Senate Presidents’ Forum

SPF On Air

Education EN ↓ 11 episodes

Welcome to SPF On Air — Voice of the Nation’s State Senate Leaders. The Senate Presidents’ Forum is excited to share this series of candid conversations with state senate presidents, private sector leaders, and experts from think-tanks and institutions across the globe. SPF On Air is a civics lesson, a sounding board, and a study of public policymaking all in one. Because we believe knowledge is the cornerstone of good policy, this podcast explores the priorities, proud moments, and the problems shaping the near future of our fifty states.

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Senate Presidents’ Forum

Episodes

Karen Spilka, Massachusetts' Senate President 03.02.2026 23:10

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.

Senate Leaders Rob Wagner (OR) and Rod Bray (IN) 24.09.2025 22:43

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.

Senate Leaders Rod Bray (IN) and Bill Ferguson (MD) 30.01.2025 24:26

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.

Phil Berger, North Carolina's Senate President Pro Tem 12.09.2024 20:28

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.

Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi 06.06.2024 22:40

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.

Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson 16.02.2024 25:07

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.

‘The Idaho Way’ with Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder 03.02.2024 28:30

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.

New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins 04.01.2024 24:48

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.

Rules of Behavior with Lee Schoenbeck, South Dakota's Senate President Pro Tem 04.01.2024 25:29

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.

Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg 19.09.2023 18:08

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.

Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers 03.07.2023 23:35

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...