The Sweet Tea Series

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with filmmaker, producer, entrepreneur, and Dad Saves America host John Papola. John shares how he went from working in mainstream television to creating films and digital content centered on economics, freedom, fatherhood, and traditional values.

Their conversation explores the power of storytelling, the importance of raising independent and resilient children, and why fathers have an essential role in shaping the next generation. John also offers advice to young men about marriage, family, responsibility, and building a meaningful life.

Hospitality, kindness, politics, and culture. What do all of those things have in common? They all start at the dinner table. 

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with southern hostess, writer, and business owner Lisa Zook to discuss the difference between entertaining and true hospitality and why bringing people back to the dinner table matters.

Lisa explains how fear, perfectionism, and technology have discouraged people from opening their homes and connecting with others. From discussing faith and politics around the family table to putting away phones and welcoming neighbors, s...

Why is homeownership becoming increasingly difficult for Texans and what can Texas do to make housing more affordable?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Jose Melendez, campaign director for TPPF’s Taxpayer Protection Project and Government Reform and Oversight Coalition, to discuss the housing affordability crisis facing young families, renters, and essential workers across Texas.

From restrictive zoning and minimum lot sizes to permitting delays and rising property taxes, Jose explains how local government policies can limit housing supply and increase costs. He also breaks down the reforms Te...

What do nutrition, screen time, stress, and everyday childhood experiences do to a developing brain?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo is joined by Dr. Delia McCabe, whose work brings together psychology, nutrition, and neuroscience, to explore how parents can help raise healthy, resilient kids.

Dr. McCabe explains how nutrition supports brain development and neuroplasticity, why movement and play are essential for children, and how excessive screen time can affect the way young brains learn, socialize, and regulate emotions. She also breaks down the role of the prefrontal cortex, why kids...

How is rural Texas changing and what does this mean for the future of rural Texas?

In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Texas State Representative Helen Kerwin to discuss her journey from small-town flower shop owner to mayor, county commissioner, and now state legislator. They discuss the everchanging landscape of rural Texas due to datacenter development. They also unpack the importance of tourism, the role of water, and the challenges facing rural Texas.

How are Islamist networks attempting to gain influence in Texas?

In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Selene Rodriguez, Campaign Director for TPPF's Defeating Islamist Radicalization campaign, to discuss the growing threat of Islamist radicalization. From foreign funding and campus organizations to the exploitation of legal loopholes, Selene explains how Islamist networks operate across Texas and why defeating them requires a coordinated approach that protects national security, strengthens education, and safeguards families.

Why are young Americans giving up on dating, marriage, and family?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Hannah Bruck, Campaign Director for the Family Success Project at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and host of The Family Front podcast, to discuss the state of marriage, dating, and family formation in America.

From dating apps to declining marriage rates, social isolation, and the growing fear of commitment, Hannah explains why young Americans are struggling to form lasting relationships.

Are Americans losing the ability and desire to read?

In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Cameron Abrams, Policy Analyst for the Next Generation Texas campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to discuss America’s declining reading habits and what the shift away from literature means for education and culture.

From shrinking attention spans and algorithm-driven content to the decline of the Western canon, Cameron explains how technology has changed the way Americans consume information and why returning to the great books is essential to preserving our shared cultural inheritance.

After years of failing both students and educators, is it time to change the way we are teaching the teachers?

In this episode, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Kate Bierly, Director of the Next Generation Texas Campaign at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to discuss her latest research on schools of education and how they've failed both teachers and students.

From grade inflation, declining academic standards, and ideological indoctrination, Kate explains how schools of education have changed over the past century and what Texas can do to prepare better teachers.

Kate Bierly's research...

How did Brooke go from numerous procedures and thyroid cancer to fighting for transparency and accountability for Texans on the policy side of healthcare?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with TPPF's Brooke Garner, Policy Scholar of the Healthy Texas Initiative, to discuss her personal journey through America's healthcare system and why she's now working to reform it.

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at just 14 years old and later thyroid cancer at age 20, Brooke shares how insurance barriers delayed treatment, increased medical costs, and ultimately shaped her passion for...

Can the city really fine $915,000 for cutting down trees on your own property?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Laura Beth Latimer, attorney with the Center for the American Future (CAF), to discuss how local governments across America are increasingly overstepping their authority and what citizens can do to fight back.

They dive into various cases from a California couple fined $915,000 for removing dead trees from their property to cities restricting religious gatherings in private homes and even banning people from feeding the homeless. Laura Beth explains why...

How can young Americans start using financial literacy today to set themselves up for financial success later in life?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Ashley B. Cash, education advocate, business owner, and host of The Ashley B. Cash Show, to discuss why financial literacy may be one of the most important life skills missing from today's education system.

From budgeting and investing to homeownership, and retirement Ashley explains why financial literacy is essential for every student and how Texas is working to make it a graduation requirement.<...

How can parents protect their children in an increasingly digital world?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Senator Angela Paxton at the Texas GOP Convention to discuss child safety, parental empowerment, family policy, and the growing role parents play in shaping legislation.

How have America’s universities gone from centers of learning to institutions facing growing questions about accountability, civic education, and student outcomes?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Dr. Tom Lindsay, Distinguished Senior Fellow of Higher Education at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to discuss the state of higher education in Texas and across the nation.

From grade inflation and declining academic standards to DEI, and the future of civic education, Dr. Lindsay explains how higher education has changed over the past several decades and why lawmakers, parents, an...

How did America’s schools, media, universities, and cultural institutions become so radically different in just a few generations?

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo sits down with Mandy Drogin, Senior Fellow of Government Reform at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, to break down the history and strategy behind “The Long March Through the Institutions” — the decades-long effort by Marxist thinkers and activists to reshape Western culture from within.

From Karl Marx and the Frankfurt School to critical theory, higher education, teachers unions, and modern culture wars, Mandy walks through how these id...

In this episode of the Sweet Tea Series, TPPF’s Ariana Guajardo sits down with Savannah Craven, creator of Her Patriot Voice and a major voice in the pro-life movement. The two discuss Savannah’s viral “man-on-the-street” interviews, conservative living in New York City, and the cultural pressures surrounding abortion, feminism, and women’s empowerment.

In this episode, TPPF's Ariana Guajardo interviews Sara Huff, Brazil’s former most prolific feminist and pro-choice advocate. Sara breaks down her powerful transformation from radical feminist to pro-life activist, sharing her journey through feminist bootcamps, the traumatic abortion that changed everything, and how she left the movement. The ladies also chat about motherhood, her new nonprofit Raising Non-Liberal Kids, and exposing the lies of feminism in Latin America.

In this episode, TPPF's Ariana Guajardo interviews Tyler Bertola, founder and president of United Gen USA. Tyler breaks down launching United Gen USA,  a media organization that connects emerging conservative voices with future voters with an emphasis on policy education. The ladies also chat about motherhood, Tyler's journey into conservatism, and the lies of feminism.

In today’s episode of the Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo takes a closer look at the growing conversation surrounding Cesar Chavez after a New York Times article exposed his alleged grooming and abuse of girls. Ariana breaks down the story and explains why there never should have been a Cesar Chavez Day to begin with. Ariana sheds light on the hidden socialist agenda promoted by Cesar Chavez and how groups are mishandling this recently unearthed information.

📌 If you want to read more, check out Ariana’s full article mentioned in the video: https://www.texaspolicy.com/the-lef...

In this episode, TPPF's Ariana Guajardo interviews Ashley Lands, CEO of Provincial Leisure and co-founder of The VIP Guy. Ashley breaks down launching her new member intercept platform, The VIP Guy, and shares why Texas is the ultimate spot for business. The ladies also chat about imposter syndrome, entrepreneurship, accountability hacks, networking, and her best advice for getting into business and succeeding.

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, TPPF's Hannah Bruck and Lily Kate Cole, a Gen Z conservative influencer, unpack the barriers to marriage and family. They discuss feminism as well as the effects of social media and dating apps on modern dating.

In this special "Iced Tea" episode of The Sweet Tea Series, host Ariana Guajardo sits down with Luisa Deason, former public affairs officer for the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS). They explore the rising violence against ICE agents in blue cities, immigration enforcement, and cartel exploitation. Plus, advice for women on understanding our nation's security, raising aware kids, and fostering civil conversations.

In this special Texas Independence Day episode of The Sweet Tea Series, host Ariana Guajardo welcomes back Joshua Trevino, Chief Transformation Officer of the Texas Public Policy Foundation and expert on Texas history, to explore the enduring ethos of the cowboy—from its Spanish roots to its role in forging Texas through wars, frontiers, and bravery. They dive into stories of heroic men and women who built the Lone Star State and question if that bold spirit still thrives today. 

Has the loss of bravery led to the destruction of modern dating? Discover how embracing risk, virtue, and...

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, host Ariana Guajardo welcomes Sherry Sylvester, a veteran journalist and Senior Fellow at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, for a compelling exploration of women's pivotal role in grassroots political movements across the ideological spectrum. Sylvester shares insights into women's historical and modern leadership in activism, contrasting liberal-driven efforts like Black Lives Matter, DEI initiatives, and anti-ICE protests with conservative pushes for school choice and pro-life advocacy. Discover how women have been the driving force behind these movements—for better or worse—and what it means for America's future.

Ariana Guajardo welcomes viral French comedian and content creator Eros Brousson to The Sweet Tea Series. Eros shares why he's trading France for Texas to launch his dream bakery in. He sheds light on the business crushing taxes and cultural pushback on success in France, contrasted by Texas's massive economy, supportive culture, and genuine kindness.

Follow Eros: @erosbrousson on TikTok, Instagram & X

The Sweet Tea Series Valentine's Special featuring host Ariana Guajardo and her husband Tony Guajardo. 
The two react to the debate between Pearl Davis and Ana Kasparian, answering Pearl's question: what do men get out of marriage? Ariana and Tony reflect on their own marriage, provide tips and encouragement to singles, and give insights into what makes a fruitful marriage. Tune into this episode just in time for National Marriage Week.

Ariana Guajardo talks about religion in America today. With Pew Research showing the "nones" have plateaued around 29-30% and Christianity is holding steady at ~62-65%, is a full revival coming? 

Ariana breaks down the data, recent Bible sales spikes, and Gen Z pockets of faith (Orthobros, post-Charlie Kirk church surges). She also breaks down Hollywood's evolving depictions of Christianity: Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein, Vince Gilligan's Pluribus, and Rian Johnson's Knives Out: Wake Up Dead Man.

Is culture retreating from mockery toward serious grappling with God, faith, and dignity? Watch the full show to find out 🎧✨

Join host Ariana Guajardo for a Sweet Tea chat with Greg Sindelar, CEO of the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) and interim CEO of America First Policy Institute (AFPI).

As a girl dad raising daughters with strong conservative values in today's challenging culture, Greg opens up about faith, family priorities, and navigating modern issues like woke education and gender ideology.

Ariana and Greg also look ahead to the Texas 90th Legislative Session. The two discuss TPPF's Liberty Action Agenda and specifically the end to taxpayer-funded lobbying.

https://www.texaspolicy.com/laa/

...

Ariana Guajardo is in Washington, D.C. for a heartfelt conversation with Stacey Schieffelin, Chair of the America First Women's Initiative at the America First Policy Institute (AFPI). 

Stacey shares her incredible journey - from growing up on a ranch, to becoming an international model, to building successful beauty brands, and now leading the fight to protect women's sports and spaces. She opens up about raising strong daughters, the importance of discernment in relationships, why women can't always "have it all" at once.

The ladies dive deep into key issues like Title IX protections, election i...

Is AI getting too real and too dangerous? In this eye-opening episode of The Sweet Tea Series, host Ariana Guajardo sits down with Peyton Hornberger, Communications Director of The Alliance for Secure AI, to spill the tea on the dark side of artificial intelligence.

From heartbreaking stories of young people forming emotional attachments to chatbots, to the rise of hyper-realistic deepfakes, loneliness epidemics, and manipulative LLMs, they unpack how AI is impacting mental health, kids, and society. 

But it's not all doom. Discover the exciting potential of AI for medical breakthroughs, productivity, and humanity's future. T...

As 2025 draws to a close and 2026 begins, Ariana Guajardo is joined by Virginia Allen from The Daily Signal to spill some sweet tea on the year’s top stories. Together they also address the state of conservatism including massive border security victories, a powerful surge in religious revival among young conservatives, celebrity-driven family values shifts, heartbreaking tragedies, and rising tensions on the right. Recap the year's biggest wins, shocking divisions, and bold hope for the new year.

Sweet Tea Socials: https://linktr.ee/sweetteaseries

Problematic Women: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjMHBev3NsoW-Z27kAyHuh0pYiE8h4...

Ariana Guajardo is joined by Abby Gibson, an everyday Texan who turned a simple observation into legislation. While hiking in Texas state parks, Abby noticed that many souvenirs were made overseas, sparking the idea for House Bill 3088, which prioritizes Texas-made and American-made products in state park stores. Abby shares her journey from a casual hike to working with legislators, navigating the legislative process, and seeing her idea become law with unanimous bipartisan support. As a member of the Liberty Leadership Council, Abby also discusses how ordinary citizens can engage in policy, the importance of community, and her life as...

Ariana Guajardo reflects on the assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk amid a wave of national violence, marking a somber 9/11 anniversary. Recorded on September 11, 2025, Ariana shares heartfelt words from TPPF CEO Greg Sindelar, urging courage over fear in defending American values, and an insightful tribute from Joshua Trevino in American Mind, portraying Charlie as a modern Socrates and martyr for free speech. 

https://americanmind.org/salvo/charlie-kirk-martyr/

As Gen Z grapples with division unlike post-2001 unity, Ariana explores Charlie's legacy and calls listeners to action: speak truth at work, school, and the dinner table. Join i...

Explore the Rio Grande Valley’s political shift with Rep. Janie Lopez and Ariana Guajardo on The Sweet Tea Series. They dive into border security, the water crisis affecting RGV agriculture, and why the RGV turned red in the last election.

Keywords:
Rio Grande Valley, RGV, Texas politics, border security, water crisis, Janie Lopez, conservative values, Texas House District 37, infrastructure funding, cartel challenges, agriculture, Republican shift, Red Wave, Ariana Guajardo, Sweet Tea Series  

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, Ariana Guajardo is joined by Sienna Rose from the Freedom Foundation to unravel why people are choosing to leave their public sector unions. From coercive tactics like locking workers in rooms to sign membership cards to forcing Jewish teachers into representation by unions with anti-Semitic agendas, Sienna exposes the shady practices driving educators and others away. 

Tune in for a compelling discussion on workers rights, the myth of collective bargaining, education reform, and the fight for individual liberty!

Sweet Tea Socials: https://linktr.ee/sweetteaseries
The F...

Sweet Tea in D.C.! Ariana Guajardo is joined by Jayme Franklin, CEO of The Conservateur. The ladies sit down to talk about about empowering Gen Z conservative women, embracing faith, and redefining femininity. They dive into the story behind The Conservateur which has built a vibrant community through fashion, culture, and politics.

The Sweet Tea Series Socials: linktr.ee/sweetteaseries

The Conservateur: instagram.com/theconservateur

In this episode, Ariana Guajardo is joined by D’rinda Randall, Vice Chairwoman of the Republican Party of Texas. They explore issues like taxpayer-funded lobbying being taken up during Special Session. The ladies also talk about the importance of civil engagement and how motherhood fits into and encourages a purpose-filled life. 

Follow The Sweet Tea Series on Instagram: www.instagram.com/spillingsweettea

 #TexasPolitics #ConservativeMovement #txlege

In this episode of The Sweet Tea Series, host Ariana Guajardo sits down with Britt Allen and Carly Widner from the Right on Crime team at the Texas Public Policy Foundation to discuss their new initiative, the Justice Collective. Learn how this digital expansion is making criminal justice policy accessible and engaging for everyday people, especially young conservatives, through a vibrant, feminine aesthetic on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Substack. Britt and Carly explain how they’re reframing the conversation around “smart on crime” policies. Tune in for an inspiring discussion about empowering communities, restoring dignity, and driving bipartisan reform

Is the choice for women just farm or corner office?

Join Ariana Guajardo on The Sweet Tea Series as she dives into the 10th annual Young Women's Leadership Summit hosted by Turning Point USA in Grapevine, Texas. Ariana reflects on the evolving role of women in the conservative movement, exploring cultural shifts, motherhood, and the balance between career and family. She breaks down speeches from Dana Loesch, Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk, and Brett Cooper, and discusses key topics like Second Amendment rights for women, the tension in modern dating, and the dangers of rigid traditionalism. 

A...

Grab a glass of sweet tea with Ariana Guajardo and guest, Dr. Marianna Orlandi, from the Austin Institute for Family and Culture! They chat on strengthening family bonds, navigating modern society, and question if America is getting more conservative. Tune in for sparkling insights on building community and cherishing Western heritage. ✨