Lawrence Wright On 'Mr. Texas'

This podcast episode explores the state of corruption in Texas, the author's journey in writing his novel, the character of Sonny Lamb and the influence of lobbyists, the chaotic nature of budget night in the Texas legislature, the transformation of Austin, Texas, the state of Texas politics, the complex nature of Texas, the gun culture, and the novel "Blackouts" by Justin Torres. It discusses the concerning state of corruption in Texas, the power and influence of lobbyists, the challenges and opportunities of Austin's rapid growth, the alienation felt by many Republicans within the GOP, and the importance of addressing climate change. The podcast also highlights the complex and contradictory nature of Texas, the parallels between the gun culture and religious cults, and the historical context of Justin Torres's novel "Blackouts."