Voices from the Hill Country

In-Depth with Vikki Goodwin: Tackling Texas Politics and Community Issues

In this episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country," host Adam West sits down with Vikki Goodwin, the Democratic representative from the Texas House, District 47 in Travis County. Currently serving her third term and running for re-election, Vikki discusses her legislative record and the key issues she's focusing on for the next legislative session and beyond.
Vikki shares her insights on housing affordability in the greater Austin area, proposing the Fair Rent Incentive Act to address rising rental costs. She also highlights her accomplishments in the legislature, including laws on drowning prevention, food security, and mental health, and discusses her ongoing efforts to promote sensible gun safety regulations and violence prevention.
Additionally, Vikki delves into her plans for water and power planning in response to Texas's rapid growth and environmental challenges. She emphasizes the importance of public education and her opposition to school vouchers, and advocates for citizen-led referendums to give Texans a more direct voice in their government.
Tune in to hear Vikki Goodwin's vision for a better Texas and her commitment to making meaningful changes for her constituents and the state.

Historic Shift: Kamala Harris' Path to the Presidency

The latest episode dives into the unprecedented political landscape as President Joe Biden steps down, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Our guest, Dr. Leonard Lira, a seasoned political scientist and current chair of a public policy department, provides expert analysis on this historic event.
We explore the implications of Biden's withdrawal, the delegate process, and the potential legal challenges from the Trump campaign. Dr. Lira also sheds light on the surge in new voter registrations and the impact of grassroots movements supporting Harris.
Join us for a comprehensive discussion on the upcoming presidential race and the evolving dynamics within the Democratic Party.

Bidenomics 101 and Beyond: A Conversation with Bruce Carpenter

Join us for an engaging discussion with Bruce Carpenter, co-founder of Harbor Bridge Ventures Incorporated, as he delves into the impact of Bidenomics on the U.S. economy. Bruce shares his insights on the economic recovery post-pandemic, the effects of federal policies on inflation and employment, and the importance of local and state elections.
Discover how significant investments in infrastructure and renewable energy are shaping the future, and the potential economic implications of a change in administration. Whether you're a seasoned economist or simply interested in the current economic landscape, this episode offers valuable perspectives on today's pressing financial issues.
Don't miss this opportunity to understand the broader economic trends and what they mean for for Texans and the entire country..

Embracing Compassion and Community: A Conversation with Reverend Dr. Carla Cheatham

Join host Adam West in this insightful episode as he sits down with Reverend Dr. Carla Cheatham, a professor, national keynote speaker, and pastor of Faith United Church of Christ in New Braunfels. Reverend Dr. Cheatham shares her journey and discusses her consulting group, Emotional Intelligence for Professionals, and her impactful book, Hospice Whispers: Stories of Life.
The conversation delves into various topics including nonviolent resistance against hate, Christian nationalism, supporting the LGBTQ+ community, and the importance of self-care and resilience for professionals during the pandemic. Reverend Dr. Cheatham also talks about the welcoming and progressive environment at her church and their efforts to promote justice and equality.
Tune in to hear about her unique approach to trauma resolution therapy, her passion for teaching, and the inspiring ways her community is fostering love and acceptance.

The Path to Political Engagement: Insights with Ashlea Allsup

In this episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country," we sit down with Ashlea Allsup, a Trinity University and Baylor School of Law graduate, to discuss her journey from practicing law to becoming a political organizer and volunteer. Ashlea shares her experiences and the pivotal moments that led her to political engagement, including the challenges and triumphs of grassroots organizing.
We delve into the importance of voting, the intricacies of voter registration, and the impact of down-ballot voting. Ashlea offers practical advice on how to stay engaged, the best practices for voting early, and the crucial role of community involvement in shaping our political landscape.
Tune in for a stimulating conversation filled with actionable insights and learn how you can make a difference in the upcoming elections. Whether you're a seasoned voter or new to the process, this episode provides valuable information to help you navigate the voting system and contribute to positive change.

Supporting LGBTQ+ Youth: An Insightful Conversation with Darrell Parsons

In this episode, we sit down with Darrell Parsons, a licensed clinical social worker and the director of San Antonio's Fiesta Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. We delve into the various challenges faced by young people in the LGBTQ+ community, including issues of acceptance at home and in society.
In honor of Pride Month, we also discuss the upcoming Riverside Pride Festival, taking place on June 8th at the Comal County Fairgrounds in New Braunfels. This informative conversation sheds light on the importance of mental health, the role of supportive parents, and the crucial services provided by Fiesta Youth, including their unique programs like LGBTQ prom and parent education meetings.
Tune in to learn more about how Fiesta Youth is making a difference and how you can get involved.

From Grass to Grace - A Journey from Homelessness to the Court of Appeals

In this episode of Conversations from the Hill Country, host Adam West has an in-depth talk with the inspiring Maggie Ellis, a Democratic candidate for the Third Court of Appeals, place two. Maggie's personal tale is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity, having gone from a life of poverty and homelessness to being a prominent attorney and defender of children's and families' rights.
Maggie recounts her diverse career in law, which includes roles as a private practitioner, Travis County prosecutor, and administrative law judge, and how her own experiences add a unique perspective to her role in court. Ellis, the sole woman in Texas to have national certification in child welfare law while also being state-board certified in juvenile law, primarily works with children in the CPS and juvenile systems.
Further discussions revolve around Maggie’s childhood marked by instability, homelessness, and maternal abandonment, and how she rose above it all, becoming an educator, a foster mother, and eventually achieving a law degree at age 40 to assist those in comparable circumstances.
The dialogue provides a fascinating deep dive into the workings of the Court of Appeals and a judge's responsibilities, as well as the differences between Supreme Courts on a national and state level, the intricacies of various stages of appeal, and the intersection of politics and law.
The episode also highlights some important cases including Lawrence v Texas and Roe v. Wade, showcasing her profound understanding of the legal framework. Maggie shares her active participation in charities and nonprofits, explains her campaign tactics, comparisons with her competitor Justice Edward Smith and her concept of efficient justice delivery.
The conversation rounds up with Maggie underscoring the significance of every vote in the forthcoming runoff election, reflecting her unwavering commitment to public service and her persistent quest for justice and positive transformation in the court system.

A Conversation with Dr. Kristin Hook

Welcome to 'Conversations from the Hill Country', hosted by Adam West. This episode features an enlightening talk with Dr. Kristin Hook, a Democratic candidate for the Texas 21st Congressional District. As a scientist, former educator, and active participant in policy, Dr. Hook is crusading to balance the scales for working families and society's underdogs.
In this episode, we discuss her campaign's key focuses: women's rights, reproductive issues, accessible healthcare, and safeguarding our democracy. Learn about her strategies to endorse women's rights in Texas, amidst the tightening abortion laws, and how she believes that it's not just about personal beliefs, but about facilitating healthcare access for every woman.
We also cover campaign finance reform, as Dr. Hook identifies the gap between politicians and their constituents due to financial contributions from specific interest groups overpowering public voices. Moreover, we shed light on controversial issues surrounding banned books and the potential privatization of public education, providing an insight into the present state of American politics.
Together, we navigate the influential voices in media, challenges linked to it, and the potential threat of misinformation influencing politics and public service. Highlighting the significance of education and training, Dr. Hook advocates for long-term investments in these areas, outlining their benefits to our nation's prosperity.
This thought-provoking episode offers insights into the changing media landscape, political practices, and the urgent need to confront these issues to maintain integrity and truth in our systems. Join us and illuminate your understanding of the need for change in our media and political structures.