Cap Chat Texas
Cap Chat Texas
Podcast Description
Get to know the people behind the scenes at the Texas Legislature. We interview capitol staff, lobbyists, activists and other worker bees to help build our capitol community.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast centers around themes of civic engagement, legislative processes, and personal narratives of behind-the-scenes workers at the Capitol. Examples include episodes discussing the experiences of lobbyists and interviews with staffers about their roles and challenges during legislative sessions, such as the 'Night of Great Unpleasantness'.
Get to know the people behind the scenes at the Texas Legislature. We interview capitol staff, lobbyists, activists and other worker bees to help build our capitol community.
Episode Summary
In 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].
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.