Go Behind The BallotGo Behind the Ballot is a podcast that asks questions and seeks answers about our political system. We engage with issue experts, political candidates and officeholders. We walk alongside our listeners who ask questions like ‘Why does our government run this way?’ and ‘What can regular folks do to have their voice heard?’ and ‘What do our politicians do anyway?’ and ‘How do taxes work?’ and ‘Who decides what happens in our schools?’ Co-hosts Claire Campos-O’Neal and Nichole Abshire, two Texan moms who are tired of sitting on the sidelines, invite experts and former candidates on the show to take listeners on an educational journey. The podcast alternates between deep dives into top local issues like education, healthcare and infrastructure and in-depth interviews with former political candidates. Claire Campos-O’Neal, a former first-time candidate for the Texas House of Representatives for District 51, encourages former candidates to dish on what it’s really like to run for office. Nichole Abshire, a political novice, is eager to jump in the ring and demystify the political arena for herself and fellow listeners. Ever wonder ‘How do I run for office? How can I create meaningful change? How do we fight back against entrenched, systemic power systems? Is change even possible?' Together we will learn aside one another, pull on the thread of these complex issues and create a community who's eager to know more. 'Go Behind the Ballot' will pull back the curtain to reveal who are the people raising their hand to run for office. The podcast hosts interview former candidates from a variety of political offices. We speak to candidates who ran in the hopes of becoming school board trustees, judges, state representatives, city council members, county commissioners and more. Along with hearing what it was like to really run for office, we ask 'What exactly do these officeholders do?' We will also 'Go Behind the Ballot' on current ballot measures for voters to consider. The podcast will focus on the state of Texas which is commonly seen as ground zero for bad policy and the demise of democracy. With the help of leading experts, the podcast earnestly explores questions like 'What exactly is recapture and how does it impact my local school?', 'Why is Texas banning abortion?', 'What is happening with the power grid?', 'Will we have water in the future?', ‘How do we change our gun laws, especially in Texas?’. Hosts Claire and Nichole welcome feedback from listeners and seek to create a space where the show reflects back what listeners want to hear. Have a show idea? Let us know! Interested in running for office? We want to help! Interested in becoming a political activist? We can connect you with local organizations working on the ground. Need to connect with folks who are feeling similar to you? We have a community built to help you find one another. Need to lurk on the edges until you feel comfortable diving in with us? Feel free to join our community and hang out until you feel comfortable. Need a safe space to ask questions that you worry will be labeled as dumb or offensive? Bring them to our network and we’ll do our best to find answers without judgment. Want to organize mutual aid efforts? Engage with our community and make something happen. We believe that democracy is meant for all of us and ought to reflect all of our voices. Democracy requires engagement and we are here to create a space for that. Democracy means that we know who to turn to when we need answers and help. We look forward to learning and growing together in our quest for a greater democracy. Find links to all of our social media handles at www.gobehindtheballot.com. You will also find a link to join our community. We would love to hear from you and connect with you. Go Behind the Ballot is its own miniature democracy and we would love nothing more than to listen to our constituents. Tune in each week for educational nuggets, inspirational stories, and calls to action.

]]>en-usfalseClaire Campos O'Neal and Nichole Abshirehttps://www.gobehindtheballot.com/Claire Campos O'Neal, Nichole Abshirehelp@podetize.comepisodicCopyright 2023 Abshire United DBA Go Behind the Ballot, Claire Campos O’Neal, Nichole Abshire. Gobehindtheballot.com All Rights reserved.Presenting - The Voucher ScamTvHPjdFsFLThu, 05 Oct 2023 11:00:00 GMT355falseWe'd love your support:

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Claire and Nichole are so excited to share the trailer for our brand new project titled - The Voucher Scam. 


The Voucher Scam is an exposé on one of the most critical issues facing public education today - education vouchers.


As Texas leadership pushes an aggressive voucher agenda that would privatize and defund public schools, Claire and Nichole give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at what's really at stake.


The first episode of The Voucher Scam is available. Subscribe to the show where you listen to podcasts.

Also we are still actively creating this show. Want to help us finish it? Donate to our page:

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers



]]>Get Ready for a New PodcastjsI5LPSMNhThu, 28 Sep 2023 11:00:00 GMT204falseWe'd love your support:

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This week’s show is short and sweet. We are working hard on a brand new podcast called The Voucher Scam which will premiere next Thursday October 5th. In the meantime, we encourage y’all to sign up for our newsletter and donate to the new project.

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers


]]>Ken Paxton Acquitted on All ChargesjH1PpCkaJThu, 21 Sep 2023 11:00:00 GMT2633falseWe'd love your support:

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Texas Monthly Articles that grounded our conversation:

https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/ken-paxton-supporters-gop-civil-war/

https://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/ken-paxton-acquitted-texas-senate-impeachment-trial/


Join us as we break down the acquittal of Attorney General Ken Paxton on all charges. It was quite a trial and had twists and turns up until the end. However, as we’ve done research it seems as if the acquittal was quite predictable. There is no doubt that this was a political trial and the Texas Senate stayed loyal to Paxton and the far-right wing of the Republican Party that is in the pocket of Tim Dunn, a west Texas billionaire. It was a great reminder that democracy is at stake and voting has never been more important. 


Want to listen to more about Christian nationalism? Listen to our episode with Mendi Tackett:

https://gobehindtheballot.com/what-is-christian-nationalism-and-how-is-it-undermining-democracy-with-mendi-tackett-culture-wars


Want to read more about Christian nationalism?

Read Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez


Speaking of democracy…help us do our part by supporting our podcast, The Voucher Scam, which reveals how integral public education is to a healthy democracy. 

Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers



]]>Paxton Impeachment Trial–Week Two Shenanigans!bi4djQ1hEThu, 14 Sep 2023 11:44:00 GMT1984falseThe impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton has remained full of interesting developments! In fact, by the time you read this, neither of us would be surprised if there’s multiple new developments and this seems like old news. But for this episode, prepare yourself to hear about Paxton’s chief of staff, Missy Cary who knew more about Paxton’s mistress than she ever wanted to know. We’ll fill you in on Brandon Cammack who was the outside counsel hired by Paxton and spoiler alert–was never paid for his services. We will catch you up. We’ve learned that the trial could conclude as early as this week so we may be able to bring you final thoughts next week. However, it also wouldn’t shock us if it goes on for much longer. Who really knows!?! 


Friends, we’re still fundraising for our podcast and it is really taking shape. Humbly, we ask for your help to get the word out across the state about the danger of education vouchers. If you feel moved to donate, awesome! If you feel moved to share our campaign, also awesome!


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]]>Extra, Extra! Week One of the Paxton Impeachment Trial!6fJJBlQ3wThu, 07 Sep 2023 11:44:00 GMT1798falseThe impeachment trial of Attorney General Ken Paxton began on Tuesday, September 5, 2023. It began with Paxton’s defense lawyers making a motion to dismiss all charges. Just imagine if they’d succeeded–everyone could’ve called it a day! But alas, the 16 charges were all upheld and the trial began in earnest. Ken Paxton, through his attorneys, pleaded not guilty on all charges. If opening statements are a good indicator of how this whole trial will go, it will be quite the fiery event! So far, we’ve heard from Paxton’s top deputy who resigned after concerns with the attorney general’s behavior. We will keep watching and may very well continue to bring updates. In the meantime, the Texas Tribune has great coverage and we’ve linked an article below.


Need a great rundown of the major players? Look here:

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/09/01/ken-paxton-impeachment-witnesses-parties/


And also, got some pennies or energy to spare? We could use your help on our anti-voucher podcast.


Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers


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]]>The Paxton Impeachment Delivers the Drama!yMnpCIoRpkThu, 31 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMT1504falseWe'd love your support:

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A big component of a healthy democracy is accountability. Are our elected leaders abiding by their oath of office? Do we, as their constituency, trust them? Join us as we discuss the upcoming impeachment trial of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton set to begin on September 5, 2023. Y’all it’s a case that’s full of drama and cloak and dagger twists and turns! We will be watching and on the edges of our seats to see how it all turns out. In a nutshell, he’s charged with abuse of office. This all took center stage when he came before the House in February 2023 to ask for $3.3 million dollars to settle a lawsuit brought against him by former staff members who were whistleblowers. That request launched a secret investigation that led the Texas House to impeach him by a 121-23 vote. Now it’s the Texas Senate’s turn to hear all the evidence and decide on his guilt or innocence. It’s a nail-biter for sure! 

Texas Tribune articles:

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/05/24/ken-paxton-attorney-general-investigations-lawsuits/

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/08/18/ken-paxton-impeachment-evidence/


While we’ve got your attention… we remain working hard on our investigative podcast to expose the education voucher scam. We’d love your help to continue–or share it with others if that’s what you can do right now. Thanks, everyone!


Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers


]]>A Way Forward: Youth and Democracy with Bently Paizobj-qHEOOThu, 24 Aug 2023 11:44:00 GMT2345falseBently Paiz, 18-year-old candidate for County Commissioner in Comal County, joins us to talk about his historic candidacy and to discuss youth and democracy. Bently confirms that many young people do feel apathetic about voting because they are disappointed in the candidates they have to choose from and their lackluster platforms. We learn about Bently’s work on Claudia Zapata’s campaign and how that inspired him to make serving others a core principle of his own campaign. Bently is truly inspiring for everyone to see that we are all capable of making a difference and that it all starts within each of us. We hope you will donate to Bently’s campaign or even volunteer! 


Email Bently at:

bently4countycommissioner@gmail.com


Find Bently on social media platforms as: @bently_4_comal_county


Also, consider supporting another audacious 18-year-old county commissioner candidate running in Guadalupe County, Nahomie Alanis. 


Email Nahomie at: nahomie4guadalupe@gmail.com


Find Nahomie on Instagram as: @nahomiealanis_

 

And, yes, we are still fundraising for our podcast about education vouchers and exposing them as the scam that they are. Please help us bring this important information to the public so we can build an informed coalition to fight back and reject them once and for all!


 Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers


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]]>How to Get What You Want in 30 Days! (Hint: Call a Special Session)JphN84pW5Thu, 17 Aug 2023 11:45:00 GMT1004falseSo you’ve heard of the regular Texas legislative session. You know it ended already. So what’s up with these special sessions? We’re here to answer. We’ll give you all the quick facts you need to know especially because we hear from reliable sources that Governor Abbott is very likely to call another special session in October for a singular issue: education vouchers. Speaking of education vouchers…did you hear that we’ve been deep into research? Did you know that we’ve discovered they’re a scam? Listen to this latest episode for all the facts about special sessions and know that we want to arm you with all the information you need to prepare for October! If you want to help us in this fight to defeat vouchers and fully fund public schools, please consider donating.


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]]>Can You Get An Abortion In Texas? Are We Even Allowed To Talk About This? Avow Gives Us the Latestyn4rwJcI1uThu, 10 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMT2576https://gobehindtheballot.com/can-you-get-an-abortion-in-texas-are-we-even-allowed-to-talk-about-this-avow-gives-us-the-latestfalseCaroline Duble and Nneka Iheanacho of Avow, an unapologetic abortion advocacy organization, speak to us about the state of abortion care. In Texas, abortion is completely banned with the exception of a life or death scenario with the pregnant person and there is no rape or incest exception. To be clear, providers are criminalized, and the charge could be a first-degree felony. Beyond these concerns, there are also the less obvious effects of increased surveillance and the general fear created by the current laws.

 

A reminder: an abortion is a procedure you can have when you no longer want to be pregnant and there are two kinds: medication and procedural.

 

Good bills: HB12 which extends Medicaid to one-year post pregnancy and HB300 which removed sales tax on menstrual care items and adult diapers.

 

Nneka gives a great rundown of the empowered work happening on the local level to support vulnerable communities.

 

Bad bills: Came in the form of budget items. For instance, an increase was given to crisis pregnancy centers that are fake clinics and this funding now stands at $140 million of our state budget. SB24 codifies alternatives to abortion, and it’s now called Texas Thriving Families. HB17 reduces the local control of district attorneys. HB1575 establishes a screening process for collecting data from pregnant people. Finally, all the anti-LGBTQ legislation was bad and more can be heard in an earlier episode from Ricardo Martinez of Equality Texas.

 

If you’re wondering how to help, plug into local groups. It can be as simple as signing up for updates so you are aware of what’s happening.

 

Resource:

https://needabortion.org/



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]]>Join the Movement to Expose the Education Voucher Scam!oivnuKsGTThu, 03 Aug 2023 12:00:00 GMT784falseWe'd love your support:

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Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers 


We’re on a mission to preserve democracy by exposing the education voucher scam! We see that there is a huge disconnect between what our governor and a few legislators are pushing versus what the public wants.


Spoiler alert: we don’t want vouchers! They tried again and again to pass vouchers but failed in the regular legislative session. Yet, here we go again with an attempt in an upcoming special session–rumored to be held in October. This is our chance to make our voices heard and make sure vouchers are rejected again. But we know that this will require loud and united voices. 


Step 1: create this podcast to educate what vouchers are, who’s pushing them, and why they’re bad for democracy. 


Step 2: amplify that message by building a network of messengers who will spread this critical message. 


Step 3: get vouchers defeated! The way we do this is by building this grassroots movement now and so we are asking for your support. We’d deeply appreciate a financial contribution. Not possible right now? We'd also deeply appreciate you sharing this message and joining us in this important movement. Let’s reject vouchers and also send the message that the citizens of Texas are united and we want policy that is good for all Texans–not just a few at the top. 


Let’s be mighty together! 


Donate here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers

]]>Laura Yeager Reveals What’s in Store for Public Education after Texas' 88th Legislative SessionUYDSGwLhEThu, 27 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT2206falseWe'd love your support:

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Curious what happened in the Texas 88th legislative session regarding public education? Today’s episode is for you! We say welcome back to Laura Subrin Yeager. She is an experienced leader in coalition building, grassroots advocacy management and public education policy.


Last year she explain the difference between public school accountability and assessment. In this episode, we get the low down on what lawmakers were cussin and discussin when it came to public education. Sadly, there were very few good bills that passed. Many representatives did put forward bills to improve school funding and raise teacher pay but all of the good bills were weighed down by vouchers.


What’s a voucher? A voucher allows parents to take public money out of public education and use it for a private school.


Some bad public education laws are coming our way. Did you know that Texas public schools can now allow chaplains to replace counselors in schools? What’s alarming is that they do not have to have the same credentials as professional counselors and they bring their religious ideology to public schools. It’s a further blurring of the line between church and state and parents should be concerned.


Governor Abbott continues to beat the drum for vouchers (or ESA) and it’s very likely he will call a special session for this priority.


This is a perfect time to plug our brand new investigative podcast that will look at vouchers. We would love your help getting this show off the ground and you can do that here:


https://secure.actblue.com/donate/saynotovouchers


]]>It’s Go Behind the Ballot’s 1 Year Anniversary! So What Does it Mean to Demystify Texas Politics and Defend Democracy?0cyVPY5pYThu, 20 Jul 2023 12:00:00 GMT2155falseWe'd love your support:

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Go Behind the Ballot is celebrating its 1 year anniversary AND 80th episode! We look back on what it’s been like demystifying Texas politics. The podcast has covered 5 series so far - public education, elections, culture wars, food insecurity and now the 88th legislative session. 


We discuss the most memorable moments from the show and how the podcast has informed our understanding of democracy. As the show has grown, we have drilled down on the importance of civic engagement and education. We all deserve a seat at the table and Go Behind the Ballot is committed to encouraging citizens to pull up a chair.


Don’t miss our sneak peek at what’s in store… psst a brand new podcast!


]]>Ricardo Martinez Of Equality Texas Helps Us Understand The Effects Of The 88th Texas Lege On The LGBTQIA+ Community6t1V2mv1-tThu, 13 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT1887https://gobehindtheballot.com/ricardo-martinez-of-equality-texas-helps-us-understand-the-effects-of-the-88th-texas-lege-on-the-lgbtqia-communityfalseDuring the legislative session, Texas legislators filed a staggering 141 anti-LGBTQIA+ bills, solidifying Texas as a leader in proposed discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community. In this episode, Ricardo Martinez, CEO of Equality Texas, the largest LGBTQIA+ advocacy organization in Texas, provides an overview of the 88th Texas Legislature, highlighting both the victories and challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. The efforts of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies were not in vain. They managed to defeat 134 out of the 141 bills, marking a significant triumph and reflecting the power of advocacy and collective action. But a few bills passed with devastating consequences for the community. These victories demonstrate the resilience and dedication of those working towards equality and justice for all. Ricardo also highlights the importance of Akira Ross's story to understand the harmful impact of homophobic and transphobic rhetoric on the personal safety of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Tune in to this episode, and let's continue to support and amplify the voices of organizations like Equality Texas and work together towards a more inclusive and equitable future for the LGBTQIA+ community.


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]]>How’s Our Democracy Looking In Texas After The 88th Legislative Session? Emily Eby From Texas Civil Rights Project Reveals The Good, The Bad And Ugh vSCLAaIrWwThu, 06 Jul 2023 10:00:00 GMT2784https://gobehindtheballot.com/hows-our-democracy-looking-in-texas-after-the-88th-legislative-session-emily-eby-from-texas-civil-rights-project-reveals-the-good-the-bad-and-ugh/falseWe invite back one of our favorite election experts, Emily Eby, to explain what happened to voting rights in the 88th legislative session. She kicks off the show highlighting the priorities that rose to the top this session - culture wars and state control. Good news - some positive voting bills made it through! We learn that it is now easier for Texans with disabilities to utilize curbside voting. But with the good comes the bad, especially for Harris County. They have lost the ability to appoint an elections administrator. If you need a refresher on what elections administrators do and how they differ from county clerks, check out our show with Beth Stevens. https://gobehindtheballot.com/who-makes-elections-actually-happen-elections-administrators-what-do-they-do-beth-stevens-explains-all/

 

And for a sneak peek of the ‘ugh’, Emily reflects on the common practice of representatives ignoring the will of the majority. We wrap up with what democracy means to Emily and how we can reclaim our voice at the Capitol.



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]]>‘The Good, The Bad, And The Ugh’ Of The 88th Texas Lege: Nancy Thompson From Mothers Against Greg Abbott Gives Us The Scoop6dqF6xT6YkThu, 29 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMT2370https://gobehindtheballot.com/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugh-of-the-88th-texas-lege-nancy-thompson-from-mothers-against-greg-abbott-gives-us-the-scoop/falseWhat went on during the 88th Texas Legislative Session? Nancy Thompson, the founder of the Political Action Committee (PAC), Mothers Against Greg Abbott, joins us for a conversation to give us the scoop. Nancy walks us through ‘the good, the bad, and the ugh’ of the session. Nancy reviews the bills and explains her lens: are these bills good for all Texans? We conclude by talking about the importance of democracy and reminding ourselves that the fight is worth it!


**Bonus Content Alert!!** Do you want to hear more from Nancy? Find more of our interview on our Youtube channel. We talk about her political origins, the founding of Mothers Against Greg Abbott, and what she fights for everyday.

 

Resources:

Are you registered to vote? Find out here.

The podcast Nancy mentioned in the episode

Want a breakdown of how a bill becomes law? Read this Texas Tribune article.


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]]>Looking Back on the 88th Legislative Session to Find Clues for Where Texas is Headed NextFhAjGq6YnThu, 22 Jun 2023 11:00:00 GMT922falseWe'd love your support:

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Did you know that the 88th legislative session ended on May 29, 2023? Did you know that a special legislative session was called immediately after the regular session ended? So much happened between Jan. 10, 2023 when the 88th legislative session started and now. 


Join us as we give an overview of our next series that will recap all that went down at the Texas Capitol. Over the next few weeks, we will be speaking with guest experts who work in a specific area of Texas politics. 


We’re rolling up our sleeves and tackling The Good, The Bad and The Ugh!


‘The Good’ will cover the good bills that were passed and the lawmakers who deserve an extra special shout out for their incredible work.


‘The Bad’ will address the bad bills headed our way. Our lens for judging a bill ‘bad’ was how it affects most Texans. Does this solve a problem or divert attention away from real issues?


‘The Ugh’ is the catch-all for those moments of frustration, disbelief and exhaustion. 


Finally, we will wrap up shows by asking our guests ‘What does democracy mean to you?’ In this episode we share our answers. 


And we want listeners to share too! Send us a voice memo to info@gobehindtheballot.com and we will play your answers on future shows.

]]> We’re Back and Ready to Flex Those Democracy Muscles!dP83PZVX4Thu, 15 Jun 2023 12:00:00 GMT343falseWe'd love your support:

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Hello friends! After a brief break, we are ready to pick up the shovel and dig deeper into demystifying Texas politics. Our show has a few changes that we are excited to share with you.

  1. We are recording in person. Check out the show on youtube to see our new studio.
  2. Emphasis on the D word - Democracy! We will be asking each guest ‘What does democracy mean to you?’ And we want listeners to share too! Send us a voice memo to info@gobehindtheballot.com and we will play your answers on future shows.
  3. Shorter Episodes. We sent out a listener survey and you told us that you would prefer shower shows around the 30-40 minute mark. That’s our goal going forward.
  4. Episodes will be released once a week on Thursdays.

Thank you for listening and stay tuned for our upcoming series on recapping the 88th legislative session.


]]>Pause: Changes are Coming…E0--dh46ZThu, 20 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT656falseWe'd love your support:

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Go Behind the Ballot is under construction so pardon our mess! We’re keeping things close to the vest right now but we can say that it will be worth the wait and the heart of our show will remain the same. We remain committed to fighting for democracy in our great state of Texas. We still believe in making invisible systems visible so we can engage effectively. We will continue to tell the story of how our political institutions work so everyday Texans can demand more. The best ways to stay in-the-know are to subscribe to our newsletter and stay subscribed to our show on your favorite podcast platform. We look forward to what the future holds and we WILL be back!


]]>Recap! Food Insecurity and What it Means for Texans88eLLolqwMon, 17 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT3056falseWe'd love your support:

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Look back with us at the many highlights from our Food Insecurity series. From Adam Johnson of the Citations Needed Podcast to Celia Cole, the CEO of Feeding Texas. From Lawson Picasso and her lived experience to Dr. Laurie Green and her incredible historical expertise. From the joyful storyteller, Mando Rayo, to Rachel and Curtis from Every Texan who grounded our conversation in the reality of life for many Texans. We covered a lot. If you haven’t listened to this series yet, this is a fantastic overview and a way to decide which particular episodes tickle your brain. If you’ve already listened, these are some of our favorite moments from the lineup–think of it as our ‘best hits’. We’d love to hear from you. What was the most eye-opening moment? Did you notice any blindspots on our part? Did you discover any of your own blindspots? What resonated with you? 


Also, a reminder that we are in the midst of making some changes that we are excited to unveil as we are able. Stick with us on this journey to stay in the know!


]]>What the Heck Happened in Tennessee and Does It Mean Anything for Texas?JCQWiMEePThu, 13 Apr 2023 11:00:00 GMT1804falseWe'd love your support:

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Nichole’s going solo this week to take a peek at the historic events happening in the Tennessee House of Representatives. Can any of those lessons apply to us in Texas? What does this reveal about democracy? Should we be inspired or terrified? We’ll talk about the timeline of events, the dramatic turns, and the end result (for now). I’ll give you my hot takes and impressions about how we, here in Texas, could use the example provided by Tennessee as inspiration to make our voices even more heard here. Stick with us–we’ve got big things coming!

]]>Replay! Lawson Picasso Shares What it is Like to be Food Insecure in Texas4uv_0mAd8Mon, 10 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT3743falseWe'd love your support:

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Have y'all listened to Lawson Picasso's episode yet?? If you missed her show, this is a great week to tune in or listen again!


She generously shares what her experience was like when she was food insecure and living in her car - lovingly named Mama Smurf. We gain a better understanding of what it means to live on the razor's edge.


Lawson is now an advocate for systemic, holistic changes. And she is very inspiring. We're fans!


Attention Mentions:

Lawson: the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster debacle and especially the use of her lyrics in the Congressional hearing (Lawson’s an unapologetic Swiftie!)

Claire: Del Valle Education Foundation (Claire is the president!) working with the Kendra Scott philanthropic arm and seeing the good that can result for families

Nichole: Chernobyl on HBO Max along with the accompanying podcast


]]>What is Mutual Aid? Is it Different From Charity? A New (Old) Vision For Giving and ReceivingYtCHiNYjiThu, 06 Apr 2023 12:00:00 GMT1525falseWe'd love your support:

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Mutual aid came on our radar during winter storm Uri in 2021 but we didn’t really ask many questions back then. As we’ve learned more about food insecurity and asked ourselves questions about the role of NGOs and charitable giving in maintaining current systems, we’ve bumped into questions about mutual aid again. What is it? How does it differ from charity? How do people access it? The more we learned and explored, the more we had to ask ourselves to explore our own assumptions about who’s deserving and why we even ask that question in the first place. Learn alongside us and we hope you walk away willing to do your own homework which is to think about how you approach giving and what systems you want to intentionally support (or not).

]]>What Are SNAP Benefits Anyway? With Rachel Cooper And Curtis Hills From Every Texanif0uG4g-xWMon, 03 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMT3021https://gobehindtheballot.com/what-are-snap-benefits-anyway-with-rachel-cooper-and-curtis-hills-from-every-texanfalseWe’d love your support:

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Attention Mentions:

Curtis: Bel-Air TV series on Peacock

Rachel: ‘Is It Worth Having Kids?,’ a video from The Economist on Youtube

Claire: ‘A New Child Labor Crisis in America,’ an episode of The Daily, a podcast from the New York Times

Nichole: Renaissance album by Beyoncé

 

What are SNAP benefits? Who’s eligible? How do people apply? What did the pandemic reveal about food insecurity? Rachel Cooper and Curtis Hills from Every Texan help us understand the practical realities of being a working Texan today. They talk to us about the barriers for folks living in precarity and explain how someone working full time can find themselves living on the razor’s edge. We confront the reality that all these issues boil down to political choices, and our leadership could make different choices. We remind you about the absolute necessity for civic engagement, and we hope you feel that same tug too! Let us know what you think.

]]>We Watch and Recap the 1968 CBS Documentary That Shocked The Nation - Hunger in AmericaqrjRFKj_iThu, 30 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT2634falseWe'd love your support:

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https://www.cbsnews.com/video/hunger-in-america-the-1968-cbs-documentary-that-shocked-america/


Part of our research for the Food Insecurity series led us to watch the 1968 CBS documentary, Hunger in America. It was hosted by Charles Kuralt and was structured in four sections that highlighted specific regions and cultures: Hispanic families in San Antonio; White families in Virginia; Navajo families in Arizona; and Black families in Alabama. It was a hard-hitting piece that was designed to jolt Americans into the recognition that hunger wasn’t a concept relegated to third world countries but something that we have our own problems with here. And it did just that. The images of children and babies suffering from hunger and malnutrition were especially excruciating to watch. The documentary also did a really great job of demonstrating how programs like the Surplus Commodities Program and Food Stamps did and didn’t work to address hunger in America. We both struggled to watch it–it is a VERY difficult piece but we also believe in its effectiveness and clarity. If you feel up for it, we recommend it as a primer on the devastating effects of hunger and the legacy of the challenges we still face today.


]]>Mando Rayo Shares How Taco Journalism Can Change the World_cxwNlENz2Mon, 27 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT2632https://gobehindtheballot.com/mando-rayo-shares-how-taco-journalism-can-change-the-world/falseAttention Mentions:

Mando: Story questing for season 3 of his podcast ‘Tacos of Texas’ has his attention

Claire: Maintenance Phase podcast especially the episode titled ‘Doctors Have a New Plan for Fat Kids’

Nichole: ‘What You Want Wants You’ by Suzanne Eder

 

Ways to find Mando:

http://www.unitedtacosofamerica.com/

Instagram: @unitedtacosofamerica

Instagram: @identity.productions

Podcast: Tacos of Texas

 

Join us as we talk about politics through the lens of food! Mando shows us that we can use culture as a fun entry point when exploring contentious issues. He has a long history of community building and grassroots organizing and those values inform his approach to food and his commitment to platforming folks who might otherwise be invisible. He is a natural champion of people and advocates for people’s dignity by supporting their authentic expressions. Mando’s natural exuberance for what he does inspired us to commit to trying more new things and especially taking more active notice of the people around us each day.

]]>What it’s Really Like to Speak at SXSWo0UeR1GIfThu, 23 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT1569falseWe'd love your support:

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Mission complete! We hosted a panel at the South By Southwest Conference on the Civic Engagement track on March 13 here in Austin, Texas! If you’re a regular listener, you know we’ve built this series around food insecurity in preparation for the panel. We’ve learned so much and looked forward to sharing it with an audience at SXSW. Listen as we share our experience–spoiler alert: it was fantastic! We were even fortunate enough to have two articles about our panel! If you’d like an outsider’s perspective on what we covered, you’ll find those articles here and here.


]]>Hunger Games. Who is Winning in Our Broken System? Our SXSW Panel RevealednJNWbqzT3Mon, 20 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT3131falseIf you’re a regular listener, you know we were thrilled to host a panel at the South By Southwest Festival on food insecurity. Like the good students we aim to be, we gathered with our panelists, Lawson Picasso(advocate) and Celia Cole (CEO of Feeding Texas) for a run-through of our panel ahead of the actual day. In addition, we wanted to share our panel with you listeners because we know that attending SXSW isn’t possible for many of you. Join us as we share what we plan to cover during the festival and give you a peek into how we prepared. Eventually, the audio of the actual panel should be available and we will share that as well. Thank you for following along with us and allowing us to highlight this important topic!

]]>In The Community: Claire Speaks at a Staff Legislative Briefing on Charter School Expansion AmendmentsNv3NIhY2JThu, 16 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT1562falseWe’d love your support:

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Claire attended a staff legislative briefing at the Texas State Capitol. She was invited by a friend of the pod, Patti Everitt. If you haven’t listened to our episode that features Patti Everitt educating us about charter schools in Texas, we highly recommend you go back and listen. We’ve learned that there’s a lot of misinformation about charter schools and Patti Everitt is on the front lines of debunking those false narratives. At the briefing, Claire shared her experience of fighting a charter amendment expansion in her own neighborhood. She worked with Patti and fellow community members who fought back against the charter expansion and won! Stay tuned as we continue to stay informed especially as Governor Greg Abbott has named school choice as a top legislative priority this 88th Texas Legislative Session.

]]>History of Hunger in America with Dr. Laurie Green7KA2_83twXMon, 13 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMT3544https://gobehindtheballot.com/history-of-hunger-in-america-with-dr-laurie-greenfalseAttention Mentions:

Laurie: Hidden Brain podcast from NPR

Claire: The Parent Test series on Hulu

Nichole: ‘The Whiteness Myth’ episode on the Throughline podcast

 

Hunger in America documentary from CBS that is referenced:

https://www.cbsnews.com/video/hunger-in-america-the-1968-cbs-documentary-that-shocked-america/

 

Dr. Laurie Green is the author of the upcoming book, The Discovery of Hunger in America: A Site of Public Crisis of Race, Health, and American Democracy. Claire Campos O’Neal and Nichole Abshire were so grateful for the historical context she provides for hunger in the US. She walks them through the early governmental programs like Surplus Commodities (1930s) and how it was never meant to address hunger but actually meant to support the farming industry. They move on to the ‘discovery’ of hunger in the 1960s that culminated in the food stamps program. They discuss the barriers created by charging for a program whose beneficiaries have no money. They also discuss the particular language used now–food insecurity—and how it came into our vocabulary in the 1990s in the Clinton administration. Dr. Green is masterful at sharing how the details of history inform our present and how vital it is for fully grasping our current struggles.

]]>In The Community: Nichole Attends the Poor People’s Campaign Meeting4cw6IFU2NThu, 09 Mar 2023 16:55:38 GMT1164falseWe’d love your support:

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Austin advocates are starting a local Poor People’s Campaign and Nichole attended their first meeting. She will keep us posted on how it moves forward and her participation. Please reach out to us if you’re interested in joining the movement!


From: www.breachrepairers.org

Drawing on the unfinished work of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the National Welfare Rights Organization,  worker’s rights movements, women’s rights movements, religious leaders, and people of all races who launched the Poor People’s Campaign in 1968 and called for a “revolution of values,”  today’s Poor People’s Campaign is a growing national movement organized to challenge the interlocking issues of systemic racism, systemic poverty, the war economy, ecological devastation, and the distorted moral narrative of religious nationalism.  



]]>Understanding The Causes Of Hunger In Texas With Celia Cole Of Feeding TexasbLH4bXh33yMon, 06 Mar 2023 11:00:00 GMT2969https://gobehindtheballot.com/understanding-the-causes-of-hunger-in-texas-with-celia-cole-of-feeding-texasfalseWhat does it mean to be food insecure in Texas? Is that even the right language? What are the underlying causes of food insecurity? We get answers to all of these questions and more in our conversation with Celia Cole, the CEO of Feeding Texas. She explains how the pandemic made food insecurity more visible to the general public and how food banks across the state rose to the occasion. Celia shares her current advocacy work; she’s so involved that she even recorded this episode from the capital! Continue listening to this series to learn alongside Claire and Nichole as they deepen their understanding of the issues facing the most vulnerable in Texas.

 

Attention Mentions:

Celia: The Walking Dead, on AMC and Netflix

Claire: The Last of Us on HBO Max

Nichole: Recaps on YouTube of Married at First Sight Australia called Rehashed by Wilko

]]>Our Own Experiences With Food Insecurity and Using Government Welfare ProgramshJBFlggGXThu, 02 Mar 2023 12:00:00 GMT1711falseWe’d love your support:

Donate on Stripe

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Share our podcast with your friends


Our journey into awareness about food insecurity has led us to reflect on our own experiences. We share the ways that government programs have helped our families to keep moving up and yet we also have to reckon with the shaming that has been attached to those times of need. We have both done a lot of reflection on how we move throughout our daily lives and the big and small ways that we’ve absorbed messages about the poor and poverty. We aim to be better stewards of the abundance we’ve been given. We hope you’ll share your own thoughts and feelings with us. Have you found these episodes to be challenging? Has your perspective changed at all? Stick with us because we’ve got more compelling information to share.

]]>What’s it Like to be Food Insecure in Texas? Lawson Picasso Shares Her Lived ExperienceRGF6TNkHYnMon, 27 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT3053https://gobehindtheballot.com/whats-it-like-to-be-food-insecure-in-texas-lawson-picasso-shares-her-lived-experiencefalseAttention Mentions:

 

Lawson: the Taylor Swift Ticketmaster debacle and especially the use of her lyrics in the Congressional hearing (Lawson’s an unapologetic Swiftie!)

 

Claire: Del Valle Education Foundation (Claire is the president!) working with the Kendra Scott philanthropic arm and seeing the good that can result for families

 

Nichole: Chernobyl on HBO Max along with the accompanying podcast

 

We explore the issue of food insecurity through the eyes of Lawson Picasso who has a compelling lived experience to share. She helps us understand the reality of living without a safety net and how invisible precarity can be even to those we are closest to. Lawson uses her incredible voice to detail her experience living in a car and brings us into the unrelenting pressures of living without resources. She weaves hope throughout her sharing and we hope you find the same level of commitment to making change that we’ve found.

 

Finally, we leave you with Lawson’s magic formula: access your lawmakers + educate yourself + serve others = pathway to positive change.


]]>‘The Hunger Games’: Our Future or Just a Work of Fiction?eKh1X5u1SThu, 23 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT1856falseBlog post referenced:

https://www.drmichaeljharrisbooks.com/blog/10-ways-the-hunger-games-is-our-present-and-our-future-3-district-12-where-you-can-starve-to-death-in-safety


‘The Hunger Games,’ both the book and film series, were hugely popular. Why? Do they speak to something that resonates with us, as a society? Do they feel more like a nonfiction future than a fictional one? Claire and Nichole discuss a blog post by Dr. Michael J Harris that is one of a series of blog posts based on his book, ‘Stay Alive: Surviving Capitalism’s Coming Hunger Games,’ published in April/May 2021 by Zero Books. We make connections between the world of Panem and the state of Texas and find ourselves questioning the priorities and decisions of leadership. Stick with us as we continue to explore these intertwined issues of poverty, visibility, hunger, and power. We hope you’ll share your thoughts and feelings with us.

]]>Framing The Issue Of Hunger And Poverty With Adam Johnson Of The Citations Needed PodcastQgUfn4F0yCMon, 20 Feb 2023 11:00:00 GMT2886https://gobehindtheballot.com/framing-the-issue-of-hunger-and-poverty-with-adam-johnson-of-the-citations-needed-podcastfalseAttention Mentions

Adam: Mozart: The Reign of Love and Beethoven: Anguish and Triumph, two biographies by Jan Swafford

Claire: The 1619 Project television series on Hulu

Nichole: Ravishing the Heiress by Sherry Thomas

 

Buckle in. Yes, we secured a conversation with Adam Johnson of the Citations Needed podcast! Brace yourself for a meaty and rapid-fire discussion of food insecurity that inevitably tumbles into the myriad of related issues: poverty, homelessness, precarity, and labor. Prepare to feel challenged and maybe even a bit destabilized or at least that was our experience at times. But true to form, Adam inspires a rethinking of the systems around us and demonstrates how we are presented a media narrative that just might be undermining our ability to make lasting and meaningful change. Please share your thoughts. We’d love to know what resonated with you and what didn’t.

]]>Hunger Games: Who is Winning in Our Broken System? - Preview Of Our Next SeriesMqCwKlX9VThu, 16 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT1997falsehttps://schedule.sxsw.com/2023/events/PP1143174


Claire and Nichole are honored to take part in SXSW in the Civic Engagement track on March 13. They will host a panel on food insecurity in Texas and beyond called ‘Hunger Games: Who is Winning in Our Broken System?’ Join them as they share how this opportunity came about (hint: Claire made it happen!). They talk about their own evolution into how they look at hunger and food insecurity and how it’s been shaped by extensive research and conversation initiated by this panel opportunity. Finally, they give a sneak preview of the panel guests who will each have future episodes along with the experts who helped them frame this topic. Please share your thoughts! We’d love to have your input and we are always open to feedback!

]]>Culture Wars - What are They? Why Should Texans Pay Attention? What is the End Goal?HJescRvliMon, 13 Feb 2023 13:00:00 GMT3923falseDisinformation! Christian Nationalism! Gender Identity! Gun Reform! Immigration! Abortion! Critical Race Theory! We took on the daunting challenge of discussing some of the most hot button issues in politics today. Our goal was to really understand what these issues are about and why they suck up so much of the political oxygen. In today's show, we recap our 'Culture Wars' series. We share our takeaways as we look back at the amazing expertise of our guests. We noticed some patterns in policy decision-making here in Texas as we continued our learning journey. Please chime in and share your thoughts. We know these issues can be emotionally fraught and we want to hear from you!

]]>What’s it Like to Lose Power? Nichole Shares Her Experience from Austin, TXORlMjfjd-Thu, 09 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT1319falseJoin us for a departure from our usual episodes as we explore Nichole’s experience losing power during this Central Texas winter storm. Claire and Nichole discuss the mental toll of living through uncertainty during these extreme weather events. They also reflect on their own access to resources and share how they recognize how much more difficult life is for so many Texans. We hope you’ll join us in holding our lawmakers and leaders accountable. We continue to believe in the need for community action and a commitment to the collective good. What was your experience like?


]]>Texas Winter Storm 2023 – Why Does This Feel So Familiar?KVajtfpDtMon, 06 Feb 2023 12:00:00 GMT2046falsehttps://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/texas-winter-storm-icy-weather-2-1-23/index.html

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/02/02/texas-winter-weather-mental-health/

https://www.texastribune.org/2023/02/03/texas-ice-storm-emergency-preparedness/

https://www.feedingtexas.org/your-impact-on-winter-storm-uri-relief/


We interrupt our regularly scheduled program to bring you breaking news…Central Texas experienced a major winter storm that halted life as we know it. Join Claire and Nichole as they explore the causes of this particular failed response–from power failures to impassable roads to lackluster communication. What is the responsibility of the state of Texas? What failures belong to the city of Austin? Why does this feel like a problem that’s solvable but leadership has refused to solve it? Let us know what your experience looked like. Together we can demand better from our lawmakers.

]]>What’s it Really Like for Texas Educators to Deal With Anti-CRT Legislation in the Classroom?m9Cj2BZVuThu, 02 Feb 2023 13:00:00 GMT1443falseReference Article: https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/whatever-happened-with-texas-anti-crt-law/2022/12


It’s been almost a year and a half since Texas’s anti-CRT Legislation (HB3979 and SB3) has been in effect. What’s it been like for educators? Has it had the desired effect? We read an article in Ed Week for reference. Curiously, despite the efforts of the author, Ileana Najarro, no conservative educators responded to follow-up questions but the article does include the voices of educators of color. Despite assurances from lawmakers, there remains confusion about what’s out of bounds and also confusion about the consequences for violating the law. Stick with us as we continue to follow what’s happening on the ground and explore this contentious issue.

]]>Critical Race Theory As The Boogeyman Of The Right With Dr. Tiffany Puett (Culture Wars)YxfgJsVaMUMon, 30 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT3333https://gobehindtheballot.com/critical-race-theory-as-the-boogeyman-of-the-right-with-dr-tiffany-puett-culture-warsfalseAttention Mentions:

Tiffany: The Light We Give: How Sikh Wisdom Can Transform Your Life by Simran Jeet Singh

Claire: Ingrid Goes West movie streaming on HBO Max

Nichole: Citations Needed podcast

 

Additional books recommended by Dr. Puett:

White Too Long by Robert P. Jones

Jesus and John Wayne by Kristin Kobes Du Mez

 

Join us in a fascinating conversation with Dr. Tiffany Puett of the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life about Critical Race Theory. Tiffany dedicates her time to the study of diversity in Texas and accurately presenting the rich populace of our state. Because of her PhD in religious studies, she also speaks authoritatively on the influence of religion on our state politics. All of these factors intersect in the issue of Critical Race Theory. She helps us understand why lawmakers in Texas felt a need to design and pass legislation to preemptively make sure the children of Texas would never be presented with any ideas remotely connected to CRT. We made many connections in this conversation, and we’re curious to hear your thoughts.

]]>Do You Know What the Current Laws are in Texas Regarding Abortion? Even We Were Wrong (Looking at You HB1280)! (Culture Wars Mini)RqkHEMbHLThu, 26 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT1988falsehttps://www.texasmonthly.com/news-politics/when-does-pregnant-texan-life-count-under-new-abortion-ban/


We read the Texas Monthly article titled ‘When Does the Life of a Pregnant Texan Count Under the State’s New Abortion Ban?’ In our conversation with Scott White we realized we had a blindspot–HB1280. Join us as we untangle the relationship between SB8 and the reigning law of the land in Texas, HB1280. Spoiler alert: it’s highly restrictive and has had devastating consequences for pregnant Texans. Stick with us as we keep our eye on Texas Legislators to see if they’re willing to revisit this bill and provide the clarity that doctors and patients so desperately need.

]]>Let’s Talk About Abortion In Texas With Scott White (Culture Wars)dW_ezxcjd-Mon, 23 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT3427https://gobehindtheballot.com/lets-talk-about-abortion-in-texas-with-scott-white-culture-warsfalseWhen it comes to the topic of abortion, things can get pretty heated because there a lot of sides to it. Should it be legal or illegal? Is it a criminal offense? Is a miscarriage labeled as abortion? There are a lot of questions that you really have to do extensive research. Well today’s guest did his research on this topic that not too many men think about. Join Claire Campos O'Neal and Nichole Abshire as they talk to Scott White, a supportive dad who just attended his daughter’s advocacy event about abortion, which lit the lightbulb for him. He then decided to learn more about abortion so he can inspire those around him to learn more too via uncomfortable conversations. Discover his thoughts and insights about abortion in the state of Texas. Learn the history of how abortion started and what’s in store for future generations. Start educating yourself on this topic today!

]]>Untangling the Border, Title 42, the Biden Administration and Texas (Culture Wars Mini)anOfwXCigThu, 19 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT1795falsehttps://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/title-42-end-covid-ban-migrants-border-immigration-rcna61803


https://www.stitcher.com/show/cnn-political-briefing/episode/title-42-will-remain-in-effect-210319245


https://www.texastribune.org/2023/01/08/joe-biden-border-visit-el-paso/

Our conversation with Uriel Garcia left us with a strong sense of how complex the issue of immigration and the border really are. So we did what we do best and sought information to demystify it all–or at least what we can. We used President Biden’s visit to El Paso as the inspiration for getting a grasp on Title 42, the current proposed solutions to the problems, and thinking about the role of leadership. Buckle in with us and prepare yourself to hear us do our best to untangle this thorny topic in real time. As usual, we’d love to hear your thoughts and insight.

]]>Immigration And The Border - Does Anyone Actually Want To Solve The Crisis? With Uriel Garcia Of The Texas Tribune (Culture Wars)RUbhAtIB4TMon, 16 Jan 2023 11:00:00 GMT2953https://gobehindtheballot.com/immigration-and-the-border-does-anyone-actually-want-to-solve-the-crisis-with-uriel-garcia-of-the-texas-tribune-culture-warsfalseAttention Mentions:


Uriel: Los Espookys on HBO Max


Claire: We’re Here on HBO Max


Nichole: A Little Bit Culty Podcast is available on all platforms


Uriel Garcia, an immigration reporter for the Texas Tribune, joins us to discuss the Mexican border and immigration. Uriel’s family immigrated from Mexico, which gives him an innate understanding of immigrant stories and influences his desire to frame his storytelling around people rather than politics. He walks us through the complexity of immigrant stories and the diverse factors that impact them, from the country of origin to law enforcement interactions. We learn about the use of Title 42 during the height of COVID as a way of turning back immigrants at the border and how it’s currently facing its expiration date. Uriel explains how the paths to legal immigration are very limited and are out of reach for people without significant resources. We end our discussion with his worry that we aren’t any closer to real momentum in dealing with immigration because politicians tend to use it as a political tool rather than proposing real solutions. Despite that, we hope that the more each of us learns, the more we will hold our leadership accountable.


https://www.texastribune.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQiA4uCcBhDdARIsAH5jyUl8CgCcXqMmRQiFPYeMDJ1d8XP4AOGW2ytowzTs-_3n0NBZ3NG1ThgaAp-BEALw_wcB


]]>Bills, Bills, Bills! Let's Talk about the Proposed Texas Laws We Love and HateZUVOZxjzeThu, 12 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT1597falseMonitoring site for bills:

https://legiscan.com/TX


https://www.kxan.com/news/local/austin/texas-could-remove-period-products-sales-tax-in-next-legislative-session/


https://communityimpact.com/austin/central-austin/education/2022/12/19/here-are-some-of-the-major-education-bills-filed-ahead-of-the-2023-legislative-session/


https://www.kvue.com/article/news/local/austin-new-years-eve-celebratory-gunfire/269-294d10cb-dc45-4d14-a198-bf7806a2be7c


https://www.dallasobserver.com/news/texas-bill-would-offer-tax-credits-for-grocery-stores-that-open-in-food-deserts-15592968



Texas Legislators have already filed thousands of bills for the 88th Texas Legislative Session. What bills will leadership in each chamber allow to be heard? What will make it over the many hurdles an individual bill must pass to reach the governor’s desk? What will Governor Greg Abbott sign into law? Join Claire and Nichole as they share some of their favorite and least favorite bills that have been filed. We hope you will join us as we watch the progression (or not) of these bills. Stay tuned as we share ways to deepen our connection with our listeners and let us know what you’re watching out for!


]]>Special Report! The Texas Legislature is Coming to Town1ekC2pNmbMon, 09 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT1534falseHow a bill becomes a law (or doesn’t):

https://tlc.texas.gov/docs/legref/legislativeprocess.pdf

*This document includes a great flow chart/infographic of the process



Legislative glossary:

https://house.texas.gov/about-us/legislative-glossary/#E


Pause. We’re stepping away from our ‘Culture Wars’ series for a moment to bring attention to an important event beginning on January 10, 2023 - the Texas Legislature begins its 88th session! Join us as we read the tea leaves to see what the priorities of the Texas Legislature might be. From property tax relief to abortion to public education, we have some signs and we hope you’ll stay engaged with us to see how it all unfolds!

]]>Saying Hello to 2023. We Have Hopes! (Holiday Special)ecHpqkfZ8Thu, 05 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT794falseClaire and Nichole look forward to what awaits in 2023! We start with our hopes for the 88th Texas Legislative Session and our excitement for having a clearer understanding of what's happening there. We move on to discuss our hopes for new series which we know will include amazing guests. We especially look forward to hosting live events where we can deepen our connection to our fabulous listeners. Thanks for everything and we hope you continue on with us and we'd be honored for you to rate and review us!

]]>Replay! Christopher Tackett Followed the Money and It Led Him to Uncover Two Texas Billionaires Controlling Texas’ Far-Right Political AgendaucoxMJrW7Mon, 02 Jan 2023 13:00:00 GMT3489falseJoin us for a holiday replay of one of our favorite episodes.

Attention Mentions:

Chris: The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy by Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry

Claire: Dopesick on Hulu

Nichole: The Bachelorette on ABC and Hulu

http://christackettnow.com/

Chris Tackett shares how he got his start in public life by serving on the school board for Granbury ISD and how what was meant to be a nonpartisan race became partisan despite the wishes of him or his opponent. That experience led him to follow the money trail in Texas politics and what he found was enlightening and frightening. Chris discusses the influence of money in politics and how it can make a few voices sound like many. He talks about the need for free and fair elections and how being consistent in his message lights the way for how he moves forward. This episode is a can’t-miss for anyone who wants a greater understanding of the relationship between money and politics in Texas elections today.

]]>Saying Goodbye to 2022. It's Been a Ride! (Holiday Special)VcEviC738Thu, 29 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT896falseAs 2022 comes to a close, Claire and Nichole take a moment to reflect on all of the great highlights from the past year. We have much to be grateful for - our incredible guests, our new knowledge of Texas politics and of course our fantastic listeners! Thank you so much for tuning in each week and we can’t wait to bring you more shows in 2023. Remember to subscribe, review and rate the show!

]]>Replay! Patti Everitt Explains the Rise Of Charter Schools In Texas & What Parents Need To KnowqbzOJmDctMon, 26 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT4800falseClaire & Nichole hope you are having a restful holiday season! We are replaying a past favorite episode from our Education Series.


Attention Mentions:


Patti Everitt: she’s really paying attention to the importance of teachers


Claire: Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-wives Edition on Bravo and Peacock


Nichole: Fair Play, a documentary on Apple+


Go behind the ballot with us for this information-packed episode with Patti Everitt who knows all things charter schools. She has dedicated so much of her time to asking questions about how charter schools function in Texas so we can all have more clear information. She talks about the challenges that charter schools create for local ISDs and the different expectations and accountability for each. Patti gives us a tutorial on how charter schools are funded in Texas and how that affects all Texas families. She also informs us on important questions families should ask when making decisions about charter schools versus their local ISD. Buckle up for a very informative episode.

]]>What the Data About Guns Tell Uss7svDAXUkThu, 22 Dec 2022 13:01:00 GMT1705falsehttps://www.texastribune.org/2022/07/28/texas-gun-stats/

Join us as we discuss the article from the Texas Tribune titled ‘Texas’ complex relationship with firearms: Leading America in gun sales, but with a declining gun ownership rate.’ We discuss the varied data that the article lays out and how the issue of gun ownership in Texas is a complicated one. Some points of interest that stuck out to us were:

  • Background checks for gun purchases rise after mass shootings.
  • More guns were purchased during the pandemic than any time this century.
  • Population growth is outpacing the rate of household gun ownership and Texas is in the middle of the pack when it comes to gun ownership.
  • However, because of our large population and lax gun laws, more guns are purchased here than any other state.
  • Black Texans are more likely to be killed by homicide with a gun.
  • White Texans are more likely to die by suicide with a gun.
  • Urban Texas and rural Texas have different issues.

The most direct and striking correlation that can be made is that more guns lead to more deaths. With the Texas 88th Legislative Session starting in January 2023 we are eager to see what legislation rises to attention around gun violence.



]]>Is There Any Common Ground On Gun Safety? Nicole Golden With Texas Gun Sense Explains The Landscape (Culture Wars)7x3ikkbcDdMon, 19 Dec 2022 11:00:00 GMT2288https://gobehindtheballot.com/is-there-any-common-ground-on-gun-safety-nicole-golden-with-texas-gun-sense-explains-the-landscape-culture-warsfalseThere are over 100 Americans that die each day from gun-related violence. Gun safety is needed more than ever right now in the United States. There need to be some common sense policies that can find a common ground for pro and anti-gun control. This is something Texas Gun Sense, an advocate for preventing gun violence in Texas, is fighting for.

 

Join Claire Campos O'Neal and Nichole Abshire as they talk to the Executive Director of Texas Gun Sense, Nicole Golden. Learn how Nicole and the Texas Gun Sense are advocating for new laws and policies on gun safety. Find out why weak gun laws are being passed and how people can fix that. Discover more about the second amendment and its loopholes. Know how you can help prevent gun violence today!


]]>Are Texas Politicians Using Gender Identity As Political Theater? (Culture Wars Mini)KD7Q_Eia6Thu, 15 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT1837falseTexas Tribune Article: https://www.texastribune.org/2022/12/02/trans-kids-leave-texas/

Social Media Follows on Instagram:

@alokvmenon

@pinkmantaray

@harris_reed

We dig into the negative effects on families of the current political climate in Texas concerning gender identity. We ground our conversation in a Texas Tribune photo essay by Jordan Vonderhaar called ‘Photos: “We don’t feel safe here.” A transgender teen and their family flee Texas.’ Nichole shares her perspective as the mother of a nonbinary child. We discuss the reality of gender affirming care and the need for the protection of children so they can feel safe in the world. We end by challenging ourselves and our audience to be willing to seek discomfort and growth so that we can create a more inclusive, safe environment for all people.

]]>Is Gender Identity Part of a ‘Woke Agenda’? Ash Hall Educates Us, Part 2 (Culture Wars)2trx_j7lRGMon, 12 Dec 2022 11:00:00 GMT2343https://gobehindtheballot.com/is-gender-identity-part-of-a-woke-agenda-ash-hall-educates-us-part-2-culture-warsfalseAttention Mentions:

 

Ash: Texas Book Festival

 

Claire: God Forbid on Hulu

 

Nichole: The Problem with Jon Stewart, season 2, episode 1 called ‘The War Over Gender’

 

We continue our conversation with Ash Hall (they/them) this week and focus on Texas. We learn that House Bill 25 is the only current law on the books though the Texas Legislature has considered many anti-trans policies recently. HB25 bans transgender athletes from participating on athletic teams that do not match the sex listed on their original birth certificate. In addition, Governor Abbott issued an executive directive in February of 2022 that directs the Department of Family Protective Services to investigate families that provide gender-affirming care as child abuse. We learn that this directive led to an exodus of many families from Texas and created terror among the families who still reside here. Ash educates us on the myth of gender mutilation being practiced on gender-nonconforming children and teens and teaches us what it actually is. We discuss why there is so much resistance to affirming gender nonconformity, and Ash points out that gender nonconformity has always existed, but we are in an age when the language and visibility of it are more developed, which challenges power structures. Ash points out that culture and policy interact all the time and it’s critical that we focus on making schools safe spaces for all children and families. We know this can be a challenging issue, and we thank you for joining us on this double episode. We really hope you’ll get in touch with any questions or comments you have.


]]>What you Need to Know about Gender Identity, Gender Expression and Sexuality (Culture Wars)_eKBSnIEiThu, 08 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT2189falsehttps://www.outyouth.org/

https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/glossary


Do you know the difference between gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality? Are you familiar with what LGBTQIA+ stands for? What do you think about preferred pronouns? When we begin to talk about gender and sexuality, there can be a lot of misconceptions! We take a moment to define the differences and explain why it’s important to use the proper labels. Nichole also shares her personal experience when her children shared their identities to her and her family. Need help navigating this space? We’re happy to help! Email us - info@gobehindtheballot.com



]]>Is Gender Identity Part Of A ‘Woke Agenda’? Ash Hall Educates Us, Part 1 (Culture Wars)9VXAvnUxDpMon, 05 Dec 2022 11:00:00 GMT2831https://gobehindtheballot.com/is-gender-identity-part-of-a-woke-agenda-ash-hall-educates-us-part-1-culture-warsfalseAsh Hall (they/them) walks us through their origin story growing up in the Houston area and how their college years led them to find their political voice. Ash educates us on how the framework entitled ‘gender ideology’ is developed by the right to promote the idea that gender-nonconforming people seek to indoctrinate all people into their ‘lifestyle,’ which is a complete misunderstanding of how gender identity works. We explore how power structures feel threatened by open discussions of gender, and Ash reminds us that privilege is separate from individual actions. In other words, acknowledging privilege doesn‘t mean someone is a bad person and we are each responsible for our actions. We take a moment to explain gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality. We end this week’s half by acknowledging that many of our power structures are built on a scarcity mindset and how we could use more compassion. Next week, join us for the final half of our discussion with Ash, where we dig into the specifics of Texas and the actions our government has taken that affect the lives of everyday citizens.


]]>Key Takeaways From Dr. David Brockman’s Work on Christian Nationalism in TexasqPhL7XARRThu, 01 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMT2464falseArticle:


Dr. David Brockman explains how amateur historian David Barton   https://religiondispatches.org/new-study-of-christian-nationalism-in-texas-should-be-a-warning-for-the-whole-country/

Dr. Brockman, a religious studies scholar and Christian theologian, wrote an article for the Religion Dispatches entitled ‘New Study of Christian Nationalism in Texas Should Be a Warning for the Whole Country’ that details the influence of Christian nationalism in Texas. We discuss the various key players in our home state like David Barton and the Wilks brothers. We look at how they influence policy creation in Texas and the ways they exert power through money. We point out how Christian nationalism calls itself Christianity but has few ties to compassionate spirituality and is more aligned with exclusionary ideology. We conclude by urgently discussing the dog whistles employed by Christian nationalists and link their rhetoric, which is often based in disinformation, to deadly violence.

]]>What Is Christian Nationalism And How Is It Undermining Democracy With Mendi Tackett (Culture Wars)elNDxrExACMon, 28 Nov 2022 11:00:00 GMT3775https://gobehindtheballot.com/what-is-christian-nationalism-and-how-is-it-undermining-democracy-with-mendi-tackett-culture-warsfalseAttention Mentions:

Mendi: The Great British Bake Off; The Crown on Netflix; and Ken Burns’ ‘The U.S. and the Holocaust documentary on PBS

 

Claire: White Too Long: The Legacy of White Supremacy in American Christianity

Book by Robert P. Jones

 

Nichole: Dancing with the Stars on Disney+

 

Join us in conversation with Mendi Tackett as she walks us through her journey to unravel the mystery of what she saw happening in her school district of Granbury ISD. She wanted to understand what was happening under the surface and found herself on a learning journey to demystify Christian Nationalism. Mendi has read extensively and researched to make the connections between the Texas political climate and the practitioners of Christian Nationalism. Suppose you’re looking for a reading list. In that case, she recommends these two books to develop a core understanding: The Founding Myth by Andrew Seidel and Taking Back America for God by Andrew Whitehead and Samuel Perry.

 

Other resources and points of interest that Mendi mentioned include:

•    Dr. David Brockman studies Christian Nationalism in Texas.

•    Project Blitz is a coalition of Christian organizations that advocate for Christian Nationalism.

•    David Barton and the Wallbuilders are prominent in the Christian Nationalism movement in Texas.

•    Farris Wilks and his brother Dan are large financial contributors to the Wallbuilders and other conservative Christian Nationalist organizations.

•    Empower Texans is a powerful conservative Political Action Committee.

 

The important language that denotes Christian Nationalism includes:

•    Indoctrination versus education

•    No separation between church and state

•    School Choice

•    Parents’ rights

 

Twitter handle: @mentack

]]>Expressing Thanks on this Thanksgiving HolidaySU3j4zqrAThu, 24 Nov 2022 13:00:00 GMT708falseWe pause for a quick moment of gratitude on this Thanksgiving holiday. We take turns naming what we’re grateful for which runs the gamut from our amazing guests to this fragile democracy. No surprise, dear listeners, we are grateful for YOU! Thank you for listening and helping us do something that we love! We hope you stay on this journey with us and we hope you have an amazing, relaxing holiday! Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter on the contact page of our website. We look forward to connecting and building this relationship!

]]>How To Uncover Truth And Lies In Our Age Of Disinformation With Jehmu Greene Of We Defend Truth (Culture Wars) kW-cVdesncMon, 21 Nov 2022 11:00:00 GMT3068https://gobehindtheballot.com/how-to-uncover-truth-and-lies-in-our-age-of-disinformation-with-jehmu-greene-of-we-defend-truth-culture-warsfalseAttention Mentions:


Jehmu: The Peripheral, a sci-fi series on Prime Video


Claire: Eat the Rich: The GameStop Saga, a documentary series on Netflix


Nichole: Love is Blind, Season 3 on Netflix


Jehmu's organization is We Defend Truth at https://wedefendtruth.org/


Newsguard at https://www.newsguardtech.com/


Join us in conversation with Jehmu Greene of We Defend Truth as we discuss today’s heightened political climate. Jehmu shares her personal connection to Texas and her deep love of America. We learn about her strategy to fight back against disinformation and her humble approach to building messages based on fact and truth. She educates us about the difference between misinformation and disinformation and how we can develop and use critical thinking skills in an age when we are bombarded with competing messages.

]]>What’s so Explosive about these Culture Wars? An Introduction to Our Next Series AJs30BdyfThu, 17 Nov 2022 13:00:00 GMT1415falseAbortion! Gun Violence! Christian Nationalism! Critical Race Theory! Gender Identity! Disinformation! Oh my! Let’s dive into our new series together! Don’t be afraid to explore the most emotionally explosive topics of our current political climate in Texas. We promise to walk alongside you with calm and on a search for the fundamental issues and concerns that underlie these most contentious topics. We welcome you to engage with us and let us know what’s top of mind for you. We want to lower the temperature and have deep discussions about these topics and the way policy has been shaped in Texas in each of these instances. This is the perfect time to sign up for our newsletter via our website so you know what’s coming each week!

]]>The Rundown of the Most Impactful Moments from the Texas Elections Series (Elections)S23tBtS1bMon, 14 Nov 2022 13:00:00 GMT2966falseClaire: Mike White, creator extraordinaire of The White Lotus on HBO which is in season 2; and also Survivor which is in its 43rd season and Mike White was on season 37

Nichole: The Vow on HBO which is in its second season

From voter suppression to uncontested races. From dark money in Texas politics to the role of election administrators. We provided a well-rounded look at elections in Texas and the state of voting after the passage of SB1 in 2021 by the Texas Legislature. We remind ourselves of the key takeaways from the series and reminisce about the level of expertise and generosity that our wide-ranging guests consistently provided. Whether you’re a long-time listener or you’re new to our podcast, we hope you find your own nuggets of knowledge and wisdom. In fact, we’d love to hear from you! Don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter on our website which drops soon where we’ll share our takeaways from the week’s episode, provide links to our attention mentions, and share links for any resources our guests provide or that are relevant to that week. Thanks for coming on this journey with us!



]]>Drum Roll... Midterm Results! Texas Republicans Sweep Statewide Offices Once Againfczjt2vwuThu, 10 Nov 2022 13:00:00 GMT1559falseIt’s been a big week with Midterm Elections happening. We attended a podcast taping of TribCast which is the political podcast of the Texas Tribune where we heard from a panel of experts about the election results here in Texas. We heard some interesting thoughts from them and we have our own thoughts and questions. Not much has changed in Texas. All of the statewide offices are still held by Republicans. We discuss what this means for democracy and what this means for the future of Texas. We identify the ‘rural firewall’ as some people describe it and question what Democrats can do to break through it. Then, we laugh a little and remember to find hope in local politics and the amazing public servants we’ve had the chance to meet. Finally, we find our mission: mandatory voting!! Australia does it and you can learn more about it on the podcast called Today Explained on their episode entitled ‘What if You Had to Vote?’ Seriously everyone, let’s make it our mission to make this sound easy and doable! Programming note, the top of the ticket statewide offices are elected to 4-year terms. https://www.stitcher.com/show/today-explained/episode/what-if-you-had-to-vote-208345154

]]>Texas County Commissioners - One Of The Most Important Offices That You May Know Nothing About - Dr. Michelle Gutierrez Cohen Gives Us the Scoop (Elections)w62aaMtxdMon, 07 Nov 2022 11:00:00 GMT3351https://gobehindtheballot.com/texas-county-commissioners-one-of-the-most-important-offices-that-you-may-know-nothing-about-dr-michelle-gutierrez-cohen-gives-us-the-scoop-electionsfalseAttention Mentions:

 

Michelle: House of the Dragon on HBO

 

Claire: she co-signs the House of the Dragon recommendation!

 

Nichole: Hoard House Flippers on Hulu

 

Dr. Michelle Gutierrez Cohen shares her experience growing up in Hays County, Texas, and her deep family ties to her community. We learn about her decision to pursue secondary education after the age of forty and how she completed her Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees. Her dissertation inspired her to commit to running for office, starting a leadership organization, and sharing everything she's learned. True to her commitment, she is on the November 2022 ballot for County Commissioner for Precinct 2 in Hays County, Texas. She shares her pandemic experience of seeing a problem with health outcomes in communities of color in Hays County, and she immediately got to work to solve those inequities. The result of that problem-solving was the creation of Hays Latinos United. Dr. Michelle Gutierrez Cohen educates us on the role of County Commissioners and the structure of the Commissioners Court. We were reminded of the undeniable importance of Texas local races and the impact they have on our daily lives.


]]>We Voted and You Should Too! (Elections Mini)TRlzyeXsnThu, 03 Nov 2022 12:00:00 GMT1051falseExcellent resources:

1-866-OUR-VOTE is the hotline to call if you have any questions about your voting experience. 

Vote411.org provides all the offices and issues on your ballot. You cannot have your phone out so you will need to do any research about candidates or ballot issues ahead of time and write your choices down if you need a reminder. 

We share our experiences with early voting and offer encouragement for everyone who’s eligible to exercise this very powerful civic right! We both found the process to be so smooth, easy, and pleasant and hope everyone has a similar experience.



]]>Who Makes Elections Actually Happen? Elections Administrators. What Do They Do? Beth Stevens Explains All. olhM8PY7PMon, 31 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT3233https://gobehindtheballot.com/who-makes-elections-actually-happen-elections-administrators-what-do-they-do-beth-stevens-explains-allfalseAttention Mentions:


Beth: Eaarth by Bill McKibben and NPR's Throughline Podcast


Claire: The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee


Nichole: Malcolm Gladwell's Revisionist History Podcast and particularly the episode titled, 'Miss Buchanan's Period of Adjustment'


Beth Stevens served as Chief Director of Voting at the Harris County Elections Office, helping run the biggest voting jurisdiction in the state of Texas and the third largest in the country. Beth walks us through the implications of SB1 and how it has affected voting in Texas. We learn how voting rights are the foundation for advocacy on all other issues. Whatever you care about, it all comes back to voting rights at some point. Beth educates on the different models in Texas counties for how elections and voter registration are handled. This episode is a must-listen-to grasp the fundamentally important role of election administrators in preserving our democracy and why we must value these quiet, everyday heroes.


]]>Are Wisconsin Politics a Bellwether for Texas Politics? (Elections Mini)DHBkDxdgvThu, 27 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT2244falseThe podcast we reference is ‘The Run-Up’ from the New York Times. The episode is titled ‘The Maps’ and can be found here:  https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-maps/id1142083165?i=1000583278773 or wherever you listen to podcasts.


Join us as we react to the political climate in Wisconsin. We discuss the election of Scott Walker as governor of Wisconsin in 2011 and the consequent emergence of a new style of politics that’s best characterized as zero-sum, meaning that what’s good for you is bad for your enemies. It began as a movement to strip collective bargaining from workers and continued as a means of amassing power through a secretive redistricting process.


Wisconsin serves as a prime example of gerrymandering characterized by ‘cracking’ and ‘packing’ districts to favor one party significantly over another and in this case it has solidified Republican power. With the ousting of Republican Governor Scott Walker and the election of Democratic Governor Tony Evers, Republicans, under the leadership of Robin Vos, were able to gut the powers of the governor in order to further augment their power before Evers was able to assume office.


We will keep our eyes on Wisconsin to see how Democrats are able to push back against Republican power in their upcoming State Supreme Court Race. Most importantly, we question whether Wisconsin offers important lessons for us here in Texas when power is accumulated in one party significantly over the other.


What can we learn from Wisconsin and how can we apply it here at home?


]]>The Women of Blue Horizon Texas Explain How Uncontested Races Hurt Democracy (Elections) j2Z33IKrgwMon, 24 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT4291https://gobehindtheballot.com/the-women-of-blue-horizon-texas-explain-how-uncontested-races-hurt-democracy-electionsfalseAttention Mentions:

Claire Barnett: her oldest daughter is doing incredible musical theater performances

Stephanie: studying soil rehabilitation, permaculture and climate issues in whatever format she can find

Claire Campos O’Neal: RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars on Paramount Plus

Nichole: Beyonce’s Lemonade album

Claire Barnett and Stephanie Phillips from Blue Horizon Texas share their similar stories of deciding to run for the Texas House. In both cases they found themselves asking who was going to address the issues they saw in their communities and realizing it needed to be them. They shared their experiences of connecting with voters and how their presence changed and expanded conversations in their respective districts. Stephanie and Claire founded Blue Horizon Texas to address the lack of Democratic candidates running for office in rural red Texas. They discuss why, regardless of one’s political affiliation, an uncontested race is bad for democracy. They are working together with the community they’ve built to actively address the most pressing issue of preserving democracy in the state of Texas by preparing nontraditional candidates to run for office.


]]>What ‘On the Ballot’ at TribFest22 Taught Us About Voter Suppression Today (Elections Mini)eA06zvpAdThu, 20 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT1736falseRepresentative Colin Allred and Michael Li from the Brennan Center’s Democracy Program spoke of their concerns about the current state of voting on a panel called ‘On the Ballot.’ They offered anecdotes and real life examples to educate the audience. For example, they debunked illusory claims like ‘widespread voter fraud’ by pointing out the lack of evidence after 22,000 hours of investigation by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.


TribFest is the annual festival sponsored by the Texas Tribune designed to bring people from all walks of life together to talk politics from big names to small names. We attended and learned so much.

]]>We Ask Charlie Bonner - Do We Pick Our Politicians Or Do They Pick Us? (Elections)ymupmXsBwxMon, 17 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT3626https://gobehindtheballot.com/we-ask-charlie-bonner-do-we-pick-our-politicians-or-do-they-pick-us-elections/falseAttention Mentions:


Charlie: Jensen McRae's song "My Ego Does at the End"


Claire: Gaslit on Starz


Nichole: Woman King movie


Go on the journey with us to learn more about redistricting and gerrymandering with voting rights activist Charlie Bonner. It's a winding road filled with confusing requirements and jargon. However, Charlie explains it well and does his best to simplify this very important part of our elections process. You may come in confused, but because of Charlie's indomitable spirit, you will leave reinvigorated and empowered to engage with your community for the sake of democracy!



]]>Texas Statewide Offices: Who are these people and what do they do? (Elections Mini)Ofck94dMLThu, 13 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT2446falseEver wonder who is running the state of Texas and what these people are supposed to do? Check out this episode where we explain the different statewide offices in Texas, who currently holds the position and who is challenging them in the 2022 election.


Salaries Explorer on Texas Tribune website: https://salaries.texastribune.org/


Governor

Duties from the state website: https://gov.texas.gov/governor-abbott/duties

List of appointments: https://gov.texas.gov/organization/appointments/positions


Lieutenant Governor

Duties from KUT interview (good breakdown for why this office is so powerful): https://www.kut.org/politics/2014-10-16/why-is-the-lieutenant-governor-the-most-powerful-office-in-texas-and-who-wants-that-power

List of appointments: https://www.ltgov.texas.gov/appointments/


Attorney General

https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/about-office/duties-responsibilities

https://kenpaxton.com/

https://www.rochellegarzafortexas.com/


Agriculture Commissioner

https://www.texasagriculture.gov/

https://millerfortexas.com/

https://www.hays4ag.com/


Land Commissioner 

https://www.glo.texas.gov/index.html


Railroad Commissioner 

https://www.rrc.texas.gov/


Comptroller

https://comptroller.texas.gov/

https://glennhegar.com/

https://www.janetdudding4texas.com/


]]>Emily Eby of the Texas Civil Rights Project Takes Us Back to School to Learn About the History of Voting Rights in Texas (Elections)LE32Mdpl7mMon, 10 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT3821https://gobehindtheballot.com/emily-eby-of-the-texas-civil-rights-project-takes-us-back-to-school-to-learn-about-the-history-of-voting-rights-in-texas-electionsfalseAttention Mentions:

 

Emily: Ms. Marvel on Disney+

Claire: Selling the OC on Netflix

Nichole: Abbott Elementary on ABC and Hulu

 

The Texas Civil Rights Project (TCRP) is a group of Texas lawyers and advocates for Texas communities, serving the movement for equality and justice in and out of the courts. Emily Eby, the Senior Election Protection Attorney & Policy Counsel for the TCRP, walks us through the history of voting rights in Texas. From her unique vantage point, she tries to explain why someone might be interested in suppressing the vote and how Texas responded to Shelby v. Holder ruling by the Supreme Court. She leads with a sense of optimism, humor, and hope for the future of voting rights in Texas. Prepare to learn and take away important facts about the history and current state of voting rights in Texas.


]]>Exploring Sisterhood at Home and Around the World at the Women and the Future of Democracy EventTqcoRbHknThu, 06 Oct 2022 12:00:00 GMT2318falseWe attended the Women and the Future of Democracy event at the LBJ Library and felt so connected to the speakers and women around the world more broadly. We discuss our most sobering and valuable takeaways. You can watch the stream here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qxUpzbmQms

The panelists and moderators were compelling, accomplished women who represent a variety of organizations that support democracy at home and internationally.

  • Lauren Leader, Co-founder and CEO, All In Together https://aitogether.org/
  • Cristina Tzintzún (sinzun) Ramirez, Executive Director, NextGen America https://nextgenamerica.org/
  • Sheryl Cole, State Representative, Texas District 46 https://www.sherylcole.com/
  • Pat Mitchell environmental advocate https://www.patmitchellmedia.com/
  • Valerie Dowling director of the women’s democracy network, https://www.iri.org/wdn/
  • Naheed A. Farid, Former Member of Afghanistan Parliament @FaridNaheed https://spia.princeton.edu/spia-afghanistan-policy-lab
  • Natalie Gonnella-Platts, Director, Women’s Advancement, George W. Bush Institute https://www.bushcenter.org/explore-our-work/index.html
  • Adela Raz, Former Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to the United States @AdelaRaz


]]>Pam Bixby with the League of Women Voters Explains How Voter Suppression Affects All of Us (Elections)qwdqFuwobfMon, 03 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMT3381https://gobehindtheballot.com/pam-bixby-with-the-league-of-women-voters-explains-how-voter-suppression-affects-all-of-us-electionsfalseVoter suppression is a very real and apparent issue nationwide. What is being done to combat this, and who are the people at the forefront of making voting easier for voters? The League of Women Voters Austin Area (LWVAA) is a nonpartisan grassroots organization that aims to protect and expand voting rights in the United States. Today's guest is Meet Pam Bixby, Vice President – Voters Service, a volunteer role that encompasses the Register & Vote, Voters Guide, Candidate Forum, and FirstVote! activities of the Austin League. In this episode, Pam sits with hosts Claire Campos O'Neal and Nichole Abshire to discuss the different obstacles to voting in Texas and what they've been doing to battle this and educate more people on the voting and election process. Only a small percentage of people are taking part in making decisions that impact all of us on a large scale. Tune in to find out why that is, and learn more about what you can do to get educated on these issues.


]]>Why Every Citizen Must Watch CNN’s ‘Deep in the Pockets of Texas’ (Elections Mini)ypLyXggSpThu, 29 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT2055falsehttps://youtu.be/7B3PTuADIHQ

Join us as we discuss our reactions to CNN’s documentary ‘Deep in the Pockets of Texas’. We share our thoughts about the state of Texas politics and how two Texas billionaires can account for so much of the shift to the right in Texas. We explore how different parts of the documentary clearly illustrated the path to where we find ourselves today in Texas. ‘Deep in the Pockets of Texas’ is a must-watch if you want to have more information about how money affects our political system and especially its effect on Texas. 

]]>Christopher Tackett Followed The Money And It Led Him To Uncover Two Texas Billionaires Controlling Texas’ Far-Right Political Agenda (Elections)ECwYXmDGgoMon, 26 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMT3114https://gobehindtheballot.com/christopher-tackett-followed-the-money-and-it-led-him-to-uncover-two-texas-billionaires-controlling-texas-far-right-political-agendafalseAttention Mentions:

Chris: The Flag and the Cross: White Christian Nationalism and the Threat to American Democracy by Philip S. Gorski and Samuel L. Perry

Claire: Dopesick on Hulu

Nichole: The Bachelorette on ABC and Hulu

http://christackettnow.com/

There’s big money behind the Texas Far Right, and it was Chris Tackett who exposed it. In this conversation with Claire and Nichole, Chris shares how he got his start in public life by serving on the school board for Granbury ISD and how what was meant to be a nonpartisan race became partisan despite the wishes of him or his opponent. That experience led him to follow the money trail in Texas politics and what he found was enlightening and frightening. Chris discusses the influence of money in politics and how it can make a few voices sound like many. He talks about the need for free and fair elections and how being consistent in his message lights the way for how he moves forward. This episode is a can’t-miss for anyone who wants a greater understanding of the relationship between money and politics in Texas elections today.

]]>Look Back With Claire and Nichole at the Most Impactful Moments from our Education Series (Education Mini)wMglIq7_cThu, 22 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT2284falseJoin us as we take a look back at what we’ve learned so far about the state of public education in Texas. If you’ve joined us on this journey you’ll hear call backs to some of our favorite and most mind-blowing moments. If you’re new to our podcast, you can use this as a guide for what to listen for in our fascinating, wide-ranging conversations with leaders on the front lines of the education battlefield.

]]>Rep. James Talarico, the Youngest Member of the Texas House, Reveals the Secret to Public Service (Education)FO8Vwr0szhMon, 19 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMT3232https://gobehindtheballot.com/rep-james-talarico-the-youngest-member-of-the-texas-house-reveals-the-secret-to-public-service/falseWorking in public service has its challenges but knowing that you’re making a positive impact on the lives of many is more than rewarding. Joining us today is Rep. James Talarico, the Youngest Member of the Texas House. In this episode, he shares his journey to serving in public office and how his mother served as his inspiration. In his chat with hosts Claire Campos O'Neal and Nichole Abshire, James also talks about his advocacies for education and marginalized groups and how he's using his position to help those in need the most. If we want to change a flawed system, we need people in office making policies that will facilitate and create meaningful changes in the state and the country. They also discuss the different processes of election, selection, and appointment into office, as James explains why a one-party rule is bad in any country. Tune in to learn more about James' meaningful work and how you can contribute to helping elevate your community.

]]>What is Public Education Anyway? (Education Mini)k3cm3T9dgThu, 15 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT2088falseArticles:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2022/04/18/privatization-of-public-education-gaining-ground/

https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/21/magazine/have-we-lost-sight-of-the-promise-of-public-schools.html

Clip from The Late Show with Stephen Colbert that Nichole mentions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skH-evRRwlo

Claire and Nichole read these two articles and discuss their reflections on the purpose of public education. They explore the current state of public education and the battle to privatize it. They learn about the history of the term ‘common good’ and why it is fundamentally opposed to for-profit interests. They discuss their thoughts about how public education is a cornerstone of healthy democracy. Finally, they share how advocating for democracy is different from partisanship. and how it’s necessary to fight for democracy so we maintain a healthy middle class.

]]>Laura Subrin Yeager Enlightens Us On The History Of Public Education Accountability And Lights A Fire For How To Make The System Accountable To Us (Education)wLrh7GB4e2Mon, 12 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMT4178https://gobehindtheballot.com/education-laura-subrin-yeager-enlightens-us-on-the-history-of-public-education-accountability-and-lights-a-fire-for-how-to-make-the-system-accountable-to-usfalseAttention Mentions:

Laura: The First Lady on Showtime

Claire: Now and Then Podcast

Nichole: Leave No Trace on Hulu


Laura’s organizations:

https://justfundittx.org

https://texaseducatorsvote.com 

https://tamsatx.org 


Laura Subrin Yeager’s experience in policy work dovetailed perfectly into her public education advocacy. She saw an issue in her child’s diminishing love of learning and pulled the thread to understand what was happening. That thread led her down the path of learning about testing in Texas public schools for herself and then she began to share that information with others. Each new piece of her advocacy work was born of a real-life issue that she wrestled with and she walks us through the implications of each. Laura motivates by explaining how to engage with public officials and how to be prepared for advocacy. She’s a force for good and we know you’ll find her just as inspiring!

]]>We Visit Newly Rebuilt Smith Elementary School & Learn that We Can Have Nice Things (Education Mini)JQE3jiiguThu, 08 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT1393falseJoin us as we dish about our experience attending the Smith Elementary School Ribbon Cutting Ceremony in Del Valle ISD. We saw first-hand what incredible facilities can be built when communities support school bond ballot measures. Nichole shares her appreciation for the school’s thoughtful design from the eye of an educator. Claire explains what the school bond process is like and why we must be informed when they are on the ballot. We left the event feeling hopeful that we can have nice things. The event reminded us that prioritizing our children's education is always a good investment.

]]>Dr. Annette Tielle Explains The Many Hats Superintendents Wear, Why Reading Is Fundamental And How Schools Build Community (Education) SZi-XylpYxMon, 05 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMT4003https://gobehindtheballot.com/education-dr-annette-tielle-explains-the-many-hats-superintendents-wear-why-reading-is-fundamental-and-how-schools-build-communityfalseAttention Mentions:

Dr. Annette Tielle: Touring through new campuses has her attention

Claire: Stitcher, the podcast app (she’s obsessed!)

Nichole: Lifetime movies that have been uploaded to YouTube so she can safely have some melodrama in her life

 

Go behind the ballot with us as we have an enlightening conversation with Dr. Annette Tielle, the superintendent of Del Valle ISD. The foundation of her work is her extensive background in literacy. In this episode, she joins Claire Campos O'Neal and Nichole Abshire to walk us through her leadership philosophy in managing her staff. She helps us understand the funding structure of public education in Texas and what that looks like on the ground in a school district like Del Valle ISD. Dr. Tielle shares anecdotes that illustrate why she’s committed to public education and explains the accountability system in Texas. She also informs listeners about how citizens can get involved and some misconceptions about charter schools.


]]>Claire Dishes on Testifying before the Texas House Public Education Committee (Education Mini)gKbBiske5Thu, 01 Sep 2022 12:00:00 GMT2314falseJoin us as we discuss Claire’s experience testifying before the Texas Legislature Public Education Committee. She informs us about the invited testimony that took place during the day and then the public testimony that lasted late into the night. Claire shares how different stakeholders handled themselves and what you can expect from the process if you ever decide to testify. Get a look behind the curtain at how democracy really works!


If you'd like to view Claire's testimony before the House Public Education Committee, you can view it here on our YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/naSiZyxNqVQ


Last but not least, we highly recommend ‘How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen'.

https://how-to-talk.com/how-to-talk-so-little-kids-will-listen-book/



]]>Patti Everitt Sheds Light On The Rise Of Charter Schools In Texas, Their Impact On The Public Education Budget, And What Parents Need To Know (Education)43MPkYxOaiMon, 29 Aug 2022 10:00:00 GMT4068https://gobehindtheballot.com/education-patti-everitt-sheds-light-on-the-rise-of-charter-schools-in-texas-their-impact-on-the-public-education-budget-and-what-parents-need-to-knowfalseAttention Mentions:

Patti Everitt: she's really paying attention to the importance of teachers

Claire: Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-wives Edition on Bravo and Peacock

Nichole: Fair Play, a documentary on Apple+

 

Go behind the ballot with us for this information-packed episode with Patti Everitt who knows all things charter schools. She has dedicated so much of her time to asking questions about how charter schools function in Texas so we can all have more clear information. She talks about the challenges that charter schools create for local ISDs and the different expectations and accountability for each. Patti gives us a tutorial on how charter schools are funded in Texas and how that affects all Texas families. She also informs us on important questions families should ask when making decisions about charter schools versus their local ISD. Buckle up for a very informative episode.

]]>Let’s Discuss the Unlikely Alliance Between Rural Conservatives and Urban Liberals When It Comes to Public Education in Texas (Education Mini)QdgsGjWddThu, 25 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT1402falsehttps://www.texastribune.org/2022/08/08/texas-school-choice-legislation/

Join us as we discuss the Texas Tribune article titled ‘Texas Republicans are trying to sell school choice measures, but rural conservatives aren’t buying’. We share our thoughts about the article and discuss the implications of what we’ve learned so far about the state of public education in Texas. We look at the surprising things we’ve learned and how this article is an excellent summary of the unlikely allies and unintended consequences of several initiatives passed by the Texas Legislature. We also discuss a recurring issue which is the need for transparency and honest information so everyone can make informed decisions.

]]>Dr. Audrey Young On The State Board Of Education, What It Means To Serve At A Local And State Level, And Why We Need Teamwork To Improve Public Education (Education)sXs-sVl5XwMon, 22 Aug 2022 10:00:00 GMT3755https://gobehindtheballot.com/education-dr-audrey-young-on-the-state-board-of-education-what-it-means-to-serve-at-a-local-and-state-level-and-why-we-need-teamwork-to-improve-public-education/falseGo behind the ballot with us as we learn from Dr. Audrey Young who serves in District 8 on the Texas State Board of Education. She walks us through the challenges and rewards of serving in a small district of around 250 students versus the state board where she has almost 2 million constituents. We discuss the necessity of teamwork and commitment especially when these office holders serve without pay. Dr. Young details how she sees her role and the way she communicates with the people she serves. We also learn about the relationship between the Texas Education Agency and the Texas State Board of Education.

]]>Why Everyone Must Watch Candace Hunter’s Teacher Bootcamp (Education Mini)iyvUYTzehThu, 18 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT1324falsehttps://www.facebook.com/TBCEDUCO/videos/763877027740278

Join us as we share our thoughts on Candace Hunter’s Teacher Bootcamp. We watch Candace in action and see how she instructs teachers with encouragement and expertise. We learn how she translates her best practices from in-person instruction to virtual instruction. We recognize how watching her is enlightening for anyone–teacher or not. It assisted us in considering the various pressures and needs to which teachers must respond. Plus, Candace is just fun to spend time with!

]]>Candace Hunter On The Importance Of Public Service, Holding Leaders Accountable And Running For Austin ISD School Board (Education)VFfek0KGHMon, 15 Aug 2022 10:00:00 GMT4257http://thomash173.sg-host.com/education-candace-hunter-on-the-importance-of-public-service-holding-leaders-accountable-and-running-for-austin-isd-school-board/falseAttention Mentions:

Candace: Blinkist, a learning app

Claire: Tiny Habits by BJ Fogg and Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons on Hulu

Nichole: Web of Make Believe: Death, Lies, and the Internet on Netflix

Instagram: @hunterforaisd

Facebook: @hunterforaisd

Website: https://hunterforaisd.wixsite.com/my-site

 

Join us as we talk to Candace Hunter about her campaign for Austin ISD board of trustees. We have a far ranging conversation about the current state of public education in Austin and Texas more broadly. Some topics we discuss include the Texas Education Agency and their role in oversight of public schools. We address the teacher shortage in Texas and some of the ongoing reasons for it. We dive into the obstacles that teachers face and the possible solutions. We talk about the pressures of standardized testing and discuss the enormous cost of this system to Texas. We discuss public school finance and the issues that Title 1 schools face. Candace shares her life experience as an educator and how she pivoted during the pandemic to become a teacher of teachers. Candace is committed to public education and public service and has a lifetime of experience to back it up.

]]>Our Experience at a Public Education Townhall Led By Rep. Vikki Goodwin and What You Can Expect From Events Like This (Education Mini)BHTOPSuXoThu, 11 Aug 2022 12:00:00 GMT1321falseGo behind the curtain with us as we discuss our experience attending a Public Education Townhall hosted by Rep. Vikki Goodwin. We watched her in action as she led a panel with Round Rock ISD Trustee and Vice President Tiffanie Harrison and Education Advocate Laura Yeager. Tiffanie Harrison provided a glimpse into the pressures facing Round Rock ISD and how she advocates from her position as a trustee and former teacher. Laura Yeager connected the dots for attendees between the current state of public education and the influences that create obstacles for the public education system in Texas. Keep listening because Laura Yeager will be a guest in a future episode and we look forward to getting more in depth with her. We also discuss how to find events like this and why we value experiences like this one. Follow us on social media, @gobehindtheballot except Twitter which is @gobehindballot and interact with us. Learn more at gobehindtheballot.com

]]>Introducing Claire, Nichole, and How We Are Demystifying Texas Politics One Issue At a TimeFWVDVbCdJzSun, 07 Aug 2022 20:01:00 GMT848falseJoin us as we introduce ourselves and what you can expect from our show. We aim to demystify Texas politics one issue at a time. Mondays will be our interview episodes with experts in the field. Thursdays will be our reaction conversations. We begin with a Public Education series that explores the current state of education from the viewpoint of various stakeholders. Next up is our Elections series. We hope you will follow us on social media, @gobehindtheballot except Twitter which is @gobehindballot and interact with us. We'd love to hear from you!

]]>trailerRep. Vikki Goodwin On The Decreasing State Contribution To Public Education And Its Implications For All Of Us (Education)B4hvT1nORMon, 01 Aug 2022 16:24:00 GMT3000http://thomash173.sg-host.com/education-rep-vikki-goodwin-on-the-decreasing-state-contribution-to-public-education-and-its-implications-for-all-of-us/falseAttention Mentions:

Rep. Goodwin: While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams

Claire: The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler

Nichole: The Martha Mitchell Effect on Netflix; Usher Tiny Desk Concert by NPR and available on YouTube; The Bear on FX and streamed on Hulu

Texas Representative Vikki Goodwin: https://vikkigoodwin.com https://www.facebook.com/VikkiGoodwinTX/ https://twitter.com/vikkigoodwintx

 

Go behind the ballot with us as we talk to Texas State Representative Vikki Goodwin of Texas House District 47. We discuss the public education system in our state and how it’s funded. Rep. Goodwin explains how our state’s contribution has decreased over time and the implications of that on local school districts. We learn about her political history and how she serves her constituents.

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