SpinSisters

Mary Lahammer & Tara Erickson
  • 4.9 (15)
  • Politics

Policy & Politics with Wit & Wisdom: Minnesota's acclaimed television reporter Mary Lahammer and public relations professional Tara Erickson bring insight in turbulent times with fresh perspectives from guests, sharing civility, substance, and solutions.

  1. 2d ago

    Honoring Hortman: Solutions After Assissination

    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 of Commerce in responding to the tragedy. The discussion covers misinformation, civic engagement, and the challenges and positive outcomes of various events and initiatives. The conversation delves into various themes, including community engagement, amplifying the work of others, integrating civility in legislative programming, county commissioner roundtable discussions, building business and community relationships, challenges of security measures, transparency and data requests, engaging business leaders in political discourse, board support for taking a stand, leadership and mentorship, honoring public servants, the role of business in promoting compromise, encouraging civic engagement, partnership and collaboration, challenges in political collaboration, community response and engagement, honoring a public servant's legacy, family-friendly policies in government, and acknowledging public servants. Takeaways Tragic event led to the birth of a podcastLeadership and ambition of Melissa HortmanResponse to tragedy and positive outcomes Community engagement is essential for promoting change and collaboration in politics.Business leaders play a crucial role in promoting bipartisan dialogue and compromise. Chapters 00:00 The Tragic Event and Its Impact05:20 Shannon Watson's Involvement10:34 Lori's Chamber of Commerce Resolution17:16 Pledge Events and Civic Engagement22:26 Positive Outcomes and Leadership29:54 Exploring Community Engagement35:26 Enhancing Access to Elected Officials40:31 Engaging Business Leaders in Political Discourse46:29 Honoring Public Servants52:08 Community Response and Engagement

    53 min

  2. Jun 6

    Politics & Paid Leave

    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 landscape. The conversation covers a range of topics including immigration, political incentives, economic crisis, fiscal responsibility, political party dynamics, endorsements, voter turnout, and election predictions. The discussion delves into the impact of federal actions on state and local elections, the role of the judicial system, and the unpredictability of future events. Takeaways Diverse perspectives on paid family medical leaveImpact of the program on education and labor shortagesThe intersection of immigration and the labor force Immigration and political incentives dominate political discourseEconomic crisis and fiscal responsibility are key concernsVoter turnout and election predictions are influenced by various factors Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paid Family Medical Leave07:41 Impact on Education and Labor Shortages36:19 Immigration and Labor Force41:47 Economic Crisis and Fiscal Responsibility59:05 Voter Turnout and Election Predictions

    1h 5m

  3. May 29

    Reels to Real Estate: Bryan Clapper

    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 regulations on the housing market. The conversation covers Bryan's political alignment and journey, as well as his transition from journalism to real estate marketing, incorporating humor into his approach. Bryan's enthusiasm for Minnesota and his unique marketing strategies are highlighted throughout the discussion. Takeaways Viral Video SuccessReal Estate MarketingHousing AccessibilityPolicy and Legislation Political alignment and journeyReal estate marketing and humor Chapters 00:00 Viral Video Success and Real Estate07:33 Impact on Business Growth15:15 Strategies for First-Time Buyers22:18 Public Policy and Housing27:19 Renovation and Policy Influence41:05 Journalism and Transition to Real Estate Marketing

    53 min

  4. May 21

    Session Summary: Hayden & McClung

    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 the implications of Speaker Lisa Demuth's decision on the gun control vote and the measures taken to address fraud in the state. The conversation covers the uncontrolled government programs, the impact on Minnesota's reputation, the political landscape and party dynamics, and feel-good legislation. It delves into the housing stabilization program, Medicaid funding, and legislative response, as well as the perception on the national stage, loss of good governance, and impact on the governor's legacy. Additionally, it explores the Republican campaign message, the impact of fraud on political careers, and the need for a different party. Finally, it discusses the meat raffle bill, charitable gambling, and bipartisan support. Takeaways Accomplishments of the legislative session include the bonding bill, license tab fee reduction, and gun violence prevention efforts.The healthcare system faces challenges, including the stabilization of HCMC and the impact of fraud measures on providers and individuals. Uncontrolled government programs can have a significant impact on a state's reputation and governance.The political landscape and party dynamics play a crucial role in shaping legislative decisions and responses. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Legislative Session06:02 Bonding Bill and License Tab Fees13:46 Speaker Lisa Demuth and Gun Control Vote21:16 Healthcare Issues and HCMC Stabilization Fund28:49 Fraud Measures and Office of Inspector General43:42 Impact on Minnesota's Reputation53:47 Political Landscape and Party Dynamics01:03:35 Feel-Good Legislation

    1h 3m

  5. May 14

    Saving a Safety Net: HCMC

    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 funding solutions for the future. The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities in healthcare, focusing on primary care, mental health, governance, funding, workforce, patient populations, disparities, and innovation. It highlights the critical need for integration, stability, and scalability in healthcare delivery, addressing complex patient needs and disparities while emphasizing shared values and innovation. Takeaways HCMC's Importance to MinnesotaChallenges in Funding HCMC Primary care and mental health integrationChallenges in primary care workforce and resourcesGovernance and funding issues for HCMCImpact of turnover and job losses on HCMCHCMC's role in serving complex patient populationsHealthcare disparities and shared valuesInnovation and scalability in healthcare delivery Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introductions08:37 Funding Ideas and Proposals for HCMC17:18 Creative Solutions and Partnerships for Safety Nets24:11 Hope in Crisis: Collaborative Conversations for Change33:51 Primary Care and Mental Health Integration43:36 Impact of Turnover and Job Losses on HCMC55:27 Healthcare Disparities and Shared Values

    52 min

  6. May 7

    Magic Mushrooms: Bipartisan Bills

    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 healing, federal action and state approach, legislation and executive order, bipartisanship and collaboration, law enforcement and decriminalization, and marketing and social media. The discussion highlights the importance of bipartisan efforts and the potential of psychedelic medicine for healing, as well as the impact of federal action on state legislation. Takeaways Bipartisan support for the use of psilocybin for mental health treatmentThe importance of regulation and licensing in the administration of psilocybin therapy Psychedelic medicine for healingBipartisanship and collaboration Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Psilocybin Legislation06:18 The Intersection of Traditional and Alternative Medicine13:43 Challenges and Hurdles in Legislation25:46 The Process of Psilocybin Therapy31:41 Psychedelic Medicine and Healing38:34 Bipartisanship and Collaboration48:02 Law Enforcement and Decriminalization53:34 Marketing and Social Media

    58 min

  7. Apr 30

    Politics & Media: Kessler & Eskola

    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 into the influence of political figures on media, the legacy of Governor Ventura, the role of media in political discourse, the rise and fall of Governor Walz, the impact of political events on Minnesota's reputation, and the role of media in shaping public opinion. Takeaways Media and Politics EvolutionImpact of Social MediaRegulation of Social Media Media's role in shaping public opinionThe impact of political figures on mediaThe evolution of political discourse Chapters 00:00 Evolution of Media and Politics19:48 Regulation of Social Media30:16 The Influence of Political Figures on Media44:22 The Rise and Fall of Governor Walz52:42 The Impact of Political Events on Minnesota's Reputation58:43 The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion

    56 min

  8. Apr 24

    Building a Business: MN Medtech Maven

    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 field. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by women in the Medtech industry, the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, and the innovations in healthcare and women's health. It also explores the challenges and triumphs in entrepreneurship, as well as the need for investment and ecosystem support. Takeaways Medtech EntrepreneurshipImpact of Angel Investor Tax Credit Women in the med tech industry face challenges and biasesThe importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for women entrepreneurs Chapters 00:00 Introduction and MedTech Entrepreneurship04:53 The Role of Angel Investor Tax Credit19:58 International Clinical Trials and Regulatory Challenges27:05 Athletics and Entrepreneurship32:20 Navigating Bias and Pushing Back38:44 Investment and Ecosystem Support58:21 Women's Health and Innovation

    57 min
See All (24)

4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Policy & Politics with Wit & Wisdom: Minnesota's acclaimed television reporter Mary Lahammer and public relations professional Tara Erickson bring insight in turbulent times with fresh perspectives from guests, sharing civility, substance, and solutions.

Information

  • Creator
    Mary Lahammer & Tara Erickson
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mary Lahammer & Tara Erickson
  • Show Website
    SpinSisters

You Might Also Like