The Civics Lab : Recent Episodes
David Thomason
The Civics Lab at St. Edward's University (Austin, TX) is a student and faculty collaborative podcast on civics life in America. We interview guests and discuss issues around the intersection of politics, economics, society, public policy, religion and other important issues to the civics life in the United States and Texas. Dr. David Thomason, on the faculty at St. Ed's, is the director of the Civics Lab. Students at St. Ed's produce, research and comment on the podcast. Students in the lab include: Caroline King (Executive Editor) Milo Cortese (producer), Niko Smith (lead economic researcher), Desi Tsacalis (lead background researcher) and Michael Baumgartner (lead commentator) and Ben Alford (contributor) and Esther Heymans (contributor). The Civics Lab is sponsored by a grant from the Hatton Sumners Foundation.
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Description: In this episode of the Civics Lab, we sit down with Joe Jaeger, founder and CEO of Statecraft Simulations, a project-based learning simulation for civics and politics. We delve into his entrepreneurial journey creating the platform, and how it teaches students the complexities and nuances of the political system. Joe connects his work to the contemporary political landscape, delving into topics such as the separations of power, the constitution, and the influence of social media. Tune in to the Civics Lab to listen to this conversation.
Music Credit: David Thomason
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Description
The Civics Lab toured an abandoned Travis County landfill now slated for redevelopment into housing. We explore its history, a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Travis County, and the developer’s push for county accountability. Guests include Ashika Ganguly Executive Director of Transit Forward, Luis Osta Lugo, Board Member for AURA, Corbin Graham, Principal at Graham Development, and attorney Jim Blackburn, discussing the environmental and political complexities of the landfill, Austin, and Travis County.
Date Recorded
Monday, July 14th, 2025
Music Credit
Artist: David Thomason
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DescriptionThe Civics Lab sits down with Jill Goodman, CEO of Leadership Austin. Tune in to learn about Leadership Austin’s dynamic leadership programs and the diverse cohorts they engage. Jill shares insights on the importance of tough conversations, why leadership is essential for community progress, and why she’s so passionate about the organization’s mission.
More about Leadership Austin
For more information on Leadership Austin, visit their website: https://leadershipaustin.org. If you want to be more action oriented with Leadership Austin, sign up for their newsletter: https://leadershipaustin.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bc96d256e1face47230702995&id=c868edfdf7.
Date RecordedJuly 2nd, 2025
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In this episode of The Civics Lab, we sit down with Dottie Watkins, President and CEO of CapMetro. Dottie shares her remarkable journey starting as a bus operator while attending the University of Texas at Austin to leading the entire organization. Tune in to learn how CapMetro is adapting to shifting riding patterns, aligning its goals with community needs, and shaping the future of public transit in Austin.
Date Recorded : Friday, May 16th, 2025
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Description:
In this episode of The Civics Lab Podcast, we take you inside the annual Hillhops event at St. Edward's Munday Library - home to one of the country's few brewery archives focused specifically on Texas craft brewing. Join us as we explore this distinctive celebration that stands out as one of Central Texas's most unique beer events, offering listeners an insider's perspective on both the archive's significance and the vibrant experience of Hillhops itself.
Date Recorded:
January 23rd, 2025
Music Credit:
Music is by the Austin Polka Band
Link to the Research Study:
https://www.americancraftbeer.com/us-states-with-the-most-and-least-beer-regulations/
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Podcast description
On January 15, 2025, We interviewed the author of The Holy Land at War. The Civics lab also brought in Dr. Selin Guner a professor of political science at St. Edwards's University. This conversation offered insights into both sides.
Date Recorded
January 15, 2025
Music Credit
Title: Reflected Light
Artist Sergii Pavkin
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Podcast Description
On November 14, 2024, The Civics Lab attended the Texas Tribune’s Rural Symposium at the University of Texas in San Antonio. This event featured insightful panel discussions on the unique challenges and strengths of rural communities. From environmental struggles and economic development to shifting populations and agriculture, experts and community leaders shared valuable perspectives on the future of rural Texas. Tune in as we break down key takeaways and explore the pressing issues shaping rural America. You can also access the full symposium on the Texas Tribune’s website.
Date Recorded
November 14th, 2024
Music Credit
Title: Vaporize
Artist: Squiid
Link to Texas Tribune Symposium Recordings
https://www.texastribune.org/2024/08/01/small-town-big-possibilities-San-Antonio-symposium/
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St. Edward's University PoliSci honors students, Jacob Zivin, Paige Kennedy, George Reyes, and Janie Herring analyze statements from our Election panel with Grace Chemane (League of Women's Voters), Chuck DeVore (Texas Public Policy Foundation) and Bruce Elfant (Travis County Tax Assessor).
This episode is brought to you by a civic engagement grant from Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honors Society.
Music By Mike Kirpak from Pixbay
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In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Chad Long, a Political Science Professor at St. Edward's University and an expert in American politics. Dr. Long offers his insights on federal spending, analyzes the 2024 presidential campaign, and dives into the key issues shaping the outcome of the election.
Song credit
Song name: Remember
Artist: KalzanBlu
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Victoria Guerrero, a Kozmetsky Fellow at St. Edward's University, shares her research on the relationship between South Korean music and Austin. She discusses the Asian Music Festival in Central Texas and the variety of cultures represented by music. Jacob Zivin interviews and George Reyes introduces the episode.
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In this second part of our episode, we discuss whether Texas is restricting or securing voting access. Our discussion is with Chuck Devore, Texas Policy Foundation, Grace Chimene, League of Women Voters, Amy Stansbury, Austin Common. Questions and comments are from those attending the recording, live on the St. Edward's University Campus with the Kozmetsky Center. This podcast was funded by a Civics Engagement Grant from Pi Sigma Alpha.
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In this episode, we discuss whether Texas is restricting or securing voting access. Our discussion is with Chuck Devore, Texas Policy Foundation, Grace Chimene, League of Women Voters, Amy Stansbury, Austin Common. Questions and comments are from those attending the recording, live on the St. Edward's University Campus with the Kozmetsky Center. This podcast was funded by a Civics Engagement Grant from Pi Sigma Alpha. Part 2 of this discussion will be released on November 11. Stay tuned.
Song: Ontem, Artist: Ckhustomn
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Interview with Amy Stansbury, Austin Common and Grace Chimene, with League of Women Voters Texas after the Kozmestky Center's panel on voting access in Texas. If you need help voting, go to vote411.org Happy Voting!
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Before someone votes, they must first register to vote. States across the country vary in how they register voters. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 42 states, plus DC have on-line voter registration to make it easier to register. Texas does not allow on-line registration. Why not? We visit with Travis County (Austin, TX) Voter Registrar Bruce Elfant, and discuss the politics and hurdles of registering citizens to vote. We discuss recent lawsuits by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Travis County and other urban counties in their attempt increase voter registration, why the state of Texas and several states have stopped using a national database to protect against voter registration fraud, and who benefits from a more restrictive voting registration process.
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In this episode, the Civics Lab team discusses the challenges of democracy with Legal Professor and ABC Legal Correspondent, Kim Wehle. We discussed the current state of the United States Constitution, the role of voting, holding elected officials accountable, and the threats of tyranny and authoritarianism to our democractic norms. The Civics Lab team is led by Dr. David Thomason (Director of the Kozmetsky Center at St. Edward's University, and St. Edward's University students Jacob Zivin, George Reyes, and Charlie Mossberger. The podcast is brought to you by the Kozmetsky Center.
In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with State Representative Gene Wu. Gene Wu is a Democrat representing District 137, located in West Houston. It was an enormous pleasure to talk with Gene about the current legislative session, and we hope you enjoy his honesty and clarity as much as we did!
You may be asking, what is the Texas Land Commission? Texas elects a Land Commissioner? Why? In this episode, we have Jay Kleberg in the Civics Lab studio to discuss why he is running for this statewide office and what makes this position important in the fight against climate change, education funding, Veterans' healthcare, and protecting and expanding our access to public lands.
Civics Lab team members went to John P. Ojeda Middle School, in Southeast Austin to discuss a project that teachers and students are collaborating to grow, market and finance the production of salsa. Students and teachers have literally turned computer rooms into greenhouses and are applying the spirit of American entrepreneurship to address access to healthy foods. Join in on this week's quick take!
Websites on what Austin is doing to address food insecurity:
https://www.austintexas.gov/content/austin-travis-county-food-policy-board
https://reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0219788-central-texas-foodshed-assessment.html
https://www.austintexas.gov/page/food-system-research-reports
Del Valle ISD Link
Join Michael Baumgartner and Esther Heymans as they attend and interview participants at the RevUP Texas (Register Educate Vote Use Your Power!) rally to promote voter registration and raising awareness of disability issues in Texas politics. The Civics Lab team interviews Bob Kafka, organizer and advocate for RevUp. Join them in this quick take!
RevUp! Texas:
https://www.revuptexas.org/
Twitter for RevUP:
REV UP Texas
@REVUP_Texas
Bob Kafka
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKK7tIql9us
We sat down for a casual conversation revolving around some of the biggest political stories of the week, and some that might have flown under your radar. Listen in as we discuss the January 6th hearings, Beto's defamation lawsuit, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
- Episode recorded on 3/8/22
In this Quick Take, we sat down with Claire Campos-O'Neal, a candidate for state representative from an Austin district. She discusses her passion for education and the way more women can run for office. And check out Cosmic on South Congress!
Websites:
https://www.clairefortexas.com/
https://annieslist.com/
https://www.raiseyourhandtexas.org/
https://www.cosmiccoffeebeer.com/
Civic Arts is an organization that promotes equity, justice, and civic engagement through the arts. We sat down with Civic Arts' Executive Director Lynn Osgood to hear her thoughts on the state of civics in America, how we can make engagement more inclusive, and how civics and art go together and inspire communities.
Civic Arts website is: https://www.civicarts.org
Ross Ramsey. co-founder and chief editor of the Texas Tribune, sat down in the Civics Lab Studio this week. A lively and information conversation, Ramsey shares his thoughts on the state of Texas politics. We cover the primary voter turnout, controversial statements by statewide leaders, how Denton in the 1970's ended up passing liquor laws and whether Blue Bell Ice Cream is worth fighting over Plus much more! React to the conversation on our twitter feed: @thecivicslab
We did a quick take with Erika Thompson (@texasbeeworks), founder of Texas Beeworks and professional bee keeper, along with advocates from UT and the community, on a recent Austin City Council to make Austin a Bee City. What's a Bee City? Have a listen! If you want to know more about the work Erika Thompson is conducting, take a look at her profile article in Texas Monthly. https://www.texasmonthly.com/being-texan/erika-thompson-beekeeper-tiktok/
In this episode, the Civics Lab team discusses the recent questions of Republican leadership and the Jan. 6 insurrection, SCOTUS vacancy, Religion in Politics and the Russian threat to the Ukraine. Join us this week for a great conversation in the Civics Lab.
In this episode, we discuss the nature and scope of civics education. We sit down with Braver Angels, Generation Citizen, and the Holy Cross Institute, as we explore what it means to be a citizen and how education plays a vital role in shaping our character and identity.
What do fishing, clean water, public land access, and conservation all have in common? That's the topic of today's discussion as we sat down with Trout Unlimited's Greg McReynolds, who arguably has the coolest job title in America, Intermountain Regional Director of the Angler Conservation Program. In the episode we discuss: what Trout Unlimited is and what they aim to accomplish, Mr. McReynolds role in Trout Unlimited, why people who don't fish should care about native populations and clean water access, how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted participation in the outdoors, and so much more!
To learn more about Trout Unlimited head over to their website https://www.tu.org/
Respond to this episode of The Civics Lab @TheCivicsLab on Instagram and Twitter. Stay tuned for our next episode as we sit down with Generation Citizen and Braver Angels to discuss what the term civics means and why it's paramount to our society.
On this episode, we had a conversation with Andrew Allison, chair and member of the group Austinites for Progressive Reform. We discuss 5 Propositions on the May Ballot, ones that Austinites for Progressive reform introduced and are advocating for. Some of these propositions: moving to a mayor-council form of government, rank choice voting, and "Democracy Dollars", will drastically change the way the City of Austin conducts its day to day operations, or more importantly, shape the way it governs moving forward. To learn more about Austinites for Progressive Reform and propositions D, E, F, G, and H, head to their website austinprogress.org.
Respond to this weeks episode of The Civics Lab @TheCivicsLab on Instagram and Twitter. Stay tuned for our next episode as we dive deeper into the meaning of "civics", what it encompasses, and why it is paramount to our democratic society.
On this episode, we had a conversation with James Barragan, reporter for the Dallas Morning News who covers Texas politics and the Texas Legislature. Days after the historic winter storm that blew through Texas, we discussed power outages across the state, ERCOT hearings at the Capitol, how the Covid-19 Pandemic has affected how reporters like himself receive information and cover the legislative session, the importance of free press in our society, and much more.
Respond to this weeks episode of The Civics Lab @TheCivicsLab on Instagram and Twitter. Stay tuned for our next episode as we talk with Austinites for Progressive Reform on the future of Austin's city government, what reforms and amendments they are pushing, and how a change in Austin's government could affect the state as a whole.
Back in early December of 2020, The Civics Lab had a discussion with Mirek Konvalina; director of the Czech Center in New York and a seasoned diplomatic professional. In addition to the work Mirek has done at the Czech Center, he has also served as the Director of the American Center - US Embassy Prague, worked as Czech Radio's correspondent in D.C. and at the United Nations, served as Director for both Czech Radio Journal and Czech Radio, served as Vice President of the European Union Cultural Institute, and has authored two books on American democracy. In our discussion we talk about the cultural importance his work at the Czech Center plays, how beer could be considered soft diplomacy, cultural ties between the Czech Republic and the U.S., and much more.
Respond to this weeks episode of The Civics Lab @TheCivicsLab on Instagram and Twitter. Stay tuned for our next episode featuring James Barragan, journalist for The Dallas Morning News. We will be covering how accessible the Texas Legislature has been amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, top issues he is following this session, and how reporting from the Texas Legislature differs from other states.
Representative Stephanie Klick, Chair of the Texas House Elections Committee, is in the Civics Lab, discussing the 2020 Texas Elections and how her committee is preparing for the upcoming Texas legislative session. We discuss mandatory voting, a national election law, student id's as forms of identification, and the lack of a paper trail of ballots in Harris County.
Respond to this weeks Civics Lab @TheCivicsLab on Instagram and Twitter. Next month, the Civics Lab interviews Miroslav Konvalina, the Vice President of the European Union Cultural Institute and author of two books on American democracy.
This week, Dr. Scot Schraufnagel , Professor of Political Science at Northern Illiniois University, is in the Civics Lab and discusses his research on the cost of voting in the United States. Did you know that Texas is the most difficult state to vote in the United States? Where does your state rank? Did you know that high voter turnout benefits both Republicans and Democrats?
“Voting and elections are at the heart of our democracy, and voting should be easy,” says Schraufnagel. “One characteristic that helps define the competency of an electoral system and the legitimacy of governing institutions is the ease in which you can cast a ballot.”
Join us this week and react to the episode @TheCivicsLab on Instagram and Twitter.
This week, the civics lab explores the causes for why the media contributes to inflaming our political divide. We discuss our groups’ solutions from an article we wrote for the Dallas Morning News Sunday Edition.
The public reaction to this article included well over 150 comments on digital media and ran a full spectrum of informed to outright venomous responses.
Listen to our reaction and assessment in this week’s episode of the civics lab. Are we united by our continued social media divsions? Is the business of the news contributing to the inflammation of America's political divide? React to our article on our Twitter and Instagram feeds, @TheCivicsLab
This week, the civics lab goes to the small town of Llano, Texas and discovers that healing the wounds of the Vietnam war may be the key to solving our current political divide. In over 20 interviews, we uncover the widespread distrust in American political institutions and politicians and identify the 50 year wounds of Vietnam still penetrate the American psyche.
We discover that people in small towns trust their neighbors and want the same level of communication and trust with those that represent them. We hope you join us for this important episode of the Civics Lab. Healing the Wounds of Vietnam is a key to overcoming our current political impasse.
Small towns matter to the future of Texas. We went to Llano on November 14, the same day thousands were rallying in D.C., protesting and questioning the results of the 2020 presidential election, to ask what matters to small town voters. We interviewed over 20 small town residents around Llano Texas. Llano is a beautiful town, with the Llano River running right through town. The town square and county courthouse are landmarks for the community and it is a thriving small town square.
In the upcoming episode, we interview representatives of the Llano Patriots Milita Group, the owner of the Trump Store, local artists, families and business owners, and long-time residents of the community, asking them what issues are most important to them and how the voting process has gone in Llano. Stay tuned for an enlightening and we think surprising episode, from Llano Texas and the good people in that community.
The Civics Lab at St. Edward’s University conducted exit interviews with average voters around Austin, Texas. We uncover what motivates voting, thoughts on the value of individual votes and the 2020 Election’s impact on the future of America.
Please make sure to leave a review and subscribe! The Civics Lab is funded by a grant from the Hatton Sumners Foundation.