028: Oh Texas, My Texas!: Identity, Transplants & the Great State Debate

In this episode of Two Millennials and Mom, we saddle up for a lively conversation about all things Texas. From population booms to political shifts, the crew reflects on what’s changed in the Lone Star State over the past 15 years. Callie, Mecca and Cole explore how transplants from across the country have influenced everything from culture to community—and debate whether Texas is becoming more conservative, more diverse or maybe... a little bit of both. It’s part nostalgia, part neighborhood sociology and all Texas-sized real talk re their home state.

 

10,000-Foot View of this Episode:

• A Decade and a Half of Change: The team reflects on where they were in 2010 versus today, both personally and as Texans. Cole brings up a 2013 Time Magazine article predicting shifts in Texas politics and demographics, which sparks a broader conversation about what actually came true—and what surprised them.
• Is Texas More Conservative... or Just Louder? Mecca shares her observation that Texas seems more politically conservative than it used to be, especially with recent moves by transplants from liberal states. But Callie counters with the idea that while conservatism may be louder, the actual ideological landscape is more nuanced and mixed.
• “Don’t California My Texas” and the Fear of Change: Sentiments from an iconic bumper sticker kicks off a discussion about Texan pride, resistance to outsiders and whether new residents are really trying to “change” Texas—or just looking for a better quality of life. The group explores the tension between tradition and transformation.
• Neighborhood as a Microcosm: Callie shares a striking fact: in her cul-de-sac of ten homes, she’s the only native Texan. It leads to a larger conversation about how neighborhoods across the state are changing and how this diversity of origin is shaping everything from local culture to political conversations.
• Austin's California Vibes with BBQ and Boots: The crew dives into how Austin has become the poster child for Texas' shift—still weird, still cool but increasingly resembling parts of Los Angeles. They debate whether it’s kept its identity or evolved into something entirely new and how that affects the broader perception of Texas.
• The Case for Moderation and Diversity of Thought: Cole brings it home with a defense of ideological diversity. He argues that Texas isn’t necessarily shifting left or right—it’s becoming more moderate, more thoughtful and more balanced, thanks to the blend of perspectives coming in from across the country.

 

Memorable Quotes:

• "What we're seeing right now is that the politics even here in Texas are doing a little bit less of representing the people from my perspective and a little bit more of representing special interests." – Cole
• “ It kind of feels damned if you do and damned if you don't, honestly, when it comes to energy.” – Mecca
• “Texas, is it still affordable? I don't think that it is the way that it was 15 years ago.” – Callie
• "Diversity of ideas is the best way to make your ideas stronger." – Cole
• “Everything is on a scale. And if you go to either extreme, you're at significant risk.” – Mecca
• “I wanna get off the ride. I wanna get off of those two extremes of people just fighting for power and actually putting legwork and thought and compassion into the rest of everyone else. Beyond this group, beyond this label, but for Texans as a whole." – Callie
• "I think our education platform and system in general is one of those that has caused a massive detriment to our population because we're not teaching people to be people, we're teaching people to be workers." – Cole
• “Alright, I expect y'all to continue to be proud Texans.” – Mecca
• “With great power comes great responsibility. And how you wield that power, A, is up to you and B, is really important.” – Callie

 

Resources Mentioned:

• The Time Magazine article from 2013 forecasting Texas’ demographic and political shifts
• The Thread about "What lowkey destroyed society without anyone noticing at the time?"
• Check out the story of the goodest boy, Buford, who rescued the wandering 2-year-old

 

Native Texans, have y'all noticed changes in your own hometown? Whether you're from Texas or not, do you think where you live shapes how you think? Or do you bring your values with you no matter where you go? Let us know on social media @TwoMillennialsAndMom or leave us a voice memo to share on a future episode!