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. 4d ago

    Getting Grounded: Tester & Georgiou

    Mary and Tara talk to the hosts of the hit political podcast Grounded with former US Senator Jon Tester and journalist Maritsa Georgiou. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including politics, local and national issues, the impact of money in politics, and the need for bipartisan cooperation. The influence of Citizens United on politics and the challenges of addressing climate change are also discussed. They also discuss issues including education, media, and community engagement of Minnesotans during Operation Metro Surge. It delves into the impact of political changes, the importance of staying informed, and the role of media in uncovering fraud and holding public officials accountable. The discussion also highlights the need for education reform and media literacy. Takeaways Bipartisan cooperation is essential for addressing major issues like climate change.The impact of money in politics, particularly due to the Citizens United decision, is a significant concern. Media plays a crucial role in uncovering fraud and holding public officials accountable.Education reform and media literacy are essential for an informed and engaged citizenry. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/begin-at-your-front-door/id1795326867?i=1000780930306 Like, Follow and Subscribe to SpinSisters!

  2. Aug 15

    Record MN Primary Turnout : Tom Horner

    The conversation delves into the Minnesota primary politics, record turnout, surprising election results, and the impact of primary turnout. It also explores the challenges and strategies for candidates, analyzes the Republican candidate, discusses the pro-choice Republican candidate, and examines the GOP gubernatorial race. The conversation covers the Minnesota gubernatorial race, the role of lieutenant governor candidates, the prevalence of the fraud issue in politics, the political evolution and centrism, and the impact of polarization in politics. Takeaways Record turnout reflects high engagementCandidates face challenges in appealing to voters Minnesota gubernatorial race is focused on policy debates and social valuesLieutenant governor candidates play a crucial role in understanding rural MinnesotaFraud issue is a significant concern in political races Chapters 00:00 Minnesota Primary Politics01:10 Record Turnout and Engagement02:56 Surprising Election Results03:26 Impact of Primary Turnout05:40 Challenges and Strategies for Candidates09:18 Republican Candidate Analysis17:30 Pro-Choice Republican Candidate20:44 GOP Gubernatorial Race24:03 Minnesota Gubernatorial Race25:01 Lieutenant Governor Candidates26:11 Fraud Issue in Politics29:05 Political Evolution and Centrism35:38 Polarization in Politics

  3. Aug 7

    Election Issues Outside Metro: Sertich & Seifert

    The conversation covers the primary and general elections, including the dynamics of the primary races, the impact of wildfires on the economy, the possibility of a special session, and the competitive US Senate race. It also delves into the challenges and strategies of the candidates, as well as the issues and concerns of voters in different regions of Minnesota. The conversation covers a range of topics including fraud, affordability, elections, national politics, and legislative races. The discussion delves into the impact of these issues on the upcoming elections and the potential outcomes for both parties. Takeaways Primary elections are characterized by a focus on personal disputes, policy differences, and the impact of term limits.The impact of wildfires on the economy, especially in northern Minnesota, is a major concern for voters.The possibility of a special session and the challenges of navigating the political landscape in an election year are significant considerations for legislative leaders.The competitive US Senate race and the strategies of the candidates, including their approach to media and public appearances, are key factors in the election process. Affordability and fraud are key concerns for votersNational politics and the impact of Trump's influence on the Republican PartyThe importance of legislative races and the potential for a change election Chapters 00:00 Primary Election Dynamics03:33 Impact of Wildfires on the Economy06:24 Possibility of a Special Session09:05 Competitive US Senate Race and Candidate Strategies18:24 Voter Concerns in Northern Minnesota33:12 Election Outcomes and Candidates

  4. Jul 31

    Why Minnesota Votes: A Conversation with Steve Simon

    The conversation begins with an introduction and background information about the guest, MN Secretary of State Steve Simon. It then delves into the reasons behind Minnesota's high voter turnout, the state's election laws, pro-voter culture, and media coverage of elections. The discussion also covers election administration, recounts, and voter eligibility, including the vouching process. The conversation covers topics such as vouching in voting, personal voting experiences, federal-state interaction on voter rolls, Operation Metro Surge and election data requests, the SAVE Act and election security, Election Truth Alliance and election anomalies, and ethics and bipartisan respect in elections. Takeaways Minnesota's high voter turnout is attributed to good election laws and a strong pro-voter culture.The vouching process in Minnesota requires a neighbor to swear an oath at the polling place, providing a secure method for voter identification. Vouching in voting is a misunderstood process that requires clarification.The SAVE Act raises concerns about election security and access to voting. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background01:51 Minnesota's High Voter Turnout02:35 Election Laws and Pro-Voter Culture04:29 Media Coverage of Elections06:22 Election Administration and Recounts25:10 Voter Eligibility and Vouching29:25 Understanding Vouching in Voting30:09 Personal Voting Experiences31:15 Federal-State Interaction on Voter Rolls32:01 Operation Metro Surge and Election Data Requests46:09 The SAVE Act and Election Security51:28 Election Truth Alliance and Election Anomalies55:55 Ethics and Bipartisan Respect in Elections

  5. Jul 26

    Republican Then & Now: Goodno

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Kevin Goodno's political journey, the evolution of the Republican Party, the impact of social media on politics, and the challenges of bipartisan cooperation. It also delves into the dynamics of welfare reform, Medicaid, and long-term care, as well as the influence of third-party candidates in politics. The conversation covers a range of topics including the challenges faced by the Department of Human Services, the impact of budget cuts, the complexities of Medicaid spending, the future of long-term care services, and the dynamics of political negotiations. It also delves into the unique leadership of Governor Tim Pawlenty and the collaborative efforts in public policy. Takeaways Political shifts and the impact of third-party candidatesThe challenges of bipartisan cooperation and the evolution of the Republican Party Medicaid spending challengesLong-term care services and aging populationPolitical negotiations and leadershipCollaborative public policy efforts Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Kevin Goodno's Political Journey03:02 The Evolution of the Republican Party and Political Values07:57 The Impact of Social Media on Politics and Bipartisan Cooperation15:03 The Influence of Third-Party Candidates and Political Dynamics30:00 Challenges in Human Services50:32 Leadership and Political Dynamics54:54 Negotiating Disability Services58:55 Budget Cuts and Policy Impact

  6. Jul 17

    We the People or We the Donors?

    The conversation begins with an introduction of Brian Boyle and to American Promise and its mission to address money in politics. It then delves into the origins of money in politics, the impact of campaign finance reform, the role of the courts, the effort to pass a constitutional amendment, state resolutions, the Montana Plan, and a legal perspective on Citizens United. The conversation continues about the influence of foreign money in elections, the policy implications of campaign finance decisions, the impact of court decisions on campaign finance, and the need to restore the balance of power. It also explores state-level campaign finance laws, transparency and dark money, and advocacy for campaign finance reform. Takeaways American Promise's mission is to mobilize support for a constitutional amendment addressing money in politics.The Supreme Court's decisions have played a significant role in shaping campaign finance laws and the impact of money in politics. Foreign money's influence in electionsThe need for advocacy and engagement for campaign finance reform Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Mission of American Promise03:00 The Origins of Money in Politics05:01 Campaign Finance Reform and the Role of the Courts08:08 The Constitutional Amendment Effort12:03 State Resolutions and the Montana Plan20:03 The Legal Perspective on Citizens United25:03 Influence of Foreign Money in Elections25:45 Policy Implications of Campaign Finance Decisions27:58 Executive Compensation and Campaign Finance30:25 The Impact of Court Decisions on Campaign Finance32:34 Restoring the Balance of Power36:12 State-Level Campaign Finance Laws37:49 Transparency and Dark Money39:36 Advocacy and Engagement for Campaign Finance Reform

  7. Jul 11

    Supreme Decisions & White House Ethics with Ty Cobb

    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 Trump's decisions on foreign policy and international relations, the role of the courts in shaping political outcomes, and the implications of cabinet appointments and loyalty in the current political climate. Takeaways Supreme Court DecisionsConstitutional Interpretation Trump's influence on the Republican partyImpact of Trump's decisions on foreign policy and international relations Chapters 00:00 Birthright Citizenship Decision07:23 Temporary Protected Status Decision23:20 Citizens United and Campaign Finance31:58 Rubio's Position and Trump's Influence33:19 Iran Deal and Trump's Foreign Policy36:14 Election and Court Decisions39:46 Violence and Political Climate42:10 Cabinet Appointments and Loyalty59:13 Attorney General Nomination and Court Decisions

  8. Jul 2

    America 250: Where We Stand As State & Nation

    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 decision making. It also explores the challenges of JD Vance's political future, the competence of cabinet positions, the decisions of the US Supreme Court, trust in local government, and the impact of motivated reasoning on decision making. The conversation also reflects on the division and unity of the country and the policy dimension in decision making. Takeaways Growing political distrust is influenced by government performance and moral leadership.Populism and political apathy are shaping primary elections and party platforms. The impact of motivated reasoning on political decision makingThe challenges of trust in local government and the future of the country Chapters 00:00 America's 250th Birthday08:50 Populism and Political Parties18:23 Government Performance and Morality27:36 Lessons from History35:03 Checks and Balances41:54 Trust in Local Government50:13 Political Sorting and Decision Making

See All (33)

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
    2026
  • Episodes
    33
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mary Lahammer & Tara Erickson
  • Show Website
    SpinSisters

You Might Also Like