In this week's episode, co-host Ryan Coonery and Kansas State Representative Brandon Woodard discuss how the current legislative session is going, what it looks like to lead from the minority while still delivering real results, and his efforts to flip seats in the midterms. Woodard advocates for human rights, economic opportunity, and a fair Kansas for all. The conversation covers Woodard's focus on affordability, the realities of governing under a Republican supermajority, his approach to collaborating with his colleagues across the aisle, and why a small numbers of cross-party votes can still matter when major legislation is at stake. They also discuss the lessons Kansas learned from past tax cut experiments, what he's hearing on the ground while recruiting and supporting candidates, and what keeps him hopeful and committed to public service. Tune in to learn more from this engaging conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:00] Introduction and welcome to today's guest, State Representative Brandon Woodard.

• [01:40] An update on the Kansas legislature and how the affordability issue is being received.

• [03:12] A breakdown of the current structure and state of politics in Kansas.

• [07:37] Find out what his Republican colleagues really think about the affordability issue.

• [10:40] Hear how he works both inside his caucus and across the aisle.

• [14:40] Lessons from his time serving as the Democratic leader and travelling the state.

• [18:33] Learn about Representative Woodard's path from activism into public service.

• [24:22] What keeps him hopeful and motivated despite setbacks and defeats.

• [27:10] Final takeaways and closing comments.