-- Veteran political insider and media producer Michael McCloskey is set to launch The Roundup, a new podcast debuting in August 2026 that aims to bring audiences closer to the people shaping policy, leadership, and public life. Drawing on more than three decades of experience across politics, media production, and public service, McCloskey is building a platform centered on direct access to decision-makers and long-form, substantive dialogue.
“I want people to feel like they are part of the discussion,” McCloskey said. “There is value in hearing directly from the individuals who are involved in shaping policy and leadership. That is where understanding begins.”
The Roundup is designed as a space where ideas, people, and perspectives converge through conversations that prioritize depth and continuity over fragmented soundbites. McCloskey’s vision reflects a broader shift in audience demand toward clarity, context, and proximity to leadership.
“It is about bringing people into the same circle and letting those conversations unfold,” he explained. “The aim is to give listeners a clearer view of how decisions are formed and how leadership operates beyond public-facing statements.”
McCloskey also emphasizes the belief that ordinary individuals can achieve extraordinary outcomes, a principle he has applied throughout his career by training others to successfully navigate legislative processes.
His perspective is grounded in a professional background that spans more than 30 years. In addition to producing rodeos and national television broadcasts, roles that required both operational discipline and the ability to engage broad audiences, McCloskey has been deeply involved in politics and governance. He directly participated in passing five bills of Texas State legislation, including legislation establishing uniform election dates and three bills protecting churches from government closure, one of which became a voter-approved Texas Constitutional Amendment. He has also worked for a member of the United States Congress and received appointments from the Governor of Texas and was later employed by the Governor.
According to him, these roles provided sustained exposure to policymaking at multiple levels. “I have spent years in the room, where decisions are made,” he said. “That influences how you understand the process.”
These decades of experience have resulted in an extensive network that now forms the foundation of The Roundup. McCloskey maintains longstanding relationships with state legislators, members of the governor’s office, congressional leaders, law enforcement officials, policy experts, and nationally recognized political figures. Many of these individuals remain actively involved in shaping public life, offering the podcast access to voices and perspectives that are rarely heard in full.
“These are people I have known for years,” McCloskey said. “There is a level of trust that allows for real conversations. That is what listeners are going to hear.”
Built on the philosophy that facts lead to truth and truth leads to accountability, The Roundup seeks to move beyond speculation by delivering informed conversations grounded in firsthand experience. McCloskey emphasizes that access will be matched by rigor, noting that familiarity will not limit the scope of questioning.
“I do not want it to be all kumbaya,” he said. “If we are going to have these conversations, they need to be meaningful. That means asking the questions that matter, even when they are uncomfortable.”
While many discussions will originate in Texas, McCloskey sees the podcast’s themes as nationally relevant. Leadership decisions, policy direction, and cultural dynamics often extend beyond state lines.
“What happens here often reflects what is happening across the country,” he noted. “People want to understand how those connections work.”
Following its August 2026 launch, McCloskey plans to expand the platform’s reach by traveling throughout Texas to engage directly with communities and introduce the podcast to new audiences. He views these in-person engagements as a critical extension of the podcast’s mission to build trust and foster meaningful dialogue.
“This is about building relationships with the audience as well,” he said. “People want authenticity, and that comes from being present.”
Over time, McCloskey envisions The Roundup evolving into a consistent destination for conversations around politics, leadership, Western culture, and public affairs. The long-term vision centers on credibility, continuity, and the depth of insight made possible through his experience and relationships.
“I want listeners to feel like they are getting insight they cannot find anywhere else,” he said.
Ultimately, McCloskey aims for the podcast to create a sense of connection and confidence among its audience.
“I want them to think, he knows what is really happening because he understands what is important to the public,” he said. “By achieving that, we have then created something that matters.”
Contact Info:
Name: Michael McColskey
Email: Send Email
Organization: The Roundup
Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577927759897
Release ID: 89198339
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