Between Two Ellens*

The Ellens* visit with OSU political science professor Seth McKee about voter turnout, the role of political parties, gerrymandering, and so much more!

The Ellens* are joined by OK Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt to discuss two very important issues on the November ballot: State Questions 845 & 847.

The Ellens* are joined by Rep. Andy Fugate to discuss the upcoming August 25th election and the two state questions that will appear on the ballot (SQ844 and SQ846).

What's covered:

State Question 844 (Property Tax / Ad Valorem Exemptions): The history of Oklahoma's manufacturing tax exemption dating back to the 1980s oil bust, how it works today, and what changes SQ 844 would make to who controls reimbursement dollars for local communities, schools, and county services.

State Question 846 (Voter ID Requirements): Oklahoma's existing voter ID laws (passed in 2011), why this measure would move those requirements from statute into the Constitution, and concerns about potential disenfranchisement of absentee, military, elderly, and disabled voters.

Voter turnout & civic engagement: Oklahoma ranks dead last nationally in voter turnout, the challenges of getting voters to the polls in a closed primary state, and why every vote matters — especially on down-ballot state questions.

Education funding & the state budget: Discussion of Oklahoma's education rankings, the reality behind "historic funding" claims, and how earmarked dollars limit school flexibility.

Magic wand question: Each guest shares the one policy change they'd make with an amenable legislature and governor — from capping the private school tax credit to protecting the initiative petition process to adding the word "quality" to the state Constitution's education clause.

Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, these state questions affect every Oklahoman.

Get informed before August 25th!

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The Ellens* sit down with Oklahoma City Representative Mickey Dollens for one of their most unexpected conversations yet. Before politics, Mickey played college football at SMU, honored his late brother by trying out for the NFL, and competed on the U.S. Olympic bobsled team. The oil bust eventually pushed him into teaching — and a layoff pushed him into running for office.

Now in his 11th year at the Capitol, Mickey talks ballot initiative reform, education funding, economic diversification, and why he's teaching his kids to sort fact from fiction from faith. Oh, and there's a story about crashing a bobsled at 90 mph that you won't want to miss.

The Ellens* interview Secretary Blayne Arthur, the longest-serving secretary in Governor Stitt's administration, overseeing the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Secretary Arthur shares her unlikely path to the cabinet, her deep roots in Oklahoma's 4-H and FFA community, and why agriculture matters to every Oklahoman — from food safety and rural infrastructure to youth development and economic opportunity. The conversation covers the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the challenges of social media in public service, and what it really means to be a state legislator year-round.

The Ellens* visit with Chris Bernard, CEO of HungerFree Oklahoma, a nonprofit policy and advocacy thinktank that focuses on food insecurity. The conversation focuses on changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that are making it harder to ensure everyone has enough food to eat.

The Ellens* visit with Anden Bull, Chief Programming Officer & General Counsel for Palomar, which is Oklahoma City's Family Justice Center—a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary nonprofit that provides support, protection, and wraparound services for survivors of domestic and family violence. Anden shares about Palomar's origin and what they do for the community.

The Ellens* invited several of their Democratic House caucus colleagues to come through the studio to share their thoughts on the legislative session this year. Included in this episode: Representatives Arturo Alonso Sandoval, Melissa Provenzano, Aletia Timmons, and Michelle McCane.

The Ellens* invited several of their Democratic House caucus colleagues to come through the studio to share their thoughts on the legislative session this year. Included in this episode: Melodye Blancett, Trish Ranson, Jacob Rosecrants, Andy Fugate, and Amanda Clinton.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, The Ellens* welcome former educator and administrator Rep. Ronnie Johns (HD 25) to discuss his path from 33 years at Ada City Schools to the Legislature, and why education remains his focus. Johns explains his push to restore a $5,000 stipend for National Board Certified teachers as part of a broader growth/incentive pay plan, noting the bill has passed and the Governor is ready to sign. The conversation expands to retention, the changing needs of students and families, and the importance of a state superintendent who champions teachers and public schools. They debate parent involvement and barriers like work schedules and access, and close with candid reflections on frustrations with caucus politics and the need to consult subject-matter experts.