The Flyover State Podcast

TFSP commemorates 25 episodes with a special "Best Of" rebroadcast from May 4, 2026, featuring former Oklahoma state Senator Rick Brinkley who provides a tell all life account of unique highs and serious lows that reshaped his life.  Rick's admirable perspective, humility and life lessons learned are very much worth the listen. Enjoy this special encore episode and thanks for listening. 

Former Oklahoma City FBI Special Agent in Charge, DPS Commissioner, OSBI Director and Edmond Police Chief Bob Ricks joins TFSP to provide intricate detail of his involvement in two major American events - the 1993 Branch Davidian standoff near Waco, TX and the April 19,1995 bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in OKC. Listen as Ricks vividly recalls details of both events that provide behind-the-scenes insight and detail into their link. You're going to enjoy this very special guest. Thanks for listening to TFSP!  

Oklahoma political power couple Greg and Maressa Treat talk about their time in public service, including the unique perspective of serving simultaneously respectively as the state Senate Pro Tempore and the Oklahoma County Clerk. They also provide keen insight into what led them to public service and their desire to serve. Greg and Maressa conclude by recounting how a very serious automobile accident involving their oldest son led to a new, and badly needed, Oklahoma law that better protects motorists and law enforcement. 

Outgoing state Rep. Mike Osburn (R-Edmond), Chair of the House Rules Committee, details his committee's recent findings and recommendations in regard to improper behavior from state Rep. Danny Williams (R-Seminole) towards multiple public employees. Listen as Rep. Osburn discusses the importance and professionalism of the committee process and where the investigation stands currently.   

Remember the 1987 movie classic, Broadcast News? Well, our guest sure does as he played the young William Hurt in that great screenplay as well as roles in other movies and a long stint doing commercials for a variety of products including Aim Toothpaste and Nestle Crunch Bars!  He's the one and only Kimber Shoop, a child actor of the 80s and now a regulatory attorney!  You'll love Kimber's hilarious tales from his childhood acting career, what led him sight unseen to Oklahoma and his personal and professional life today.  It's a great listen from one of the nicest guys around. Enjoy!  

Former Oklahoma state capitol reporters Tim Allen, Chris Casteel and Michael McNutt discuss their careers covering the Oklahoma Legislature and dozens of elected officials, including their most memorable political figure. The trio also touches on their professions after leaving the press room which includes stints as public information officers and D.C. news reporting. Take a trip back in time with three outstanding Oklahoma journalism professionals!   

Oklahoma journalist Tres Savage, Editor-in-Chief of NonDoc, provides his opinion on the razor close August 25 gubernatorial GOP primary runoff as well as the not-as-close GOP runoff for State Superintendent. He also provides in-depth analysis on why candidates Mike Mazzei and Robert Franklin were victorious and concludes by giving his thoughts on the November 3 general election.  If you're an election junkie this episode is absolutely worth listening to Tres' analysis and opinion.  Thanks for your support of The Flyover State Podcast!   

Legendary Oklahoma sports journalist Berry Tramel gives his take on the 2026 football seasons for OU, OSU and TU as well as the OKC Thunder. Berry, a Norman native, also discusses his long newspaper and sports radio career which includes stops at the Norman Transcript, The Oklahoman and his current positions at The Tulsa World and WWLS "The Sports Animal".  He also talks very candidly about his role with a short-lived online sports portal that nearly derailed his career. Don't miss this great conversation and thanks for listening to and supporting The Flyover State Podcast.   

Noted Oklahoma pollster Pat McFerron returns to TFSP with his latest numbers in the hotly contested GOP gubernatorial primary runoff as well as brand new primary runoff numbers for Labor Commissioner, State Superintendent and Insurance Commissioner. Pat also releases for the first time his latest polling on contests for Lt. Governor, Attorney General and U.S. Senate, as well as current popularity ratings for President Donald Trump and Governor Kevin Stitt. Tune in now for this primary runoff election edition of TFSP.   

The Flyover State Podcast goes old school with former Oklahoma gubernatorial communication directors John Reid (Gov. George Nigh), Dan Mahoney (Gov. Frank Keating) and Paul Sund (Gov. Brad Henry) as they reminisce of their time serving their respective governors. You do not want to the trio discussing how time and technology have changed this important role plus hear fantastic insight into what made their governors so unique. Thanks for listening.