SpinSisters

Mary and Tara talk to former White House and renowned attorney, Ty Cobb, about recent Supreme Court decisions, including birthright citizenship and temporary protected status. It also explores the impact of Citizens United on campaign finance and the constitutional interpretation of these issues. The conversation covers topics related to Trump's influence on the Republican party, the impact of Tru...

The conversation explores America's 250th birthday, the impact of President Trump, growing political distrust, populism, primary elections, party platforms, government performance, morality, and deep political distrust. It also explores historical context and lessons from history and digs into our political future and also checks and balances, trust in local government, political sorting and decis...

The conversation delves into the impact of Medicaid fraud in Minnesota, the context and backstory of the issue, political retribution and legal challenges, the disruption and turmoil in disability services, provider experiences with revalidation, collaboration and communication challenges, the federal administration and compliance, fraud investigations and prosecutions, and the lack of understandi...

Mary and Tara talk about the tragic event of June 14, 2025 after finding out about the assassination House Democrat leader, Melissa Hortman and the impact it has had on the state and in political circles. It also highlights the leadership, ambition, and journey of Melissa Hortman, as well as the involvement of Shannon Watson from Majority in the Middle and Lori Higgins of the North Metro Chamber o...

Mary and Tara talk with State Sen. Nick Frentz and former Representative Pat Garofalo about paid family medical leave, exploring various perspectives, political positions, and the impact on education, workforce shortages, immigration, and the labor force. The discussion also highlights the challenges and implications of the program, offering insights into the broader societal and economic landscap...

Mary and Tara talk about Bryan Clapper's viral video success, real estate marketing, and the impact on business growth. It also explores the diversity and depth of housing, strategies for first-time buyers, public policy and housing, and the influence of renovation on policy. The discussion highlights the need for a bipartisan approach to housing policy and the impact of state and federal regulati...

Mary and Tara talk with former State Senator and current lobbyist, Jeff Haden, and former Governor Tim Pawlenty Press Secretary and current PR Pro, Brian McClung about the accomplishments and controversies of the 2026 legislative session, including the impact of the bonding bill and license tab fees, the gun violence prevention efforts, and the challenges in the healthcare system. It also explores...

Mary and Tara talk with former Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner, Jan Malcolm, and HCMC Physician, Tyler Winkelman about the challenges and importance of funding HCMC, highlighting the need for creative solutions and collaborative partnerships to address the crisis. It also emphasizes the significance of HCMC to Minnesota's healthcare landscape and the urgency of finding sustainable fund...

The conversation delves into the bipartisan support for psilocybin legislation and the journey to its current status. It explores the role of research and education, personal experiences, the intersection of traditional and alternative medicine, regulation and licensing, as well as the challenges and process of psilocybin therapy. The conversation covers the topics of psychedelic medicine and heal...

The conversation centers on the evolution of media and politics, the impact of social media on news consumption, and the need for regulation of social media platforms. It explores the changing dynamics of media coverage, the influence of social media on news dissemination, and the challenges of regulating social media to ensure responsible and accurate information sharing. The conversation delves...

The conversation explores the world of Medtech entrepreneurship, exploring the journey of a successful entrepreneur in the industry. It also highlights the impact of the Angel Investor Tax Credit and the challenges of international clinical trials and regulatory processes. Additionally, it discusses the influence of athletics on entrepreneurship and the experiences of a young woman in the Medtech...

The conversation digs into the world of foraging, mushroom hunting, and the creation of a task force to address related issues. It explores bipartisan support, collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the legislative coverage of edible plants. The discussion also highlights the task force recommendations, buy-in, and the legislative impact, along with the learning experien...

The conversation covers a range of topics, including his Minneapolis experience during Operation Metro Surge, Minnesota's civic activism, emulating Minnesota's civic engagement, ICE and immigration policies, the national spread of civic sentiment, resistance to mass deportation, the impact of immigration actions, bipartisan interest in immigration impact, political polarization in Minnesota, upcom...

Ty Cobb, a veteran Washington attorney and former White House counsel, shares insights on his experiences and observations related to the Mueller investigation, the state of Minnesota, and the current political climate. He discusses the challenges faced by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the role of the White House counsel, and the impact of political dynamics on the justice system. The conversation d...

The conversation delves into the era of leadership transitions in Minnesota, exploring the impact of new leadership on civic, corporate, and political life. It also addresses the search for leadership, the importance of relational credibility and trust, corporate giving, civic engagement, Minnesota values, the impact of global considerations, and gender representation in leadership roles. The conv...

The conversation explores the theme of bipartisanship and bridging the political divide, featuring discussions on bipartisan initiatives, legislative exchange programs, civic pledges, community engagement, and funding challenges for civic organizations. The speakers emphasize the importance of sustained engagement, relationship-building, and financial support for impactful civic initiatives. The c...

The episode discusses the issue of maternal health, substance use disorder, and toxicology testing, highlighting the impact of flawed drug tests on pregnant women and the consequences of false positives. It also explores the laws and policies surrounding substance use during pregnancy and the need for reform. The conversation delves into the policies and practices surrounding prenatal substance ex...

Kara Swisher and Minnesota's Tane Danger discuss an upcoming live show in Minneapolis for Vox Media's Pivot Podcast hosted by Scott Galloway and Kara Swisher. Swisher is a top tech journalist, discussing the power of consumer activism, corporate responsibility, and the political landscape in Minnesota. Discover how everyday actions can influence big corporations and political figures. Our guests,...

In this engaging conversation, Mary and Tara speak with John Kaul, a former political operative turned artist and author, about his projects, including the 'Defenders of Democracy' initiative. They discuss the importance of civility and courage in politics, insights from Bill Kristol on Minnesota's civic engagement, and the role of grassroots movements in shaping democracy. The conversation also t...

In this episode of Spin Sisters, Mary Lahammer and Tara Erickson engage in a profound conversation with Safia Khan, the Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff at the Minnesota Department of Corrections. They explore themes of political violence, personal aspirations, and the importance of civic engagement. Safia shares her journey from Pakistan to the U.S., her reflections on the Constitution, and...

In this episode, Mary Lahammer and Tara Erickson engage with former legislative leaders Tony Sertich and Marty Seifert to discuss the current political landscape in Minnesota. They explore key issues such as immigration, workforce challenges, the role of law enforcement, and the impact of social media on politics. The conversation also delves into the breakdown of political processes, the need for...

In this conversation, Mary and Tara speak with Professor Linus Chan from the University of Minnesota, about the current state of immigration law and enforcement in the U.S., highlighting the unprecedented fear and chaos surrounding ICE operations in Minnesota. He emphasizes the constitutional violations occurring under the current administration, the impact on communities, especially children, and...

In this episode, Mary Lahammer and Tara Erickson engage with Dr. Eduardo Colon and Dr. Mitch Radin to discuss the mental health challenges faced by individuals in Minnesota amidst ongoing crises. They explore the impact of trauma, the physiological effects of stress, and the importance of coping mechanisms such as mindfulness and community support. The conversation emphasizes the need for connecti...

In this conversation, former Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson discusses the pressing issues facing Minnesota, including the erosion of trust in public officials, the complexities of immigration law enforcement, and the environmental impacts of mining. He emphasizes the need for a collaborative approach to governance that includes diverse community voices and highlights the importance of healthcare...

In this episode of SpinSisters, Mary Lahammer interviews Jesse Ventura, discussing the current political climate in Minnesota, the implications of immigration policies, and the use of force against citizens. Ventura shares his experiences at the border, critiques the current administration, and explores radical ideas for Minnesota's future, including potential secession to Canada. Takeaways Jesse...