Podcast
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky
Hosted by Michael Brodkorb · EN
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky provides a unique insight into politics, policies, and news of the day by injecting humor, personal stories, and blunt analysis of the political environment – all with a refreshing and entertaining perspective. While Michael Brodkorb is no stranger to sharing his analysis and commentary about politics on both sides of the aisle, Becky Scherr has spent the last decade working behind the scenes. She will take a new opportunity to share a unique view – and serve as the podcast's co-host.
michaelbrodkorb.substack.com
michaelbrodkorb.substack.com
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Break Down About the Power-Sharing Agreement with Rep. Zack Stephenson
Feb 8, 202501:04:28Tap to summarizeOn this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Representative Zack Stephenson, who provides insights into the newly announced power-sharing agreement between Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives. The conversation covers the recent challenges faced by the Minnesota House, including the standoff over seating Representative Brad Tabke, legal battles, and the unprecedented decision to deny quorum. They also discuss the implications of the new agreement, future budget concerns, and the dynamics of bipartisan cooperation in a closely divided legislature. Next, Michael and Becky analyze the results of a recent KSTP poll on the Minnesota House of Representatives legislative standoff. Join them for this detailed episode, and stay tuned for a lively discussion on the upcoming Super Bowl. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:21 Interview with Representative Zack Stephenson 01:41 Power Sharing Agreement Breakdown 02:45 Controversies and Legal Challenges 05:39 Details of the Agreement 07:51 Future Implications and Reflections 21:47 Minnesota's Budget and Economic Concerns 28:47 Closing Remarks and Super Bowl Predictions 32:37 Policing Membership in the Legislature 33:30 The Role of Republicans in the Legislative Process 35:25 Reflections on Recent Legislative Events 36:28 Speaker Demuth's Optimistic Message 36:57 Challenges and Optimism in the Legislature 41:56 Poll Results and Public Opinion 49:40 Recall Petitions and Legislative Accountability 54:15 Fundraising and Political Strategy 59:35 Governor Walz's Future and Political Speculations 01:02:18 Super Bowl Plans and Final Thoughts The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!
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Bonus Episode: A Break Down about Lawsuits, Power Plays, and Quorum Wars
Feb 1, 202500:53:11Tap to summarizeIn this bonus episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, host Michael Brodkorb discusses the ongoing legislative standoff in the Minnesota House of Representatives. House Republican Majority Leader Harry Niska shares the latest developments and discusses a lawsuit filed by the House Republicans against Secretary of State Steve Simon. Next, Democratic pundit Julius Hernandez offers his perspective on the standoff between Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Get an in-depth look at the legal battles, the political maneuvers, and the constitutional arguments shaping this intense political scene. 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:47 Interview with Republican House Majority Leader Harry Niska 01:07 Details of the Legislative Standoff 03:47 Legal Actions and Quorum Issues 06:42 Discussion on Legislative Procedures 14:21 Interview with Democratic pundit Julius Hernandez 17:31 Debate on Quorum and Legislative Power 31:27 Election Results and House Rules 32:03 House Membership and Rules Compliance 33:23 Special Treatment and Political Dynamics 36:00 Power Sharing and Legislative Responsibilities 37:41 Debate on House Authority and Membership 41:46 Compromise and Political Strategy 46:37 Concluding Remarks and Final Thoughts The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
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Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Speaker-Designate Lisa Demuth
Jan 25, 202501:02:47Tap to summarizeOn this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr welcome Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth to discuss recent political developments in Minnesota. The episode explores the Minnesota Supreme Court's recent ruling on Governor Walz's writ of special election, the ongoing quorum dispute, and the dynamics within the Minnesota House. Speaker-designate Demuth shares her perspective on the importance of following the law, the Democrats' refusal to attend legislative sessions, and the challenges surrounding committee hearings disrupted by protests. Tune in for a comprehensive breakdown of Minnesota's political landscape. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:23 Special Guest: Speaker-designate Lisa Demuth 01:18 Supreme Court Ruling Recap 02:17 Residency Requirement Controversy 03:47 Governor's Special Election Call 06:41 Democrats' Absence and Quorum Dispute 09:44 Power Sharing and Legislative Challenges 20:41 Constitutional Crisis or Opportunity? 29:08 Protests and Safety Concerns 30:42 Ensuring Safety Amidst Protests 32:02 Law Enforcement and Leadership Response 34:15 Addressing Public Safety Concerns 38:24 Republican Initiatives and Legislative Goals 40:29 Challenges in Government Operations 43:25 Future Legislative Plans and Expectations 45:56 Interview Reflections and Analysis 57:10 Breaking News and Final Thoughts The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!
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A break down about Biden's exit and Trump's return
Jan 22, 202501:29:14Tap to summarizeOn this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by political experts Darwin Forsyth and Preya Samsundar. The group begins by examining President Joe Biden's exit, President Trump's inauguration, and his first executive actions, including controversial pardons. They also analyze Trump's tone during his address, his stance on immigration and energy policies, and the implications for national and Minnesota politics. They also discuss Preya's recent commentary in the Star Tribune: 'Republicans were given a nationwide mandate. Now let's get to work.' The episode wraps up with insights into Minnesota's legislative chaos and a look at Ken Martin's potential as the next DNC chair. Don't miss this in-depth discussion packed with diverse perspectives and political insights. 00:00 Introduction to the Breakdown Podcast 00:28 Welcoming Political Experts 00:54 Discussing Trump's Inauguration 01:48 Biden's Last Day and Pardons 03:46 Debating Presidential Pardons 08:20 Trump's Inaugural Speech Analysis 22:10 Celebrity Guests at the Inauguration 31:42 Trump's Religious References 38:01 Controversial January 6th Pardons 41:30 Trump's Controversial Pardons 42:22 Republican Reactions and Strategies 43:38 Minnesota's Political Landscape 47:16 Immigration Policies and Debates 55:26 Energy Policy and Executive Orders 58:56 Republican Mandate and Future Strategies 01:09:33 Minnesota Legislature and Election Disputes 01:23:19 Ken Martin and the DNC Chair Race 01:27:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode later this week!
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Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Rep. Brad Tabke
Jan 16, 202500:53:56Tap to summarizeOn this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Representative Brad Tabke of Minnesota House District 54A about the ongoing legal and political issues surrounding his election and the current standoff at the Minnesota House of Representatives. The episode delves into the controversy surrounding missing ballots, the recount process, and Dakota County Judge Tracy Perzel's detailed and extensive ruling yesterday, which determined that Representative Tabke won the 2024 election. Representative Tapke provides a detailed narrative of the election disputes, the implications of the missing ballots, and the broader political standoff in the Minnesota House. 00:00 Introduction to The Breakdown Podcast 00:18 Controversy in the Minnesota House 01:01 Interview with Representative Brad Tappke 01:53 The Election Day Roller Coaster 02:53 Legal Battles and Recounts 05:08 Court Rulings and Aftermath 10:57 Personal Struggles and Campaign Challenges 13:50 Procedural and Constitutional Issues 19:34 Future of the Legislative Standoff 25:57 Secrecy and Swearing-In Ceremony 27:00 Procedural Implications of a 68th Member 27:38 Potential Consequences and Political Drama 29:02 Constitutional Crisis and Uncharted Territory 29:45 Election Contest and Quorum Dynamics 34:01 Arguments and Statistical Analysis 39:22 Personal Reflections and Political Relationships 43:07 Interview Conclusion and Reflections The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.
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