Podcasts about politically speaking

Illinois U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who holds a massive fundraising advantage, is among three leading Democrats in the primary to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. On this episode of Politically Speaking, St. Louis Public Radio's Will Bauer and Jason Rosenbaum ask Krishnamoorthi why Illinoisans should send him to the Senate.

The Chicago-area real estate developer, video gambling mogul and fuel company owner entered the GOP primary in Illinois governor's race late last fall. On this episode of Politically Speaking, Heidner makes his case for why he's the right Republican to take on Gov. JB Pritzker.

The Chicago-area sheriff believes his lengthy law enforcement career positions him best to address public safety and criminal justice issues in the Republican race for governor. On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, St. Louis Public Radio's Will Bauer sits down with Mendrick to discuss how he would govern as Illinois' chief executive.

Should Illinois Republicans renominate Darren Bailey as their gubernatorial candidate or should they choose a political newcomer to take on Gov. JB Pritzker in November? On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, STLPR's Will Bauer talks with Bailey about his second candidacy to be chief executive in the Land of Lincoln.

U.S. Rep. Bob Onder said it's possible that lawmakers may not come up with an agreement to keep the federal government fully open past Friday. While lawmakers passed a number of appropriations bills, they held off on passing a measure funding the Department of Homeland Security, which could disrupt the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Transportation Safety Administration. Democrats have demanded that the Homeland Security funding bill include guardrails, especially after ICE and Border Patrol's actions in Minnesota drew nationwide outrage. On the latest edition of the Politically Speaking podcast, Onder acknowledged that he was “disturbed” by what went on in Minneapolis and other places around the country. But he also criticized states that allow sanctuary cities which limit cooperation with federal immigration officials.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton talks with STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum and Will Bauer about her bid for the U.S. Senate.

Alderman Bret Narayan of the 4th Ward discusses short-term rentals, liquor licenses and the sheriff's office.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum and Will Bauer talk with U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly – one of the three major candidates running to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum and Will Bauer talk with U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly – one of the three major candidates running to succeed U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Missouri state Rep. Ray Reed talks about why his bill to require federal agents to identify themselves and not wear masks is needed. While the chances of that bill passing in the GOP controlled legislature are small, Reed said it's important to take a stand. “Everyone knows that Democrats have an uphill battle in Jefferson City, but that does not mean we don't continue to fight the good fight while we're there, using all the power we have,” Reed said.

St. Louis' 3rd Ward alderman joins host Rachel Lippmann to talk lessons learned, incentives and municipal consolidation.

Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski, D-Springfield, is facing something she didn't have in her first reelection bid two years ago: a primary challenger. Dylan Blaha, a progressive and an Illinois National Guard member, is aiming to beat Budzinski in Illinois' 13th Congressional District, which includes part of the Metro East.

Sen. Maggie Nurrenbern returns to Politically Speaking to discuss the upcoming 2026 legislative session. Nurrenbern speaks to St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum about a tougher budget process, what education policy she wants passed and her thoughts on the 2026 general election.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger talked about his desire to see the Senate's rules change, which provoked a backlash among GOP officials earlier this year. Wasinger said lengthy filibusters often feature long-winded soliloquies that aren't germane to legislation at hand and result in dysfunction. Wasinger conceded that he doesn't have the power to compel senators to change their rules. “I don't have a magic wand where I can just unilaterally say, ‘Here are what the rules are going to be,'” he said. “I just simply threw that out as a topic of discussion.”

Fifth Ward Alderman Matt Devoti says cumbersome contracting processes have been the biggest impediment to pushing relief to survivors of the May 16 tornado.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Sen. Lincoln Hough candidly discusses his 'topsy turvy' experience over the last 12 months. The Springfield Republican was ousted as Senate Appropriations Committee chairman ... and also voted against cutting off Democratic filibusters throughout the year.

Jami Cox Antwi won a special election in July to replace Mayor Cara Spencer as the alderwoman of the 8th Ward

The alderman from St. Louis's 9th Ward sat down with Rachel Lippmann to discuss development, restructuring city government and reducing the cost to run for office.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. Jaclyn Zimmermann talks with STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum about her first year in office; her thoughts on the redistricting special session; and her expectations for the 2026 legislative session.

It's Halloween, which happens to be St. Louis Public Radio's Jason Rosenbaum's favorite holiday. So on a spine-tingling episode of the Politically Speaking Hour on St. Louis on the Air, Rosenbaum talks with STLPR's Sarah Kellogg on Missouri's most notable political curses. Rosenbaum also explains why the Missouri Republican effort to redraw the state's congressional districts is becoming a logistical nightmare. And, finally, Rosenbaum talks with former St. Louis County Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway about the rising popularity of witchcraft.

Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard of the 10th Ward talks tornado recovery, zoning, civilian oversight and north side business grants.

On a special edition of the Politically Speaking podcast, Democrat Fred Wellman talks with STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum about his bid to unseat Congresswoman Ann Wagner. Wellman is a podcast host, military veteran and a well-known figure on social media platforms.

Illinois Democratic Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski is criticizing a plan by President Donald Trump to send National Guard troops to Chicago to fight crime. On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking podcast, Budzinski said Trump's threats to send troops under the guise of fighting crime is a distraction from the president's woes. “I think that this is a manufactured crisis by this administration, I would argue, perhaps to distract from political issues like Jeffrey Epstein or the fact that he made a commitment also on day one to reduce the costs of groceries, and he's failed to do that,” she said.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Congressman Bob Onder talks with STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum about why he supports Gov. Mike Kehoe calling the legislature back into session for mid-decade redistricting.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Illinois state Sen. Chris Belt talks with STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum and Will Bauer about the state budget, Donald Trump's impact on education, and whether his colleagues may redraw the state's congressional map in response to Texas.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Senate Minority Leader Doug Beck talks about the recent special session and expectations for when lawmakers return in 2026. Beck represents Missouri's 1st Senate District, which takes in portions of unincorporated south St. Louis County and municipalities like Crestwood and Webster Groves. As Senate Minority Leader, he is the top Democrat in a chamber that Republicans dominate. Beck said his caucus chose to work with Republicans during a June special session, especially since Democrats wanted to get more money to help rebuild parts of the city a tornado destroyed on May 16. But he said his caucus is still upset with how the regular session ended when Republicans used a procedural maneuver to pass measures aimed at upending voter-approved paid sick leave and abortion rights initiatives.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. Marty Joe Murray talks with STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum about his first year in the Missouri General Assembly – and his thoughts on the recently completed special session. Murray represents Missouri's 78th House District, which takes in parts of Downtown St. Louis, Old North St. Louis, Lafayette Square, and neighborhoods that encompass the Cherokee Street business district. He was first elected to his seat in 2024.

7th Ward Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier talks about negotiations over the Rams settlement dollars, her plans for her second term, and being the target of a PAC during her re-election campaign.

On a special edition of Politically Speaking, STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum talks with Planned Parenthood President and CEO Alexis McGill Johnson and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers President and CEO Margot Riphagen about Missouri's place in the movement for abortion rights. Rosenbaum interviewed McGill Johnson and Riphagen after the two spoke at a Planned Parenthood Great Rivers fundraiser in Clayton.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. George Hruza, R-St. Louis County, returns to the show to talk about his first impressions of the Missouri House. Hruza also talked about his capital gains tax cut bill, his legislation aimed at curbing anti-Semitic behavior at schools, and why he voted for a ballot item that could repeal constitutional protections for abortion rights.

Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com asks: Does Trump benefit politically from ALL of the following: 1) fighting Harvard, 2) not facilitating return of Abrego Garcia, and 3) reducing the IRS workforce? Yes or No - Listen to Michael lay it out, then cast YOUR ballot at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday.

Joe Vollmer helped lead the board through the criminal conviction of three of its members, and oversaw the drawing of the map that cut its numbers from 28 to 14.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. Betsy Fogle talked with St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum about the Democratic view of the 2025 budgetary process. The Springfield Democrat was first elected to the Missouri House in 2020, and is the ranking Democratic member of the House Budget Committee. That gives her more insight, and arguably more power, into affecting the trajectory of the state budget process.

On this week's episode, the ladies get the privilege to have an incredibly honest conversation with the current chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, Anderson Clayton! They discuss the 2024 election, its aftermath, where the Democratic Party goes from here and much more. This conversation is transparent, informative, reflective and hopeful all in one. You don't want to miss it!Links and resources from this episode are below:Anderson's socials: IG @andibreeze, Twitter @abreezeclaytonThe Griffin List (NC Supreme Court election): www.thegriffinlist.com NC Dem Party Phone Bank: https://www.mobilize.us/ncdems/event/750743/Pack the gallery at the NC State Legislature: https://www.mobilize.us/ncdems/event/753337/Disenfranchised Disco at Haw River Ballroom in Alamance County Feb 28, 2025Thank you for listening! Please follow, rate and review our podcast. And follow us on Instagram: @thepourdecisions.podcastContact us via email at: thepourdecisions.podcast.lam@gmail.comxo LAM

Independent contractor and certified public accountant Celeste Metcalf is one of three candidates running for comptroller. She faces incumbent Darlene Green and former alderwoman and state Representative Donna Baringer in the March 4 primary.

Former St. Louis alderwoman and state Representative Donna Baringer is one of three candidates running for comptroller. She faces incumbent Darlene Green and accounting firm owner Celeste Metcalf in the March 4 primary.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep. Bill Hardwick talks about his effort to legalize video gambling machines and other issues in the 2025 legislative session. Hardwick is trying to pass legislation that would legalize video gambling machines which are usually found in truck stops and fraternal organization halls. His bill, which already passed through committee, could provide a funding boost for education.

Incumbent Darlene Green is one of three candidates running for the office of St. Louis Comptroller. She faces former alderwoman and state Representative Donna Baringer and accounting firm owner Celeste Metcalf in the March 4 primary.

St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler is one of four candidates for mayor in the March 4 primary. He faces incumbent Tishaura Jones, Alderwoman Cara Spencer of the 8th Ward and retired utility executive Andrew Jones.

Cara Spencer, the 8th Ward alderwoman, is one of four candidates for mayor in the March 4 primary. She faces incumbent Tishaura Jones, Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler and retired utility executive Andrew Jones.

Andrew Jones is one of four candidates for mayor in the March 4 primary. He faces incumbent Tishaura Jones, 8th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer, and Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler.

Speaking about the changes in the world..

Senator-Elect Kurtis Gregory makes his debut on Politically Speaking. The Blackburn Republican, who has served two terms in the Missouri House, speaks to St. Louis Public Radio's Sarah Kellogg and Jason Rosenbaum about his decision to enter Missouri politics, his Senate race and his thoughts on the upcoming 2025 Missouri Legislative Session.

On the latest episode of the Politically Speaking podcast, state Rep. Kevin Windham talks about his decision to leave the Missouri House to take a job at Washington University as their assistant director for community engagement. He said salary considerations played a role, adding that he's made roughly the same amount of money since he graduated from college. The St. Louis County Democrat represents Missouri's 74th District, which takes in municipalities such as Pagedale, Uplands Park, Normandy, Vinita Park, Hillsdale and Velda Village Hills. He will be leaving office in January.

Kelli Dunaway, the outgoing 2nd District St. Louis County Councilwoman, talks to Rachel Lippmann about her five years on the legislative body.

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Rep.-elect Colin Wellenkamp speaks with St. Louis Public Radio about his expectations for the 2025 session including pushing for a boost in teacher pay. Wellenkamp is a Republican who was elected to represent Missouri's 105th House District, which takes in most of the city of St. Charles. He will take office in early January.

Missouri state Rep.-elect Nick Kimble didn't have to go through an arduous primary or general election to get to Jefferson City. The St. Louis Democrat ran unopposed in the primary to succeed state Rep. Donna Baringer in Missouri's 82nd House District, which takes in a southwest portion of the city. That basically sealed Kimble's election since the district is heavily Democratic. But as Kimble noted on a recent episode of the Politically Speaking podcast, the 82nd District features perhaps the largest concentration of Republicans in the city of St. Louis. And that gives him a different perspective on how to represent the area in Jefferson City. “Growing up in the district, I knew a lot of those Republicans,” Kimble said. “I went to school with them. I was friends with their kids, I mowed their lawn, I delivered pizzas. So I think that helps. I consider myself a center left and moderate person. I don't go around to the fish fries or various things on the Hill in South City talking about partisan issues or partisan politics.”

St. Louis Public Schools has had a tumultuous year. It struggled to transport students to school, and in October, the SLPS school board voted to fire Superintendent Keisha Scarlett. SLPS Board of Education members speak with STLPR reporters Jason Rosenbaum and Hiba Ahmad about how the district is trying to move on under new leadership, while facing scrutiny over its projected budget deficit of $35 million, and with many community members worried about possible school closures. (You can listen to an extended version of this interview on the Politically Speaking podcast.)

It would be an immense understatement to say that St. Louis Public Schools encountered profound challenges in the past few months. Not only has the district faced struggles providing transportation for students, but the Board of Education recently fired its superintendent. And members of that seven-person board are also eying potential school closures and difficulties recruiting and retaining special education personnel. On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, Board of Education members Toni Cousins and Matt Davis provide an in-depth look at St. Louis Public Schools' challenges — and why political leaders need to be engaged to help mitigate them.