Voices from the Hill Country

Voices From the Hill Country presents another Meet the Candidates episode with an interview with Dr. Merrie Fox, candidate for Texas House District 73, recorded on the first day of early voting. Host Adam West and Dr. Fox discuss public education and vouchers, school accountability, water and infrastructure in the Hill Country, immigration, women’s health care, and economic challenges facing local families.

This short episode gives...

Host Adam West interviews Dr. Kristin Hook, Democratic candidate for Texas’ 21st Congressional District, in an episode recorded the day after the Dilley detention protest. They discuss the recent detention of a five-year-old and his father, calls for accountability and oversight, and the broader immigration concerns driving local activism.

Dr. Hook draws on her background as a scientist, former teacher, and federal public servant t...

In this episode of Voices from the Hill Country, host Adam West interviews Gary Taylor, a retired math teacher and Democratic candidate for the Texas 21st Congressional District. Taylor explains his progressive, New Deal–inspired platform, focusing on protecting and strengthening Social Security, reforming healthcare, investing in public education, and building an economy that works for everyone.

Taylor also discusses outreach to n...

On this return episode of Voices From the Hill Country, Your Future, Your Vote, we get to know Dr. Regina Vanburg, a first-time candidate for Texas Congressional District 21. She discusses her background as a clinical psychologist and lays out priorities for protecting community resources and democratic access.

Dr. Vanburg highlights three core goals — protect our wealth, protect our water, and protect our vote — and talks solution...

In this episode of "Your Family, Your Future, Your Vote: Conversations from the Hill Country," host Adam West engages in an enlightening conversation with David Williams, a candidate for Comal County Sheriff. As the election day draws near, David shares insights into his campaign journey, the feedback he's received, and his plans to address critical issues within the Sheriff's Department.

David outlines his proactive strategies to ...

Join host Adam West in an engaging episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country," as he welcomes Dr. Merrie Fox, candidate for Texas Senate District 25. As the election draws near, Dr. Fox shares her perspectives and plans on critical issues affecting the district, including public education, school vouchers, water scarcity, and much more.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Fox, a retired school administrator, delves into her exte...

Join host Adam West as he delves into the vibrant grassroots efforts of the Comal County Democratic Party in the latest episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country." With the election looming, Precinct Chairs Teresa Patrick and Carla Kron share insights on their strategic initiatives to boost voter turnout in their districts.

Explore the multifaceted approach the party is taking, from organizing Get Out the Vote Boot Camps to c...

In this episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country," host Adam West sits down with Vikki Goodwin, the Democratic representative from the Texas House, District 47 in Travis County. Currently serving her third term and running for re-election, Vikki discusses her legislative record and the key issues she's focusing on for the next legislative session and beyond.

Vikki shares her insights on housing affordability in the greater A...

The latest episode dives into the unprecedented political landscape as President Joe Biden steps down, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor. Our guest, Dr. Leonard Lira, a seasoned political scientist and current chair of a public policy department, provides expert analysis on this historic event.

We explore the implications of Biden's withdrawal, the delegate process, and the potential legal challenges from the ...

Join us for an engaging discussion with Bruce Carpenter, co-founder of Harbor Bridge Ventures Incorporated, as he delves into the impact of Bidenomics on the U.S. economy. Bruce shares his insights on the economic recovery post-pandemic, the effects of federal policies on inflation and employment, and the importance of local and state elections.

Discover how significant investments in infrastructure and renewable energy are shapin...

Join host Adam West in this insightful episode as he sits down with Reverend Dr. Carla Cheatham, a professor, national keynote speaker, and pastor of Faith United Church of Christ in New Braunfels. Reverend Dr. Cheatham shares her journey and discusses her consulting group, Emotional Intelligence for Professionals, and her impactful book, Hospice Whispers: Stories of Life.

The conversation delves into various topics including nonv...

In this episode of "Conversations from the Hill Country," we sit down with Ashlea Allsup, a Trinity University and Baylor School of Law graduate, to discuss her journey from practicing law to becoming a political organizer and volunteer. Ashlea shares her experiences and the pivotal moments that led her to political engagement, including the challenges and triumphs of grassroots organizing.

We delve into the importance of voting, t...

In this episode, we sit down with Darrell Parsons, a licensed clinical social worker and the director of San Antonio's Fiesta Youth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth. We delve into the various challenges faced by young people in the LGBTQ+ community, including issues of acceptance at home and in society.

In honor of Pride Month, we also discuss the upcoming Riverside Pride Festival, taking place on June...

In this episode of Conversations from the Hill Country, host Adam West has an in-depth talk with the inspiring Maggie Ellis, a Democratic candidate for the Third Court of Appeals, place two. Maggie's personal tale is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity, having gone from a life of poverty and homelessness to being a prominent attorney and defender of children's and families' rights.

Maggie recounts her diverse career in l...

Welcome to 'Conversations from the Hill Country', hosted by Adam West. This episode features an enlightening talk with Dr. Kristin Hook, a Democratic candidate for the Texas 21st Congressional District. As a scientist, former educator, and active participant in policy, Dr. Hook is crusading to balance the scales for working families and society's underdogs.

In this episode, we discuss her campaign's key focuses: women's rights, rep...

This episode welcomes Dr. Leonard Lira, Chair of Public Policy in Higher Education and decorated Army Veteran, as he explores America's political evolution, the foundation of American democracy, and contemporary voting rights. Discover how primary and general elections shape our political landscape as we delve into the complexities and challenges of voters today. Understand strategic patterns in American politics through a historic...

In this episode of "Conversations From The Hill Country," host Adam West sits down with Dr. Merrie Fox, a seasoned educator and Democratic candidate for Texas Senate District 25. We talk about the enduring and oft-controversial subjects surrounding Texas's education system, including the proposed voucher bill, school funding, and public school indoctrination fears.

We take a look at the complex issues of religion's infiltration int...

Welcome to another enlightening episode of Conversations from the Hill Country, hosted by Adam West. In this episode, we sit down with Michelle LoweSolis, an executive committee member for the state Democratic Party in Senate District 25 and co-chair for the Bexar County Democratic Communications Committee.

With extensive experience and a 36-year background in the Department of Defense, Michelle brings precious insights into unifie...