Hobby Talks is a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs produced in partnership with the Center for Student Media at the University of Houston. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato and Hobby School faculty, the podcast features timely conversations on politics and policy with experts, scholars and those guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state.
In this episode of Hobby Talks, Professor Chris Bronk speaks with Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement at the Houston Chronicle. They discuss the newspaper’s editorial board coverage of key local and state races, the issues shaping the region and the changing political landscape. Mintz also shares his perspective on voter turnout and sentiment, the state of politics and what the election results could signal for future governance and policy priorities.
8 Apr 2026
A Conversation with Houston City Council Member Alejandra Salinas
On this episode of Hobby Talks, Hobby School Dean Jim Granato sits down with Alejandra Salinas, the newest at-large member of the Houston City Council. They discuss how her early advocacy, from organizing a high school walkout to speaking at the 2012 Democratic National Convention and serving as president of the College Democrats of America, shaped her belief in using her voice to serve others. Salinas shares what inspired her to run for public office, her vision for City Hall, strategies for...
19 Mar 2026
Good for Houston with Evan Mintz
In this episode of Hobby Talks, Associate Professor Chris Bronk speaks with Evan Mintz, editor of opinion and community engagement at the Houston Chronicle. Their conversation explores the role of the newspaper’s editorial board in shaping civic discourse amid an evolving media landscape and an increasingly polarized world. They also discuss how opinion pages differ from news coverage, the endorsement process, the region’s most pressing issues, and the challenges of misinformation and disinfo...
11 Mar 2026
Texas Primary Elections Analysis
On this episode of Hobby Talks, an expert panel analyzes the results of the state’s primary elections and what they may signal for the political landscape ahead. Podcast host Renée Cross explores the results of the U.S. Senate primaries and key statewide and local contests with panelists Richard Murray and Mark P. Jones. Renée Cross is senior executive director and researcher at the Hobby School of Public Affairs, where Richard Murray and Mark P. Jones are senior research fellows. Murray is a...
10 Feb 2026
Social Media and Democracy with Siva Vaidhyanathan
Cultural historian Siva Vaidhyanathan analyzes social media's impact on democracy, civic discourse, and political landscapes, exploring technology's influence on news consumption and civic engagement in this interview.
30 Oct 2025
A Conversation with Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey
Harris County Commissioner Tom S. Ramsey illuminates the Harris County government's operations, concentrating on budget allocations and priority projects like flood control and public safety, in an interview on the Hobby Talks podcast.
22 Oct 2025
Texas's Redistricting Plan: The Race to Control Congress
Political scientist Richard Murray analyzes Texas's proposed redistricting maps for the 2026 midterm elections with host Dean Jim Granato, revealing the potential impact on Texans and congressional power in this interview.
4 Oct 2025
Inside Online Privacy Laws in Texas with Tyler Bridegan
Tyler Bridegan discusses Texas's pioneering role in online privacy enforcement, including landmark settlements with tech giants, in an interview on Hobby Talks.
25 Jun 2025
Why Congress?
Political scientist Philip Wallach analyzes the 119th Congress, exploring its historical role and current polarization, highlighting its significance in policy and power balance in this interview.
11 Apr 2025
Following the 89th with State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons
Houston state lawmaker Lauren Ashley Simmons shares the latest developments at the Texas Capitol with Hobby Talks host Jim Granato. Rep. Simmons represents House District 146 in south and southwest Houston, including the historic Sunnyside neighborhood. She is serving her first term in the Texas House of Representatives. The union organizer and public education advocate discussed her upbringing, what drove her to run for public office and her office's policy priorities during the 2025 legisla...
2 Apr 2025
State of Public Education with Robert Pondiscio
On this episode of Hobby Talks, education policy expert Robert Pondiscio discusses the state of public education in Texas and across the country. Pondiscio takes listeners through the education reform landscape, reflecting on its history and fast-forwarding to today's most significant challenges. He shares insight into how his experience inside the classroom informs his perspective on championing meaningful change in an era of increasing choice. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato asks Pondiscio abo...
18 Feb 2025
Inside the Texas Capitol with State Sen. Molly Cook
In the first Hobby Talks episode of 2025, Texas state Sen. Molly Cook shares her policy priorities during her first legislative session, from public education and reliable energy to expanding Medicare and other healthcare equity issues. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato asked the freshman state lawmaker what drove her to run for public office and how her work and background as an emergency room nurse and community organizer translate to her policy agenda at the Texas Capitol. Sen. Cook gave i...
2 Dec 2024
The Legacy of Bill Hobby
On the second episode of Hobby Talks, historians Don Carleton and Erin Purdy with the Briscoe Center for American History at the University of Texas at Austin discuss the history and impact of Bill Hobby and the Hobby family on Texas. The authors of the biography "Bill Hobby: A Life of Journalism and Public Service" take listeners through extensive research and interviews to publication, sharing highlights from the biography of a legendary lieutenant governor. Hobby Talks host Jim Granato sha...
16 Nov 2024
The State of American Democracy with Adam Kinzinger
The inaugural episode of Hobby Talks features former U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger discussing his public service career, the presidential election outcome and his hopeful vision for the future of America. The former Illinois congressman also shares how the 9/11 terrorist attacks stirred an urgent sense of duty and call to service, how he entered politics, his message to the political parties and his advice to the next generation of leaders eager to make a difference in their communities. Kinzinger...
24 Oct 2024
Hobby Talks Trailer
Welcome to Hobby Talks, a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato, Hobby Talks features timely conversations on various politics and policy topics with experts, scholars, and those who are guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state. The podcast series expands the school's access to thought-provoking discussions and encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue on relevant issues. For more information, visit uh.edu/hobby/hobbytalks....
Who has been a guest on Hobby Talks
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Siva Vaidhyanathan
Tom S Ramsey
Richard Murray
Tyler Bridegan
Philip Wallach
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
22,321
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
4
Social presence
0
YouTube
76
Engagement
32
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