SPF On Air

Senator Spilka shares her policy priorities — including juvenile justice and education funding — and opens up about the family history that shaped her views on mental health.

Oregon Senate President Rob Wagner opens up about policy, minority voices in the legislature, and learning from fellow states in this engaging interview conducted by Rob Bray, Indiana’s Senate President Pro Tem.

In this fast-moving conversation, Senate President Pro Tem Rod Bray of Indiana is interviewed by Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson on work-based education, the influence of family, and unexpected challenges from within a trifecta. 

Senator Phil Berger — currently the longest-serving active Senate leader in the U.S. — shares his thoughts on education, energy, and advice for freshman legislators. 

Ep. 7: In this episode, Senator Ron Kouchi describes the impact and aftermath of the tragic Lahaina wildfires of August 2023 — a crisis that reshaped state priorities overnight. 

Ep. 6:  Senator Ferguson describes how a teaching gig (“the toughest job I will ever have”) led him to a career in the legislature. Fourteen years later, the lessons are still coming. 

Ep. 5:  Idaho is the second-fastest growing state — but is it all good news? Senator Chuck Winder describes how a population influx has impacted the budget, schools, and dynamics in the Legislature.

Ep. 4:  "I don't take for granted being in the majority. Nothing is permanent.” Senator Stewart-Cousins discusses policy priorities and how she wants to use her time as Majority Leader and Senate President Pro Tem.

Ep. 3:  “You have to be an institutionalist,” says South Dakota's Lee Schoenbeck. "It does not matter what happens to you as much as what happens to your institution.” The Senate President Pro Tem talks with host Tom Finneran about accountability in the legislature and why communication is key.

Ep. 2: A downside of term limits is the loss of institutional knowledge among lawmakers — so who can a senate president turn to? Senator Steve Fenberg of Colorado discussed this challenge and more in a substantive talk with host Tom Finneran, recorded at SPF's Summer Forum.

Ep. 1: “You can be flexible without compromising your values."   SPF On Air launches with a compelling interview with Senate President Robert Stivers of Kentucky, interviewed by SPF’s Tom Finneran. Civility in the legislature, veto power, intra- and inter-party dynamics, and more are on the agenda in this far-ranging conversation.   Ep. 2:  COMING SOON!  An interview with Colorado Senate President...