Hobby Talks

Hobby School of Public Affairs•hobbytalks.buzzsprout.com

Hobby Talks is a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs produced in partnership with the Center for Student Media at the University of Houston. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato and Hobby School faculty, the podcast features timely conversations on politics and policy with experts, scholars and those guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state.

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Episodes

Inside Online Privacy Laws in Texas with Tyler Bridegan

Texas has emerged as a national leader in online privacy enforcement, securing historic settlements with Google and Meta aimed at curbing unlawful data collection. On this episode of Hobby Talks, Tyler Bridegan provided insights into the Lone Star State's comprehensive enforcement strategies and approach to enhancing consumer protections. Bridegan guided listeners through his path to public service, the Texas Data Privacy and Security Act, holding major technology companies accountable, and what...

Oct 04, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 5

Why Congress?

On this episode of Hobby Talks, political scientist Philip Wallach examines the 119th Congress and the deepening polarization of the legislative branch. Wallach guides listeners through Congress's role as the Founders intended and how it has fulfilled that job differently throughout history, emphasizing its importance in shaping policy and maintaining a balance of power among the branches of government. He fast-forwards to today's leadership-driven institution, offering insight into its potentia...

Jun 25, 2025•51 min•Season 2Ep. 4

Following the 89th with State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons

Houston state lawmaker Lauren Ashley Simmons shares the latest developments at the Texas Capitol with Hobby Talks host Jim Granato. Rep. Simmons represents House District 146 in south and southwest Houston, including the historic Sunnyside neighborhood. She is serving her first term in the Texas House of Representatives. The union organizer and public education advocate discussed her upbringing, what drove her to run for public office and her office's policy priorities during the 2025 legislativ...

Apr 11, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 3

State of Public Education with Robert Pondiscio

On this episode of Hobby Talks, education policy expert Robert Pondiscio discusses the state of public education in Texas and across the country. Pondiscio takes listeners through the education reform landscape, reflecting on its history and fast-forwarding to today's most significant challenges. He shares insight into how his experience inside the classroom informs his perspective on championing meaningful change in an era of increasing choice. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato asks Pondiscio about ...

Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 2

Inside the Texas Capitol with State Sen. Molly Cook

In the first Hobby Talks episode of 2025, Texas state Sen. Molly Cook shares her policy priorities during her first legislative session, from public education and reliable energy to expanding Medicare and other healthcare equity issues. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato asked the freshman state lawmaker what drove her to run for public office and how her work and background as an emergency room nurse and community organizer translate to her policy agenda at the Texas Capitol. Sen. Cook gave insight i...

Feb 18, 2025•14 min•Season 2Ep. 1

The Legacy of Bill Hobby

On the second episode of Hobby Talks, historians Don Carleton and Erin Purdy with the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin discuss the history and impact of Bill Hobby and the Hobby family on Texas. The authors of the biography "Bill Hobby: A Life of Journalism and Public Service" take listeners through extensive research and interviews to publication, sharing highlights from the biography of a legendary lieutenant governor. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato shares...

Dec 02, 2024•58 min•Season 1Ep. 2

The State of American Democracy with Adam Kinzinger

The inaugural episode of Hobby Talks features former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger discussing his public service career, the presidential election outcome and his hopeful vision for the future of America. The former Illinois congressman also shares how the 9/11 terrorist attacks stirred an urgent sense of duty and call to service, how he entered politics, his message to the political parties and his advice to the next generation of leaders eager to make a difference in their communities. Kinzinger wa...

Nov 16, 2024•33 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Hobby Talks Trailer

Welcome to Hobby Talks, a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato, Hobby Talks features timely conversations on various politics and policy topics with experts, scholars, and those who are guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state. The podcast series expands the school's access to thought-provoking discussions and encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue on relevant issues. For more information, visit uh.edu/hobby/hobbytalks.

Oct 24, 2024•59 sec

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