In the 100th episode extravaganza, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen talk to leading conservative voices at the 2025 TFRW Conference in San Antonio.
6:51 Dawn Buckingham, Texas Land Commissioner
17:40 Deborah Wall, Camino Real Republican Women President
49:47 Jim Wright, Texas Railroad Commission Chairman
1:05:02 Mary Elise Cosgray, Statewide Politics Reporter for The Texan
1:34:04 Grant Moody, Bexar County Commissioner
1:47:21 Congressman Nathaniel Moran
2:12:52 Misty Spears, San Antonio City Council Member
2:27:39 Jill Tate, Texas Federation of Republican Women President
3:00:39 Texas State Senator Pete Flores (SD-24)
3:21:59 Wrap up
Is more school funding really the key to better student outcomes—or does how we spend matter more than how much?
In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Andrew Brown sit down with Dr. Eric “Rick” Hanushek, Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, to explore one of education’s toughest questions: Do dollars drive results—or does design and discipline matter more?
Dr. Hanushek is one of the world’s leading experts on the economics of education. His groundbreaking research has shaped how policymakers think about teacher quality, school finance reform, and student achievement.
Together, the panel dives deep into:
• • The impact of AI in the classroom and the future of learning
Hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the critical issue of indoctrination in K-12 education with special guest Ken Pope, CEO of the Coalition for Empowered Education and Senior Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. They discuss how Colleges of Education are shaping teachers with ideological agendas, the impact on classrooms, and solutions to restore critical thinking and balanced education. From Marxist influences to grassroots efforts, this conversation uncovers the challenges parents face and how to combat politicized curricula.
00:30 - Brian and Derek catch up: New baby and festival banter
01:27 - Hot Take: Craziest band names at ACL 2025 (Wet Leg, Spacey Jane, Panda Bear, Dr. Dog)
04:00 - Introducing Ken Pope: CEO of Coalition for Empowered Education
06:47 - How Colleges of Education have shifted to ideological indoctrination
08:52 - The long march of critical theory in academia
12:03 - Exposure vs. Indoctrination: What’s the difference?
14:57 - From Marxism to modern victimology: Evolution of classroom ideologies
17:16 - Are teachers trained to be activists?
19:43 - The disconnect between parents and teachers’ goals
21:20 - Indoctrination in rural and urban schools alike
23:35 - What are education students actually learning?
24:27 - Shocking examples from social studies conferences
29:51 - Coalition for Empowered Education’s mission to retrain teachers
33:56 - Legislative and grassroots solutions to reform teacher training
37:46 - Universities doing it right: Hillsdale, UATX, and others
40:56 - Why mandate Colleges of Education? Alternative teacher certification
44:39 - Red flags for parents: How to spot indoctrination in classrooms
49:56 - How to connect with the Coalition for Empowered Education
50:28 - Closing thoughts and Sam Houston’s wisdom
Coalition for Empowered Education: https://cee.org
Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation: https://victimsofcommunism.org
TPPF's Derek Cohen and Jose Melendez catch up on the latest from the 89th Legislative Session and subsequent special sessions with Rep. Cole Hefner. They dive into the quorum break that put Texas in the national political spotlight before discussing policy issues like property tax reform, taxpayer-funded lobbying, housing affordability, and safeguarding Texas from foreign adversaries.
00:53 – Hot Take: Jose Melendez on the Last Man Standing Ultramarathon
04:12 – Rep. Cole Hefner: From Citizen to Chairman – His Journey to Public Service
06:19 – Addressing Quorum Breaks: Stiffer Penalties and Legislative Challenges
07:10 – Priorities for the Current Special Session
08:59 – Property Taxes: Balancing State Relief and Local Government Accountability
11:09 – Appraisal Reform: Ensuring Fairness and Predictability
12:40 – Banning Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying
15:04 – Housing Affordability: HB 840 and Revitalizing Downtown Texas
17:56 – SB 17: Protecting Texas Land from Hostile Foreign Adversaries
22:50 – TRACE Act and Protecting Texas Schools from Foreign Influence
25:42 – Senate Bill 1362: Banning Red Flag Laws and Upholding Due Process
30:16 – Transportation: Addressing CDL Standards and Interstate Challenges
33:17 – Water Issues in Texas: Balancing Growth and Private Property Rights
36:15 – Looking Ahead: Key Issues for the 90th Legislative Session
41:14 – Survey Says: Addressing Voter Discontent with Government Responsiveness
Hosts Derek Cohen and Andrew Brown talk with Texas State Representative Stan Gerdes (HD-17) about a variety of policy issues addressed in the 89th Legislature. Tune in for the latest on water policy challenges, the future of nuclear energy, local government transparency, and the new smart device ban in schools. Plus, Rep. Gerdes dishes on representing both the Barbecue Capital of the World (Lockhart) and the home of the legendary Snow’s BBQ (Lexington).
1:05 - Hot Take: What Should Be a Crime?
3:09 - Barbecue Talk: Lockhart vs. Snow’s BBQ
5:07 - Rep. Gerdes’ Political Journey with Gov. Rick Perry
10:22 - Water Policy: Challenges and the Vista Ridge Project
13:22 - Nuclear Energy: Texas as the Epicenter
16:02 - HB 119: Banning Foreign Adversary Lobbying
18:17 - HB 1522: Local Government Transparency
25:30 - HB 2017: Grayson's Law (Intoxication Manslaughter Penalties)
30:51 - HB 4086: Stopping Urban Food Waste Dumping
35:02 - Unfinished Business: Local Taxation and Water Issues
38:00 - Post-Interview: More Barbecue and Legislative Updates
39:32 - News: West Texas A&M Drag Ban Discussion
44:14 - News: Cell Phone Ban in Texas Schools
50:28 - News: Travis County Bridge Rebuild Success
52:49 - Survey Says: National Guard in Washington, D.C.
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen unpack the heated Texas special session, covering the ongoing redistricting battle, the Texas Women's Privacy Act (SB 7), and critical flood response efforts in the Hill Country. From quorum breaks to property tax reforms and the push to replace the STAAR test, we explore the policies and politics shaping Texas.
1:37 - Hot Take: Presidential Privileges & Trump’s FIFA Moment
4:45 - Redistricting Debate: Is It Unconstitutional?
18:15 - Texas Women’s Privacy Act (Bathroom Bill) Update
22:45 - Flood Emergency Response Proposals
32:08 - Eliminating the STAAR Test: What’s Next?
35:52 - Property Tax Relief with SB 9
42:09 - Harris Poll: Kids, Smartphones, and Unsupervised Play
50:07 - Potential Dallas Death Star Bill Lawsuit
53:14 - What to Watch
In this episode of The Right Idea, co-hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Jill Tate, Vice President of Legislation for the Texas Federation of Republican Women and a powerhouse conservative activist. Jill shares her journey from a young Reagan supporter to a key player in Texas politics, diving into critical issues like school choice, property taxes, energy policy, and the fight against taxpayer-funded lobbying. They also discuss the resilience of Texas culture, the upcoming special session, and what’s next for the 90th Legislature.
05:13 - Jill Tate’s background as a Texas super activist and precinct chair
06:02 - How Jill got involved in conservative activism and politics
10:02 - Evolution of Texas politics and the shift to a conservative stronghold
14:39 - Texas cultural resilience and the significance of the Alamo
21:03 - Recap of the 89th Legislature: Successes in school choice, energy, and AI
23:31 - Jill’s personal story on school choice and its impact on her son
30:03 - Energy policy: Nuclear power and securing Texas’ grid
33:59 - SB 1283: Protecting seniors in retirement communities
37:24 - Special session priorities: Women’s Privacy Act and ending STAAR testing
42:30 - Looking ahead to the 90th Legislature: Energy and emerging issues
45:11 - Water issues in Texas: Balancing rural and urban needs
46:40 - Gambling in Texas: Concerns about social and economic impacts
49:33 - Reforming Texas’ committee process for better legislative hearings
1:05:11 - The fight to end taxpayer-funded lobbying in Texas
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the top issues shaping Texas and the nation. Joined by EJ Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation, we analyze the Trump economy six months into his presidency—covering job growth, tariffs, and housing challenges. We also discuss the devastating Texas floods, the upcoming special legislative session, and the potential impact of AI on jobs. Plus, our "10 Minute Drill" breaks down key stats and what to watch for in Texas politics.
Learn more about the Texas Public Policy Foundation: texaspolicy.com
0:00 - Welcome
0:27 - Update on Texas' Flood Tragedy
3:16 - Special Session Preview
7:04 - EJ Antoni on the Trump Economy
10:31 - Tariff Policy Concerns
13:40 - June Jobs Report Breakdown
16:01 - Public Perception vs. Economic Data
19:12 - AI’s Future Impact on Jobs
33:53 - Housing Crisis in Texas
40:10 - DOGE: Government Efficiency Push
44:18 - 10 Minute Drill: Survey Says, Jobs Stats, & Special Session Watch
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by Chuck DeVore to dive into the biggest issues shaping Texas and beyond. From President Trump’s bold strike on Iran’s nuclear program to the unexpected Texas special session, we unpack the politics, policy, and people driving the headlines. Plus, we explore Texas’ unmatched job growth and what it means for the state’s future. Don’t miss our hot takes on iconic presidential quotes and the latest on Israel-Iran tensions!
Subscribe for more Texas policy insights and hit the bell for weekly episodes of The Right Idea!
📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/the-post
0:00 - Intro & Guest Chuck DeVore
4:15 Hot Take: Trump’s F-Bomb heard round the world. What is your favorite war related quote from a president?
9:20 Iran vs. Israel - Where are we as of today?
14:08 Operation Midnight Hammer - How’d we pull it off?
25:23 Is there a MAGA divide?
32:34 Appetite for regime change?
38:03 Does all this expose any weak spots in the US?
48:21 Survey Says: Majority of voters approve of Trump’s maneuvers
53:42 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Tariff hysteria just ain’t there
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Latin America expert Joshua Treviño to unpack the shocking Los Angeles riots, the role of Mexican cartels, and the escalating border security crisis. From ICE raids targeting cartel fronts to Mexican flags waving in U.S. streets, we dive into the hidden connections between the Mexican government, cartels, and U.S. protests. Treviño reveals stunning insights about Mexico’s political operatives in the U.S., the failure of U.S.-Mexico relations, and what Texas can do to protect its borders.
0:00 Intro & Guest Joshua Treviño
4:00 What’s going on in LA, Austin and across the country?
7:35 Today’s civil unrest - Who started it?
9:25. What’s a protest anymore?
13:50 What’s being protested & rioted against?
23:20 What is Mexico’s role in it all?
29:24 Does Mexico think they still own parts of the U.S.?
38:58 Latest polls show Americans prefer order over chaos
45:26 What tools do the U.S. & Texas have?
Join Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen on The Right Idea as they dive into the 89th Texas Legislative Session with Brad Johnson, senior reporter at The Texan. From the unexpected "Kumbaya" harmony among Texas leaders to major conservative victories like bail reform, water funding, and education transparency, this episode breaks down the session’s biggest wins, under-the-radar bills, and what’s next for Texas politics. Will there be a special session? What interim issues are on the horizon? Plus, a fun take on celebrity divorces!
0:00 - Intro & Guest Brad Johnson
1:15 - Hot Take: Craziest Celebrity Divorces
4:12 - Overall narratives of the 89th Texas Legislative Session
15:40 - Most Consequential Bills (Water Deal, Bail Reform, SB 12)
24:50 - Under-the-Radar Legislation (Higher Ed Reform, Semiconductor Protection)
40:03 - What Didn’t Pass? Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Ban & More
48:15 - The “S” Word Rumors & Interim Priorities
📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/thepost
Welcome to The Right Idea, the show where we break down the people, policies, and politics shaping Texas! In Episode 89, TPPF's Chief Communications Officer Bryan Phillips and Chief of Research Derek Cohen give a comprehensive recap of the final week of the Texas legislative session.
🔍 This episode covers:
🎙️ Plus: A preview of next week's full session recap and a fun segment on Texas A&M baseball history you won't want to miss.
📩 Subscribe to “The Post” newsletter for exclusive content: texaspolicy.com/thepost
2:35 Hot Take - What’s your favorite “Pope merch”?
6:45 DEI out of K-12 Texas Education
10:38 Texas cracks down on sexually explicit content in kids’ sections of public libraries
19:30 Election Integrity - new law stops illegal voting in Texas
28:28 Housing Affordability
35:20 Death Star 2.0
37:50 Bail Reform
43:00 Texas Time!
45:02 Survey Says!
51:25 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics
52:38 What’re you watching?
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with David Dunmoyer, Campaign Director for Better Tech for Tomorrow at TPPF, to discuss Texas’ bold leadership in tech policy. From banning social media for minors to pioneering AI regulation, Texas is setting the stage for a safer, innovative future. Learn about the shocking harms of social media on kids, the legislative push to protect the next generation, and why tech giants like Elon Musk are flocking to the Lone Star State.
0:00 Welcome
2:00 Hot Take - What’s the strangest scandal in American political history?
8:20 Texas Tech Policy - Is there a reason Texas has taken the lead?
12:30 The aggressive push to limit children’s access to social media
37:28 Smart phones in Texas classrooms
49:15 2025 - The Year of the Parent!
54:23 A.I. - hero or villain?
TPPF's Brian Phillips, Derek Cohen, and Andrew Brown break down the final stretch of the Texas legislative session on a major deadline day. They discuss Texas’ foster care system, statewide testing, education funding, taxpayer funded lobbying, and more.
1:50 Hot Take: What page of the calendar will the House end on tonight?
5:24 Foster care in Texas
24:40 The Bell Tolls with the first deadline in the Texas House tonight
35:58 Bye-Bye Texas STAAR Test!
39:56 Senate Bill 2972 reins in college campus protests
41:17 Bail Reform in Texas
43:23 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying
47:22 What’re you watching?
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have TPPF Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester on to discuss the battle against woke indoctrination in higher education. From the groundbreaking Senate Bill 37 to the decline of DEI programs, we explore how Texas is leading the charge to reform public universities.
2:14 Should we reopen Alcatraz to criminals?
5:00 SB 37 - addressing the growing “wokeness” of curriculum and faculty believing they run our universities
24:33 Jordan Peterson’s view that American universities are “gone”
33:43 President Trump vs. Harvard University
40:01 Maine legislator barred from speaking on the floor and casting votes over social media post
45:05 Survey Says: 72% say the increased focus on race and racial inequality after George Floyd’s death did not lead to change
51:20 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Only 8% of registered voters participated in Texas' May 3 elections
58:04 What to Watch For
Brian Phillips and guest co-host Ariana Guajardo tackle the heated debate on bail reform with Nikki Pressley from Right On Crime, exploring why Texas’ Constitution ties judges’ hands and what Governor Abbott’s push for reform means for public safety. They also explore polling insights from the Texas Lyceum and offer a sneak peek at what’s next for the Texas Legislature. And just for fun, the viral "Gorilla vs. 100 Men" social media controversy and what makes Texas truly unique—barbecue, y’all, and Southern hospitality!
1:37 Hot Take 1: Man vs. Gorilla
4:42 Hot Take 2: One “Texas thing” you’d like the rest of the nation to adopt
8:05 Key problems with the current Texas bail system
8:58 Do we need a Constitutional amendment?
12:56 Do other states have a “right to bail?”
13:48 A balanced approach that prioritizes public safety but doesn’t keep low risk defendants languishing in prison
21:31 What does polling reveal about where Texans are on this issue?
29:25 Survey Says: Texas Lyceum poll asks how “Texan” Texas residents feel about themselves
35:34 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Reviewing Trump’s first 100 days
38:56 What to Watch For
Join Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen on The Right Idea as they discuss the escalating border security challenges as cartels target Texas due to the DoD’s control of the Roosevelt Reservation with guest Ammon Blair, TPPF Senior Fellow and former Border Patrol agent. Dive into military readiness reforms, deep state resistance to Sec. Pete Hegseth, and the $30B local debt crisis driving property taxes. Plus, a hot take on Joe Biden’s Easter photo controversy!
0:00 Welcome
2:26 Hot Take: Was Joe Biden photoshopped into his family’s Easter picture?
6:08 Deep State attacks on Secretary Pate Hegseth
9:13 US and Texas Military Readiness
19:44 Department of Defense operating under Trump’s EO’s
33:06 SB 659 passed with Ammon’s recommended language making it easier to go after every player in the game, not just the low hanging fruit
40:00 Survey Says - Only 16% of federal mangers who voted for Harris would enforce a legal order from Trump that they disagreed with
45:02 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - Texans face 231 separate propositions, which are worth a combined $30.86 billion
51:38 What to Watch For
Celebrate a historic win for Texas with host Brian Phillips and returning co-host Derek Cohen on The Right Idea! Dive into the passage of SB 2, marking Texas’ first-ever school choice legislation after over 36 years of conservative advocacy. From the House debate to what’s next, we break it all down. Plus, we discuss record-low illegal border crossings, higher education reforms with SB 37, non-compete agreements for doctors, and the App Store Accountability Act to protect kids online. And don’t miss our hot take on the worst Easter candy—Peeps or Cadbury Eggs?
1:27 - Hot Take: Worst Easter Candy?
4:19 Texas House passed SB 2 establishing Education Savings Accounts
16:40 What comes next for school choice?
24:55 Illegal border crossings hit record low
30:02 General Education Review Committees could "reshape how history & race are taught in state universities"
38:22 App Store Accountability Act - keeping kids safe on mobile apps
44:43 Survey Says: Support for President Trump's handling of the tariff issue has slipped over the past week
49:10 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Non-compete agreements are eroding the physician-patient relationship
52:29 What’re you watching?
Join host Brian Phillips on The Right Idea as he welcomes Abraham George, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, for an exclusive deep dive into the policies shaping Texas. From the push for school choice and border security to tackling property taxes and taxpayer-funded lobbying, George shares his take on the GOP’s legislative priorities during the 2025 session. Plus, hear his thoughts on Trump’s first 100 days, election integrity, and closing primaries. Don’t miss this insider look at the people, politics, and ideas driving the Lone Star State!
2:00 - Luka Doncic’s Return & Texas Sports Talk
5:30 - Chairman’s Role During Legislative Session
8:00 - Grassroots Unity & the Big Three
16:30 - School Choice: HB 3 and Beyond
21:08 - Border Security in a Trump Era
23:15 - Property Taxes: A Growing Crisis
30:20 - Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Exposed
36:20 - Election Integrity Challenges
43:45 - Closed Primaries Debate
47:19 - What to Watch Before Sine Die
In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips, Chief Communications Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, sits down with Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila from House District 52. Elected at just 28 years old, Rep. Harris Davila made waves as the Freshman Legislator of the Year, sending 13 bills to Governor Abbott’s desk in her first session. We dive into her groundbreaking work on healthcare transparency with SB 490, her push for the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) caucus, and her new bills tackling healthcare costs and HOA overreach in 2025.