Governor Rick PerryEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Governor Rick Perry, the longest-serving governor in Texas history and former U.S. Secretary of Energy. Governor Perry has played a pivotal role in shaping Texas’ energy mix and fostering innovation, and he shared his views both on the current state and on the future of energy. We explored his energy legacy, including the deregulated electric market, Texas’ leadership in wind and solar power, and the critical need for an “all-of-the-above” approach to energy. Governor Perry shared his strong support for nuclear energy , particularly the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), as well as his vision for leveraging American innovation to export innovative technologies worldwide. The governor also highlighted Texas’ growing water challenges and presented some ideas for addressing the state’s water needs, including the potential for underground canals powered by innovative technologies like SMRs. Our conversation explored: * The meaning of conservatism and the role of government in incentivizing innovation while prioritizing free-market principles; * Lessons from his time in office, including the need to find middle ground; * How bipartisan opportunities, like clean energy manufacturing under the Inflation Reduction Act , can strengthen American competitiveness; * The importance of supporting veterans through plant-based medicine research to address mental health and addiction issues. Governor Perry’s insights are both pragmatic and visionary, reflecting his unique experience at the state and national levels. Whether you're interested in energy policy, water infrastructure, or the intersection of technology and leadership, this episode has something for you. As always, please like, share, and leave a five-star review wherever you listen to podcasts. Thank you for being a listener! Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Energy Capital Podcast and Governor Perry's Legacy 01:45 - Governor Perry's energy legacy and influences 06:00 - George Mitchell and the complexity of energy and environmental tradeoffs 09:00 - Governor Perry’s support of an all-of-the-above energy strategy, the need to balance growth and sustainability 15:00 - The meaning of conservatism and the role of government 20:00 - The economic mess and the rise of Republicans the 1980s in Texas 24:00 - The potential for nuclear energy in Texas 28:00 - Small modular reactors and AI data centers 33:00 - Government as a partner, future directions for Department of Energy under Chris Wright and the Trump Administration, potential for exporting American innovation 38:00 - The future of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), including the 45X manufacturing provisions 40:45 - The need to incentivize critical minerals in the US for energy independence and connection to the IRA 45:00 - The need for North - South trade within the Western Hemisphere 46:30 - The national security need for domestic energy development, including renewable energy 48:45 - The Department of Energy and the 17 national laboratories; the possibility for a national lab in Texas (!) 52:00 - An out-of-the box water supply strategy 54:30 - Epic gubernatorial “butt-chewings” from two billionaires 57:30 - Governor Perry’s advocacy for plant-based psychoactive medicinal treatments for veterans to address the veteran suicide epidemic Shownotes Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Nuclear Power * NuScale Power – The first U.S.-approved Small Modular Reactor (SMR) design. * X-Energy – Developer of advanced modular nuclear technologies. * <a target="_blank" href="https://acu.edu/2024/09/23/n

Governor Rick Perry is the longest serving Governor in Texas history. From his humble beginnings in Paint Creek, to the cockpit of an Air Force C-130, to the Governor’s Mansion and on to Washington D.C. Governor Perry has an unmatched career in public service. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss what Texas and Texas history means to a man who made a lot of it.

Governor Rick Perry is the longest serving Governor in Texas history. From his humble beginnings in Paint Creek, to the cockpit of an Air Force C-130, to the Governor’s Mansion and on to Washington D.C. Governor Perry has an unmatched career in public service. In this wide-ranging interview, we discuss what Texas and Texas history means to a man who made a lot of it. Share Post Share <div class="fb-l