In this year-end special, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Brad Johnson, Senior Reporter & Managing Editor at The Texan News, to recap the biggest political stories of 2025 and what they mean heading into the 2026 cycle.
From the unexpected twists in the Texas Senate race, to the fallout of mid-decade redistricting, to the biggest legislative wins and disappointments, this episode covers it all. We also unveil our Politician of the Year and Texan of the Year awards.
3:35 – Hot Take: Jasmine Crockett jumps into the 2026 Senate race
9:10 – DLCC targets the Texas House for 2026
11:43 – Democrats field candidates in every statewide/federal race
13:11 – Why Dems still struggle to build a top-tier slate
16:20 – 2025 Legislative Session recap: Was 2025 the most conservative Texas legislative session ever?
18:38 – Biggest wins of the year: Burrows, bail reform, ESAs, border
23:42 – Biggest disappointments: energy, tariffs, healthcare messaging
31:07 – Biggest story of 2025: Mid-decade redistricting; the THC fight and its ripple effects
35:10 – Under-the-radar wins: DEI enforcement & agency elimination
44:25 – Politician of the Year awards
55:19 – New Year’s resolutions for 2026
Why is buying a home harder than ever in 2025 — even worse than 2007? Sean Dobson, Chairman & CEO of Amherst (one of America’s largest real estate investment firms), joins The Right Idea to break down the real drivers of the housing affordability crisis and what can actually fix it. We dive deep into labor costs, local regulations, property taxes, garages nobody uses, the future of renting vs. owning, immigration’s impact on construction, and why gimmicks like 50-year mortgages or rent control won’t solve anything. If you want to understand why young families can’t buy homes anymore — and what policymakers should actually do — this is the episode.
01:14 – Hot Take: Why the Epstein file release won’t end the conspiracies
03:06 – Today’s guest: Sean Dobson (CEO of Amherst)
04:12 – What actually goes into the cost of building a house? (2/3 labor!)
05:58 – Modular homes, factory construction, and why it’s still only single-digit savings
09:15 – Can the average person even build their own house today?
10:34 – How local regulations silently drive up costs
11:26 – The $55,000 garage nobody parks in
14:29 – California’s ADU precedent & state vs. city power
17:20 – 2025 affordability worse than 2007? Here’s why
22:11 – Why politicians keep floating 50-year mortgages & subprime 2.0
24:19 – What does “affordable” even mean? (The 1/3 income rule)
26:07 – Texas property taxes: 40%+ of your housing cost?!
30:37 – Renting is not failure: Why the “American Dream” narrative is outdated
33:31 – The real labor crisis in construction (and immigration’s role)
39:53 – Rent control: Why it always backfires
42:26 – Sean’s magic wand fix: Restore credit access & rename the “subprime” crisis
In this episode of The Right Idea, TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen break down how political activism has seeped into Texas healthcare — influencing diagnoses, treatments, and public policy.
They’re joined by Dr. Lisa Ehrlich, internal medicine physician and former TMA trustee, and Joseph Figliolia, Manhattan Institute policy analyst and author of a major report on the TMA’s drift into ideological advocacy.
Together, they examine:
* How the TMA embraced gender-affirming care despite weak evidence
* Why many physicians feel silenced
* How institutional capture happens inside medical organizations
* The impact on children, parents, lawmakers, and the practice of medicine
* What reforms are needed to bring medicine back to evidence-based practice
00:30 – Thanksgiving politics & family discussions
03:40 – Today’s topic: Gender ideology in healthcare
05:18 – Guest introductions: Dr. Ehrlich & Joseph Figliolia
05:42 – Why Joseph investigated the TMA
07:23 – Is the TMA doubling down despite national pushback?
09:07 – Evidence problems & reversals in Europe
10:25 – Dr. Ehrlich: What clinicians saw on the ground
11:38 – Social contagion & the rise of gender questioning
13:12 – Vulnerable populations & patterns emerging
14:58 – Why endocrinology led the shift
16:02 – “Science by consensus” and activist medicine
17:36 – The problem with WPATH & activist guidelines
18:33 – How TMA was captured: institutional mechanics
19:23 – Why doctors stay silent
20:57 – Fear of being labeled discriminatory
22:08 – Dr. Ehrlich: Intimidation inside the TMA
23:56 – Identity sections and cultural politicization
25:05 – Personal attacks vs scientific debate
26:31 – Medicine requiring ideological pre-commitments?
27:55 – Historical parallels (e.g., lobotomies)
28:58 – Pandemic mandates & ethical shifts
31:09 – Three separate issues: dysphoria, treatment, ideology
32:57 – Suicide risk, treatment failures, evidence gaps
34:18 – Is someone funding this movement?
36:01 – TMA’s definitions avoid “gender dysphoria” entirely
37:44 – The financial incentives behind affirming care
38:39 – Do associations influence medical boards?
41:15 – How TMA influences Texas policy
42:07 – Is Texas protecting kids effectively?
43:30 – Evidence-based standards being ignored
44:56 – CME problems: outdated, debunked studies
45:14 – Can the TMA be fixed?
47:34 – Structural governance problems
49:24 – What shoe drops next?
51:07 – The comprehensive HHS gender dysphoria review
51:35 – Dr. Ehrlich’s advice for physicians afraid to speak up
Texas homeowners are furious—83% say property taxes are a major burden! In this deep-dive episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips and TPPF experts James Quintero and Jose Melendez break down why property taxes exploded after 2014, how local governments game appraisals & bonds, and Governor Greg Abbott’s aggressive new plan to finally crush the burden.
From $91 billion in bond elections to Austin’s 121% tax levy growth, we expose the spending sprees, wasteful logos, and “Taj Mahal” stadiums. Learn how voter turnout in May vs. November lets special interests sneak through hikes—and why super-majority votes, appraisal caps, and taxpayer-triggered cuts could change everything.
00:02:05 – Hot Take: 50-Year Mortgages & Christmas Lights Drama
00:06:06 – The Hockey Stick Graph: Taxes Up 400% Since 1998
00:19:10 – Rate Hikes & VATRE Elections
00:24:14 – Poll: Texans Don't Know Who Sets Their Tax Bill
00:29:28 – State vs. Local Blame: Legislature Can Rein In Locals
00:31:09 – Budgets Growing 2x Faster Than Population + Inflation
00:38:32 – AG Paxton Sues Cities for Skipping Audits Before Hikes
00:46:05 – Appraisal Shell Game: Values Up 138%, Rates Down 7% = 121% Levy Boom
00:55:19 – Lightning Round: Abbott’s 6-Point Plan Breakdown
00:55:54 – Require 2/3rds voter approval for tax increases
00:59:07 – Eliminate M&O School Taxes
01:02:11 – Create Appraisal Predictability, Cap Appraisal Growth
01:03:24 – Require Common Sense Local Spending Limits
01:05:44 – Switch to Appraisals Taking Place Only Once Every Five Years
01:08:18 – TAXPAYER TRIGGER: 15% Signatures = Force Tax-Cut Vote
01:12:05 – Can we pass this in ONE Session like School Choice?
REFERENCED: Testimony to the Senate Committee on Local Government on SB 9
In the 100th episode extravaganza, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen talk to leading conservative voices at the 2025 TFRW Conference in San Antonio.
6:51 Dawn Buckingham, Texas Land Commissioner
17:40 Deborah Wall, Camino Real Republican Women President
49:47 Jim Wright, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman
1:05:02 Mary Elise Cosgray, Statewide Politics Reporter for The Texan
1:34:04 Grant Moody, Bexar County Commissioner
1:47:21 Congressman Nathaniel Moran
2:12:52 Misty Spears, San Antonio City Council Member
2:27:39 Jill Tate, Texas Federation of Republican Women President
3:00:39 Texas State Senator Pete Flores (SD-24)
3:21:59 Wrap up
Is more school funding really the key to better student outcomes—or does how we spend matter more than how much?
In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Andrew Brown sit down with Dr. Eric “Rick” Hanushek, Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, to explore one of education’s toughest questions: Do dollars drive results—or does design and discipline matter more?
Dr. Hanushek is one of the world’s leading experts on the economics of education. His groundbreaking research has shaped how policymakers think about teacher quality, school finance reform, and student achievement.
Together, the panel dives deep into:
• • The impact of AI in the classroom and the future of learning
Hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the critical issue of indoctrination in K-12 education with special guest Ken Pope, CEO of the Coalition for Empowered Education and Senior Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. They discuss how Colleges of Education are shaping teachers with ideological agendas, the impact on classrooms, and solutions to restore critical thinking and balanced education. From Marxist influences to grassroots efforts, this conversation uncovers the challenges parents face and how to combat politicized curricula.
00:30 - Brian and Derek catch up: New baby and festival banter
01:27 - Hot Take: Craziest band names at ACL 2025 (Wet Leg, Spacey Jane, Panda Bear, Dr. Dog)
04:00 - Introducing Ken Pope: CEO of Coalition for Empowered Education
06:47 - How Colleges of Education have shifted to ideological indoctrination
08:52 - The long march of critical theory in academia
12:03 - Exposure vs. Indoctrination: What’s the difference?
14:57 - From Marxism to modern victimology: Evolution of classroom ideologies
17:16 - Are teachers trained to be activists?
19:43 - The disconnect between parents and teachers’ goals
21:20 - Indoctrination in rural and urban schools alike
23:35 - What are education students actually learning?
24:27 - Shocking examples from social studies conferences
29:51 - Coalition for Empowered Education’s mission to retrain teachers
33:56 - Legislative and grassroots solutions to reform teacher training
37:46 - Universities doing it right: Hillsdale, UATX, and others
40:56 - Why mandate Colleges of Education? Alternative teacher certification
44:39 - Red flags for parents: How to spot indoctrination in classrooms
49:56 - How to connect with the Coalition for Empowered Education
50:28 - Closing thoughts and Sam Houston’s wisdom
Coalition for Empowered Education: https://cee.org
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation: https://victimsofcommunism.org
TPPF's Derek Cohen and Jose Melendez catch up on the latest from the 89th Legislative Session and subsequent special sessions with Rep. Cole Hefner. They dive into the quorum break that put Texas in the national political spotlight before discussing policy issues like property tax reform, taxpayer-funded lobbying, housing affordability, and safeguarding Texas from foreign adversaries.
00:53 – Hot Take: Jose Melendez on the Last Man Standing Ultramarathon
04:12 – Rep. Cole Hefner: From Citizen to Chairman – His Journey to Public Service
06:19 – Addressing Quorum Breaks: Stiffer Penalties and Legislative Challenges
07:10 – Priorities for the Current Special Session
08:59 – Property Taxes: Balancing State Relief and Local Government Accountability
11:09 – Appraisal Reform: Ensuring Fairness and Predictability
12:40 – Banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
15:04 – Housing Affordability: HB 840 and Revitalizing Downtown Texas
17:56 – SB 17: Protecting Texas Land from Hostile Foreign Adversaries
22:50 – TRACE Act and Protecting Texas Schools from Foreign Influence
25:42 – Senate Bill 1362: Banning Red Flag Laws and Upholding Due Process
30:16 – Transportation: Addressing CDL Standards and Interstate Challenges
33:17 – Water Issues in Texas: Balancing Growth and Private Property Rights
36:15 – Looking Ahead: Key Issues for the 90th Legislative Session
41:14 – Survey Says: Addressing Voter Discontent with Government Responsiveness
Hosts Derek Cohen and Andrew Brown talk with Texas State Representative Stan Gerdes (HD-17) about a variety of policy issues addressed in the 89th Legislature. Tune in for the latest on water policy challenges, the future of nuclear energy, local government transparency, and the new smart device ban in schools. Plus, Rep. Gerdes dishes on representing both the Barbecue Capital of the World (Lockhart) and the home of the legendary Snow’s BBQ (Lexington).
1:05 - Hot Take: What Should Be a Crime?
3:09 - Barbecue Talk: Lockhart vs. Snow’s BBQ
5:07 - Rep. Gerdes’ Political Journey with Gov. Rick Perry
10:22 - Water Policy: Challenges and the Vista Ridge Project
13:22 - Nuclear Energy: Texas as the Epicenter
16:02 - HB 119: Banning Foreign Adversary Lobbying
18:17 - HB 1522: Local Government Transparency
25:30 - HB 2017: Grayson's Law (Intoxication Manslaughter Penalties)
30:51 - HB 4086: Stopping Urban Food Waste Dumping
35:02 - Unfinished Business: Local Taxation and Water Issues
38:00 - Post-Interview: More Barbecue and Legislative Updates
39:32 - News: West Texas A&M Drag Ban Discussion
44:14 - News: Cell Phone Ban in Texas Schools
50:28 - News: Travis County Bridge Rebuild Success
52:49 - Survey Says: National Guard in Washington, D.C.
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen unpack the heated Texas special session, covering the ongoing redistricting battle, the Texas Women's Privacy Act (SB 7), and critical flood response efforts in the Hill Country. From quorum breaks to property tax reforms and the push to replace the STAAR test, we explore the policies and politics shaping Texas.
1:37 - Hot Take: Presidential Privileges & Trump’s FIFA Moment
4:45 - Redistricting Debate: Is It Unconstitutional?
18:15 - Texas Women’s Privacy Act (Bathroom Bill) Update
22:45 - Flood Emergency Response Proposals
32:08 - Eliminating the STAAR Test: What’s Next?
35:52 - Property Tax Relief with SB 9
42:09 - Harris Poll: Kids, Smartphones, and Unsupervised Play
50:07 - Potential Dallas Death Star Bill Lawsuit
53:14 - What to Watch
In this episode of The Right Idea, co-hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Jill Tate, Vice President of Legislation for the Texas Federation of Republican Women and a powerhouse conservative activist. Jill shares her journey from a young Reagan supporter to a key player in Texas politics, diving into critical issues like school choice, property taxes, energy policy, and the fight against taxpayer-funded lobbying. They also discuss the resilience of Texas culture, the upcoming special session, and what’s next for the 90th Legislature.
05:13 - Jill Tate’s background as a Texas super activist and precinct chair
06:02 - How Jill got involved in conservative activism and politics
10:02 - Evolution of Texas politics and the shift to a conservative stronghold
14:39 - Texas cultural resilience and the significance of the Alamo
21:03 - Recap of the 89th Legislature: Successes in school choice, energy, and AI
23:31 - Jill’s personal story on school choice and its impact on her son
30:03 - Energy policy: Nuclear power and securing Texas’ grid
33:59 - SB 1283: Protecting seniors in retirement communities
37:24 - Special session priorities: Women’s Privacy Act and ending STAAR testing
42:30 - Looking ahead to the 90th Legislature: Energy and emerging issues
45:11 - Water issues in Texas: Balancing rural and urban needs
46:40 - Gambling in Texas: Concerns about social and economic impacts
49:33 - Reforming Texas’ committee process for better legislative hearings
1:05:11 - The fight to end taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the top issues shaping Texas and the nation. Joined by EJ Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, we analyze the Trump economy six months into his presidency—covering job growth, tariffs, and housing challenges. We also discuss the devastating Texas floods, the upcoming special legislative session, and the potential impact of AI on jobs. Plus, our "10 Minute Drill" breaks down key stats and what to watch for in Texas politics.
Learn more about the Texas Public Policy Foundation: texaspolicy.com
0:00 - Welcome
0:27 - Update on Texas' Flood Tragedy
3:16 - Special Session Preview
7:04 - EJ Antoni on the Trump Economy
10:31 - Tariff Policy Concerns
13:40 - June Jobs Report Breakdown
16:01 - Public Perception vs. Economic Data
19:12 - AI’s Future Impact on Jobs
33:53 - Housing Crisis in Texas
40:10 - DOGE: Government Efficiency Push
44:18 - 10 Minute Drill: Survey Says, Jobs Stats, & Special Session Watch
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by Chuck DeVore to dive into the biggest issues shaping Texas and beyond. From President Trump’s bold strike on Iran’s nuclear program to the unexpected Texas special session, we unpack the politics, policy, and people driving the headlines. Plus, we explore Texas’ unmatched job growth and what it means for the state’s future. Don’t miss our hot takes on iconic presidential quotes and the latest on Israel-Iran tensions!
Subscribe for more Texas policy insights and hit the bell for weekly episodes of The Right Idea!
📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/the-post
0:00 - Intro & Guest Chuck DeVore
4:15 Hot Take: Trump’s F-Bomb heard round the world. What is your favorite war related quote from a president?
9:20 Iran vs. Israel - Where are we as of today?
14:08 Operation Midnight Hammer - How’d we pull it off?
25:23 Is there a MAGA divide?
32:34 Appetite for regime change?
38:03 Does all this expose any weak spots in the US?
48:21 Survey Says: Majority of voters approve of Trump’s maneuvers
53:42 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Tariff hysteria just ain’t there
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Latin America expert Joshua Treviño to unpack the shocking Los Angeles riots, the role of Mexican cartels, and the escalating border security crisis. From ICE raids targeting cartel fronts to Mexican flags waving in U.S. streets, we dive into the hidden connections between the Mexican government, cartels, and U.S. protests. Treviño reveals stunning insights about Mexico’s political operatives in the U.S., the failure of U.S.-Mexico relations, and what Texas can do to protect its borders.
0:00 Intro & Guest Joshua Treviño
4:00 What’s going on in LA, Austin and across the country?
7:35 Today’s civil unrest - Who started it?
9:25. What’s a protest anymore?
13:50 What’s being protested & rioted against?
23:20 What is Mexico’s role in it all?
29:24 Does Mexico think they still own parts of the U.S.?
38:58 Latest polls show Americans prefer order over chaos
45:26 What tools do the U.S. & Texas have?
Join Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen on The Right Idea as they dive into the 89th Texas Legislative Session with Brad Johnson, senior reporter at The Texan. From the unexpected "Kumbaya" harmony among Texas leaders to major conservative victories like bail reform, water funding, and education transparency, this episode breaks down the session’s biggest wins, under-the-radar bills, and what’s next for Texas politics. Will there be a special session? What interim issues are on the horizon? Plus, a fun take on celebrity divorces!
0:00 - Intro & Guest Brad Johnson
1:15 - Hot Take: Craziest Celebrity Divorces
4:12 - Overall narratives of the 89th Texas Legislative Session
15:40 - Most Consequential Bills (Water Deal, Bail Reform, SB 12)
24:50 - Under-the-Radar Legislation (Higher Ed Reform, Semiconductor Protection)
40:03 - What Didn’t Pass? Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban & More
48:15 - The “S” Word Rumors & Interim Priorities
📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/thepost
Welcome to The Right Idea, the show where we break down the people, policies, and politics shaping Texas! In Episode 89, TPPF's Chief Communications Officer Bryan Phillips and Chief of Research Derek Cohen give a comprehensive recap of the final week of the Texas legislative session.
🔍 This episode covers:
🎙️ Plus: A preview of next week's full session recap and a fun segment on Texas A&M baseball history you won't want to miss.
📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/thepost
2:35 Hot Take - What’s your favorite “Pope merch”?
6:45 DEI out of K-12 Texas Education
10:38 Texas cracks down on sexually explicit content in kids’ sections of public libraries
19:30 Election Integrity - new law stops illegal voting in Texas
28:28 Housing Affordability
35:20 Death Star 2.0
37:50 Bail Reform
43:00 Texas Time!
45:02 Survey Says!
51:25 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics
52:38 What’re you watching?
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with David Dunmoyer, Campaign Director for Better Tech for Tomorrow at TPPF, to discuss Texas’ bold leadership in tech policy. From banning social media for minors to pioneering AI regulation, Texas is setting the stage for a safer, innovative future. Learn about the shocking harms of social media on kids, the legislative push to protect the next generation, and why tech giants like Elon Musk are flocking to the Lone Star State.
0:00 Welcome
2:00 Hot Take - What’s the strangest scandal in American political history?
8:20 Texas Tech Policy - Is there a reason Texas has taken the lead?
12:30 The aggressive push to limit children’s access to social media
37:28 Smart phones in Texas classrooms
49:15 2025 - The Year of the Parent!
54:23 A.I. - hero or villain?
TPPF's Brian Phillips, Derek Cohen, and Andrew Brown break down the final stretch of the Texas legislative session on a major deadline day. They discuss Texas’ foster care system, statewide testing, education funding, taxpayer funded lobbying, and more.
1:50 Hot Take: What page of the calendar will the House end on tonight?
5:24 Foster care in Texas
24:40 The Bell Tolls with the first deadline in the Texas House tonight
35:58 Bye-Bye Texas STAAR Test!
39:56 Senate Bill 2972 reins in college campus protests
41:17 Bail Reform in Texas
43:23 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying
47:22 What’re you watching?
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have TPPF Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester on to discuss the battle against woke indoctrination in higher education. From the groundbreaking Senate Bill 37 to the decline of DEI programs, we explore how Texas is leading the charge to reform public universities.
2:14 Should we reopen Alcatraz to criminals?
5:00 SB 37 - addressing the growing “wokeness” of curriculum and faculty believing they run our universities
24:33 Jordan Peterson’s view that American universities are “gone”
33:43 President Trump vs. Harvard University
40:01 Maine legislator barred from speaking on the floor and casting votes over social media post
45:05 Survey Says: 72% say the increased focus on race and racial inequality after George Floyd’s death did not lead to change
51:20 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Only 8% of registered voters participated in Texas' May 3 elections
58:04 What to Watch For
Brian Phillips and guest co-host Ariana Guajardo tackle the heated debate on bail reform with Nikki Pressley from Right On Crime, exploring why Texas’ Constitution ties judges’ hands and what Governor Abbott’s push for reform means for public safety. They also explore polling insights from the Texas Lyceum and offer a sneak peek at what’s next for the Texas Legislature. And just for fun, the viral "Gorilla vs. 100 Men" social media controversy and what makes Texas truly unique—barbecue, y’all, and Southern hospitality!
1:37 Hot Take 1: Man vs. Gorilla
4:42 Hot Take 2: One “Texas thing” you’d like the rest of the nation to adopt
8:05 Key problems with the current Texas bail system
8:58 Do we need a Constitutional amendment?
12:56 Do other states have a “right to bail?”
13:48 A balanced approach that prioritizes public safety but doesn’t keep low risk defendants languishing in prison
21:31 What does polling reveal about where Texans are on this issue?
29:25 Survey Says: Texas Lyceum poll asks how “Texan” Texas residents feel about themselves
35:34 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Reviewing Trump’s first 100 days
38:56 What to Watch For