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. 6D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. APR 16

    Foraging in MN - New Rules & Tips for the Trade

    The conversation digs into the world of foraging, mushroom hunting, and the creation of a task force to address related issues. It explores bipartisan support, collaboration with the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the legislative coverage of edible plants. The discussion also highlights the task force recommendations, buy-in, and the legislative impact, along with the learning experience gained from the process. The conversation covers two primary themes: Advocacy and Awareness, and Foraging and Fungi. The first theme explores the advocacy efforts, political engagement, and the importance of awareness in the context of foraging legislation. The second theme delves into the world of foraging, fungi, and the safety measures associated with it. Takeaways Passionate involvement in foraging and mushroom huntingBipartisan support and collaboration with the DNR for legislative impact Advocacy and awareness play a crucial role in shaping foraging legislation and promoting political engagement.Foraging and fungi offer a fascinating exploration of the natural world, emphasizing safety and environmental impact. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Foraging and Mushroom Hunting05:52 Edible Plants and Legislative Coverage11:52 Advocacy and Awareness20:20 Foraging and Fungi

    38 min

  4. APR 11

    Bulwark's Bill Kristol on Minnesota

    The conversation covers a range of topics, including his Minneapolis experience during Operation Metro Surge, Minnesota's civic activism, emulating Minnesota's civic engagement, ICE and immigration policies, the national spread of civic sentiment, resistance to mass deportation, the impact of immigration actions, bipartisan interest in immigration impact, political polarization in Minnesota, upcoming statewide elections, moderate Democrats' response to Trump, and the broken immigration system. The conversation delves into the Biden administration's approach to immigration policy and the impact of the war, discussing the calls for the 25th Amendment and the debate between impeachment and the 25th Amendment. It also explores the administration's foreign policy, the incompetence and recklessness of the administration, the role of elites, and the lack of leadership and solutions. Takeaways Minnesota's strong civic networks and tradition of social activism are worth emulating nationwide.The impact of immigration actions and policies has significant economic and social consequences, prompting bipartisan interest in addressing the issue. The impact of the war on public sentiment is significant.The silence of Republican elites and the challenges in media coverage are notable. Chapters 00:00 Broken Immigration System28:10 Impeachment vs. 25th Amendment35:48 Elites' Role and Media Coverage43:16 Lack of Leadership and Solutions

    46 min

  5. APR 2

    Trump Attorney on MN: Ty Cobb Context Law & Politics

    Ty Cobb, a veteran Washington attorney and former White House counsel, shares insights on his experiences and observations related to the Mueller investigation, the state of Minnesota, and the current political climate. He discusses the challenges faced by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the role of the White House counsel, and the impact of political dynamics on the justice system. The conversation delves into the role of faith communities in Minnesota's resistance, the impact of money in politics, the decline of media integrity, and the need for solutions to heal the political divide. Takeaways Rule of law conservatismChallenges in the U.S. Attorney's Office Faith communities in Minnesota played a significant role in the resistance, demonstrating the values of compassion and activism.The influence of money in politics has led to corruption and a lack of accountability, impacting both parties.The decline of media integrity and the need for independent, fact-based reporting is a critical concern for the future of democracy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ty Cobb and His Background08:04 Challenges in the U.S. Attorney's Office and the Justice Department17:11 Ty Cobb's Role in the White House and the Mueller Investigation23:58 Professional and Personal Conflicts in Representing a Client29:05 Political Rhetoric and its Impact on Society34:04 Community Activism and Political Engagement41:00 Corruption, Elite Influence, and Congress47:24 Legal Options and Accountability57:50 Solutions for Healing the Political Divide

    53 min

  6. MAR 26

    Change: Corporate, Civic, Political Turnover with Lars Leafblad

    The conversation delves into the era of leadership transitions in Minnesota, exploring the impact of new leadership on civic, corporate, and political life. It also addresses the search for leadership, the importance of relational credibility and trust, corporate giving, civic engagement, Minnesota values, the impact of global considerations, and gender representation in leadership roles. The conversation covers the topics of diversity in leadership, community resilience, career journey and professional passion, and advocacy and legislation. It delves into the changing landscape of leadership in Minnesota, the impact of recent events on the community, the career journey and professional passion of Lars Leafblad, and the advocacy and legislation efforts for the creation of a new license plate design. Takeaways Leadership transitions in Minnesota are experiencing a significant shift, with a large number of new leaders taking on roles since 2020.The impact of new leadership on civic, corporate, and political life in Minnesota is a topic of great interest and concern. Diversity in LeadershipCommunity Resilience Chapters 00:00 The Era of Leadership Transitions06:20 Local Talent vs. Outside Leadership12:03 Corporate Giving and Civic Engagement18:56 Minnesota Values and Civic Engagement27:39 Gender Representation in Leadership35:08 Community Resilience40:08 Advocacy and Legislation

    45 min

  7. MAR 19

    Bridging Bipartisanship with Jake Loesch & Shannon Watson

    The conversation explores the theme of bipartisanship and bridging the political divide, featuring discussions on bipartisan initiatives, legislative exchange programs, civic pledges, community engagement, and funding challenges for civic organizations. The speakers emphasize the importance of sustained engagement, relationship-building, and financial support for impactful civic initiatives. The conversation delves into the challenges of navigating risk and polarity in a politicized environment, the importance of building organizations and relationships, and the impact of division and urgency in addressing societal issues. It also explores Minnesota's unique small-d democracy, the changing public perception of Minnesota, and the challenges of resource allocation during crisis. Additionally, it discusses law enforcement, constitutional rights, and the intersection of Second Amendment and First Amendment rights, as well as the shift from political to moral perspectives and the management of online discourse. The conversation concludes with a focus on the expanded role of the Citizens League and the challenges in legislative processes, including bill overload and the siloed nature of legislative bodies. Takeaways Bipartisan engagement requires sustained commitment and relationship-building.Civic organizations rely on financial support for sustaining impactful initiatives. Navigating risk and polarity in a politicized environmentThe importance of assuming positive intent and nuanced conversationsThe impact of division and urgency in addressing societal issuesThe overwhelming number of bills introduced and the need for strategic legislationThe evolving role of the Citizens League in public policy and legislative exchange Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Bipartisanship and Bridging the Political Divide05:54 Bipartisan Pairings and Legislative Exchange Program11:55 Bipartisan Pairings and District Visits18:13 Community Engagement and Pledge Signings24:16 Reflections on Civic Engagement and Funding33:04 Navigating Risk and Polarity39:07 Minnesota's Unique Small-D Democracy44:09 Second Amendment and First Amendment Rights52:22 Expanding the Role of Citizens League58:07 Challenges in Legislative Processes

    56 min

  8. MAR 13

    Maternal Health & SUD Testing with Dr. Cresta Jones, Shoshanna Walter & Jill Castellano

    The episode discusses the issue of maternal health, substance use disorder, and toxicology testing, highlighting the impact of flawed drug tests on pregnant women and the consequences of false positives. It also explores the laws and policies surrounding substance use during pregnancy and the need for reform. The conversation delves into the policies and practices surrounding prenatal substance exposure and its impact on women and children. It explores the categorization of states based on their approach to handling substance use during pregnancy, the role of law enforcement and child welfare, the disproportionate impact on women of color, and the need for better resources and treatment options. The discussion also highlights the trauma caused by separations and the potential solutions to address these issues. Takeaways Maternal health and substance use disorderImpact of flawed drug testsLaws and policies surrounding substance use during pregnancy Policies vary across statesDisproportionate impact on women of color Chapters 00:00 Laws and Policies Surrounding Substance Use During Pregnancy28:54 State Policies on Prenatal Substance Exposure39:09 Impact on Children and Trauma45:55 Need for Better Resources and Solutions

    52 min
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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
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mary Lahammer & Tara Erickson
  • Show Website
    SpinSisters

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