Hobby Talks

About 

Hobby Talks is a podcast series from the Hobby School of Public Affairs produced in partnership with the M.D. Anderson Library at the University of Houston. Hosted by Dean Jim Granato and Hobby School faculty, the podcast features timely conversations on politics and policy with experts, scholars and those guiding the most complex challenges facing our region and state.  

Launched in Nov. 2024, Hobby Talks expands the school’s access to thought-provoking discussions and encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue on relevant issues. 

Listen. Subscribe. Learn More.

New episodes premiere during the fall and spring semesters. Tune in on Apple, Spotify or your favorite podcast app. 

Episodes

Defending Democracy with Andrew Marantz

On this episode of Hobby Talks, Andrew Marantz of The New Yorker examines the current state of democracy and the expansion of presidential power in conversation with Brandon Williams of the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center on Ethics and Leadership. They also discuss youth engagement in politics and civic life and how students can strengthen their classrooms and communities. Marantz is at the University of Houston for the Democracy in America lecture series, hosted by the Elizabeth D. Rockwell Center.

Andrew Marantz has contributed to The New Yorker since 2011, writing extensively about technology, politics, social media and the press. He has published pieces about the battle for the young male vote, the erosion of American democracy and the prospect of an A.I. apocalypse, among other topics. Listen to the episode on your favorite podcast app on Oct. 5.