Best Localpolitics Podcasts (2024)

1
Tim Reid 53:16

13h ago53:16

53:16

A conversation with Tim Reid, the executive director of the Texas Panhandle War Memorial. The museum and memorial represent what he calls his "third career," following a stint in education at Ascension Academy and 30-plus years as an FBI agent. Reid shares with host Jason Boyett about growing up in the foster care system, his unsuccessful 2022 poli…

1
High-stakes hot takes 56:15

40m ago56:15

56:15

We take a local angle at the attempted assassination of President Trump, update the developing scandal in the East Bay, and break down Alameda County supervisorial candidate Nikki Bas' peculiar survey to voters. Along the way, Steve provides a view from the future on Oakland's city budget, the fates of the A's, Roots, and Ballers.…

1
Brittani Sullivan 37:59

4d ago37:59

37:59

A conversation with Brittani Sullivan, the owner/operator of Sips & Giggles Mobile Bar. Sullivan was born in Amarillo but moved to Colorado when she was 10, and lived there until returning to Amarillo in 2021. A former teacher, she used the move to become an entrepreneur, launching her mobile bartending service in Amarillo. She shares with host Jas…

1
Dr. Jeff Whelchel 41:42

5d ago41:42

41:42

A conversation with Jeff Whelchel, M.D., of the Healthy Hormones clinic in Amarillo and a financial advisor at Wood Financial. He's also the author of The New Thyroid Handbook. A native of Claude, Whelchel served as a family doctor in Amarillo for more than 23 years before pivoting to financial services, a transition triggered by a personal health …

1
Sharla Valdez 46:36

12d ago46:36

46:36

A conversation with Sharla Valdez, president of the Crown of Texas Hospice Foundation. As a young hospice nurse and entrepreneur, she became one of the founders of Crown of Texas Hospice, which operated in Amarillo from 1991 to 2004. Then in 2000, she launched Valmed Home Health & Pharmacy and served as its CEO and founder before exiting that busin…

1
Life of Thao 1:04:31

24d ago1:04:31

1:04:31

The FBI raids on Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and others on June 20 have set the East Bay afire with rumors, speculation, and expectations of the worst. We breakdown down what appears destined to be one of the biggest stories in East Bay political history.By Steve Tavares

1
Toby Giddens 47:12

19d ago47:12

47:12

A conversation with Toby Giddens, the president and co-founder of Run Business Solutions (RunBiz), which provides technology services for local companies. He tells host Jason Boyett how RunBiz grew from a small team in a local accounting firm into a firm that offers IT support for small to mid-size business across the High Plains. Giddens grew up i…

1
Kristin Key 45:39

26d ago45:39

45:39

A conversation with Kristin Key, a nationally headlining musical comedian who performs in sold-out shows across North America, appeared in Last Comic Standing and Bring the Funny, and got her start in Amarillo. She's bringing her Lesbian Army Tour back home to Amarillo on June 27 at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. In this episode, Kr…

1
Jamie Fleck 53:24

1M ago53:24

53:24

A conversation with Jamie Fleck, the travel photographer, writer and custom fine art baker behind Flecks of Love. While living in Oklahoma, Fleck spent a weekend in Amarillo, stayed in a charming Airbnb, loved the local vibe, saved the house on Zillow and then—after getting an alert that it was on the market—decided to buy it and move here. Her bak…

1
Handicapping the recalls 57:13

1M ago57:13

57:13

It's becoming increasingly likely two high-profile recalls will be on the ballot in Alameda County this November. We handicap the potential recall of Oakland Mayor Sheng Thao and the recall against DA Pamela Price. Plus, we take a look at the changing of the guard in Dublin, and Shawn reminisces about call-waiting.…

1
Marc Whyte opens up | Puro Politics 56:12

1M ago56:12

56:12

San Antonio Councilman addresses ethics complaint, DWI, city attorney and budget process. Suggested reading: Embattled attorney Martin Phipps accuses Councilman Marc Whyte of ethics violations in custody case After public spat, council talks privately about firefighter contract negotiations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adcho…

1
Chris Israel 52:31

1M ago52:31

52:31

A conversation with Chris Israel, the executive director of Homeless Heroes, an organization serving homeless veterans in Amarillo. Chris is a formerly homeless veteran himself. He grew up in New York City and Florida before joining the U.S. Navy. After serving as a submarine sailor, he spent several years traveling across the United States for wor…

1
Kashion Smith 55:23

2M ago55:23

55:23

A conversation with Kashion Smith, the executive director of the Amarillo Convention & Visitors Bureau. After several years in the hotel industry—including a stint as wedding specialist at the old Ambassador Hotel in Amarillo—Smith has spent the past decade with the CVB. She took over leadership of that organization in 2020. In this role, she is re…

1
Jalen McKee-Rodriguez returns | Puro Politics 41:14

2M ago41:14

41:14

East Side council member talks city attorney, fire-union negotiations, Ready to Work, charter amendments and mayoral race. Suggested reading: Council member Jalen McKee-Rodriguez questions current slate of mayoral candidates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Dirk van Reenen 56:41

2M ago56:41

56:41

A conversation with Dirk van Reenen, the founder of Merus Adventure Park in the Texas Panhandle. Born and raised in South Africa, Dirk moved to Texas during his teen years. While attending WTAMU, he became the owner/manager of the former Lifts West ski shop at Western Plaza, launched Caprock Auctions in Amarillo, and worked in real estate before mo…

1
Really?!! 46:51

2M ago46:51

46:51

Co-host Dan Mendoza is out on assignment. Really?!! Tavares! Really?!! Capt. Wilson. How does Alameda County DA Pamela Price avoid a recall this fall? We break down how the recall campaign may go down. Homelessness is down a bit in Alameda County. Which cities are doing better than others? Hayward is begrudingly moving to district-based elections, …

1
City Hall firestorm | Puro Politics 33:43

2M ago33:43

33:43

A coalition of council members seek to oust city attorney Andy Segovia. Plus the latest on Colin Strother and others caught up in the Henry Cuellar indictment. Required reading: City Council members may be looking to force out city attorney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Dr. Vanessa Fiaud 40:47

2M ago40:47

40:47

A conversation with Vanessa Fiaud, Ph.D., an associate professor of sports and exercise science at the WTAMU College of Nursing & Health Sciences. Fiaud was born in France, where she studied business law, and continued her education in Oklahoma and Texas. She arrived in the Texas Panhandle and at WT in 2009, and tells host Jason Boyett about her wo…

1
Henry Cuellar's $600,000 problem | Puro Politics 35:27

2M ago35:27

35:27

The Puro Politics team takes a look at the congressman's federal indictment, a stunning NEISD election and pro-Palestinian campus protests at UT-Austin and nationwide. Required reading: Henry Cuellar and his wife were charged with bribery and money laundering. Here's what we know. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Devin Barnett 48:56

2M ago48:56

48:56

A conversation with Devin Barnett, owner of Renu Painting, which recently was awarded the 2024 Torch Award for Ethics (Medium Business) by the Better Business Bureau of Amarillo. Barnett grew up in Abilene and has worked in a variety of industries, from petroleum to nursing to self-employed retailing. Despite that meandering career path, he's found…

1
Dist. 121 candidate Laurel Jordan Swift | Puro Politics 38:16

2M ago38:16

38:16

Texas House hopeful talks with the Puro Politics team about efforts to flip her district and her views on Republican challenger Marc Lahood. Required reading: Editorial: Our recommendations in Democratic Texas House primary races Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Megan Reed 51:48

3M ago51:48

51:48

A conversation with Megan Reed, the communications and public affairs manager at Bell, and a former communications manager for Make-a-Wish North Texas. Reed, an Amarillo native who played Division II soccer for WTAMU, tells host Jason Boyett how she found her way into a career at the manufacturer's Amarillo Assembly Plant, what Bell's new U.S. Army…

1
Our comms expert Justin Berton is back! 1:06:09

3M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

The communications director for former Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf offers some tips for Oakland's incoming police chief, and the "greater crime against communication" that was the San Leandro mayor's cringeworthy state of the city. We also remember East Bay legend Delaine Eastin, along with much more! *Birthday boy Shawn Wilson is on vacation this w…

1
Spurs tip their hand on arena talks | Puro Politics 29:56

3M ago29:56

29:56

The latest news on the team's bid for a downtown arena, plus Arizona abortion law parallels and appraisal board changes on this week's episode of Puro Politics. Suggested reading: Spurs confirm talks for downtown ‘project’ at possible arena site Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Jason Crespin 1:11:34

3M ago1:11:34

1:11:34

A return conversation with Jason Crespin for Hey Amarillo's 350th episode. Crespin was the guest in this podcast's second episode ever (October 9, 2017) and returns to share about his role as Managing/Artistic Director at Amarillo Little Theatre and the legacy of the late Allen Shankles, who passed away March 20, 2024. Crespin also turns the tables…

1
Manny Peláez makes his case for mayor | Puro Politics 53:01

3M ago53:01

53:01

San Antonio's District 8 councilman Manny Peláez explains why he's running and what he hopes to accomplish. Required reading: After a long windup, Manny Peláez says he's running for mayor Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Cindi Bulla 59:12

3M ago59:12

59:12

A conversation with Cindi Bulla, the broker/owner behind Realty Central Services and a recent primary candidate for Texas House District 87. Bulla shares the story of how she ran away from home at age 15 and ended up in Amarillo, how she found her way into careers in banking and construction before getting into real estate, and why she decided to r…

1
Tate Atkinson 41:41

3M ago41:41

41:41

A conversation with Tate Atkinson, one-half of the husband-wife duo behind Free Cheese Prints, a custom screen printing shop in Amarillo. Known for their Amarillo-focused souvenir t-shirts and constant presence at local popups and community markets, Free Cheese has an intense loyal following and a compelling origin story. Atkinson shares with host …

1
Aisha Knowles and The Apology 1:08:53

4M ago1:08:53

1:08:53

Alameda County Board of Education Trustee Aisha Knowles joins the show to chat about "The Apology," the acclaimed documentary about the forced relocation of Russell City; the push for reparative justice for its former residents and descendents; and her future political plans.By Steve Tavares

1
Texas GOP picks a fight with H-E-B | Puro Politics 29:50

3M ago29:50

29:50

The Puro Politics team talks about Republican resolutions against Charles Butt, San Antonio's charter review and Ken Paxton's settlement. *Suggested reading:* H-E-B’s Charles Butt among Forbes’ list of 400 richest people in the U.S. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Micha Boyett 58:23

4M ago58:23

58:23

A conversation with Micha Boyett, Jason's youngest sister and the author of the new book Blessed Are the Rest of Us. Micha is a poet, writer, pastor and podcaster whose work includes advocacy for individuals with Down syndrome. She's the cohost of the popular podcast The Lucky Few and will be preaching in Amarillo at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church o…

1
Law professor Al Kauffman on SB4 | Puro Politics 36:38

4M ago36:38

36:38

St. Mary's University constitutional scholar breaks down Texas "show me your papers" law. Required Reading: Texas' migrant deportation law was in place for nine hours. It was chaotic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Isaiah Flores 43:48

4M ago43:48

43:48

A conversation with Isaiah Flores, a 2023 Caprock graduate who is currently completing his first year as a student at Harvard University. As profiled in the July/August 2023 issue of Brick & Elm, Flores is one of two Caprock students accepted last year into Harvard’s freshman class. Home for Spring Break, Flores sat down with host Jason Boyett for …

1
Back to basics 1:13:56

4M ago1:13:56

1:13:56

We debut our new recording equipment, even though we didn't test it beforehand. With the primary election in the books, we're going back to basics. Oakland finally has a new police chief. We weigh-in on the rollout, along with the Russell City documentary "The Apology," the intra-county rivalries stoked by the proposed regional housing bond measure…

1
Tony Gonzales takes on The AK Guy | Puro Politics 35:27

4M ago35:27

35:27

San Antonio congressman talks about his runoff race with Brandon Herrera. Required Reading: 'AK Guy' campaigns with Matt Gaetz in bid to oust rep Tony Gonzales Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Gina Woodward 45:29

4M ago45:29

45:29

A conversation with Gina Woodward, the Regional Director of America's SBDC at WTAMU. Gina is a Canyon resident who grew up here and has earned multiple degrees from WT. At the SBDC, she helps clients in the top 25 counties of the Texas Panhandle start and expand small businesses. She shares with host Jason Boyett about the no-cost, one-on-one consu…

1
Scott Houdashell 52:18

5M ago52:18

52:18

A conversation with Scott Houdashell, the inventor of the Eggmazing Egg Decorator and, with Curtis McGill, the owner of the toy and game company Hey Buddy Hey Pal. A former Farmers Insurance agent, Houdashell had always worked with his hands, and in 2015 came up with an idea for decorating Easter eggs without the messy dyes. What began with a hot g…

1
Primary Answers 1:05:45

5M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

The March Primary in the East Bay provided a few surprises. We break down the biggest races. East Bay Insiders Podfather Matt Santos sits in as guest and recording engineer, and recalls Steve Tavares' first foray into politics, among other embarrassing tidbits, and we reminisce about our first-ever live recording.…

1
Primary election recap | Puro Politics 33:36

4M ago33:36

33:36

Breaking down a Super Tuesday that was less than super for anti-voucher Republicans. Suggested Reading: Abbott's fight for Texas school vouchers poised for victory after GOP primary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Darlene Martin 45:19

5M ago45:19

45:19

A conversation with Darlene Martin, a retired Amarillo ISD first-grade teacher, reading instructor, community volunteer and the founder of Westminster Presbyterian Church's Bear PAWS program, which serves students at Austin Middle School. Martin shares with host Jason Boyett about her teaching career and more than 20 years of service as a local hos…

1
Loren Taylor: Live in front of a studio audience 1:15:35

5M ago1:15:35

1:15:35

The first-ever East Bay Insiders LIVE was a smashing success! We sat down in front a live studo audience with Alameda County Democratic Central Committee candidate and former Oakland mayoral candidate Loren Taylor at Awaken Cafe in Oakland. Loren laid out his vision for Oakland, the Alameda County Democratic Party, his views on ranked choice voting…

1
279. Primary preview with Jon Taylor | Puro Politics 40:43

5M ago40:43

40:43

UTSA professor breaks down the big election races. Required Reading: As March primary looms, many voters undecided on which Democrat should take on Ted Cruz 2024 Texas Primary Express-News Voter Guide Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Britten Ratcliff 44:47

5M ago44:47

44:47

A conversation with Britten Ratcliff, a Tascosa High School senior. Host Jason Boyett starts this interview by explaining that he is typically uninterested in interviewing high school students for the show, but Ratcliff changed his mind about that rule. A member of the FirstBank Southwest Banking Advisory Council and founder of The Neighborhood, a …

1
He's just Ken 1:16:48

5M ago1:16:48

1:16:48

The March Primary is around the corner. Don't forget to vote! Alameda County District 5 supervisorial candidate Ken Berrick joins the program to talk about his plans for the county--fixing Santa Rita Jail, caring for children, and helping Oakland. Later, we break down the big March Primary races in Alameda County, along with predictions.…

1
278. IBC Bank Chairman and CEO Dennis Nixon | Puro Politics 40:43

5M ago40:43

40:43

IBC Bank chairman/CEO talks border and immigration policy. Suggested reading: Cartels and human traffickers are in control of America's immigration policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy San Antonio Express-News

1
Robert Altman 46:39

5M ago46:39

46:39

A conversation with Robert Altman, who is retired from two prominent local careers, first as a manager at the women's clothing store Kline's of Amarillo and then as an assistant scout executive with the Golden Spread Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Altman, whose family owned and operated multiple Kline's locations in the city until the 1990s—…

1
Conservative or progressive: What the election could tell us about LA politics 27:05

5M ago27:05

27:05

California's primary election is a little over two weeks away, and big money is making its way into local races — pitting moderate Democrats against progressive Democrats. Plus, the Senate race heats up with Rep. Adam Schiff launching ads featuring Republican Steve Garvey. "Inside the Issues: The Podcast" host Alex Cohen and co-host Sara Sadhwani l…

1
Sonja Gross 51:52

6M ago51:52

51:52

A conversation with Sonja Gross, a Public Involvement Specialist with the Texas Department of Transportation and a former Public Information Officer for TXDOT. Gross arrived in Amarillo from Georgia around 20 years ago, and embarked on a communications career that took her from the local newspaper to the City of Amarillo to her current position wit…

1
Newsom's coup 1:17:03

6M ago1:17:03

1:17:03

Gov. Gavin Newsom is tired of the mayhem on the streets of Oakland and the East Bay, essentially sending in the troops and taking over the district attorney's office. We break down the unprecedented moves with Alameda County District 5 supervisorial candidate Chris Moore. Later, the boys dish on "Super Dan," Vegas' mayor telling the A's to go home,…

1
The race for 2nd place: The fight to become California's next senator 33:43

6M ago33:43

33:43

Rep. Adam Schiff continues in the lead in California's Senate race, but former professional baseball player Steve Garvey poses a threat to another Democrat that aspires to make it to the general election ballot. Plus, after Nikki Haley's embarrassing defeat in Nevada, what her candidacy brings to the presidential race. Finally, "Inside the Issues: …

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