In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we continue our conversation with former Speaker of the House and Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes. Ben discusses his approach to leading the Texas House and Senate, what motivated him to write a new book, and why civics education is so important for students. Ben’s book, Get It Done will be published in June 2026.

In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, our special guest is Texas political icon Governor Ben Barnes, who served as both Speaker of the Texas House and as Lieutenant Governor. In part one of our two-part conversation, Governor Barnes discusses how he got his start in politics, what the Texas Legislature was like in the 1960s, and some valuable advice he received from Sam Rayburn. Barnes also reflects on his proudest political achievements, including dramatically expanding funding for higher education, the challenges Texas will face as its population continues to grow, and one of the advantages of wearing a hat.

In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, veteran lobbyist Carol McGarah shares her journey from working at a state agency to becoming the CEO of Blackridge, one of Texas’s most respected lobbying firms. Carol reflects on collaborating with dozens of stakeholders to shape groundbreaking environmental legislation and how her commitment to continuous learning has sharpened her effectiveness at the Capitol. She also highlights why the most crucial lobbying work happens before the legislative session begins and the importance of mentoring the next generation of the Capitol community.

From compiling legislative clips to shaping health policy and leading professional associations, Troy Alexander has built a remarkable career in Texas state government. In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, Troy reflects on his journey from starting out as a Senate messenger to becoming a trusted voice on state legislative affairs. He shares why that first job still means so much to him, his deep appreciation for the dedicated people who keep the Capitol running, and offers insightful advice for anyone hoping to build a career under the dome.

On this lively episode of Cap Chat Texas, we welcome Brian Francis, an inspired and innovative public servant who has led three Texas state agencies. Brian offers an engaging look at the vital connection between legislative policymaking and state agency implementation. He also shares insights into the challenges of testifying on legislation while remaining neutral, his approach to effective team leadership, and his passion for slam poetry. Check out Brian’s website to learn more about his leadership presentations and training.

What’s it like to be a young staffer around the Capitol? In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we visit with Oliver Lehr, who’s spent time at the Capitol as a Senate messenger and an intern. Oliver shares what it’s like working in the messenger's office, how he handled the stress of session, and his plans for the future.

Before becoming a lobbyist, Ricardo Guerra Lopez wore many hats at the Texas Capitol running campaigns, staffing committees, as a legislative aide in the Senate and Chief of Staff to two state reps. In this episode, he talks about some of the differences working in the House and the Senate, the benefits of sometimes “not knowing what you don’t know,” and what his act would be if there is ever a Cap Chat Texas Talent Show.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with lobbyist and former Texas House Chief Clerk Robert Haney. Robert shares stories about the infamous “Night of Great Unpleasantness,” the often-overlooked contributions of the dedicated support staff, and a look a side of the lawmaking process that Bill didn’t sing about on Schoolhouse Rock.

Cap Chat Texas returns for Season Two with an insightful conversation featuring Robert Haney, whose journey to the heart of Texas politics began by shagging golf balls. Over his 20-year tenure as Chief Clerk of the Texas House, Haney served under five different Speakers, playing a crucial role in keeping the legislative gears turning. From navigating procedural hurdles and managing the complexities of the state budget, to knowing how to mix a proper Yellow Tail, this episode pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of the Clerk’s Office, revealing a side of the legislative process most people never see.

When proud Texas Aggie JD Hale headed to Washington for an internship, he never imagined it would lead to a career lobbying for a major statewide trade association. In this episode, JD talks about his appreciation for logos on one-pagers, making the most of every opportunity, and the unique perspective gained from working in both the district office and at the Capitol.

What started as a one-day stint as a House Sergeant turned into a lifelong career working. In this episode, former legislative aide and longtime lobbyist Kwame Walker shares how not making the UT Basketball team unexpectedly led him to the Texas Capitol. He talks about seizing opportunities, respecting staffers' time, and the lasting impact of being nice.

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Garrett, the former longtime Capitol Bureau Chief for The Dallas Morning News. Bob shares his insights on the challenges of covering the Texas Legislature, how political journalism has evolved, and reveals a surprising connection between Jimi Hendrix and George Best. Note: This episode was recorded on March 28, 2025 shortly before the passing of John Thornton, who is mentioned during the conversation.

How did a serial entrepreneur become publisher of the state’s longest-running political newsletter? On this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we sit down with Quorum Report's Harvey Kronberg to hear how he stumbled into journalism, his take on the state’s shifting political landscape, and the importance of institutional memory.

In this episode, legislative staffer and community leader Donovon Rodriguez shares how his experience as a 911 dispatcher taught him to stay calm amid the chaos of the Capitol. He also discusses the importance of building strong constituent relationships, his approach to managing a legislative office, and some of the differences between working in the House and Senate.

From Senate Messenger to CEO of Habitat for Humanity Texas, Amy Ledbetter Parham shares the unique challenges of nonprofit advocacy, negotiating with “lizard people” (no, not folks in Austin), and what it's like to build a house on the Capitol grounds.

Regarded as one of the state’s premier lobbyists, Rusty Kelley literally started out mopping floors in the Capitol. In this episode Rusty tells about his deep respect for the institution, legislators he has admired and how the Sharpstown Scandal transformed lobbying in Texas.

As a young child, Tammy Pirtle dreamed of working at the Texas Capitol. But she never imagined a career that (so far!) has included working for nine different legislators—on both sides of the aisle—plus a decade in Washington, D.C., as a congressman’s wife. Hear Tammy share her number one priority as a staffer, the perks of having an office window that opens, and why you should always bring a credit card to lunch.

Lawyer/lobbyist Michelle Wittenburg shares how a chance encounter at a charity event—and a love of reading the paper—launched a career that has included running campaigns and working in all three branches of government. Michelle talks about the value of surrounding herself with good people, balancing work with philanthropic efforts, and the joy of coming home to a house full of animals.

How does an aspiring ballerina and environmental scientist end up running a legislative office? From starting as an intern in 2007 to serving as Chief of Staff for a state representative, Stephanie shares tips for new staffers, explains the '72-hour rule' for reviewing potential legislation, and reveals the surprising benefits of befriending penguins.

How does someone who grew up in California, went to J-school in Illinois, and covered the Florida Legislature end up in Texas? Find out in this episode, where we talk with Renzo Downey, lead writer for The Blast, the Texas Tribune’s newsletter, about what it’s like to cover the Texas Legislature, his love of ‘90s bands, and why you should never burn a source. For more information about The Blast visit https://www.texastribune.org/theblast/. Archived issues of Texas Weekly can be found here: https://texasweekly.texastribune.org/texas-weekly/archive/.