Best Localpolitics Podcasts (2025)

1
City Council's odd couple bicker about Jones v. Pablos | ENside Politics 1:00:09

4d ago1:00:09

1:00:09

Host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporter Megan Rodriguez talk with councilmen Jalen McKee-Rodriguez and Marc Whyte about their favorites for mayor, red vs. blue politics on City Council and what to do about San Antonio's projected $31 million deficit. Suggested reading: Next mayor, council will have to make budget cuts as city revenues fall Here’…

1
Police and fire union chiefs' reads on the runoff for San Antonio mayor | ENside Politics 41:17

12d ago41:17

41:17

The city’s police and firefighters’ unions both sat out the first round of voting, waiting until the field of 27 candidates for mayor in the May 3 city election was whittled to Gina Ortiz Jones and Rolando Pablos. The San Antonio Police Officers' Association backed Pablos ahead of the June 7 runoff while the San Antonio Professional Firefighters As…

1
Reintroducing Ana Sandoval | ¡Nosotros! 48:58

13d ago48:58

48:58

The former councilwoman stepped down in 2023 to focus on a daughter who’s now 3, and Sandoval is back to her roots grounded in the environment. Suggested reading: Ana Sandoval's NALCAB bio page ‘It has been an honor’: San Antonio Councilwoman Ana Sandoval steps down, leaving seat open until March ‘Extremely disappointing’ — Mario Bravo suspended fr…

1
Viva East Bay Insiders 1:02:56

15d ago1:02:56

1:02:56

The East Bay Insiders couples retreat in Mexico was a success. They let us back into America. We play some catch-up with San Leandro Councilmember Bryan Azevedo's excruciatingly bad TV interview; Oakland's budget situtation, Alameda County Dems bid to censure Eric Swalwell and Raj Rajwan, Pamela Price's new club, plus East Bay MUD's parking space-g…

1
Surprise: We're Passing the Mic! 17:18

20d ago17:18

17:18

In this episode, Jason is back to announce Skylar Gallop will pick up the podcast and continue telling the stories of our neighbors and community. Hear her background, approach to this new-to-her project, and what you can expect as a listener moving forward.

1
How we got to Gina Ortiz Jones vs. Rolando Pablos | ENside Politics 34:11

26d ago34:11

34:11

Host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporters Megan Rodriguez and Molly Smith talk about voters' rejection of City Council members running for the top job, the Year of the Outsider and what's ahead in the June 7 runoff. *Suggested reading:* What happens next in San Antonio mayoral and City Council races: _https://www.expressnews.com/news/article/san-…

1
The latest on the mayor’s race as Election Day approaches | ENside Politics 30:45

1M ago30:45

30:45

Host Greg Jefferson and opinion editor Josh Brodesky discuss why early voting numbers are so weak and what went into the San Antonio Express-News Editorial Board's endorsements in the mayor's race. Suggested reading: The Editorial Board recommends these candidates. Here's why. Can a Republican win the mayor’s race in blue San Antonio? The San Anton…

1
Are voters shocked by sheer number of mayoral candidates? | ENside Politics 33:15

1M ago33:15

33:15

Host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporters Megan Rodriguez and Molly Smith talk about who's up and who's down in the race for mayor and City Council. Suggested reading: The San Antonio Express-News Voter Guide Express-News editorial board recommendations Where to vote Sign up here for our ENside Politics newsletter: https://www.expressnews.com/new…

1
Barbara Lee is Oakland's mayor-elect. Now what? 1:02:15

1M ago1:02:15

1:02:15

Progressive icon Barbara Lee is Oakland's next mayor. How did Lee hold off Loren Taylor's upstart campaign, and how will she tackle the city's pressing issues? Like Oakland, Pleasanton is facing a significant budget shortfall. So why were Pleasanton officials so fixated on orange signage at a gas station? Horse racing is a thing of the past at the …

1
Jason's Final Episode (Episode 400) 1:13:48

2M ago1:13:48

1:13:48

From host Jason Boyett: After seven amazing years and more than 400 conversations, I’ve decided to bring my time on Hey Amarillo to a close. As a writer, I believe in the value of a well-timed ending. Some stories deserve to go out on a high note—before the fire fades and while the gratitude is still fresh. So this is my attempt to end the show wit…

1
Holly Ridings 43:03

2M ago43:03

43:03

A conversation with Holly Ridings, an Amarillo native and the Director of the Exploration Operations Office at NASA. Prior to that relatively new position, her career includes becoming the first woman to serve as NASA's Chief Flight Director in 2018. In this episode, Ridings shares with host Jason Boyett about her path from Tascosa High School to M…

1
Pelaez's big move in mayor's race — and what is Marc Whyte up to? | ENside Politics 40:11

2M ago40:11

40:11

Host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporters Megan Rodriguez and Molly Smith talk about who's up and who's down in the race for mayor and City Council. Suggested reading: Councilman Manny Pelaez pumps nearly $300K into his campaign for mayor District 1 challenger accuses Councilwoman Sukh Kaur of violating ethics rules We used AI to analyze San Anto…

1
Marcus Snead 46:17

2M ago46:17

46:17

A conversation with Marcus Snead, the executive chef at The Barfield and the three-time winner of the "Top Chef Amarillo" competition at Restaurant Roundup. Snead grew up in Canyon before leaving the area for a culinary education, which took him from New York City to the East Coast to Santa Fe to a Michelin-rated restaurant in Chicago. After return…

1
Don't call it a comeback 1:03:21

2M ago1:03:21

1:03:21

Oakland's special mayoral election is suddenly a close race. We break down what Barbara Lee and Loren Taylor need to do to win on April 15. Later, the behavior of elected officials at taxpayer-paid conferences and the incidient involving a San Leandro councilmember. Plus, a segment on Oakland Councilmember Kenny Houston; and Shawn's late 80s rap kn…

1
Turbulent times for public schools. This nonprofit wants to help. | ENside Politics 38:38

2M ago38:38

38:38

Host Greg Jefferson and Daiana Lambrecht, executive director of Futuro San Antonio, discuss how the potential dissolution of the U.S. Department of Education and a school voucher program could affect public education in the Alamo City. Suggested reading: What does the Civil Rights Movement have to do with school vouchers? Here's how special educati…

1
Lauren Hough 40:50

2M ago40:50

40:50

A conversation with Lauren Hough, the New York Times bestselling author and essayist. Her critically acclaimed 2021 book, Leaving Isn't the Hardest Thing, details her upbringing in a doomsday cult, her eventual Air Force stint and other careers, and includes several mentions of the years she spent in Amarillo as a child and then a teenager. Hough s…

1
A peek into the Greater San Antonio Chamber's lobbying efforts in D.C. | ENside Politics 40:45

3M ago40:45

40:45

Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce President Jeff Webster talks about San Antonio’s mayor’s race, the chamber’s annual SA to DC lobbying trip and Project Marvel. Suggested reading: Long sought flight between San Antonio and D.C. takes off What will Trump freeze mean for VIA's $268M bus route grant? Nelson Wolff backs Beto Altamirano in crowded…

1
Sheila Sims 49:30

3M ago49:30

49:30

A conversation with Sheila Sims, a long-time local architect and the president of Sims + Architects. Her firm has designed many prominent local buildings, from the new Amarillo City Hall to the FirstBank Southwest Center at AC to the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation building near the Medical Center. After earning a degree from Texas A&M, Sim…

1
Ask Kevin Jenkins anything 1:02:21

3M ago1:02:21

1:02:21

While Oaklanders are figuring out who will be their next mayor, Interim Oakland Mayor Kevin Jenkins sat down with us for coffee in a wide-ranging interview. Jenkins, who also serves East Oakland's District 6 council seat, chatted about juggling two big jobs at once, the upcoming budget process, his optimism about the Coliseum deal, a casino by the …

1
Texas Education Agency takeover seeks an end to South San ISD clown show | ENside Politics 28:28

3M ago28:28

28:28

Podcast host Greg Jefferson and education reporter Melissa Manno delve into the school district's decades of dysfunction and what the Texas Education Agency is doing about it. Suggested reading: New leader has a plan to transform South San ISD: less money for central office, more for teachers South San ISD given chance for turnaround as Texas repla…

1
Steve Burton 41:55

3M ago41:55

41:55

A conversation with Steve Burton, the executive director of Children's Learning Centers of Amarillo, which celebrates its 100th anniversary in April. A Colorado native, Burton arrived in Amarillo after having launched Boys & Girls Clubs in rural towns in both Colorado and Texas. He spent six years leading the Maverick Club before moving to Children…

1
Shilee Pearson 41:06

3M ago41:06

41:06

A conversation with Shilee Pearson of RuffLife K9 Training. A former horse trainer who grew up in Nebraska, Pearson pivoted to establish an award-winning dog-training business in Omaha. But two years ago, she moved to Amarillo in pursuit of a relationship. (They ended up getting married.) Pearson shares with host Jason Boyett—who happens to be a cl…

1
Live from Buffalo Bill's Brewery with State Sen. Aisha Wahab 1:06:38

3M ago1:06:38

1:06:38

Shawn Wilson was overjoyed to be back in his hometown of Hayward. At our live recording at historic Buffalo Bill's Brewery, Shawn came loaded with Hayward trivia and some friends. Cat Man, Mayor Mark Salinas and Councilmember Julie Roche stopped by before we chatted with State Sen. Aisha Wahab. The first-term state senator discussed her plans for B…

1
Meaghan Collier 53:05

3M ago53:05

53:05

A conversation with Meaghan Collier, the communications and marketing manager for the Amarillo campus of the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. Collier was recently named 2025 Volunteer of the Year at the Brickly Awards. A native of Canyon, she spent several years as a local television journalist with KAMR 4 Local News. Locals recognize …

1
East Bay Insiders Unfiltered 1:00:17

3M ago1:00:17

1:00:17

Recalled Alameda County DA Pamela Price is starting a podcast. Meanwhile, the newly appointed DA takes the reins. What does she need to do to stabilize the DAs office? Barbara Lee keeps making unforced errors. We take a look at recent polling that shows her support is dropping. Fremont wants to focus only on local issues. We talk about cats.…

1
Greg Lusk 44:10

3M ago44:10

44:10

A conversation with Greg Lusk, the executive director of Amarillo Botanical Gardens, a four-acre oasis near Medi-Park. Lusk is a trained horticulturalist, and right out of college he worked as the private gardener for legendary local businessman T. Boone Pickens. More recently, Lusk has spent the past decade with the Botanical Gardens, leading that…

1
Does D.C. have something to learn from San Antonio politics? | ENside Politics 49:59

4M ago49:59

49:59

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and City Hall reporter Molly Smith talk with UTSA pollster Bryan Gervais about the upcoming city elections, a recent polling controversy and the virtues of local politics -- at least as opposed to poisonous national and state politics. Suggested reading: UTSA poll: Voters say crime is most pressing problem facing…

1
Marcee Mangiameli 32:17

4M ago32:17

32:17

A conversation with Marcee Mangiameli, who owns and operates the new Lesson Lounge in Amarillo along with her husband Taylor. This music education co-working space allows multiple music teachers to give lessons on a variety of instruments, offering a relatively new concept in Amarillo. Most of the instructors are local performers in the live music …

1
Lindsay London Baker 40:02

4M ago40:02

40:02

A conversation with Lindsay London Baker, a registered nurse and one of the founders of the Amarillo Reproductive Freedom Alliance (ARFA), a local nonprofit formed, in part, to oppose the City of Amarillo’s sanctuary city ordinance in 2024. When voters voted against Prop A last November, Amarillo became the first city in the United States to reject…

1
A deep dive into the San Antonio's sprawling bike plan | ENside Politics 33:25

4M ago33:25

33:25

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and reporter Richard Webner talk with Harley Hubbard, the city's project manager for the bike network plan, about the effort to add 1,890 miles of bicycle routes to San Antonio streets. The cost: between $3 billion and $8 billion. Suggested reading: City Council says yes to bike plan that could cost billions City…

1
Judgment Day 1:02:59

4M ago1:02:59

1:02:59

The big three applicants for the Alameda County DA appointment hit the stretch run to Tuesday's decision. We handicap the race. FBI raids come to San Leandro, and public doesn't seem to care. Plus, sanctuary cities, and Shawn makes his early Super Bowl picks.By Steve Tavares

1
Nelson Wolff on city elections, lyin' SOBs and Project Marvel | ENside Politics 54:21

4M ago54:21

54:21

On this week's ENside Politics, retired Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff sizes up major candidates for San Antonio mayor, the Gordian knot that is Project Marvel and the fear of losing the Spurs to another city. Suggested reading: Why donors from outside San Antonio are funding mayor’s race County tax election for Spurs arena won't happen without mo…

1
Chris Griffin 50:40

4M ago50:40

50:40

A conversation with Chris Griffin, who owns Blue Crane Bakery with his wife, Donna. The Griffin family recently were named Entrepreneurs of the Year in the Brickly Awards, and have built a reputation at Blue Crane not just for unique Keto-friendly, vegan and gluten-free baked goods, but for community involvement. In this episode, Chris tells host J…

1
Keralee Clay 43:08

4M ago43:08

43:08

A conversation with Keralee Clay, the Interim President and CEO of the Amarillo Area Foundation. She's been part of the AAF team for years, but stepped into her new role after the passing of Clay Stribling in December 2024. Keralee has a deep background in operations and management, but her career has also been broad. She spent several years workin…

1
Live from Castro Valley 1:01:47

4M ago1:01:47

1:01:47

The East Bay Insiders Podcast hits the road with a live recording in Castro Valley. Thank you to the Castro Valley/Eden Area Chamber of Commerce and the Moose Lodge for having us. There's a lot to talk about: The FBI raid in San Leandro, impending indictments, seven D.A. applicants move ahead to the interview stage of the appointment process, the O…

1
What's ahead for S.A.? City Hall shakeup, immigration shakeout and arena fight | ENside Politics 49:47

5M ago49:47

49:47

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson, City Hall reporter Molly Smith and political consultant Laura Barberena discuss what 2025 has in store for San Antonio politics. Suggested reading: Who is running for San Antonio City Council’s open seats in 2025? County tax election for Spurs arena won't happen without more information City Council’s lone Repub…

1
Tony Ensor 53:39

5M ago53:39

53:39

A conversation with Tony Ensor, the President and General Manager of the Amarillo Sod Poodles, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks and baseball's 2023 Minor League Organization of the Year. Before Amarillo, Ensor led the front office of the Colorado Springs Sky Sox and the Birmingham Barons. The first time he appeared on Hey Amarillo…

1
Stephani Serna 57:24

5M ago57:24

57:24

A conversation with Stephani Serna, who lives in Amarillo but works for Porsche Financial Services. Stephani grew up in Amarillo but was born in Mexico, which means she spent most of her childhood in the High Plains without legal immigration status. A DACA recipient, Stephani grew up in extreme poverty and spent her childhood navigating the anxiety…

1
Jim Dewitz 48:05

5M ago48:05

48:05

A conversation with Jim Dewitz, the local owner/operator (along with his wife, Candy) of Big Jim's Pizza, the iconic KN Root Beer, and the Tascosa Drive-In Theater. Originally from the Chicago area, Dewitz came to Amarillo in his late teens, then built a career in construction and apartment management before ending up an owner of the La Bella Pizza…

1
2nd Annual Insidey Awards 1:01:43

5M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

We wrap up 2024 with the 2nd Annual Insidey Awards, recognizing the best and worst in Alameda County politics. Plus, we remember Rickey Henderson. Thank you for listening. See you next year! INSIDEY NOMINEES -Best Recall Campaign Pamela Price Sheng Thao Ryan Jergensen/Linda Hurley -Best performance by an elected official Janani Ramachandran, Oaklan…

1
2024’s biggest scandals in San Antonio politics | ENside Politics 50:00

5M ago50:00

50:00

Greg Jefferson and reporters Megan Rodriguez and Brooke Park discuss what they consider to be the biggest controversies this year at City Hall and the Bexar County Courthouse. Suggested reading: Councilman Marc Whyte takes plea deal in drunken driving case Board reprimands Council Member Marc Whyte for ‘knowingly’ violating ethics rules ‘An embarra…

1
Carter Estes 43:41

5M ago43:41

43:41

A conversation with Carter Estes, the executive director (and first full-time staff member) of Elevate Amarillo, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young professionals through networking, professional development, and community service. Estes is also a City of Amarillo employee, having served in multiple positions since earning a Masters of Public…

1
Elizabeth Pakravan 42:34

6M ago42:34

42:34

A conversation with Elizabeth Pakravan, the founder and executive director of Martha Root Community Building, a nonprofit that equips children and their parents in underserved communities. Originally from Paraguay, Pakravan spent several years in Oregon before moving to Amarillo two years ago. She is a member of the Bahá'í faith, and her work refle…

1
Is there anything to S.A.-to-Austin rail talk? And what's up with airport parking? | ENside Politics 24:44

6M ago24:44

24:44

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and transportation reporter Richard Webner sort out what's real and what's not in current talk about developing commuter rail between San Antonio and Austin. They also discuss the city's decision to hire a controversial tech company to run parking operations at San Antonio International Airport. Suggested reading…

1
The Aftermath 1:03:09

6M ago1:03:09

1:03:09

We wrap up the November General Election with analysis of Alameda County's two recall campaigns. What comes next? Who will be Oakland's next mayor? Who wants to be Alameda County's next DA? Plus, the surprsing result in the Board of Supervisors race, and more.By Steve Tavares

1
Abortion-rights advocates want more city dollars for reproductive health care | ENside Politics 42:15

6M ago42:15

42:15

City Hall reporters Molly Smith and Megan Rodriguez talk to Laura Molinar of Sueños Sin Fronteras and Ariana Rodriguez of Jane's Due Process about San Antonio’s Reproductive Justice Fund and what they hope to see from the mayoral contenders. Suggested reading: Fund that could help pay for abortion travel passed over in new city budget City's Reprod…

1
Matthew Wright 50:29

6M ago50:29

50:29

A conversation with Matthew Wright, an Amarillo-based Assistant Federal Public Defender for the Northern District of Texas. This past summer, Wright argued a landmark case before the U.S. Supreme Court, United States vs. Rahimi, related to firearm possession by individuals who are subject to domestic violence restraining orders. And though the Cour…

1
Remembering Howard Peak, parsing John Courage's exit from mayor's race | ENside Politics 54:53

6M ago54:53

54:53

ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson, City Hall reporter Molly Smith and political consultant Laura Barberena discuss the late Mayor Howard Peak's legacy, the potential downtown Spurs arena, and how Councilman John Courage's decision to withdraw will recast the 2025 race for mayor. Suggested reading: Howard Peak was San Antonio mayor, launched green…

1
Ben Parks 54:14

6M ago54:14

54:14

A conversation with Ben Parks, the founder and "sound wrangler" of American Cowboy Radio and a former locomotive engineer for BNSF Railway. American Cowboy Radio streams worldwide from West Texas, with the goal of preserving and promoting what Parks calls "the authentic American cowboy way of life." Prior to this career and his locomotive career, P…

1
COPS-Metro leaders: No tax dollars for ‘playgrounds for the rich’ | ENside Politics 48:43

6M ago48:43

48:43

COPS-Metro's Sonia Rodriguez and Father Jimmy Drennan talk with ENside Politics host Greg Jefferson and reporter Molly Smith about their group's concerns about the Missions stadium deal and the budding plan for a Spurs arena at Hemisfair dubbed 'Project Marvel.' Suggested reading: At last, details of Spurs-anchored downtown San Antonio sports and e…

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