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Party Politics

Party Politics

By: Houston Public Media
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About this listen

Overwhelmed by the political news cycle every week? We get it — that’s why we’re ‘keeping the fun but losing all the drama’ of politics! Party Politics podcast is hosted by Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina, two smart and sassy University of Houston political science professors, who deliver a friendly, funny, and casually informative recap of the week's biggest political news stories. Join the conversation on Twitter @HPMPolitics; use #PartyPoliticsPod to ask Brandon and Jeronimo questions; or email us at Party Politics.

℗ & © 2025 Houston Public Media Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • The Voting Puzzle: Registration, Access, and Apathy in Texas

    The Voting Puzzle: Registration, Access, and Apathy in Texas
    Jun 20 2025

    Texas consistently ranks near the bottom when it comes to voter turnout — but why?

    In this episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into the numbers behind Texas’ low voter turnout and explore the many factors that shape how, when, and whether people cast a ballot.

    TOPICS:Why eligible voters aren’t registering.
    The unique challenges young voters face.
    How accessibility and ID laws impact participation.
    What communities and creatives can do to inspire civic engagement.

    From systemic barriers to cultural shifts, we unpack what’s keeping Texans from the polls — and what might finally change that.

    How we vote matters. And in Texas, it might matter more than ever.

    In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). SUBSCRIBE for more local news and information from Houston Public Media: https://www.youtube.com/@HoustonPublicMedia
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    27 mins
  • The Changing Face of Texas: Growth, Grit, and Growing Pains

    The Changing Face of Texas: Growth, Grit, and Growing Pains
    Jun 13 2025
    This week on Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina explore the growing pains and political pressures shaping Texas as it marches toward its bicentennial in 2036. From population explosions and housing crises to water shortages and shifting demographics, the Lone Star State is facing some big questions about its future.TOPICS:Population growth challenges.Why affordable housing is slipping out of reachWater depletion.Demographic shifts in TexasPolitics of immigrationSilver TsunamiHow energy systems are being put to their limitsAs Texas approaches its 200th birthday, can state leaders rise to the challenge—or will politics get in the way?In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts). SUBSCRIBE for more local news and information from Houston Public Media: https://www.youtube.com/@HoustonPublicMedia
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    27 mins
  • Big Decisions Ahead: Bills, Budget Battles, SCOTUS Cases & What’s Next in U.S. Politics This Summer

    Big Decisions Ahead: Bills, Budget Battles, SCOTUS Cases & What’s Next in U.S. Politics This Summer
    Jun 6 2025

    It’s shaping up to be a busy — and politically loaded — summer.

    On this episode of Party Politics, co-hosts Brandon Rottinghaus and Jeronimo Cortina dig into the big headlines and behind-the-scenes dynamics shaping U.S. politics this season.

    TOPICS:

    Which bills could land on the Governor Abbott's desk — and which might get vetoed

    The status of the federal budget battle in Congress

    The latest in U.S. tariff disputes and global trade tensions

    Supreme Court cases to watch as rulings roll out

    Possible changes in foreign policy amid shifting global alliances

    How politicians are gearing up for the 2026 elections during the summer

    In addition to YouTube, Party Politics airs every Friday night at 8:00 p.m. CT on Houston Public Media TV-8 (PBS), or listen every Friday at 7:30 p.m. CT on News 88.7. The audio podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you get your podcasts).
    Show More Show Less
    27 mins
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