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November 14, 2025 40 mins

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 Odus on LinkedIn

Follow Odus on Instagram

Follow Odus on Facebook

 

Connect with Topher Williams:

Visit the Participation Trophy website 

Connect with Topher on LinkedIn 

Follow Topher on Instagram

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm

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