Let's Pod This

Let's Pod This

Government overreach!

Apr 26 • 69 min

From map data to prison data, from county government feuds to former legislators back in the news, from Medicaid expansion plans to a ban on bans, we’ve got a little something for everyone this week!

Rally for Coverage

Apr 18 • 38 min

Sabine Brown (Together Oklahoma) and Carly Putnam (Oklahoma Policy Institute) join us to review the current state of healthcare in Oklahoma and their upcoming “Rally for Coverage.”

Legislative Update and Texts with Mom (with Effie Craven and Jason Dunnington)

Apr 15 • 63 min

Special guests Effie Craven and Rep. Jason Dunnington join the show to discuss where the legislature is with various bills and what it’s like to text their moms.

Opioid Settlement, Round 1 (with Attorney General Mike Hunter)

Apr 10 • 44 min

Oklahoma has sued more than a dozen pharmaceutical companies over their creation & marketing of addictive opioid medications. Last week we learned that one company, Purdue Pharma, was settling out of court for $270 million. We sat down with the state’s…

Talkin’ Tourism (with Lt. Gov Matt Pinnell)

Apr 8 • 46 min

Recorded live at Missy’s Donuts in Guthrie, OK, we sit down with Lt. Governor Matt Pinnell to discuss his approach to the Lt. Gov position and his other position as Secretary of Tourism & Branding.

Privileged Pollution and Secret Sh*t

Apr 5 • 52 min

This week we discuss a bill to keep pollution audits private, cleaning up the voter rolls, and the high cost of transporting people with mental illness. Just a typical week in Oklahoma, right?

Dead Candidates Society (with Megan Funderburk & Bo Broadwater)

Mar 30 • 57 min

Should deceased candidates be allowed to remain on the ballot? We discuss the implications of that situation along with independent redistricting and the structure & finances of the Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES).

Mid-Session Update

Mar 21 • 57 min

As bills move from one chamber to the other, we take a look at what legislation has been signed, what’s [mostly] dead, and what are still alive. Special guest: Bo Broadwater from The Journal Record Legislative Report.

Gravel Tax and Sunshine Week (with Tres Savage & Joe Hight)

Mar 15 • 48 min

Tres Savage from NonDoc explains the finer points of why Oklahoma counties should be allowed to tax the production of aggregates (i.e. rocks and gravel) and we visit with Joe Hight, chairman of Freedom of Information Oklahoma, to discuss Sunshine Week,…

Religion & Politics (with Jon Middendorf)

Mar 13 • 57 min

Most of us were taught that it’s impolite to discuss religion & politics, but in Oklahoma, those topics are often intertwined. In the eyes of Jon Middendorf, pastor at @okcfirst, the gospel “has to have skin on it,” and by that measure, it is inherently a…

Auditing Oddity and Agency Appointments (with Julia Kirt)

Mar 9 • 47 min

Are multiple, concurrent audits of Oklahoma’s Medicaid program really necessary? Plus we’re joined by Senator Julia Kirt to discuss if allowing the Governor to appoint agency directors more or less transparent than the current system of boards.

Why “Women’s Issues” Matter (with Liz Charles and Bo Broadwater)

Feb 28 • 68 min

The first month of the 57th legislature has been dominated by guns and abortion, and this week has been no exception. We’re joined by the Liz Charles of the Oklahoma Women’s Coalition and Bo Broadwater of The Journal Record to discuss permitless carry,…

Show Me the Money

Feb 23 • 68 min

The State of Oklahoma has some extra money this year…or does it? We discuss how much, where it’s going, and status updates on bills about guns, HIV education, and Medicaid expansion.

Guns, Weed, and #oklegvalentines

Feb 15 • 81 min

We discuss the loosening of gun laws, find out who actually writes bills, and chat with Senator Greg McCortney about the details of “Unity Bill” that will tweak Oklahoma’s new medical marijuana law. Plus a few tidbits about influenza among animals.

Kevin Calvey & The Blue Eyed Butcher

Feb 8 • 76 min

County commissioners who are also lobbyists, Stitt’s first State of the State, and a surprisingly detailed recounting of a Lifetime movie. (with Krystal Yoseph & Grant Hermes.)

Ep. 65 | All About Agendas

Feb 1 • 57 min

This week it seemed like every party and organization released their legislative agenda - including Let’s Fix this. So we decided to compare & contrast the big ones to parse out what policies we think will actually get passed this session.

Ep. 64 | 2019 Predict-O-Rama

Jan 26 • 70 min

We’re joined by Krystal Yoseph to discuss Governor Stitt’s first Executive Orders and cast our predictions for the 2019 Oklahoma legislative session.

Ep. 63 | New Governor, Who Dis?

Jan 16 • 74 min

Andy & Scott play a game of “OK, Stop!” with Governor Stitt’s inauguration address, breaking it down phrase by phrase.

The Election Night Show - Jabee

Dec 1, 2018 • 11 min

Musical performance by Jabee, recorded live at The Election Night Show on 11/6/18.

The Election Night Show - music by Joel T. Mosman

Dec 1, 2018 • 8 min

Musical performance by Joel T. Mosman, recorded live during The Election Night Show on 11/6/18.

The Election Night Show - K.C. Clifford musical performance

Dec 1, 2018 • 10 min

Musical performance by K.C. Clifford, recorded live at The Election Night Show on 11/6/18.

The Election Night Show - Top 10 List & Stephen Salewon

Dec 1, 2018 • 19 min

Top 10 Things overhead at the polls in Oklahoma (feat. Joy Hofmeister) and musical performance by Stephen Salewon. Recorded live at The Election Night Show on 11/6/18.

Ep 62 | Election Recap

Nov 17, 2018 • 44 min

Quick recap of the election, what we think happened, and where this leaves us to start the 2019 legislative session.

Ep. 61 | Which races we’re watching

Nov 3, 2018 • 42 min

We give a quick run-down of the state races we’re watching this Election Day and which counties our forecast model says might be the most competitive.

Ep. 60 | Model Thoughts and How to Make a Voting Plan

Nov 2, 2018 • 60 min

Big news! We reveal our election projection data model and who may (or may not) win the Governor’s race. We also talk you through how to make a voting plan, which is more helpful & imporant than you might think!

Ep. 59 | CD5 Debate and another Labor Commissioner candidate

Oct 26, 2018 • 47 min

A very brief recap of the debate between candidates for US Congress, incumbent Steve Russell (R) and challenger Kendra Horn (D), followed by an interview with Republican candidate for Labor Commissioner, Leslie Osborn.

Ep. 58 | On the Road Again

Oct 23, 2018 • 44 min

We catch up with candidates who have been travelling the state together during their campaigns - Democratic candidate for Labor Commissioner Fred Dorrell and Democratic candidate for Insurance Commissioner Kimberly Fobbs.

Ep. 57 | 2018 State Questions Guide

Oct 16, 2018 • 61 min

We discuss the pros and cons of each of the five state questions that are on your ballots this year.

Bonus: Post-debate interviews with students and legislators

Oct 12, 2018 • 27 min

Following the student-led gubernatorial debate, we interviewed several high school students, as well as Rep. Jason Dunnington and Sen. Greg McCortney, to get their take on the event. (Apologies for the audio quality; we’ll do better next time.)

Bonus: “From Now On” Gubernatorial Debate

Oct 12, 2018 • 52 min

Audio of the student-led gubernatorial debate between Drew Edmondson (D) and Kevin Stitt (R). Recorded live at OKC Community College and hosted by From Now On. This was the first gubernatorial debate in the United States that was entirely organized and…

Ep. 56 | Everybody likes sandwiches (with Mark Myles)

Oct 11, 2018 • 79 min

A brief update on Oklahoma’s medical marijuana situation, a discussion of partisan symbolism, and a visit with Democratic candidate for Attorney General, Mark Myles.

Ep. 55 | Commissioner Candidate Chat

Oct 5, 2018 • 66 min

We sit down with two candidates running for statewide office - Kimberly Fobbs, who is running for Insurance Commissioner, and Fred Dorrell, who is running for Labor Commissioner. #Votelahoma

Ep. 54 | Gubernatorial Debate Recap

Sep 24, 2018 • 34 min

We recap the the Oklahoman’s gubernatorial debate that aired tonight. Pretty self explanatory. You saw that coming, though, right?

Ep. 53 | Someone should poll our dogs

Sep 23, 2018 • 80 min

We visit with our Washington correspondent Effie Craven and local restauranteur & Democratic candidate for OK County Treasurer, Daniel Chae.

Ep. 52 | Capitol Reporters, Vol. 1 (with Grant Hermes and Sean Murphy)

Sep 13, 2018 • 69 min

We visit with two of Oklahoma’s intrepid journalists to get an inside look into what it’s like to cover the State Capitol and politics in general in today’s political climate.

Ep. 51 | Too Close for Missiles

Sep 7, 2018 • 82 min

Andy & Scott are joined by Commander Scott Downey, USN, Retired, for what starts out as a discussion of current events and the run-off election but what ends up being a rather vulnerable conversation between a liberal and a conservative.

Ep. 50 | Sit-down with the Solicitor General

Aug 31, 2018 • 66 min

Did you know Oklahoma has a Solicitor General? (We didn’t.) Do you have any idea what they do? (We definitely didn’t.) Join us for an insightful conversation with Oklahoma’s Solicitor General, Mithun Mansinghani.

Bonus: State Superintendent Debate - GOP Primary Run-Off

Aug 25, 2018 • 77 min

Audio from the debate between Republican candidates for State Superintendent, Joy Hofmeister and Linda Murphy, recorded on Aug 24, 2018 at City Pres church in OKC.

Ep 49 | Labor Commissioner 101 with Leslie Osborn

Aug 23, 2018 • 42 min

We sit down with GOP candidate for Labor Commissioner and Oklahoma Representative Leslie Osborn to find out what, exactly, the position does in our state.

Ep. 48 | Words Have Meaning (with Daniela Busciglio)

Aug 16, 2018 • 71 min

We’re joined by academic linguist and political consultant Daniela Busciglio to discuss why words matter and how advocates can use science to help us get our point across more effectively.

Ep. 47 | Post-mortem with Senator AJ Griffin

Aug 10, 2018 • 76 min

Outgoing state senator AJ Griffin shares about her experience in the state legislature - the victories, the disappointments, why she’s leaving, and what comes next. There’s a short Pruitt Watch, and also - our mics didn’t work properly, so part of the…

Ep. 46 | You’re in charge while I’m gone

Aug 2, 2018 • 91 min

As the primary run-off nears, we’re joined by Republican candidates for Lt. Governor, Dana Murphy and Matt Pinnell, to discuss their perspectives on what that position actually does and their plan for it, should they be elected.

Ep. 45 | Carpathians, Kardashians, and Cardassians

Jul 30, 2018 • 71 min

We manage to give you a recap this week’s Oklahoma political news while also being distracted by Ghostbusters, Star Trek, and easily accessible barrier protection.

Ep 44 | Reefer Madness Continues plus an interview with the State Auditor (feat. Gary Jones)

Jul 20, 2018 • 70 min

We discuss the bizarre things that happened this week in Oklahoma’s medical marijuana saga, and then we speak with State Auditor Gary Jones to learn about the role of that position in our state government.

Ep 43: A doctor, a lawyer, and a therapist walk into a bar

Jul 14, 2018 • 59 min

Ep 43: “A doctor, a lawyer, and a therapist walk into a bar.” Scott (a doctor) and Andy (a therapist) have an unusually candid discussion about SQ788 (medical marijuana), ridiculous voter outrage, and how the issue is playing out in Oklahoma. The lawyer…

Ep 42 - Everybody gets a run-off

Jul 5, 2018 • 78 min

We recap the primary election and discuss the crazy high number of run-off elections, plus the final DC edition of “Pruitt Watch” and phone calls with Democratic nominee for Governor, Drew Edmondson, and Election Board PIO, Bryan Dean.

Ep. 41: Live Pod of the Primaries

Jun 27, 2018 • 109 min

Recorded live at Oak & Ore, we visit voters & candidates to get their experience and response to the elections. Featuring Kayla & Anna from Localities OKC, Amy Curran & crew from Generation Citizen, Brett Dickerson from OKC Free Press, JoBeth Hamon, Bo…

Ep. 40 - Fact-checking cannabis claims

Jun 21, 2018 • 47 min

We test out some new audio gear and help explain some of the nuances of SQ788 with a quick fact-check of some of the most notable claims about the proposed law and medical marijuana itself.

Ep. 39: Judging judges, plus political wine pairings! (with Nichole Gillett and Clayton Bahr)

Jun 16, 2018 • 91 min

Andy & Scott are joined by attorney (and LFT board president) Nichole Moisant Gillett and wine guru Clayton Bahr to help explain the judicial positions that are up for election this month and what wines pair best with politics. (Bonus: all of our spouses…

Ep. 38: GOP Labor Commissioner Debate (with Tres Savage)

Jun 11, 2018 • 71 min

Andy and Scott are joined by Tres Savage from NonDoc to recap the debate we held this week between Republican candidates for Labor Commissioner.

Ep. 37 | From 56th to 57th

Jun 1, 2018 • 61 min

Andy and Scott are back from vacation! We take a quick look back at the 56th Oklahoma Legislature, discuss Governor Fallin’s surprising vetoes of several bills, and give an update on the OSDH debacle. Then we lay out the plan ahead as we move into…

Ep. 36 | Bonus episode: From Walkout to What’s Next - Day 2 [Live]

May 25, 2018 • 118 min

The second of two special episodes from our “From Walkout to What’s Next?” events. This one was recorded live on April 23, 2018 at The Patriarch in Edmond, OK.

Ep. 35 | Bonus episode: From Walkout to What’s Next - Day 1 [Live]

May 18, 2018 • 109 min

The first of two special episodes from our “From Walkout to What’s Next?” events. This one was recorded live on April 22, 2018 and features guests Sabine Brown (Oklahoma Policy Institute) and Liz Waggoner (Oklahoma Women’s Coalition).

Ep. 34 | We Have a Winner!

May 11, 2018 • 32 min

Good news, Fixers - we have a winner to our 2018 Oklahoma Legislature Predict-o-Rama! And so, we take a quick look at what happened to the proposed legislation that was a part of the game and discuss what to expect from #LetsPodThis during the legislative…

Sine Dead

May 8, 2018 • 49 min

We finally - FINALLY - have an end to the 56th legislature…or do we? Regardless, we recap what happened during the last week of session, including three of the most contentious bills heard all session.

What would fully funded look like?

Apr 28, 2018 • 78 min

Intrepid local reporter Grant Hermes joins as special co-host to discuss the 2019 state budget. Grant also shares what he discovered when he called all state agencies to ask how much money they need to truly be “fully funded” and what that would actually…

A Whole Lot of Filing Going On

Apr 22, 2018 • 44 min

We discuss the record number of people filing to run for office, what may happen regarding a tax on wind energy production, and give our best guesses about what will happen over the last few weeks of session.

Walkout ends…so what’s next?

Apr 13, 2018 • 60 min

As the walkout winds down, we wonder “What’s Next?” for education advocates and the legislature. We discuss those questions and the record number of people who have filed to run for office.

The Walkout (with Scott Mitchell, teachers, and students)

Apr 6, 2018 • 59 min

Analysis of the first week of the teacher walkout. We visit with media personality Scott Mitchell, local teachers Josh Delozier and Amy Young, Generation Citizen’s Elizabeth Sidler, and four students from Edmond Memorial High School.

Buyer’s Remorse

Mar 29, 2018 • 40 min

The Oklahoma legislature raised taxes for the first time since 1990, but has already repealed some of the increases. We discuss how that all went down and what it means for the future, as well as the remaining potential for a teacher walk out.

Emergency Pod - OK House passed a tax increase

Mar 27, 2018 • 30 min

For the first time since 1990, the OK House of Representatives passed a revenue package by achieving the required 75% majority of votes. The package funds a pay raise for teachers and public employees, but not everyone is happy, and the future of the bill…

Education & Partisanship (with Senator Greg McCortney)

Mar 23, 2018 • 84 min

We discuss the HIV education bill and compare the various plans to increase education funding. We also chat with Oklahoma state Senator Greg McCortney about social media usage, education funding, partisanship, and his advice on how voters can engage with…

These books were made for walking

Mar 17, 2018 • 96 min

With a teacher walk-out looming on the horizon, we visited with several teachers to get their thoughts and feelings on the subject. Scott and guest co-host John Rorke also discuss the weekly run-down of OK Capitol news, including the announcement that…

Post-partisanship, co-ed dorms, and the end of special session.

Mar 6, 2018 • 64 min

Special sends draws to an end, giving way to the 2018 regular session bills, which include some good ones, bad ones, and downright odd ones. We also begin a discussion on post-partisanship in this highly partisan era.

Quick Fix: How to Vote.

Feb 21, 2018 • 11 min

A lot of people feel nervous the first time they go to vote. Where do you go? How do you fill out the ballot? What if you don’t understand all the questions or know who all the candidates are? In this, the second in our “Quick Fix” series, Scott explains…

Will you be my legislative valentine?

Feb 17, 2018 • 52 min

The debate (and fate) of the Step Up plan, more Health Department shenanigans, unlikely partisan team-ups, and some deliciously nerdy #oklegvalentines tweets.

Quick Fix: How to Register to Vote

Feb 8, 2018 • 6 min

First in our “Quick Fix” series, we give a quick, in-depth look at how to register to vote in Oklahoma.

State of the State (Live Recording)

Feb 8, 2018 • 35 min

Following Governor Fallin’s unusually brief State of State address, we visit with two voters (Nickolai & Courtney), a policy wonk (David Blatt), and a state representative (Marcus McEntire) to get a variety of responses to what the Governor had to say.…

Groundhog Day Predictions

Feb 2, 2018 • 40 min

We look for our shadows and cast our predictions for the upcoming State of the State address and legislative session. There’s also a discussion of “Friends” and Andy impersonates a woodland creature. Remember: on February 5th we’ll be recording at the…

Mark your calendars!

Feb 2, 2018 • 1 min

The 2018 Legislative session is upon us, and Let’s Fix This has a bunch of great events scheduled for this spring. Here’s a quick preview, and we hope to see you there.

2018 Bill Round-Up

Jan 28, 2018 • 58 min

From education to alcohol and from sunscreen to feral hogs, we discuss some of the most interesting bills filed for the 2018 legislative session. Special guests Hayley Jones of CCOSA and LFT board member Effie Craven join in on the fun.

More people are stepping up, but not necessarily to vote.

Jan 23, 2018 • 37 min

We discuss developments and implications of the proposed “Step Up Oklahoma” plan and take a look at the recently-released voter registration numbers. Oklahoma is losing voters!

Is the business community trying to step up?

Jan 12, 2018 • 39 min

Scott is back from holiday and getting caught up on the fact that the legislature is still in their second special session. We review the Step Up Oklahoma Coalition’s suggested plan for fixing the state and begin discussing two of the State Questions that…

New Leaders Council

Jan 5, 2018 • 25 min

While Scott is on holiday, Andy sits down with co-director of theOklahoma chapter of the New Leaders Council (NLC), Ashten Hughes, as well as an NLC Fellow (and friend of the pod), Anna Facci. We also announce the dates of our Capitol Days for this spring!

What Happened at the Health Department?

Dec 22, 2017 • 55 min

The Oklahoma State Dept of Health needed $30 million in order to make payroll last month. What the heck is going on over there? We analyze two weeks of testimony and break down a timeline presented this week by a former health department official.

Was Jesus a Democrat?

Dec 17, 2017 • 49 min

Part 2 of our series about the relationship of politics in community. We’re joined by biblical scholar and pastor Marty Michelson, to discuss another divisive topic - how Christianity fits in with politics and community.

How Politics Create and Divide Our Sense of Community, Part 1

Dec 8, 2017 • 37 min

Inspired by a recent of episode of “OnBeing with Krista Tippett,” Andy and Scott, along with special guest John Rorke, wrestle with the impact that politics can have on our sense of community.

Potpourri

Dec 1, 2017 • 59 min

In this catch-all episode, Scott and Andy discuss Governor Fallin’s Executive Orders, the plans announced by two gubernatorial candidates, Thanksgiving travel, and a few other things.

Emergency Pod: Fallin vetoed the budget!

Nov 19, 2017 • 38 min

We discuss the implications of (and responses to) Governor Fallin’s veto of the Plan B budget bill.

Veteran’s Day and a Really Bad Bill

Nov 16, 2017 • 71 min

We’re joined by US Army Specialist (and LFT board member) John Rorke and discuss the “cash & cuts” bills passed by the OK House this week.

SQ640 Strikes Again!

Nov 9, 2017 • 60 min

We break down the failed “Grand Bargain” revenue bill, why it failed, and what might happen next.

Small progress, small episode.

Nov 3, 2017 • 33 min

Seven weeks into Special Session, the legislature has finally passed one, small revenue measure. And we try to not talk about a representative calling public employees terrorists.

A Rally and a Plan

Oct 27, 2017 • 51 min

We discuss the Republican budget plan announced this week and hear from people attending the rally supporting mental health & substance abuse treatment.

Worst Case Scenario

Oct 20, 2017 • 50 min

We discuss the potentially devastating cuts to ODMHSAS and play the first round of “Will the Governor Veto?”

Merton, Norquist, and Bennett with the Good Hair

Oct 14, 2017 • 42 min

We discuss the budget deal the wasn’t, Grover Norquist’s anti-tax pledge, and an interview with Rep. Forrest Bennett.

Taxation thru the eyes of an oil tycoon

Oct 6, 2017 • 55 min

Medicaid cuts, health department furloughs, and then an insightful discussion about taxation in the oil & gas industry and their role in fixing Oklahoma’s budget with Joe Warren of OEPA.

It’s an “Extraordinary” Session

Sep 29, 2017 • 49 min

We discuss what happened the first week of the special session, visit with some advocates at the Capitol, and talk with President of the LFT Board, Nichole Moisant Gillett.

Pre-Special Session with Scott Melson & Senator David Holt

Sep 23, 2017 • 47 min

Recap of what’s happened in #okleg since last episode, plus interviews with Let’s Fix This board member Scott Melson and state Senator David Holt.

Supreme Court fallout and Capitol Building Restoration

Sep 14, 2017 • 36 min

We chat with former state representative Joe Dorman regarding the state Supreme Court striking down the cigarette “fee” and discuss the massive State Capitol restoration with project manager Trait Thompson.

When is a tax called a fee?

Aug 22, 2017 • 51 min

Our first episode! We discuss the origins of Let’s Fix This and the Oklahoma Supreme Court cases surrounding the constitutionality of three revenue measures.