Michael Brodkorb

A Break Down About The Minnesota Standoff: Political Drama Ahead of the 2025 Session

In this action-packed episode of “Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,” hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr discuss the escalating political tensions in Minnesota ahead of the 2025 legislative session. They also discuss the dramatic residency issue in House District 40B, which temporarily gave Republicans a one-seat majority over Democrats.

Incoming House Republican Majority Leader Harry Niska joins to provide insights into the Democrats’ decision to skip the session’s opening days and the GOP’s strategies moving forward.

Democratic pundit Julius Hernandez contributes his perspectives on the unfolding chaos, including the controversies surrounding special elections in HD 40B and Senate District 60.

Additionally, Michael and Becky reflect on former President Jimmy Carter’s passing, honoring his legacy of service and commitment to ethical governance.

Dive into this engrossing episode filled with political intrigue, legal battles, and political tributes!

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 01:35 Remembering Jimmy Carter
• 06:54 Interview with incoming House Majority Leader Harry Niska
• 07:06 Democrats’ Strategy and Power Struggle
• 11:06 Historical Context and Precedents
• 17:00 Potential Ramifications and Legalities
• 20:40 Interview with Julius Hernandez
• 41:17 Consistency and Democracy
• 41:46 PR Perspective and Districts in Play
• 42:32 House Speaker and Power Sharing
• 44:33 Quorum and House Rules
• 51:24 Constitutional Crisis and Governance
• 55:20 Special Elections and Legal Shenanigans
• 01:06:35 Residency Issues and Voter Fraud Allegations
• 01:14:31 Football League Results and Closing Remarks

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!

A Break Down About Fresh Starts and Big Plans: 2025 with Brodkorb and Becky

Welcome to the first episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky in 2025! Join hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr as they discuss their resolutions from 2024 and set new goals for the upcoming year. They also delve into two special elections in Minnesota and analyze the chaos and drama surrounding them.

The episode also covers the transition to new MNGOP leadership and its implications. Personal stories and reflections add a touch of warmth and humor to this engaging political breakdown. 

Don’t miss the insights and heartfelt moments in this engaging beginning of 2025!

• 00:00 Introduction and New Year Resolutions
• 00:50 New Year Celebrations and Family Updates
• 02:28 Reflecting on 2024 Goals and Achievements
• 06:39 Podcast Debates and Guest Discussions
• 08:30 2025 Goals and Personal Reflections
• 22:00 Special Elections and Political Analysis
• 36:15 Political Consistency and Frustrations
• 39:12 Special Election Dynamics
• 40:17 Controversial Filing Period
• 42:09 Legislative Session Timing
• 44:21 DFL Seats and Partisan Strategies
• 49:12 Speaker Election in Washington
• 56:17 MNGOP Leadership Changes
• 01:07:52 NFL Season Finale and Predictions
• 01:14:14 Podcast Wrap-Up and Listener Engagement

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!

Goodbye 2024, Hello 2025: The Break Down’s Year-End Special!

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down:

In the year’s final episode of the Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael and Becky reflect on the past year, discussing Christmas celebrations, including Michael’s birthday close to the holiday, and how their families handle holiday traditions. 

The episode delves into the podcast’s growth, featuring standout interviews and meaningful conversations. Looking ahead, they discuss goals for 2025, possible new podcast formats like live shows and debates, and a desire for more community engagement. 

Michael and Becky end on a lighthearted note with their ongoing football pick-em league and Sunday’s much-anticipated Packers vs. Vikings game. Tune in for a reflective yet forward-looking episode filled with gratitude and anticipation for the coming year.

• 00:00 Welcome to the Year-End Episode
• 00:43 Christmas and Birthdays: A Festive Recap
• 03:17 Ice Cream Cakes and Family Traditions
• 07:57 New Year’s Eve Plans and Reflections
• 11:22 Podcast Highlights and Memorable Conversations
• 22:38 Podcasting Benefits and Personal Growth
• 23:52 Evolving Conversations and Listening Skills
• 24:55 Guest Interactions and Show Philosophy
• 27:30 Political Disillusionment and Podcast Revival
• 31:40 Future Plans and Podcast Goals
• 37:55 Friendly Competition and Pick’em League
• 41:35 Holiday Wishes and Podcast Wrap-Up

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next year (next week!)

Bonus Episode: Breaking Down the GOP Winning Control of the Minnesota House

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr discuss today’s news about Republicans winning control of the Minnesota House of Representatives, with special guest former Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives Kurt Daudt.

The discussion centers around a Minnesota district court ruling that found Democrat Curtis Johnson ineligible to serve due to residency requirements, resulting in his seat being vacated in the Minnesota House of Representatives. They explore the potential impact on bipartisan dynamics, the upcoming legislative session, and the importance of this decision for legislative procedures. 

Tune in to hear insights on the future of legislative leadership, committee structuring, and the evolving political landscape in Minnesota.

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:17 Special Guest: Kurt Daudt
• 00:31 Breaking News: Residency Issue in House District 40B
• 01:24 Implications of the Judge’s Ruling
• 02:14 Historical Context and Legislative Impact
• 02:49 Power Dynamics and Legislative Procedures
• 04:38 Potential Strategies and Legal Maneuvering
• 07:23 Discussion on Procedural Rules and Minority Rights
• 25:16 Republican Legal Strategies and Democratic Missteps
• 27:47 Conclusion and Farewell

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

A break down about satanic displays, MNGOP leadership change, and drones in the headlines

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down:

In this bustling episode, Michael and Becky are joined by guest Julius Hernandez, the Director of Advocacy for the Institute of Digital Humanity and a seasoned DFL political strategist.

The trio dissects several hot-button issues, starting with the satanic display controversy at the Minnesota State Capitol. They then move on to the inner workings and recent dramatic changes within the Republican Party of Minnesota. They conclude with an in-depth discussion of the recent mysterious drone sightings over the U.S.

They also engage in a light-hearted debate about the Vikings and Bears rivalry before wrapping up with their ongoing football pick’em league competition.

Tune in for a mix of political insights, current affairs, and a bit of sports banter!

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 00:11 Welcoming Julius Hernandez
• 00:27 Minnesota Politics: Satanic Display Controversy
• 05:33 Debate on Religious Freedom and First Amendment
• 18:00 Republican Party of Minnesota: New Leadership
• 32:42 Political Drama Unfolds
• 33:34 Challenges in Party Leadership
• 34:05 Coalitions and Party Dynamics
• 35:40 Agents of Chaos
• 39:07 Conspiracy Theories and Drones
• 41:24 Government Transparency and Public Trust
• 43:37 Surveillance and Security Concerns
• 56:12 Football Recap and Fantasy League
• 58:35 Closing Remarks and Farewell

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

A break down with Rep. Harry Niska, the Deputy Leader in the Minnesota House Republican Caucus

On this new episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down:

Representative Harry Niska, the newly elected Deputy Leader in the Minnesota House Republican Caucus, discusses his new role and the Minnesota legislature’s challenges of divided control.

Topics include the planning for the 2025 session, issues with missing ballots in House District 54A, and residency challenges in House District 40B. Additionally, the episode addresses the bleak budget forecast, the implications for future legislative actions, and the potential for bipartisan cooperation.

Rep. Niska’s insights as a legislator and attorney provide a detailed analysis of these pressing political issues. Enjoy this engaging and informative session with a personal touch as Michael and Becky share their Thanksgiving experiences and a friendly football rivalry.

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
• 00:59 Thanksgiving Recap
• 05:25 Interview with Deputy Republican Leader Harry Niska
• 09:32 Power Sharing Agreement in the Minnesota Legislature
• 18:35 Election Contests and Legal Challenges
• 28:16 Ballot Controversies and Legal Challenges
• 28:53 Residency Issues in Elections
• 29:35 Post-Election Contest Statute
• 29:52 Historical Residency Cases
• 30:28 Legal Doctrines and Election Contests
• 31:59 Implications of Election Outcomes
• 34:40 Minnesota’s Budget Forecast
• 35:29 Economic Policies and Challenges
• 39:04 Future of Minnesota’s Economy
• 49:45 Interview with Representative Harry Niska
• 53:35 Football Chat and Closing Remarks

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

A Break Down about Thanksgiving, Election Recounts, and Legislative Drama

On this festive episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down:

Their Thanksgiving traditions, discussing favorite side dishes and holiday plans. They then shift gears to explore significant political topics in Minnesota, including an in-depth analysis of the election recounts in Scott County (54A) and St. Cloud (14B) and the controversy surrounding missing ballots.

Additionally, they examine a residency challenge in House District 40B that could impact the power balance in the Minnesota House. The episode closes with a lighthearted update on their fantasy football standings. Tune in for a mix of holiday cheer and serious political discussion!

• 00:00 Welcome to The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky
• 01:10 Thanksgiving Week Plans and Traditions
• 03:25 Favorite Thanksgiving Side Dishes
• 07:18 Black Friday and Hunting Adventures
• 08:47 Minnesota Legislative Races: Scott County Recount
• 18:59 St. Cloud Recount and Election Integrity
• 25:10 Residency Challenge in House District 40B
• 34:13 Fantasy Football Standings Update
• 35:48 Closing Remarks and Thanksgiving Wishes

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.

A break down on the GOP’s path forward in Minnesota

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr break down:

Preya Samsundar shares insights from her recent Star Tribune op-ed urging Minnesota Republicans to learn from their continued mistakes, which have prevented them from winning a statewide election since 2006.

The conversation touches on Trump’s cabinet appointments, effective candidate selection, and the challenges within the Minnesota GOP. 

Michael also discusses his recent Star Tribune op-ed reflecting on his decision to Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz. Then, they dive into a nuanced discussion about the future of the GOP, electoral strategies, and the importance of thoughtful introspection.

• 00:00 Introduction 
• 00:24 Welcoming Preya Samsundar
• 01:02 Discussion on Minnesota Republicans’ Mistakes
• 01:52 Analyzing Royce White’s Candidacy
• 05:33 Impact of Candidate Selection on Elections
• 06:16 Challenges in the Republican Endorsement Process
• 09:27 Royce White’s Influence on Down-Ballot Races
• 21:41 Quality Control in Candidate Selection
• 39:19 Trump’s New Cabinet Appointees
• 40:22 Cabinet Picks and Political Commentary
• 41:34 RFK Jr. and Vaccine Controversy
• 48:12 Matt Gaetz and Senate Confirmation Speculations
• 52:10 Sean Duffy and Other Cabinet Picks
• 01:01:39 Trump’s First Amendment Concerns
• 01:05:05 Reflections on the Election and Republican Strategy
• 01:15:26 Fantasy Football and Closing Remarks

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week.