Jonathan McNamara

Web Editor for The Texas Observer. Writes. Shoots photos. Podcasts. Probably drinking black coffee and listening to Japanese music.

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Just a quick .gif to accompany this Observer story on light pollution in Texas. 

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Observer Radio Episode 58: What's to be Done About 'Frackquakes?' Published in The Texas Observer on May 16, 2014

In this episode of Observer Radio, Azle, Texas Mayor Alan Brundrett weighs in on a House Energy Resources Subcommittee on Seismic Activity which is investigating earthquakes in North Texas that some scientists have linked to fracking.

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Observer Radio Episode 57: What to Take Away From the Lieutenant Governor Debate Published in The Texas Observer on May 9, 2014

In this episode of Observer Radio, staff writers Patrick Michels and Emily DePrang repeatedly disrupt and rudely talk over each other in a conversation about one of Sen. Dan Patrick and Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst's public debates leading to the runoff election.

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Nihongaku Radio Episode 50: Back On My Feet Published in Nihongaku on May 7, 2014

To celebrate 50 episodes of Nihongaku Radio, I turn the show over to some special guests who have picked out some Japanese songs everyone should hear. 

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In this Observer Radio Episode 56: Ann Richards’ Return to the Limelight Published in The Texas Observer on May 2, 2014

In this episode, Managing Editor Brad Tyer joins us in the studio, along with freelance writer Josh Rosenblatt, to discuss HBO's new documentary about former Texas Governor Ann Richards.

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Observer Radio Episode 55: Prosecutor's Dilemma Published in The Texas Observer on April 25, 2014. 

In this episode of Observer Radio, Freelance writer Maurice Chammah joins us via phone to discuss his latest story, "To Kill? Or Not to Kill?" Chammah examines a declining trend in executions while profiling a small-town district attorney who must decide whether to seek the death penalty.

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Observer Radio Episode 54: Lingering Questions From West, Texas Published in The Texas Observer on April 18, 2014. 

In this episode of the Observer's weekly radio show, Observer Radio, Emily DePrang discusses a battle between child advocates and the state over an overhaul of the state's foster care system. In the guest segment, James Drew of The Dallas Morning news stops by to discuss the anniversary of the West fertilizer plant explosion and what is being done (and not done) to make sure ammonium nitrate is stored safely. 

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Recovery: West, Texas Rebuilds Published by The Texas Observer on April 17, 2014 What does the recovery process after a tragic accident look like? To find out, I traveled to West, Texas to meet with citizens who lived through the West Fertilizer Plant explosion. I also traveled to Dallas to meet with a few folks who have no direct ties to West, but decided to help the recovery effort in very impressive ways. 

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Observer Radio Episode 53: Civil Rights 50 Years Later Published in The Texas Observer on April 11, 2014

In this episode, politics writer Chris Hooks gets us up to speed on the Civil Right Summit held at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, TX this week. Staff writer Patrick Michels joins us to discuss a State Board of Education hearing on whether or not to create an elective on Mexican-American studies.

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Nihongaku Radio Interview: Meet the New Peelander Green Published in Nihongaku on April 10, 2014

In anticipation of the band’s North American tour this Spring (which is already underway), Peelander-Z reached out to the greater social media community for a replacement Peelander Green—and wait till you see who they picked up.

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Nihongaku Radio Episode 49: Tonight, Tonight, Tonight! Published in Nihongaku on April 10, 2014

In this episode of Nihongaku Radio, we explore the career of Beat Crusaders’ Toru Hidaka and hear from his new band, The Starbems.

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Observer Radio Episode 52: How Do We Make Fighting Fires Safer? Published in The Texas Observer on April 4, 2014. 

In this episode of Observer Radio, contributor Priscila Mosqueda and State Fire Marshal Chris Connealy discuss the culture of heroism firefighters engage in and how changing that culture could make fighting fires safer.

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Observer Radio Episode 51: An East Texas Family Searches for Justice Published in The Texas Observer on March 28, 2014

In this episode of Observer Radio, editor Dave Mann discusses Wendy Davis' battle over equal pay with her gubernatorial opponent Greg Abbott. Staff writer Patrick Michels shares his comprehensive look at the death of Alfred Wright from Jasper, and what it means to an East Texas community haunted by its racist past.

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Observer Radio Episode 50: Greg Abbott Had a Rough Week Published in The Texas Observer on March 21, 2014

In this episode of Observer Radio, staff writers Chris Hooks and Emily DePrang stop by, along with associate editor Forrest Wilder, to discuss the rough week Attorney General Greg Abbott has had.

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Nihongaku Radio Episode 48: Space Dream Bathroom Published in Nihongaku on March 18, 2014

In this episode of Nihongaku Radio we've got new music from The Telephones and Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra. Stick around for a classic track from Cibo Matto who've recently returned to the limelight after a long hiatus.

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Observer Radio Episode 49: Laying Prisoners to Rest in Huntsville Published in The Texas Observer on March 17, 2014

In this episode of Observer Radio, staff writers Patrick Michels and Melissa del Bosque join us to discuss the controversy surrounding Dan Patrick's endorsement for lieutenant governor by the owners of the much-beloved convenience store chain Bucc-ee's. Also, Freelance writer Robyn Ross stops by to talk about Captain Joe Byrd Cemetery in Huntsville where roughly 100 prisons inmates are buried each year.

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Observer Radio Episode 48: The Post-Texas Primary Discussion Published in The Texas Observer on March 8, 2014

In this week's episode, Observer editor Dave Mann and politics writer Chris Hooks stopped by the studio to discuss a few of the more surprising outcomes from the Texas primary.