Session Sessions
Indiana State Representatives Earl Harris, Jr. and Blake Johnson host fellow legislators and experts to share an inside look at the Indiana General Assembly, explain bills moving through the legislative session and showcase the policies and processes that are shaping our state.
Episodes
38 episodes
The Sprint to Sine Die (and Double Diaper Duty)
Indiana State Reps. Blake Johnson and Earl Harris Jr. are back with reflections on the Statehouse — and a major life change just around the corner for Blake.In this episode, the co-hosts break down:The ongoing concerns around...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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17:04
The Speaker of the House w/Rep. Todd Huston
For the first time ever on Session Sessions, we’re joined by the Speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives — and yes, he’s from the other party. Speaker Todd Huston sits down with Reps. Earl Harris Jr. and Blake Johnson for a rar...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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31:01
Kicking Off the Second Half w/Kip Tew
In this episode of Session Sessions, we welcome back former state party chair and City County-Councillor, government affairs expert Kip Tew. Kip shares insights and expectations for the second half of Indiana’s legislative session. Record...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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29:43
Bipartisanship, Budgets & Boundaries w/Rep. Matt Lehman
In a first for the podcast, Blake and Earl sit down with a member of Republican leadership, House Majority Floor Leader Matt Lehman, to discuss the first half of Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. From budget battles to bipartisanship, Rep. Le...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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31:06
Beyond the Buzzwords: What Lobbyists Actually Do w/Ali Bartlett
When it comes to jobs that get a bad wrap, lobbyists top the list. In this episode of Session Sessions, we sit down with Ali Bartlett of Bose Public Affairs Group to break down what lobbying actually is, the misconceptions (and deserved critiqu...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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42:16
From the Trail to the Statehouse w/Rep. Carey Hamilton
Rep. Carey Hamilton takes us on a journey from the Appalachian Trail to the Indiana Statehouse. After hiking solo from Georgia to Maine, Carey’s transformative adventure sparked her passion for outdoor recreation and environmental policy. Now, ...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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35:36
Indiana's Healthcare Challenges and What’s Next w/Rep. Robin Shackleford
Navigating healthcare is tough—soaring costs, confusing policies, and limited access to essential services. But Indiana lawmakers are working on solutions! In this episode of Session Sessions, Rep. Earl Harris Jr. and Rep. Blake Johnson sit dow...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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32:49
Indiana's Roads: Funding Shortfalls, Safety Innovations and Exploring Solutions w/Rep. Jim Pressel
Blake and Earl sit down with Representative Jim Pressel to tackle Indiana's looming $1.3 billion road funding shortfall. They break down the impact of inflation, better gas mileage, and COVID-19 on state revenues, and explore solutions, includi...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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26:56
Budgets, Boundaries and Breaking Public Schools
As we hit the three week(ish) mark of the Indiana General Assembly, Earl and Blake sit down to chat about the new session calendar, eyebrow-raising legislation on adjusting the state lines and dissolving public schools, and what we'll be workin...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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26:20
Affordability, Walkability and Inventory w/Mark Fisher (Indiana Association of REALTORS)
In a special episode for the podcast, we're joined by Mark Fisher, chief executive officer of the Indiana Association of REALTORS. We cover a lot of ground - discussing housing affordability, the walkability premium, quality of life, shortages ...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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32:45
Policy Talk w/ Rep. Kyle Miller
Fort Wayne's Rep. Kyle Miller returns to the podcast to discuss the upcoming legislative session, what he's learned in his first few years as a legislator (including from serving alongside his two-time opponent), and a slew of policies (like lo...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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37:25
Happy Hour w/Rep. Ethan Manning
After a few months off, Blake and Earl are back at the mic for a conversation with auctioneer, realtor, cowboy, and - for the first time on the show, Republican - Rep. Ethan Manning. Rep. Manning, who chairs the Public Policy Committee, discuss...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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28:39
Empowering Voters, Defending Democracy w/Linda Hanson (League of Women Voters)
Advocacy in the Statehouse takes many forms, and while people often think of the paid professionals who spend their days in the hallways, nonprofit organizations also play a crucial role in educating constituents and championing issues. Linda H...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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31:31
Dollars and Sense w/Rep. Greg Porter
Rep. Greg Porter, chief Democrat on the powerful Ways and Mean Committee, rejoins the podcast to reflect on the 2024 legislative session and to give us a preview as we look to the interim and the upcoming budget session.
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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35:04
Sine Die w/Rep. Mitch Gore
With the adjournment of the 123rd General Assembly, Rep. Mitch Gore joins the podcast to talk conference committees, legislative successes and the toll the stresses of the short session can take.
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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34:30
Retirements, Transit and the Home Stretch w/Rep. Phil GiaQuinta
The end of the legislative session is fast approaching, and with it the end of the 123rd General Assembly. The esteemed Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta joins the show to discuss House member retirements, ongoing attacks on transit in Indy, and...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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35:47
The Best and Worst of the First Half w/Rep. Ed Delaney
As we head into the break, the ever-straight-talking Rep. Ed Delaney joins the pod to discuss the best and worst bills of the first half of the Indiana Legislative Session.
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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36:56
Serving with Gusto w/Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn
Upon joining the legislature, Dr. Victoria Garcia Wilburn immediately set herself apart as a focused, driven and community-centered leader. And her hard work paid off, as she accomplished the rare feat of passing a bill in her first year. She t...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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33:43
Is There a Second? w/Rep. Cherrish Pryor
Once an intern for the legendary Bill Crawford and the now-still-rocking Sheila Klinker, Rep. Cherrish Pryor now serves as the Floor Leader for the House Democratic Caucus. Pryor sits down with Earl and Blake to discuss her role in leadership, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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31:41
The Start of the Short Session
Earl and Blake kick off the 2024 Legislative Session with a rundown of what happens in the first week, what issues are rising to the top (as Republicans suggest a non-controversial year), and what you can expect from this year's podcast.
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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32:59
Season 2 Trailer
Session Sessions is back for a second season, and we're kicking it up a notch with the addition of co-host Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. This season, we'll chat with our colleagues and friends about all things Indiana General Assembly and provide a loo...
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Season 2
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Episode 0
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1:10
Representative Dad w/Reps. Mitch Gore and Ryan Hatfield
A month after the birth of his first child, Blake sits down with fellow dads Rep. Mitch Gore of Indianapolis and Rep. Ryan Hatfield of Evansville to discuss the collision of public service and fatherhood, tips and tricks for the legislative ses...
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Season 1
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Episode 17
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30:23
Sine Die w/Rep. Blake Johnson
The Indiana General Assembly has adjourned sine die, wrapping up the work of the legislature in the wee hours of the morning this past Friday. With everyone headed back to their districts, Rep. Blake Johnson flies solo for a quick (albeit late)...
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Season 1
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Episode 16
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7:57
Hurry Up and Wait w/Rep. Ed DeLaney
Fresh off his 80th birthday, Rep. Ed DeLaney joins the podcast to recap our penultimate week of the legislative session. We also discuss the power of a good amendment, what to watch as we cruise toward adjournment, and his 30 days of sile...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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21:56
Institutional Knowledge w/Rep. Matt Pierce
If you had I Love Lucy and Austin Powers on your Session Sessions bingo card, this week is for you. Rules and procedure expert Rep. Matt Pierce joins the pod to discuss the wild ride that will be the final two weeks of session, including a run ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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21:49
