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The Civics Lab

The Civics Lab

By: David Thomason
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The Civics Lab at St. Edward's University (Austin, TX) is a student and faculty collaborative podcast on civics life in America. We interview guests and discuss issues around the intersection of politics, economics, society, public policy, religion and other important issues to the civics life in the United States and Texas. Dr. David Thomason, on the faculty at St. Ed's, is the director of the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence and project manager of the Civics Lab. Students at St. Ed's produce, research and comment on the podcast. The Civics Lab team is led by St. Edward's University students Jacob Zivin, George Reyes, Charlie Mossberger, Paige Kennedy, Tori Fleming and Janie Herring. The podcast is brought to you by the Kozmetsky Center. Some of the podcasts are also funded by a Civics Engagement grant from Pi Sigma Alpha.

© 2025 The Civics Lab Political Science Politics & Government Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Exploring Civic Education through Statecraft Simulations

    Exploring Civic Education through Statecraft Simulations
    Oct 2 2025

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    Description: In this episode of the Civics Lab, we sit down with Joe Jaeger, founder and CEO of Statecraft Simulations, a project-based learning simulation for civics and politics. We delve into his entrepreneurial journey creating the platform, and how it teaches students the complexities and nuances of the political system. Joe connects his work to the contemporary political landscape, delving into topics such as the separations of power, the constitution, and the influence of social media. Tune in to the Civics Lab to listen to this conversation.


    Music Credit: David Thomason

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    49 mins
  • Public Goods and Urban Growth: Housing and Environmental Responsibility in Austin and Travis County

    Public Goods and Urban Growth: Housing and Environmental Responsibility in Austin and Travis County
    Sep 8 2025

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    Description

    The Civics Lab toured an abandoned Travis County landfill now slated for redevelopment into housing. We explore its history, a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton against Travis County, and the developer’s push for county accountability. Guests include Ashika Ganguly Executive Director of Transit Forward, Luis Osta Lugo, Board Member for AURA, Corbin Graham, Principal at Graham Development, and attorney Jim Blackburn, discussing the environmental and political complexities of the landfill, Austin, and Travis County.


    Date Recorded

    Monday, July 14th, 2025


    Music Credit

    Artist: David Thomason




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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The Role of Leadership in Civic Progress: A Conversation with Leadership Austin's CEO

    The Role of Leadership in Civic Progress: A Conversation with Leadership Austin's CEO
    Aug 7 2025

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    Description
    The Civics Lab sits down with Jill Goodman, CEO of Leadership Austin. Tune in to learn about Leadership Austin’s dynamic leadership programs and the diverse cohorts they engage. Jill shares insights on the importance of tough conversations, why leadership is essential for community progress, and why she’s so passionate about the organization’s mission.

    More about Leadership Austin

    For more information on Leadership Austin, visit their website: https://leadershipaustin.org. If you want to be more action oriented with Leadership Austin, sign up for their newsletter: https://leadershipaustin.us1.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bc96d256e1face47230702995&id=c868edfdf7.

    Date Recorded
    July 2nd, 2025
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    34 mins
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