Former Kearney City Council member, Mayor, and now State Senator, Stan Clouse is featured this week. He brings a unique perspective to the Legislature after serving in local government. Senator Clouse shares his perspective on issues in the Legislature and some lessons learned in the process in his first two years in the Nebraska Legislature. He brings a refreshing view to the Legislature and you will enjoy hearing his perspective.

Nebraska State Senator Jana Hughes has a bill, LB 1038, to address how public schools are funded in Nebraska. For several years, property taxes have been a discussion in the Nebraska Legislature and a majority of property taxes paid across the state. Senator Hughes has been a member of the Education Committee and is bringing forward a bill to address how to fund public schools in Nebraska. It is a unique idea worth a conversation. Check out her idea how to fix our school funding formula in Nebraska.

Nebraska State Senator Ben Hansen discusses the inner workings of the Executive Board of the Legislature. He is completing his final session as a State Senator. We talk about the lessons learned and how he sees things going during his last session. We also discuss some bills related to taxes and how he plans to address taxes during the 2026 session.

Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg was appointed by Governor Pillen on November 3, 2025 to fill the vacancy for State Treasurer. Since assuming this role, Spellerberg has been learning about the duties of the State Treasurer and setting forth his vision for the office and serving Nebraskans. Just a few topics we discuss include paying the state's bills, unclaimed property, NEST saving plans for kids, and child support. Finally Treasurer Speallerberg gives insight on his advocacy for a first time home buyer saving account to help Nebraskans buy their first home.

CANCER SUCKS!!! This episode I give an update on my cancer treatment and how the treatment journey worked. Along with some special shout outs to my family and the radiation team at NHO! Check this episode out and hear the treatment journey. Thanks to all my friends and family who have been reaching out and supporting me through this journey. Especially the two people who had to deal with me the most during this time - my wife, Nikki and daughter Chloe.

Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, John Arch, joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming 2026 session of the Legislature. Speaker Arch talks about developing the agenda, working with his colleagues to work through all of the bills introduced, assigning bills to the various committees, and Speaker Arch shares some reflection on his time in the Legislature as he enters his last session before being term limited.

A look back at the highlights of our first 27 episodes. This time Bud becomes the guest to reflect back on the conversations in 2025. A great time to reflect on 2025 and prepare to move forward in 2026.

Ritch Cassidy as been a lover of country music for years. He pursued his passion for country music working in country music radio for years. After experiencing the ups and downs of the radio business and corporate radio, he pursued a path more independent and has created a following on social media. You would also say he was being a social media influencer before it was cool. Hear stories from the fun side of country music, the artists he's met, and how he has built his own path in a difficult industry.

Award Winning Wall Street Journal writer and political news editor, Gerald F. Seib who spent 40+ years with The Journal covering politics, world events, and has interviewed every U.S. President from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. In 1987, he was arrested in Iran while working covering the Middle East. He has hosted presidential debates and covered every major political event for the past 40+ years. This episode we will talk about how he went from growing up in Hays, Kansas to covering the White House.

Nebraska State Senator Kathleen Kauth – Senator Kauth was appointed to the Legislature in 2022 after the death of Rich Pahls and was elected to the Legislature in 2022 and reelected in 2024. Senator Kauth represents District 31 in the Omaha/Millard area and serves on the Agriculture Committee, Business and Labor Committee, and Revenue Committee. As a State Senator, Kathleen Kauth is not afraid to address the big issues. She talks about keeping males out of female sports and restrooms. She will also talk about her plans to address a recent arrest of a University of Nebraska Regent for Driving Under the Influence of alcohol.