Ep. 94: Sharing What Works: TAC’s County Best Practices Awards
Release Date: 01/23/2026
Ep. 105: Pathways to Change: Transforming Lives in Midland County
Texas County Voice
The Midland County jail is becoming more than a place to serve time. Sheriff David Criner and the Pathways to H.O.P.E. team are helping inmates confront the choices and challenges that led them to jail — and prepare for life after release. In this episode of Texas County Voice, hear from program leaders, mentors and participants about accountability, second chances and why helping people successfully reenter their communities can be a powerful tool for public safety.
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Ep. 104: Inside the Latest County Magazine: Second Chances and Summer Stories
Texas County Voice
In this episode of Texas County Voice, we catch up with County magazine Managing Editor Mary Huber for a preview of the latest issue. The cover story explores how recovery and rehabilitation programs in Midland County are giving people second chances. It's part of the Texas Association of Counties' ongoing Texas County Storytellers campaign. We also discuss how Texas counties are helping families prepare for the new school year, and we look at new state parks opening around Texas and what state parks mean for local economies....
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Ep. 103: Wise County Judge J.D. Clark Looks Back on His NACo Presidency
Texas County Voice
"Every county has a story." That message guided Wise County Judge J.D. Clark throughout his year as president of the National Association of Counties. Fresh from NACo's Annual Conference in New Orleans, Judge Clark joins Texas County Voice to reflect on a year spent representing counties across the country and highlights the insights and experiences he brings back home to Texas.
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Ep. 102: Medicare: What County Employees Need to Know
Texas County Voice
Choosing a Medicare plan can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Texas County Voice, TAC Employee Benefits Consultant Rashawn Collins and Employee Benefits Specialist Casha Hill break down your Medicare options, explain what to expect during the enrollment process and share practical guidance for choosing coverage that fits your health needs and budget.
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Ep. 101: Rebuilding Care: Inside Galveston County's New Mental Health Center
Texas County Voice
In the latest episode of Texas County Voice, we travel to Galveston County for an inside look at Gulf Coast Center, a new mental health facility helping restore critical services lost since Hurricane Ike nearly two decades ago. This episode is part of our Texas County Storytellers initiative, highlighting the people, partnerships and projects shaping communities across Texas. Related Information:
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100 Episodes of Texas County Voice
Texas County Voice
In the 100th episode of , hosts Jody Seaborn and Angela Maldonado reflect on the podcast’s journey since its launch in 2022. They revisit memorable guests, award-winning episodes and stories that explored Texas history, big issues and the people behind county government. Join us as we celebrate the conversations and connections that have defined the show, and the many stories still left to tell.
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Ep. 99: Resilience, Innovation and Local Legends: New Stories From County Magazine
Texas County Voice
In this episode of Texas County Voice, we preview , featuring the second installment in our cover series. We spotlight Galveston County’s new mental health facility, a local, state and federal partnership restoring critical services lost after Hurricane Ike. We also explore Washington County’s rural EMS helicopter program, the fascinating history of time capsules and the enduring legend of Eastland County’s Old Rip, and innovative flood mitigation strategies from Texas A&M AgriLife...
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Ep. 98: Texas County Storytellers: Dust, Pavement and the Price of Progress
Texas County Voice
In this episode of Texas County Voice, we share the first feature from the Texas Association of Counties' initiative. reveals how South Texas counties worked together to manage road damage, rising costs and safety concerns during the Eagle Ford Shale oil boom. It's a powerful look at the tradeoffs of growth and the resilience and collaboration it takes to keep communities moving forward.
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Ep. 97: Owning the Narrative: NACo's We Are Counties Campaign
Texas County Voice
Counties do incredible work, but are those stories being heard? This National County Government Month, Texas County Voice welcomes Matt Chase, the CEO and executive director of the National Association of Counties, to explore NACo's new We Are Counties campaign and why sharing your county's story can transform public trust and engagement. Tune in to hear how counties can take control of their narrative and elevate their voices. Related Information:
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Ep. 96: From Potholes to Public Office: A Working Commissioner's Story
Texas County Voice
From patching asphalt as part of a county work crew to elected official, De Witt County Commissioner Ryan Varela knows what it takes to keep rural roads moving. In this episode of Texas County Voice — part of our Texas County Storytellers initiative — he shares how the Eagle Ford Shale oil boom tests South Texas infrastructure, and the lessons of responsibility, resilience and service he’s learned along the way. See also:
info_outlineCounties across Texas are finding smart, practical ways to serve their communities, and TAC's County Best Practices Awards are designed to highlight those successes. In this episode of Texas County Voice, TAC County Relations Officers Rhita Koches and Jay Mayden explain how the awards program works, why it matters and how an innovative idea in one county can benefit all 254. If your county is doing something worth sharing, this episode is your invitation to tell that story.
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