Let's Talk Wyoming

By Amy Edmonds

Your weekly dose of Wyoming politics, because politics may be complicated, but we're here to break it down and help you make sense of it all. Hosted by former Wyoming Legislator Amy Edmonds.... more

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FAQs about Let's Talk Wyoming:

How many episodes does Let's Talk Wyoming have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.

Let's Talk Wyoming episodes:

April 04, 2025The Dangers of Performative Politics in Wyoming
In this episode of Let's Talk Wyoming, Amy discusses the recent political squabble between Secretary of State Chuck Gray and Governor Mark Gordon, highlighting the detrimental effects of performative politics on governance. The conversation emphasizes the need for authentic statesmanship, civic education, and political reform, drawing lessons from historical figures like Ronald Reagan and the late Senator Al Simpson, who exemplified true leadership and integrity.
Takeaways
Performative politics prioritizes spectacle over substance.
Authentic statesmanship is essential for effective governance.
Voters should support leaders committed to the public good.
Historical leaders like Reagan exemplified principled governance.
Civic education is vital for informed citizenry.
Political reform is necessary to reduce corruption.
Integrity is the cornerstone of effective leadership.
Understanding the history of institutions is crucial before making changes.
Rejecting self-serving rhetoric is essential for a healthy democracy.
The legacy of leaders like Al Simpson should inspire current politicians.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Current Events in Wyoming
02:55 The Squabble: Chuck Gray vs. Mark Gordon
06:14 Performative Politics: A Detriment to Governance
12:01 The Legacy of Statesmanship: Lessons from History
17:48 Civic Education and Political Reform
21:09 Remembering Al Simpson: A True Statesman
...more
34min
March 28, 2025Vetoes, Bitcoin, and Billionaire Drama – Wyoming’s Political Reality Show
In this episode, Amy discusses the recent legislative session in Wyoming, highlighting the governor's vetoes, particularly the controversial Second Amendment Protection Act. The conversation also covers voting rights, residency requirements, abortion legislation, and the upcoming budget session. Additionally, the host reflects on changes within the GOP and the implications of cryptocurrency initiatives in the state, culminating in a discussion about community engagement and political dynamics.
Takeaways
The governor's vetoes have sparked significant debate in Wyoming.
The Second Amendment Protection Act was a major point of contention.
Voting rights legislation is facing legal challenges due to residency requirements.
Abortion-related bills are complicating the legal landscape in Wyoming.
The budget session is approaching, raising concerns about legislative experience.
Grassroots movements are reshaping GOP leadership in the state.
Cryptocurrency initiatives are causing political rifts among state leaders.
Community engagement is crucial for addressing local issues.
The dynamics within the Freedom Caucus are shifting as grassroots Republicans gain influence.
Litigation is expected as new voting laws are challenged in court.
Chapters
00:00 Legislative Wrap-Up and Veto Drama
05:59 Voting Rights and Residency Requirements
11:58 Budget Season and Legislative Dynamics
18:00 Crypto Initiatives and Political Fallout
...more
39min
March 21, 2025Legislative Goals: Representative Martha Lawley's Key Accomplishments
In this conversation, Representative Martha Lawley shares her journey from a small-town upbringing in Wyoming to her role in the state legislature. She discusses her motivations for entering politics, key legislative goals, and the challenges faced during her terms. Lawley highlights significant bills she has worked on, including those addressing abortion regulations, children's online safety, and women's privacy in public spaces. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration and thoughtful policymaking in the legislative process, reflecting on the current political climate in Wyoming and expressing optimism for the future.

Takeaways
Martha Lawley grew up in Worland, Wyoming, and values her roots.
She transitioned from law practice in Texas to politics in Wyoming.
Lawley emphasizes the importance of community involvement and service.
She developed five key bills focused on constituents' needs.
Abortion regulation was a significant focus during her legislative session.
Lawley introduced a bill for age verification to protect children online.
She worked on sports regulations concerning transgender athletes.
Women's privacy in public spaces was a key legislative concern.
Collaboration and relationships are crucial in the legislative process.
Lawley believes in a bright future for Wyoming, driven by its children.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Representative Martha Lawley
02:51 Martha's Journey to Politics
06:13 Key Legislative Goals and Accomplishments
08:55 Addressing Abortion Regulations
12:12 Financial Instruments and Community Needs
15:01 Protecting Children Online
17:56 Sports and Gender Regulations
20:49 Women's Privacy in Public Spaces
24:06 Navigating Legislative Challenges
26:57 Reflections on the Legislative Session
29:46 The Future of Wyoming Politics
...more
45min
March 14, 2025A Discussion with Wyoming's Youngest Member of the House of Representatives JT Larson
Summary
In this conversation, Representative JT Larson discusses his journey into politics, his legislative accomplishments, and the dynamics within the Wyoming House of Representatives. He reflects on the importance of community engagement, the challenges faced during the legislative session, and his views on the Freedom Caucus. Larson emphasizes the need for collaboration and decorum in politics, highlighting the balance between personality and policy in legislative discussions.

Takeaways
JT Larson is the youngest serving member of the Wyoming House.
His passion for community service led him to politics.
He successfully passed legislation on wildfire liability mitigation.
Larson emphasizes the importance of both major and minor legislative bills.
The BLM management plan was halted due to local efforts.
He rates the session as stressful but acknowledges the honor of serving.
Larson criticizes the lack of decorum in the House.
He believes in working collaboratively rather than throwing political grenades.
The Freedom Caucus's approach has created tension in the legislature.
Larson prioritizes his constituents over party directives.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Representative JT Larson
02:54 Political Journey and Community Engagement
06:11 Legislative Accomplishments and Challenges
09:04 Session Reflections and House Dynamics
11:51 The Role of the Freedom Caucus
13:46 Conclusion and Future Outlook
...more
20min
March 07, 2025Veto Overrides: The Power Struggle in Wyoming
Amy provides a detailed overview of the recent legislative session in Wyoming, focusing on the conclusion of the session, the dynamics of veto overrides, and key pieces of legislation that were discussed and passed. The host reflects on the implications of these legislative actions and the overall performance of the legislature during the session.
Takeaways:
The legislative session concluded with significant veto overrides.
Governor Gordon has issued numerous vetoes during his tenure.
The legislative branch can override a governor's veto with a two-thirds vote.
Senate File 127 addresses rulemaking authority in Wyoming.
The Chemical Abortions Ultrasound Requirements bill faced controversy but was passed.
House Bill 94 removes the cap on charter schools in Wyoming.
The governor's vetoes were overridden for several key bills.
The session saw a chaotic atmosphere with new leadership dynamics.
Property tax relief was a significant focus for the legislature this session.
The conversation hints at ongoing political maneuvering and potential future sessions.
Chapters
00:00Legislative Session Wrap-Up
05:42Veto Overrides and Legislative Dynamics
13:30Key Legislation Discussed
24:10Reflections on the Legislative Session

Contact Amy at: [email protected]
...more
31min
February 28, 2025Policy Over Politics
In this episode of Let's Talk Wyoming, Amy Edmonds discusses the current legislative session's developments, including the recent court ruling favoring the Wyoming Education Association, the dramatic decision to not pass a supplemental budget, and the implications of outside political influences on local governance. She also covers key topics such as property tax relief, education savings accounts, gun-free school zone legislation, and social conservative bills, while looking ahead to potential veto overrides in the coming week.
Takeaways
The legislative session is nearing its end with significant developments.
A recent court case favored the teachers' union, impacting education funding.
The Senate decided not to pass the supplemental budget, marking a historic decision.
Political dynamics are influencing budget decisions and spending cuts.
Outside groups are exerting pressure on Wyoming legislators.
Property tax relief is a contentious issue with proposed cuts.
Education savings accounts are being debated with a focus on accountability.
Gun-free school zone legislation raises questions about safety and responsibility.
Social conservative bills are being discussed, particularly around gender issues.
Next week will focus on veto overrides and final legislative actions.
Titles
Wyoming Legislative Drama Unfolds
Education Funding Battles in Wyoming
The Fate of the Supplemental Budget
Sound Bites
"This has been one of the most up, down sessions."
"The Education Association most assuredly won."
"The supplemental budget is officially dead."
"There's a lot of politics being played."
"We need to vote and be skeptical of these texts."
"We should have more police officers to protect our children."
"Next week will be all about veto overrides."
Chapters
00:00Legislative Session Overview
02:20Education Funding Court Case
05:11Supplemental Budget Drama
10:14Political Dynamics in Budgeting
13:28Influence of Outside Groups
18:34Property Tax Relief Discussion
22:17Education Savings Accounts and Accountability
25:05Gun-Free School Zone Legislation
30:28Social Conservative Bills and Gender Issues
35:38Looking Ahead: Veto Overrides and Future Bills
...more
39min
February 21, 2025 Point of Order!
Decorum issues continue to grow in the Wyoming House of Representatives. This episode breaks down some of the real concerns with this kind of behavior and what it means for running a functioning body. Property tax and education reform remain hot topics. Hear it all today.
...more
42min
February 07, 2025 Conservative Thoughts and Property Tax Debates
One of the most common cries in political discussions is that age old - "you can't legislate morality." This statement is often used to argue against policies rooted in ethical or religious principles, implying that laws should remain neutral or purely procedural. However, this notion is deeply flawed. In reality, all legislation is a form of morality, as every policy decision reflects a judgment about what is right or wrong, just or unjust. The question is not whether morality should be legislated, but rather whose morality will shape the laws that govern society.
And Property Tax debates in the Senate this week are worth discussing.
...more
36min
February 05, 2025 Representative J.D. Williams
J.D. Williams is an authentic son of Wyoming, a cowman, husband, father and legislator. He serves House District 2 in the the Wyoming House of Representatives. In this interview, Rep. Williams talks about his priorities and why our small communitites as so important to Wyoming's way of life. Enjoy this authentic cowboy doing something he doesn't always enjoy.
...more
30min
January 31, 2025 School Choice and False Accusations
We are in the second FULL week of the Wyoming Legislature and things are already heating up! Listen as Amy Edmonds breaks down the big topics of the week including a major education bill and some seriously (or seriously foolish) allegations against the Park County Clerk.
...more
34min

FAQs about Let's Talk Wyoming:

How many episodes does Let's Talk Wyoming have?

The podcast currently has 33 episodes available.

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