Political State Podcast

The Oklahoman's Ben Felder and Carmen Forman break down what you need to know about the state's races leading up to November's general election. 

As the Oklahoma Legislature nears the end of session, final budget negotiations are underway. The Oklahoman's Ben Felder and Carmen Forman discuss. 

Oklahoma's Department Tourism and Recreation has come under fire for allegedly paying Swadley's Bar-B-Q excessive amounts throughout the state's contract with the company. Dave Cathey, the Oklahoman's Food Dude, joins Ben Felder and Carmen Forman to discuss. 

Candidates flocked to the Oklahoma state Capitol this week, filing to run for state and federal offices. Reporters Ben Felder and Carmen Forman break down the first two days of filing. 

Candidates running for offices across Oklahoma will officially file next week. The Oklahoman's Ben Felder and Carmen Forman discuss this and more. 

Former Oklahoma Teacher of the Year Jena Nelson joined the race for state superintendent this week, joining candidates Ryan Walters, April Grace and John Cox. Education reporter Nuria Martinez-Keel joins Ben Felder to discuss. 

Multiple Oklahoma bills made headlines this week, but only some survived. Co-hosts Ben Felder and Carmen Forman discuss this week's top news from the state Capitol. 

The Oklahoman's Ben Felder and Carmen Forman recap which bills made it out of their initial committees this week, as well as the tidal wave that ensued after Sen. Jim Inhofe announced he will be leaving office next January.

The Oklahoman's Ben Felder and Carmen Forman discuss the state's top political stories of the week. 

Oklahoma House Speaker Charles McCall said he does not plan on hearing the Oklahoma Empowerment Act, potentially shutting down a bill that would allow students to use state funds to attend private schools or homeschool. The Oklahoman's Ben Felder and Carmen Forman discuss. 

The 2022 Oklahoma legislative session begins Feb. 7. Reporters Ben Felder and Carmen Forman discuss what to expect. 

The Oklahoman's Chris Casteel sits down with Congresswoman Kendra Horn to talk about growing up in Oklahoma, her interest in politics, and the issues facing the state and the nation.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chris Casteel with The Oklahoman talk to U.S. Senator James Lankford and U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe as the Senate prepares to conduct the trial for the impeachment of President Donald Trump. 

U.S. Rep. Tom Cole spoke to The Oklahoman's Chris Casteel on whether Trump needed congressional authorization for killing Iranian leader

The Oklahoman's Chris Casteel sat down with Governor Kevin Stitt and First Lady Sarah Stitt to review their first year in office. 

U.S. Representative Tom Cole joins Chris Casteel to talk about the impeachment hearings, government funding, Alzheimer’s research and buffalo.

Oklahoma County Commissioner Carrie Blumert discusses mental health and addiction services included in the MAPS 4 proposal, along with the idea that voters might be asked to fund a new jail. 

In this special episode of Political State the proposed MAPS 4 projects are discussed along with possible political reaction from the council and public. 

The Political State crew discusses Gov. Stitt's push to replace the higher education chancellor, the effort to repeal permitless carry and a week of congressional town halls. 

U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe sits down with Ben Felder and Chris Casteel to discuss current events. 

Congresswoman Horn discusses her first several months in office, where she falls on the political spectrum and her thoughts on the crisis at the border. 

The Oklahoman’s Carmen Formen and Ben Felder welcome Tres Savage, editor in chief of NonDoc, to discuss this week’s state Supreme Court ruling on a Medicaid expansion petition and to discuss whether journalists should vote in the elections they cover.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, who has been in office for nearly 14 months, discusses his time as mayor and also plays some Twitter trivia.   

Rep. Stone from Oklahoma City announced he will not seek reelection in 2020. He joined the podcast to discuss his time in office and the future of the Democratic party in Oklahoma. 

Carmen and Ben talk with Michelle Oberman, a professor at Santa Clara University School of Law who wrote the book "Her Body Our Laws," which includes research into the political dynamics of abortion in Oklahoma. 

Chris Casteel, Carmen Forman and Ben Felder discuss the 5th congressional district race, which now includes State Sen. Stephanie Bice. Plus, the podcast crew discusses Gov. Kevin Stitt's first 100 days in office.

After 10 years on the OKC council, Meg Salyer is leaving office next month. She reflected on her time on the council and how the city has changed over the last decade.

Goveror Kevin Stitt talks about his first few months in office.

Rep. Cyndi Munson, Democrat from Oklahoma City and Minority Caucus Chair, talks about establishing herself as a leader in the party and continuing to find election success.

State Sen. Julia Kirt returns to Political State to discuss the first month of session and her first term in office.

Rep. Jon Echols, the House Majority Floor Leader, discusses his role in shaping policy and the big issues in front of the Legislature.

JoBeth Hammon won her Ward 6 council race this week, drawing attention for beating a better-funded opponent and running a campaign focused on homelessness, public transportation and sustainability.

OKC Councilman Ed Shadid discusses his eight years on the council as he prepares to leave office.

Sen. Treat discusses his new role as leader of the Senate, his career and his hopes for 2019.

John Budd, Gov. Stitt’s chief operating officer, and David Ostrowe, Stitt’s secretary of digital transformation and administration, join the podcast to discuss their business background and new roles in government.

Justin and Ben discuss Gov. Stitt’s first week on the job, bills filed this week and the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Ben Felder and Justin Wingerter speak with Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt and Rep. Trey Caldwell at the Pre-inaugural Bison Bash in Lawton, Oklahoma on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019.

Oklahoma County commissioner Carrie Blumert joins the podcast to discuss the county jail and the entire crew offers New Year’s resolutions for several Oklahoma politicos.

Dale, Justin and Ben discuss the top three federal and state political stories of the year in Oklahoma.

As Gov. Mary Fallin leaves office, Justin, Darla and Ben discuss her legacy and her recent work on criminal justice reform.

State Sens. Carrie Hicks and Julia Kirt, both Democrats from Oklahoma City, joined Political State to discuss their elections and next year’s legislative session.

New OKC Ward 7 Councilwoman Nikki Nice joined the show to discuss her goals in city office. Justin and Ben also discussed Gov.-elect Kevin Stitt’s transition team and his balance of insiders versus outsiders.