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Lone Star Deep Dive
by Tonya Kleuskens
Welcome to Lone Star Deep Dive! We believe that when we take the time to talk to one another, we often find connections that lead to a better understanding of our communities, our state, our nation -- and ourselves. Join us on a journey to explore the intersection of passion, personality and public policy.
Episodes
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Mark Nair - Democratic Candidate Texas 13th Congressional District
In episode 49, Tonya Kleuskens is talking with Mark Nair the Democratic Candidate for Texas 13th Congressional District. The League of Women Voters has a 106-year commitment to non-partisan voting advocacy in the United States. We educate voters on how to register, where to vote, who is on the...
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Election Administrators Shannon Lackey and Christy Benge
In episode 48, Tonya shares a recording of the September LWV of Amarillo Monthly Membership Meeting that took place on Saturday, Sept. 26th. (Hot tip: if you've never attended one of our meetings, PLEASE COME! Standby for the date and speaker!) The topic of this discussion is "Everything You Need...
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Lon Burnam - Voting Rights Advocate
In episode 47, Tonya talks with Lon Burnam about the Tarrant County, Texas proposal to remove 44% of the polling sites in their county, which encompasses the major metro area of Fort Worth. Lon spoke against removing these polling locations at the County Court in August and was arrested when he...
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Tim Judson - Nuclear Power Deregulation
Vote 411 - Information for registering to vote, candidates for your ballot and more. In episode 45, Tonya talks to Tim Judson, Executive Director of the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS), about thefour Executive Orders President Trump signed on May 23, 2025, to quadruple U.S.…
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Shannon Lackey - Randall County Texas, Election Administrator
In Episode 46, Tonya talks with Randall County Texas Election Administrator, Shannon Lackey, who answers all the big questions about the registration process and the abundance of misinformation showing up in our inboxes and social media. As Tonya has mentioned a lot on this podcast, voting rights...
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Melissa Musick Nusssbaum - Eden Bleeding
Vote 411 - Information for registering to vote, candidates for your ballot and more. On Episode 44, we are featuring a beautifully-presented talk by Colorado-based author and columnist, Melissa Musick Nussbaum. It's titled Eden Bleeding: Reflections on a Century of Groundwater Use. Melissa…
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Dr. Chris Grotegut - The Vision, County Wide Water Supply District
VOTE 411 In episode 43, we listen to Dr. Chris Grotegut from Deaf Smith County, TX, where he recently spoke at the 2026 Community Water Conference, presented by Ogallala Commons. As Chairman of the Hereford Economic Development Corporation, Chris maps out the vision for replenishing community…
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Fernando Falomir - Fifth generation rancher - Chihuahua, Mexico
In episode 42, we are listening in on fifth-generation cattle rancher Fernando Falomir from Chihuahua, Mexico; he recently spoke at the 2026 Community Water Conference, presented by Ogallala Commons. On the Falomir Ranch, they have learned to manage their land with an average of four inches of...
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Dr. Robert Mace - Water Policy & Correlative Rights
In Episode 41, Tonya presents the first speaker from the Community Water Conference, organized by Ogallala Commons, earlier this year. Dr. Mace, speaks about Water and Texas Policy. To view the video of Dr. Mace’s presentation, including slides, you can find it here. Dr. Robert Mace is the...
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From Aquifers to Policy
In Episode 40, Tonya offers a webinar produced by the League of Women Voters of Texas earlier this year. Teri Marsh, Water Advocacy Chair for LWV Texas, hosts "From Aquifers to Policy." More information about our presenters, Natalie Ballew (Groundwater Division Director at the Texas Water...
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LWV Dallas & Adrian Shelly - AI in Texas
On Episode 39, Tonya is sharing the Dallas League of Women Voters discussion with Adrian Shelly, Director of Public Citizen’s office in Texas. Adrian will lead us through important questions concerning AI Projects Proposed throughout Texas, such as: —What are the Financial, Water and Energy...
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John Umphress - Beekeeping in Texas
In Episode 38, John Umphress is back to talk with Tonya about his personal beekeeping and honey production and pollinators in food production. What does this have to do with public policy? Well, Tonya is forever curious about the interests of our guests and the life behind each politically aware...
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Michael Ford - Panhandle Taxpayers for Transparency
In Episode 37, Tonya talks with Michael Ford about project Matador and Fermi in the Texas Panhandle, AI Data Centers in general and his organization, Panhandle Taxpayers for Transparency (also known as PT4T). He'll explain their work contesting the case over the proposed 93 gas turbines planned…
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Episode 36: Floyd Hartman
In Episode 36, Tonya talks with Floyd Hartman about his life in the Texas Panhandle, including his service to the City of Amarillo and his recent post at The RANGE. He serves as the Principal Investigator for Water Stewardship with The RANGE, "an industry-led innovation in research and…
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Episode 35: Laurie Higgins-Kerley
In Episode 35, Tonya invited Laurie Higgins-Kerley onto the podcast to explore how her nonprofits, Dove Creek Equine Rescue and Led by Horses, have become a place where horses and humans heal together — and how anyone experiencing difficulty can find comfort and resilience in equine therapy.…
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Is Nuclear Right for Texas
In Episode 34, Tonya joins the League of Women Voters of Dallas for their webinar, "Is Nuclear Right for Texas?," which took place in March 2026. This online event featured two professionals from the Nuclear Information and Resource Service (NIRS): Diane D’Arrigo and Tim Judson. They share their...
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Episode 33: Claudia Stravato
In Episode 33, Tonya talks with Claudia Stravato about the Amarillo League of Women Voters study of Maternal Mortality & Morbidity and recent actions that have addressed concerns related to this issue. On February 2nd, The Amarillo Tribune reported on the 2024 Texas Health and Human Services...
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Episode 32: League 101
In Episode 32 we offer a replay of League 101, the monthly public presentation, given by the Amarillo League of Women Voters, February 28, 2026. Kimberly Anderson, current president moderates this informative discussion among 4 Amarillo LWV past presidents. The Co-Presidents before Kimberly are...
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Episode 31: Bryan Hummel
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Episode 30: Julie Grimes
In Episode 30, Tonya talks with Julie Grimes, General Manager of Panhandle PBS. Julie tells us about the changes to PBS as a result of the federal funding recission that took place in 2025. They also discuss Panhandle leadership among Texas PBS affiliates and how public television stations are...
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Episode 29: Sheri Friemel
In episode 29 Tonya talks with Sheri Friemel about grief and resources. Tonya and Sheri go deep sharing about their loss of adult children and how they are personally changed from that moment forward, and Sheri shares about her position as Program Manager for the Amarillo LOSS team. Adopted to…
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Episode 28: Max Dunlap
Are you ready in the face of a disaster? What should you have on hand? In episode 28 Tonya talks with Max Dunlap, Amarillo’s Deputy Director for Emergency Management. He's the Yellow City' go-to professional for information regarding personal preparedness (i.e., what we should do, have and know),...
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Episode 27: Tim Ingalls
In Episode 27, Tonya talks with Amarillo's own Timothy Ingalls about land regeneration, holistic range management, his deep family history in the Texas Panhandle, his work with the Tecovas Foundation, and so much more. Tim is fourth-generation owner and manager of the Frying Pan Ranch (Bush-Emeny...
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Episode 26: John Umphress
In Episode 26, Tonya Kleuskens talks with John Umphress about the 89th Texas Legislature passing HB14, which allows for $350 million to be used to increase nuclear power in Texas. About $120 million of this funding is earmarked for both Texas Tech University and Abilene Christian University (for...
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Episode 25: Dr. Evgenia Spears
In Episode 25, we continue our updates with Dr. Evgenia Spears, by exploring the changes enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature. Dr. Spears will explain to us about the shift in oversight for produced water and desalination discharge. Evgenia Spears is the Water Program Coordinator at the Sierra...
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Episode 24: Dr. Ken Kramer
Transcript Here In Episode 24 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, Dr. Ken Kramer explains the water infrastructure funding bill passed by the Texas Legislature, and the November Constitutional Amendment to allow for funding, which will be on our November 2025 ballot. Dr.Kramer is a writer and…
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Episode 23: Lauren Bick
In Episode 23, we continue our updates with Lauren Bick by exploring the changes enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature. Lauren will explain the changes to Child Welfare intervention and support of older children in Foster Care. After graduating from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX…
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Episode 22: Dr. Chris Hudson
On this episode of the Lone Star Deep Dive, your regular host is traveling, so Jenny Inzerillo is filling in for Tonya with an interview about Texas Senate Bill 37 (SB 37), which was passed by the 89th Texas Legislature and signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott on June 20, 2025. The bill,...
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Episode 21: Teri Marsh
In Episode 21, we are hearing from Teri Marsh of the League of Women Voters of Texas. We are exploring the changes enacted by the 89th Texas Legislature. Teri will explain the new support for water infrastructure and conservation. A native Texan, Teri Marsh exchanged the big city lights of…
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Episode 20: Lauren Bick
In Episode 20, we talk with Lauren Bick from the League of Women Voters of Texas. Lauren is the state League's Issue Chair on Child Welfare for the 89th legislative session. We discuss how our state’s legislative proposals will affect foster youth and families, as well as other vulnerable youth…
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Episode 19: Evgenia Spears & Teri Marsh
In Episode 19, we are taking with Teri Marsh from the League of Women Voters of Texas and Evgenia Spears of the Lone Star Sierra Club. We discuss our state’s plans to supply water for a growing population in an unpredictable future. A native Texan, Teri Marsh exchanged the big city lights of...
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Episode 18: “Facing Facts: Charter Schools in Texas – A 2025 Update”
In Episode 18, we are taking a deep dive into what Charter Schools have to teach us about publicly funding private schools in Texas. Thanks to a webinar sponsored by the Leagues of Women Voters of Dalla& Tarrant County, we're able to listen in on a discussion by leading experts on the topic. The...
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Episode 17: Rachel Hanes
On Episode 17, the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast talks with Rachel Hanes, Policy Director of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in both Political Science and Spanish from Trinity University in San Antonio, TX, as well as a Master of Public Policy and Management from...
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Episode 16 - Dr. Tim Bowman
On Episode 16, the Lone Star Deep Dive chats with Dr.Tim Bowman, Professor of History and department head at West Texas A&M University in Canyon, Texas. He is the author of two books: Blood Oranges: Agriculture and Colonialism in the South Texas Borderlands (2016) and You Will Never be One of Us…
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Episode 15 - KERA's "Think!"
This week, we are actually bringing you an episode from a podcast hosted by journalist Krys Boyd: It's called Think, and it dives deep on topics that would be of interest to those who enjoy Lone Star Deep Dive. Plus, it's based out of KERA studios in Dallas, so it has Texas roots. On the episode...
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Episode 14: Dr. Brian Ingrassia
On Episode 14, the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast spotlights Dr. Brian M. Ingrassia, an associate professor of history at West Texas A&M University. We asked him to join us to talk about a new series of articles about the Comstock Law of 1873 that is being published by the Society for Historians of...
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Episode 13: Danna Gonzalez
On Episode 13 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, we talked to an Amarillo College student that started a voting advocacy group on campus. Danna Gonzalez, President of the Voters Voice Club, shared with us her passion for getting young people involved in politics, engaged with elections, and...
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Episode 12: Catlow Shipeck
On Episode 12 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features Catlow Shipper presenting “Utilizing the Run-Off: Shifting to a “Hydro-Local” Approach”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year. Catlow Shipek has a MSc in Watershed Management from the University of Arizona and over 15...
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Episode 11: Dr. David Haukos
On Episode 11 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features David Hauls Ph.D. presenting “Playas: Keystone Ecosystems of the Southern High Plains”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year. David Haukos Ph.D. is currently the Unit Leader of the Kansas Cooperative Fish and Wildlife...
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Episode 10: Andrew Millison
On Episode 10 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features Andrew Millison presenting “Practices to Move from Water Scarcity to Water Abundance”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year. Andrew Millison is the founder of Oregon State University’s Permaculture Design program, where...
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Episode 9: Dr. Sam Hege
On Episode 9 the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast features Sam Hege presenting “Migrating to the Ogallaga: Using Historical Analysis to Imagine New Hydrologic Cycles”, during the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference this year. Sam Hege Ph.D. is a Postdoctoral Associate in the Program in Agrarian...
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Episode 8: Dr. Darryl Birkenfeld
On Episode 8 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Darryl Birkenfeld Ph.D., Deputy Director, Ogallala Commons about the Darryl’s 30 plus years of experience with Ogallala Commons, the Stewarding Our Water Future Conference and featured speakers. After serving as...
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Episode 7 Part 2: Dr. Ken Kramer
On Episode 7, (Part 2) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Dr. Ken Kramer, Ph.D., a writer and Texas water policy specialist. Dr. Kramer currently serves as the “public” representative on the Region H Water Planning Group, which conducts water supply planning for…
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Episode 7 Part 1: Dr. Ken Kramer
On Episode 7 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Dr. Ken Kramer, Ph.D., a writer and Texas water policy specialist, about Water Planning in Texas, Texas water sheds environmental flow and much more. Doctor Kim Kramer, Ph.D., is a writer and Texas water...
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Episode 6: Caroline Petti & Leon Lowery
On Episode 6 of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with Caroline Petti and Leon Lowery about the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982 and how the search for a Nuclear Waste Repository was derailed by political agendas and poor nuclear waste siting decisions. In the amending…
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Episode 5 Part 2: Karen D Hadden
On Episode 5 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens and Mark Nair talk with Karen D. Hadden about her work as the Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, which aims to prevent high-level nuclear waste from being stored above...
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Episode 5 Part 1: Karen D Hadden
On Episode 5 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens and Mark Nair talk with Karen D. Hadden about her work as the Executive Director of the Sustainable Energy & Economic Development (SEED) Coalition, which aims to prevent high-level nuclear waste from being stored above...
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Episode 4 Part 2: Civics 101 with Katie Paul
On Episode 4 (Part 2) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with League of Women Voter’s of Amarillo member Katie Paul about as she provides an overview of the Civics 101 Program Slide Presentation. Claudia and Katie created Civics 101 to explain the functions of county,...
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Episode 4 Part 1: Civics 101 with Katie Paul & Claudia Stravato
On Eposide 4 (Part 1) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens talks with League of Women Voter’s of Amarillo members, Claudia Stravato and Katie Paul about their Civics 101 Program. Claudia and Katie created Civics 101 to explain the functions of county, city, and state…
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Episode 3 Part 2: Dr. Craig Nazor
On Episode 3 (Part 2) of the Lone Star Deep Dive Podcast, host Tonya Kleuskens and co-host Mark Nair continue the conversation with Dr. Craig Nazor. Dr. Craig Nazor is originally from Ashtabula, Ohio, but has been a resident of Austin, Texas for 36 years. He has a Doctorate of Musical Arts from…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to Lone Star Deep Dive! We believe that when we take the time to talk to one another, we often find connections that lead to a better understanding of our communities, our state, our nation -- and ourselves. Join us on a journey to explore the intersection of passion, personality and public policy.
HOSTED BY
Tonya Kleuskens
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Lone Star Deep Dive have?
Lone Star Deep Dive currently has 53 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Lone Star Deep Dive about?
Welcome to Lone Star Deep Dive! We believe that when we take the time to talk to one another, we often find connections that lead to a better understanding of our communities, our state, our nation -- and ourselves. Join us on a journey to explore the intersection of passion, personality and public...
How often does Lone Star Deep Dive release new episodes?
Lone Star Deep Dive has 53 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Lone Star Deep Dive?
You can listen to Lone Star Deep Dive on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Lone Star Deep Dive?
Lone Star Deep Dive is created and hosted by Tonya Kleuskens.
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