Texas Tells Podcast: Recent Episodes
info@texaswatch.org (Texas Watch)
In this Summer 2026 edition of the Rundown, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public about problems with the insurance industry and threats to our safety. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode.
On today's episode, we discuss how much Texans pay for their home & car insurance, and what the Texas legislature needs to do to bring relief to everyday policyholders. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dOM-FSwsbSU&t=7s
On today's episode, we discuss how corporate lobbyists are laying the groundwork for another push at the Texas Capitol to gut your rights. Stay tuned for how to fight back near the end of the episode. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9sGndLEwSU
On today's episode, we're covering the Texas Watch Foundation's latest piece on how to shop the insurance market. This valuable information can help protect your family and your property. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOoR8q0fWs8
In the Fall 2025 Rundown, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on what the insurance industry is up to, progress on important appraisal rules for policyholders, school bus safety, and a new video with flood resources for your family. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode.
In today's episode, Peyton Hays, our 2025 Session Intern, goes through the legislative battle at the Texas Capitol on SB 30/HB 4806 and similar efforts around the country that would dramatically transform a person's ability to hold wrongdoers accountable, giving special protections to insurance companies and special interests. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode. This is Texas Tells.
In this special end-of-2024 edition of the Rundown, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on what insurance companies and big corporate lobbyists are up to at the Capitol, as well as excellent reporting on patient safety and the insurance crisis in our state. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oTi44fKE0o
In the Summer 2024 edition of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on skyrocketing homeowners and auto insurance rates, trucking dangers, and the investigation into utility failures following Hurricane Beryl. Check out our Youtube videos for links shared in this episode: https://youtu.be/Xb861SpHKDs?si=0B_h-MMcWmIePcCz
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell sits down with Doug Heller and Michael DeLong, two leading experts from the Consumer Federation of America, to discuss the insurance crisis hurting so many homeowners and drivers. We explore how insurance companies have hiked rates while reducing coverage and policy solutions at the national and state level. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcX-rEsBktA
In the Spring 2024 edition of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on the historic Panhandle wildfires, insurance claim information, the EPA’s recent ban on asbestos, as well as patient safety resources and coverage. Check out our Youtube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4ufmD2lMWA&t=3s
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell sits down with Professor Jeffrey Simon, author of the new book "Last Rights: The Fight to Save the 7th Amendment," to discuss the threats to your constitutional right to trial by jury.
In this end-of-year edition of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on happening with insurance companies, the coalition opposing forced arbitration, a new patient safety video from the Texas Watch Foundation that could save your life, and Professor Jeffrey B. Simon's excellent new book on the fight to save the 7th Amendment. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha5Dggfdwew
In this summer edition of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on new patient safety laws that will help protect you and your family, our latest podcast, excellent reporting on a great public servant, and what we're doing to fight forced arbitration. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://youtu.be/cyR9nD_libw
In today's episode of "Texas Tells," McKenna Carboy dives into the important patient safety bills passed in this legislative session and how they may help you and your family. She speaks with experts and activists about these vital patient safety bills to better understand the scope of these new laws. Check out our Youtube video for links shared in this episode:
In this episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on our work during the 88th Legislative Session, and how you helped us make a big impact for patients, policyholders, and the public. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIn-N3Ktfoc
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on what is happening at the Texas Capitol, good bills that will improve safety, and bad bills that may restrict your rights or threaten your family. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89AwwAD1mK0
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on what is happening at the Texas Capitol, great bills that will protect the public, and excellent reporting on senior safety in our state. Check out our YouTube videos for links shared in this video: https://youtu.be/iosp3tewsKo
In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into the Texas Watch Foundation's latest project: “Our Courts: The Bedrock Democracy.” This three-part series, running all across our country, aims to help Americans learn more about the importance of the judicial branch of government and how it functions, empowering you as a citizen. You can find the video version of this series on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Be4uks23Ws&t=110s
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on what is happening at the Texas Capitol, a great bill to protect drivers, our latest interview on auto safety, and our newest team member. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjEZWFLf-YY
In today’s episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell sits down with auto expert Robert McDorman, a leading public insurance adjuster and appraiser, to learn about the auto repair process and how to protect your property. Mr. McDorman discusses current problems with insurance practices and how auto insurance appraisal can help consumers.
In this episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on great consumer bills already on file at the Texas Capitol and the Foundation’s new nationwide video series about our courts. Our team looks back on 2022 and how we can help consumers in the year ahead.
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on a new video series about our courts, what is happening at the Texas Capitol regarding jury service, our latest project to ensure safe repairs to your vehicle, important developments on patient safety and nursing home abuse reporting, and the best resource to help your family compare medical facilities and providers. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19BP_mz8C2c
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on what is happening at the Texas Capitol regarding our courts and insurance rights, which doctor is accused of poisoning patients, and the legislative newsletter you want to follow to know the issues. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCPJC68isWs
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on important insurance developments, a big win for our veterans, news about our team, and helpful resources for blocking unwanted robocalls. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://youtu.be/LMbWL2uKD7U
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on a new patient safety video, reporting on insurance claim delays, summertime safety tips, and an outstanding podcast that breaks down the recent Supreme Court term. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://youtu.be/dI0W4A3MXDo
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on patient safety, insurance executive compensation, and a medical podcast you won't want to miss. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://youtu.be/V_jHib10vXE
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on storm scams, patient safety, worker safety during the pandemic, and a resource that may help you lower sky-high medical bills. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnSyBJXSoL0
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on storm scams, patient safety, worker safety during the pandemic, and a resource that may help you lower sky-high medical bills. Check out our YouTube video for links shared in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnSyBJXSoL0
In this month's episode of "The Rundown," Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on important workplace safety developments, insurance recommendations, road safety, and a podcast that will make you an even better citizen. Check out our YouTube video for more links about the stories shared in this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BRSo7u0KVNg
In this month's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on a big win for workers in Congress, tips on how to ensure your vehicle is repaired safely, as well as deep dive reporting on the winter storms and patient safety that you won't want to miss. Check out our YouTube video for more links about the stories shared in this episode. This is Texas Tells.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell sits down with Burl Richards, the President of the Auto Body Association of Texas. They discuss safe vehicle repairs, what you need to know to avoid insurance companies pressure tactics, and much more. You can find the video version of this "In Conversation" interview on our YouTube channel. Link here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GObyH5Qp2tQ
In this month's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on fallout from the winter storms, a new patient safety report, how you can make your voice heard in Congress, and deep dive reporting you won't want to miss.
The Seventh Amendment guarantees the right to trial by jury, and it is the best form of consumer protection we have as Americans. With the seventh amendment, we can hold even the most powerful corporations accountable for wrongdoing. So wherever you are, put in your earbuds and dive in with us as we talk about the origins and importance of the right to trial by jury.
In this week's episode, we review Texas Watch's work in 2021. Join us as we look back at all you accomplished. Because of you, our message of safety, accountability, and justice spread further than ever before.
In this month's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on important arbitration legislation in Congress, insurance developments, and our recent video projects.
In this month's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on an important civil justice report, arbitration developments, and our recent video projects. Show notes here: https://www.texaswatch.org/blog/october-2021-rundown-show-notes
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on our recent projects, new developments at the Texas Department of Insurance, and previews our involvement in the upcoming special legislative session.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell gives an update on Covid-19 resources, important insurance stories, and current video projects concerning your constitutional rights. After you're done listening to this episode, please contact us at info@texaswatch.org with your recommendations and winter storm insurance stories
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell gives an update on projects we've been working on during the summer and how you can continue to stay involved in the fight for justice as we move into the second half of 2021.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell gives an update on how you can make positive change during the closing days of this legislative session.
With over 1.6 million veterans, Texas has the second-highest total population in the country. Creating a comprehensive registry of those affected by toxic burn pit exposure helps get our veterans the benefits they and their families desperately need. Last legislative session, a registry was created, but now it needs funding to operate. HB 3957 by Rep. Abel Herrero fixes this problem.
The latest edition of our podcast tells the story of Rayza, a young woman who released her legal claims right after a wreck when an insurance company called her and took a recorded statement.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on our recent efforts at the Legislature and how you can help us put people pressure on the Texas Capitol as we move into the final stretch of the 2021 session.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on our recent efforts at the Texas Capitol and how you can put people pressure on the Capitol as bills move through the legislative process.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell gives us an update on the current bills that Texas Watch is working on, and how you can take action on these bills as we move into the final months of the Texas legislative session.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell discusses legislative priorities that Texas Watch is working on, and how you can best stay involved as the session moves into April.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell sits down with State Representative Travis Clardy to discuss HB 1131 (concerning safe auto repairs), HB 2534 (making insurance appraisal fair), and much more about this legislative session. You can find the video version of this "In Conversation" on our YouTube channel.
In today’s episode, we profile Leslie & Sophie Rosenberg, who lost their lives in an instant in a truck wreck. HB 19 threatens to give less incentive for trucking companies to follow the rules of the road and will devastate even more Texas families.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell brings you up to speed on what is happening at the Texas Capitol, including our campaign against the trucking lobby bill.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell discusses insurance claims after the winter storm and how best to approach that process as many begin to rebuild across our state.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell gives us the Rundown on bills Texas Watch is working on, helpful insurance resources, and how you can best get involved as the Texas Legislature gets geared up.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell gives us an update on what's happening at the Capitol, some of our priorities, and how you can get involved in advocating for safety, accountability, and justice this legislative session.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell previews what Texas Watch will be working on during the 87th legislature and speaks to the importance of the legislative process at the Texas Capitol. You'll hear remarks from the Governor, Speaker, and Lt. Governor on the first day of session as well.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell takes us through the 25-year history of tort "reform" in Texas and how this corporate campaign has threatened your safety and impeded your constitutional right to trial by jury.
In this episode of "In Conversation," we sit down with Christopher Dufour, an expert on digital privacy, to learn how best to protect ourselves and combat disinformation online. In a rapidly changing world, threats to our privacy and security come from all sides -- individuals, governments, and corporations. Consumers need the best resources available to guard their information.
In today's episode, Executive Director Ware Wendell gives us an update on The Rundown of the latest from Texas Watch and how you can make your voice heard this election season.
In today's episode, we sit down with Ann Baddour, director of the Fair Financial Services Project at Texas Appleseed, to discuss how auto insurance companies have been overcharging policyholders during the pandemic and what needs to be done to protect Texas families.
On today's episode, we'll be going over the toll of the pandemic on nursing homes in Texas, and what the state must do to keep our most vulnerable safe. Cissy Sanders, an advocate with Families for Better Care, who has fought for nursing home safety, is our guest this week.
Executive Director Ware Wendell updates the public on our pressing consumer, policyholder, patient, and worker safety priorities as we approach the next legislative session.
Broadus Spivey is one of the most respected and experienced attorneys in the country. He is a real-life Atticus Finch who has dedicated his life to helping others. We sat down with him to discuss his career on this week's edition of Texas Tells.
The latest edition of our podcast goes over the most successful session in the 20-year history of Texas Watch. In addition, we highlight some of the big issues of this session.
Too often, insurance companies "swoop and settle" claims right after a wreck when an injured person is vulnerable and unaware of the full extent of their damages. The latest edition of our podcast tells the story of Rayza, a nineteen-year-old child care worker who released her legal claims right after a wreck when an insurance company called her and took a recorded statement. HB 2374 by Rep. Julie Johnson would end this predatory insurance practice and protect your family.
This week, Executive Director Ware Wendell goes over how the insurance lobbyists have destroyed your property rights. To learn how lawmakers voted, please visit: http://www.texaswatch.org/blue-tarp-bill-how-your-lawmaker-voted
When Leroy Torres first arrived on the Balad military base in Iraq, he said he immediately noticed the smell. It was coming from the base’s burn pit, a pile of everything disposed of on a base, including trash, medical waste, chemicals, and more, which was set ablaze and burned all day, every day. Soon after arriving in Iraq, Leroy fell ill and doctors didn’t have the answers for his symptoms.
When Marcia and Mathew Seebachan bought their Honda Fit in 2013, they did their homework. But, nothing told them that the car had been previously repaired for hail damage to its roof or that those repairs did not meet manufacturer standards. That shoddy repair work turned out to be pivotal when just four months later, they were struck head-on by a Toyota Tundra truck hydroplaning out of control. This month, we talked to Marcia about her fight for justice and holding the repair shop and insurance company accountable in court.
Wells Fargo. Equifax. Recent consumer scandals have brought to light important questions of how we could have prevented millions of consumers from being put at financial risk. Enter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which announced a rule this summer to ban forced arbitration provisions in financial contracts that prevent harmed consumers from banding together in court. This allows consumers to hold wrongdoers fully accountable in court. But, the new rule may be in jeopardy.
In 2003, Texas passed radical medical malpractice laws under the guise of "improving patient access to care" and "improving medical care: by reducing purportedly "burdensome lawsuits." Fourteen years later, these promises have not been kept, and patients, their families, and taxpayers have paid the price.
Phantom Policies are haunting Texas roads, making dangerous conditions for all drivers. These policies create gaps in coverage by excluding coverage for household members who are not specifically listed in a policy. This practice not only harms the policyholder who often believes they're covered but any third party involved in a crash. Today, 1.5 million Texans are driving with Phantom Policies and as such, only have phantom policy.
After disaster strikes, Texans start the process of rebuilding and getting back on their feet. But too often, insurers delay and underpay policyholders' valid claims. A policyholder can’t rebuild until they have full payment in hand. When insurers underpay Texans and add unnecessary delays, Texas communities are left in the lurch. This month, SB 10 and HB 1774, more aptly referred to as the Blue Tarp Bills, were filed.
On October 5th, the Texas Senate Business and Commerce Committee will meet to discuss a Texas Department of Insurance report on weather-related claims. But, some consumer advocates are concerned that the one-sided report could be used against Texas families and businesses. We talked to Texas Watch’s Executive Director Ware Wendell about his concerns on the biases within the report. You can tell the Senate committee to preserve policyholder protections here.
For years, the Texas Department of Insurance has rightfully stood by Texas consumers and rejected policies with dangerous binding arbitration clauses. But, a policy recently submitted to TDI would strip unaware consumers of their constitutional rights in exchange for a small discount. This month, we talked to Deeia Beck, executive director of the Office of Public Insurance Counsel, about the dangers lurking in the submitted policy.
Insurance lobby groups are pointing to the number of consumer complaints filed with the Texas Department of Insurance as "evidence" that consumers are happy with their insurance companies. But, 75% of consumers filing complaints with TDI in 2015 were never counted.
Has Texas done enough to prevent another tragedy like the West Fertilizer Company explosion? According to a Chemical Safety Board report released last month, we haven't. This month, we talked to Chemical Safety Board investigators Johnnie Banks and Lucy Tyler, Texas State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy, and Texas Watch Deputy Director Ware Wendell about what this report means for the safety of Texans. Tell your lawmaker to pass meaningful chemical safety reforms here.
Today on Texas Tells, families and businesses across North Texas are attempting to rebuild after the severe holiday storms. But, some roofers and builders are being less than honest. Today, we’ll talk to consumer watchdog and Dallas Morning News columnist Dave Lieber about the scams some roofers and builders are pulling across North Texas.
“I can’t believe this is America.” “I have disappointed Thomas Jefferson and John Adams.” A New York Times three-part series is bringing much needed attention to the dangers of forced arbitration. This month, we asked arbitration expert Paul Bland how Americans are losing their constitutional rights in the fine print of their most innocuous transactions.
State and local officials are evaluating the legality and appropriateness of a special deal with Travis County prosecutors and Texas Mutual, the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurer. But, this is not the insurers’ first attempt to tilt Justice’s scales. This month, we talked to Texas AFL-CIO Secretary- Treasurer Rick Levy about the issues plaguing Texas’ workers’ compensation system and how workers can fight in a system seemingly stacked against them.
After a year of record rainfall and flooding for the Lone Star State, Hurricane Season 2015 will reach its peak this month. Seven storms have already rocked the Atlantic, resulting in 51 casualties and almost 400 million in property damage. This month, we spoke to Executive Director Alex Winslow and Deputy Director Ware Wendell about preparing for hurricane season and how to rebuild after a disaster.
Last week, Blue Bell announced the return of its products after a three month halt in production due to listeria contamination. While many Texans rejoiced on Twitter, not all consumers are rushing to get that familiar wooden spoon in hand.
Episode Six: This month, we’re sifting through the end of the good ol’ days for Blue Bell Creameries. It all started with a Blue Bell country cookie sandwich, which tested positive for the bacteria listeria this February. Since then, the ice cream company has recalled all of its products, but not before infecting 10 customers with listeriosis and killing three. Now, FDA reports show that Blue Bell factories tested positive for the dangerous bacteria as far back as 2012 and has been making customers sick since 2010. We’ll talk to Dr.
This week on “Texas Tells” we’re going through the highs and lows of the 84th Legislative Session. We’ll speak to Texas Watch’s Executive Director Alex Winslow about the fight to preserve policyholder protections, working towards a Safe Texas, and his thoughts on the session.
The bill that burdens business. This month on Texas Tells, we spoke to Texas business owners about the Insurance Immunity Act or SB1628. The bill, which erodes crucial policyholder protections against low, slow, or no payment tactics by insurance companies, passed out of the Senate this week. In this month’s interview, Pampa hardware store owner Harold Price speaks out against the bill, arguing that it would shutter businesses across the state.
How do Texans rebuild in the wake of catastrophe? After devastating storms ravage their homes, businesses, and churches, many Texans faced a second storm: dealing with their insurance company. This month, we talked to policyholders about SB1628, the insurance industry’s effort to erode the last line of defense for policyholders against low, slow, or no payments on their valid claims. Then Executive Director Alex Winslow explains how the bill could negatively impact all Texans.
Where did all the local control go? This week we’ll talk to Harris County Environmental Attorney Rock Owens and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins about preserving the right of local authorities to police their own communities without interference from state officials. CORRECTION: In the pollution claim against International Paper and its subsidiaries, Harris County brought the suit, not the City of Houston.
Created by citizen advocacy organization Texas Watch,“Texas Tells” broadcasts the untold stories of Texas families and consumers. The monthly podcast seeks to educate and empower Texans through citizen profiles, updates on state government action, and interviews with local officials. How has so-called tort “reform” affected our 7th amendment right to a trial by jury? Texas Watch’s Ware Wendell will talk to us about that fundamental right, faith, free enterprise, and the founding fathers.