Between Two Ellens*

The Ellens* visit with OSU political science professor Seth McKee about voter turnout, the role of political parties, gerrymandering, and so much more!

The Ellens* are joined by OK Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt to discuss two very important issues on the November ballot: State Questions 845 & 847.

The Ellens* are joined by Rep. Andy Fugate to discuss the upcoming August 25th election and the two state questions that will appear on the ballot (SQ844 and SQ846). What's covered: State Question 844 (Property Tax / Ad Valorem Exemptions): The history of Oklahoma's manufacturing tax exemption dating back to the 1980s oil bust, how it works today, and what changes SQ 844 would make to who controls...

The Ellens* sit down with Oklahoma City Representative Mickey Dollens for one of their most unexpected conversations yet. Before politics, Mickey played college football at SMU, honored his late brother by trying out for the NFL, and competed on the U.S. Olympic bobsled team. The oil bust eventually pushed him into teaching — and a layoff pushed him into running for office. Now in his 11th year at...

The Ellens* interview Secretary Blayne Arthur, the longest-serving secretary in Governor Stitt's administration, overseeing the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Secretary Arthur shares her unlikely path to the cabinet, her deep roots in Oklahoma's 4-H and FFA community, and why agriculture matters to every Oklahoman — from food safety and rural infrastructure to youth develop...

The Ellens* visit with Chris Bernard, CEO of HungerFree Oklahoma, a nonprofit policy and advocacy thinktank that focuses on food insecurity. The conversation focuses on changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that are making it harder to ensure everyone has enough food to eat.

The Ellens* visit with Anden Bull, Chief Programming Officer & General Counsel for Palomar , which is Oklahoma City's Family Justice Center—a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary nonprofit that provides support, protection, and wraparound services for survivors of domestic and family violence. Anden shares about Palomar's origin and what they do for the community.

The Ellens* invited several of their Democratic House caucus colleagues to come through the studio to share their thoughts on the legislative session this year. Included in this episode: Representatives Arturo Alonso Sandoval, Melissa Provenzano, Aletia Timmons, and Michelle McCane.

The Ellens* invited several of their Democratic House caucus colleagues to come through the studio to share their thoughts on the legislative session this year. Included in this episode: Melodye Blancett, Trish Ranson, Jacob Rosecrants, Andy Fugate, and Amanda Clinton.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, The Ellens* welcome former educator and administrator Rep. Ronnie Johns (HD 25) to discuss his path from 33 years at Ada City Schools to the Legislature, and why education remains his focus. Johns explains his push to restore a $5,000 stipend for National Board Certified teachers as part of a broader growth/incentive pay plan, noting the bill has passed and the Go...

The Ellens* visit with their colleague, Representative Aletia Timmons (HD97), about her previous career as a judge and about the issue of sexual harassment & assault in the workplace. Denim Day is an annual day to pr...

The Ellens* visit with House Majority Leader Rep. Mark Lawson (HD30-Tulsa) about "The Mother Road" - Route 66 - and the many celebrations planned for its centennial birthday this year.

The Ellens* visit with Rep. Trish Ranson, a former elementary music teacher turned Oklahoma representative and current caucus chair, as she shares how the 2018 teacher walkout sparked her run for office and how her focus has expanded from education into health, mental health, childcare, and higher ed. She discusses HB 1979, a proposed early childhood task force aimed at consolidating 19 programs a...

Last week the Republican leadership announced a budget deal...but the exact details remain a bit murky and quite a bit uncertain. The Ellens* take a quick walk through what we know—and what we don't—thus far in the process. Budget portal: https://former.okhouse.gov/fiscal/FiscalPortal.aspx

Since the legislature is roughly halfway through the legislative session, the Ellens* reflect on what happened this week - what's dead, what's still alive, and what kind of shenanigans are happening late at night while the public isn't looking.

The Ellens* speak with Rep. Suzanne Schreiber about Oklahoma’s childcare challenges, emphasizing childcare as essential economic infrastructure that enables parents to work. Schreiber outlines costs ($700–$1,200 per month), staffing shortages driven by low wages (about $11.47/hour), and how “childcare deserts” are largely staffing—not building—problems. She discusses last year’s Strong Start First...

It's Transportation Day at the State Capitol, and The Ellens* are joined by Oklahoma Secretary of Transportation, Tim Gatz, to discuss roads, bridges, trains, and automobiles.

The Ellens* visit with State Senator and former Oklahoma City Councilwoman Nikki Nice about how she moved from radio and civic engagement into elected office, including her work as a DNC delegate in 2016 and her decisive 2018 city council victory. She explains why she ran for the Senate to overcome state preemptions that limit local solutions, and compares city council’s public-hearing-driven proc...

The Ellens* sit down with House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson and Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt to discuss their experience in the legislature, how they manage their caucuses, and how the minority party plays a role in the legislative process.

The Ellens* sit down with OK House Parliamentarian CJ Cavin and House Minority Floor Leader, Rep. Andy Fugate, to discuss the history, purpose, and enforcement of the House Rules.

The Ellens* host their first live pod with return guests Forrest Bennett and Andy Moore, to discuss Governor Stitt's eighth and final State of the State address. Recorded live at Lively Beer Works in Oklahoma City.

The Ellens* visit with former state representative Collin Walke, who unpacks the complexities of data privacy legislation, the persistent issues with selling our personal data, and the potential dangers of AI. Get ready for an eye-opening discussion filled with insights on how our everyday actions online could affect our privacy and security.

Join the Ellens* as they dive deep into the importance of tax and budget policies with Aanahita Ervin from Oklahoma Policy Institute. From explaining the ins and outs of state budgets to tackling the impact of federal changes, this episode is a must-watch for any policy wonk or concerned citizen.

The Ellens* sit down with Brittany Hayes, Policy Director at Healthy Minds, to discuss the multifaceted approach to improving mental health in Oklahoma. From systemic challenges to practical solutions, this episode is packed with insights on policy, community support, and the importance of early intervention.

The Ellens* chat with Erin Oldfield, VP of Community Engagement for the Thunder, about the team's profound community involvement, player philanthropy, and the thrilling experience of winning the championship.