Blue Bench Podcast

Blue Bench Podcast

by Gaby Krevat and Jorgia Hawthorne

News Commentary Politics

Season 1

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 14

Shannon sits down with special co-host guest Jorgie Hawthorne, the Gail Stoltz Fellow for MDP. Listen for updates regarding the legislative session, state budget, property taxes, and more! The two also debrief the max capacity rally in Missoula Wednesday afternoon, featuring Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 13

This week, Shannon and Gaby provide updates on property tax relief, attacks on Montana’s judiciary branch, and child care bills. There is some good news to report and, unfortunately, some not-so-great news. Plus, Shannon sits down and talks clean energy in Montana with Montana Environmental Information Center (MEIC) Executive Director Anne Hedges. Do you care about climate change, the environment, and what lawmakers in Helena are doing to promote a clean and healthful environment? Well, then you definitely don’t want to miss this amazing interview!

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 12

Ravalli County Republican Senator Jason Ellsworth is banned from the Senate Floor. Shannon and Gaby discuss updates on the budget and what we can expect in the last month of the session. Gaby interviews former Montana Supreme Court Justice Mike Wheat about MTGOP attacks on the judiciary.

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 11

It was a historic week in the Montana Legislature! A MTGOP lawmaker faces calls for expulsion from his own party. Plus, Medicaid Expansion is signed into law! Shannon interviews Senator Derek Harvey from Butte. You don’t want to miss this episode.

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 10

Special co-host guest (and Montana Democratic Party Development Director!) Tiffany Williams joins us this week for Blue Bench. Tiffany shares her insights on slashes and cuts to the Department of Education and bills making their way through the Legislature. Shannon sits down with former lawmaker and lobbyist for Big Sky 55+, Margie Macdonald.

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 9

It's half time in the 2025 legislative session! The Montana Legislature has reached transmittal and Gaby and Shannon breakdown the good, the bad, and the ugly at the halfway mark of the session.

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 8

Welcome to week nine of the Montana Legislative session! This week, Shannon interview Representative Jonathan Karlen about property taxes and childcare bills. Next week, the Montana Democratic Party will host a virtual town hall with leadership from the Montana House and Senate Democrats. Join us!

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 7

Medicaid Expansion is heading to the Governor's desk. Gaby and Shannon have all the updates to get you through week 8 of the legislative session! Plus, a special interview with Rep. Mary Caferro from Helena.

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 6

Happy Valentine's Day from the Montana Democratic Party! This week, Gaby and Shannon discuss education bills, housing and a MTGOP bill proposing the 10 Commandments should be on display in every public school classroom in Montana. Shannon sits down with Senator Susan Webber from Browning to discuss bills from the Montana American Indian Caucus.

Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 5

Gaby and Shannon break down housing bills that received hearings in the House Judiciary Committee meeting this week. Plus, MTGOP is after your reproductive freedom… again! Shannon sits down with constitutional attorney and former candidate for Lieutenant Governor Raph Graybill to discuss Republican attempts to politicize and dismantle the independence of our judiciary.

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