A Break Down with Aaron Rupar on Trump, the Pope, and Money Totals

In their 150th episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb celebrate the podcast’s growth, highlight past guests and panels, and thank their families.

Next, they interview Minnesota native and independent journalist Aaron Rupar. Rupar recounts his path from local media to ThinkProgress and Vox, and to his Substack Public Notice, explaining how he pioneered real-time political video clipping, his daily workflow, platform engagement, and how he decides what to amplify while managing competitiveness and mental health.

Afterward, Becky and Michael break down the dispute between President Donald Trump and Pope Leo XIV over the war in Iran, Trump’s attacks, and Trump’s posting an AI image of himself as Jesus Christ.

They discuss recent fundraising totals for major statewide races in Minnesota and criticize a Star Tribune column that claims Republicans are “ducking” the press, arguing that fundraisers are typically private and that the piece lacked context.

• 00:00 Introduction & Episode Highlights: Overview of the 150th episode milestone, highlights, and podcast reflections.
• 10:39 Meet Aaron Rupar: Introduction to Aaron Rupar, his Minnesota roots, move to DC, and how his viral clipping career began.
• 19:55 Inside the Viral Clipping Workflow: Deep dive into his day-to-day process, long hours, platform strategy, and audience reach.
• 27:50 Covering Trump Unfiltered: How Rupar decides what to amplify, the challenge of covering Trump, and staying sane on the beat.
• 42:52 2024 & The Post-Truth Era: Reflections on the 2024 inflection point, lessons unlearned from Trumpism, and post-truth politics.
• 49:47 Interview Recap & Trump vs. The Pope: Reactions to Rupar interview, followed by discussion of the Trump-versus-Pope controversy and Catholic voter fallout.
• 01:08:48 Minnesota Money & Politics: Minnesota fundraising numbers, the Senate race money map, and the Star Tribune press fight.
•  01:30:55 Final Thoughts & Closing: Wrap-up and closing remarks.

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

A Break Down on Big Tech, Iran, and ICE in Minnesota

On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb welcome back Erich Mische, the CEO of SAVE — Suicide Awareness Voices of Education — a Minnesota-based national suicide prevention nonprofit, to discuss his Star Tribune op-ed arguing for “Big Tobacco”-style accountability for Big Tech.

Erich also discusses how his organization is navigating social media company partnerships, beginning to refuse funding and partnerships, and recommends that others do the same. They also highlight SAVE’s upcoming Bright Night event on Saturday, April 11th.

Becky and Michael then recap President Trump’s primetime address on Iran, saying it raised as many questions as answers about goals and timeline, and connect it to polling headwinds for Republicans, including declining support among men.

They close with a Minnesota-focused discussion of ICE’s Operation Metro Surge, citing reporting that most arrests involved people without criminal records and debating mission, trust, and consequences.

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 01:32 Holy Week Banter
• 04:27 Interview with Erich Mische
• 31:47 Recap of Interview with Mische
• 40:04 Trump Speech on Iran
• 50:23 Polls and Young Men
• 59:59 Minnesota ICE Fallout
• 01:11:30 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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

A Break Down with Chris Madel on the State of Minnesota Politics

Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb interview first-time guest Chris Madel, a Minneapolis trial attorney and former Republican candidate for Minnesota governor. In December 2025, Madel entered the GOP gubernatorial primary, campaigning on fighting government fraud, supporting law enforcement, and cutting state government costs.

Madel explains why he entered politics after representing law enforcement officers and seeing major problems, including fraud and leadership failures, and describes how Operation Metro Surge and reports of pretextual traffic stops targeting Hispanic and Asian officers shaped his views. Madel discusses how loyalty demands to President Trump make it difficult to win a Republican endorsement or compete in suburbs, argues the party is broken and needs more reasonable voices, and outlines positions on abortion, guns, and immigration.

Michael and Becky next break down recent polls on Americans’ views of the Iran war, President Trump, the issues, and the upcoming midterms.

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 01:08 Interview with Chris Madel
• 05:30 Questions about Operation Metro Surge
• 17:27 Rebuilding the GOP and key issues
• 37:22 Guns and Culture Wars
• 38:58 Staying Engaged in Politics
• 41:36 Recap of Madel Interview
• 47:51 Recent Polls on Iran, Trump, and Midterm Elections
• 01:11:30 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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

A Break Down about ‘A Precarious State’ with Rick Kupchella

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.

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:10 Introducing Rick Kupchella and ‘A Precarious State.’
• 00:58 Discussion on the state of Minnesota
• 04:58 Rick Kupchella Journey and Insights
• 07:42 Economic and Demographic Challenges in Minnesota
• 11:31 Impact of Population and Business Migration
• 18:44 Political Implications and Future Outlook
• 22:36 Financial Advisors Recommend Leaving Minnesota
• 23:46 Impact in the aftermath of George Floyd’s Murder
• 25:32 Decline in Minnesota’s Education System
• 26:41 Public Safety Concerns in Minneapolis
• 27:46 Analysis of comments from Minneapolis Police Chief
• 34:27 Documentary Release and Public Reaction
• 37:43 Closing Remarks and Future Discussions
• 44:46 Fantasy Football and Closing Remarks

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

A Break Down with Senator Julia Coleman on Motherhood, Messaging & Modern Republicanism

Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.’ This week, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Assistant Minority Leader Senator Julia Coleman.

Elected as a Republican in 2020, Senator Coleman represents Carver County. She shares her journey from running for the Chanhassen City Council while nine months pregnant to becoming the youngest woman elected to the Minnesota State Senate.

Senator Coleman discusses the challenges of balancing political life with motherhood, her approach to bipartisanship, and her staunch belief in expanding the Republican Party’s tent. She also offers insights into the current political climate, strategies for engaging suburban voters, and the emotional impact of recent violent events.

Tune in for an inspiring and thought-provoking conversation that highlights the importance of optimism and involvement in shaping the political future.

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:20 Interview with Senator Julia Coleman
• 02:09 Senator Coleman’s Journey to the Senate
• 05:17 Balancing Public Service and Motherhood
• 08:08 Navigating Generational Differences in Politics
• 09:48 Challenges of Social Media and Public Life
• 15:28 The Importance of a Big Tent Philosophy
• 24:58 Historical Context and Party Unity
• 30:16 The Importance of Unity in the Republican Party
• 31:31 Messaging to Suburban Voters
• 32:20 Personal Stories and Policy Proposals
• 35:37 Remembering Charlie Kirk
• 41:36 Optimism Amidst Tragedy
• 47:50 Reflections on the Interview
• 54:41 Podcast Goals and Future Plans
• 58:15 Fantasy Football and Closing Remarks
• 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

Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Rep. Nolan West on Civility

Welcome to a special bonus episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ In this episode, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr pause the regular political chaos to highlight the importance of meaningful leadership.

Michael and Becky are joined by Representative Nolan West, a Republican from Blaine, Minnesota, known for his collaborative and thoughtful approach in the legislature. The discussion explores political discourse, bipartisanship, and the challenges of upholding integrity in a hyper-partisan environment.

Tune in for a compelling conversation on how to elevate constructive voices and foster a more positive political climate. Don’t miss out on this insightful episode!

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:19 Highlighting Leaders in Public Service
• 01:18 Interview with Representative Nolan West
• 01:55 Challenges and Mindset in Politics
• 03:52 Maintaining a Positive Approach
• 07:57 Political Shifts and Public Perception
• 12:46 The Importance of Humility in Governance
• 14:40 Addressing Political Violence and Extremism
• 22:36 The Role of Bipartisanship in Minnesota
• 28:11 Optimism for the Future
• 31:54 Closing Remarks and Reflections

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

A Break Down of Gun Policy: From Gun Owner to Reformer

Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,‘ which dives into recent policy discussions and political developments. Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr welcome Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom to discuss his recent op-ed on gun control and his evolving views as a gun owner and hunter. They delve into the complexities of policy changes following recent shootings and explore the balance between mental health and gun control solutions.

The discussion also covers Governor Tim Walz’s announcement that he is running for a historic third term as governor, examining the key messages of his campaign and the broader political landscape. The episode concludes with reactions from Republican officials and groups, as well as a reflection on the importance of moderating political vitriol for healthier discourse.

Join Michael and Becky for in-depth discussions, balanced perspectives, and their dedication to amplifying voices in politics. Tune in to the episode for thought-provoking conversations and stay up-to-date with the latest in politics and policy.

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
•  00:58 Interview with Mayor Zach Lindstrom
•  01:12 Mayor Lindstrom’s Op-Ed on Gun Control
• 02:28 Personal Reflections on Gun Ownership
• 03:16 The Role of Guns in Mass Shootings
• 06:54 Growing Up with Guns
• 14:53 Public and Personal Reactions to the Op-Ed
• 16:41 Challenges in Political Discourse
• 23:04 Becky and Michael’s Reflections on the Interview
• 28:33 Policy Proposals and Legislative Challenges
• 43:35 Hopeful Yet Skeptical: Discussing School Shootings
• 47:25 Governor Tim Walz Announces Historic Run for 3rd Term
• 49:50 Analyzing Walz Campaign and Policies
•  01:02:07 Republican Reactions and Critiques
•  01:13:19 Addressing Political Vitriol and Future Discussions
• 01:16:42 Fantasy Football and Closing Remarks

The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky will return with a bonus episode this week.

Get full access to On The Record with Michael Brodkorb at michaelbrodkorb.substack.com/subscribe

A Break Down About The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.’In this week’s episode, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr shift focus from their planned discussion to address the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred while he was speaking at a college campus.

Michael and Becky explore the impact of escalating political violence on the state of American democracy, the role of social media, and the culture of dehumanization.

Reflecting on the need for civil discourse and compassion, they issue a call to action for both political leaders and everyday citizens, and discuss Michael’s op-ed with Erich Mische on how we can move forward together.

Recorded on September 11th, Michael and Becky also acknowledge the importance of remembering past tragedies while confronting the urgent issues of the present.

• 00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview
• 01:04 Reflecting on September 11th
• 02:08 The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
• 03:15 Reactions and Personal Reflections
• 14:46 The Role of Social Media
• 22:23 Political Discourse and Responsibility
• 33:52 Fears of Political Violence
• 34:12 Discussing Michael’s Op-Ed on Charlie Kirk
• 35:17 Personal Experiences with Threats
• 38:52 Reflecting on Political Communication
• 41:56 The Importance of Humanizing Opponents
• 47:02 Proposing Solutions for Political Discourse
• 50:46 The Role of Social Media in Politics
• 57:46 Fantasy Football and Closing Remarks

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