Texas Impact's Weekly Witness
Religion & Spirituality
About
Weekly Witness is a weekly opportunity for Texans of faith to learn about important public policy issues through a faith lens, and find out timely opportunities to participate in the public policy process. Host Scott Atnip is Texas Impact's Director of Public Witness. His guests come from a wide assortment of policy disciplines and faith traditions.
Episodes
- Weekly Witness Ep.511 Homecoming with Rev. Brooke Dooley
Rev. Brooke Dooley joins Scott to discuss her ministry path, from a closeted youth to a pastor providing hope for the next generation. They explore the current political climate, youth inquiries, and how faith communities can support young…
- Weekly Witness Ep.511 Homecoming with Rev. Brooke Dooley
Rev. Brooke Dooley recounts her personal and professional journey in ministry, focusing on her path to becoming a pastor in her hometown and her work supporting young people. She and Scott also addressed the current political climate and h…
- Weekly Witness Ep.510 A Journey in Faith with Rev. Jody Harrison
Rev. Jody Harrison discusses her path from policy and campaign staffer to Baptist minister on Texas Impact's Weekly Witness. She also reflects on her faith and policy journey, her advocacy against Christian Nationalism in public education…
- Weekly Witness Ep.510 A Journey in Faith with Rev. Jody Harrison
In this episode of Weekly Witness, Rev. Jody Harrison shares her experiences transitioning from policy and campaign work to becoming a Baptist minister. She discusses her advocacy against Christian Nationalism, particularly in public educa…
- Weekly Witness Ep.509 A Life of Faithful Advocacy with Mel Caraway
Rev. Mel Caraway, a retired United Methodist pastor and climate advocate, joined Scott on Texas Impact’s Weekly Witness to discuss his faith journey, his focus on climate advocacy at international and denominational levels, and how listene…
- Weekly Witness Ep.508 Pluralism and Faithful Dialogues with Almas Muscatwalla
Scott Atnip is joined by Almas Muscatwalla, co-founder of Faith Forward Dallas, to discuss her Ismaili Muslim faith, the importance of pluralism and interfaith dialogue, and engaging with those holding differing political views.
- Weekly Witness Ep.507 Ramadan Reflections with Imaad Khan
Imaad Khan joins Scott Atnip to discuss his journey in faith and advocacy, including how his upbringing shaped his interest in public policy. They reflect on his work, current challenges in Texas and globally viewed through a faith lens, a…
- Weekly Witness Ep.506 Faithful Witness in Rural Texas with Rev. Trent Ormsbee-Hale
Rev. Trent Ormsbee-Hale joins host Scott Atnip to discuss his experiences as a pastor in rural Texas and the challenges of performing faithful advocacy and justice work in his community. The conversation explores ministry, shared history,…
- Weekly Witness Ep.505 "Are You With Us?" with Robert Rivera
This Weekly Witness episode features Robert Rivera, a lay faith leader advocating for justice and equity, particularly within immigrant communities. The conversation explores his work in immigration advocacy and civic engagement, challengi…
- Ep.504 Organizing in Texas with Rabbi Josh Fixler
This episode features Rabbi Josh Fixler discussing Christian Nationalism and civic engagement in Texas. Rabbi Fixler shares expertise on policy areas impacted by Christian Nationalism and provides practical tips for listeners to get involv…
- Ep.503 Showing Up with Rev. Mara Bim
Rev. Mara Bim joins host Scott Atnip on Texas Impact's Weekly Witness to discuss her faith journey and work in immigration advocacy. The conversation took place during the week of the Faithful Resistance event in Washington D.C., and resou…
- Weekly Witness Ep.502 "Do Your Thing" with Regina Q. Banks
This episode features Regina Banks, Director of the Lutheran Office of Public Policy-California, discussing her faith and advocacy journey, COP30, and the challenges climate advocates face when the government denies climate change.
- Ep. 501 Imagine Better with Phil Dieke
This episode of Texas Impact's Weekly Witness features Rev. Phil Dieke, discussing the role of faith leaders in justice and advocacy. Dieke shares insights on inspiring figures and the call to create a more loving and just world, especiall…
- Ep. 464: Year-End Policy Wrap-Up
Texas Impact's Weekly Witness hosts review the 2025 legislative sessions, discussing both positive and negative developments and their advocacy efforts. The team looks forward to returning in 2026.
- Ep. 463 Bridge Over Troubled—What Now?
This episode discusses the state of public policy in Texas for 2025 and 2026, examining policy outcomes and processes. Executive Director Bee Moorhead and legislative counsel Beaman Floyd explore how people of faith can contribute to navig…
- Ep. 462 Members Equip Us for Action
This episode of Weekly Witness features Membership Manager Kat Karbach discussing Texas Impact membership and the organization's public policy goals for 2025. The discussion highlights the crucial role of members in supporting Texas Impact…
- Ep. 461 Implementation, Ethics, and Finance, Oh My!
Reverend Dr. Becca Edwards reports on the UN climate negotiations (COP30) in Belém, Brazil, offering perspectives as a climate scientist and United Methodist pastor on the intersection of faith, morality, and the climate crisis.
- Ep. 460 ...It Just Can't Be a Loser
Members of the Texas Impact delegation, including Bee Moorhead, Rev. Becca Edwards, Dylan Le, and Regina Banks, share updates from the UN climate negotiations (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. The discussion covers the global climate emergency and…
- Ep. 459 Cotton Candy for Dinner: The November Election and What's Next
Episode 459 discusses the recent election results, focusing on local races and public policy. Texas Impact's Outside Legislative Counsel Beaman Floyd joins to talk about the legislative calendar and upcoming primary elections.
- Weekly Witness Ep. 458 Spaghetti Map: Elections, Redistricting, and Closed Primaries Converge
This episode of Weekly Witness, recorded during early voting, features reporter Natalia Contreras discussing the November 4 election, election infrastructure, constitutional amendments, and local races. The episode also touches on the impa…
- Ep. 457 Science + Faith for Informed Trans Allies
This episode features Dr. Lolly Lockhart, an experienced RN, discussing the science and medical aspects of transgender topics. The conversation aims to equip people of faith with knowledge to advocate for their transgender neighbors agains…
- Ep. 456 There's Always a Grift
State Representative Mickey Dollens joins Texas Impact to discuss his fight against Christian Nationalism in Oklahoma schools. He shares insights on how groups are pushing this agenda in state legislatures and urges people of faith to orga…
- Ep. 455 Working Together to Turn the Tide
Min. Christian Watkins joins Texas Impact's Weekly Witness to discuss the ongoing government shutdown, its effects on healthcare, and the role of faith leaders in advocacy. Watkins shares insights from his work with NETWORK Lobby and a rec…
- Ep. 454 This is a Religious Story
Mark Wingfield, executive director of Baptist News Global, joins Texas Impact's Weekly Witness to discuss the vital role of religious media in navigating a polarized landscape and safeguarding democracy. They explore key issues deserving a…
- Ep. 453 Texas Impact Presents: Faith in Democracy "Elections for Everybody"
This episode of Texas Impact's Faith in Democracy series, hosted by Bee Moorhead, focuses on the importance of voting as an act of faith, citizenship, and democracy. It examines the evolution of voting systems from 2000 to the present day,…
- Ep. 452 "My Anguish is My Hope"
Texas Impact convened its Leadership Council and participated in a summit against Christian Nationalism. Policy fellows Alexandra Lang and Dylan Le join to discuss these events.
- Ep. 451 Flooded with Missed Opportunities
Episode 451 discusses Texas water and flooding legislation, examining how it progressed through budget bills during the recent special session. Cyrus Reed from the Sierra Club provides insights.
- Ep. 450 Sine Dud
This episode features an initial response from Texas Impact's Executive Director, Bee Moorhead, following the Texas Legislature's adjournment sine die. It covers the legislative interim and the importance of civic engagement for Texans of…
- Ep. 449 Some Explaining to Do
Episode 449 of Texas Impact's Weekly Witness covers the Texas legislature's ongoing special session, addressing topics like redistricting, bathroom bills, and abortion medication, while also highlighting neglected issues such as healthcare…
- Ep. 448 Not So "Special" Session
In Ep. 448, Texas Impact members and people of faith engaged in the Capitol during the second special session. Representatives Rhetta Bowers, Salman Bhojani, and Jon Rosenthal spoke with Scott about the importance of faith communities in t…
- Ep. 447 Don't Upend It
Episode 447 discusses Texas legislative bills targeting reproductive rights and potentially limiting the Texas Religious Freedom Restoration Act, with insights from Rev. Laura Walters and Rev. Kyle Riley.
- Ep. 446 Advocacy vs Resistance
Texas House Democrats have left the state to oppose the congressional redistricting plan during the third week of Special Session No.1. Bee Moorhead discusses how Texans of faith can encourage conversations about community.
- Ep. 445 An Ounce of Prevention...
This episode of Texas Impact
- Ep. 444 "Communities of Interest"
Episode 444 discusses the Texas legislative special session on redistricting, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in the process. Beaman Floyd, Texas Impact's outside legislative counsel, joins the discussion.
- Ep. 443 Session Wrap-up: Healthcare
Episode 443 of Texas Impact's Weekly Witness features Diana Forester, Director of Health Policy with Texans Care for Children, discussing the Texas Legislature's healthcare policy outcomes from mid-June. The discussion briefly covers feder…
- Ep. 442 Session Wrap-up: Climate and Energy
This episode of Texas Impact's Weekly Witness features Adrian Shelley discussing climate and energy policy from the 89th legislative session. The discussion covers policy wins and future needs, serving as a resource for Texans of faith.
- Ep. 441 Session Wrap-up: Immigration
This episode of Texas Impact's Weekly Witness features Kristin Etter discussing key immigration bills passed by the Texas Legislature and federal immigration developments. The discussion serves as a resource for understanding the legislati…
- Ep. 440 Better Together
Texas Impact staff held a planning retreat in Austin. Four members of the Texas Impact Lobby team, Bobby Watson, Rev. Dr. Becca Edwards, Rev. Kyle Riley, and Grace Bonilla, discuss their work lobbying for Texas Impact priorities during the…
- Session is Finally Over—Now What?!
The Texas Legislature has adjourned Sine Die. Beaman Floyd, Texas Impact's Outside Legislative Counsel, joins to discuss the session's outcomes and what happens next during the interim. Visit texasimpact.org for involvement opportunities.
- Ep. 438 The Final Countdown
Bee Moorhead and Scott discuss the final days before the Texas Legislature adjourns Sine Die. They reflect on the legislative session and anticipate future interim activities. Information on involvement is available at texasimpact.org.
- Ep. 437 Passing Period: Moving Bills Before the Bell Rings
This episode discusses the Texas Legislature's progress with 11 days left before adjournment, focusing on health care, reproductive health, religion in schools, and public school funding. It also covers actions listeners can take during th…
- Ep. 436 Back to Basics: The Basic Allotment is the Funding Texas Schools Need
Texas Impact's Bee Moorhead discusses the current status of public school finance and key legislative deadlines as the Texas Legislature approaches the end of its session.
- Pluralism, Decency and Love for All
This episode features addresses from Texas faith leaders at a May 8th press conference at the Texas Capitol. Speakers discuss religious extremism and express support for pluralism, decency, and love.
- Ep. 434 Stay With It
In episode 434, Beaman Floyd, Texas Impact's outside legislative counsel, discusses navigating the final month of the Texas Legislative Session. The episode focuses on how Texans of faith can be effective advocates amidst policy debates.
- Ep. 433 Don't Hide Your Faith
Rev. Keats Miles Wallace joins the program to discuss anti-trans legislation and the importance of faith-based engagement with bills in the Texas Legislature. The episode covers policy issues and legislative movement following the House pa…
- Ep. 432 The Beloved Community—in Case We Forgot...
Episode 432 of Texas Impact's Weekly Witness covers the Texas Senate's school voucher bill, SB 2, detailing the House debate, tabled amendments, and potential future discussions. Executive Director Bee Moorhead analyzes the bill's impact o…
- Ep. 431 Faith Flourishes Independent from the Government
Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons joins Texas Impact's Weekly Witness to discuss Senate Bills 10 and 11, concerning the 10 Commandments and school prayer. He emphasizes the importance of people of faith speaking out to ensure their values are rep…
- Ep. 430 From Bad to Worse: Looming Medicaid Cuts in Congress
Episode 430 of Texas Impact's Weekly Witness focuses on potential large-scale Medicaid cuts being considered by Congress. The episode features Peter Clark from Texans Care for Children discussing the devastating impact on Texans and the he…
- Ep.429 Don't Fence in the Future: SB 819 Would Hurt Renewables Just When We Need Them Most
Texas Impact discusses SB 819, a bill being heard in the Texas Senate Committee on Business and Commerce. The episode features guests testifying against the bill, arguing it imposes burdensome regulations on the state's renewable energy se…
- Ep. 428 This Bill Will Save Lives: Faithful Support for the Life of the Mother Act
On Ep. 428, Texas Impact discusses the