The two share how strong local leadership can transform public education...

2026-07-1754 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin How the Bond Process is Being Used Against TaxpayersTexans are paying more in property taxes, but where is the promised tax relief? In this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with Judge Shepard to expose how the Texas school bond process has been hijacked by an education cartel that profits from billions in taxpayer-funded debt. Based on Judge Shepard's groundbreaking research paper this conversation uncovers the network of architects, engineering firms, consultants, lobbyists, and political action committees driving massive school bond elections across Texas.Learn how a handful of firms make small donations to school bond PACs, then receive millions of...

2026-07-0934 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin What Education Freedom Means for Texas FamiliesWhat happens when Texas families are empowered with educational freedom?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with City School Austin's Head of School Karon Law and board member Travis Reese to discuss how Education Freedom Accounts are creating new opportunities for Texas families and allowing schools to better serve students with diverse learning needs.From supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences to helping low-income families access a high-quality education, City School shares how educational freedom is transforming lives, building student confidence, and expanding opportunities for children across Texas.

2026-07-0226 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin A Former Iranian's Warning for America w/ Julie RuehleWhat can Texans learn from someone who watched their freedom disappear firsthand?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with entrepreneur, philanthropist, and former Iranian citizen Julie Ruehle to discuss her experience living through Iran’s Islamic Revolution and the lessons it holds for America today. Julie shares how the Iranian Revolution transformed life for women, silenced political opposition, and dismantled personal freedoms.

2026-06-2539 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Battling the Big Education Cartel with Rep. Terri Leo-WilsonWhy are Texas property taxes still rising despite record education spending? Why has Texas school district debt ballooned to hundreds of billions of dollars? And how are taxpayer-funded lobbyists, education foundations, and public-private partnerships impacting local taxpayers?In this eye-opening episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Texas State Representative Terri Leo-Wilson (HD-23) joins Mandy to expose what she calls the "education cartel" and the powerful network of school districts, developers, consultants, lobbyists, and special interests driving debt, property tax increases, and political lawfare across Texas.Rep. Leo-Wilson discusses:✅ Texas school district debt and ri...

2026-06-1822 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Parents Know Best: Hadley’s Story w/ Hadley & TarynWhy are Texas parents of special needs students leaving public schools for specialized private options?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Taryn, a mom to Hadley and a paraprofessional at Oak Creek Academy in Killeen, Texas, along with Hadley herself. Taryn shares their powerful journey from frustrating public school experiences, including the loss of sign language support, ineffective “inclusion” practices, limited therapies, and behavioral challenges, to finding real hope at a private school built specifically for students with special needs. They discuss how Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) are a lifeline of freedom for...

2026-06-1135 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Qatar’s Grip on Texas Universities with Kate BierlyWhat’s really happening with Texas A&M’s ties to the Qatar Foundation, and why should Texans be paying attention? In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with TPPF's Kate Bierly to discuss Texas A&M’s Qatar campus and the national security threat it poses for Texas and America. The two dive into the role of soft power, foreign funding, national security concerns, and university transparency and accountability. Mandy and Kate also discuss policy solutions lawmakers can pursue to safeguard Texas institutions.

2026-06-0421 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Unpacking Family Formation with Hannah BruckWhy are fewer young Americans getting married and what does this mean for the future of families?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with TPPF's family policy expert, Hannah Bruck, to examine the cultural, economic, and societal forces shaping marriage and family formation in America today.From the rise of online dating culture and social media influence to shifting cultural views on relationships, and financial stability, this conversation explores why so many young people are delaying marriage... or avoiding it altogether. Mandy and Hannah also discuss the critical role strong families...

2026-05-2845 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Taking on Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying with Sen. Adam HinojosaOn this episode of Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, filmed live at Texas Policy Summit 2026, Mandy sits down with Texas Senator Adam Hinojosa to discuss one of the biggest government reform battles in Texas: ending taxpayer-funded lobbying.Sen. Hinojosa explains how taxpayer-funded lobbyists use millions of taxpayer dollars to lobby against reforms like:Property tax reliefSchool choiceProtecting girls’ sportsKeeping boys out of girls’ bathroomsEducation reform and accountabilityTransparency in government spendingThe conversation exposes how organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB), Texa...

2026-05-2125 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Bonds, Property Taxes & Taxpayer-Funded LobbyingOn this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin is joined by James Quintero, Policy Director for the Taxpayer Protection Project, and Jose Melendez, Campaign Director for the Government Reform & Oversight Coalition, to break down how rising property taxes and massive school bond elections are impacting Texas families.The team discusses the growing influence of taxpayer-funded lobbyists, the “education cartel,” and how controversial bond packages — including Dallas ISD’s record-breaking $6.2 billion bond election — could make Texans’ bank accounts even smaller.Learn how Texas school bonds work, why property taxes continue to rise, and what these elections mean for hom...

2026-05-1444 min

The Sweet Tea Series How Marxism Infiltrated America: The Long March Through the Institutions | The Sweet Tea SeriesHow did America’s schools, media, universities, and cultural institutions become so radically different in just a few generations?In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Mandy Drogin, Senior Fellow of Government Reform at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to break down the history and strategy behind “The Long March Through the Institutions” — the decades-long effort by Marxist thinkers and activists to reshape Western culture from within.From Karl Marx and the Frankfurt School to critical theory, higher education, teachers unions, and modern culture wars, Mandy walks through how these id...

2026-05-1250 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin The Truth on Qatar's Radical Islamist Networks w/ Jordan CopeIn this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Jordan Cope, StandWithUs Director of Policy Education and expert on Qatar’s radical Islamist networks, to expose how Qatar is infiltrating Texas through soft power tactics, funding of our higher education and institutions, and direct support of designated terrorist group Hamas.

2026-05-0742 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Restoring the Purpose of Higher Education w/ Justin DyerHow do we restore civic education in higher education?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Justin Dyer, Dean of the School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin, to explore the growing movement to restore classical education and civic understanding in higher education. Dyer shares why many universities have drifted from their original mission and what it will take to course correct.From the rise of classical education in Texas to the urgent need for better teacher training, this conversation examines how colleges can equip the next...

2026-04-3051 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Taxpayer-Funded Lobbyists and The Education CartelOn this explosive episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Judge Shepard and Ben Crockett from the Texas Public Policy Foundation’s Government Reform & Oversight Coalition to expose the powerful role of taxpayer-funded lobbyists in the Texas Legislature.Discover how organizations like the Texas Association of School Boards (TASB) use taxpayer dollars to influence lawmakers and block meaningful education and government reform in Texas. This eye-opening conversation breaks down the hidden lobbying system operating behind the scenes and what it means for parents and taxpayers.They also dive into two groundbreaking new research re...

2026-04-2438 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin The Threat of Marxism in Our Classrooms w/ Ken PopeWhat are students really learning in today’s classrooms?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Ken Pope of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation to examine the growing concerns around ideological influence in America’s education system. Drawing from firsthand experience and historical insight, this conversation unpacks how Marxist ideologies are reaching the next generation.From shifting public opinion among young Americans to what’s happening inside colleges of education and K–12 classrooms, this discussion explores how curriculum, teacher training, and technology are impacting what students learn and how they think.

2026-04-2344 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin The Hidden Influence Behind SAT/AP Courses w/ Jeremy TateAre standardized tests like the SAT really serving students or are they shaping education?In this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Jeremy Tate, founder of the Classical Learning Test (CLT), to unpack the growing conversation around college entrance exams, AP courses, and the future of education in America.From the history of the College Board to the influence of classroom curriculum, this discussion explores how assessments impact what students learn—and why more families are exploring alternative pathways.

2026-03-2739 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Texas School Safety w/ Rob McClellandSchool safety is a top concern for Texas parents, yet only about half of our school campuses currently have an armed protector on site. On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with returning guest Rob McClelland, Dripping Springs ISD Trustee and Board Member of the Texas State School Safety Center to discuss the safety of our schools.They dive deep into HB3’s requirement for an armed officer on every campus, the massive funding challenges districts face, and the “good cause exemption” options now available. Mandy and Rob also unpack the critical physical security upgrad...

2026-03-2038 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Texas' $552 billion in Local Debt w/ Clinton Bailey & Jeff HowardTexas local government debt has exploded to $552 billion, and taxpayers are paying the price. On this episode of Parent Empowerment, Mandy Drogin sits down with Bell County GOP Vice Chair Jeff Howard and The Better Belton Project Founder Clinton Bailey to break down how massive local bond elections are driving government debt higher across Texas.They discuss how school districts and local governments continue pushing record-breaking bond packages, the role the education establishment and taxpayer-funded lobbying groups play in promoting these measures, and why many Texans are seeing higher property taxes as a result.Mandy...

2026-03-131h 04

Texas Talks Mandy Drogin on School Choice, ESAs & the Future of Texas EducationOn this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation to discuss Texas Education Freedom Accounts, school choice policy, and the evolving future of education in the state.The conversation explores how education savings accounts (ESAs) work, why more than 100,000 families applied within days of launch, and the ongoing debate between supporters and critics. Topics include parental rights, funding models, homeschooling options, special-needs education, and the long-term impact of market-driven education reform in Texas.Whether you’re a parent, policymaker, educator, or simply interested in Te...

2026-02-1942 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Safeguarding Students Against Educator Misconduct with Levi FullerTPPF's Mandy Drogin interviews Levi Fuller, the Texas Education Agency's newly appointed Inspector General of Educator Misconduct, who brings his military and prosecutorial experience to combat sexual offenses and other abuses in schools. Fuller details his background, from serving in the Army and fighting ISIS to prosecuting election integrity and child trafficking cases, emphasizing his drive to protect children as a father himself. He highlights key legislative reforms around reporting misconduct, while sharing statistics on the crisis affecting thousands of students annually. Fuller encourages parents to report incidents via the TEA website, assures swift action on allegations, and vows...

2026-02-1242 min

The Right Idea Texas Student ICE Walkouts EXPOSED: Indoctrination, Danger & School Choice SurgeIn this special emergency edition of The Right Idea, TPPF's Brian Phillips, Robert Henneke, and Mandy Drogin react to the recent wave of student walkouts protesting immigration enforcement.Hundreds of students — including middle schoolers — left campuses during school hours, with some districts allegedly facilitating or failing to stop the disruptions. Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Education Agency (TEA), and Attorney General Ken Paxton have launched investigations, threatened funding cuts, and warned of educator accountability for enabling these actions.0:00 – Intro: Massive Texas student walkouts protesting ICE1:00 – Gov. Abbott, TEA & AG response: Funding threats & investigations2:12 – Rob Hennek...

2026-02-1049 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Unveiling the Dangers of Communism in Schools w/ Ken PopeTPPF's Mandy Drogin sits down with Ken Pope, Senior Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, for an eye-opening discussion on the foundation's mission to educate about the over 100 million victims of communist regimes. They explore the infiltration of Marxist ideologies into American education, the long march through institutions inspired by thinkers like Paulo Freire and Herbert Marcuse, and legislative efforts like Texas' SB 24 to ensure students learn the true history and atrocities of communism.

2026-02-061h 03

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Following the Public School Money w/ Robbye KirkpatrickMandy interviews Robbye Kirkpatrick, businesswoman and co-founder of Texas TransformED, about spending in Texas public schools - why is teacher pay so low, where is the over $100 billion we spend going, and why are results getting worse, not better, even as we add more money into the system?

2025-10-2045 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Transforming Texas Education with Ashley B. CashOur kids are failing to launch after they graduate high school. It's time we fix that by fully preparing them for college, career, or the military before they graduate rather than hoping they figure it out after graduation. Ashley B. Cash, co-founder of Texas TransformED, joins Mandy Drogin to chat about all things education, and especially how we can better prepare our children for adult life.

2025-09-2528 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Foreign Nations Accessing Texan Intellectual PropertyForeign nations have poured billions into Texas colleges and universities. They have not done so out of the kindness of their hearts, but rather, because they're using their gifts and grants to gain access to intellectual property, research, and inventions. TPPF's Higher Education Policy Analyst, Kate Bierly, joins Mandy to break down the foreign influences in Texas higher education.

2025-09-1826 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Are Texas Public Schools Being Extorted? w/ Marc GravelyTaxpayers on on the hook for millions upon millions of dollars in damages and other issues thanks to nebulously worded contracts, poorly regulated risk pools, and other sorts of legal drama. Marc Gravely, a legal expert and construction defect lawyer, breaks down how our public schools are being tricked or even extorted by outside groups.

2025-09-0528 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin How Houston Turned Its Failing Public Schools AroundJust a few years ago, Houston ISD - HISD - was the worst performing public school district in Texas, as well as one of the largest. After a new Board of Managers was appointed, HISD has completely turned around, and now, no HISD schools are failing. Join Mandy as she interviews Cassandry Bandy, a courageous Houston mom of two who stepped up to the plate on the Board of Managers and helped bring academic achievement back to the families of Houston.

2025-08-0846 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Local Government Reform with Senator Mayes MiddletonSenator Mayes Middleton of Galveston breaks down how local governments are running massive deficits, taking on huge amounts of debt, and not just wasting taxpayer money, but weaponizing it against their own citizens.

2025-07-3152 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Fighting Woke Indoctrination in Schools with Christie SlapeJoin Mandy Drogin on Parent Empowerment as she sits down with Christie Slape, Texas Ambassador for Moms for Liberty, to discuss the battle for parental rights and quality education in Texas public schools. From exposing inappropriate library books and advocating for Education Savings Accounts (ESAs) to challenging woke indoctrination and fighting against taxpayer funded lobbying, Christie shares her journey as a mom of four and accidental activist. Learn about Moms for Liberty’s mission, the impact of recent education legislation, and how parents can take action to protect their children’s education.

2025-07-1645 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Freeing Our School Boards from Woke InfluencesThe Left has been waging a decades-long war to take over our school boards and grant their authority to unelected administrators. Luckily, courageous school board members like our guest, Brandon Hodges from Midland ISD, are looking for alternatives to the associations that are robbing school boards of their power - and they're finding them in organizations like Texans for Excellence in Education, from which both John Petree and Kara Belew join us today.

2025-06-231h 12

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Classical Education, Reading Lists, and Learning to ReadMandy sits down with Erin Fonner, a mother of three and Development Director at Valor Education, to chat about Valor’s classical curriculum. Erin shares insights on the school’s rigorous approach to education and its commitment to parent partnership.

2025-06-1359 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Grade Inflation & Texas Public School AccountabilityJoin Mandy Drogin on Parent Empowerment as she sits down with Mary Lynn Pruneda, Senior Policy Advisor at Texas 2036 and mother of three, to dive into the truth about grade inflation, the importance of the STAAR exam, and the A-F accountability system.

2025-06-0536 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Teachers' Bill of RightsMandy brings on TPPF's K-12 Education Policy Director, Jorge Borrego, to chat about the Teachers' Bill of Rights in House Bill 2.

2025-05-2227 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin How the Progressive Agenda Gets into Our SchoolsOur teachers are being bombarded by the leftist agendas long before they enter the classroom. TPPF's Kate Bierly breaks down how her professors and courses pushed DEI, Social Emotional Learning, and other progressive agendas.

2025-05-1541 min

Eric and Bob In The Morning Eric and Bob in the Morning Full Podcast May 13th🔥 It’s a scorcher! On this Tuesday, May 13th episode of Eric and Bob in the Morning – Full Podcast, we’re sweating through the first official 100-degree day of the year in Austin. Hot, hot, hot! 🎟️ We’ve got ACL wristbands up for grabs, so don’t miss your shot to win your way into one of the biggest music events of the year. 🎬 The Yellowstone universe keeps expanding — we break down what spinoffs are on the way and who’s saddling up next. 📰 Jimmy Carter has your headlines covered with his daily news report. 🏫 Plus — do you really understand school vouchers? Mandy Drogin, Ca...

2025-05-133h 56

The Sweet Tea Series School Choice, Pop Culture, & the PopeJoin Ariana Guajardo and guest Mandy Drogin, Campaign Director of Next Generation Texas, as they dive into the historic Texas School Choice law, its impact on parents and kids, and what’s next for education freedom. Plus, catch up on pop culture with movie re-releases like Pride and Prejudice and Star Wars Episode 3, a preview of Angel Studios’ King of Kings, and reactions to The Guardian’s controversial article on conservative women. Don’t miss the latest on the Met Gala other current events!

2025-05-0638 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Ari Weisenfeld & Rabbi Yerachmiel GarfieldMandy chats with Ari Weisenfeld from Agudath Israel of America and Rabbi Yerachmiel Garfield of the Yeshiva Torat Emet Jewish Day School to discuss the support in the Jewish community of Texas for school choice.

2025-04-3046 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Cassandra Posey, Homeschool Mom & Former TeacherMandy chats with Cassandra Posey, homeschool mom and former public school teacher, about her experiences in the classroom and what parent empowerment means for all Texans.

2025-04-2947 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Greta and MiracleGreta, a north Texas mom, shares the heartbreaking story of how the public school system failed her son and how a scholarship has saved her Miracle.

2025-04-0928 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Jen, Texas Public School TeacherJen, a Texas Public School Teacher, shares insight on the crisis in our public schools.

2025-03-2659 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Representative Jeff Leach, HD 67Representative Jeff Leach, HD 67, is a father of three kids who go to Texas public schools, and he knows how important it is to get education right. Representative Leach breaks down his support for ESAs and what other things he's working on for public education.

2025-03-1919 min

2025-03-1228 min

Wake Up Church Podcast #023 - The Case for School ChoiceNate Schatzline sits down with Mandy Drogin at the Texas Public Policy Foundation Summit to discuss how Universal School Choice empowers parents and protects religious freedom in Texas.

2025-03-0338 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Abraham George, Chairman of the Republican Party of TexasAbraham George, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, shares his support for empowering parents!

2025-02-2745 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Representative Nate Schatzline, HD 93Representative Nate Schatzline, a fearless fighter for parents, joins Mandy to break down school choice and the newly filed House Bill 3.

2025-02-2138 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin James Quintero, TPPFTPPF's James Quintero makes his second appearance on the podcast to break down the staggering half a trillion dollars in debt owed by local Texas governments--with more debt on the way!

2025-02-0554 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Tracy Hanson, Oak Creek AcademyTracy Hanson runs the Oak Creek Academy in Killeen, which specifically works with students with special needs. She shares her experiences and details how Oak Creek Academy is serving kids with special needs for a fraction of what Texas public schools spend per student.

2025-01-2143 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Doree Collins, Cultivate Academy-CTXDoree Collins runs Cultivate Academy-CTX in Temple, TX, where serves the underserved youth in her community. Join us as she and her students share their incredible stories!

2025-01-1559 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin John Papola, Dad Saves AmericaThe Parent Empowerment movement continues to grow! One incredible father fighting alongside us to pass Education Savings Accounts is none other than John Papola of Dad Saves America. Parents from across our country are hooked on the Dad Saves America podcast because John is “on a mission to celebrate, empower, and entertain Dads, could-be Dads, and father-figures of all stripes.”

2025-01-092h 11

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin James Quintero, Taxpayer Protection ProjectToday, Mandy is joined by her colleague, James Quintero, the policy director for TPPF's Taxpayer Protection Project, local government expert, and father of five, to discuss how the public education system breaks Texas' election laws to advocate against parents and propose solutions to solve this pervasive problem.

2024-12-1754 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Dr. Michael Adams, Texas Southern UniversityMandy is joined by TPPF's Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Michael Adams of Texas Southern University, to break down statewide polling on school choice and discuss the opportunities it provides to all Texans, no matter their background, economic situation, or zip code.

2024-12-1044 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Dr. Matthew Ladner, Heritage FoundationDr. Matthew Ladner, the Senior Advisor for the Heritage Foundation's Center for Education Policy, father of three, and education expert joins Mandy to break down the success of parent empowerment in other states, what Texas stands to gain with Education Savings Accounts, and how Texas' education system can bring itself into the future of education.

2024-12-0355 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Ryan Hecker, Charter Schools NowTens of thousands of Texas students sit on charter school wait lists because there simply are not enough charter schools to meet demand. Ryan Hecker, father of four and managing director of Charter Schools Now is changing that through fearless advocacy for Texas students and the charter schools that serve them.

2024-11-191h 02

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Michele Nuckolls, Texas Homeschool Mom and ActivistParents are demanding transparency, quality, respect, and choice in their children's education. Today, Michelle Nuckolls, a Texas homeschooling mom of four, breaks down her battle with local libraries, both in getting good books in and inappropriate books out. She also covers Texas' proposed new curriculum and the great improvements it will bring to our classrooms!

2024-11-121h 01

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Joel Enge, Director, Kingdom Life AcademyParent Empowerment it lifts up everyone, including kids who might otherwise be left behind. Mandy is joined by Joel Enge, the director of Kingdom Life Academy, who runs a fantastic school for the children of Tyler. Kingdom Life Academy empowers children who have been failed by other educational models - and in doing so, provides hope for so many!

2024-11-0745 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Pat Curry, Business Leader and ActivistTexas' economy is on the rise, and Texas needs a workforce to match. Mandy is joined by Pat Curry, a business leader in Waco, activist, and father of four, as he discusses how Texas education needs to change to accommodate our changing workforce, what forces are standing in the way of that change, and how empowering parents with choice in education will bolster Texas into the next decades and beyond.

2024-10-2946 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Joanne Shofner, Texas Mom and ActivistParent Empowerment is sweeping Texas—and it's been a driving passion in the journey of our guest today. Joanne Shofner, Texas Christian Coach, Activist, and, more importantly, mother of seven, joins Mandy to talk about her passion for ensuring that every Texas kid has access to the kind of education they need.

2024-10-2242 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin John Petree, Texans for Excellence in EducationThis week for the Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin podcast, we chat with John Petree, the president of Texans for Excellence in Education and, more importantly, father of nine. John talked about the role that TEE plays and how their innovative strategies and products serve school districts and kids better, while saving taxpayers big money.

2024-10-1544 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Brady Serafin, Cedar Crest Health SystemsParent Empowerment is sweeping Texas because parents are demanding options that fit their children's unique needs, experiences, and situations. This week on Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy sits down with Brady Serafin, the CEO of Cedar Crest Health Systems a treatment facility with a partnership with the University of Texas University Charter school district in Belton, TX. Cedar Crest specializes in meeting the mental, emotional, and psychological needs of vulnerable children with mental health issues, and oftentimes, traumatic backgrounds. Brady and Mandy chat about the mental health crisis in Texas schools and schools across America, how parents can...

2024-10-081h 01

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Renea, Texas MomEvery kid is unique, and their parents know best how to answer their unique needs. That's why the Parent Empowerment movement is sweeping Texas, because Texas parents know that they are the ones who are best equipped to make educational decisions for their children. This week on Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin, Mandy is joined by Renea, a Texas mom whose two kids took two different educational paths for different reasons. Renea shares her heartbreaking story and reminds us all why why we fight.

2024-10-0124 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin State Representative Brian Harrison, HD 10 Parent Empowerment is sweeping Texas, and today, Mandy sits down with Representative Brian Harrison (HD 10), father of four and former chief of staff in the Trump administration for the federal Department of Health and Human Services, to talk with him about his perspective on Parent Empowerment as a father and lawmaker. Rep. Harrison also details his push for transparency while serving on the Texas House Public Education committee, as well as his belief in education freedom through ESAs, and wasteful use of taxpayer money that’s not going to our teachers in the classrooms.

2024-09-2455 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Representative Chip Roy, TX-21Texas Parents are united in the fight for our children’s future, and the Parent Empowerment movement has swept the country. Today, Congressman Chip Roy from Congressional District 21 joins Mandy Drogin to talk about why he supports Texas parents’ right to select the best education for their kids and Universal Education Savings Accounts. Congressman Roy pulls no punches in calling out the profiteers, associations and consultants impeding parents’ rights and manipulating the system to steer tax dollars away from teachers an into their pockets. He also addresses the concerns of conservatives with school choice, and explains how the parent empowe...

2024-09-1444 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin John Colyandro, Colyandro Public AffairsParent Empowerment is sweeping the nation, but parents in the largest conservative state in America have found themselves behind the ball on getting transparency, quality, respect, and choice out of the education system. Join Mandy as she sits down with John Colyandro, father and founder of Colyandro Public Affairs, a pro-parent and pro-freedom lobbying firm. John breaks down the special interest groups opposing parents and how they’re using the system to their advantage.

2024-09-131h 02

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Vance Ginn, Ginn Economic ConsultingParents rightfully demand transparency from their school districts, and too often schools hide how much they're spending and what they're spending taxpayer dollars on. Join Mandy Drogin as she sits down with Vance Ginn, dad of 3, founder of Ginn Economic Consulting, and formerly an economist in the Trump administration, as they break down school finance and dive into how much our schools are spending and what they're spending it on.

2024-09-1243 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Becca Williams, Valor EducationParent empowerment means that every kid gets an education that fits their unique needs. Join Mandy Drogin as she sits down with Becca Williams, a mom of 2, former teacher, author, and co-founder of Valor Education, a classical public charter school, to chat about what classical education is, how it helps kids, and what parents and school leaders can learn from the successes of Valor and other classical schools.

2024-08-2041 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Anita Scott, Texas Home School CoalitionParent Empowerment has swept the country, and Texas is leading the mission for parental options and choices. Join Mandy Drogin as she chats with Anita Scott, the Policy Director for the Texas Homeschool Coalition about Anita’s passion for serving homeschool parents, why her parents chose to homeschool her, and how we can empower parents across the state.

2024-08-2032 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Dr. Deborah CohenParent Empowerment has swept the country, and Texas is leading the mission for transparency in our schools. Join Mandy Drogin as she chats with Dr. Debbie Cohen about her experience with Special Education in her local public schools—and pick up some vital tips and tricks on how to work with and through the system from an experienced mom!(The views expressed on this episode are Dr. Cohen's own personal perspectives and not reflective of the UT school system.)Go to TXParentsMatter.com to join the Parent Empowerment movement and sign up for email updates.

2024-08-2049 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Rob McClellandDripping Springs ISD School Board Trustee Rob McClelland explains why parents need to be involved in their children's education and shares stories of how lobbying groups try to exert their influence.Go to TXParentsMatter.com to join the Parent Empowerment movement and sign up for email updates.

2024-08-2050 min

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Dr. Richard Johnson, Rep. Shawn Thierry & Angie ThibodeauxParent Empowerment has swept the country, and Texas is leading the mission for transparency in our schools. We had an incredible panel of Houstonians as TPPF’s own Dr. Richard Johnson, State Representative Shawn Thierry, and engaged parent Angie Thibodeaux discussed the need for education options in their own communities and the sacrifices and hard decisions they’ve made for the betterment of their children’s education.Go to TXParentsMatter.com to join the Parent Empowerment movement and sign up for email updates.

2024-07-231h 27

Parent Empowerment with Mandy Drogin Hillary HicklandParent Empowerment has swept the country, and Texas is leading the mission for transparency in our schools. That’s why mom of 4, Hillary Hickland, shares about her daughter’s experience seeing a friend be groomed by teachers to transition to a boy, and the fight to remove sexually explicit books that are still in our Texas school libraries.We will inspire you to fight for your kids and take your power back.Go to TXParentsMatter.com to join the Parent Empowerment movement and sign up for email updates.

2024-07-1638 min

The Arena with Greg Sindelar MLB's Mark Teixeira and TPPF's Mandy DroginTPPF's CEO Greg Sindelar, World Series Champion Mark Teixeira and Next Generation Texas' Campaign Director Mandy Drogin sit down to chat about the important things in life: sports, food and parental empowerment!

2024-05-3122 min

The Sweet Tea Series Why Moms Fight for School Choice & Happy Mother's Day!Happy Mother's Day! Powerhouse Mom and TPPF's Next Generation Texas Campaign Director, Mandy Drogin, is back! She sat down with Ariana to share stories of moms in Texas who are fighting for school choice, the parenting challenges facing moms today, and how her mom has inspired her.

2024-05-1053 min

The Jimmy Barrett Show The Eclipse BoomToday on the Jimmy Barrett Show:Lisa Miller on the upcoming eclipse.TPPF's Mandy Drogin on the Texas Legislature.

2024-04-0539 min

The Sweet Tea Series Saving Education in TexasTaylor sits down with Mandy Drogin, Campaign Director for Next Generation Texas, to discuss how she is fighting to save the education system, empower parents, and give future generations of children in Texas the opportunity to succeed in the classroom and beyond.

2023-11-241h 03

Students Over Systems Mandy Drogin: Parental Empowerment and School Choice in TexasTexas Governor Greg Abbott brought the state legislature back this month for a special legislative session to consider a K-12 education savings account (ESA) proposal. Mandy Drogin, campaign director of Next Generation, joins the podcast to discuss the ESA proposal and plans to expand Texas parental empowerment in the Lone Star state by increasing transparency, quality, respect for parents as ultimate decision makers for their child's education, and choice. Mandy dispels myths around Texas education funding, describes the high demand for school choice in the state, and encourages parents to engage in the legislative process so that every Texas...

2023-10-1727 min

Medical Motherhood Why a Good Scare Can Be TherapeuticAs the days get darker and the Halloween decorations come out, I wanted to republish this piece from last year. I still think about my conversation with haunted house creator and medical mama Chrissa Paradis and how cathartic a good scream and a giggle can be. Here’s an excerpt. Follow the link below for the real deal:[…] As parents to kids with medical emergencies — or the isolating subset of folks who have to deal with the real possibility of child death — visceral terror is not funny or theoretical: It’s some of the most r...

2023-10-1511 min

The Texas Values Report Texas Values Report - Special Segment with Mandy Drogin - 10.6.2023Texas Values Report with special guest Mandy Drogin, Campaign Director, Next Generation Texas, Texas Public Policy Foundation

2023-10-0625 min

The Right Idea School Choice with Mandy DroginNext Generation Texas Campaign Director Mandy Drogin stops by to discuss school choice and empowering parents in their kids’ education. Check out TXParentsMatter.com for more information.2:20 What Led Texas to Another Special Session10:05 Education Savings Accounts (ESAs)33:15 Debunking School Funding Myths

2023-09-2250 min

Texas Wants to Know Why is school choice a priority for the state's top elected officials?When the 88th Texas Legislature convened in January, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) listed school choice as one of his top priorities. But with the session set to conclude at the end of May, it's unclear if the Texas House will deliver. This week, Baylee Friday talks to Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a conservative think tank, state Rep. James Talarico (D-Round Rock), and Texas Monthly senior editor Forrest Wilder, who has written extensively about the intersection of public schools and politics, about why school choice is a priority, how it would impact public schools...

2023-05-1118 min

The Austin City Councilman April 10, 2023 - Mandy Drogin, School Choice in Texas: What Happens Next?Watch this conversation on Vimeo! Mandy Drogin is a mom of three and the Campaign Director of Next Generation Texas at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Mandy is working on school choice for K-12, as well as improving the Higher Education and workforce development in Texas. Visit www.txparentsmatter.com Parent Empowerment Day: https://tinyurl.com/j3kny9v3 twitter.com/TPPF ________________________ @bradswail austincitycouncilman.com Support the show on Patreon!

2023-04-101h 04

5-Minute Videos | PragerU Why Public Schools Should Want School ChoiceOne of the few public policies that unites people from across the political spectrum is school choice—the ability of parents to choose the school that best fits their children’s needs. So, why isn’t it the norm? Mandy Drogin of the Texas Public Policy Foundation explains what the obstacles are and how we might overcome them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023-04-0305 min

The Jimmy Barrett Show Gambling is Dead in the Water for TexasToday on the Jimmy Barrett Show:Hayden Sparks of The Texan on legalizing gamblingTPPF's Mandy Drogin on her recent education tour

2023-03-2436 min

The Jimmy Barrett Show The General State of Credit Card DebtToday on the Jimmy Barrett Show:What's happening with credit card debt?TPPF's Mandy Drogin on a four-day school week and school choiceMark Mix of Right to Work on a story from Cypress

2023-02-2338 min

The Jimmy Barrett Show A Little Food PoisoningToday on the Jimmy Barrett Show:Jimmy had food poisoningGas stove banTPPF's Mandy Drogin on school choice

2023-01-1235 min $Brian\'s Breakdown$

Brian's Breakdown Shannon Braun and Mandy Drogin: Protecting Students from Inside the SystemOver the past two years, some parents were shocked to learn that activist school boards, administrators, and teachers have been subjecting students to controversial subjects and material without parents' consent. Shannon Braun was elected to the Colleyville ISD school board on a promise to protect students and parents' rights and has been fighting ever since. Mandy Drogin has been a longtime advocate for parental empowerment and implementing choice in education and is working on reforms that will address parents concerns in the next Texas Legislative Session.

2022-10-2449 min

The Jimmy Barrett Show Teacher ShortagesToday on the Jimmy Barrett Show: Jimmy listens to clips from Liz Cheney and Lina Hidalgo TPPF's Mandy Drogin on the teacher shortage

2022-08-1925 min