PODCAST · news
The Right Idea
by Texas Public Policy Foundation
The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.
Episodes
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Texas Property Tax Crisis: Real Solutions & Bold Reforms
Texas property taxes keep rising despite billions in state relief. In this episode of The Right Idea, Derek Cohen sits down with James Quintero, Policy Director at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to break down why relief isn’t enough and what real reform looks like.They discuss local spending...
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Texas Education Reform: School Choice, Cell Phone Bans & Gender Ideology in Schools
TPPF's Derek Cohen and Kate Bierly break down the biggest challenges and solutions in Texas K-12 education. They cover everything from pushing back against the "college for all" myth with strong Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, to fixing teacher certification barriers for trades,...
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Texas’ 765kV Transmission Lines EXPOSED: Permian Basin Crisis, ERCOT Failures & Why $33 Billion Is a Terrible Idea | The Right Idea #112
In this episode of The Right Idea, Derek Cohen sits down with Carson Clayton, TPPF Life Powered Campaign Director, to break down the controversial 765 KV transmission lines (Strategic Transmission Expansion Plan / STEP). Texas lawmakers and activists are sounding the alarm over a $33 billion plan...
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Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne EXPOSES H1B Fraud, Border Chaos & AI Energy Demands
Congresswoman Beth Van Duyne joins The Right Idea to discuss some of the biggest issues shaping Texas and America: border security, immigration enforcement, H1B visa fraud, AI-driven energy demand, data centers, and the rise of the creator economy. Hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen also break...
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Texas Slashing Red Tape: $120 Million in Savings Found feat. Jerome Greener, Director of TREO
Texas is taking a bold stand against excessive regulations. In this episode of The Right Idea, Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Jerome Greener, Director of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO), to discuss the state’s aggressive new push to cut red tape and boost economic...
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Challenging the Federal Machine Gun Ban | The Right Idea "In Depth"
TPPF's Derek Cohen talks with Chance Weldon, Director of Litigation at the Center for American Future, to break down a new lawsuit challenging the federal machine gun ban. Second Amendment aside, does Congress even have the constitutional authority under the Commerce Clause to ban machine gun...
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Is Texas Turning Blue? 2026 Primary Turnout Surge + Polling Truth w/ Sarah Steeby
In this episode of The Right Idea, Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Sarah Steeby, Executive Director of the Napolitan Institute, to unpack the massive Democratic primary turnout surge in Texas, the hype around Rep. James Talarico's U.S. Senate bid, Republican challenges uniting the...
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The State of Marriage in America: Declining Rates, Pro-Family Policies, and Valentine's Day Horror Stories
Just in time for National Marriage Week and Valentine's Day, TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the evolving landscape of marriage and family in America. Family policy experts Hannah Bruck and Noah Torres join to discuss declining marriage rates, fertility trends, cultural shifts…
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Texas Student ICE Walkouts EXPOSED: Indoctrination, Danger & School Choice Surge
In this special emergency edition of The Right Idea, TPPF's Brian Phillips, Robert Henneke, and Mandy Drogin react to the recent wave of student walkouts protesting immigration enforcement. Hundreds of students — including middle schoolers — left campuses during school hours, with some districts...
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The Collapse of College Sports? NIL Chaos, Revenue Sharing Disaster & The Future of Athletics
TPPF Chief Communications Officer Brian Phillips and Chief Policy & Research Officer Derek Cohen sit down with veteran college sports expert Michael Calabrese (New York Post, Action Network) to unpack the unprecedented mess in college athletics in 2026. NIL deals are unraveling, schools are suing...
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Stop Government Fraud Before It Starts – Open the Books CEO John Hart
In this Season 4 premiere of The Right Idea podcast, TPPF Chief Communications Officer Brian Phillips and Chief Policy & Research Officer Derek Cohen dive deep into one of the biggest government fraud stories in America: Minnesota's massive daycare and nutrition program scandals. Guest John Hart,...
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Texas Politics 2025: Biggest Wins, Redistricting Shockwaves, & 2026 Senate Race Shake-Up with Brad Johnson
In this year-end special, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Brad Johnson, Senior Reporter & Managing Editor at The Texan News, to recap the biggest political stories of 2025 and what they mean heading into the 2026 cycle. From the unexpected twists in the Texas Senate race, to…
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Housing Crisis Explained: Why Homes Are Unaffordable in 2025 & Real Solutions with Sean Dobson
Why is buying a home harder than ever in 2025 — even worse than 2007? Sean Dobson, Chairman & CEO of Amherst (one of America’s largest real estate investment firms), joins The Right Idea to break down the real drivers of the housing affordability crisis and what can actually fix it. We dive deep...
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Texas Medical Association Captured by Gender Ideology? Feat. Dr. Lisa Ehrlich & Joseph Figliolia
In this episode of The Right Idea, TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen break down how political activism has seeped into Texas healthcare — influencing diagnoses, treatments, and public policy. They’re joined by Dr. Lisa Ehrlich, internal medicine physician and former TMA trustee, and Joseph...
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Texas Property Taxes EXPOSED: Why Bills Skyrocket & Gov. Abbott’s Bold Fix
Texas homeowners are furious—83% say property taxes are a major burden! In this deep-dive episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips and TPPF experts James Quintero and Jose Melendez break down why property taxes exploded after 2014, how local governments game appraisals & bonds, and Governor...
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LIVE from the Texas Federation of Republican Women Conference
In the 100th episode extravaganza, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen talk to leading conservative voices at the 2025 TFRW Conference in San Antonio. 6:51 Dawn Buckingham, Texas Land Commissioner 17:40 Deborah Wall, Camino Real Republican Women President 49:47 Jim Wright, Texas Railroad...
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Does More Money Mean Better Schools? | Eric Hanushek on Education Spending & Teacher Quality
Is more school funding really the key to better student outcomes—or does how we spend matter more than how much? In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Andrew Brown sit down with Dr. Eric “Rick” Hanushek, Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover Institution, to...
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What Are We Teaching the Teachers? Exposing Indoctrination in Education w/ Ken Pope
Hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen dive into the critical issue of indoctrination in K-12 education with special guest Ken Pope, CEO of the Coalition for Empowered Education and Senior Fellow at the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation. They discuss how Colleges of Education are shaping...
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Texas Rep. Cole Hefner on Property Taxes, Quorum Breaks, and Protecting Texas
TPPF's Derek Cohen and Jose Melendez catch up on the latest from the 89th Legislative Session and subsequent special sessions with Rep. Cole Hefner. They dive into the quorum break that put Texas in the national political spotlight before discussing policy issues like property tax reform,...
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Texas Rep. Stan Gerdes on Water Policy, Nuclear Energy, and Budgeting
Hosts Derek Cohen and Andrew Brown talk with Texas State Representative Stan Gerdes (HD-17) about a variety of policy issues addressed in the 89th Legislature. Tune in for the latest on water policy challenges, the future of nuclear energy, local government transparency, and the new smart device...
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Texas Special Session “Breakdown”: Redistricting, Bathroom Bill, and Flood Response
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen unpack the heated Texas special session, covering the ongoing redistricting battle, the Texas Women's Privacy Act (SB 7), and critical flood response efforts in the Hill Country. From quorum breaks to property tax reforms and the push to replace the STAAR test, we...
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Jill Tate on Texas Politics, School Choice, and Conservative Activism
In this episode of The Right Idea, co-hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Jill Tate, Vice President of Legislation for the Texas Federation of Republican Women and a powerhouse conservative activist. Jill shares her journey from a young Reagan supporter to a key player in Texas...
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The Texas Flood Tragedy, Trump Economy at Six Months & AI Job Impact with EJ Antoni
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by EJ Antoni, Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation. They analyze the Trump economy six months into his presidency—covering job growth, tariffs, and housing challenges. Plus, the devastating Texas floods, the...
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Trump’s Iran Strike, Special Session Drama, & Texas Job Boom with Chuck DeVore
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by Chuck DeVore to dive into the biggest issues shaping Texas and beyond. From President Trump’s bold strike on Iran’s nuclear program to the unexpected Texas special session, we unpack the politics,...
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LA Riots, Mexican Cartels & Border Security Crisis with Joshua Treviño
In this explosive episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with Latin America expert Joshua Treviño to unpack the shocking Los Angeles riots, the role of Mexican cartels, and the escalating border security crisis. From ICE raids targeting cartel fronts to Mexican...
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Texas Legislative Session Wrap-Up: Kumbaya, Conservative Wins & Under-the-Radar Bills with Brad Johnson
Join Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen on The Right Idea as they dive into the 89th Texas Legislative Session with Brad Johnson, senior reporter at The Texan. From the unexpected "Kumbaya" harmony among Texas leaders to major conservative victories like bail reform, water funding, and education...
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Texas Legislature 9th Inning: DEI Ban, Library Book Reform & Hot Takes
Welcome to The Right Idea, the show where we break down the people, policies, and politics shaping Texas! In Episode 89, TPPF's Chief Communications Officer Bryan Phillips and Chief of Research Derek Cohen give a comprehensive recap of the final week of the Texas legislative session. 🔍 This...
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Texas Leads Tech Revolution with David Dunmoyer
In this episode of The Right Idea, hosts Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen sit down with David Dunmoyer, Campaign Director for Better Tech for Tomorrow at TPPF, to discuss Texas’ bold leadership in tech policy. From banning social media for minors to pioneering AI regulation, Texas is setting the...
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Foster Care Reform, The Bell Tolls on the State House, and Bye-Bye STAAR Test!
TPPF's Brian Phillips, Derek Cohen, and Andrew Brown break down the final stretch of the Texas legislative session on a major deadline day. They discuss Texas’ foster care system, statewide testing, education funding, taxpayer funded lobbying, and more. 1:50 Hot Take: What page of the calendar…
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Fighting Woke Indoctrination in Universities with Sherry Sylvester
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have TPPF Distinguished Senior Fellow Sherry Sylvester on to discuss the battle against woke indoctrination in higher education. From the groundbreaking Senate Bill 37 to the decline of DEI programs, we explore how Texas is leading the charge to reform public...
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Bail Reform and Texan Pride with Nikki Pressley
Brian Phillips and guest co-host Ariana Guajardo tackle the heated debate on bail reform with Nikki Pressley from Right On Crime, exploring why Texas’ Constitution ties judges’ hands and what Governor Abbott’s push for reform means for public safety. They also explore polling insights from the...
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Border Security Crisis & Military Reforms with Ammon Blair
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the escalating border security challenges as cartels target Texas with guest Ammon Blair, TPPF Senior Fellow and former Border Patrol agent. They dive into military readiness reforms from the Texas Legislature, deep state resistance to Sec. Pete Hegseth, and...
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History Is Made - TX House Passes School Choice!
Celebrate a historic win for Texas with host Brian Phillips and returning co-host Derek Cohen on The Right Idea! Dive into the passage of SB 2, marking Texas’ first-ever school choice legislation after over 36 years of conservative advocacy. From the House debate to what’s next, we break it all...
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Texas GOP Priorities - School Choice, Border Security & More with TX GOP Chair Abraham George
Join host Brian Phillips on The Right Idea as he welcomes Abraham George, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, for an exclusive deep dive into the policies shaping Texas. From the push for school choice and border security to tackling property taxes and taxpayer-funded lobbying, George…
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Healthcare Transparency & HOA Reform with Rep. Caroline Harris Davila
In this episode of The Right Idea, host Brian Phillips, Chief Communications Officer at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, sits down with Texas State Representative Caroline Harris Davila from House District 52. Elected at just 28 years old, Rep. Harris Davila made waves as the Freshman…
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Going Radioactive with Texas Nuclear Alliance President Reed Clay
This week, Brian and Derek enjoy a “powerful” discussion regarding the future of nuclear energy in Texas with the state’s former Chief Operations Officer, Reed Clay. 0:00 Welcome 1:34 Hot Take: What’s your favorite famous political gaffe? 5:47 Introduction to the Texas Nuclear Alliance 7:30 Why…
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The School Choice Process with Rep. Terri Leo-Wilson
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen have the pleasure of sitting down with Representative Terri Leo-Wilson to discuss the recent developments in education policy under the pink dome, including bringing school choice to Texas. 1:25 Hot Take: Which business would you stop using if they took a key…
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23.5 Hours of ESA Testimony
TPPF's Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen react to this week’s nearly 24-hour marathon of testimony and debate over Texas House Bill 3, on Education Savings Accounts. 2:56 Hot Take: Which American product or service would you promote from the White House Lawn? 9:10 Texas House Pub Ed Committee…
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School Choice Is (Almost) Here with Jorge Borrego
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF’s K-12 Education Policy Director, Jorge Borrego, to discuss Texas' proposed Education Savings Account legislation and dispel the common myths around it. 1:19 Hot Take: Should the State of the Union return to merely a written letter to Congress?…
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School Choice Is Energy with Jason Isaac
Brian and Derek discuss all things “energy,” from fossil fuels to nuclear to yes… even parent empowerment, with Jason Isaac of the American Energy Institute. 0:00 Welcome 2:12 Hot Take: Following Elon’s example, should hats be a trend at all workplaces? 4:48 School Choice is Nigh - we have the...
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2025 Texas Policy Summit Rewind
Brian and Derek review the incredible week’s events at TPPF’s annual Texas Policy Summit, featuring highlights from Governor Abbott, Lieutenant Governor Patrick, House Speaker Burrows, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Congressman Chip Roy and so much more!
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Legislative Potpourri for $1,000
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from Valentine's Day decorum, to property tax relief, to the lies and damn lies surrounding school choice. 2:17 Hot Take: How long can you date someone and NOT have to buy them a Valentine’s Day gift? 6:50 Property Tax Relief...
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Governor Abbott’s Emergency Items
This week, Brian Phillips and TPPF’s Vice President of Policy, Andrew Brown, discuss Governor Abbott’s State of the State address, in which he outlined his top priorities for the 89th Legislative Session. 1:46 Hot Take: Best / Worst Trades in Sports History 9:06 Property Tax Relief 16:08 Water...
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News of the Week in Texas and D.C.
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen tackle the top headlines of the week, from the NFL cheers, jeers and tears to the State’s 89th Legislative Session and the quick moves Trump has made nationally in merely two weeks since his inauguration. 7:03 Hot Take: Who will win the Super Bowl… and who cares?...
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Securing Texas and the Nation with Selene Rodriguez
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by TPPF’s Secure & Sovereign Texas Campaign Director, Selene Rodriguez, to dive into President Trump’s Executive Orders and other plans to secure our southern border. 1:24 Hot Take: Who would be your unexpected band to headline YOUR inauguration party?…
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Fiscal Sanity with Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen are joined by the State of Texas’ Comptroller of Public Accounts, Glenn Hegar, to discuss the current and future state of Texas’ financial integrity. 1:17 Hot Take: What’s your favorite rumor or myth about the Texas Capitol? 4:53 Guest Interview: Texas Comptroller...
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The Biggest Issues for 2025 with Andrew Brown
Brian Phillips and Derek Cohen discuss the upcoming Texas Legislative Session and the key issues that lie ahead with TPPF’s Vice President of Policy, Andrew Brown. 1:24 Hot Take: New Year’s Resolutions 5:55 Parent Empowerment 8:34 Water 10:55 The Economy 12:37 Property Taxes 16:59 School...
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The Year In Review with Brad Johnson
Brian and Derek are joined by The Texan’s Senior Reporter, Brad Johnson, to take a fun look back at 2024 and reflect on the year’s highlights, lowlights and even lower lights, typically stemming from AT&T Stadium. 1:27 Hot Take: The O.H.I.O. Sportsmanship Act would make planting a flag in the...
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“In Depth”: Crime, Punishment & All Things In Between with Matt Logan
In this “In Depth” episode, Derek Cohen and Texas State University professor Matt Logan discuss Matt’s upcoming criminal justice paper in City Journal and how criminal justice policy at the state and federal levels might change following recent election results.
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"In Depth": How the Assault on Marriage Is Destroying Democracy with Conn Carroll
In this “In Depth” episode, Brian discusses the cultural battles being fought from Washington D.C. to Main Street, U.S.A. for and against the nuclear family and the institution of marriage with the Washington Examiner’s Conn Carroll.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.
HOSTED BY
Texas Public Policy Foundation
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How many episodes does The Right Idea have?
The Right Idea currently has 115 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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The Right Idea: The Texas Public Policy Foundation's weekly look at the people, policy, and politics that drive Texas.
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The Right Idea publishes regularly with 115 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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