Three veterans of the Obama White House lead an unfiltered conversation each week about politics and popular culture that is as relatable as it is real. Hosts Alejandra Campoverdi, Darienne Page, and Johanna Maska welcome a roster of guests each week with backgrounds and perspectives as nuanced and eclectic as their own — politicians, organizers, tastemakers, journalists, and more. Join them to understand just why Pod is a Woman.
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Politics is a contact sport. You don’t have to look hard to find examples of that today. If you’re engaged in policy making or just want to get an insider's look into how some of the biggest issues facing Texans play out, then this is your podcast! A political veteran with 30 years’ experience of lobbying in Texas and throughout the United States for some of the largest corporations in the world. I’ve spent my entire career in backrooms, and statehouse hallways helping to craft laws and poli ...
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2024 Election Preview: The Issues that Should Shape your Vote
24:21
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State House is back this week with a special 2024 election preview—taking a look at the presidential candidates, their platforms, and the issues shaping who you should vote for in November. Frank believes this election may be one of the most consequential in recent years, and we should vote accordingly. Some of the main issues at stake include nati…
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Addressing the Border Security Problem, with Selene Rodriguez - Pt. 2
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Selene Rodriguez is back for pt. 2 of this discussion on border security, this time honing in on our education system here in the U.S. and why we should be focused on strengthening our own systems and citizens before assisting those of other nations. Together Selene and Frank take a look at the effect illegal immigration has had on border communiti…
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Addressing the Border Security Problem, with Selene Rodriguez - Pt. 1
19:34
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On this week’s episode of State House, Frank sits down with Selene Rodriguez, campaign director for the Secure and Sovereign Texas campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Formerly, Selene served as a Marine intelligence specialist. Together Selene and Frank launch into a discussion on border security and the impact of illegal immigration on…
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Biden's Out, What's Next for The Democrats w/ Johanna Maska Part 2
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DISCLAIMER: This episode was recorded on July 18th, the week before President Biden announced he would not run for reelection. Johanna Maska is back for pt. 2 of her conversation with Frank, this time talking all things Donald Trump, unlikely voters, and potential Democratic candidates. The episode starts out with a discussion of former President T…
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Biden's Out, What's Next for The Democrats w/ Johanna Maska Part 1
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Johanna Maska joins Frank for this conversation about the current state of the Democratic Party and the potential for President Joe Biden to step aside. They discuss the recent debate between Biden and Donald Trump, as well as the pressure being put on Biden by the Democratic Party. They also touch on the possibility of Kamala Harris taking over as…
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GOP Power Shifts and Party Dynamics with David Weeks Part 2
17:35
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In the second part of the discussion with Frank and David, they discuss the political landscape in Texas, particularly focusing on the Hispanic vote and its impact on the Democratic and Republican parties. It also touches on the upcoming presidential election and the role of Texas in national politics. The conversation then shifts to the Texas film…
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GOP Power Shifts and Party Dynamics with David Weeks Part 1
22:38
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David Weeks is welcomed back to the show this week where Frank and he discuss the current political landscape in Texas, specifically focusing on the Republican control of the state. It highlights the recent changes in power and the challenges faced by Republicans in passing conservative legislation. The upcoming speaker's race is also mentioned as …
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Hispanics Are Defined by Traditional Conservative Values
25:54
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"Hispanics are not monolithic and have diverse cultural and political perspectives." In this episode, Frank explores the journey of Hispanics towards conservative values and the Republican party. He covers the cultural and historical factors that have shaped this trend, as well as shares his personal experiences that shape his platform. Listen in a…
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Understanding Hispanic Voting Trends with Michael Baselice Part 2
19:43
19:43
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In this part two of the conversation with Frank and Michael Baselice, they explore the allocation of resources in political campaigns and the importance of targeting specific voter groups. It discusses the Republican Party's efforts to communicate with different demographics and the impact of redistricting on election outcomes. The conversation als…
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Understanding Hispanic Voting Trends with Michael Baselice Part 1
19:46
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Frank is joined by Michael Baselice of Baselice & Associates, Inc in the mobile studio. Together, they explore the Hispanic voting trends towards Republicans and the importance of the Hispanic Latino vote for the future of the country. It discusses the shift in the Hispanic vote in Texas from about 37% Republican to about 43% and the impact of the …
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Behind-the-Scenes Work in Politics with David Weeks Part 2
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This part 2 covers various topics including the challenges of implementing policies, the political shift in the Hispanic community, the impact of Biden's actions on the border and oil industry, the importance of school choice, and the role of social media in communication. Lastly, Frank and David touch on the dynamics of the Texas House and the upc…
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Behind-the-Scenes Work in Politics with David Weeks Part 1
22:45
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David Weeks, a veteran in corporate and political communications, discusses his 40-year career and the behind-the-scenes work in politics. He highlights the shift in Texas politics from conservative Democrats to Republicans and the rise of the Tea Party Movement. Weeks emphasizes the importance of candidates representing the values of their distric…
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The Patient Experience with Physician Dispensing with Matt Hoff Part 2
17:37
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In this part two, Frank and Matt Hoff discuss the challenges of accessing healthcare and the benefits of point of service medication dispensing. It also explores the legislative efforts and support for this practice. The changing healthcare landscape and the need for improved patient experience are highlighted. The role of physician groups and the …
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The Patient Experience with Physician Dispensing with Matt Hoff Part 1
16:32
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Frank is joined by Matt Hoff, CEO of A-S Medications Solutions where they discuss the topic of physician dispensing and its benefits in improving medication access for patients. Matt shares his personal background and military experience, leading into A-S Medications Solutions and explains how their company supports physician dispensing. Together, …
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Putting America First with Trump Endorsed U.S. Senate Candidate, Kari Lake (R-Arizona)
36:08
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Looking ahead after Super Tuesday, Frank is joined by Kari Lake, a candidate for the United States Senate in Arizona. Kari discusses the importance of securing the border and implementing America First policies. She highlights the need for strong leadership and a focus on national security. Frank and Kari emphasize the negative impact of open borde…
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The Backstory with Harvey Kronberg: Super Tuesday
50:29
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Harvey Kronberg makes his return to State House! Together with Frank, they cover various themes in Texas politics, including the influence of disinformation, the civil war within the Republican Party, the power dynamics in the Texas Senate, the role of billionaires in politics, and the potential outcomes of the upcoming primaries and November elect…
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Why Texans Should Feel Optimistic Going Into 2024 with Sherry Sylvester Part 2
16:22
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In part two of the conversation with Frank and Sherry Sylvester, they touch on the impact of national politics on Texas, the economic strength of the state, and the perception of Texas and Texans. Both Santos and Sylvester express optimism for the future of Texas politics and highlight the need for school choice in the state. For the full bio on Sh…
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Why Texans Should Feel Optimistic Going Into 2024 with Sherry Sylvester Part 1
19:43
19:43
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In this conversation, Frank talks to Sherry Sylvester, a public policy expert and a distinguished Senior Fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, about the current political landscape in Texas. They discuss various issues, including the crisis at the border, the influence of Governor Greg Abbott, challenges in the Texas House of Representative…
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In part two of our State House recap and forecast series, we unravel the intricate web of events that unfolded during the 2023 legislative session and its aftermath, setting the stage for the "Election Civil War" of 2024. Join as host Frank Santos navigates the complex landscape of Texas politics, shedding light on the power struggles that emerged …
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Step inside our new State House mobile podcasting sprinter as we bring you closer to the heart of Texas politics. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of the Texas legislative process, where the governor and lieutenant governor set the stage with their priorities, and thousands of pieces of legislation vie for attention. From school choice and p…
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The Misalignment of School Funding vs. Teacher Pay with Mandy Drogin Part 2
34:04
34:04
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In the second part of the conversation, Mandy sheds light on the impact of school choice on low-income families, drawing examples from Florida's success in implementing private school choice for low-income demographics. The discussion covers the influence of lobbyists and interest groups on education policies, addressing concerns about technology o…
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The Misalignment of School Funding vs. Teacher Pay with Mandy Drogin Part 1
34:03
34:03
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NOTE: This release marks the beginning of State House's bi-weekly release schedule for the holidays! Join us every other week beginning in December through the month of January to stay up to date on the issues that matter most to Texans as we enter the election year! Did you know that 90% of Texans are within a 30-minute drive of a career or techni…
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The Challenges and Triumphs in Accessible Healthcare with Dennis Borel Part 2
25:40
25:40
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In part two of the conversation, Frank and Dennis explore the crucial work the coalition does for the disabled community in Texas. Despite differing views, Dennis and Frank engage in a spirited dialogue on various political issues, emphasizing the importance of open discussions in politics. Discover the challenges faced by the coalition, the impact…
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The Challenges and Triumphs in Accessible Healthcare with Dennis Borel Part 1
36:28
36:28
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Dennis Borel, Executive Director of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities provides insights into the work of a cross-disability organization that navigates the multifaceted realm of disabilities, chronic illnesses, and diverse age groups. Frank and Dennis discuss the importance of collaborative efforts, linking various disability-focused groups…
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Child Trafficking in the Digital Age with Andrea Sparks Part 2
27:24
27:24
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WARNING: This episode's content contains mature and strong content. Discretion is advised. In part two of the conversation, Andrea and Frank share concerns about the impact of excessive screen time on children and the need for parents to set boundaries, emphasizing the importance of delaying the introduction of smartphones and creating contracts to…
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ELECTION DAY SPECIAL: Texas Constitutional Amendments with Comptroller Glenn Hegar
28:53
28:53
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In this Texas election day special, Comptroller Glenn Hegar discusses the intricacies of managing the state's $321 billion budget in the rapidly growing and changing economic landscape of Texas. Frank and Comptroller Hegar provide insights into the state's economic prosperity, revealing a staggering $18 billion surplus. They dive into the challenge…
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Child Trafficking in the Digital Age with Andrea Sparks Part 1
28:25
28:25
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28:25
WARNING: This episode's content contains mature and strong content. Discretion is advised. There is an alarming issue of child trafficking in Texas and technology is playing a significant role. In part one of this conversation with Andrea Sparks, a dedicated child advocate with extensive experience in various roles related to child protection. She …
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Navigating Critical Changes to Texas' Compassionate Use Program with Dr. Katharine Neill Harris Part 2
22:32
22:32
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In this part two episode, Frank and Dr. Harris discuss how the legislative approach to medical cannabis in Texas falls short of providing necessary medical access and the difficulties faced by patients seeking relief through the program. They highlight the challenges faced by chronic pain patients, the misconceptions about cannabis use, and the pot…
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Navigating Critical Changes to Texas' Compassionate Use Program with Dr. Katharine Neill Harris Part 1
19:16
19:16
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Dr. Katharine Neill Harris, of Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy joins the show for a two-part conversation to discuss the pressing issue of the Texas Compassionate Use program. Frank and Dr. Harris share their insights on the program's shortcomings and the need for legislative action. They discuss the current state of the program…
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Texas Tackles School Vouchers with John Colyandro Part 2
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In the second segment, we discuss the intricacies of school choice and the pressing issues surrounding our public education system. We debate the complexities of this critical topic, shedding light on the nuances and challenges faced by parents, students, and policymakers alike. Discover why school choice has become a hot-button issue, as parents s…
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Redefining Political Discourse in Texas with John Colyandro Part 1
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As we enter into the session's turbulent events, from internal party conflicts to high-profile trials, John Colyandro provides unique insights into the political process. In this two-part conversation, discover how misinformation and social media play a role in shaping public opinion and why it's crucial to base political discussions on facts. We e…
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The Backstory with Harvey Kronberg: Paxton Impeachment First in 50 Years
28:26
28:26
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We're peeling back the layers of deception, exposing the potential abuse of power, and shedding light on the shocking allegations surrounding Ken Paxton's impeachment. From the swift ousting of a member due to inappropriate conduct with an intern to the subsequent impeachment of the state's top legal official, we expose the dark underbelly of the c…
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The Backstory with Harvey Kronberg: Phelan and Patrick Fire Salvos
26:01
26:01
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With the House adjourned and the Senate still in session, the question arises: what's the next move? The lieutenant governor's allegiance to Republican primary voters fuels an outrage machine against the House members, adding to the political tension. Join us as we unravel the complex dynamics, political gamesmanship, and the uncertain future of pr…
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Countdown to Sine Die with Harvey Kronberg Part 3
29:43
29:43
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For this summer mini series covering the current legislative session in Texas, Frank and Harvey transition into the post-legislative session and approach the upcoming elections. They explore the current happenings at the Capitol and analyze their potential impact. Particularly in the multifaceted dynamics that shape the state's political landscape,…
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Countdown to Sine Die with Harvey Kronberg Part 2
25:20
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For this summer mini series covering the current legislative session in Texas, Frank and Harvey transition into the post-legislative session and approach the upcoming elections. They explore the current happenings at the Capitol and analyze their potential impact. Highlighting the political considerations and primary concerns of Republicans, partic…
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Countdown to Sine Die with Harvey Kronberg Part 1
30:29
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For this summer mini series covering the current legislative session in Texas, Frank and Harvey transition into the post-legislative session and approach the upcoming elections. They explore the current happenings at the Capitol and analyze their potential impact. From discussing specific issues and bills including the voucher bill, to examining ho…
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“Politics is just a game of 3D chess." We are very thankful for all of our listeners as we have reached the top 75 political podcasts in the nation in six months, so thank you for your support! Frank again sheds light on myths and misconceptions surrounding the Texas capital, especially with regard to how money is used to both promote “special inte…
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A Navy SEAL's Transition from the Military to Civilian Life
46:57
46:57
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Leaving active duty can be a challenging experience, and the transition to civilian life can be difficult to navigate. Our guest, Chad Metcalf, will share his personal journey and discuss the support systems and resources that were available to him during this time. We will delve into topics such as how he prepared for the transition, the challenge…
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The Backstory with Harvey Kronberg 4: A Rhetoric of Rage
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“Rage is the theme and the day-to-day expression is more weapons than you can imagine” This is the stage that is being set at the Texas capital right now as they are nearing the end of the session. Anger seems to be seeping from the air vents, clouding the rhetoric and judgments of all who breathe it in. Harvey is back and shedding the light on the…
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Healing Neurological Trauma in Combat Veterans (Re-Release)
51:50
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Original Air Date: 2/8/23 UPDATE: CSHB 1805 by Chairman Klick, makes significant changes to the Texas Compassionate Use Act that are critical to Texas patients Medical Cannabis is saving the lives of military veterans with PTSD. There are three major ways veterans are fighting the emotional battle against PTSD. They suppress, repress, or escape emo…
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The Backstory with Harvey Kronberg 3: Southern Border Crisis
41:33
41:33
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Throwing money at a problem does not magically solve an issue. In this episode hosted by Frank Santos, returning guest Harvey Kronberg is back shedding light on the ongoing crisis at the southern Texas border, explaining why many of the arguments thrown toward the problem of illegal immigrants don’t hold much weight. Listen to this episode to disco…
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Alcohol Could Get Easier to Get for Minors in Texas
47:46
47:46
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“Up to 50% of alcohol home deliveries go to minors” according to data from federal stings operations. Join host Frank Santos and guest Lance as they discuss the pressing issue of illegal alcohol consumption and delivery, especially involving minors. Lance, a veteran lobbyist, shares his passion for keeping alcohol out of the hands of minors and the…
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Nationally Recognized Lawyer on Medical Cannabis in Texas
40:53
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Motivated by reading mothers’ testimony in support of Texas’ 2015 Compassionate Use Act (CUP), after a 15 year career in commercial litigation, Lisa Pittman radically changed her trajectory to focus on the medical cannabis world. First, she advised LSU on its role as cultivator/extractor/distributor under Louisiana’s 2015 medical cannabis law. Simu…
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The Backstory with Harvey Kronberg 2: Hispanic Voters Identify as Conservative
29:38
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In today’s episode, Frank and Harvey take a deep dive into the mechanics of the Hispanic/Latino population. How do they vote? What do they value? How can Democrats and Republicans do a better job of making them feel heard? Frank’s guest, Harvey Kronberg, is a first-generation immigrant and a serial entrepreneur, owning Austin Flag and Flagpole with…
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The Backstory with Harvey Kronberg 1: 88th Lege Session
33:51
33:51
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The oracle of Texas Politics makes his premiere on this newly recurring series called, The Backstory. Serial Entrepreneur and long time publisher of the Quorum Report, and the Texas Energy Report, Harvey Kronberg joins Frank to discuss the current status of the 2023 Texas legislative session, including issues of gender, teachers and education, and …
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Doctors Decide What’s Right for the Patient
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“When you look at the policy of what works and what doesn’t, successful programs start with the doctor/patient relationship.” Today on State House we explore how different states have unique challenges in growing cannabis, and why creating a safe market is crucial for patients who rely on it. Brian Herrington, the Vice President External Affairs of…
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Today, we delve into the world of advocacy for individuals with disabilities and how medical cannabis has and can play a major role in recovery. Our guest, Chase Bearden, who most recently served as the director of policy and Advocacy for Texas Patients First Foundation, is a well known voice throughout the state of Texas in the fight for accessibl…
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Healing Neurological Trauma in Combat Veterans
51:42
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Medical Cannabis is saving the lives of military veterans with PTSD. There are three major ways veterans are fighting the emotional battle against PTSD. They suppress, repress, or escape emotions which brings them further and further away from homeostasis. In this episode, we'll hear from speaker, coach, and military veteran Judson Kauffman, who ha…
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Can Medicinal Cannabis Aid Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts?
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In the state of Texas alone, 79,000 girls between 12 and 19 are being trafficked for sex. One means of recruiter control is the introduction of illicit drugs within these operations. These drugs are not only the nexus to the next criminal activity, but continue to propel the stigma against cannabis and the medicinal uses for good it can bring those…
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States That Flourish Have Something In Common
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When patients are forced into the illicit market, they are accessing a product that is untested leading to quality and healthcare concerns. Jon Sandelman, the chairman and CEO of AYR Wellness joins the conversation on State House to propose what has worked well in some states, and what has not worked well. By walking instead of running, Texas can b…
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