Session Sessions

Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. and Rep. Blake Johnson
  • 4.7 (13)
  • GOVERNMENT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Indiana State Representatives Earl Harris, Jr. and Blake Johnson host fellow legislators and experts to share an inside look at the Indiana General Assembly, explain bills moving through the legislative session and showcase the policies and processes that are shaping our state.

  1. SEP 2

    Mid-Decade Maps: Trump, Indiana, and the Redistricting Power Grab w/Rep. Matt Pierce

    Blake and Earl are joined by State Rep. Matt Pierce for a candid conversation about the brazen push to redraw congressional maps mid-decade at Donald Trump’s urging. From backroom deals in Indiana to the broader national implications, they break down why this power grab is unprecedented, what’s at stake for democracy, and how everyday Hoosiers can push back. This episode dives into history, law, and the raw politics shaping the fight over fair representation.

    36 min

  2. JUL 31

    Laws, Loopholes & Local Roads: What Just Became Law in Indiana

    Session’s out, but the policy rollercoaster isn’t. In this episode, Rep. Blake Johnson and Rep. Earl Harris Jr. reunite (virtually) to unpack the most consequential - and controversial - laws that took effect in Indiana this July. From a property tax “cut” that shifts the burden to local governments, to a partisan power grab in our school board elections, to cuts in healthcare and early learning, they don’t hold back. They also get into: Raising the teacher salary floor—and why it’s still not enough Medicaid work requirements: effective policy or performative cruelty? A spirited debate between the hosts over SEA 1461 (road funding, tolling, and why it’s a win for Indy) How interim committees really work and why your voice matters right now Blake’s got a new baby, Earl’s lost another hubcap, and together they’re breaking down what Indiana just passed and how it’s going to hit your wallet, your schools, and your future.

    33 min

  3. APR 8

    The Sprint to Sine Die (and Double Diaper Duty)

    Indiana State Reps. Blake Johnson and Earl Harris Jr. are back with reflections on the Statehouse — and a major life change just around the corner for Blake. In this episode, the co-hosts break down: The ongoing concerns around SB 287, which would make school board races partisan — and why that’s raising eyebrows across the aisle. Update: bill passed by razor thin margin.The drama around Senate Bill 1 and the governor’s push for real property tax reliefThe high-stakes budget talks, the politics of SB 518 (school funding), and the looming possibility of a special sessionRoad funding, tolling fears in NW Indiana, and what’s still in play as the 2025 session hits the homestretchPlus: Blake gets real about impending fatherhood (again), and Earl speculates on whether ChatGPT is gunning for the co-host chair.

    17 min

  4. MAR 28

    The Speaker of the House w/Rep. Todd Huston

    For the first time ever on Session Sessions, we’re joined by the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives — and yes, he’s from the other party. Speaker Todd Huston sits down with Reps. Earl Harris Jr. and Blake Johnson for a rare, unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like to lead the 100-member House. We cover a lot: the reality of wrangling policy and personalities, how the sausage gets made during budget season, why the second half of session always feels like a sprint, and the surprising power of simply getting to know each other as people. Speaker Huston even opens up about the loneliness that can come with leadership — and the dinner-table wisdom that keeps him grounded. Also, minivans. Whether you’re inside the Statehouse or just curious about how it all works, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

    31 min

  5. MAR 5

    Kicking Off the Second Half w/Kip Tew

    In this episode of Session Sessions, we welcome back former state party chair and City County-Councillor, government affairs expert Kip Tew.  Kip shares insights and expectations for the second half of Indiana’s legislative session. Recorded on the last day of the first half, Kip shares thoughts on what has unfolded so far and what to expect moving forward. Topics include: ✅ How a new governor is reshaping the legislative dynamic ✅ The battle over property taxes and its impact on local government ✅ Surprise bills that failed to advance, including the controversial homelessness criminalization bill ✅ The role of lobbyists in shaping legislation and how AI is beginning to play a role ✅ How national politics are trickling down to affect Indiana’s economy and policymaking

    30 min

  6. FEB 21

    Bipartisanship, Budgets & Boundaries w/Rep. Matt Lehman

    In a first for the podcast, Blake and Earl sit down with a member of Republican leadership, House Majority Floor Leader Matt Lehman, to discuss the first half of Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. From budget battles to bipartisanship, Rep. Lehman shares his insights on the key issues shaping the Statehouse, what surprised him this session, and how the shifting political climate is affecting policymaking. We also discuss the growing disconnect between the public and government and the lessons he’s learned from serving in both the minority and majority. Don’t miss this thoughtful and candid conversation.

    31 min

  7. FEB 15

    Beyond the Buzzwords: What Lobbyists Actually Do w/Ali Bartlett

    When it comes to jobs that get a bad wrap, lobbyists top the list. In this episode of Session Sessions, we sit down with Ali Bartlett of Bose Public Affairs Group to break down what lobbying actually is, the misconceptions (and deserved critiques) about the profession, and how it plays a critical role in shaping public policy. We dive into: ✅ The difference between a registered lobbyist and a regular advocate ✅ How lobbying works at the state level vs. the federal level ✅ The day-to-day grind of a lobbyist during legislative session ✅ Major issues like iGaming, casino policies, and adult education initiatives ✅ How bipartisanship is crucial for gaming and other policy debates ✅ Why precise testimony in committee hearings is an art form From gaming policy to nonprofit advocacy, Ali gives us an unfiltered look at how she strategizes, educates lawmakers, and navigates the legislative process.

    42 min

  8. FEB 10

    From the Trail to the Statehouse w/Rep. Carey Hamilton

    Rep. Carey Hamilton takes us on a journey from the Appalachian Trail to the Indiana Statehouse. After hiking solo from Georgia to Maine, Carey’s transformative adventure sparked her passion for outdoor recreation and environmental policy. Now, as a leader in the legislature, she’s blazing trails in Indiana by advocating for sustainability policies, tackling the child care crisis, and creating the first-ever Trails Caucus. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, leadership, and how personal experiences shape powerful public service. Topics Discussed: Carey Hamilton's journey to the State House and leadership as Caucus Chair The ongoing child care crisis in Indiana and the economic impact The push for Pre-K and child care reform Carey’s work on creating the first-ever trail caucus in Indiana Legislation for electric vehicle manufacturing and climate resilience The state’s fiscal situation and road funding reform Immigration reform and its implications for local communities How Democrats are finding ways to push policy in a super minority

    36 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Indiana State Representatives Earl Harris, Jr. and Blake Johnson host fellow legislators and experts to share an inside look at the Indiana General Assembly, explain bills moving through the legislative session and showcase the policies and processes that are shaping our state.

Information

  • Creator
    Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. and Rep. Blake Johnson
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Session Sessions
  • Show Website
    Session Sessions