Advertise on podcast: Pod Bless Texas

On this episode of Pod Bless Texas, host Kendall Scudder sits down with his East Dallas neighbor Maggie, a public high school guidance counselor and PTA mom now in her 20th year in education. Maggie makes the case that the hardest part of the job isn't the kids. It's the growing distrust from adults, fueled by new laws, viral rumors, and the constant chance of being recorded and posted online. She shares what happens when students who arrive in ninth grade must take standardized tests in a language they're still learning, and the story of one 19-year-old student who kept showing up despite every obstacle stacked against him.

On this episode of Pod Bless Texas, host Kendall Scudder sits down with Lillian Salerno, the show's original co-host and former USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development in the Biden administration, where she oversaw a roughly $30 billion portfolio covering rural hospitals, water, electric, and broadband. Lillian says being a good candidate isn't enough: once you're in office, you have to do something. Then the conversation takes a turn, with Lillian declaring herself an "official anti-Disney adult," revealing an exclusive members-only Disney club, and her plans after the November election.

On this episode of Pod Bless Texas, host Kendall Scudder sits down with John, a Dallas activist and member of the No Love for ICE Air campaign, who has spent the past year documenting ICE flights out of Dallas Love Field. What started with him showing up to watch has grown into a full tracking operation — nearly 170 flights logged this year, tail numbers recorded, and a public Instagram account posting evidence in real time.

What does real political power look like, and what role does Texas play in shaping what comes next? Kendall Scudder sits down with legendary organizer Dolores Huerta at the Texas Democratic Convention in Corpus Christi for a conversation about voting, organizing, working people, democracy, and why she believes Texas holds major political importance. Huerta reflects on what decades of organizing have taught her about collective action, from improving conditions for farm workers to getting people registered to vote. She also discusses economic inequality, universal healthcare and education, threats to democratic rights, and her belief in the power of the ballot.

Senator Bernie Sanders joins Kendall Scudder to discuss what Democrats need to do to win in Texas and turn electoral victories into lasting political change. Sanders makes the case for building coalitions around policies affecting working-class Americans, from healthcare and wages to education and taxes, while arguing that winning elections means little if leaders fail to deliver once in office. The conversation also touches on grassroots organizing, campaign finance, the future of Texas politics, and one Vermont recommendation Sanders would rather keep secret.    Pod Bless Texas: www.podblesstexas.com Follow Kendall Scudder: @kendallscudder   Bernie Sanders: Bernie Sanders: https://berniesanders.com Instagram: @BernieSanders

Chloe, the heart and hands behind Massage Artz at the Oasis, joins Kendall Scudder to share the personal story behind building her massage therapy business. Inspired by her entrepreneur parents and driven by a passion for helping others, Chloe talks about the difficult period that forced her to rethink work and family life, how HUD housing provided stability when she needed it, and how she eventually turned her experience into her own growing practice.  She and Kendall also get into the everyday costs facing working Texans, parenting, toll roads, business ownership, and, somehow, Chloe's fear of E.T.  Pod Bless Texas: www.podblesstexas.com Follow Kendall Scudder: @kendallscudder

Pod Bless Texas is back, and Kendall Scudder begins this new chapter with one of Texas's most recognizable populist voices. Jim Hightower is a national radio commentator, writer, public speaker, New York Times best-selling author, and two-term Texas Agriculture Commissioner. For five decades, he has advocated for consumers, working families, environmentalists, small businesses, and everyday Americans. Jim brings a direct perspective and his trademark Texas humor to every conversation. In this episode, Kendall goes beyond Jim's public career to explore the experiences and values behind his progressive populism. Their candid conversation offers a personal look at public service, community, and the role everyday people play in shaping Texas politics. Subscribe to Pod Bless Texas for more conversations with the people working to move Texas forward. Pod Bless Texas: www.podblesstexas.com Follow Kendall Scudder: @kendallscudder Jim Hightower: https://jimhightower.com Jim's Substack: https://jimhightower.substack.com

Kendall and Lil try to come to terms with the terrible state of Texas politics over Pokemon Oreos. Sen. Al Franken stops by to pitch his ideas on filibuster reform and to talk about his upcoming comedy tour with stops in Dallas and Austin.

Kendall and Lillian are joined by Alejandro Chavez, the grandson of Cesar Chavez, and the Deputy State Director of Arizona for the March On for Voting Rights to talk about the marches they are organizing around the country this August.

Texas House Democrats have fled the state and are camping out in Washington DC in an effort to block the passage of some of the worst voting laws in the country.

Kendall and Lillian are joined by Stacy Sutton Kerby, from the Texas Humane Legislative Network to discuss Greg Abbott's hatred of animals and the impending special session showdown.

Kendall and Lillian sit down with James Talarico, the youngest member of the Texas House of Representatives and the rising star of the Texas Democratic Party.

Special Guest Harold Cook, of MSNBC and Spectrum News Fame, joins our duo to talk about the latest in Texas Politics