Indiana State Reps. Blake Johnson and Earl Harris Jr. are back with reflections on the Statehouse — and a major life change just around the corner for Blake. In this episode, the co-hosts break down: The ongoing concerns around SB 287 , which would make school board races partisan — and why that’s raising eyebrows across the aisle. Update: bill passed by razor thin margin. The drama around Senate Bill 1 and the governor’s push for real property tax relief The high-stakes budget talks, the politi...
Apr 08, 2025•17 min•Season 3Ep. 12
For the first time ever on Session Sessions , we’re joined by the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives — and yes, he’s from the other party. Speaker Todd Huston sits down with Reps. Earl Harris Jr. and Blake Johnson for a rare, unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like to lead the 100-member House. We cover a lot: the reality of wrangling policy and personalities, how the sausage gets made during budget season, why the second half of session always feels like a sprint, and t...
Mar 28, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode of Session Sessions, we welcome back former state party chair and City County-Councillor, government affairs expert Kip Tew. Kip shares insights and expectations for the second half of Indiana’s legislative session. Recorded on the last day of the first half, Kip shares thoughts on what has unfolded so far and what to expect moving forward. Topics include: ✅ How a new governor is reshaping the legislative dynamic ✅ The battle over property taxes and its impact on local government...
Mar 05, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In a first for the podcast, Blake and Earl sit down with a member of Republican leadership, House Majority Floor Leader Matt Lehman, to discuss the first half of Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. From budget battles to bipartisanship, Rep. Lehman shares his insights on the key issues shaping the Statehouse, what surprised him this session, and how the shifting political climate is affecting policymaking. We also discuss the growing disconnect between the public and government and the lessons h...
Feb 21, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 9
When it comes to jobs that get a bad wrap, lobbyists top the list. In this episode of Session Sessions, we sit down with Ali Bartlett of Bose Public Affairs Group to break down what lobbying actually is, the misconceptions (and deserved critiques) about the profession, and how it plays a critical role in shaping public policy. We dive into: ✅ The difference between a registered lobbyist and a regular advocate ✅ How lobbying works at the state level vs. the federal level ✅ The day-to-day grind of...
Feb 15, 2025•42 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Rep. Carey Hamilton takes us on a journey from the Appalachian Trail to the Indiana Statehouse. After hiking solo from Georgia to Maine, Carey’s transformative adventure sparked her passion for outdoor recreation and environmental policy. Now, as a leader in the legislature, she’s blazing trails in Indiana by advocating for sustainability policies, tackling the child care crisis, and creating the first-ever Trails Caucus. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, leadership, and ...
Feb 10, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Navigating healthcare is tough—soaring costs, confusing policies, and limited access to essential services. But Indiana lawmakers are working on solutions! In this episode of Session Sessions, Rep. Earl Harris Jr. and Rep. Blake Johnson sit down with Rep. Robin Shackleford, a leader in public health policy, to discuss cutting healthcare costs, Medicaid funding, medical transparency, and maternal health. Learn about the push for lower drug prices, better healthcare access, and more support for Ho...
Jan 31, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Blake and Earl sit down with Representative Jim Pressel to tackle Indiana's looming $1.3 billion road funding shortfall. They break down the impact of inflation, better gas mileage, and COVID-19 on state revenues, and explore solutions, including proposals adopted by Tennessee and Georgia. Pressel also shares the emotional moments behind key safety initiatives, which have already made construction zones safer for workers and motorists alike. Plus, hear Pressel’s personal journey from business ow...
Jan 27, 2025•27 min•Season 3Ep. 5
As we hit the three week(ish) mark of the Indiana General Assembly, Earl and Blake sit down to chat about the new session calendar, eyebrow-raising legislation on adjusting the state lines and dissolving public schools, and what we'll be working on during the budget session.
Jan 17, 2025•26 min•Season 3Ep. 4
In a special episode for the podcast, we're joined by Mark Fisher, chief executive officer of the Indiana Association of REALTORS. We cover a lot of ground - discussing housing affordability, the walkability premium, quality of life, shortages in inventory and the important role the association plays in advocating for smart public policy. This episode of Session Sessions is sponsored by the Indiana Association of REALTORS.
Jan 13, 2025•33 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Fort Wayne's Rep. Kyle Miller returns to the podcast to discuss the upcoming legislative session, what he's learned in his first few years as a legislator (including from serving alongside his two-time opponent), and a slew of policies (like lowering the costs of prescription meds) that he's advocating for coming into 2025. This episode is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Realtors.
Jan 06, 2025•37 min•Season 3Ep. 2
After a few months off, Blake and Earl are back at the mic for a conversation with auctioneer, realtor, cowboy, and - for the first time on the show, Republican - Rep. Ethan Manning. Rep. Manning, who chairs the Public Policy Committee, discusses the work of tackling alcohol laws that have been largely unchanged since the 1930's, modernizing the gaming industry, and maneuvering through the not-always-monolithic supermajority. This episode is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Realtors....
Sep 30, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Advocacy in the Statehouse takes many forms, and while people often think of the paid professionals who spend their days in the hallways, nonprofit organizations also play a crucial role in educating constituents and championing issues. Linda Hanson, president of the League of Women Voters - Indiana, joins the pod to talk about the role they play in shaping Indiana's future.
Sep 18, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Rep. Greg Porter, chief Democrat on the powerful Ways and Mean Committee, rejoins the podcast to reflect on the 2024 legislative session and to give us a preview as we look to the interim and the upcoming budget session.
Mar 22, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 7
With the adjournment of the 123rd General Assembly, Rep. Mitch Gore joins the podcast to talk conference committees, legislative successes and the toll the stresses of the short session can take.
Mar 17, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 6
The end of the legislative session is fast approaching, and with it the end of the 123rd General Assembly. The esteemed Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta joins the show to discuss House member retirements, ongoing attacks on transit in Indy, and the role and responsibilities of the Minority Leader.
Feb 23, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 5
As we head into the break, the ever-straight-talking Rep. Ed Delaney joins the pod to discuss the best and worst bills of the first half of the Indiana Legislative Session.
Feb 02, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Upon joining the legislature, Dr. Victoria Garcia Wilburn immediately set herself apart as a focused, driven and community-centered leader. And her hard work paid off, as she accomplished the rare feat of passing a bill in her first year. She talks about doing the work, the importance of camaraderie, and finding joy in the moments big and small.
Jan 26, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Once an intern for the legendary Bill Crawford and the now-still-rocking Sheila Klinker, Rep. Cherrish Pryor now serves as the Floor Leader for the House Democratic Caucus. Pryor sits down with Earl and Blake to discuss her role in leadership, why NOT filing a bill is sometimes the best move, and her priorities for the short session.
Jan 19, 2024•32 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Earl and Blake kick off the 2024 Legislative Session with a rundown of what happens in the first week, what issues are rising to the top (as Republicans suggest a non-controversial year), and what you can expect from this year's podcast.
Jan 12, 2024•33 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Session Sessions is back for a second season, and we're kicking it up a notch with the addition of co-host Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. This season, we'll chat with our colleagues and friends about all things Indiana General Assembly and provide a look behind the scenes of the Legislative Session.
Jan 04, 2024•1 min0
A month after the birth of his first child, Blake sits down with fellow dads Rep. Mitch Gore of Indianapolis and Rep. Ryan Hatfield of Evansville to discuss the collision of public service and fatherhood, tips and tricks for the legislative session when you have a new baby, and the ways being a dad impacts your perspective.
Oct 24, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 17
The Indiana General Assembly has adjourned sine die, wrapping up the work of the legislature in the wee hours of the morning this past Friday. With everyone headed back to their districts, Rep. Blake Johnson flies solo for a quick (albeit late) recap of the final days of session, the final budget, and a bit of thanks to all of you for tuning in over these last four months.
May 01, 2023•8 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Fresh off his 80th birthday, Rep. Ed DeLaney joins the podcast to recap our penultimate week of the legislative session. We also discuss the power of a good amendment, what to watch as we cruise toward adjournment, and his 30 days of silence.
Apr 20, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 15
If you had I Love Lucy and Austin Powers on your Session Sessions bingo card, this week is for you. Rules and procedure expert Rep. Matt Pierce joins the pod to discuss the wild ride that will be the final two weeks of session, including a run down of conference committees and the role of the Rules Committee.
Apr 13, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Long-time legislator, Rep. Greg Porter, sits down to recap the events of the day and week, including procedural maneuvering by House Democrats that yielded the very first floor vote on the issue of cannabis legalization in Indiana. He also shares more information on the budget, the role of Ways and Means, and what it's like to have served in the majority, minority (and even with a 50-50 split).
Apr 06, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Ahead of his two and a half hour drive home, Rep. Ryan Hatfield joins us to react to a frustrating week in the Statehouse, including final passage of bills that targeted the trans community as well as legislation removing protections for wetlands. We also discuss the concurrence process and the role interns play in our day-to-day work.
Mar 30, 2023•22 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Coming off of a tough defeat in the annual House v. Senate basketball game, we're joined by Indiana House Democratic Caucus Chair, Rep. Carey Hamilton. We discuss a few of the Democratic bills that are in the final stretch, our ongoing fight to protect Indiana's trans youth, and the role of the caucus chair in the legislative process.
Mar 23, 2023•19 min•Season 1Ep. 11
Tucked away in the back corner of the Indiana House Chamber is the action-packed, fast-paced, epicenter of motions, amendments, committee reports and resolutions...known affectionately as "the bubble." We sit down with Chris Campaniolo, chief legal counsel to the Democratic Leader, to learn how the bubble works, how other staff help keep the Statehouse running, and a bit more context on the legislative process. Article from the Discussion: Threat of Utility Shutoff at Four Indianapolis Apartment...
Mar 16, 2023•25 min•Season 1Ep. 10
The break is over. Senate bills are headed to the House, and House bills are headed to the Senate. With the handoff underway, Senator Andrea Hunley joins the podcast to discuss some of the Senate bills to watch (including her work to reduce fatal crashes) and shares some insight into life in the other chamber.
Mar 09, 2023•27 min•Season 1Ep. 9
