SPF On Air

Senate Presidents’ Forum
  • 0.0 (0)
  • EDUCATION

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.

Episodes

  1. 09/24/2025

    Senate Leaders Rob Wagner (OR) and Rod Bray (IN)

    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.

    23 min

  2. 01/30/2025

    Senate Leaders Rod Bray (IN) and Bill Ferguson (MD)

    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.

    24 min

  3. 09/12/2024

    Phil Berger, North Carolina's Senate President Pro Tem

    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.

    20 min

  4. 06/06/2024

    Hawaii Senate President Ron Kouchi

    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.

    23 min

  5. 02/16/2024

    Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson

    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.

    25 min

  6. 02/03/2024

    ‘The Idaho Way’ with Senate President Pro Tem Chuck Winder

    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.

    29 min

  7. 01/04/2024

    New York Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins

    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.

    25 min

  8. 01/04/2024

    Rules of Behavior with Lee Schoenbeck, South Dakota's Senate President Pro Tem

    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.

    25 min

  9. 09/19/2023

    Colorado Senate President Steve Fenberg

    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.

    18 min

  10. 07/03/2023

    Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers

    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 Steve Fenberg

    24 min
  • 10 Episodes

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Senate Presidents’ Forum
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    SPF On Air