AM Show Hr 1 | Legends Lost, Galveston Memories, and a Texas Political Shakeup

Michael Berry opens the show with a mix of humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the recent passing of two Texas legends: Phil Garner, the former Astros star and longtime listener, and Vic Fertitta, patriarch of Galveston’s Fertitta family and a beloved figure in the island’s social scene. Berry shares vivid memories of his weekend in Galveston, celebrating the city’s rich culinary culture—from the smoky, old-school charm of the Dutch Kettle to the refined elegance of the Steakhouse at San Luis and the lively energy of Waterman’s. He recounts meals at Sugar and Rye, Vargas, and the original Mexican, underscoring how tradition and personal connection define the experience. The episode then shifts to a sharp political analysis, dissecting the Republican establishment’s abandonment of Senator John Cornyn after 24 years, citing a $342 million PAC investment that excluded him and a primary race where he lost three-fifths of the vote. Berry draws parallels to the 2012 Cruz vs. Dewhurst upset, arguing that grassroots conservative voters are rejecting establishment figures in favor of authenticity. He closes with a reflective look at Tiger Woods’ 1997 Masters victory, celebrating his transformative impact on golf and expressing empathy for his ongoing pain and struggles, while defending him from moral judgment over driving-related incidents.