Listen Frontier

Follow Listen Frontier
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Listen Frontier is a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of The Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. At The Frontier, our mission is to hold public officials accountable, give a voice to the powerless and tell the stories that others are afraid to tell, or that illuminate the lives of people in our community. We will shine a light on hypocrisy, fraud, abuse and wrongdoing at all levels in our community and state. We will delve into complex issues and explain them to our readers, arming them with the information they need to make change.

The Frontier


    • Apr 28, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 25m AVG DURATION
    • 114 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Listen Frontier with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Listen Frontier

    Cyndi Munson talks education, abortion and why she thinks a Democrat can be Oklahoma's next governor.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 29:54


    House Minority Leader Cyndi Munson has entered a growing contest to replace Kevin Stitt as Oklahoma's next governor. The odds are stacked against Munson - when election day rolls around next year, it will have been 20 years since Oklahoma last elected a Democrat as Governor.But that's not slowing down Munson, who said she hopes to provide an alternative to the conservative candidates currently duking it out ahead of next summer's primary elections. This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    ‘Bell to bell' cellphone ban could be coming to Oklahoma schools. How would it work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 23:30


    Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore, told The Frontier she hopes her bill will help Oklahoma schools limit cellphone use and increase learning outcomes. This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton "cautious" but supportive of income tax cut

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 21:57


    Senate President Pro Tem Lonnie Paxton is “100 percent on board” with Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt's proposed half-percent income tax cut – but it's a cautious 100 percent. Paxton told The Frontier that recent Board of Equalization figures, which show Oklahoma's budget to be short of expectations following last year's grocery tax cut, make him wary of the possibility of a return to the state's budget woes of last decade. “I can easily say I'm 100% in favor of an income tax cut,” Paxton told The Frontier.But he also remembers when the state was facing a more than $1 billion budget deficit in 2016. Stitt has pushed for “half and a path,” his term for a half-percent cut and a path toward eventually eliminating personal income taxes. Recent Board of Equalization figures show Oklahoma's revenue projections are less than anticipated, though the state has about $4.6 billion in reserves. Those figures come after the state eliminated its portion of the grocery tax last year, which resulted in a loss of more than $400 million in tax revenue. Stitt, while urging a cut to personal income taxes, has also called for state agencies to have flat budgets for this fiscal year.On this episode of Listen Frontier, I talk to Paxton about what an income tax cut might mean - both good and bad - for Oklahomans. This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    Death row inmate Richard Glossip's murder conviction is vacated

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 22:19


    The United States Supreme Court on Tuesday directed Oklahoma to vacate the murder conviction of Richard Glossip, the state's most famous death row inmate, finding that prosecutors violated Glossip's civil rights during his trial more than 20 years ago. “Glossip is entitled to a new trial,” Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote in the majority opinion for five justices. She was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts, and Justices Elena Kagan, Brett Kavanaugh, Kentaji Brown and Amy Comey Barrett, who dissented in part. Glossip has spent 26 years on death row, had two trials, nine execution dates and three last meals. Tuesday's ruling came as Oklahoma prepares to execute its first inmate of the year in March, the 16th since the state resumed executions in 2021.On today's podcast, I'm joined by former Republican lawmaker Kevin McDugle. In his time in the Legislature, McDugle advocated for Glossip, as well as for various reforms to Oklahoma's use of the death penalty.This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    Oklahoma is still trying to use a recanted confession to retry Innocent Man case

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 12:54


    Federal courts have found a man's videotaped confession in the 1984 death of an Ada convenience store clerk to be almost entirely false but the state of Oklahoma is still fighting in court over whether it can be used against him in a new trial. The confession is one of the few remaining pieces of evidence the state has against Karl Fontenot in the abduction and killing of Donna Denise Haraway. Fontenot, 60, and Tommy Ward, 64, were twice-convicted of the kidnapping and murder of Haraway, who went missing from McAnally's convenience store in Ada on April 28, 1984. The two men were arrested for the crime in months later after both allegedly confessed to investigators that they had kidnapped, raped and murdered Haraway. The case was the subject of the 2006 John Grisham book and a popular 2018 Netflix documentary The Innocent Man.In their Dec. 20, 2024 briefing to the state appeals court, Fontenot's attorneys pointed out that more than two and a half years have passed since the state's attempt to have the federal appeals court's decision overturned was denied, opening the door to refiling charges against Fontenot.“Now, 926 days later, the State has not retried Mr. Fontenot, or set a trial date for Mr. Fontenot, or uncovered any new evidence that implicates Mr. Fontenot in the abduction of Denise Haraway,” the brief states. “In fact, the State of Oklahoma has stipulated to the absence of any new evidence on February 23, 2024, and admitted that the loss of evidence admitted at the previous trial, and the unavailability of many witnesses has compromised both side's ability to move forward with the case.”Today on the podcast we're joined by Frontier reporter Clifton Adcock, to update us on the cases against Fontenot and Ward. This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    'We can't afford it:' Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt wants to cut the state's income tax

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 25:15


    During his penultimate State of the State address earlier this month, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt called for "half and a path" - his term for a half-percent income tax cut that would put us on a "path to zero" income tax.Joining us on the podcast today is Aanahita Ervin, fiscal policy analyst for the Oklahoma Policy Institute. Ervin said the state cannot afford even a half-percent income tax cut, and urged the Legislature to look at modernizing tax credits instead. This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    Gentner Drummond is running for Oklahoma Governor. Who else might join him?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 22:27


    The race is on. Oklahoma Attorney General Genter Drummond has thrown his hat into the ring, seeking to replace term-limited Kevin Stitt as Oklahoma's Governor in 2026. Drummond is the first candidate to announce, and has been considered a strong contender to replace Stitt since being elected to his AG post in 2022.On this episode of Listen Frontier, we talk with Republican political strategist A.J. Ferate about Drummond's announcement, what he needs to do to capitalize on his head start, and who else might enter the race.

    Listen Frontier: One group thinks open primary elections in Oklahoma could boost voter turnout

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 31:33


    A group is seeking to boost voter participation in Oklahoma by opening primary elections to all voters, regardless of political party. State-level races are often decided in Republican primaries in Oklahoma, because there are no Independent or Democratic candidates on the ballot, leaving many voters locked out. “Voters are showing up with nothing to vote for and all the meaningful decisions are happening in the primary.” said Jeremy Gruber, an organizer for the group Oklahoma United. “That's why everyone needs a chance to participate.”The change would come through Oklahoma's Initiative Petition process. Gruber said if signature collection goes well, the group hopes to get the measure on the ballot as a State Question in 2026, when Oklahoma will be selecting a new governor.Independents are the fastest growing voter demographic in the state, according to the Oklahoma State Election Board. There are 481,817 Independent voters registered in the state, a 32.4% increase since 2020. Meanwhile, Democrat voter registration declined by 12.2% during the same period. Republican voter registration has increased 13.1% in Oklahoma since 2020. Oklahoma currently allows political parties to hold closed primary elections. In recent years, the Oklahoma Democratic Party has allowed independents to vote in primaries, but the Republican and Libertarian parties have continued to hold closed primaries. Gruber said there are multiple systems of open primaries in use across the country, but the version the group hopes Oklahomans will soon see on a ballot mimics municipal elections most are already familiar with.“Many of those municipalities across the state, which are arguably some of our more functional forms of government, use a unified primary,” former State Sen. AJ Griffin, who supports open primaries, said.“Voter participation is a sign of a healthy democracy,” Griffin said. “This isn't a partisan issue … but it is a way to engage all of the voters in the process and increase civic participation in a state with one of the highest ratings for election integrity in the country.Gruber said every state that has enacted an open primary system has seen voter turnout increase.“It's not hard to understand why,” he said. “You let more voters vote, you get higher voter turnout. It's basic math.” Only 64% of Oklahoma voters participated in this year's 2024 general election. The Republican mayors of both Oklahoma City and Tulsa favor the switch. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt said in September that he hopes a statewide open primary system would wipe out some of Oklahoma's partisan divide.“People say ‘Gosh it sure seems like you're electing mayors that unify people, that seem competent, that are well-liked across the political spectrum,” Holt said. “It's not magic … every voter gets to see all the candidates, and all the candidates have to face all of the voters.” Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum told The Tulsa World earlier this year that he now supports open primaries, after he campaigned against them as a city councilor more than a decade ago.“I think it is important to point out, there is a Republican dominance right now (in Oklahoma), but we have had for a longer period...

    'Game of inches:' Tulsa's mayoral primary came down to the wire, but now the race changes

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2024 27:15


    Tulsa voters this week effectively locked Republicans out of the city's mayoral election in November.Two Democrats - state representative Monroe Nichols and Tulsa County Commissioner Karen Keith - advanced to the runoff on Nov. 5 by narrowly defeating Republican Brent Van Norman by the slimmest of margins. The result guarantees Tulsa will have a Democrat mayor for the first time since Kathy Taylor left office in 2009.On this episode of Listen Frontier, we talk with Nichols and Keith about the result, what it means for Tulsa, and how the race changes now that it's transitioned to a head-to-head battle.

    Turn Key Health Clinics promised to improve health care in jails. Dozens of its patients have died.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2024 37:59


    As local jails have morphed into some of the largest mental health treatment facilities in the U.S., many counties have outsourced medical care to private companies that promise to contain rising costs. Turn Key is one of the fastest growing in the middle of the country.At least 50 people who were under Turn Key's care died during the past decade, an investigation by The Marshall Project and The Frontier found. Our reporting unearthed company policies and practices that have endangered people in jail — especially those with mental illness.On this episode of Listen Frontier, Frontier executive editor Dylan Goforth speaks with Frontier managing editor Brianna Bailey and Cary Aspinwall, reporter for The Marshall Project.This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    Fields of Green: A Frontier investigation into Oklahoma's medical marijuana black market

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2024 28:10


    Thousands of Chinese immigrant laborers suffer abuse and exploitation in a U.S. marijuana underworld dominated by Chinese mafias. A human rights advocate says: “They have not escaped the darkness of China.”Today we speak with Frontier reporters Garrett Yalch and Clifton Adcock about their reporting series looking at Oklahoma's medical marijuana black market, as well as their new story about the human and labor trafficking allegedly done at some of these farms.This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    Mindy Cummings statement read by Drummond

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2024 2:50


    Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond said at a press conference after the execution that Layla Cumming's family finally has justice after 40 years. Cummings' family didn't attend the press conference. But Drummond read a letter on behalf of Layla's mother, Mindy Cummings.“Today marks the final chapter of justice determined by three separate juries for Richard Rojem's heinous acts nearly 40 years ago when he stole her away like a monster he was,” Mindy Cummings wrote.

    Richard Rojem is scheduled to be executed in Oklahoma on Thursday

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 26, 2024 12:53


    On this episode of Listen Frontier, Frontier executive editor Dylan Goforth speaks with reporter Ashlynd Huffman about her coverage of the Richard Rojem case. Rojem, Oklahoma's longest-serving death row inmate, was convicted for the 1984 murder of his 7-year-old stepdaughter Layla Cummings.This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    A judge says ‘suck it up' after executions put strain Oklahoma prison staff

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2024 2:46


    Judge Gary Lumpkin made the remarks during a hearing Tuesday on the state's request to further delay the time between executions from 60 days to 90 days to reduce strain on staff.

    911 call on prison stabbings 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 0:42


    911 call on prison stabbings 1

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2024 0:36


    Listen Frontier: Oklahoma Senate leader says he'll consider a tax cut, just not yet

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2024 41:58


    A special legislative session called by Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt will begin on Monday. Stitt hopes lawmakers will pass a quarter-cent income tax cut, though that appears unlikely. Leadership in the Oklahoma House of Representatives has indicated they'll pass the cut, calling it another step toward leading Oklahoma to zero income tax, but the Senate's leader says Stitt hasn't shown a detailed plan, and they won't vote in favor. Senate President Pro Tem Greg Treat told The Frontier that lawmakers could opt to take up the tax cut during the regular session, which starts Feb. 5.Oklahoma's current top income tax rate is 4.75%. Stitt's proposed cut would drop the top rate to 4.5%. The Oklahoma Legislature last passed an across-the-board quarter-percent tax cut in 2021. On this episode of Listen Frontier, we talk to House Speaker Charles McCall and Treat to get their takes on the upcoming special session.

    Listen Frontier: Reporter Ashlynd Huffman talks about her story on Oklahoma's anti-red flag law

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2024 4:28


    Firearms have been the leading cause of domestic violence homicides in Oklahoma since 1998. The state's anti-red flag law bans any efforts to seize weapons by court order.

    Listen Frontier: Multiple investigations launched into alleged abuse at Oklahoma facility for people with developmental disabilities

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2023 28:58


    The Oklahoma Department of Human Services continued to refer clients to a troubled center for people with developmental disabilities for months after reports of systemic abuse first surfaced. A former Greer Center staff member said coworkers retaliated against her after she reported the allegations.Frontier reporter Kayla Branch has been covering the story for months, and on this episode of Listen Frontier, she speaks with us about her investigation, what she learned during her reporting, what developments there have been recently, and where the case is headed.This is Listen Frontier, a podcast exploring the investigative journalism of the Frontier and featuring conversations with those on the frontlines of Oklahoma's most important stories. Listen to us Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher. To donate to The Frontier and help support our efforts to grow investigative journalism in Oklahoma, click here.

    Listen Frontier: A conversation with Interim TPS Superintendent Dr. Ebony Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 27, 2023 21:29


    Ebony Johnson replaced former superintendent Deborah Gist in September. It was a chaotic start - TPS, the state's largest school district with more than 30,000 students, was under the threat of takeover by the state board of education, as state Superintendent Ryan Walters targeted Gist and TPS with criticism and ultimatums.Gist eventually stepped down, Johnson was appointed, and tensions cooled slightly."I feel like right now, leadership is needed in a way that it's never been needed before, and I'm honored to do that," Johnson told The Frontier.

    Karen Keith enters the Tulsa mayoral race

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2023 22:39


    Karen Keith worked as a television reporter before moving to the local chamber of commerce and later a post in the mayor's office. She now serves as one of three Tulsa County Commissioners.Next up? Possibly the most powerful position in local city government.On this episode of Listen Frontier, Keith talks with us about her past, why she wants to be mayor, and what she thinks she can accomplish.

    Monroe Nichols wants to be Tulsa's next mayor

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 24, 2023 26:31


    Rep. Monroe Nichols, D-Tulsa, is one of the more outspoken members of Oklahoma's Legislature. Now he wants to take his talents to Tulsa's City Hall where he would become Tulsa's first Black mayor. The election isn't for 12 months, but Nichols declared his candidacy early in order to get a head start campaigning, and, he said, to give him the time to dive more deeply into the issues facing Tulsa. On this edition of Listen Frontier, we speak with Nichols about his time in the Legislature, as well as his plans for Tulsa and his thoughts on the economy and education.

    Sen. James Lankford talks to The Frontier about abortion, immigration and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 27:55


    Sen. James Lankford, now Oklahoma's Senior Senator following the retirement of Jim Inhofe, took time this week to speak with The Frontier about immigration, abortion, the McGirt decision and the state of “Trump-ism” in the Republican Party.

    New Oklahoma County jail CEO talks about her plan to turn around troubled facility

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2023 30:03


    When Brandi Garner took over as Interim CEO of the Oklahoma County Detention Center in January, she inherited an aging facility with chronic staffing shortages and a high number of prisoner deaths.Frontier Managing Editor Brianna Bailey spoke with Garner about her plans to turn things around.

    Listen Frontier: AG Gentner Drummond talks about the scandals his office is now investigating

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2023 13:19


    Following his inauguration last month, new Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has wasted no time in making his mark on the state.Drummond was elected in November and sworn in last month, but he truly began preparing for the job last summer after he defeated former AG John O'Connor in the Republican Primary.

    Gov. Stitt discusses his plans for his second term

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2023 27:20


    Despite facing an opponent many believed would give him a challenge in his bid for re-election, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt coasted to victory on election night. Now that his second-term is beginning, he spent time with us to go over his priorities for the next four years.

    Talking about the key races being decided tonight in Oklahoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2022 21:03


    The state is deeply red, but the two most high-profile races this cycle are seemingly up for grabs. Depending on who you believe, incumbent Gov. Kevin Stitt is trailing Democrat challenger Joy Hofmeister, who has served two terms as the state's Superintendent of schools.And Republican Ryan Walters, who is attempting to replace Hofmeister as Superintendent, is fighting for votes against Jena Nelson, a public school teacher from Oklahoma City.On this episode of Listen Frontier, I speak with Ryan Tupps, a partner at Amber Integrated, an Oklahoma City-based polling firm.

    Listen Frontier: As election nears, Stitt, Hofmeister, hit the campaign trail

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2022 17:21


    Gov. Kevin Stitt is traveling to rural Oklahoma, defending his record and hitting up the state's metro areas, stumping with national figures like Ted Cruz and Glenn Youngkin. Challenger Joy Hofmeister is on a "50-stop bus tour" preaching unity, advertising her "aggressively moderate" brand, and vowing to help "all Oklahomans." On this episode of Listen Frontier, I speak about the final days before the election with our reporter Reese Gorman.

    The fallout from the Supreme Court's ruling on the Oklahoma v. Castro-Huerta case

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 19:07


    The United States Supreme Court on Wednesday reversed a lower court ruling from 2021, instead deciding that Oklahoma can prosecute non-Native Oklahomans who commit crimes against tribal members on tribal land. The court's decision overturns a previous ruling by the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals that vacated the Tulsa County conviction of Victor Manuel Castro-Huerta. Castro-Huerta, a non-Native American, was convicted in 2017 of child neglect after his 5-year-old stepdaughter, who is Native American, was found in terrible conditions.  On this episode of Listen Frontier, I speak about the decision with KOSU Indigenous Affairs reporter Allison Herrera, as well as Ryan Leonard, who serves as Special Counsel for Native American Affairs to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.

    Election night recap with Clifton Adcock, Kayla Branch and Reese Gorman

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 45:14


    Oklahoma's primary election day led to a few surprises, a number of runoffs and some big wins that set up a number of fascinating storylines leading into the next few months. Incumbent governor Kevin Stitt won his party's nomination, as did Democrat Joy Hofmeister, who will face Stitt in November. Stitt's attorney general, John O'Connor, was defeated by Tulsa lawyer Genter Drummond, a vote that will likely reshape the relationship between Stitt's camp and the attorney general's office. But Stitt's pick for state superintendent, Ryan Walters, shook off recent controversies enough to reach the run off in August against fellow republican April Grace. On today's Listen Frontier, I talk with Frontier reporters Clifton Adcock, Kayla Branch, and Reese Gorman about those elections, as well as the congressional races and the Oklahoma County jail bond vote.

    Listen Frontier: Jim Inhofe is resigning. How is the race to replace him shaping up?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2022 30:49


    United States Senator Jim Inhofe has been a fixture in Oklahoma politics since the 1960s. But in February the 87-year-old announced he would be resigning less than two years into his most recent term. The timing of his announcement is key. Inhofe said he would stay in office until next year, meaning that Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt can't nominate an interim replacement. Instead, a special election will be held later this year. The surprise opening of a coveted Senate seat resulted in a number of dominoes falling as candidates started appearing out of thin air.  Today on Listen Frontier, Frontier reporter Reese Gorman discuss Inhofe's resignation, how the race is shaping up, and a pending lawsuit that might stop the process just as it's getting started.

    Listen Frontier: Clifton Adcock discusses his stories about Oklahoma lawmakers' curriculum restriction bills

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2022 32:06


    "Critical Race Theory" has become, for some, a blanket term that can encapsulate any number of things. On this edition of the Listen Frontier podcast, Clifton Adcock talks about his most recent story, where he noted that lawmakers here were moving beyond just outlawing Critical Race Theory, and were https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/after-banning-critical-race-theory-oklahoma-lawmakers-seek-further-school-curriculum-restrictions/ (linking other school teachings to "leftist indoctrination." )

    'Aggressively moderate Democrat:' Joy Hofmeister talks about her politics as she gears up for gubernatorial run

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2022 34:31


    When Joy Hofmeister announced last year she would run for governor in 2022, it wasn't a surprise. Her name had been tossed around for the last couple years as a potential opponent for incumbent Republican Kevin Stitt. But what did come as a surprise for some was that Hofmeister, a lifelong Republican, was running as a Democrat. Many wondered what that meant … would she govern as a dDemocrat? Was she running as a Democrat merely in order to avoid a costly primary battle with Stitt? And where does she fall on topics like abortion access? On today's Listen Frontier podcast, I talk with Hofmeister about these topics and more.

    Discussing Gov. Kevin Stitt's State of the State Address

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2022 36:52


    Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt on Monday gave a wide-ranging 45 minute State of the State Address, touching on a number of topics including education, criminal justice, the McGirt decision, medical marijuana but, notably, not the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On today's Listen Frontier, host Dylan Goforth discusses the speech with Frontier State Government reporter Kayla Branch.

    Oklahoma Secretary of Education Ryan Walters and the Guest Educator Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2022 20:14


    In 2020, former McAlester Public Schools teacher Ryan Walters was appointed as the youngest Secretary of Education in Oklahoma's history. Earlier this month, with schools ravaged by the COVID-19 pandemic and the highly infectious omicron variant, Gov, Kevin Stitt announced the Guest Educator Program. It simplified the ability for schools facing COVID-19 related teacher shortages to bring in substitute teachers from the outside, either from state agencies or from private businesses. The plan was met with mixed reactions. While many parents are thankful their kids are able to stay in the classroom, some are worried about the quality of education these “guest educators” can provide on such short notice. And many teachers, already dealing with the effects of risking COVID-19 exposure in the classroom, have said the “guest educator” program made them feel devalued and that it makes it seem like anyone can just step into a classroom and teach. On today's Listen Frontier podcast, I talk with Walters about the program, about how it will be judged as a success or failure, his relationship with teachers across the state, and how he weighs his responsibility to both teachers and students.

    As Oklahoma's medical marijuana industry booms, regulators struggle to keep up

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 21, 2022 4:06


    Loopholes in state residency requirements have led to an influx of out-of-state investment through ‘ghost owners.'

    Listen Frontier: David Holt on conservative politics, his American Indian heritage, the Oklahoma City Thunder and more

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 7, 2022 38:03


    On this edition of Listen Frontier, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt sits down with me to talk about, among other things: Oklahoma City's voter base, how he labels himself politically, how long he wants to be mayor, his American Indian heritage, and his thought process behind which topics he chooses to weigh in on.

    The Omicron variant is likely in Oklahoma. What now?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2021 19:24


    The Omicron variant has not been found in Oklahoma as of this recording, though state health officials are certain it's already spreading here.  The variant has the potential to cripple hospitals if health officials are right about its extreme transmissibility, and it is hitting the country right before millions plan to gather for the holidays. On today's Listen Frontier Podcast, I talk with Tulsa County Health Department Director Bruce Dart about the Omicron variant – What we know about it and what we don't, and what you can and should do to keep yourselves safe over the holidays. Support this podcast

    Bigler Stouffer speaks ahead of his execution

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 15:11


    Bigler Stouffer is set to be executed on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021. 24 hours before his execution, he spoke with The Frontier about his feelings about being the second person to be executed this year following a six-year moratorium on usage of the death penalty in Oklahoma. Support this podcast

    Oklahoma resumes executions with hints of past problems

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 25:35


    Dylan Goforth and Ben Felder discuss the execution of John Grant on Oct. 28, which included details that raised questions about the state's ability to resume executions without problems. Support this podcast

    Board recommends commuting Julius Jones' sentence from death to life

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2021 24:30


    Ben Felder and Dylan Goforth discuss the parole board's recent vote to commute Jones' sentence from death to life. Jones will now wait on the governor to ultimately decide on whether to accept the commutation request. Support this podcast

    Oklahomans we've lost

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2021 25:59


    Kassie and Ben discuss the Oklahomans behind Covid-19 death statistics, including one man who blazed a trail for Hispanic media. We also discuss the continued rollout of the vaccine and how state health officials can't account for more than $20 million in protective equipment spending, which you can https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/oklahoma-health-officials-cant-account-for-more-than-20-million-in-protective-equipment-spending/ (read about here). Support this podcast

    Recent OKC police shootings lead to officer charges

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2021 31:21


    Oklahoma City police lead the state in fatal shootings and have one of the nation's highest rates. But while police say the use of deadly force is often necessary, more charges have been filed against Oklahoma City police officers in the last 18 months than in perhaps any other time in recent history.  Recently, five Oklahoma City police officers were charged with first-degree manslaughter in the fatal shooting of Stavian Rodriguez, a 15-year-old robbery suspect who was killed by police after he had placed his gun on the ground outside a convenience store.  Dylan Goforth, The Frontier's editor and chief, and Ben Felder discuss the recent charges and whether it represents a turning point. Support this podcast

    Julius Jones goes before the Pardon and Parole Board

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2021 28:31


    Julius Jones has spent the last 22 years on death row but his case has drawn increasing attention from advocates who say he was wrongly convicted. On this episode of Listen Frontier, Ben Felder and Dylan Goforth discuss the Jones case and his appeal for commutation, which will go before the state Pardon and Parole Board on March 8. Recent coverage of Jones' case: https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/julius-jones-co-defendant-admitted-in-prison-to-paul-howell-slaying-inmate-says/ (Julius Jones' co-defendant admitted in prison to Paul Howell slaying, inmate says) https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/da-asks-pardon-and-parole-board-member-to-recuse-from-julius-jones-case-over-2019-retweet-of-kim-kardashian/ (DA asks Pardon and Parole Board member to recuse from Julius Jones' case over 2019 retweet of Kim Kardashian) Support this podcast

    Winter storm delays vaccines and stretches Oklahoma's energy grid

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2021 21:42


    A snow storm last week stretched utility companies, delayed action at the state capitol and impacted Oklahoma's rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. On today's episode of Listen Frontier we will discuss all those issues, plus an effort by some lawmakers to change the state's initiative petition process. Support this podcast

    A new legislative session begins

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2021 29:22


    Kassie, Kayla and Ben discuss the start of a new legislative session, Gov. Kevin Stitt's State of the State address and the latest with the governor's push for managed care. Support this podcast

    How is the vaccine rollout going in Oklahoma?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2021 22:46


    Ben and Kassie discuss the rollout of a Covid-19 vaccine in Oklahoma and new details on coronavirus death data. Support this podcast

    How a first-year teacher navigated a semester unlike any other

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2020 37:21


    In this episode of the Listen Frontier podcast, we journey with John Creter through his first semester as a teacher, which operated under a distant learning model for all but one week. Support this podcast

    COVID vaccine arrives in Oklahoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2020 32:33


    The Frontier's Kassie McClung discusses the arrival of a COVID-19 vaccine this week and how state officials plan to distribute it in the months to come. We also hear from The Frontier's Clifton Adcock about the upcoming redistricting process that will see state House and Senate districts reconfigured around new population figures. https://www.readfrontier.org/stories/coronavirus-vaccine-rollout-continues-in-oklahoma-as-initial-doses-are-distributed-across-the-state/ (Read more about the vaccine in Oklahoma) Support this podcast

    Oklahoma votes - What did we learn?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2020 27:04


    Kassie, Brianna, Dylan and Ben discuss Tuesday's elections and the results from Oklahoma, including Stephanie Bice's win in the 5th Congressional District, the defeat of two state questions and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted voters. Support this podcast

    Student mobility a challenge for OKC, Tulsa schools

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 30, 2020 21:20


    Dr. Marsha Herron is the chief of equity and student supports for the Oklahoma City Public School district. She discussed student mobility, a challenge for the district that has only gotten worse during the COVIDF-19 pandemic. Support this podcast

    Claim Listen Frontier

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel