The Right Idea

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 Treviño4:00 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 chaos45:26 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 Johnson1:15 - Hot Take: Craziest Celebrity Divorces4:12 - Overall narratives of the 89th Texas Legislative Session15:40 - 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 & More48:15 - The “S” Word Rumors & Interim Priorities

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.

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.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 media37:28 Smart phones in Texas classrooms49:15 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 Texas24:40 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 protests41:17 Bail Reform in Texas43:23 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying47:22 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 University40:01 Maine legislator barred from speaking on the floor and casting votes over social media post45:05 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 elections58:04 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. Gorilla4:42 Hot Take 2: One “Texas thing” you'd like the rest of the nation to adopt8:05 Key problems with the current Texas bail system8:58 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 prison21:31 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 themselves35:34 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Reviewing Trump's first 100 days38:56 What to Watch For

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the escalating border security challenges as cartels target Texas with guest Ammon Blair, TPPF Senior Fellow and former Border Patrol agent. They dive into military readiness reforms from the Texas Legislature, deep state resistance to Sec. Pete Hegseth, and close with the local debt crisis driving property taxes. Plus, bail reform!2:26 Hot Take: Was Joe Biden photoshopped into his family's Easter picture?6:08 Deep State attacks on Secretary Pete Hegseth9:13 U.S. and Texas Military Readiness19:44 Department of Defense operating under Trump's EO's33:06 SB 659 passed with Ammon's recommended language making it easier to go after every player in the game, not just the low hanging fruit40:00 Survey Says - Only 16% of federal mangers who voted for Harris would enforce a legal order from Trump that they disagreed with45:02 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - Texans face 231 separate bond propositions51:38 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 Accounts16:40 What comes next for school choice?24:55 Illegal border crossings hit record low30:02 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 apps44:43 Survey Says: Support for President Trump's handling of the tariff issue has slipped over the past week49:10 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 Talk5:30 - Chairman's Role During Legislative Session8:00 - Grassroots Unity & the Big Three16:30 - School Choice: HB 3 and Beyond21:08 - Border Security in a Trump Era23:15 - Property Taxes: A Growing Crisis30:20 - Taxpayer-Funded Lobbying Exposed36:20 - Election Integrity Challenges43:45 - Closed Primaries Debate47:19 - 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.

This week, Brian and Derek enjoy a “powerful” discussion regarding the future of nuclear energy in Texas with the state's former Chief Operations Officer, Reed Clay.0:00 Welcome1:34 Hot Take: What's your favorite famous political gaffe? 5:47 Introduction to the Texas Nuclear Alliance7:30 Why has it taken so long for an organization like the Texas Nuclear Alliance to be created?9:47 What are people's fears regarding nuclear power?13:27 Why has nuclear “been dark” for over a decade?16:07 How have today's reactors improved in regards to safety and efficiency?23:00 What regulatory hurdles lay in front of nuclear advancement?28:13 All things considered, including the environment, what is the viability of a nuclear business model?32:17 Micro-reactors35:04 NIMBY and transmission issues facing nuclear power37:30 Legislative hurdles for nuclear power in Texas41:08 Survey Says: 57% say that making America energy independent is more important than fighting climate change 44:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Taxpayer Funded Lobbying

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have the pleasure of sitting down with Representative Terri Leo-Wilson to discuss the recent developments in education policy under the pink dome, including bringing school choice to Texas.1:25 Hot Take: Which business would you stop using if they took a key service away?5:16 How do Representatives prepare for marathon debates?11:35 Can Texas be pro-teacher AND pro-parent?27:15 What made HB 1605 a game changer in 2023?34:28 How can we help teachers improve across the state?39:02 HB 1481 would prohibit smart devices in classrooms during instructional periods42:30 HB 610 addresses severance packages run amok for superintendents 50:24 What's next in the legislative process regarding school choice?

TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen react to this week's nearly 24-hour marathon of testimony and debate over Texas House Bill 3, on Education Savings Accounts.2:56 Hot Take: Which American product or service would you promote from the White House Lawn?9:10 Texas House Pub Ed Committee hearing on HB3 reaction23:35 Department of Education “vacates”30:59 Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar will be the next chancellor of the Texas A&M University System 36:19 Texas Lawmakers aim to supplant Delaware as corporate HQ hub with new pro-business bill40:06 Survey Says: Texans say they get their political news from social media46:37 What to Watch For

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF's K-12 Education Policy Director, Jorge Borrego, to discuss Texas' proposed Education Savings Account legislation and dispel the common myths around it.1:19 Hot Take: Should the State of the Union return to merely a written letter to Congress?7:40 ESAs - What are they and how do they work?18:05 How will ESAs be prioritized?24:05 Myth busting - School choice will kill Friday Night Lights26:43 Myth busting - School choice will defund public schools31:03 Myth busting - School choice = no testing nor accountability42:25 Survey Says: Overwhelming support for ESAs47:32 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics - Parental Choice & Black Empowerment52:10 What're you watching?

Brian and Derek discuss all things “energy,” from fossil fuels to nuclear to yes… even parent empowerment, with Jason Isaac of the American Energy Institute.0:00 Welcome2:12 Hot Take: Following Elon's example, should hats be a trend at all workplaces?4:48 School Choice is Nigh - we have the votes!10:02 Landman… is it real?12:35 Are we officially past the Biden assault on American energy development?19:36 The current state of energy reliability and affordability in Texas42:00 Survey Says: How Free is Free Speech?45:48 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics - taxpayer funded lobbyists are receiving tens of millions from Texans50:45 What're you watching?

Brian and Derek review the incredible week's events at TPPF's annual Texas Policy Summit, featuring highlights from Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, House Speaker Burrows, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Congressman Chip Roy and so much more!

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from Valentine's Day decorum, to property tax relief, to the lies and damn lies surrounding school choice.2:17 Hot Take: How long can you date someone and NOT have to buy them a Valentine's Day gift?6:50 Property Tax Relief Update17:17 DOGE cuts nearly $1 billion from Department of Education22:25 NIH caps non-research funding25:36 Some in Texas want their own statewide DOGE29:14 Should Texas be reimbursed for Operation Lone Star?32:13 Survey Says!32:46 Taxpayer funded lobbying34:09 Housing affordability 35:29 Texas State Border Security Agency35:47 Nuclear Power36:21 Bail Reform (the numbers appear split)39:40 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics - School Choice Myths45:08 What're you watching?

This week, Brian Phillips and TPPF's Vice President of Policy, Andrew Brown, discuss Governor Abbott's State of the State address, in which he outlined his top priorities for the 89th Legislative Session.1:46 Hot Take: Best / Worst Trades in Sports History9:06 Property Tax Relief16:08 Water22:07 Education31:09 Bail Reform35:06 The Texas Cyber Command43:57 Survey Says: GOP & American public on the same page51:55 What're you watching?

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from the NFL cheers, jeers and tears to the State's 89th Legislative Session and the quick moves Trump has made nationally in merely two weeks since his inauguration.7:03 Hot Take: Who will win the Super Bowl… and who cares?10:24 Governor Abbott announced that he will give his State of the State address on Sunday, where he will reveal his top priorities for the 89th Legislative Session21:16 Lieutenant Governor Patrick announced his top 40 priorities29:07 School Choice is Winning!39:13 Border Security48:07 Trump swiftly downsizes the federal workforce

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF's Secure & Sovereign Texas Campaign Director, Selene Rodriguez, to dive into President Trump's Executive Orders and other plans to secure our southern border.1:24 Hot Take: Who would be your unexpected band to headline YOUR inauguration party?6:13 What are President Trump's border security oriented Executive Orders?30:11 Survey Says! U.S. leaders' approval ratings34:59 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Public school employment is up while enrollment is down41:09 What to watch for

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by the State of Texas' Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, to discuss the current and future state of Texas' financial integrity.1:17 Hot Take: What's your favorite rumor or myth about the Texas Capitol? 4:53 Guest Interview: Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar29:17 Survey Says: America has lost ground over the past four years35:46 Lies, Damn Lies, Statistics: Squatting in Texas46:53 What to Watch For

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the upcoming Texas Legislative Session and the key issues that lie ahead with TPPF's Vice President of Policy, Andrew Brown.1:24 Hot Take: New Year's Resolutions5:55 Parent Empowerment8:34 Water10:55 The Economy12:37 Property Taxes16:59 School Choice/Parent Empowerment25:11 The Border30:40 Energy34:36 Higher Education / DEI36:14 Housing Affordability40:10 Technology Policies43:12 Survey Says! Healthcare!49:33 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Gambling In Texas59:24 What to watch for

Brian and Derek are joined by The Texan's Senior Reporter, Brad Johnson, to take a fun look back at 2024 and reflect on the year's highlights, lowlights and even lower lights, typically stemming from AT&T Stadium.1:27 Hot Take: The O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act would make planting a flag in the center of Ohio Stadium a felony. Overreach much?4:37 Overall Year In Review6:32 2024's Biggest Wins14:32 2024's Biggest Disappointments23:18 2024's Biggest Stories31:35 The Year's Biggest Surprises43:11 Politician of the Year47:17 Texan of the Year57:44 What are we looking forward to?

In this “In Depth” episode, Derek Cohen and Texas State University professor Matt Logan discuss Matt's upcoming criminal justice paper in City Journal and how criminal justice policy at the state and federal levels might change following recent election results.

In this “In Depth” episode, Brian discusses the cultural battles being fought from Washington D.C. to Main Street, U.S.A. for and against the nuclear family and the institution of marriage with the Washington Examiner's Conn Carroll.

Brian Phillips and Texas Railroad Commissioner Wayne Christian discuss the role of the Railroad Commission, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Texas energy grid, and ESG.3:18 Commissioner Christian's thoughts on the election results and what's to come7:14 Efficient Energy Creating and Usage8:21 What will it be like in having a partner in energy policy in Washington, D.C instead of a foe?11:38 What is the Railroad Commission's approach to both encouraging energy development and making sure Texas' consumers are protected?13:14 What is the role of the Texas Railroad Commission?14:53 What efforts are made in educating the public about energy creating and efficiency?17:35 Green New Deal, Inflation Reduction Act and other farces that mean the same thing24:41 Lessons learned from Winter Storm Uri in 2021 aka “Snowmaggedon”29:32 What is the Texas Reliable Energy Caucus?33:21 ESG - What is it and what threats does it impose?36:46 The Federal Energy Super Team that President Elect Trump is assembling 38:25 In what ways does the Railroad Commission protect the water supply for Texans?

TPPF CEO Greg Sindelar chats with Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen about the 2024 presidential election, the downstream effects the presidency will have on Texas, and the upstream effects that Texas' local results will have on the nation.2:30 Hot Take: What is the best trilogy ever? (Matrix, Star Wars, LOTR, or… Trump?)8:11 2024 Presidential Election Analysis34:58 The Election's impact on Texas37:06 Survey Says! There was a ‘UGE shift from Dem to Rep in Hispanic men across the country. Why? Does it mean anything?49:48 Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics: Is Demography Destiny or Dead?53:14 What's next?

TPPF's Taxpayer Protection Project Policy Director, James Quintero, talks government transparency with Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen. They discuss the challenges citizens face requesting information from bureaucrats and policy solutions to better inform the public about how their tax dollars are being used.0:33 Hot Take: What is Trump's fantasy football value & can he be flexed?9:49 Our current system doesn't allow the public to remain informed10:29 Their game plan: “Disregard, Delay & Deny”29:40 Sunshine Week41:19 Survey Says: 48% of Texan Latinos back Trump (10% increase from 2020)47:01 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: subsidizing unreliable energy sources

In this “In Depth” episode of The Right Idea, Brian is joined by special guests Dr. Richard Johnson and State Representative Shawn Thierry to discuss the Representative's battles to stand up for what is right and true at the peril of her own career.2:26 Rep. Thierry's experiences during the 2023 Pediatric Gender Modification debate13:05 Were there substantive discussions regarding the Pediatric Gender Modification Bill?15:50 Voting to keep your seat vs. voting for what's right for Texans19:25 Rep. Thierry's truly courageous display23:20 The small but very influential group that steers the left47:44 The “jumping the shark” moment31:16 Abandoning what works for Texans for ulterior motives 37:15 Glimmers of hope in an otherwise dark situation43:44 Has all of Rep. Thierry's trials and tribulations this year opened new doors for her?

Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by sociology professor Brad Wilcox to discuss his recent findings on rebuilding society by forging strong families. Brad's new book, Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization, is available now.0:48 Hot Take - How old is too old for ACL and other outdoor festivals?3:15 Brad Wilcox - Author of Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization4:30 What are the problems that are rooted in America's decline in marriage?16:45 The Bright Side - groups of Americans that are doing well20:55 Brad gets to work alongside young America - the very subjects of his findings25:50 How can A.I. affect marriage and relationships in the future?28:36 Busting myths regarding 21st century relationships (especially the Flying Solo Myth & Soulmate Myth)32:10 The Success Sequence!34:55 “Family First” in next year's Legislative Session37:05 State legislatures who are putting families first39:05 Survey Says! Are Presidential debates relevant anymore?43:25 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Is Gen Z unhirable?46:45 What're you watching?Subscribe on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-right-idea/id1671238569Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4Fivytn0Rc2Kd0bjj6v5Pc

In this “In Depth” episode of The Right Idea, Brian is joined by special guest Dr. Marvin McNeese to discuss his role, responsibilities and perspectives on the Open Education Resources (OER) Curricula and Assessments - especially when it comes to introducing Biblical histories and lessons to Texan students.

In a very special episode of The Right Idea, Derek is joined by Texas Senator Phil King to discuss several of the hottest issues facing Texans today… including whether or not this is the year for the Dallas Cowboys!

Derek is joined by guest host Andrew Brown to discuss their adventures at the recent State Policy Network Annual Meeting, including learning what states are doing in regard to child welfare.  1:09 Fantasy Football Auto-Drafts… AI for dudes who don't know ball?4:09 SPN's Annual Meeting: Child Welfare Panel Discussion11:30 Interesting things happening in other states17:44 2024 Democratic National Convention: Four Days Like No Other27:53 “Pro-lifers for Kamala” or “Why are Never Trumpers Such Cheap Dates?”35:40 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Will RFK's endorsement mean anything?

Brian has the pleasure of sitting down with Public Education Committee Chairman Brad Buckley, Representative of Texas District 54,  to discuss what is being done throughout the state to make sure that today's young Texans are receiving the education they deserve.

Brian and Derek are joined by this week's guest, Chris Bedford - Senior Editor for Politics and Washington Correspondent for Blaze Media - to discuss the unprecedented times we have been living through in these past two weeks alone!

Brian has the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Tom Lindsay to discuss how today's K-12 students are being educated and what options are available to parents and teachers across the state.

Brian and this week's special guest host, Ariana Guajardo “zoom in” with Shelley Luther - business owner, activist and candidate to represent Texas' House District 62 - to discuss today's hot topics.

Brian and Derek sit down with several key legislators, influencers, journalists and others “fighting the good fight” at the 2024 Texas State Republican Convention in San Antonio.22:18 Senator Mayes Middleton40:11 Tyler Norris1:02:35 Senator Kevin Sparks1:18:47 Representative James Frank1:37:42 Brad Johnson2:00:02 Hannah Beth Jones

Brian Phillips and Andrew Brown are joined by Texas House District 68 Representative David Spiller to discuss a variety of topics ranging from national presidential politics to local schools and our southern border.0:54 Hot Takes: Caitlin-Gate - Dirty play or “Welcome to the league, Rook!”?4:28 Political fallout after the Trump verdict12:06 A house divided? 50% agree with Trump decision, 49% disagree13:17 Biden's Border Executive Order20:55 Texas Border Security - What more can be done at the state level?24:13 School Choice - post election analysis 34:34 Taxpayer Funded Lobbying41:35 Survey Says: Should state governments financially subsidize local news outlets?45:08 Lies, Damn Lies & Statistics: Local Government Debt - 40% is local SCHOOL DEBT!49:13 What to watch for: Trump's poll numbers post-conviction

Brian and Derek sit down with Political Expert Tyler Norris and TPPF's Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester to discuss the aftermath of the May 2024 Texas Runoff Election Results.

Episode 50! Brian and Derek sit down with Jonathan Pidluzny, the Director of the Higher Education Reform Initiative at America First Policy Institute, to discuss the current status and influence of DEI on our college and university campuses and much more.0:34 Hot Takes: Will the Cowboys and/or Texans eclipse 10 wins in 2024?8:26 Special guest: Jonathan Pidluzny of the America First Policy Institute9:05 Jonathan's overall take on Texas' response to DEI on college campuses10:09 The overarching aims of DEI administrators10:58 Texas as compared to other states with different approaches to DEI in education13:27 The pervasiveness of DEI… even in Texas15:16 What's next to do?16:58 What's next for the Texas Legislature to do?19:06 DEI's relationship to Pro-Palestine protests22:00 Outside groups and their influence on collegians25:00 Overall instability as an objective28:15 What's the overall response & compliance levels to Texas and other states' laws regarding DEI?30:41 What does the public think about special programs for “marginalized people”?35:50 Is college still worth it?38:10 Are tribal politics interfering with what colleges and universities should be doing?39:40 SURVEY SAYS! Polling data in the news: Immigration45:19 LIES, DAMN LIES & STATISTICS: Relevant research: Educational spending in Texas51:20 WHAT'RE YOU WATCHING? How will Texas grid do this summer?

Brian and Derek sit down with Better Tech for Tomorrow's David Dunmoyer and the Honorable Zach Whiting to discuss the pros, cons, and oversight efforts surrounding A.I., digital safety for Texas families and much more.0:20 Hot Takes: Will Biden debate Trump in person?5:45 Conservative Approach to Tech Policy10:55 AI: good, bad, or ugly?35:15 The Government's role in overseeing Technology45:00 Survey Says! - polling data in the news48:20 Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics – 10k illegal aliens flown into Texas!51:00 What You're Watching – preview upcoming/developing storiesCheck out the new Rebel Tech podcast for more on tech policy.

In this special episode of The Right Idea, Brian and Derek sit down with UT Senior and Editor-in-Chief of The Texas Horn, Gerrit Blizzard, to discuss the recent upheaval at the University of Texas.

Brian and Derek have the pleasure of sitting down with TPPF's Director of Litigation, Chance Weldon, to discuss Olympic break dancing, squatter's rights (or the lack thereof), overpaid superintendents, and much more.0:55 Olympic Breakin': Electric Boogaloo4:05 Squatting in America19:25 Governor Abbott's warning to squatters30:30 Survey Says! 75% think the cost of living is rising, 7% can't do math36:00 Lies, Damn Lies and Statistics - 91 TX superintendents make over $300k42:50 What're You Watching?

Brian and Derek have the pleasure of sitting down with author, podcast host and founder of the Bahnsen Group, David Bahnsen, to discuss millennials' attitudes towards work and retirement, the myth of “work/life balance,” the truth behind ESG investing, and much more.0:23 Hot Take: Willie Nelson taking his Fourth of July Picnic to Jersey?3:14 Overview of David's new book: “Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life”4:03 The Myth of “work/life balance”7:45 The importance of faith and work… and how God created us to work10:45 The connection of work and life's purpose11:50 The too-typical millennial mindset towards retirement14:45 “The New Right” and their Marxist attitudes towards work18:50 State intervention on the labor force (including minimum wage) 23:40 Trends towards or away from family growth and development vs. career growth and development 27:00 ESG investing 33:30 Are activists intentionally trying to take down Texas oil companies?35:44 Texas' Permanent School Fund recently divested $8.5 billion from BlackRock over ESG investing38:52 What can the average person do?

Brian and Derek have the pleasure of sitting down with Jacob Howland, the Provost and Dean of Intellectual Foundations at University of Austin, to discuss the need for an entirely new type of university in response to young Americans turning away from higher education… and for good reasons.3:55 Jacob Howland's victory lap for UATX6:40 The Left's argument against higher learning like University of Austin8:00 What sets UATX's curriculum apart from most other universities?13:40 What kind of faculty and students is UATX looking for, and how do they find them?19:35 The problem with faculty and administrators at most American universities25:14 UATX is the only university in the U.S. with a Constitution32:50 How can UATX escape wokeness but maintain funding?35:55 UATX location - navigating East 6th & West 6th38:28 How will UATX face Austin's predictable onslaught of protests?39:55 How is the Left likely to respond to conservative universities?42:15 Will other places of higher learning be positively influenced by UATX?43:45 How does UATX respond to the public's primary concerns: Cost, Quality of Education and Ideology of the University?

Brian and Derek have the pleasure of sitting down with the CEO and Founder of OpenTheBooks.com, Adam Andrzejewski, who works to promote transparency in public policy and politics by removing the veil of secrecy that covers up national and local spending.2:10 What is OpenTheBooks.com?3:45 How “Free and transparent” are Freedom of Information Act requests?6:20 Texas' reforms regarding government transparency10:40 America's trust in its government12:50 How is America really spending money to “protect” our southern border?22:10 How effective is our education spending?27:35 The ties between education, parental empowerment and Open the Books31:50 Efficiency Audits on local jurisdictions 34:40 The worst spending atrocities Open the Books has discovered36:47 How bad did COVID spending get and what did it lead to?

Brian and Derek have the pleasure of sitting down with TPPF's Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester to discuss the results of the 2024 Primary Election, from a national, statewide and local perspective.2:26 Derek's take on the major headlines coming out of Tuesday's results - Parents Win!3:19 Sherry's take on the big winners and losers - Don't mess with Governor Abbott6:04 How School Choice impacted Texas statewide9:50 The Media's coverage of Super Tuesday17:43 School Choice Support in the 89th Legislature19:35 What will the School Choice debate look like next year?26:15 George Soros failed35:49 Who are Texas' new Congressional candidates?39:22 New Senator hazing

TPPF Vice President of Research Derek Cohen interviews National Review senior writer Dan McLaughlin about the philosophy of conservatism, the current state of politics and policy, and Major League Baseball.

In this week's episode of The Right Idea, Brian and Derek discuss The Super Bowl, FIFA World Cup, and the global “sport” of polling and politics!