What does it really mean to run for office in Texas today? Topher Williams talks with Odus Evbagharu, a millennial organizer and Houston native, about what it takes to fight for working families in a state where politics often feels out of reach.
Odus breaks down how issues like health care, education, and wages shape daily life across Texas and why every campaign should start with those kitchen table concerns. He also explains how redistricting tilts the playing field and what it takes to push back with clarity and heart.
Rooted in his story as the son of Nigerian immigrants, Odus shares a vision of leadership grounded in community, service, and love for the people the government is meant to serve. If you’ve ever wondered what change in Texas could look like from the ground up, this conversation offers both the blueprint and the belief that it’s possible.
Episode Breakdown:
00:00 Houston: The Heart of Texas
03:11 Empowering Millennial Leadership
06:00 Redistricting and Its Implications
08:50 The Immigrant Experience in Houston
11:49 Inspiration from Barack Obama
17:55 Optimism and Activism in Texas
23:26 Texas: A Dual Energy Powerhouse
24:51 Diversity in Progressivism
26:40 Kitchen Table Issues Matter
28:23 Welcoming Conversations in Progressivism
31:03 Embracing Discomfort for Change
34:21 Economic Realities vs. Social Issues
39:17 Connecting with the Community
Connect with Odus Evbagharu:
Visit Odus Evbagharu for Texas
Connect with Topher Williams:
Visit the Participation Trophy website
Connect with Topher on LinkedIn
Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.