Let's Pod This

Andy is joined by Grant Hermes, independent political journalist and host of ⁨@MIMSnewspod⁩, to discuss the state of the election nationally and what trends he'll be watching for as results come in.

We're joined by Cole Allen, policy analyst at Oklahoma Policy Institute, to discuss SQ845, which would make significant changes to the voter-created Judicial Nominating Commission. Read OK Policy’s SQ 845 Fact Sheet: https://okpolicy.org/sq845/ Watch OK Policy's SQ 845 explainer video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wpxcZy1-d8

We're joined by Mary Kate Cary, executive director of the Miller Academy at the University of Denver, acclaimed political analyst, and former speechwriter for President George H.W. Bush, to speak about the burgeoning revolution in America back toward a more deliberative and productive of civil discourse.

Check out the "Greatest Speeches" series she mentioned: https://engagement.virginia.edu/learn/2026-america

We're joined by Aanahita Ervin, policy analyst at Oklahoma Policy Institute, to discuss SQ847, which is one of two state questions the legislature placed on the November ballot.

• Read OK Policy’s SQ 847 Fact Sheet
• Watch OK Policy's SQ 847 explainer video

Andy and Emily zoom out, beginning with state Rep. Danny Williams being asked to resign by the Rules Committee and scaling up to what's happening with Congressional approval ratings (and why they may be important in Oklahoma).

With Governor Stitt attempting to put a state question on the ballot to ask voters if they want to call a constitutional convention, we decided to do a deep dive into the origins of the Oklahoma Constitution, its composition and structure, and how it stacks up against other states.

Andy and Emily discuss the results of the August primary run-off election, including the crushing defeat of SQ844, the oh-so-close win by Mike Mazzei, and the better-than-expected turnout overall, as well as what this potentially means for the general election in November.

There were no shortage of consequential cases during the most recent SCOTUS term, so we invited Christine Pappas to help give us a summary of the major (and a few minor) cases.

Andy and Emily reiterate that American elections are very secure, and we discuss the recent revelations about Oklahoma Rep. Danny Williams, who is under investigation for "improper behavior."

We say again: Voter fraud is virtually nonexistent—the bigger issue is voters not participating in them.

Andy is joined by Erika Wright (Oklahoma Appleseed & Oklahoma Rural Schools Coalition) to discuss SQ844 & SQ846 that will be on the August 25th ballot. What seems complicated on the surface may in fact be quite harmful to local government and school board budgets!