The National Podcast of Texas

The original Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders squad burst onto the field back in 1972—the same year Title IX passed, the same year Deep Throat came out, and a year before Roe v. Wade. Sarah Hepola digs into the untold stories behind the global pop culture phenomenon, from the stripper who allegedly inspired the squad's creation, to a scandalous Playboy cover shoot that was partly a battle over fair wages, to the ongoing debate about sexuality and women's bodies in a post-#MeToo world. The result is a vibrant mix of history, cultural criticism, and storytelling, featuring interviews with New Yorker writer Jia Tolentino, award-winning novelist Ben Fountain, Oscar-nominated director Dana Adam Shapiro, local television sports legend Dale Hansen, folk-writing hero Joe Nick Patoski, and a whole bunch of cheerleaders whose names you don't know yet—but should.

The legendary Democratic strategist on whether Texas is swingable and what it'll take for Joe Biden to win.

Texas A&M epidemiologist on the critical systems being put in place to maximize safety in an uncertain time.

The pioneering vaccine scientist explains why he believes the White House has put Texas in grave danger.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs on systemic racism and re-opening in a pandemic.

On The National Podcast of Texas, the LBJ School professor and author walks us through how protest, empathy, and action can dismantle racial oppression.

On the National Podcast of Texas, the leader of the beleaguered, but beloved, Dallas carrier on what it will take to survive the pandemic.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the legislator and medical doctor weighs in on Texas' reopening, masks and Trump's reelection chances.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, our taco editor and the author of ‘American Tacos' on the resilience of “the perfect food.”

On a special edition of The National Podcast Of Texas, the Baylor College Of Medicine investigator takes us inside the high-stakes world of coronavirus research and trials.

On a special edition of The National Podcast Of Texas, the high-profile philanthropist and furniture retailer on why the time is right for Texas to carefully reopen for business.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the YouTube star on how a renewed concern for wellness – our own and each other's — might wind up as one of the pandemic's silver linings.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the West Texas native and ex-oil rig roughneck explains this week's record-setting price plunge and weighs its long-term impact on the state's once-thriving energy business.

On a special edition of the National Podcast of Texas, the pioneering vaccine scientist on why he believes banking on miracle cures and treatments is mortally dangerous.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the best-selling author and podcaster lays out techniques for learning about ourselves, and society, from the pandemic.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the Houston chef/restaurateur lays out how his Southern Smoke Emergency Relief Fund is assisting hospitality industry workers.

On a special edition of The National Podcast of Texas, the legendary news anchor, fully sheltered in place, gives us his takeaways from the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Q&A focused on the public health decision that sent Austin reeling.

The population geneticist professor on pandemics, DNA adaptation, SXSW and Asia's mitigation efforts.

The former DNC Chair candidate handicaps Super Tuesday and explains why she's looking forward to a contested Democratic National Convention.

The co-author of A Black Women's History of the United States lays out the ways black women transformed America.

The author of You're Not Listening argues that by tuning each other out, we're only hurting ourselves.

The author and LBJ School Of Public Affairs professor lays out an admittedly controversial plan to redefine democracy.

The reality stars detail the personal impact of the show's most “heated and hate-filled season.”

The New York Times bestselling author on how Texans cook and diet differently.

The “Bad Boy Of Comics” on his rise from comic shop manager to writing some of Marvel's biggest titles.

The author of When Angels Sing and the co-founder of the Nobelity Project on the spirit of Christmas, global philanthropy and casting Willie Nelson as Santa Claus

The El Paso native and celebrity chef on the tradition and future of Mexican food, immigration and #metoo.

The Senate candidate outlines her plan to unseat John Cornyn.

The acclaimed Austin bootmakers break down their custom fusion of foot measurement, tradition and refined style.

The author of Stillness Is The Key details a powerful antidote for our noisy times.

Jason Baldwin, the co-founder of Texas' Proclaim Justice, on the inequality of the justice system, his freedom and the Rodney Reed saga.

The Mayor weighs in on Governor Abbott's intervention. Plus, his takes on Mayors Bloomberg and Buttigieg.

The digital news startup's CEO and co-founder discusses how a risky bet on covering Texas politics and public policy paid off.

The ‘taco journalists' on immigration, Texas' top taco city and the Great Burrito Controversy

Texas Book Festival author Lara Prescott on The Secrets We Kept- a fictionalized thriller about the battle to publish Doctor Zhivago.

Three-time Grammy winner on reimagining the new release of "Steady On", how motherhood shifted her outlook and how music saved her life.

The legendary Texas A&M football coach and his step-daughter, musician Bonnie Bishop, discuss winning and losing with dignity.

A conversation with the writer/illustrator about sustaining a creative life, the state of self-help and the perils of cancel culture.

The Texas author discusses Black Light, her critically praised collection of short stories, and how it's leading to the debut of her upcoming novel--a novel she describes as an intersection of Texas, motherhood and LSD.

A freewheeling conversation with the Texas senator recorded in the final days of Congress' month-long recess.

A conversation about Raise Hell: The Life and Times of Molly Ivins with filmmaker Janice Engel and former Texas Agriculture Commissioner, Jim Hightower.

This week, a conversation with the country legend Brandi Carlile calls “the original female outlaw.”