What’s it like to be a young staffer around the Capitol? In this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we visit with Oliver Lehr, who’s spent time at the Capitol as a Senate messenger and an intern. Oliver shares what it’s like working in the messenger's office, how he handled the stress of session, and his plans for the future.

Before becoming a lobbyist, Ricardo Guerra Lopez wore many hats at the Texas Capitol running campaigns, staffing committees, as a legislative aide in the Senate and Chief of Staff to two state reps. In this episode, he talks about some of the differences working in the House and the Senate, the benefits of sometimes “not knowing what you don’t know,” and what his act would be if there is ever a Cap Chat Texas Talent Show.

In this episode, we continue our conversation with lobbyist and former Texas House Chief Clerk Robert Haney. Robert shares stories about the infamous “Night of Great Unpleasantness,” the often-overlooked contributions of the dedicated support staff, and a look a side of the lawmaking process that Bill didn’t sing about on Schoolhouse Rock.

Cap Chat Texas returns for Season Two with an insightful conversation featuring Robert Haney, whose journey to the heart of Texas politics began by shagging golf balls. Over his 20-year tenure as Chief Clerk of the Texas House, Haney served under five different Speakers, playing a crucial role in keeping the legislative gears turning. From navigating procedural hurdles and managing the complexities of the state budget, to knowing how to mix a proper Yellow Tail, this episode pulls back the curtain on the inner workings of the Clerk’s Office, revealing a side of the legislative process most people never see.

When proud Texas Aggie JD Hale headed to Washington for an internship, he never imagined it would lead to a career lobbying for a major statewide trade association. In this episode, JD talks about his appreciation for logos on one-pagers, making the most of every opportunity, and the unique perspective gained from working in both the district office and at the Capitol.

What started as a one-day stint as a House Sergeant turned into a lifelong career working. In this episode, former legislative aide and longtime lobbyist Kwame Walker shares how not making the UT Basketball team unexpectedly led him to the Texas Capitol. He talks about seizing opportunities, respecting staffers' time, and the lasting impact of being nice.

In this episode, we sit down with Bob Garrett, the former longtime Capitol Bureau Chief for The Dallas Morning News. Bob shares his insights on the challenges of covering the Texas Legislature, how political journalism has evolved, and reveals a surprising connection between Jimi Hendrix and George Best. Note: This episode was recorded on March 28, 2025 shortly before the passing of John Thornton, who is mentioned during the conversation.

How did a serial entrepreneur become publisher of the state’s longest-running political newsletter? On this episode of Cap Chat Texas, we sit down with Quorum Report's Harvey Kronberg to hear how he stumbled into journalism, his take on the state’s shifting political landscape, and the importance of institutional memory.

In this episode, legislative staffer and community leader Donovon Rodriguez shares how his experience as a 911 dispatcher taught him to stay calm amid the chaos of the Capitol. He also discusses the importance of building strong constituent relationships, his approach to managing a legislative office, and some of the differences between working in the House and Senate.

From Senate Messenger to CEO of Habitat for Humanity Texas, Amy Ledbetter Parham shares the unique challenges of nonprofit advocacy, negotiating with “lizard people” (no, not folks in Austin), and what it's like to build a house on the Capitol grounds.

Regarded as one of the state’s premier lobbyists, Rusty Kelley literally started out mopping floors in the Capitol. In this episode Rusty tells about his deep respect for the institution, legislators he has admired and how the Sharpstown Scandal transformed lobbying in Texas.

As a young child, Tammy Pirtle dreamed of working at the Texas Capitol. But she never imagined a career that (so far!) has included working for nine different legislators—on both sides of the aisle—plus a decade in Washington, D.C., as a congressman’s wife. Hear Tammy share her number one priority as a staffer, the perks of having an office window that opens, and why you should always bring a credit card to lunch.

Lawyer/lobbyist Michelle Wittenburg shares how a chance encounter at a charity event—and a love of reading the paper—launched a career that has included running campaigns and working in all three branches of government. Michelle talks about the value of surrounding herself with good people, balancing work with philanthropic efforts, and the joy of coming home to a house full of animals.

How does an aspiring ballerina and environmental scientist end up running a legislative office? From starting as an intern in 2007 to serving as Chief of Staff for a state representative, Stephanie shares tips for new staffers, explains the '72-hour rule' for reviewing potential legislation, and reveals the surprising benefits of befriending penguins.

How does someone who grew up in California, went to J-school in Illinois, and covered the Florida Legislature end up in Texas? Find out in this episode, where we talk with Renzo Downey, lead writer for The Blast, the Texas Tribune’s newsletter, about what it’s like to cover the Texas Legislature, his love of ‘90s bands, and why you should never burn a source. For more information about The Blast visit https://www.texastribune.org/theblast/. Archived issues of Texas Weekly can be found here: https://texasweekly.texastribune.org/texas-weekly/archive/.

ATPE's Monty Exter talks about his journey from studying to be a litigation attorney to becoming a respected voice on education issues, the importance of knowing your audience, and his secret talent.

Lobbyist Denise Davis brings a wealth of experience to the table as a former House Parliamentarian, senior aide to two Lieutenant Governors, and Chief of Staff to a Speaker of the House. In this episode, she takes us behind the scenes of what it’s really like to sit on the dais, shares an insider’s perspective on the infamous Night of Great Unpleasantness, and reveals why wearing a white suit at the Capitol might not be the best idea.

The very first Cap Chat episode with Texas Capitol legend Robyn Hadley. The curator of the Facebook group Capitol Crowd, Robyn takes us through her journey in the Capitol with some very important tips: be nice and don't forget the 140th day of session.