Michael Brodkorb

A Break Down with Rochelle Olson: From the Newsroom to the Opinion Page

In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,’ host Michael Brodkorb welcomes Rochelle Olson, long-time journalist and current opinion columnist for the Star Tribune. 

With co-host Becky Scherr on maternity leave, Michael dives deep into Rochelle’s extensive journalism career covering Minnesota politics, her transition from reporting to opinion writing, and social media and misinformation challenges. 

Rochelle shares her experiences covering high-profile trials like that of Derek Chauvin, the intersection of sports and politics, and offers valuable advice for aspiring journalists. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation.

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 01:00 Rochelle Olson’s Career Journey
• 01:16 Transition to Opinion Writing
• 02:42 Challenges of Opinion Writing
• 06:18 Covering High-Profile Trials
• 10:27 Balancing Mental Health in Journalism
• 14:02 Sports and Politics Intersection
• 20:48 Rochelle’s Story About Tom Brady
• 22:31 Lady Gaga’s Super Bowl Preparation
• 23:58 Social Media and Journalism
• 28:24 Misinformation in the Digital Age
• 34:23 Advice for Aspiring Journalists
• 38:52 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

A Break Down with Mike Norton: Candid and Unfiltered

Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, as Michael Brodkorb continues to fly solo while Becky Scherr is on maternity leave. 

This week, Michael Brodkorb is joined by special guest Mike Norton, a prominent Minneapolis-based entrepreneur and political strategist. 

In this episode, they discuss Mike’s political journey, his take on Minneapolis’s current state, and the future of Minnesota’s second congressional district. Mike provides insights into his outspoken nature, his run for city council, and his views on various issues such as public education and healthcare. They also touch on the importance of civil discourse and the impact of social media in politics. 

Whether you’re a political junkie or someone interested in local affairs, this episode is packed with valuable discussions and perspectives.

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement
• 00:14 Meet Mike Norton: Entrepreneur and Politico
• 00:48 Mike Norton’s Political Journey
• 01:33 Social Media and Authenticity
• 01:59 Becky’s Maternity Leave Announcement
• 02:32 Mike Norton’s Background and Achievements
• 06:03 The Art of Political Conversations
• 12:22 Optimism About Minneapolis
• 18:26 Biking in Minneapolis
• 27:35 Childhood Memories and Bicycle Tricks
• 27:54 Motorcycles: A Love-Hate Relationship
• 29:06 E-Bikes and Commuting
• 30:17 Political Journey and Minneapolis Politics
• 33:02 Challenges in the Political Process
• 40:09 Considering a Run for Congress
• 46:46 Policy Priorities and Vision
• 54:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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

Inbox Influence: A Break Down with Blois Olson

On this special episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb flies solo while Becky Scherr is on maternity leave. 

Michael welcomes the esteemed political commentator Blois Olson, a pivotal figure in Minnesota politics and public policy. Listen in as Blois shares his journey from delivering newspapers to shaping the political discourse in Minnesota through his influential ‘Morning Take.’

The conversation covers various topics, including the evolution of political discourse, the role of social media, and the state of civic engagement in Minnesota. 

Blois also provides insights into how he balances his professional responsibilities, the impact of partisan politics, and the state’s future of media and public policy analysis. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone keen on understanding the intricate landscape of Minnesota politics.

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement
• 02:58 Guest Background and Career Journey
• 05:47 The Evolution of ‘Morning Take’
• 08:21 Impact on Political News Timing
• 11:31 Balancing Political Commentary
• 16:35 The Role of Analysis in Politics
• 21:20 Social Media and Political Discourse
• 22:02 The Role of Twitter in Modern News Distribution
• 24:05 Civic Engagement and Trust in Government
• 25:55 Challenges in Government Efficiency
• 30:14 Partisanship and Political Collaboration
• 34:15 Future of Media and Politics in Minnesota
• 38:13 Reflections and Closing Remarks

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

A Break Down with GOP U.S. Senate Candidate Adam Schwarze

On this special episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr, co-host Becky Scherr announces her maternity leave for the upcoming weeks.

The episode’s highlight is an in-depth interview with Adam Schwarze, one of the Republicans running for the U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by Tina Smith. Schwarze discusses his impressive military background, his motivations for running, and his strategies for a successful campaign. 

The episode also covers Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s recent State of the State address, the results of the Senate District 6 primary election, and the ongoing internal conflicts within the Republican Party of Minnesota, particularly involving Action for Liberty. 

Becky and Michael provide their usual insightful commentary on these crucial topics.

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 01:05 Becky’s Maternity Leave Announcement
• 06:02 Interview with Adam Schwarze: Background and Military Service
• 12:08 Adam Schwarze on Political Motivation and Leadership
• 16:41 Campaign Strategy and Key Issues
• 25:36 Economic Policies and Future Plans
• 29:28 Campaign Trail and Closing Remarks
• 30:45 Reflecting on the Interview with Adam Schwarze
• 31:09 Impressions of Adam Schwarze’s Campaign
• 34:59 Governor Wallace’s State of the State Address
• 43:29 Special Election in Senate District Six
• 46:50 Action for Liberty and Republican Infighting
• 01:03:49 Becky’s Farewell and Final Thoughts

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

We Break Down the Klein Brothers Case with Journalist Maddie Roth

In this gripping episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr present a unique and emotionally charged conversation with journalist Maddie Roth. 

Maddie discusses her compelling investigation into the mysterious disappearance of the Klein brothers from a North Minneapolis park in 1951, a case that remains unsolved. 

Michael, the author of a book on a similar case, brings a unique perspective and a profound connection to Maddie’s experience and the heartbreaking circumstances surrounding her incredible work on this story.

The episode also delves into the ethics controversy surrounding Senate President Bobby Joe Champion and the conflict of interest allegations tied to his legal work and legislative actions. 

Join us for an insightful episode full of investigative journalism, emotional storytelling, and engaging discussion on ethics in politics.

• 00:00 Introduction to The Breakdown Podcast
• 00:18 Special Episode Overview
• 01:12 Interview with Journalist Maddie Roth
• 03:23 Maddie’s Background and Interest in True Crime
• 09:25 The Klein Brothers’ Disappearance
• 16:43 Investigative Challenges and Family Impact
• 34:27 Theories and Ongoing Investigation
• 43:56 Call to Action and Closing Thoughts
• 45:01 Revisiting the Klein’s Stories
• 46:07 Maddie’s Commitment to Missing Persons Cases
• 47:00 Personal Motivations and Stories
• 48:19 Remembering the Klein Brothers
• 49:01 The Importance of Telling These Stories
• 51:04 Support for Independent Journalism
• 51:37 Podcast Host’s Promises and Gratitude
• 54:40 Becky’s Pregnancy Update
• 58:16 Legislative Drama and Ethics
• 01:01:44 Senator Champion’s Controversy
• 01:09:25 Ethics Committee and Legislative Transparency
• 01:24:52 Closing Remarks 

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

A Break Down on Wisconsin, SD 6, and the MN U.S. Senate Race

In this feisty new episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,’ join Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr as they analyze recent political events, including the Wisconsin election results and the upcoming special election in Senate District 6 for Justin Eichorn’s replacement. 

Special guests Will Davis and Preya Samsundar share their insights on the Democrats’ and Republicans’ strategies, voter turnout, and fundraising dynamics. 

The episode also delves into Attorney General Keith Ellison’s early endorsement of Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan and the controversy surrounding Royce White’s campaign finances. Get a detailed look at the current political landscape and future predictions for Minnesota’s 2026 Senate race. Tune in for an insightful discussion on politics, policy, and current affairs.

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 01:00 Wisconsin Election Analysis
• 04:10 Impact of Elon Musk and Trump on Elections
• 20:25 Special Election in Senate District 6
• 29:16 A break down of the candidates
• 31:35 Keith Ellison Endorses Peggy Flanagan
• 32:36 Early Endorsements and Progressive Lanes
• 38:22 Royce White’s Campaign Finance Controversy
• 45:47 Republican Party’s Internal Struggles
• 53:40 Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

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

A Break Down About Signalgate with Bryan Strawser

In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,’ hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb delve into the astonishing story of Signalgate. 

Joined by crisis management expert Bryan Strawser, Principal and CEO of Bryghtpath, they explore the recent security debacle involving senior U.S. officials accidentally sharing sensitive military information on the Signal app. 

With revelations from The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg and various political responses, this episode provides a comprehensive breakdown of the incident, its implications, and its ethical considerations. 

Please tune in to understand how this modern-day SNL skit turned into a serious national security issue and what it means for future government communications.

• 00:00 Introduction to the podcast
• 00:22 Special Guest: Bryan Strawser
• 01:03 Programming Note: New Streaming Schedule
• 01:45 Signal Gate: The Unfolding Chaos
• 03:45 Understanding Signal: A Secure Messaging App
• 10:05 The Atlantic Article: A Shocking Revelation
• 12:16 Casual Conversations with Serious Consequences
• 23:09 The Fallout: Responses and Reactions
• 26:34 The Art of Apologies
• 27:12 Operational Information and Security Breaches
• 27:27 The Goldberg Article and Its Fallout
• 28:22 Casual Conversations and Policy Discussions
• 29:11 Potential Consequences of Information Leaks
• 32:10 Espionage Act and Legal Implications
• 36:56 Journalistic Integrity and Responsibility
• 40:11 Signal App and Presidential Records Act
• 42:51 Final Thoughts and Accountability

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

A Break Down on Drunk Driving Reform with Rep. Larry Kraft

In this critical new episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,’ hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb welcome first-time guest Minnesota State Representative Larry Kraft’s legislation to reform Minnesota’s DWI laws in response to the deadly crash at Park Tavern in St. Louis Park.

Specifically, the legislation proposed by Representative Kraft and a bipartisan group of legislators will require offenders with multiple offenses to be on ignition interlock, double the lookback period for offenses, and remove obstacles for offenders to get on interlock.

The conversation transitions to the shocking case of Minnesota State Senator Justin Eichorn’s arrest for soliciting a minor. They examine the swift actions the Minnesota Senate GOP took, the responses from other political leaders, and the legal implications surrounding the case—a detailed and emotional exploration of how these events impact politics, policy, and public trust. 

Join us for an eye-opening episode on the complexities and necessities of legislative actions in response to societal issues.

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome to Rep. Larry Kraft
• 01:15 Tragic Incident at Park Tavern
• 03:27 Legislation and Ignition Interlock
• 06:24 Personal Stories and Legislative Support
• 13:38 Bipartisan Efforts and Future Steps
• 20:18 Technical Difficulties and Interview Recap
• 27:59 Disturbing Case of Senator Justin Eichhorn
• 34:20 Immediate Reactions from the Senate GOP
• 35:29 House Leadership and GOP Chair Statements
• 36:24 Historical Context and Legislative Responses
• 39:06 DFL’s Response and Comparisons
• 45:42 Senate GOP’s Call for Expulsion
• 46:27 Senator Eichorn’s Resignation
• 59:16 Legal Proceedings and Restrictions
• 01:01:36 Acknowledging Law Enforcement Efforts
• 01:03:25 Special Election and Legislative Session
• 01:04:04 Closing Remarks and Podcast Sign-Off

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