On this episode of Hobby Talks, cultural historian and media scholar Siva Vaidhyanathan examines the impact of social media and artificial intelligence on democracy, civic discourse, and the evolving media and political landscapes. Vaidhyanathan shares insights into how technology shapes news consumption, classroom learning, and civic engagement, which institutions are best positioned to meet this moment of technological change, and what policymakers should consider for platform accountability and AI governance. He was at the University of Houston on Feb. 5 to deliver a public lecture for the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership. Vaidhyanathan is a professor of media studies and the director of the Center for Media and Citizenship at the University of Virginia. He is the author of several books, including “Antisocial Media: How Facebook Disconnects Us and Undermines Democracy."

On this episode of Hobby Talks, Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey shares insight into the inner workings of county government. He guides listeners through key components of the new fiscal year budget and his office’s priorities, including continued progress in addressing complex issues such as flood mitigation, public safety and infrastructure. Commissioner Ramsey oversees one of the fastest-growing areas in Harris County, spanning from Cypress to Baytown, with Tomball and Huffman to the north and the Memorial Villages and Spring Branch to the south. He has served as Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner since 2020.

On this episode of Hobby Talks, political scientist Richard Murray breaks down the proposed Texas maps for the 2026 midterm elections with podcast host Dean Jim Granato. Murray explains what the newly drawn congressional districts mean for Texans and the balance of power in Congress, as well as the political party strategies and national-level implications. He also reflected on his decades-long career at the University of Houston and introduced listeners to his new newsletter, Letter from Texas, where he provides insights on the shifting demographics and the future of Republican dominance in the Lone Star State.

Richard Murray is a professor emeritus in the University of Houston Department of Political Science and a senior research fellow at the Hobby School.