What if your body already knows what's wrong, and your doctor just isn't listening? 👀

Lawson and Don sit down with Dr. Shelley Kaplar, PhD (Metaphysics), medical intuitive, natural-born healer, Reiki master, and founder of the Kaplar Method. She has spent over 20 years working with clients to find the root cause of illness that Western medicine keeps missing, and she's done it while navigating her own cancer diagnosis, two rounds of chemo, and coming out the other side still standing.

This conversation goes deep. We talk about why women are constantly gaslit by their doctors, why Black families have a complicated relationship with medicine, why your blood type might explain your gluten intolerance, and why Don's uncle's blood pressure spikes every single time he comes back to the United States. Spoiler: it's the food. 🍟

We also get into the Kaplar Method, what it actually looks like to have a medical intuitive walk through the inside of your body during a remote session, and why Austin is full of people who say they'll think about their healing journey and never actually start it.

If you've ever left a doctor's office feeling unheard, dismissed, or handed yet another prescription that doesn't fix the root problem, this episode is for you.

True health is possible. Your body already knows. ☕

Connect with Dr. Shelley Kaplar
🔗 vitalityoptimizer.com
📞 512-934-1101
📧 vitalityoptimizer@gmail.com
📸 @vitalityoptimizer

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Dr. Shelley Kaplar

00:20 — Ad Break

01:02 — Hellos and Intros

03:29 — Dr. Shelley's Journey and Healing Philosophy

06:03 — Skepticism in Healthcare and Patient Advocacy

10:04 — Understanding Women's Health and Hormonal Issues

12:42 — The Limitations of Western Medicine

15:42 — Holistic Approaches and Natural Remedies

18:21 — Cultural Perspectives on Health and Medicine

19:42 — Ad Break

20:25 — Understanding Gut Health and Intolerance

25:03 — The Role of Alternative Therapies

28:48 — Food Quality and Its Impact on Health

32:45 — Exploring Energy Healing Methods

35:15 — The Medical Intuitive Community in Austin

37:40 — Outro

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

Season 1 Finale

It finally happened. Lawson and Don are in the same room. 🎉

For the first time since launching Two Texas Teas in January 2026, your two favorite co-hosts are sitting across from each other in person, at the San Antonio Public Library, with lapel mics, no parking, and absolutely no script. Just vibes. Real talk. And a whole lot of tea.

This one's got everything. Don shows up to San Antonio and a tornado follows. Again. We talk about the curse, the rain, the cows, and Gracie the escaped giraffe. Then Don tells the story of being in his storage unit after hours, listening to Future, when SAPD showed up with guns drawn. Yes, really. We break down what happened, what should have happened, and what it says about policing in San Antonio.

Then we pivot, because that's what we do, to Taylor Swift and Travis getting married, LeBron's agent showing up at the AT&T Center, Project Marvel community meetings happening suspiciously after the Finals, Mayor Jones, Judge Sakai, and why the Spurs need to pony up their own money.

We close out Season 1 with a year in review, a fake proposal, Lawson's MLB stadium tour, and an open invitation to any MAGA conservatives who want to come on the show and tell us why Texas is perfect exactly as it is.

We dare you. 🤠☕

Real talk. Texas brewed. Season 2 coming soon.

Chapters

00:00 — Intro

02:50 — Downtown San Antonio Woes

04:12 — Ad Break

04:51 — Started Jan. 11 2026

06:43 — News in the City

11:31 — The Curse of Don

13:28 — Ad Break

14:09 — Storage Units and the Police

20:48 — The State of Policing in San Antonio

32:17 — Civilians De-Escalate the Situation

35:46 — Taylor Swift and Travis

36:30 — LeBron James

38:43 — Mayor Jones and the Spurs

42:54 — Year in Review

45:28 — Don is Getting Married — Jokes!

46:18 — Lawson's MLB Tour

49:04 — A Call for MAGA Guests

50:38 — The End

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

What does it take to walk away from everything you were told you were supposed to be and build something that actually feels like you?

This week, Don and Lawson sit down with Alia Khan, a recovering attorney turned yoga instructor and founder of Oak + Lotus Yoga in South Austin. Alia left a career in corporate law in New York, DC, and Paris before opening her first studio in DC in 2015. She came home to Austin in 2019 and opened Oak + Lotus — three months before COVID. This conversation goes way beyond yoga. We get into burnout, hustle culture, the intimidation tactics built into the wellness industry, why hot yoga might not be what you think, and what yoga actually is versus what Instagram wants you to believe.

No fancy pants required. And yes, there is chocolate. ☕

In this episode:

• 00:53 — From Corporate Law to Yoga
• 03:33 — Recognizing the Need for Change in Corporate America
• 06:14 — The Impact of Leadership on Career Choices
• 09:32 — Building a Yoga Studio: Challenges and Growth
• 12:13 — Creating an Inclusive Yoga Experience
• 15:10 — The Role of Community in Wellness
• 18:00 — Authenticity in a Digital Age
• 21:40 — The Intimidation of Yoga
• 26:46 — The Busy Mind and the Need for Stillness
• 36:32 — Redefining Wellness: Beyond Aesthetics
• 38:14 — Yoga in Diverse Communities
• 44:29 — Yoga and Identity
• 48:08 — The True Essence of Yoga
• 51:51 — Yoga with Animals
• 56:23 — Substances and Yoga: A Cautionary Tale
• 56:59 — Inclusivity in Yoga
• 01:01:53 — Finding the Right Yoga Experience
  ------------------

Connect with Alia:
www.aliajkhan.com
www.aliajkhan.substack.com
IG: @aliajkhan

Oak + Lotus Yoga — South Austin
In-studio and livestreamed via Zoom
Never heated. No fancy pants required. Chocolate always included.
www.oakandlotusyoga.com | IG: @oakandlotusyoga

The Terrific Two Texas Teas!

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A father. A son. Two races. One mission.

Justin Early, Democratic nominee for Texas' 31st Congressional District, and his son Matthias Early, Democratic nominee for Texas House District 20, join Lawson and Don for a conversation about healthcare, housing, AI, gerrymandering, women's rights, and what it actually takes to flip Central Texas.

Justin is a veteran, cybersecurity expert, and father of seven. Matthias is 21, a former pre-med student, and one of the sharpest young voices we've had on this show. Neither of them is taking a single corporate PAC dollar.

Vote early. Vote the Earlies. ☕

About Our Guests

Justin Early — Democratic Nominee, Congressional District 31 A veteran, former Pentagon Defense Intelligence Agency analyst, and cybersecurity expert who grew up in Bell and Williamson counties. Father of seven.

🔗 votejustinearly.com

📸 instagram.com/votejustinearly

🎵 tiktok.com/@votejustinearly

Matthias Early — Democratic Nominee, House District 20 21 years old, former pre-med student, political science major, and one of the sharpest generational voices on AI, democracy, and the future of Texas.

🔗 votematthiasearly.com

📸 instagram.com/votematthiasearly

Chapters 00:00

— Intro 00:44

— Welcome Justin and Matthias Early 03:38

— Justin Early's Journey and Motivation 06:24

— Matthias Early's Vision for Change 09:21

— Addressing Community Needs 12:12

— The Impact of Wealth on Society 13:00

— Generational Perspectives on Politics 22:12

— Voter Engagement and Gerrymandering 26:18

— Political Landscape in Texas 28:20

— Challenges Facing Women's Rights and Healthcare 29:19

— Rural Stability vs. Urban Development 30:32

— The Impact of AI on Employment and Society 32:31

— Voting Rights and Representation 38:14

— Grassroots Movements and Community Engagement 43:11

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

⚠️ Yes, we know. The Spurs lost. We recorded this before it happened and we are not okay. Pour one out with us.

Before the heartbreak hit, Lawson and Don were riding high — and this episode is proof. Grab your tea because this one's got everything.

We kick things off with San Antonio's beloved honking tradition and why it hits different this playoff run. Then Don goes deep on AI-generated Spurs merch flooding Southwest Military, and why Chat GPT fonts are officially the Comic Sans of 2026. We talk fan culture, Knicks fans behaving badly on Threads, and why this Spurs roster — average age 23 — might just be the most lovable team in the NBA.

Then things get real. We get into the growing legacy of women in sports, Kobe Bryant's underrated role in building the WNBA, and Becky Hammon running circles in the league. Don shares a controversial take on the movie Obsession, relationships, gender dynamics, and whether we hold bad behavior accountable equally — spoiler: we don't. Lawson runs the favorite animal experiment on Don live on air and the results say a lot.

We wrap with the Texas runoff results, what Paxton vs. Cornyn means for November, and why rural Democrats have to show up if they actually want to flip this state.

Hot tea. Brewed tea. And one very bittersweet cup of Spurs tea. ☕

Chapters

00:00 — Honk If You Love San Antonio

03:42 — The Evolution of Honking Traditions

04:22 — Ad Break

05:03 — AI and Authenticity in Sports Merchandise

10:09 — Fan Culture and Social Media Dynamics

13:01 — Women in Sports: A Growing Legacy

14:31 — Political Parallels: Spurs and New York

18:36 — The Spurs' Unique Team Culture

22:45 — The Movie Obsession and Relationships

28:21 — Exploring Gender Dynamics in Behavior

32:43 — The Complexity of Relationships in Modern Society 33:21 — Ad Break

33:59 — Relationships Part 2

37:33 — Animal Preferences as Reflections of Personality 44:33 — Political Landscape and Voter Engagement in Texas 50:01 — Outro

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

What does it look like to be a blue dot in a red county? Lawson and Don sit down with two Burnet County Democrats building change from the ground up — Lane Law and Florisbel Jaramillo Macedo, both Precinct Chairs and SDEC candidates for Congressional District 31. Their slogan: Blue dots to connect.

They get into rural organizing, voter education, purity politics, the Talarico Senate race, and what it actually takes to flip Texas.

⚠️ Audio issue with the video portion begins at 22:50. Audio-only version is unaffected. Recorded via Riverside.fm.

About Our Guests

Lane Law grew up in rural Axtel, TX, outside Waco. A former broadcast engineer turned K-12 education technology specialist, he now lives in Bertram and serves as Burnet County Democratic Party Precinct 12 Chair.

Florisbel Jaramillo Macedo is a first-generation Mexican-American, recent Texas Tech grad, and electric utility professional. A Granite Shoals native by way of South Oak Cliff, she serves as Burnet County Democratic Party Precinct 3 Chair.

Get Involved with the SDEC 🔗 texasdemocrats.org/party-resources 📞 216-384-8944

Connect with Our Guests 🔗 Florisbel — Instagram & Threads: @florisbeljaramillo | Facebook: Florisbelj 🔗 Lane Law — Burnet County Democratic Party, Precinct 12

Chapters 00:00 — Introduction and Backgrounds 09:57 — Political Engagement and Community Involvement 20:07 — Personal Stories and Motivations 29:11 — Strategizing for Democratic Success in Texas 30:08 — Challenges and Opportunities in Rural Politics 32:33 — Building Local Democratic Structures 34:10 — Navigating Internal Party Dynamics 37:22 — The Importance of Rural Voices in Politics 39:55 — Challenges of Diversity within the Democratic Party 42:12 — The Role of Infrastructure in Voter Engagement 45:16 — Mobilizing for Upcoming Elections 49:12 — Calls to Action for Local Engagement

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

This week Lawson and Don sit down with a friend of six-plus years — Rocío Guenther — a journalist, public servant, and consultant whose career has bridged Guadalajara, San Antonio, Spain, and Germany.

Originally from Guadalajara, Rocío started as a bilingual reporter at the San Antonio Report covering U.S.–Mexico relations and immigration. She later joined the City of San Antonio's Global Engagement Office (coordinating the King and Queen of Spain's Tricentennial visit), served as Director of Community Engagement and Constituent Services for Mayor Ron Nirenberg — including a stretch working remotely from Spain — and spent 2023–2024 as a German Chancellor Fellow in Darmstadt studying migration policy. Most recently she was a campaign aide to Beto Altamirano in the 2025 San Antonio mayoral race, and today she runs her firm Guerita Consulting.

This one is longer-form and substantive. We get into what community engagement actually looks like on the ground, what the Mayor's office taught her about funding and consensus, her view of the Altamirano campaign, San Antonio's Sister Cities, why global engagement matters for a mid-size American city, and what it's like to build a career across two countries, two languages, and two cultures.

If you care about how local government works — or what it looks like to build a career that doesn't fit one lane — this is your episode. ☕

About Our Guest

🌐 gueritaconsulting.com 📸 Instagram: @chioguenther

Chapters

00:35 — Rocío Guenther: A Journey of Identity

04:56 — San Antonio: A Community of Warmth

06:38 — Navigating Local Politics

12:14 — Transplants in San Antonio's Growth

15:15 — Political Identity and Community Engagement

17:10 — COVID and Community Engagement

19:13 — Career Transitions

21:29 — Political Landscapes and Aspirations

22:43 — Spanish Citizenship and Migration Studies

24:25 — Balancing New Roles and Future Goals

25:11 — Local Governance: Mayor and Council

37:09 — Competency in Governance

39:35 — Local Leadership Dynamics

41:58 — Cultural Perceptions of San Antonio

48:07 — International Connections and Sister Cities

53:08 — The Importance of Global Engagement

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

This week's a special one. Don and Lawson are joined by the youngest and most heavily bribed guest in Two Texas Teas history: Lawson's son, Luke Picasso.

After "many contract negotiations," Luke takes the mic to walk us through his Select baseball season — the sprained elbow that has him on the IL, his Atlanta Braves loyalty, and his very strong feelings about Bryce Harper. We get into the wild economics of youth baseball, why the Picassos bowed out of Little League ("too political"), Mario Kart wars that fracture dinner conversations, the Universal Super Mario World fever dream, and the family's mission to visit every MLB stadium before Luke turns 18.

Lawson closes with a Mother's Day message for every kind of mom — the new moms, the moms moving through grief, and the moms who just want a quiet day where nobody asks where anything is.

Happy Mother's Day from us to you.

What You Will Hear

— Luke's season, his sprained elbow, and getting the official stats on the record
— Why Select baseball is basically Space Jam with $500 bats
— The Sandlot tournament that ended with police on the scene
— Atlanta Braves vs. Yankees: a house divided
— Mario Kart fights, COVID switches, and the great Yoshi takeover
— Universal Studios' Super Mario World (10 trillion out of 10)
— The MLB stadium tour goal and why San Antonio absolutely deserves a team

Chapters

00:00 — Celebrating Mother's Day with Special Guests
02:13 — Summary
02:48 — Luke's Baseball Journey: Stats and Injuries
05:58 — The Competitive Nature of Youth Baseball
09:53 — The Impact of Branding in Baseball
13:39 — Navigating Youth Sports Politics
16:02 — Visit twotexasteas.com
16:43 — The Role of Parents in Youth Sports
22:09 — Future Aspirations in Baseball and Education
26:41 — The Competitive Nature of Youth Sports
29:14 — Baseball Knowledge and Passion
32:01 — YouTube Influences and Family Activities
34:19 — Video Game Fandom and Family Dynamics
38:58 — The Love for Baseball and Family Traditions
41:32 — Universal Studios Experience and Super Mario World
45:04 — Advertise With Us
45:44 — Dreams of MLB Stadium Visits
50:55 — Reflections on Motherhood and Family Values

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

Don and Lawson are back, and this week they're trying something new. Introducing the show's new segment structure: Hot Tea (the spicy stuff), Sweet Tea (the feel-good wins), and Brewed Tea (what's coming down the pipeline). One brand, three flavors, all Texas.

They open with the Klay Thompson and Megan Thee Stallion fumble, then dive into San Antonio City Hall — Chief of Staff Denise Carroll out, longtime Deputy Chief Pat Wallace out, and what those exits actually say about the mayor's office. From there: a board race for Alamo Colleges District 9 that got nasty and backfired, why Lawson is reporting from Corpus Christi.

On the Sweet Tea side, Kacey Musgraves opening her Gruene Hall run with the Mariachi kids from the Dilley detention facility.

Then Brewed Tea: the May runoffs, the Tony Gonzalez seat, gerrymandering going legal, internal mean-girling inside both parties, and why the age range on the ballot keeps creeping older while the country keeps getting older with it.

Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕🤠

What You Will Hear

— Why Klay and Meg didn't work and the internet's worst takes
— Denise Carroll resigns. Pat Wallace resigns. What the LinkedIn posts actually said
— What it's really like being a Chief of Staff (2 a.m. pothole calls included)
— The Alamo Colleges District 9 race that backfired on the opponents
— Lawson's love letter to Corpus, the Valley, Del Rio, and Eagle Pass
— Kacey Musgraves, Gruene Hall, the Mariachi kids, and the bot ticket scandal
— Gerrymandering, runoffs, and the November setup in Texas
— Why Texas weather is in its perimenopausal era

Chapters

00:00 — Megan Thee Stallion and Relationship Dynamics
00:27 — Intro
01:17 — New Segments: Hot Tea, Sweet Tea and Brewed Tea
02:46 — Klay Thompson
07:46 — Ad Break
08:27 — Hot Tea: Political Landscape in San Antonio
14:00 — Staff Turnover and Leadership Challenges
19:07 — The Role of Chief of Staff
22:11 — Alamo Colleges Board
24:54 — Sweet Tea: Corpus Christi and the RGV
31:13 — Kacey Musgraves and the Mariachi Band
37:15 — Brewed Tea: Upcoming Elections and Gerrymandering
40:24 — Congress and the President of the United States
45:26 — Climate Change: Weather Patterns and Local Impact
46:56 — Outro

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

Don and Lawson are back together and they brought the full San Antonio energy with them. Recorded mid-Fiesta, this one is exactly what you would expect from two people obsessed with this city.

They go full send into Fiesta — medals, cascarones, Market Square's new $5 cover, Fiesta Sucia, the Spurs Guy as a Fiesta saint, Fiesta Flambeau, and the very real possibility that Two Texas Teas drops its own Fiesta medal next April. From there: the Spurs playoff run, why the city goes honking when they win, and why LeBron James is still not forgiven for the AC game. Don tells his Eagle Pass wedding story (95 degrees, no AC, full suit), Lawson defends keeping her thermostat at 72 year-round and points the finger at data centers, and they close on Tony Gonzalez stepping down, the Eric Swalwell allegations, accountability across both parties, and why we still owe Monica Lewinsky an apology.

Warm, funny, and very San Antonio. ☕🤠

What You Will Hear

— Market Square's $5 cover and what it means for Fiesta culture
— Fiesta medals as the Pokemon Go of San Antonio
— Lawson's history designing medals (Mandalorian, picture-frame, corporate misfire)
— The Two Texas Teas Fiesta medal announcement
— Spurs playoff run, going honking, and the LeBron AC game
— Don's Eagle Pass wedding and surviving 95 degrees in a suit
— Lawson at 72 degrees year-round, no apologies
— Tony Gonzalez, Eric Swalwell, and believing survivors

Chapters

00:00 — Introduction and Energy Drinks
02:34 — Email ads@twotexasteas.com to Be a Sponsor
03:15 — Fiesta in San Antonio
17:37 — Fiesta Medals!
28:14 — LeBron versus the Spurs
31:54 — Visit twotexasteas.com
32:34 — Freezing Weather in a Texas Spring
38:19 — Don's Mexican Wedding in Eagle Pass
42:15 — Congressman Woes in Texas
52:52 — Follow Us on Social Media @twotexasteas
53:29 — Ending

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

⚠️ A Note Before You Press Play Lawson is taking an unplanned week off due to some technical difficulties on our recording app. We will have her back next episode. Bear with us on the audio and video quality as this interview was recorded a few months back. We are fixing it as we go. ☕

About This Episode

Don flies solo this week and brings in a very familiar face. Jordan Webb, IT consultant and Don's college friend of over a decade, joins for a candid conversation about what Texas looks like through the eyes of people who were not born and raised here.

From Jordan's first work trip to Austin to Don's wide eyed arrival in San Antonio expecting tumbleweeds and cowboys, this episode is a love letter to the state that keeps pulling people in from everywhere else. They talk culture, city vibes, Texas exceptionalism, and the big question nobody wants to answer out loud: is Texas still Texas when everybody from California and New York keeps moving in?

No Lawson this week. But plenty of tea. ☕🤠

About Jordan Webb Jordan Webb is an IT consultant, avid traveler, and Don's friend of over a decade. A proud non-Texan with a deep appreciation for the Lone Star State, Jordan brings a sharp outside perspective on what makes Texas culture so magnetic.

📱 Follow Jordan: @spiderwebb_24

Chapters

00:00 Don Opens the Episode Solo

06:43 Introducing Jordan Webb

07:16 Jordan's First Trip to Austin

09:07 Expectations vs Reality: The Real Texas

10:05 How Every Texas City Has Its Own Vibe

22:27 Texas Exceptionalism: Real or Propaganda?

24:04 The Transient City: Where Did All the Austinites Go? 24:46 What Texas Gives to the Rest of the Country

26:37 Closing Thoughts

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

Don and Lawson kick things off with a conversation about the TSA funding disputes rattling travelers across the nation, then welcome Fort Worth author and journalist Ariel Slick for a deep dive into Texas infrastructure, historical floods, and the water crisis quietly building across the Lone Star State.

From the devastating floods of Fort Worth and San Antonio to the funding gaps leaving Central Texas communities at risk, this episode connects the dots between history and what is happening right now. Ariel breaks down the 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card and shares a sobering stat: if Texas does nothing, by 2070 nearly 550,000 Texans could have less than 10 percent of the water they need. The time to contact your state representative is today.

⚠️ A Note on Audio Quality We hear you and we are sorry! This episode has some echo issues we are actively working to fix. Better sound is coming.

Thank you for your patience and for riding with us. ☕

Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Texas Infrastructure 06:26 Funding and Accountability for Infrastructure Issues 11:37 Awareness of Flood Risk and Infrastructure Funding 17:06 Texas as a Red State and Funding 22:12 Impact of Population Growth on Water Systems 28:00 Texas Infrastructure Rating and Book Release

Key Takeaways Historical floods in Texas have shaped infrastructure and communities in ways still felt today. Funding gaps and lack of public awareness remain the biggest barriers to meaningful change. Population growth across Texas is outpacing the infrastructure built to support it. And if no action is taken, millions of Texans face serious water shortages by 2070.

Resources from Ariel 🔗 Texas Water Development Board State Flood Plan 🔗 2025 Texas Infrastructure Report Card 🌐 arielslickwrites.com

📸 Instagram: @arielslickwrites

🐦 X/Twitter: @arielslickwrites

About Ariel Slick Ariel Slick is a novelist and journalist from Fort Worth, Texas. Her novels include The Devil Take the Blues, The Royals of Sea and Song, and The Good Harbor Witches mystery series co-written with USA Today Bestselling author Jeri White. Her articles have appeared in Texas Highways, The Texas Observer, Texas Co-op Power, Deep South Magazine, and many others.

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Real talk. Texas brewed. ☕

This episode discusses harassment and women's issues. If you need support:

RAINN - Call: 1-800-656-4673 (24/7) | Chat: online.rainn.org

Summary

Lawson and Don start with hilarious SXSW stories—from out-of-towners accidentally flying into Dallas to Don's free tequila adventure at an Austin bar. Lawson reveals how MTV's Real World Austin introduced her to the festival in the early 2000s and shares her experience speaking at SXSW 2023. They discuss how the event evolved from scrappy indie music roots to a tech and civic engagement powerhouse.

The conversation shifts to an important question: Why does Dolores Huerta always get second billing to Cesar Chavez when she was equally instrumental in the farmworkers' movement? This sparks discussion about women's contributions being systematically undervalued throughout history and why believing women shouldn't be controversial.

They wrap with movie recommendations—Project Hail Mary, Spider-Man, and why Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are relationship goals—before previewing upcoming TSA drama and primary runoff coverage.

Key Takeaways

• SXSW evolved from indie music festival to tech/civic engagement mega-event
• Dolores Huerta deserves equal (or greater) recognition as Cesar Chavez
• Women's historical contributions are systematically minimized across all movements
• Believing women's experiences should be the default, not radical
• Austin's growth has changed SXSW's accessibility and culture
• Free tequila at unofficial SXSW events: amazing and dangerous

Chapters

00:00 Introduction: Wrong Texas City Problems
02:00 SXSW Stories & How It's Changed
06:00 Don's Free Tequila Adventure
08:30 Lawson's 2023 SXSW Speaking Gig
16:00 THE Dolores Huerta: Why She Deserves Top Billing
22:00 Austin Street Naming Debate
26:00 Believing Women Across History
32:00 Women's Agency & Historical Erasure
38:00 The Sip Senate: Movie Talk
40:00 Project Hail Mary & Ryan Gosling Appreciation
43:00 Next Episode Preview: TSA Drama & Runoffs

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Learn More

Dolores Huerta Foundation: doloreshuerta.org
Documentary: "Dolores" (2017) by Peter Bratt

New episodes every other Sunday. Real talk, Texas brewed. ☕

This episode discusses suicide and political allegations. If you need help:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - Call/Text: 988 (24/7) | Chat: 988lifeline.org Crisis Text Line - Text HOME to 741741

Summary

Recorded a few days after Texas's primary elections, Lawson calls in from a San Diego beach. The hosts tackle one of the most difficult stories in Texas politics: Congressman Tony Gonzalez (TX-23) stepping down amid scandal and tragedy. With sensitivity and appropriate warnings, they discuss the intersection of personal tragedy, political pressure, and where campaigns cross ethical lines.

They then analyze primary results including Ron Nirenberg's Bexar County Judge victory, the tight DA race between Jane Davis and Luz Elena Chapa, and James Talarico's upset win over Jasmine Crockett in the Democratic Senate primary. Plus: Dallas polling chaos, Ken Paxton's quid pro quo response to Trump, and a South by Southwest preview.

Key Takeaways

• Mental health resources available 24/7 through 988
• Ron Nirenberg won Democratic primary for Bexar County Judge
• James Talarico narrowly defeated Jasmine Crockett for Senate nomination
• Ken Paxton conditioned dropping out of Senate race on passing the SAVE Act
• Dallas polling locations required emergency extensions due to chaos
• Project Marvel controversy hurt Grant Moody's re-election bid
• DA race headed to runoff: Davis vs. Chapa

Chapters

00:00 Introduction from the Beach
04:00 ⚠️ Trigger Warning
04:30 Tony Gonzalez Resignation & Ethics Discussion
13:00 Bexar County Judge: Nirenberg's Victory
19:00 District Attorney Race Analysis
24:00 Statewide Results: Talarico Upsets Crockett
26:00 Paxton's Quid Pro Quo
27:00 Dallas Polling Disaster
29:00 Looking Ahead: SXSW & November

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Additional Crisis Resources

NAMI Texas: 1-800-950-6264 | namitexas.org
Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth): 1-866-488-7386
Veterans Crisis Line: 988 then Press 1

You are not alone. Help is available.

New episodes every other Sunday. Real talk, Texas brewed. ☕

Hosts: Lawson & Don

What We're Discussing:

🤖 AI in Texas: From creative processes to business applications, we break down how Texans are using artificial intelligence in their daily lives—both professionally and personally. Learn about TRAIGA (Texas Responsible Artificial Intelligence Governance Act) and why Texas is positioning itself as a national leader in responsible AI regulation.

🗳️ Primary Elections: With early voting underway, we dive deep into the explosive Texas Senate primaries on both sides of the aisle. The Republican race features incumbent John Cornyn battling Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt in what's become a civil war over the soul of the GOP. On the Democratic side, Rep. Jasmine Crockett and State Rep. James Talarico are competing for their party's best shot to flip Texas in 30 years.

⛷️ Winter Olympics Check-In: We celebrate San Antonio native Boone Niederhofer competing for Team USA in four-man bobsled and discuss our favorite Winter Olympic moments and sports.

🎨 The Creative Process: Lawson and Don explore artistic methods, material selection, and how AI is changing creative workflows, from artwork evaluation to content generation.

Key Takeaways:

• Texas is only the second state to pass comprehensive AI legislation
• The Austin-San Antonio corridor raised $3.8 billion in tech funding in 2024
• Nearly 19 million Texans are registered to vote, but primaries are decided by a tiny fraction
• Understanding AI legislation matters for businesses and consumers
• Your vote in the primary matters—especially in potential runoffs
• Political scandals continue to shape races at every level
  

Why This Episode Matters: Whether you're a tech entrepreneur navigating new AI regulations, a voter trying to understand the primary landscape, or just someone curious about how AI impacts daily life, this episode offers real talk about the issues shaping Central Texas and beyond.

Early voting runs through February 27, with Primary Election Day on March 3. Find your polling location and make your voice heard.

Chapters

02:15 Winter Olympic Pride: San Antonio's Boone Niederhofer

07:00 How We're Using AI: Personal Stories

12:00 Texas Primary Drama: The Republican Civil War

20:00 Democrats' Historic Senate Opportunity

28:00 Runoff Reality & Voter Turnout Crisis

30:00 TRAIGA Explained: Texas Takes on AI Regulation

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New episodes every other Sunday.

In this episode of Two Texas Teas, hosts Lawson and Don dive into a wide-ranging conversation that spans from San Antonio's iconic rodeo season to the complexities of the Star Wars universe. They discuss recent life changes, ICE, and the role of government responsibility in times of crisis. The hosts also share their Super Bowl predictions and explore unexpected political parallels in the galaxy far, far away.

Note: Every episode will get better as we refine our process—please forgive the audio echo from Don's mic as we work out the technical kinks!

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Takeaways

• Government's role in the lives of its citizens
• Rodeo season and cowboy breakfast hold nostalgic significance for the hosts. Year-round rodeo events are changing the landscape of traditional rodeo programming.
• The emotional journey of Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars resonates with personal experiences and societal issues.

Chapters

• 00:00 Life Changes and Social Justice
• 05:06 Local Support and Political Pressure
• 13:00 Country Music and Cowboy Breakfast Experience
• 19:32 Rodeo Festivities and Childhood Memories
• 25:05 Year-Round Rodeo Events
• 30:12 Anakin Skywalker's Emotional Journey
• 36:10 Valentine's Day Inside Joke
• 46:27 Closing Remarks and Support

Every episode will get better.

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