SPEAK USA Podcast

Cliff Zintgraff

Hear from U.S. citizens who value our democratic history, rights, progress, and institutions. Learn how to take action. LEARN, CONNECT, and SPEAK UP!

Play

Open in

20 episodes
Avg 51 min
English

Episodes 20

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

#26
August 16 · 1 hr 1 min
Why Evidence, Professionals, and the Rule of Law Matter-Dr. Regina Vanburg
Dr. Regina Vanburg, a licensed psychologist serving VA patients, was a candidate for U.S. House District 21. She brings her experience as a doctor, her knowledge of history and government, and her time as a candidate to the conversation. We talk about why non-partisan professionals serve in government, the role of evidence in serving people, and the underlying principles of our democracy that demand respect and support for professionals who serve the nation.
#25
July 19 · 9 min
Declaration of Independence-The Afterparty!
Seriously, how many of the Declaration's accusations are happening in our current federal administration? Hear the SPEAK USA team talk that through, and witness the stress relief!, after we read through the Declaration of Independence. It's a precious legacy left to us. It's worth protecting, for ourselves and generations to come.
S1 · E24
July 5 · 21 min
Live Reading-The Declaration of Independence
We share a live reading of the full text of the Declaration of Independence. As you listen, consider what it means to you, and how it relates to our government as we celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States.
#23
May 10 · 1 hr 7 min
Democracy in Texas Senate 11-Candidate Shannon Dicely
Shannon Dicely is a candidate for Texas Senate District 11. Shannon and Cliff talk about education and guarantees from the Texas Constitution, voting rights and gerrymandering, healthcare and her cancer health challenge during COVID, and affordability and Texas as #2 in economy but #48 in opportunity across all residents. She talks about her constant, intentional efforts to create opportunity for and connect with residents in District 11.
#22
May 7 · 1 hr 12 min
Democracy in Texas House 106-Candidate Joe Mayes
Joe Mayes, an Air Force veteran, cyber professional, experienced executive, and candidate for Texas House District 106, shares his thoughts on education funding and policy in Texas, affordability, housing, and our nation's commitment and history of lifting up our personal freedoms.
S1 · E21
April 10 · 51 min
Democracy in US House 22-Candidate Marquette Greene-Scott
Marquette Greene-Scott is running for U.S. House District 22. She brings her experience representing her city, based on facts and her residents' values, to address issues of affordability, education, and voting rights, in a way that honors residents and the values of our country.
S1 · E20
April 6 · 1 hr 5 min
Democracy in the Texas Panhandle-Texas House 87 Candidate Diana Loya
A near-life-long resident of Dumas, Texas, Diana shares what it's like to live in the Texas Panhandle, the issues they face--education, health care, and the workforce--and how she will represent the best interests of her constituents and their way of life, in a way that honors the democratic value of our nation.
S1 · E19
March 30 · 1 hr 19 min
Things Learned and Observed While Running for Office-Bob Mihara
Bob shares what he learned running for the State House in Texas, in a conversation building on his history as a West Point graduate, military veteran, and practicing lawyer who actively provides pro bono services. Bob and Cliff talk about his experiences during his campaign ("at the same time ordinary and profound!"), his view on current events through the lens of his experiences, observations about how representatives should relate to those they represent, and advice for prospective candidates and others who want to find a way to engage for the good of the country.
S1 · E18
March 8 · 1 hr 5 min
The Face to Face Project-Hearing from Every Candidate-Bonny Krahn-Phil Manna
For ten+ years, Bonny has given candidates in elections the opportunity to share their message, and voters the chance to learn about every race on a local ballot. In a wide-ranging conversation, Phil and Cliff talk with Bonny about the effort, her history of community and political engagement, what motivates her, and how our democratic values are preserved by knowing the candidates, by voting, and by speaking up for our historic values. Bonny's work is inspiration to speak up for our democracy!
S1 · E17
February 22 · 18 min
Every Bexar Dem Candidate on Video-Phil Manna
Phil talks about the effort to get every Bexar County democratic candidate on video: How it was done, why it was done, and how to watch before you vote.
S1 · E16
February 15 · 1 hr 15 min
Accountability and Recovery, Judging With Impact-Judge Yolanda Huff
Judge Yolanda Huff is a "Judge in the Community." We talk about her background and influences, her work in District Court 12, her advocacy and work to develop the Mental Health and specialty courts, educating the community about the courts, and how her balance between accountability and recovery, and its positive impact on the community, contrasts with the harmful extreme ideology in our federal and state governments.
#15
February 8 · 48 min
Veterans, the Rule of Law, ICE, and How to Respond-Martha Spinks-Fred Hofstetter
From their perspective as veterans, Retired Lieutenant Colonels Martha Spinks and Fred Hofstetter discuss their efforts to elevate the voices of veterans in protecting our democracy, especially as it relates to the rule of law, and to the actions of ICE in our city and around the nation.
#14
January 18 · 40 min
Fairness and Integrity in the Courts-Candidate Holly Taylor
Holly and Cliff talk about Holly's time in the Travis County DA's office, the privilege of keeping communities safe, conviction integrity and revisiting cases, respect for the laws and federal and state constitutions, Holly's planned visits to all 254 Texas counties!, her motivation for running, and her candidacy for Place 9 in the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
#13
Sep 16, 2025 · 36 min
Join Sun Day! Solar in SA and Around the Nation-Alan Montemayor-Peter Bella
Join a Sun Day event, and promote a sun-powered future! Alan and Peter talk about the San Antonio local event and Day of Action this Sunday, September 21, where you can hear from San Antonio's former Mayor, Ron Nirenberg, CPS Energy President and CEO Rudy Garza, and numerous other speakers. Learn how to take action toward a sun-powered future. For viewers outside San Antonio, learn more about the state of solar energy, and look for an event in your community. Learn more about the San Antonio event at www.tinyurl.com/speakusa-sun-day. Learn more about the nationwide Day of Action at https://www.sunday.earth.
#12
Sep 14, 2025 · 1 hr 7 min
Doing Right by Immigrants and People Seeking Asylum-Soren Vaughn
Soren talks about his efforts monitoring ICE sites. He shares stories of what he's seen, where we are falling short of our values, the moral imperative to respond, and how we can better take care of immigrants and asylum seekers in ways good for our country. He shares how you can help.
#11
Sep 11, 2025 · 43 min
Let's Keep America's Healthcare Impact on the World-Paul Holden
Dr. Paul Holden shares his experience providing healthcare in Malawi, Africa, and talks with Cliff about his op-ed, including the impact of American healthcare aid saving 26 million lives in Africa, and the cost to others and to the U.S. of ending that aid. See his article: Paul C. Holden: What happens to people America helps when the aid suddenly stops, for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
#10
Sep 7, 2025 · 36 min
How We First Engaged in Politics-Allen Blair and Cindy Hacker
Allen and Cindy talk about how current events caused them to engage in politics, how they first engaged, and ways we can unify and win.
#9
Aug 24, 2025 · 53 min
Civic Storytelling, the Press, and Democracy-Josh Collins
Josh talks with Cliff about how Revision News is bringing civic stories to residents of San Antonio. We talk about ways to deliver these stories with humanity and in a manner that protects our democratic rights and freedoms.
#8
Aug 17, 2025 · 1 hr 15 min
Humanizing San Antonio-Sakib Shaikh
Sakib and Cliff talk about many topics that tie back why dehumanizing people is both wrong and bad for America, and humanizing people and groups is the way to a strong, fair, and just America.
#7
Aug 10, 2025 · 47 min
Greater Participation Greater Good-Amanda Price
Amanda and Cliff talk about how greater participation means greater good for our democracy. We talk about the Department of Education, vouchers, and redistricting. And how you can engage!

Showing 1–20 of 20 episodes