Advertise on podcast: Between Two Ellens*

The Ellens* are joined by OK Senate Minority Leader Julia Kirt to discuss two very important issues on the November ballot: State Questions 845 & 847.

The Ellens* are joined by Rep. Andy Fugate to discuss the upcoming August 25th election and the two state questions that will appear on the ballot (SQ844 and SQ846). What's covered: State Question 844 (Property Tax / Ad Valorem Exemptions): The history of Oklahoma's manufacturing tax exemption dating back to the 1980s oil bust, how it works today, and what changes SQ 844 would make to who controls reimbursement dollars for local communities, schools, and county services. State Question 846 (Voter ID Requirements): Oklahoma's existing voter ID laws (passed in 2011), why this measure would move those requirements from statute into the Constitution, and concerns about potential disenfranchisement of absentee, military, elderly, and disabled voters. Voter turnout & civic engagement: Oklahoma ranks dead last nationally in voter turnout, the challenges of getting voters to the polls in a closed primary state, and why every vote matters — especially on down-ballot state questions. Education funding & the state budget: Discussion of Oklahoma's education rankings, the reality behind "historic funding" claims, and how earmarked dollars limit school flexibility. Magic wand question: Each guest shares the one policy change they'd make with an amenable legislature and governor — from capping the private school tax credit to protecting the initiative petition process to adding the word "quality" to the state Constitution's education clause. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, these state questions affect every Oklahoman. Get informed before August 25th! 📺 Subscribe for weekly episodes during session. Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube.

The Ellens* sit down with Oklahoma City Representative Mickey Dollens for one of their most unexpected conversations yet. Before politics, Mickey played college football at SMU, honored his late brother by trying out for the NFL, and competed on the U.S. Olympic bobsled team. The oil bust eventually pushed him into teaching — and a layoff pushed him into running for office. Now in his 11th year at the Capitol, Mickey talks ballot initiative reform, education funding, economic diversification, and why he's teaching his kids to sort fact from fiction from faith. Oh, and there's a story about crashing a bobsled at 90 mph that you won't want to miss.

The Ellens* interview Secretary Blayne Arthur, the longest-serving secretary in Governor Stitt's administration, overseeing the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. Secretary Arthur shares her unlikely path to the cabinet, her deep roots in Oklahoma's 4-H and FFA community, and why agriculture matters to every Oklahoman — from food safety and rural infrastructure to youth development and economic opportunity. The conversation covers the Oklahoma Youth Expo, the challenges of social media in public service, and what it really means to be a state legislator year-round.

The Ellens* visit with Chris Bernard, CEO of HungerFree Oklahoma, a nonprofit policy and advocacy thinktank that focuses on food insecurity. The conversation focuses on changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that are making it harder to ensure everyone has enough food to eat.

The Ellens* visit with Anden Bull, Chief Programming Officer & General Counsel for Palomar, which is Oklahoma City's Family Justice Center—a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary nonprofit that provides support, protection, and wraparound services for survivors of domestic and family violence. Anden shares about Palomar's origin and what they do for the community.

The Ellens* invited several of their Democratic House caucus colleagues to come through the studio to share their thoughts on the legislative session this year. Included in this episode: Representatives Arturo Alonso Sandoval, Melissa Provenzano, Aletia Timmons, and Michelle McCane.

The Ellens* invited several of their Democratic House caucus colleagues to come through the studio to share their thoughts on the legislative session this year. Included in this episode: Melodye Blancett, Trish Ranson, Jacob Rosecrants, Andy Fugate, and Amanda Clinton.

During Teacher Appreciation Week, The Ellens* welcome former educator and administrator Rep. Ronnie Johns (HD 25) to discuss his path from 33 years at Ada City Schools to the Legislature, and why education remains his focus. Johns explains his push to restore a $5,000 stipend for National Board Certified teachers as part of a broader growth/incentive pay plan, noting the bill has passed and the Governor is ready to sign. The conversation expands to retention, the changing needs of students and families, and the importance of a state superintendent who champions teachers and public schools. They debate parent involvement and barriers like work schedules and access, and close with candid reflections on frustrations with caucus politics and the need to consult subject-matter experts.

The Ellens* visit with their colleague, Representative Aletia Timmons (HD97), about her previous career as a judge and about the issue of sexual harassment & assault in the workplace. Denim Day is an annual day to promote awareness of sexual assault and solidarity with victims. It was founded in Italy in the 1990s around a rape case where the verdict was overturned in favor of the accused due to the victim wearing tight jeans; and therefore, the idea of consent was put to question.

The Ellens* visit with House Majority Leader Rep. Mark Lawson (HD30-Tulsa) about "The Mother Road" - Route 66 - and the many celebrations planned for its centennial birthday this year.

The Ellens* visit with Rep. Trish Ranson, a former elementary music teacher turned Oklahoma representative and current caucus chair, as she shares how the 2018 teacher walkout sparked her run for office and how her focus has expanded from education into health, mental health, childcare, and higher ed. She discusses HB 1979, a proposed early childhood task force aimed at consolidating 19 programs across six agencies into a single, navigable system to reduce duplication and improve outcomes, including stronger connections to programs like SoonerStart. Ranson also explains what the caucus chair role entails, highlights her “People, Politics and Pints” civics nights, and reflects on a hectic session where budget limits bills and GA bills are out of sync, making the process difficult for lawmakers and nearly impossible for the public.

Last week the Republican leadership announced a budget deal...but the exact details remain a bit murky and quite a bit uncertain. The Ellens* take a quick walk through what we know—and what we don't—thus far in the process. Budget portal: https://former.okhouse.gov/fiscal/FiscalPortal.aspx

Since the legislature is roughly halfway through the legislative session, the Ellens* reflect on what happened this week - what's dead, what's still alive, and what kind of shenanigans are happening late at night while the public isn't looking.

The Ellens* speak with Rep. Suzanne Schreiber about Oklahoma’s childcare challenges, emphasizing childcare as essential economic infrastructure that enables parents to work. Schreiber outlines costs ($700–$1,200 per month), staffing shortages driven by low wages (about $11.47/hour), and how “childcare deserts” are largely staffing—not building—problems. She discusses last year’s Strong Start First law to help recruit and retain childcare workers by covering their own childcare, and warns that a proposed $50 million cut could remove 35% of supported families and accelerate closures, noting over 300 providers closed from June to December 2025 (about 6,000 slots). The conversation covers federal match dollars, employer partnerships, regulation limits, and ends with everyone sharing favorite country music picks.