Andy Beshear Podcast - Episode 10 Summary: VP Candidate Gov. Tim Walz & Pinterest CEO Bill Reddy

Release Date: June 12, 2025

Introduction

In the milestone 10th episode of The Andy Beshear Podcast, Governor of Minnesota and former Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz, alongside Bill Reddy, CEO of Pinterest and creator of Venmo, join host Andy Beshear for insightful and heartfelt conversations. This episode delves deep into governance, bipartisan collaboration, entrepreneurial journeys, and the evolving landscape of technology and social media.

1. Conversation with Governor Tim Walz

a. Recent Events and Special Session

Governor Tim Walz kicks off the discussion by sharing the whirlwind of his recent week, highlighting personal milestones and the demands of a special legislative session aimed at balancing Minnesota's budget.

Tim Walz [01:36]: "We've got to pass every single bill. We've got to balance our budgets, which states do, unlike the federal government."

Walz emphasizes the unprecedented division within the state legislature, with the house tied 67-67 and the senate at 34-33, requiring utmost bipartisan cooperation to achieve legislative goals.

b. Budget Concerns and Medicaid Cuts

A significant portion of the conversation centers around the looming federal bill threatening to add trillions to the national debt and its potential repercussions on state budgets, particularly Medicaid.

Tim Walz [03:18]: "40% of our children are on it [Medicaid], 70% of our nursing home folks in rural Minnesota. That's $1.2 billion."

Beshear and Walz discuss how cuts to Medicaid and SNAP programs could devastate state budgets, leading to reduced services and increased financial strain on everyday families.

Andy Beshear [05:07]: "The Medicaid cuts will impact states, but they will also shutter a lot of rural health care."

c. Personal Background and 'Why'

Delving into personal histories, Walz shares poignant moments that shaped his commitment to public service, including the loss of his father and the resilience of his mother.

Tim Walz [07:12]: "Watching my parents... It was a different generation. I say the Democrats came to me, and they provided that."

He reflects on how his family's experiences with loss and reliance on social safety nets influenced his political alignment and dedication to serving the community.

d. Political Approach and Bipartisanship

Walz highlights his bipartisan approach, contrasting it with the increasing partisanship at the federal level. His tenure in Congress was marked by collaboration across party lines, which he aims to continue as governor.

Tim Walz [18:20]: "I think people get so used to the dysfunction we see at the federal level, but there are glimmers of bipartisanship."

He underscores the importance of respecting legislative leaders and seeking compromise to advance policies that benefit Minnesota residents.

e. VP Candidacy and Reflections

Reflecting on his vice-presidential run, Walz expresses pride in serving alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and shares lessons learned from the campaign.

Tim Walz [21:26]: "I wish DC would... listen to folks out there. That's one thing I learned to do better job of."

He emphasizes the value of local decision-making and the potential dangers of over-centralization in federal governance.

2. Conversation with Bill Reddy, CEO of Pinterest

a. Early Life and Upbringing

Bill Reddy opens up about his Kentucky roots, growing up in a military family with strong ties to farming and small business entrepreneurship.

Bill Reddy [24:32]: "I grew up in the Fort Knox area... my dad had a little auto repair shop in Vine Grove."

b. Education and Early Career

Reddy recounts his journey into computer science at the University of Louisville, highlighting his self-taught programming skills and early work experiences.

Bill Reddy [28:03]: "I didn't have a computer growing up... my first computer science class taught us how to code."

c. Entrepreneurial Journey

From his initial ventures in online banking to co-founding successful startups like Venmo and Braintree, Reddy shares the challenges and triumphs of building and selling multiple companies.

Bill Reddy [32:02]: "It was about thinking... I really like that feeling of you go build something... millions of people using it."

He attributes much of his success to mentorship, particularly from Dana Bowers, and the foundational experiences gained from early startups in Kentucky.

d. Pinterest's Mission and Media Approach

As CEO of Pinterest, Reddy discusses the platform's commitment to fostering positivity and mitigating the toxic elements prevalent in other social media outlets. He emphasizes Pinterest's initiatives to promote phone-free environments in schools and enhance user well-being.

Bill Reddy [36:29]: "We want to go lead the way on that... investing in the long-term well-being of our users."

e. Views on AI and Future Technology

Reddy offers a balanced perspective on artificial intelligence, recognizing both its potential to democratize access to information and the risks of misuse leading to increased toxicity.

Bill Reddy [38:46]: "AI can grant your wishes in ways you may not expect... we need to build guardrails around the potential harms."

He advocates for thoughtful and intentional development of AI technologies to maximize benefits while minimizing risks.

f. Personal Interests and Fun Segment

In a light-hearted exchange, Reddy shares his passion for the University of Louisville Cardinals, recounting personal stories that intertwine his professional journey with his support for his alma mater.

Bill Reddy [41:30]: "I've been a huge Louisville fan... excited to see them in the World Series."

3. Brief News Segment

The episode concludes with a segment led by John McConnell, touching on current events such as high-profile breakups and the evolving challenges of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) policies in college athletics.

Andy Beshear [44:05]: "Breakups are tough. This breakup is the world's most powerful man."

Beshear and McConnell discuss the potential economic impacts of proposed legislative bills, emphasizing the dire consequences of increased national deficits and reduced state services.

Andy Beshear [49:47]: "It will harm us nationally, certainly in the long term."

Note: While the news segment provides timely commentary, the primary focus remains on the in-depth discussions with Governor Walz and Bill Reddy.

Conclusion

Episode 10 of The Andy Beshear Podcast offers a rich tapestry of conversations that blend personal narratives with pressing political and technological issues. Governor Tim Walz's insights into bipartisan governance and fiscal responsibility complement Bill Reddy's entrepreneurial acumen and commitment to positive social media practices. Together, they provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing both public service and the tech industry today.

Notable Quotes:

• Tim Walz [01:36]: "We've got to pass every single bill. We've got to balance our budgets, which states do, unlike the federal government."

• Andy Beshear [05:07]: "The Medicaid cuts will impact states, but they will also shutter a lot of rural health care."

• Bill Reddy [28:03]: "I didn't have a computer growing up... my first computer science class taught us how to code."

• Bill Reddy [36:29]: "We want to go lead the way on that... investing in the long-term well-being of our users."

• Andy Beshear [49:47]: "It will harm us nationally, certainly in the long term."

For those who missed the episode, this summary encapsulates the essence of the conversations, providing valuable insights into state governance, bipartisan efforts, entrepreneurial spirit, and the ethical considerations of modern technology.