Episode 7: What Don’t You Know You Don’t Know? - The Michigan Supreme Court

In this episode of The Drumbeat with Josie and Pete, we're switching gears and diving into the heart of Michigan's highest court. But don't worry—we're not here to bore you with dry legal jargon. Josie and Pete kick things off with some offbeat humor, taking you behind the scenes of a packed Sonic Smut show and a new local project in Ypsilanti that's more "social enterprise" and less "sit down with your coffee and take notes."

Episode Highlights:

Court In Session: We start with a primer on Michigan's Supreme Court, but not the stiff kind. Josie and Pete break down the roles of the seven justices, how they're appointed, and why this court is making history with the highest number of female justices it's ever seen. Spoiler: It’s about time.

Legal vs. Justice—The Ultimate Showdown: Buckle up for a conversation on the difference between what's legally right and what's just. From the confusing rules around the felony murder rule to Michigan's minimum wage laws, we navigate the sticky space where law meets fairness—and sometimes, where it misses the mark entirely.

Court Drama—Behind Closed Doors: Ever wonder how a case ends up at the Michigan Supreme Court? Josie and Pete take you through the process of case selection, oral arguments, and the importance of dissenting opinions. Get ready for a few laughs as they talk about “legal speak” and share some of their funniest takes on the courtroom formality that’s all but designed to make you feel out of the loop.

A Close Look at Access to Justice: As the episode unfolds, Josie and Pete dive into how economic barriers affect the pursuit of justice. With stories about zoning fights and legal services, they highlight how much money—and who you know—affects who wins in court. Spoiler: It’s often the ones with deep pockets.

Conclusion: As always, Josie and Pete wrap things up with an open invitation to rethink what’s just versus what’s legal. How can we create a system that serves everyone fairly, not just those who can afford the best lawyer? With humor, insight, and just enough sarcasm to keep you on your toes, this episode gets you thinking about what really matters in our legal system—and whether it’s working as it should.

Summary: The episode starts with a lively introduction reflecting on the new year 2025. Josie and Pete discuss their thoughts and musings about the year ahead, touching on popular culture references including Tommy by The Who and Taylor Swift. The focus shifts to the legislative landscape in Michigan, introducing the primary theme: navigating the complexities of legislative processes and understanding what the audience might not know about legislative intricacies.

Guests:

Senator Chang and Representative Pohutsky: The episode features an in-depth discussion with Senator Chang and Representative Pohutsky, who share insights into the legislative process, their experiences in their roles, and the dynamics of the Michigan legislature. They discuss term limits, election cycles, and the differences between the House and Senate processes.

Detailed Legislative Insights: Both guests delve into specifics such as the differences in re-election cycles for the House and Senate, term limits, and the composition and functions of the Michigan legislature. They provide a primer on how laws are made, the significance of committees, and the overall legislative cycle from bill introduction to gubernatorial decisions.

Key Discussions:

Conclusion: The episode wraps up with a call to action for more informed and active participation in state politics, emphasizing the power of constituents to influence change through understanding and engagement.

Title: Drumbeats and Holidays: From Lansing to Solitary Nights

Celebrate the holidays with Josie and Pete in this lively and unconventional episode of The Drumbeat. Recorded fireside with festive drinks (shoutout to the dill pickle martinis—never again), they share heartfelt laughs, personal stories, and unfiltered reflections. From the chaos of Lansing’s lame-duck session and the push for Second Look legislation to quirky holiday traditions and shoutouts to Detroit’s underground music scene (hello, Sonic Smut!), this episode has something for everyone.

Pete offers vivid stories from his time in solitary confinement, shedding light on resilience and humanity in the face of adversity, while Josie reflects on what it means to advocate for meaningful change. Listener questions, holiday memories, and the spirit of community make this a perfect blend of humor, insight, and heartfelt connection.

As they wrap up Season 1, Josie and Pete express their gratitude for the listeners who’ve joined them on this journey and tease what’s to come in Season 2. Tune in for a holiday celebration full of laughter, camaraderie, and a dash of policy and mischief. Season 2 premieres in January with a thought-provoking question: “What don’t you know, you don’t know?” 🎄🎶

In this episode of The Drumbeat with Josie and Pete, we take a deep dive into the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the challenges citizens face in accessing public records. Joined by legal experts Justin Long and James Cresta, we explore how FOIA is meant to promote transparency and accountability—but often falls short due to systemic barriers like vague legal definitions and misuse of fees.

This episode is packed with insights, humor, and a clear call to action: government transparency is a right, not a privilege. Tune in to learn how you can make FOIA work for you!

Episode 3: Why Aren’t People Voting?

In this  of The Drum Beat, Josie and Pete take on a critical question: Why aren’t more people voting? Despite the importance of elections, millions of eligible voters stay home. Is it distrust in politicians, a lack of understanding about the process, or simply a belief that one vote doesn’t make a difference?

To get to the bottom of it, Josie and Pete are joined by expert guests. Celia Fan, a research specialist from the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy, shares fascinating data from the Detroit Metro Area Survey (DMACS), offering insights into voter behavior and why many people feel disconnected from the political process. Teresa Reid from MiVoter.org also joins to provide essential tools and resources for creating a voting plan, breaking down Michigan’s accessible voting laws, including the option to register on Election Day and vote absentee.

Josie and Pete don’t shy away from the tough questions, especially when it comes to holding legislators accountable. They dive into the frustration many people feel when elected officials ask for votes but don’t always deliver on their promises. Josie points out that “there’s no progress report,” while Pete emphasizes that politicians need to do more than just campaign—they need to show real results. They explore how better communication and proactive public service could help bridge the gap between lawmakers and their constituents.

This episode goes beyond politics and focuses on the policies that shape everyday life. With humor, wit, and a nonpartisan approach, Josie and Pete explore how we can empower more people to vote and why every vote truly matters.

Whether you’re an avid voter or someone who’s never cast a ballot, this episode will leave you informed and ready to take action in 2024. Tune in for a mix of serious discussion, humor, and practical tips for making your voice heard!

Hosts Josie Ann Lee and Pete Martel discuss the Second Look legislation in Michigan, which would allow judges to revisit sentences for long-serving prisoners. Currently, Michigan has a high percentage of people serving sentences of 10+ years and an average sentence length three times the national average. Second Look would give judges the opportunity to reduce sentences, potentially saving the state billions of dollars and alleviating racial disparities in the justice system.

Guest Drummers, Noah Attal a data analyst, shares research showing Michigan's outlier status in sentencing and the potential cost savings and reduced racial disparities that Second Look could bring. Ronald Simpson-Bey, a formerly incarcerated person and advocate, shares his personal experience and the transformative power of Second Look for both incarcerated individuals and victims. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing people impacted by the justice system.

The episode highlights that Second Look is not about releasing all prisoners but providing an opportunity for judges to reconsider sentences based on individual circumstances and rehabilitation. The discussion emphasizes the need to shift the narrative around criminal justice reform, highlighting the potential for cost savings, reduced racial disparities, and positive community impact. It concludes with a call for greater advocacy and collaboration to push the legislation forward, emphasizing the power of hope and the positive changes it can inspire within the prison system.

We are excited to launch The Drumbeat with Josie & Pete!

Welcome to Episode One where we start with the question: 

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Josie and Pete's friendship goes all the way back to kindergarten in 1979. But after graduating high school in 1992, their paths diverged dramatically. Pete became involved in crime, while Josie prepared for college. By the summer of '94, a staggering 7% of their classmates were dead or incarcerated, leaving a scar on their entire community.

That June, Pete was arrested after an armed robbery and shootout. He spent years in prison, including a decade in solitary confinement following a failed escape attempt. His journey towards freedom wouldn't be complete until 2008.

During those 14 years, Josie built a life for herself. She graduated from the University of Michigan, pursued comedy in Chicago, and even wrote a sitcom.  After her father's sudden passing, she moved back home to support her mother. Eventually, she returned to Ann Arbor, started a business, and met the love of her life.

Through it all, Josie and Pete stayed connected through letters.  When Pete got out in 2008, they reconnected in person and have experienced the last 16 years together supporting each other, giving each other a lot of shit, and laughing through it all. 

Our first episode answers the questions:  How we got here, where we are going, and how. you can help.

We invite you to join on us this journey.....Let's Get Drumming!

We are excited to launch The Drumbeat with Josie & Pete!

Welcome to Episode One where we start with the question: 

HOW DID WE GET HERE?

Josie and Pete's friendship goes all the way back to kindergarten in 1979. But after graduating high school in 1992, their paths diverged dramatically. Pete became involved in crime, while Josie prepared for college. By the summer of '94, a staggering 7% of their classmates were dead or incarcerated, leaving a scar on their entire community.

That June, Pete was arrested after an armed robbery and shootout. He spent years in prison, including a decade in solitary confinement following a failed escape attempt. His journey towards freedom wouldn't be complete until 2008.

During those 14 years, Josie built a life for herself. She graduated from the University of Michigan, pursued comedy in Chicago, and even wrote a sitcom.  After her father's sudden passing, she moved back home to support her mother. Eventually, she returned to Ann Arbor, started a business, and met the love of her life.

Through it all, Josie and Pete stayed connected through letters.  When Pete got out in 2008, they reconnected in person and have experienced the last 16 years together supporting each other, giving each other a lot of shit, and laughing through it all. 

Our first episode answers the questions:  How we got here, where we are going, and how. you can help.

We invite you to join on us this journey.....Let's Get Drumming!