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The Sweet Tea Series

Texas Public Policy Foundation

Welcome to The Sweet Tea Series!
Join Ariana Guajardo and her guests for some pop culture with a splash of policy ✨

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23 episodes
Avg 32 min
English

Episodes 23

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#91
Tuesday · 33 min
The Lost Art of Hosting and Hospitality
Hospitality, kindness, politics, and culture. What do all of those things have in common? They all start at the dinner table. In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with southern hostess, writer, and business owner Lisa Zook to discuss the difference between entertaining and true hospitality and why bringing people back to the dinner table matters. Lisa explains how fear, perfectionism, and technology have discouraged people from opening their homes and connecting with others. From discussing faith and politics around the family table to putting away phones and welcoming neighbors, she shares practical ways to rebuild relationships, pass down values, and shape a healthier culture.
#90
September 29 · 35 min
The Hidden Factors Driving Up Housing Costs for Texans
Why is homeownership becoming increasingly difficult for Texans and what can Texas do to make housing more affordable? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Jose Melendez, campaign director for TPPF’s Taxpayer Protection Project and Government Reform and Oversight Coalition, to discuss the housing affordability crisis facing young families, renters, and essential workers across Texas. From restrictive zoning and minimum lot sizes to permitting delays and rising property taxes, Jose explains how local government policies can limit housing supply and increase costs. He also breaks down the reforms Texas passed during the 2025 legislative session and the additional solutions lawmakers should consider next session.
#89
September 22 · 56 min
Raising Resilient Kids: Nutrition & Brain Development in the Age of Screens
What do nutrition, screen time, stress, and everyday childhood experiences do to a developing brain? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo is joined by Dr. Delia McCabe, whose work brings together psychology, nutrition, and neuroscience, to explore how parents can help raise healthy, resilient kids. Dr. McCabe explains how nutrition supports brain development and neuroplasticity, why movement and play are essential for children, and how excessive screen time can affect the way young brains learn, socialize, and regulate emotions. She also breaks down the role of the prefrontal cortex, why kids need opportunities to experience failure and discomfort, and how parents can help children develop confidence, critical thinking, and resilience. They also discuss how stress affects the brain, why changing your mind can be so difficult, and how our modern information environment may be shaping the way both children and adults think. More from Dr. Delia McCabe: https://lighterbrighteryou.life/ https://deliamccabe.substack.com/ Supplements mentioned in the episode: https://www.florahealth.com/products/udos-choice-oil-blend-369?variant=40145120690341 https://www.florahealth.com/products/ferritin?variant=40145123377317
#87
September 15 · 33 min
Raising Conservative Leaders & Rural Texas Challenges w/ Rep. Helen Kerwin
How is rural Texas changing and what does this mean for the future of rural Texas? In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Texas State Representative Helen Kerwin to discuss her journey from small-town flower shop owner to mayor, county commissioner, and now state legislator. They discuss the everchanging landscape of rural Texas due to datacenter development. They also unpack the importance of tourism, the role of water, and the challenges facing rural Texas.
#86
September 1 · 29 min
Defending Texas from Islamist Radicalization
How are Islamist networks attempting to gain influence in Texas? In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Selene Rodriguez, Campaign Director for TPPF's Defeating Islamist Radicalization campaign, to discuss the growing threat of Islamist radicalization. From foreign funding and campus organizations to the exploitation of legal loopholes, Selene explains how Islamist networks operate across Texas and why defeating them requires a coordinated approach that protects national security, strengthens education, and safeguards families.
#85
August 11 · 32 min
Why Is Gen Z Struggling to Find Love?
Why are young Americans giving up on dating, marriage, and family? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Hannah Bruck, Campaign Director for the Family Success Project at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and host of The Family Front podcast, to discuss the state of marriage, dating, and family formation in America. From dating apps to declining marriage rates, social isolation, and the growing fear of commitment, Hannah explains why young Americans are struggling to form lasting relationships.
#84
August 4 · 30 min
What Happened to Reading?
Are Americans losing the ability and desire to read? In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Cameron Abrams, Policy Analyst for the Next Generation Texas campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to discuss America’s declining reading habits and what the shift away from literature means for education and culture. From shrinking attention spans and algorithm-driven content to the decline of the Western canon, Cameron explains how technology has changed the way Americans consume information and why returning to the great books is essential to preserving our shared cultural inheritance.
#83
July 28 · 26 min
Should America Abolish Its Schools of Education?
After years of failing both students and educators, is it time to change the way we are teaching the teachers? In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Kate Bierly, Director of the Next Generation Texas Campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to discuss her latest research on schools of education and how they've failed both teachers and students. From grade inflation, declining academic standards, and ideological indoctrination, Kate explains how schools of education have changed over the past century and what Texas can do to prepare better teachers. Kate Bierly's research on Education Schools: https://www.texaspolicy.com/education-schools-low-standards-high-indoctrination-zero-results/
#82
July 21 · 22 min
She Survived a Healthcare Nightmare. Now She's Fighting to Fix It.
How did Brooke go from numerous procedures and thyroid cancer to fighting for transparency and accountability for Texans on the policy side of healthcare? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with TPPF's Brooke Garner, Policy Scholar of the Healthy Texas Initiative, to discuss her personal journey through America's healthcare system and why she's now working to reform it. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at just 14 years old and later thyroid cancer at age 20, Brooke shares how insurance barriers delayed treatment, increased medical costs, and ultimately shaped her passion for healthcare policy. Together, they discuss the difference between healthcare and health coverage, why healthcare transparency and accountability matter, and the reforms Texas is pursuing to put patients back at the forefront of their health coverage.
#81
July 14 · 23 min
These Local Government Overreach Cases Sound Fake…
Can the city really fine $915,000 for cutting down trees on your own property? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Laura Beth Latimer, attorney with the Center for the American Future (CAF), to discuss how local governments across America are increasingly overstepping their authority and what citizens can do to fight back. They dive into various cases from a California couple fined $915,000 for removing dead trees from their property to cities restricting religious gatherings in private homes and even banning people from feeding the homeless. Laura Beth explains why local government matters more than most Americans realize—and why protecting constitutional rights often starts at city hall. Topics covered include: -Local governments -California couple facing a $915,000 fine over backyard trees -Zoning laws can threaten religious liberty -The growing problem of government overreach at the local level -The Center for the American Future #PropertyRights #Constitution #LocalGovernment #Freedom #Texas #constitutionalrights The Center for the American Future: https://www.texaspolicy.com/initiatives/center-for-the-american-future The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation by educating and affecting policymakers and the Texas public policy debate with academically sound research and outreach. Funded by thousands of individuals, foundations, and corporations, the Foundation does not accept government funds or contributions to influence the outcomes of its research. The public is demanding a different direction for their government, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation is providing the ideas that enable policymakers to chart that new course. Website: https://texaspolicy.com X: https://twitter.com/tppf Facebook: https://facebook.com/texaspolicy Instagram: https://instagram.com/texaspolicy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/texas-public-policy-foundation/
#80
July 7 · 39 min
The Financial Literacy Lessons Every Young American Needs to Hear | The Sweet Tea Series
How can young Americans start using financial literacy today to set themselves up for financial success later in life? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Ashley B. Cash, education advocate, business owner, and host of The Ashley B. Cash Show, to discuss why financial literacy may be one of the most important life skills missing from today's education system. From budgeting and investing to homeownership, and retirement Ashley explains why financial literacy is essential for every student and how Texas is working to make it a graduation requirement. Topics covered include: -Why financial literacy should be taught in every high school -The biggest money mistakes young adults make -Budgeting, saving, and investing for beginners -How compound interest can change your financial future -Why delaying gratification builds long-term wealth -The difference between good debt and bad debt -Building multiple streams of income -How parents can prepare their children for financial success #FinancialLiteracy #PersonalFinance #Investing #Texas #Budgeting #FinancialFreedom
#79
June 23 · 20 min
How Texas Is Protecting Children in the Digital Age w/ Senator Angela Paxton
How can parents protect their children in an increasingly digital world? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Senator Angela Paxton at the Texas GOP Convention to discuss child safety, parental empowerment, family policy, and the growing role parents play in shaping legislation.
#78
June 2 · 42 min
The Decline of Higher Education: DEI, Civic Illiteracy, & Grade Inflation
How have America’s universities gone from centers of learning to institutions facing growing questions about accountability, civic education, and student outcomes? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Dr. Tom Lindsay, Distinguished Senior Fellow of Higher Education at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to discuss the state of higher education in Texas and across the nation. From grade inflation and declining academic standards to DEI, and the future of civic education, Dr. Lindsay explains how higher education has changed over the past several decades and why lawmakers, parents, and students are demanding reform.
#77
May 12 · 50 min
How Marxism Infiltrated America: The Long March Through the Institutions | The Sweet Tea Series
How did America’s schools, media, universities, and cultural institutions become so radically different in just a few generations? In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Mandy Drogin, Senior Fellow of Government Reform at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to break down the history and strategy behind “The Long March Through the Institutions” — the decades-long effort by Marxist thinkers and activists to reshape Western culture from within. From Karl Marx and the Frankfurt School to critical theory, higher education, teachers unions, and modern culture wars, Mandy walks through how these ideas spread through America’s institutions and why so many parents are now pushing back. Topics covered include: * The origins of the “Long March Through the Institutions” * Herbert Marcuse, Antonio Gramsci, and the Frankfurt School * How Marxist ideology entered universities and K-12 education * Critical theory, critical race theory, and cultural revolution * Teachers unions, academia, and institutional influence * The breakdown of faith, family, and Western values * COVID lockdowns, DEI, and modern political activism * Why parents and patriots are fighting back If you’ve ever wondered, “How did we get here?” — this conversation connects the dots. Subscribe for more conversations on culture, politics, education, and the future of America. #Marxism #LongMarchThroughTheInstitutions #CultureWar #CriticalTheory #Education #Politics #TexasPolicy #SweetTeaSeries #WesternCivilization #CRT _________ The Texas Public Policy Foundation’s mission is to promote and defend liberty, personal responsibility, and free enterprise in Texas and the nation by educating and affecting policymakers and the Texas public policy debate with academically sound research and outreach. Funded by thousands of individuals, foundations, and corporations, the Foundation does not accept government funds or contributions to influence the outcomes of its research. The public is demanding a different direction for their government, and the Texas Public Policy Foundation is providing the ideas that enable policymakers to chart that new course. Website: https://texaspolicy.com X: https://twitter.com/tppf Facebook: https://facebook.com/texaspolicy Instagram: https://instagram.com/texaspolicy LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/texas-public-policy-foundation/
#76
May 5 · 21 min
Savannah Craven: One of the Most Hated Voices in the Pro-Life Movement
In this episode of the Sweet Tea Series, TPPF’s Ariana Guajardo sits down with Savannah Craven, creator of Her Patriot Voice and a major voice in the pro-life movement. The two discuss Savannah’s viral “man-on-the-street” interviews, conservative living in New York City, and the cultural pressures surrounding abortion, feminism, and women’s empowerment.
#75
April 28 · 25 min
She Was Brazil’s Most Famous Feminist Until THIS Changed Everything | feat. Sara Huff
In this episode, TPPF's Ariana Guajardo interviews Sara Huff, Brazil’s former most prolific feminist and pro-choice advocate. Sara breaks down her powerful transformation from radical feminist to pro-life activist, sharing her journey through feminist bootcamps, the traumatic abortion that changed everything, and how she left the movement. The ladies also chat about motherhood, her new nonprofit Raising Non-Liberal Kids, and exposing the lies of feminism in Latin America.
#74
April 21 · 17 min
From Blue Haired Liberal to Conservative Powerhouse | The Sweet Tea Series
In this episode, TPPF's Ariana Guajardo interviews Tyler Bertola, founder and president of United Gen USA. Tyler breaks down launching United Gen USA, a media organization that connects emerging conservative voices with future voters with an emphasis on policy education. The ladies also chat about motherhood, Tyler's journey into conservatism, and the lies of feminism.
#73
March 31 · 12 min
César Chávez Day was a socialist scam...prove me wrong | The Sweet Tea Series
In today’s episode of the Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo takes a closer look at the growing conversation surrounding Cesar Chavez after a New York Times article exposed his alleged grooming and abuse of girls. Ariana breaks down the story and explains why there never should have been a Cesar Chavez Day to begin with. Ariana sheds light on the hidden socialist agenda promoted by Cesar Chavez and how groups are mishandling this recently unearthed information. 📌 If you want to read more, check out Ariana’s full article mentioned in the video: https://www.texaspolicy.com/the-left-hid-cesar-chavezs-rapes-and-turned-him-into-a-saint/
#72
March 24 · 29 min
Grind, Grit, Girlboss: How to Succeed in Business
In this episode, TPPF's Ariana Guajardo interviews Ashley Lands, CEO of Provincial Leisure and co-founder of The VIP Guy. Ashley breaks down launching her new member intercept platform, The VIP Guy, and shares why Texas is the ultimate spot for business. The ladies also chat about imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, accountability hacks, networking, and her best advice for getting into business and succeeding.
#71
March 17 · 47 min
Exposing Modern Feminism | The Sweet Tea Series
In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, TPPF's Hannah Bruck and Lily Kate Cole, a Gen Z conservative influencer, unpack the barriers to marriage and family. They discuss feminism as well as the effects of social media and dating apps on modern dating.

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