Author • Communications • Media • Research
On Friday, July 18, at 12:49 AM, a masked individual set off an explosive—possibly a large firework or incendiary device—inside my trash can outside my home.
The explosion and ensuing fire destroyed the can, damaged our driveway, and burned my lawn. My family is safe, but shaken. I’m declining at this time to speculate on a possible motive publicly, but let me be very clear: this was a targeted explosion and fire at my home. This was arson.
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘! In this episode, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Congressman Brad Finstad, who represents Minnesota’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.
The discussion covers the recent government shutdown, the frustration on both sides, and the political maneuvering involved. ConFinstad also delves into his new legislative proposal, the PRECISE Act, which aims to modernize agricultural practices.
Additionally, Congressman Finstad talks about the rampant fraud in Minnesota’s state government and his efforts to combat it at the federal level.
Michael and Becky finish out the episode by discussing the funeral of former VP Dick Cheney, and updates on the hosts’ football picks and Krispy Kreme. Don’t miss this comprehensive look at current political issues and their local and national impacts.
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘! In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr bring a more relaxed discussion after last week’s intense roundtable episode!
The duo dives into election updates, including news that Ryan Wilson has been named Speaker Lisa Demuth’s running mate. They also welcome back Darwin Forsyth, who provides insider insights into Mayor Jacob Frey’s winning re-election campaign in Minneapolis. The conversation covers changes to the city council, the impact of ranked-choice voting, and the broader implications for DFL politics.
The episode wraps up with updates on Krispy Kreme’s reopening and competitive spirits in their football picks league. Tune in for a comprehensive blend of politics, campaign strategies, and fun tidbits!
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to Season 4 of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr.
Michael and Becky return after a brief hiatus to dive deep into the most recent political developments. This week’s episode kicks off with a heated political roundtable featuring guests Julius Hernandez, from the left, and Preya Samsundar, from the right.
The show covers recaps of Tuesday’s elections, including the Minneapolis and St. Paul mayoral races, and New York City’s new mayor, Zohran Mamdani.
The conversation then shifts to Minnesota’s 2026 gubernatorial race, discussing the new candidate, House Speaker Lisa Demuth, and reactions from other candidates, and the implications for the election.
The episode concludes with lighter segments on Krispy Kreme’s return to Minnesota and an update on the fantasy football league standings.
Tune in for in-depth political analysis, lively debates, and a sneak peek at what’s to come in Minnesota politics!
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, they are joined by Jim Rubin, a Minneapolis-based business leader and co-founder of Mint Properties, who shares his insights on the city’s declining housing and public safety landscape.
Jim discusses his participation in the documentary ‘A Precarious State,’ the devastating impact of the political climate on his business, and the broader issues of crime, public safety, and political divide.
They also explore the challenges and potential solutions for turning Minneapolis around and ensuring a safer, more prosperous future. Tune in to hear a compelling conversation about the consequences of current policies, the critical upcoming election, and actionable steps for change.
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. In this episode, Michael and Becky welcome back Ryan Wilson, attorney and chair of the Minnesota chapter of America First Policy Institute, to discuss his recent op-ed, ‘Enough is Enough. It’s Time to Stop the Fraud.’ The conversation delves into evidence of fraud in Minnesota, proposed reforms to address it, and more.
Michael and Becky also discuss the recent ceasefire in the Middle East and the significant role President Trump played in it. Finally, they touch on the controversy surrounding former Congresswoman Katie Porter, her treatment of staff, and its political implications in the California gubernatorial race.
Tune in for an engaging discussion on politics, policy, and current affairs.
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr dive into current public safety issues against the backdrop of fall with guest Joe Teirab, an attorney and former federal prosecutor at the US Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis.
The conversation centers on Joe’s recent Star Tribune op-ed criticizing Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty’s traffic stop policy, which he argues jeopardizes public safety.
Joe outlines how this policy affects law enforcement’s ability to charge felony-level offenses stemming from low-level traffic violations, drawing on his extensive prosecutorial experience. The discussion also extends to Joe’s new role as the Minnesota State Co-Chair for US Term Limits.
Michael and Becky then shift to a recent Star Tribune panel discussion on the future of the Republican Party in Minnesota, featuring former Governor Tim Pawlenty and State Senators Zach Duckworth and Julia Coleman.
This episode’s comprehensive discussion offers invaluable insights into public policy, legal approaches, and political strategies for shaping a safer and more effective Minnesota.
58:25 Closing Remarks and Episode Recap
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to a special bonus episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ In this episode, host Michael Brodkorb explores the disturbing case of a 22-year-old man with a criminal record who allegedly used a false identity to enroll in multiple high schools in Minnesota.
Joining him is Representative Elliot Engen to discuss the systemic failures that allowed this to happen at White Bear Lake Area High School and other institutions.
They delve into the lack of proper documentation and verification protocols, as well as the urgent need for legislative changes to protect students. Please tune in for a comprehensive examination of this alarming situation and its broader implications for school safety.
‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky’ will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe
Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.’ This week, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by veteran journalist and filmmaker Rick Kupchella. Rick discusses his latest documentary, ‘A Precarious State,’ which delves into the social, political, and economic crossroads facing Minnesota.
With over 30 years of experience in journalism, Rick shares his insights and surprising findings about Minnesota’s current state, post-pandemic, and following the murder of George Floyd.
Listen in as Michael and Becky break down what inspired the film, the key data points uncovered, and the profound implications for Minnesota and beyond. Don’t miss this in-depth interview, and be sure to tune in to the documentary airing this Thursday at 7 p.m. on ABC affiliates across Minnesota.
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a new episode next week!
Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe