Let's Pod This

Andy is joined by Grant Hermes, independent political journalist and host of ⁨@MIMSnewspod⁩ , to discuss the state of the election nationally and what trends he'll be watching for as results come in.

We're joined by Cole Allen, policy analyst at Oklahoma Policy Institute, to discuss SQ845, which would make significant changes to the voter-created Judicial Nominating Commission. Read OK Policy’s SQ 845 Fact Sheet: https://okpolicy.org/sq845/ Watch OK Policy's SQ 845 explainer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wpxcZy1-d8

We're joined by Mary Kate Cary, executive director of the Miller Academy at the University of Denver , acclaimed political analyst, and former speechwriter for President George H.W. Bush, to speak about the burgeoning revolution in America back toward a more deliberative and productive of civil discourse. Check out the "Greatest Speeches" series she mentioned: https://engagement.virginia.edu/learn...

We're joined by Aanahita Ervin, policy analyst at Oklahoma Policy Institute, to discuss SQ847, which is one of two state questions the legislature placed on the November ballot. Read OK Policy’s SQ 847 Fact Sheet Watch OK Policy's SQ 847 explainer video

Andy and Emily zoom out, beginning with state Rep. Danny Williams being asked to resign by the Rules Committee and scaling up to what's happening with Congressional approval ratings (and why they may be important in Oklahoma).

With Governor Stitt attempting to put a state question on the ballot to ask voters if they want to call a constitutional convention, we decided to do a deep dive into the origins of the Oklahoma Constitution, its composition and structure, and how it stacks up against other states.

Andy and Emily discuss the results of the August primary run-off election, including the crushing defeat of SQ844, the oh-so-close win by Mike Mazzei, and the better-than-expected turnout overall, as well as what this potentially means for the general election in November.

There were no shortage of consequential cases during the most recent SCOTUS term, so we invited Christine Pappas to help give us a summary of the major (and a few minor) cases.

Andy and Emily reiterate that American elections are very secure, and we discuss the recent revelations about Oklahoma Rep. Danny Williams, who is under investigation for "improper behavior. " We say again: Voter fraud is virtually nonexistent—the bigger issue is voters not participating in them.

Andy is joined by Erika Wright (Oklahoma Appleseed & Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition) to discuss SQ844 & SQ846 that will be on the August 25th ballot. What seems complicated on the surface may in fact be quite harmful to local government and school board budgets!

Andy and Emily discuss the Republican run-off between gubernatorial candidates Gentner Drummond and Mike Mazzei and the impact of Governor Stitt making an endorsement in the race.

Andy is joined by Sarah Blaney, the new VP of Development & Strategy at Let's Fix This, and then later he speaks with Tracey Halley-Terrell, president of the Oklahoma Bondsman Association, about a new wave of scams that is sweeping the state (and the country).

Andy and Emily review the results of the 2026 Oklahoma primary election and see if their predictions came true!

Andy & Emily share their predictions for the outcomes of statewide & congressional races for the primary and their "theory of the case" for most of them.

Now that we have a little distance from the legislative session, Shawn Ashley from QuorumCall rejoins the show to discuss what happened in the second half of session, the unique forces at play in Republican primary elections, and how the landscape of Oklahoma politics may shift over the next few years.

With the legislative session behind us and the primary election looming ahead, Andy and Emily discuss the "horse race" of it all and wonder if the current crop of television ads are actually persuading any voters.

The interview table gets turned this week as Erika Wright, founder of the Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition, interviews Andy about why voting in the primary election matters so much.

Andy & Emily discuss the fallout of SCOTUS' Callais decision as Republican-controlled state legislatures rush to gerrymander their Congressional maps ahead of (or in some cases during) the primary election. Also joining the show is Shanisty Whittington, senior political science major at Rose State College, to discuss her research on prison gerrymandering.

Andy and Emily discuss the Callais decision announced today by SCOTUS and it's potential impact on gerrymandering and voting rights more broadly. Plus some reflection on CIVICS CON and questioning exactly why the Oklahoma legislat...

This episode is the keynote address delivered by former Congressman and founder of Groundwork Project , Joe Kennedy III, at CIVICS CON 2026. Joe speaks about Oklahoma, about democracy, and about a shared vision for the future.

Oklahoma lawmakers are sending some of the biggest ballot questions in state history to an August election most voters won't know is happening. Andy breaks down the joint resolutions targeting Medicaid, TSET, and the state Constitution — and why the date is the point. Then: candidate filing just closed, and the numbers reveal a democracy where 68% of races are already decided before November. Two...

Andy & Emily discuss how late-night lawmaking and budget maneuvers reduce transparency, then unpack a pressing—and persistent—Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services funding gap that prompted agency heads to hold a “premature” press conference about consolidating ODMHSAS into the Department of Health, despite concerns that consolidation won’t solve a roughly $20–30 million sho...

Almost no one living person has spent more time at the Oklahoma State Capitol than longtime capitol reporter Shawn Ashley. From being a public television journalist to owning a bill tracking and news service ( Quorum Call ), Shawn has spent 30 years listening, writing, and laughing about what happens in those halls of power, and he joined us this week to reflect on his tenure and discuss what's un...

We're joined by Dr. Christine Pappas , Professor and Chair of the Department of Politics, Law and Society at East Central University, to discuss the SAVE Act (aka the SAVE America Act, aka the Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act) and it's potential impact on elections in Oklahoma and across the country.

Dr. Emily Stacey returns to the show, but this time as our new co-host. This episode is really about getting to know her so that listeners have some background for future episodes.