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Hobby Talks

Hobby Talks

Auteur(s): Hobby School of Public Affairs
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Hobby Talks is a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs produced in partnership with the Center for Student Media at the University of Houston. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato and Hobby School faculty, the podcast features timely conversations on politics and policy with experts, scholars and those guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state.

© 2025 Hobby Talks
Politique Sciences politiques
Épisodes
  • Why Congress?
    Jun 25 2025

    On this episode of Hobby Talks, political scientist Philip Wallach examines the 119th Congress and the deepening polarization of the legislative branch. Wallach guides listeners through Congress's role as the Founders intended and how it has fulfilled that job differently throughout history, emphasizing its importance in shaping policy and maintaining a balance of power among the branches of government. He fast-forwards to today's leadership-driven institution, offering insight into its potential future and strategies to necessitate power sharing and a return to deliberation and bipartisan dealmaking.

    Philip Wallach is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank, where he studies America's separation of powers. He is the author of "Why Congress," a book on the necessity of a thriving Congress and how it can reassert its relevance.

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    51 min
  • Following the 89th with State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons
    Apr 11 2025

    Houston state lawmaker Lauren Ashley Simmons shares the latest developments at the Texas Capitol with Hobby Talks host Jim Granato. Rep. Simmons represents House District 146 in south and southwest Houston, including the historic Sunnyside neighborhood. She is serving her first term in the Texas House of Representatives. The union organizer and public education advocate discussed her upbringing, what drove her to run for public office and her office's policy priorities during the 2025 legislative session. Rep. Simmons gave insight into what Texans can expect from the Texas House floor and her advice for students interested in a public service career. She is on the House Committees on Appropriations and Public Health. Rep. Simmons also serves as the inaugural chair of the Texas Labor and Workforce Caucus.



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    42 min
  • State of Public Education with Robert Pondiscio
    Apr 2 2025

    On this episode of Hobby Talks, education policy expert Robert Pondiscio discusses the state of public education in Texas and across the country. Pondiscio takes listeners through the education reform landscape, reflecting on its history and fast-forwarding to today's most significant challenges. He shares insight into how his experience inside the classroom informs his perspective on championing meaningful change in an era of increasing choice. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato asks Pondiscio about the state's pivotal moment on school vouchers and the latest developments from Houston ISD under state-appointed leadership.

    Pondiscio is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, a public policy think tank, where he studies K-12 education, school choice, teaching and civic education. He previously worked as an adviser and civics teacher at Democracy Prep Public Schools in New York City. Before that, he was in journalism for 20 years, holding senior positions at Time and BusinessWeek.

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    1 h et 1 min

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