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This episode is the keynote address delivered by former Congressman and founder of Groundwork Project, Joe Kennedy III, at CIVICS CON 2026. Joe speaks about Oklahoma, about democracy, and about a shared vision for the future.

Oklahoma lawmakers are sending some of the biggest ballot questions in state history to an August election most voters won't know is happening. Andy breaks down the joint resolutions targeting Medicaid, TSET, and the state Constitution — and why the date is the point. Then: candidate filing just closed, and the numbers reveal a democracy where 68% of races are already decided before November. Two stories, one system. Oklahoma Watch story referenced: https://oklahomawatch.org/2026/04/03/choose-your-own-voters-republican-lawmakers-send-high-stakes-ballot-initiatives-to-low-turnout-election/ NonDoc has several stories on candidate filing: https://nondoc.com/category/civics/politics/

Andy & Emily discuss how late-night lawmaking and budget maneuvers reduce transparency, then unpack a pressing—and persistent—Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services funding gap that prompted agency heads to hold a “premature” press conference about consolidating ODMHSAS into the Department of Health, despite concerns that consolidation won’t solve a roughly $20–30 million shortfall. They also talk property tax sticker shock, strategic party registration for the gubernatorial primary, and promote CIVICS CON (April 9–10 at Rose State College).

Almost no one living person has spent more time at the Oklahoma State Capitol than longtime capitol reporter Shawn Ashley. From being a public television journalist to owning a bill tracking and news service (Quorum Call), Shawn has spent 30 years listening, writing, and laughing about what happens in those halls of power, and he joined us this week to reflect on his tenure and discuss what's unique about this session.

We're joined by Dr. Christine Pappas, Professor and Chair of the Department of Politics, Law and Society at East Central University, to discuss the SAVE Act (aka the SAVE America Act, aka the Make Elections Great Again (MEGA) Act) and it's potential impact on elections in Oklahoma and across the country.

Dr. Emily Stacey returns to the show, but this time as our new co-host. This episode is really about getting to know her so that listeners have some background for future episodes.

We're back for a lightning-round episode to catch you up on the State of the State, voter registration numbers, election dates, and even a little bit of national politics (which is insane).

Andy visits with Colleen McCarty, Executive Director of the Oklahoma Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, about the role and responsibilities of District Attorneys. Hint: They're more important than you think.

We take a look back at some of the highlights (and lowlights) of 2025, and lay the groundwork for the year ahead.

Keith and Andy discuss the electoral reform movement, Oklahoma Independents being blocked from participating in ALL primary elections, and, somewhat surprisingly, the great state of Texas.

As 2025 begins to wind down, Andy reflects on what he's thankful for and offers some encouragement for the year ahead.

Keith Gaddie returns to give us the history of White House architecture, how it connects to grievance politics, and how we can help ensure your fellow Americans have access to food when Congress fails.

Andy visits with Kyle Loveless of EyesOver, a data analytics firm that monitors public sentiment on the internet and uses it to analyze and predict electoral outcomes, to discuss how polling has worked in the past, why that model is struggling, and what the future of the industry may look like.

[Editor's note: Sorry about the audio. One of the mics - mine, actually - malfunctioned in this episode.] In the spring 2025, the Oklahoma legislature passed SB1207 which made sweeping changes to the state's initiative petition process. A legal challenge was filed, and oral arguments are set to be heard on November 18, 2025. Andy speaks with local political operative Amber England has been involved in multiple initiative petition campaigns.

Let's talk about hope - where to find it, and why we need it. And hey OKC - don't forget to vote on Oct 14th!