Michael Brodkorb

A Break Down with Dr. Scott Jensen on Running for Auditor

Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb dive into the highlights of Super Bowl weekend, including their take on the halftime show controversy, commercials, and snacks. They welcome their first candidate interview of 2026, Dr. Scott Jensen, who discusses his campaign shift from a gubernatorial run to a run for state auditor.

Dr. Jensen shares his strategy for the 2026 election, focusing on state audits and advocating for common-sense governance.

Becky and Michael also break down recent Star Tribune poll results on immigration and Trump’s policies, and discuss the implications of Operation Metro Surge drawdown. Tune in for a lively discussion on politics, policy, and current affairs.

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 04:57 Super Bowl Halftime Show Controversy
• 11:21 Interview with Dr. Scott Jensen
• 12:09 Dr. Scott Jensen’s Campaign Shift
• 14:15 Role and Vision for State Auditor
• 40:33 Lessons Learned from 2022
• 41:19 Discussing Trump’s Immigration Policy
• 45:13 The Role of the State Auditor
• 01:07:32 Polling Data and Political Climate
• 01:26:06 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 of Precinct Caucuses and Klobuchar for Governor

Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb discuss the recent update on Operation Metro Surge, noting a partial drawdown of 700 officers statewide and the introduction of body-worn cameras for ICE agents in Minneapolis.

Switching gears, they break down the 2026 precinct caucuses for both parties and analyze the gubernatorial straw poll results. The episode highlights Senator Amy Klobuchar’s entry into the Minnesota Governor’s race, touching on new polling numbers and campaign strategy.

Finally, Becky and Michael examine the race for the open U.S. Senate seat left by Tina Smith, discussing the key candidates and the dynamics within the Democratic Party.

Tune in for an insightful conversation about Minnesota’s political landscape!

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 00:55 Operation Metro Surge Update
• 03:25 Caucus Night Turnout and Straw Poll Results
• 07:59 Republican Gubernatorial Race Analysis
• 18:10 Senator Amy Klobuchar’s Entry into the Governor’s Race
• 30:26 Governor Race Dynamics
• 31:25 Poll Analysis: Klobuchar vs. Republicans
• 33:54 Klobuchar’s Political Strength
• 39:06 DFL Senate Race: Craig vs Flanagan
• 48:38 Michelle Tafoya announces run for U.S. Senate
• 52:59 NRSC Poll Insights
• 57:54 Trump Endorsement Speculations
• 01:00:25 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 on Another ICE Shooting and the Rising Outrage

In this emotionally charged episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb tackle recent tragic events involving ICE in Minnesota. They focus on the tragic shooting death of Alex Pretti by a border control agent, with layered discussions on the subsequent political, public, and administrative reactions.

The episode delves into the impacts on local and national politics, including the 2026 elections, and the impending Congressional funding package.

Michael and Becky also critique the current federal immigration enforcement operations and their broader implications on the Second Amendment and public sentiment. Notably, the episode offers insights into the urgent need for transparent, cooperative investigations.

Join them for a comprehensive breakdown of these critical issues shaking Minnesota and the nation.

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 01:01 The Shooting of Alex Preddi
• 02:36 Public and Personal Reactions
• 09:05 Government Response and Controversies
• 44:30 Reflecting on Republican Values and the Second Amendment
• 45:57 Applauding Local Leaders for Their Actions
• 48:04 Current Political Realities and Legislative Challenges
• 52:36 Impact of ICE Operations and Future Implications
• 54:49 Public Opinion and Political Implications
• 55:48 Impact on 2026 Elections
• 01:03:33 Republican Messaging and Immigration Policy
• 01:27:23 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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

NOTE: Here is a link to Michael’s Substack post that he mentioned during this episode.

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

A Break Down on the Battle Over ICE in Minnesota

Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! Hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb provide updates on topics from previous episodes, exploring incidents like the flashbang injury involving children in North Minneapolis and the inconsistencies in the parents’ statements.

Becky and Michael also cover legal updates, including the DOJ’s subpoenas to multiple Democratic leaders and the reactions from local and federal officials. The episode further discusses recent and upcoming protests, including a disruption at a church service and its legal ramifications.

Finally, Becky and Michael explore the divide in messaging between ICE and local law enforcement. Don’t miss this crucial discussion on politics, policy, and current affairs affecting Minnesota.

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 00:43 Updates on Recent Incidents
• 03:40 Political Tensions and Subpoenas
• 13:59 Protests and Legal Repercussions
• 28:29 Don Lemon’s Controversy and Journalistic Ethics
• 28:56 Minnesota’s Ice Out Protest: Impact and Opinions
• 38:25 Law Enforcement’s Role and ICE Coordination
• 48:56 Trust Issues and Future Discussions
• 58:45 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 ICE in Minnesota

Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ Join hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb for an intense episode, where they delve into the tragic death of Renee Goode and the intricate dynamics of ICE operations in Minnesota.

Michael and Becky provide updates on the incident, ongoing civil litigation, and the subsequent fallout. The episode includes a critical analysis of recent polling data that reveals the public’s perception of ICE and its implications for the Trump administration.

Finally, they discuss the challenges of balancing civil rights and law enforcement, explore potential solutions, and emphasize the importance of bipartisan cooperation. Tune in for a comprehensive discussion on one of today’s most pressing issues.

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 01:31 Recap of Last Week’s Episode
• 02:00 Updates on the Renee Goode Case
• 03:39 Discussion on Law Enforcement and Public Trust
• 08:14 Personal Insights and Broader Implications
• 14:45 ICE Agents and Body Cameras Debate
• 22:06 Legal and Political Ramifications
• 23:51 Mass Exodus from the US Attorney’s Office
• 31:14 Public Opinion and Poll Results
• 46:04 ICE Operations in Minnesota
• 56:23 Personal Reflections on Protests and Parenting
• 58:39 Trump’s Threat to Invoke the Insurrection Act
• 01:01:10 The Role of Our Republican Legacy
• 01:02:54 Debating the Insurrection Act and Republican Principles
• 01:06:00 Concerns Over ICE Operations and Public Safety
• 01:10:25 The Importance of Responsible Storytelling
• 01:25:13 First Amendment Rights and Protests
• 01:37:59 Political Dynamics and Potential Solutions
• 01:47:34 Football Season Recap and Personal Anecdotes
•  01:51:02 Closing Remarks and Gratitude

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 the ICE Shooting and Minnesota’s Fraud Scandals

Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! In this emotionally charged and insightful discussion, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb tackle a whirlwind of current events, including the tragic shooting involving an ICE agent in Minnesota and the subsequent fallout.

Guests Julius Hernandez and John Rouleau join the podcast to provide opposing viewpoints on the incident, the political rhetoric surrounding it, and the broader implications for local and national politics. The episode also dives into a shocking new report from the Office of Legislative Auditor, revealing systemic fraud and mismanagement within Minnesota’s state agencies. Tune in for a balanced, in-depth exploration of these complex issues.

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 00:55 Setting the Tone: Heavy Topics Ahead
• 01:36 ICE in Minnesota: The Incident Breakdown
• 04:04 Diverging Opinions: Political Reactions and Blame
• 09:27 Analyzing the Shooting: Facts and Perspectives
• 16:06 Political Rhetoric and Public Reactions
• 28:50 Governor Tim Walz and Mayor Jacob Frey’s Responses
• 41:29 The Line Between Observer and Vigilante
• 42:20 Confidence in Federal Investigations
• 43:17 Concerns About ICE Statements
• 44:51 Transparency in Investigations
• 47:58 Trust in Government and Transition to Fraud
• 48:45 The OLA Report and Systemic Fraud
• 49:44 Shocking Evidence of Fraud
• 51:25 Government Employees and Fraud
• 52:31 Governor Walz and New Fraud Allegations
• 58:46 Legislative Actions and Fraud Oversight
• 01:01:22 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

Bonus Episode: A Break Down on Gov. Walz’s Surprise Exit

Welcome to a special bonus episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ In this episode, Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb dive deep into the breaking news that Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term in 2026. They discuss the implications of Walz’s decision on his political legacy, potential Democratic candidates likely to enter the race, and what this means for the 2026 campaign season.

Becky and Michael also analyze the political pressures, internal party dynamics, and how this shake-up impacts both state and national politics. Join them for an in-depth analysis of this significant political development.

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 00:25 Governor Tim Walz Won’t Seek Reelection
• 00:52 Initial Reactions and Analysis
• 02:24 Political Pressures and Announcement Details
• 04:26 Impact on the 2026 Campaign
• 07:23 Fraud and Political Climate
• 10:15 Governor Walz’s Legacy and Future
• 27:51 Reactions from Political Figures
• 33:07 Potential Candidates for Governor
• 38:05 Republican Speculations on Attorney General Ellison
• 40:40 Klobuchar’s Potential Impact on the Race
• 41:31 Campaign Finance and War Chests
• 46:50 Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s Role and Future
• 56:01 Implications of Walz’s Exit for Republicans
• 01:00:15 Fraud Committee’s Role and Legislative Impact
• 01:10:56 Democratic Strategy and Klobuchar’s Candidacy
• 01:15:16 Concluding Thoughts and Listener Appreciation

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

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

A Break Down of the Fallout as Fraud Goes Viral

In this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb kick off 2026 by diving into the viral video by YouTuber Nick Shirley that exposes alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota.

Michael and Becky discuss the widespread reactions from both political parties, including responses from Governor Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, and various Republican leaders. The episode also covers the federal government’s involvement, upcoming hearings, and the intricate dynamics of storytelling and politics surrounding this issue.

Tune in for an intense analysis and updates on how this scandal continues to unfold.

• 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview
• 01:00 Holiday Recap and New Year’s Resolutions
• 03:36 A Hilarious Christmas Shower Incident
• 05:35 New Year’s Eve Reflections
• 09:04 Looking Back at 2025
• 11:12 Intentions and Resolutions for 2026
• 17:45 The Fraud Scandal Unfolds
• 18:03 Nick Shirley’s Viral Video
• 43:19 Reactions and Political Implications
• 50:52 Democratic Strategy and Governor Walls’ Future
• 52:44 Accountability and Public Perception
• 54:54 Governor’s Response and Republican Critique
• 01:00:04 Federal Involvement and Broader Implications
• 01:06:47 Political Messaging and Media Coverage
• 01:24:13 Upcoming Congressional Hearing and Political Theater
• 01:38:49 Closing Thoughts and Football Predictions

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