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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mary Lahammer & Tara Erickson
  • Show Website
    SpinSisters

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