The Wake Up Call with Benji Snead Podcast

Chad Seay on May 19th, 2026

Benji Snead had a chance to visit with Chad Seay, who is running for Lubbock County Commissioner's Court in Precinct 4. Chad talks about why he's rerunning after being on the Court from 2019 to 2022 then lost reelection in 2022, and he also talks about what he wants to do if he gets back on the Court. He shares what he took away from his first term, what he thinks about the Expo Center project, the differences between him and his opponent Jordan Rackler, and explains why the current tax rate is where it is. 

Trey Newton and Kevin Pounds Debate on May 18th, 2026

Benji Snead is joined by candidates in the Republican primary runoff for Lubbock County Precinct 2 commissioner Trey Newton and Kevin Pounds. In this debate, the two candidates cover a wide variety of topics and issues and make their case why they should be voted in. They give their takes on introducing new taxes, what they want addressed in commissioner's court, and what should be prioritized in public safety. They also break down how they would work with the other commissioners, how aggressive the county should be in approaching growth vs. cost, and where they stand with the current Expo Center project.

Tom Sell on May 18th, 2026

Benji Snead sits down with Tom Sell, who is a candidate in the Republican primary runoff for Texas 19th Congressional District. Tom discusses his top priorities if elected, what issues the congressional district faces, and what separates him from his opponent Abraham Enriquez. Tom shares how being a 5th generation Texan has shaped his view on public service and gives his take on data centers and the farm bill that passed in the House.

Matt Rose on May 15th, 2026

In one of our most informative and spirited episodes yet, Benji Snead sits down with Matt Rose, who is the Chief Public Affairs Officer for Lubbock Power and Light (LP&L). Matt explains the trends in energy usage and cost since deregulation started in Lubbock, what the function of LP&L is now, what more competition in the energy market does for the cost of electricity, and how data centers can impact energy. Later in the episode, Paul R. Beane calls in to ask Matt about Lubbock's need for ERCOT.

Mike Dalby on May 13th, 2026

Benji Snead is joined by Mike Dalby, who is the Lubbock County Commissioner for Precinct 1. Mike goes over a handful of issues the Commissioner's Court is facing, what the dynamic with the Court is like, and what makes a commissioner effective in their position. Mike also explains his stance on the Expo Center project and gives his thoughts on data centers.

Dusty Womble on May 12th, 2026

Benji Snead had the chance to talk to Texas Tech Vice Chairman for the Board of Regents and prominent athletics booster Dusty Womble. Benji asks Dusty about what it means for him to be a booster for Tech Athletics, what is the impact of the new facilities on Tech, and how involved Dusty is within the athletic department. They also discuss what athletics does for the university, why Dusty is invested in athletics, and what he thinks about Lubbock as a community.

David Pierce on May 12th, 2026

Benji Snead sits down and talks with David Pierce, who is with the company Parallel and leading the Student Housing Project in South Overton. David shares the behind-the-scenes details on the project, when they expect to finish, and what concerns they have handled regarding it. He also talks about being involved in the community and what makes college towns different from other cities.

Chris Snead on May 11th, 2026

Benji Snead is joined by Chris Snead to discuss the state of Texas Tech Athletics, including the baseball program, what is making Texas Tech University successful, and how Tech has changed over the years. Chris also shares his background, what went behind starting the Tech Hecklers group, and what he thinks about NIL.

Curtis Parrish on May 11th, 2026

For this episode of The Wake Up Call Podcast, Benji Snead visits with Lubbock county judge Curtis Parrish. Judge Parrish speaks on how he got into law, what's on the horizon for Lubbock County, how the city is growing smart, and how Lubbock is avoiding a dire road situation like Austin is facing. He also gives his takes on the proposal for a new Expo Center, no-new-revenue rate, and funding public safety.

David Bruegel on May 7th, 2026

Benji Snead chats with newly elected city councilman for District 3 David Bruegel. David discusses what goals he has for his district, why he wanted to run for city council, and shares what issues he wants to address, like the abundance of wild dogs in the community. David also shares his perspective on the election, his approach to working with other council members, and what he thinks about Lubbock's infrastructure and economic development.