Michael Brodkorb

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

A Break Down About the Tragedy at Annunciation Church and School

In this heart-wrenching episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr pivot from their planned political discussion to focus on the tragic shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis.

The shooting, which occurred during an all-school mass, left 18 wounded and claimed the lives of two young children. The episode delves into the immediate community response, the role of law enforcement, and the personal impact on the hosts and their families.

They also discuss the broader implications, including mental health awareness, gun control measures, and school safety protocols.

This episode offers a sobering examination of the complexities surrounding such tragedies and serves as a call for thoughtful dialogue and action.

• 00:00 Introduction and Change of Plans
• 01:05 Details of the Annunciation Church Shooting
• 02:00 Personal Reactions and Reflections
• 05:34 Shooter’s Background and Motive
• 14:04 Mental Health and Identity Discussion
• 18:53 Political Responses and Statements
• 24:56 School Safety and Security Measures
• 33:13 The Reality of School Security
• 34:15 Second Amendment and Gun Control Debate
• 38:32 Mental Health and Gun Access
• 40:46 The Role of Community and Family
• 45:12 Balancing Gun Rights and Safety
• 49:14 The Importance of Mental Health Awareness and Resources
• 01:01:37 Concluding Thoughts and Personal Reflections
• 01:05:26 Fantasy Football and Final 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 Uber-Lyft, Lies, and Regent Selection

Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, Michael and Becky dive deep into the week’s hot political topics. They discuss the ongoing drama surrounding Minneapolis mayoral candidate and State Senator Omar Fateh, whose dishonesty over threats over contentious Uber-Lyft legislation has stirred controversy ahead of the mayoral race.

Representative Marion Rarick joins to talk about the recent University of Minnesota Regents nominations, scrutinizing the unorthodox appointment process by Governor Tim Walz.

The show also covers a Minneapolis City Council Member Aisha Chughtai’s use of vulgar language against Mayor Jacob Frey, reflecting the toxic political climate.

Lastly, they address President Trump’s new campaign to end mail-in ballots. Tune in for a compelling discussion packed with insights and controversy!

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 01:12 Minneapolis Mayoral Race Drama
•  01:46 Senator Omar Fateh’s Legislative Controversy
•  03:57 Political Gamesmanship and Honesty
• 04:41 Impact on Minneapolis Politics
• 11:23 Rep. Marion Rarick Interview
• 11:31 University of Minnesota Regents Controversy
• 15:19 Governor’s Appointments and Political Fallout
• 18:00 Legislative Process and Transparency Issues
• 29:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
• 33:39 Reflecting on the Interview with Representative CK
• 38:28 Controversial Remarks at the Uptown Music Festival
• 48:13 Debating Mail-In Voting and Election Integrity
•  01:01:53 Minnesota State Fair and Podcast Announcements

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 Police, Politics, and Polls

Join us in this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky’, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, Michael and Becky Scherr are joined by David FitzSimmons, Chief of Staff for Congressman Brad Finstad, and a former state representative known for his political acumen.

The discussion kicks off with President Donald Trump’s recent move to bring the Washington, D.C. Police under federal control, followed by an in-depth analysis of Minnesota’s political scene heading into the 2026 elections.

They touch on crime rates, recent polling data from the America First Policy Institute, and the impact of economic policies on Minnesota residents. The episode also covers the controversy surrounding Minneapolis City Council staffers participating in protests during a federal drug raid.

Tune in for an insightful and detailed discussion on current political affairs.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 01:53 Big News of the Week: Trump Takes Over DC Police
• 02:33 Discussion on Crime in Washington, DC.
• 07:28 Political Reactions and Implications
• 21:55 2026 Midterm Elections Outlook
• 29:20 Minnesota’s Political Landscape
• 38:06 Polling and Public Opinion in Minnesota
• 41:15 Concerning Trends in Minnesota’s Population and Economy42:00 Fraud and Accountability in Minnesota’s Government
• 43:04 Republican Messaging on Fraud and Policy
• 47:06 Economic Concerns and Tax Policies
• 52:14 Abortion Debate and Political Strategy
• 01:01:58 Minneapolis Politics and Protests
• 01:12:58 Reflections 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 Andy Brehm: From Baseball to Ballots

Welcome to another fantastic episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,’ with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr.

This week, hosts Michael and Becky are joined by Andy Brehm, Star Tribune columnist, corporate lawyer, and vocal Republican from Minnesota. Andy discusses his recent op-eds in the Star Tribune, highlighting his views on the Minnesota Twins’ recent trades and the team’s relationship with taxpayers.

Brehm also dives into the implications of electing Senator Omar Fateh as the Mayor of Minneapolis, focusing on the potential national impact and how it could aid President Trump’s agenda.

The episode also touches on the Texas redistricting battle, exploring the Republican efforts, the Democratic strategies, and potential national outcomes. Tune in for a compelling discussion on politics, policy, and current affairs!

• 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
• 00:31 Minnesota Twins Trade Controversy
• 06:05 Impact on Season Ticket Holders
• 10:29 Political Implications of Sports Funding
• 13:57 Minneapolis Mayoral Race and Its Implications
• 28:52 City Leadership and Priorities
• 29:50 Impact of Mayoral Leadership
• 30:21 Political Anger and Its Consequences
• 30:56 Reflections on the Interview
• 35:43 Texas Redistricting Drama
• 46:49 Legislative Walkouts and Their Implications
• 59:12 Concluding Thoughts and Announcements

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 Special Elections, DSA Platform, Naked Man at the Capitol, and an Axe Murderer

Welcome to another fantastic episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,’ with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr.

In this episode, they begin by discussing the upcoming special elections for three vacant seats in the Minnesota legislature, including those left vacant by the resignation of Senator Nicole Mitchell and the death of Senator Bruce Anderson. In a follow-up, they analyze Senator Mitchell’s legal troubles and resignation.

The duo then shifts focus to a bizarre incident at the Minnesota Capitol involving a naked man, examining the security lapses and implications for future legislative sessions.

Continuing a discussion from last week’s episode about the race for mayor in Minneapolis, special guest Julius Hernandez joins to critique the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) platform in response to Michael’s Substack post and how the DSA’s controversial policies could influence the Minneapolis mayoral race and other political landscapes.

Lastly, they explore the parole release of ax murderer David Brom under new Minnesota laws, sparking a heated debate about public safety and the upcoming election cycle. Tune in for an engaging and insightful conversation that navigates the complexities of contemporary Minnesota politics.

• 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
• 00:58 Special Elections in Minnesota
• 01:54 Senator Nicole Mitchell’s Resignation
• 07:28 Senator Bruce Anderson’s Passing
• 10:00 Naked Man Incident at the Capitol
• 11:17 Discussion on Capitol Security
• 16:54 Interview with Julius Hernandez on DSA Platform
• 26:52 Debating Democratic Socialism
• 28:06 Media Bias and Political Messaging
• 29:03 Internal Divisions in the Democratic Party
• 31:11 The Role of Media in Political Narratives
• 32:17 The Future of Democratic Socialism
• 42:27 Controversial Release of a Convicted Murderer
• 44:37 Political Ramifications of Crime Policies
• 54:13 Closing Remarks and Future Implications

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

On The Record with Michael Brodkorb is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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

A Break Down About Chaos at the Minneapolis DFL Convention

Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,’ where Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr tackle the complex and chaotic world of politics and current affairs.

This week, Michael shares a harrowing personal story of an arson attack on his home. The discussion then shifts to a detailed analysis with special guest Darwin Forsyth, a communications advisor from Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s campaign. They dive into the controversial events of the Minneapolis DFL endorsing convention, highlighting major issues such as a flawed electronic voting system, process failures, and the resulting endorsement of State Senator Omar Fateh.

This episode offers an in-depth examination of the political shenanigans and their broader implications for the Minnesota DFL party.

• 00:00 Introduction and Welcome
• 00:12 Arson at Michael’s Home
• 08:12 Darwin Forsyth Joins the Discussion
• 08:28 Chaos at the Minneapolis DFL Convention
• 19:41 Balloting Issues and Controversies
• 27:08 Ballot Submission Issues and Software Concerns
• 28:45 Delegate Reactions and Voting Discrepancies
• 31:10 Motion for Paper Ballots and Rule Adherence
• 32:41 Credentialing Process and Delegate Issues
• 36:44 Filing the Appeal and Its Implications
• 39:06 Concerns Over Election Integrity and DFL’s Future
• 43:09 Closing Thoughts and Future Implications

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

On The Record with Michael Brodkorb is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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