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The Source is a daily, one-hour call-in talk program that gives listeners in San Antonio the opportunity to call and connect with our in-studio guests and city-wide audience.The Source seeks to give life, context and breadth to the events and issues affecting San Antonio by bringing newsmakers and experts to the public, and highlighting the people being affected by the news of the day.Hosted by veteran journalist David Martin Davies, and produced by Kim Johnson and Dallas Williams. Production assistance is provided by Ruben Garcia and Kathleen Creedon.Tune in to The Source for insightful discussion and analysis on topics that matter to residents of the Alamo City.Contribute to the conversation:Call or text during the live show at 833-877-8255.Leave a voicemail at 210 615-8982 anytime. Submissions may be played on-air.Tweet questions to @tprsource.Email comments to thesource@tpr.org.

David Martin Davies


    • Aug 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 39m AVG DURATION
    • 857 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Source

    Parkinson's disease: The growing challenge of an aging population

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2025 49:22


    Parkinson's disease affects nearly a million Americans — and as our population ages, that number is growing. But there's hope. New research and cutting‑edge treatments, from deep brain stimulation to breakthrough medications, are changing lives.

    Walking in the footsteps of "The Walkout"

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 31, 2025 50:36


    A new documentary film titled “The Walkout,” created by the Know Your Neighbor initiative of the H. E. Butt Foundation, revisits the historic 1968 Edgewood High School student walkout. The film will premiere on August 2 at the Edgewood Performing Arts Center, the Edgewood Fine Arts Theatre.

    The controversy over the Guajolote Ranch development wastewater treatment facility

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 25:31


    There's opposition to plans for the proposed Guajolote Ranch housing development, north of Grey Forest, near Helotes. The proposal for a wastewater treatment plant concerns many that it could contaminate drinking water for the city of San Antonio.

    Watered down: FEMA's response to the Texas flood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 24:35


    When the flooding hit the upper Guadalupe River, FEMA arrived and is providing essential financial assistance and recovery support. However, the agency ‘s response is facing serious criticism for delays in rescue deployment, a dysfunctional call center, and the fact that only a fraction of the FEMA staff was deployed—compared with responses under previous administrations.  All this while the Trump administration is calling for the dismantling of FEMA. Has FEMA been watered down?

    A gulf on the brink: Environmental challenges for the Gulf of Mexico

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 21:07


    In "Gulf Coast Demise? Climate Change, Conservation, and Saving the American Sea," author John B. Anderson provides scientific documentation of the ongoing demise of the United States Gulf Coast and a call to action.

    Tariff-ied : How Trump's trade policies raise prices and cost jobs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 30:30


    Right now 25% tariffs with Mexico are in effect. That goes up to 30% on Friday. And many people are "Tariff-ied" about what it could do to the San Antonio economy. Job losses, higher prices, and reduction in investment are scenarios that are in the cards. Mexico is looking to make a deal but there's no sign of reaching a compromise in the near term.

    How Trump's energy policies drive up household costs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 27, 2025 49:53


    As the effects of climate change intensify, they cause an increase in the cost of everything from electric bills to insurance premiums to your groceries. And those costs under the Trump administration's climate policies are spiking. How can consumers advocate for environmental policies that result in lower costs even as the current administration works to dismantle U.S. climate policies?

    After a disaster: Covering the long road to recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 25:18


    Following the devastating flooding along the Upper Guadalupe basin, two journalists talk about coverage of natural disasters in their parts of the country—from major fires in California to landslides due to extreme weather in the North Carolina. We're joined by Erin Stone, Climate and Environment Reporter for California NPR and Flood and Disaster Reporter Laura Hackett from Blue Ridge Public Radio.

    california north carolina recovery disasters climate covering flood long road environment reporter erin stone blue ridge public radio
    SA Food Bank and rising food insecurity in South Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 25:42


    Food banks have already directly felt the impact of federal funding cuts, including the termination of pandemic-era programs that provided $1 billion annually to combat food insecurity. Anti-hunger advocates are particularly concerned about the cuts to SNAP, arguing that for every meal the San Antonio Food Bank distributes, SNAP provides nine. As a result, families will be forced to ration food or lose benefits entirely.

    The science behind Coke switching to cane sugar

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 26:22


    In the United States, Coca-Cola is typically sweetened with high fructose corn syrup. However, Coca-Cola is introducing a new line of its namesake cola in the U.S. that will be sweetened with cane sugar. This new line is not replacing the existing high fructose corn syrup version but rather offered as an additional option. What does science tell us about the health risks of high fructose corn syrup?

    The making of a scandal: Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump and Congress

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 25:41


    Jeffrey Epstein was a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender who operated a vast network of sexual abuse and trafficking of underage girls. He died in jail under suspicious circumstances. Controversy surrounding former President Donald Trump includes his past friendship and social ties with Epstein. Now the Republican-controlled Congress is blocking the release of records in the Epstein investigation.

    The Texas homeowners insurance crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025 50:24


    Texas is experiencing a home insurance crisis. This has led to skyrocketing insurance premiums, making homeownership increasingly unaffordable for many Texans. This is due to increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events, rising costs of materials and labor, and the impact of inflation. Some insurers are leaving Texas leaving more homeowners exposed to risk.

    Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill' could mean bigger electric bills for Texans

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 20, 2025 50:33


    A report from the Texas Reliability Entity shows that the ERCOT grid is increasingly reliable. And that's mostly because of solar and battery storage additions to the state's energy portfolio. That directly contradicts President Trump's Department of Energy. Also, at the summer heat comes back, ERCOT expects to approach record peak demand this week. And the state's booming solar and storage will keep the power on—just as GOP politics takes aim at renewables.

    VIA focuses on improving service with frequency and growing ridership

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2025 48:57


    Via metropolitan transit is moving on the development of mass transportation. There are the Green and Silver advanced rapid transit lines. The Better Bus Plan looks to boost frequency on key routes. What is Transit Oriented Development (TOD)? What is the long-term vision for VIA?

    Climate change and the Guadalupe River flash flood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 25:14


    The July 4th flash flood that hit Kerr County and community along the upper Guadalupe River is one of the worst natural disasters to hit modern Texas. The sudden downpour of so much rain prompts the question—Did Climate Change play a role? Author and climate scientist Kate Marvel takes a look.

    Send in the drones: A new era of warfare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 25:30


    The nature of war has changed. Ukraine has developed new technologies and strategies in fighting off the invasion of Russia using low cost drones. They are making tanks and heavy artillery almost obsolete, while being able to launch pin-point attacks deep inside of Russia. How capable are drones? Is the United States learning how to use and defend against these new tech weapons?

    The people deficit—What happens when depopulation becomes a crisis?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 49:38


    Around the world many nations are facing a full-blown depopulation crisis. In the U.S. birth rates have steadily declined and the U.S. fertility rate is now well below replacement level. Some parts of the country are already experiencing population loss, aging demographics, and labor shortages. What needs to happen to change the population decline before it's too late?

    FRONTLINE: Trump and the rule of law

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 13, 2025 50:43


    What is happening to the American bedrock idea of the rule of law under a president who isn't confined by the law? PBS's FRONTLINE takes a look at President Trump's second term and goes inside the high-stakes showdown between Trump and the courts over presidential power. How is Trump testing the extent of his power—and can the limits hold?

    Fitbit or Fit-snitch: The Promise and Pitfalls of Wearable Health Technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 10, 2025 25:19


    Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. says he wants all Americans wearing wearable health monitoring technology within the next four years. Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness trackers surveil health metrics like heart rate, blood pressure and glucose levels. How helpful is that info and how private is it?

    Turning your yard into an ecosystem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 25:17


    Many gardeners are mindful of the environmental impact of their green thumb hobby. But there are many plantings that are beautiful, viable, and functional. Many are edible, therapeutic, medicinal, and attractive to pollinators. We're going to hear about Plants with Purpose – and how to grow them.

    How the SBA can assist in Kerr County's recovery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 50:03


    When natural disasters strike and federal emergency declarations are made, the U.S. Small Business Administration steps in with a vital recovery tool: low-interest disaster loans — including for communities in Central Texas recently impacted by flash flooding.

    The Source: After the flood

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 50:17


    At least 78 people have died in catastrophic flooding in Texas. 68 people died in the Guadalupe River flooding. Many are still unaccounted for.

    Teen idols, girl groups and JFK: Early '60s rock & roll

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 48:25


    There's a long-held belief that after the death of Buddy Holly rock & roll lost its way until the arrival of the Beatles. Early '60s rock was still growing in popularity, but the airwaves were ruled by teen idols, girl groups and novelty songs. However, that's not the full story. This could be seen as a time of innocence and tremendous creativity which shattered with the assassination of President Kennedy.

    Was 1999 the tipping point for trash culture?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 49:58


    From pro wrestling and Beanie Babies to Insane Clown Posse and Jerry Springer—author Ross Benes looks at the explosion of low culture in the mass media in the late '90s. His book 1999: The Year Low Culture Conquered America and Kickstarted Our Bizarre Times reveals its profound impact and how it continues to affect our culture and society today.

    The epic sci-fi summer of 1982

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 48:54


    Star Trek, Wrath of Khan, Blade Runner, Poltergeist, The Thing and ET — these are just some of the now classic science fiction films that came out in the summer of 1982. What was it about that moment in Hollywood that made it open to fresh ideas and high concept films and what would it take to do it again?

    The power and peril of journalism in cinema

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2025 49:57


    There are certain genres of movies—like the western or the horror film— where you know what to expect. But what about the movies about journalism? This is the film where a reporter takes on the corrupt establishment and risks all to bring the truth to the people. We take a look at some of the greatest journalism movies in cinema and explore what they say about press freedom in America.

    Predicting unpredictable policymaking from Donald Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2025 50:18


    Whether it's a strength or vulnerability, Donald Trump's erratic nature and unpredictable policy making is something the entire world must deal with. Philip Luck, an economist and former Biden trade official, discusses how Trump's waxing policies are costing America.

    The book on saving the Amazon that murder couldn't silence

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 24, 2025 49:39


    The Amazon rainforest is known as the “lungs of planet Earth,” but what happens when deforestation in Brazil continues? One journalist tried to alert the world to this coming crisis. Dom Phillips was writing the book “How to Save The Amazon” when he was murdered. His colleagues refused to let Phillips' work die—and they completed his book.

    After the veto — What's next for THC in Texas?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 25:03


    After Gov. Greg Abbott vetoed SB3, the THC ban, there are now questions about what's next for regulating the intoxicant. And what should Texans make of the fall out between Abbott and Lt. Gov Dan Patrick over the veto?

    Trump pulling the plug on clean energy is costing you

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 26:00


    The Trump administration has abruptly canceled 24 federally approved clean energy manufacturing grants totaling some 3.7 billion dollars—halting momentum on next-generation U.S. Critics say this is a major blow to job creation in states like Texas. But also will the U.S. be at a global disadvantage as cheap renewable energy is developed by other nations?

    Project Marvel — Have your say

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2025 50:27


    Project Marvel has been talked about for months—a plan for a downtown sports and entertainment district, which includes a new home court for the Spurs. Now city officials will be explaining their plans to local residents with community workshops— and on The Source. It's your chance to ask questions, give feedback and get clarity about the plans, benefits and costs of Project Marvel.

    What we owe to the 1963 protesters for civil rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 49:59


    On Juneteenth we look back at the fight for civil rights in America. Historian Peniel E. Joseph discusses his new book Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution." He reflects on the power of protest and community organizing and how segregationists and other bigots in power were pushed out of the way. And what this means today.

    After the deadly flood — questions, investigations and accountability

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025 25:40


    Thirteen people died after a heavy rainfall hit San Antonio. The city measured over six inches of rain— the tenth rainiest day in the city's history. But was this high death toll avoidable? Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert joins us to talk about what went wrong and what needs to be done to prevent this from happening again.

    San Antonio braces for dangerous heat and humidity — with help from community workshops

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 27:08


    The City of San Antonio and its partners are teaming up to host workshops and share resources on how to protect people, family, friends, and pets from the heat.

    The "buy now, pay later" lending loophole is building a debt bomb

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 49:07


    The consumer economy is showing signs of stress and strain. Lending platforms report an increasing number of “buy now, pay later” users falling behind on payments. “Buy now, pay later” refers to the short-term loans and missed installments are a sign of faltering financial health especially in the low-income working class— who are being confronted with rising inflation, cuts in SNAP and the Trump administration's move to collect on federal student loans.

    'People Get Ready': Protest Songs

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2025 49:55


    New generations of Americans are taking to the street in protest, demanding change and accountability. And they are discovering what protestors of the 1960s and '70s found out— protesting is hard, frustrating and requires sacrifice. But protest songs can help. Songs demanding freedom and justice go back generations and are also being composed today. We hear from Stephen Stacks about his new book The Resounding Revolution: Freedom Song After 1968.

    Is the Supreme Court out of order?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025 49:09


    The U.S. Supreme Court is the final word on what happens in this country. Historically the nine justices decide what is constitutional and legal by looking at the law, legal precedent and judicial philosophy. But these days it seems like the high court is running on grievance, fringe theories and bad vibes. We get an explainer on why the Supreme Court is now so politically powerful and unpredictable.

    Getting fluent in the language of money

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 49:35


    There's a lot of chatter these days about a possible coming recession—and the impact of tariffs— inflation, stagflation and high interest rates. But what are all those things? It's easy to get lost with all these terms. How do make sense of the economy and how money works? We talk about Economics in Plain English.

    FRONTLINE documentary uncovers Syria's torture files

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025 26:06


    FRONTLINE investigates the Assad regime's arrest, torture and execution of detainees during the Syrian war. Former prisoners, guards, soldiers and intelligence officials shed new light on atrocities carried out during Bashar al-Assad's reign.

    HIV testing scaled back in San Antonio raising public health concerns

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 24:48


    The San Antonio AIDS Foundation has scaled back free testing services due to White House-imposed cuts in Centers for Disease Control and Prevention funding. Free HIV testing provides early detection and reducing transmission rates. How can San Antonians continue to get tested safely and confidentially for AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases?

    Tapping into the power of the protest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2025 49:33


    In recent months the United States has witnessed a resurgence of protesters taking to the streets calling for change on social, political and environmental issues. These marchers are walking in the footsteps of other protesters who fought for civil rights, labor and peace. What makes a protest successful? How can a mass demonstration lead to substantial and long-lasting change. We discuss "A Protest History of the United States" by Gloria J. Browne-Marshall.

    How San Antonio went wild during the Wild West

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 5, 2025 49:44


    The Wild West gunfighter is a stock figure in dime novels and cornball westerns—but what is the reality of the six-shooter packing outlaw?The new book by Bryan Burrough, The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild, separates myths from truths about the violence of the Wild West. Many of the bloody shootouts happened in the streets of San Antonio.

    New anti-abortion laws passed by the Texas legislature

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 25:18


    As the Texas legislative session ends there are new bills passed that could again reshape the state's access to abortion care. Advocates for reproductive freedom are condemning the passage of Senate Bill 31, The Life of the Mother Act and SB 33, a ban on San Antonio's Reproductive Justice Fund.

    The future of hemp THC in Texas

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 24:50


    Sitting on Governor Abbott's desk is SB3 —a bill that would ban hemp-derived THC products in Texas. Abbott has not said if he will veto it or allow it to become law. Supporters of the bill, including Lt Gov Dan Patrick, argue the ban is necessary to protect public health. But many veterans, chronic pain suffers, and some conservatives say it goes too far.

    Lifestyles and politics of the ultrarich

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 49:34


    Who are the ultrarich in America and what do they want? Evan Osnos, author of The Haves and Have-Yachts, pulls back the curtain on the hidden world of the massively wealthy, their unbelievable lifestyles and their unchecked influence on American politics—which directly impacts our lives while distorting the economy.

    Daddy issues: Fatherhood through the ages

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 49:15


    What does it mean to be a father? Fatherhood is one of history's enduring puzzles. Why are fathers the way that they are? We look at being a dad through the lens of history, philosophy and the examples of some of Western civilization's most emblematic fathers to understand how this role of protector, caretaker, provider and disciplinarian evolved. Augustine Sedgewick is the author of "Fatherhood: A History of Love and Power."

    In focus: San Antonio City Council District 9 Runoff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025 53:52


    Misty Spears and Angi Taylor Aramburu have advanced to the runoff election.

    Debate: San Antonio City Council District 8 Runoff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 53:47


    District 8 runoff candidates are Ivalis Meza Gonzalez and Paula McGee.

    Debate: San Antonio mayoral runoff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 53:56


    Former Under Secretary of the U.S. Air Force and two-time Democratic congressional candidate Gina Ortiz Jones will face former Republican Texas Secretary of State Roland Pablos in the June 7 mayoral runoff election after no candidate received a majority of votes in the May municipal election.

    Debate: San Antonio City Council District 6 Runoff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 53:47


    District 6 runoff candidates are Kelly Ann Gonzalez and Ric Galvan. They are the two remaining candidates from a diverse field of eight, and only 28 votes separated them after the final count on election night.

    Debate: San Antonio City Council District 1 Runoff

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 53:57


    District 1 Councilmember Sukh Kaur, who faced nine challengers in the May 3 election, is headed to the June 7th runoff against Patty Gibbons, a retired business owner and conservative.

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