SPEAK USA Podcast

Democracy in Texas Senate 11-Candidate Shannon Dicely

Shannon Dicely is a candidate for Texas Senate District 11.  Shannon and Cliff talk about education and guarantees from the Texas Constitution, voting rights and gerrymandering, healthcare and her cancer health challenge during COVID, and affordability and Texas as #2 in economy but #48 in opportunity across all residents.  She talks about her constant, intentional efforts to create opportunity for and connect with residents in District 11.

Democracy in Texas House 106-Candidate Joe Mayes

Joe Mayes, an Air Force veteran, cyber professional, experienced executive, and candidate for Texas House District 106, shares his thoughts on education funding and policy in Texas, affordability, housing, and our nation's commitment and history of lifting up our personal freedoms.

Democracy in US House 22-Candidate Marquette Greene-Scott

Marquette Greene-Scott is running for U.S. House District 22.  She brings her experience representing her city, based on facts and her residents' values, to address issues of affordability, education, and voting rights, in a way that honors residents and the values of our country.

Democracy in the Texas Panhandle-Texas House 87 Candidate Diana Loya

A near-life-long resident of Dumas, Texas, Diana shares what it's like to live in the Texas Panhandle, the issues they face--education, health care, and the workforce--and how she will represent the best interests of her constituents and their way of life, in a way that honors the democratic value of our nation.

Things Learned and Observed While Running for Office-Bob Mihara

Bob shares what he learned running for the State House in Texas, in a conversation building on his history as a West Point graduate, military veteran, and practicing lawyer who actively provides pro bono services.  Bob and Cliff talk about his experiences during his campaign ("at the same time ordinary and profound!"), his view on current events through the lens of his experiences, observations about how representatives should relate to those they represent, and advice for prospective candidates and others who want to find a way to engage for the good of the country.

The Face to Face Project-Hearing from Every Candidate-Bonny Krahn-Phil Manna

For ten+ years, Bonny has given candidates in elections the opportunity to share their message, and voters the chance to learn about every race on a local ballot.  In a wide-ranging conversation, Phil and Cliff talk with Bonny about the effort, her history of community and political engagement, what motivates her, and how our democratic values are preserved by knowing the candidates, by voting, and by speaking up for our historic values.  Bonny's work is inspiration to speak up for our democracy!

Every Bexar Dem Candidate on Video-Phil Manna

Phil talks about the effort to get every Bexar County democratic candidate on video: How it was done, why it was done, and how to watch before you vote.

Accountability and Recovery, Judging With Impact-Judge Yolanda Huff

Judge Yolanda Huff is a "Judge in the Community."  We talk about her background and influences, her work in District Court 12, her advocacy and work to develop the Mental Health and specialty courts, educating the community about the courts, and how her balance between accountability and recovery, and its positive impact on the community, contrasts with the harmful extreme ideology in our federal and state governments.

Veterans, the Rule of Law, ICE, and How to Respond-Martha Spinks-Fred Hofstetter

From their perspective as veterans, Retired Lieutenant Colonels Martha Spinks and Fred Hofstetter discuss their efforts to elevate the voices of veterans in protecting our democracy, especially as it relates to the rule of law, and to the actions of ICE in our city and around the nation.

Fairness and Integrity in the Courts-Candidate Holly Taylor

Holly and Cliff talk about Holly's time in the Travis County DA's office, the privilege of keeping communities safe, conviction integrity and revisiting cases, respect for the laws and federal and state constitutions, Holly's planned visits to all 254 Texas counties!, her motivation for running, and her candidacy for Place 9 in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.