Session Sessions: Recent Episodes
Rep. Blake Johnson
Indiana State Representative Blake Johnson hosts fellow legislators and experts to share an inside look at the Indiana General Assembly, explain bills moving through the legislative session and to provide answers to your questions.
Blake and Earl are joined by State Rep. Matt Pierce for a candid conversation about the brazen push to redraw congressional maps mid-decade at Donald Trump’s urging. From backroom deals in Indiana to the broader national implications, they break down why this power grab is unprecedented, what’s at stake for democracy, and how everyday Hoosiers can push back. This episode dives into history, law, and the raw politics shaping the fight over fair representation.
Session’s out, but the policy rollercoaster isn’t.
In this episode, Rep. Blake Johnson and Rep. Earl Harris Jr. reunite (virtually) to unpack the most consequential - and controversial - laws that took effect in Indiana this July. From a property tax “cut” that shifts the burden to local governments, to a partisan power grab in our school board elections, to cuts in healthcare and early learning, they don’t hold back.
They also get into:
Raising the teacher salary floor—and why it’s still not enough
Medicaid work requirements: effective policy or performative cruelty?
A spirited debate between the hosts over SEA 1461 (road funding, tolling, and why it’s a win for Indy)
How interim committees really work and why your voice matters right now
Blake’s got a new baby, Earl’s lost another hubcap, and together they’re breaking down what Indiana just passed and how it’s going to hit your wallet, your schools, and your future.
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 SB 287, which would make school board races partisan — and why that’s raising eyebrows across the aisle. Update: bill passed by razor thin margin.
- The drama around Senate Bill 1 and the governor’s push for real property tax relief
- The high-stakes budget talks, the politics of SB 518 (school funding), and the looming possibility of a special session
- Road funding, tolling fears in NW Indiana, and what’s still in play as the 2025 session hits the homestretch
Plus: Blake gets real about impending fatherhood (again), and Earl speculates on whether ChatGPT is gunning for the co-host chair.
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 rare, unfiltered conversation about what it’s really like to lead the 100-member House.
We cover a lot: the reality of wrangling policy and personalities, how the sausage gets made during budget season, why the second half of session always feels like a sprint, and the surprising power of simply getting to know each other as people. Speaker Huston even opens up about the loneliness that can come with leadership — and the dinner-table wisdom that keeps him grounded.
Also, minivans.
Whether you’re inside the Statehouse or just curious about how it all works, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
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. Recorded on the last day of the first half, Kip shares thoughts on what has unfolded so far and what to expect moving forward.
Topics include:
✅ How a new governor is reshaping the legislative dynamic
✅ The battle over property taxes and its impact on local government
✅ Surprise bills that failed to advance, including the controversial homelessness criminalization bill
✅ The role of lobbyists in shaping legislation and how AI is beginning to play a role
✅ How national politics are trickling down to affect Indiana’s economy and policymaking
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. Lehman shares his insights on the key issues shaping the Statehouse, what surprised him this session, and how the shifting political climate is affecting policymaking. We also discuss the growing disconnect between the public and government and the lessons he’s learned from serving in both the minority and majority. Don’t miss this thoughtful and candid conversation.
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 critiques) about the profession, and how it plays a critical role in shaping public policy.
We dive into:
✅ The difference between a registered lobbyist and a regular advocate
✅ How lobbying works at the state level vs. the federal level
✅ The day-to-day grind of a lobbyist during legislative session
✅ Major issues like iGaming, casino policies, and adult education initiatives
✅ How bipartisanship is crucial for gaming and other policy debates
✅ Why precise testimony in committee hearings is an art form
From gaming policy to nonprofit advocacy, Ali gives us an unfiltered look at how she strategizes, educates lawmakers, and navigates the legislative process.
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, as a leader in the legislature, she’s blazing trails in Indiana by advocating for sustainability policies, tackling the child care crisis, and creating the first-ever Trails Caucus. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, leadership, and how personal experiences shape powerful public service.
Topics Discussed:
Carey Hamilton's journey to the State House and leadership as Caucus Chair
The ongoing child care crisis in Indiana and the economic impact
The push for Pre-K and child care reform
Carey’s work on creating the first-ever trail caucus in Indiana
Legislation for electric vehicle manufacturing and climate resilience
The state’s fiscal situation and road funding reform
Immigration reform and its implications for local communities
How Democrats are finding ways to push policy in a super minority
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 down with Rep. Robin Shackleford, a leader in public health policy, to discuss cutting healthcare costs, Medicaid funding, medical transparency, and maternal health.
Learn about the push for lower drug prices, better healthcare access, and more support for Hoosier families. Don’t miss this deep dive into Indiana’s biggest health challenges and the policies aiming to fix them!
Show Notes
Topics Covered:
The high cost of healthcare – Why are hospital bills so expensive?
- Medical transparency laws – Can we finally see real pricing before treatment?
- Medicaid shortfalls – How Indiana is dealing with a billion-dollar “oops.”
- Preventative care & obesity solutions – Should Medicaid cover weight-loss drugs?
- The maternal health crisis – Why Indiana ranks poorly for maternal mortality rates.
- Nursing & doctor shortages – How loan forgiveness could bring more healthcare professionals to Indiana.
- Home healthcare struggles – Are untrained caregivers putting Hoosiers at risk?
Key Takeaways:
- Medical Costs: Indiana lawmakers are demanding transparency from hospitals to lower prices.
- Medicaid Reform: The state faces a billion-dollar healthcare funding shortfall, but cutting services isn’t the answer.
- Maternal Mortality Crisis: Indiana ranks among the worst states for maternal deaths—what’s being done?
- New Legislation: Bills are in the works to expand preventative care, lower cancer research costs, and improve access to doctors.
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, including proposals adopted by Tennessee and Georgia.
Pressel also shares the emotional moments behind key safety initiatives, which have already made construction zones safer for workers and motorists alike. Plus, hear Pressel’s personal journey from business owner to policymaker, and Blake’s bittersweet announcement about stepping back from the roads committee.
Tune in for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities in funding Indiana’s future infrastructure!
Show Notes
Topics Discussed:
- Indiana’s Road Funding Crisis
- Projected $1.2–$1.3 billion shortfall by 2030.
- Impact of inflation, fuel efficiency, and reduced gas sales.
- Challenges in balancing state vs. local funding needs.
- Tolling as a Revenue Solution
- Insights from Tennessee and Georgia’s tolling models.
- Balancing fairness for Indiana taxpayers and out-of-state drivers.
- Legislative steps needed to implement tolling.
- Safety Innovations in Construction Zones
- Success of initiatives reducing speeds by 8 mph in work zones.
- Emotional stories from the roads committee about worker and motorist safety.
- Emotional Moments in Policy Making
- Reflections on the human impact of infrastructure policy.
- The challenges of addressing distracted driving and other safety issues.
- Personal Journeys
- Jim Pressel’s path to public office, fueled by a desire to influence policy affecting his business.
- Blake Johnson’s decision to step back from the roads committee due to a new full-time job.
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 working on during the budget session.
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 in inventory and the important role the association plays in advocating for smart public policy.
This episode of Session Sessions is sponsored by the Indiana Association of REALTORS.
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 lowering the costs of prescription meds) that he's advocating for coming into 2025.
This episode is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Realtors.
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, discusses the work of tackling alcohol laws that have been largely unchanged since the 1930's, modernizing the gaming industry, and maneuvering through the not-always-monolithic supermajority.
This episode is sponsored by the Indiana Association of Realtors.
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 Hanson, president of the League of Women Voters - Indiana, joins the pod to talk about the role they play in shaping Indiana's future.
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.
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.
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 the role and responsibilities of the Minority Leader.
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.
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 talks about doing the work, the importance of camaraderie, and finding joy in the moments big and small.
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, why NOT filing a bill is sometimes the best move, and her priorities for 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.
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 look behind the scenes of the Legislative Session.
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 session when you have a new baby, and the ways being a dad impacts your perspective.
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) recap of the final days of session, the final budget, and a bit of thanks to all of you for tuning in over these last four months.
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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 silence.
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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 down of conference committees and the role of the Rules Committee.
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Long-time legislator, Rep. Greg Porter, sits down to recap the events of the day and week, including procedural maneuvering by House Democrats that yielded the very first floor vote on the issue of cannabis legalization in Indiana. He also shares more information on the budget, the role of Ways and Means, and what it's like to have served in the majority, minority (and even with a 50-50 split).
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Ahead of his two and a half hour drive home, Rep. Ryan Hatfield joins us to react to a frustrating week in the Statehouse, including final passage of bills that targeted the trans community as well as legislation removing protections for wetlands. We also discuss the concurrence process and the role interns play in our day-to-day work.
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Coming off of a tough defeat in the annual House v. Senate basketball game, we're joined by Indiana House Democratic Caucus Chair, Rep. Carey Hamilton. We discuss a few of the Democratic bills that are in the final stretch, our ongoing fight to protect Indiana's trans youth, and the role of the caucus chair in the legislative process.
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Tucked away in the back corner of the Indiana House Chamber is the action-packed, fast-paced, epicenter of motions, amendments, committee reports and resolutions...known affectionately as "the bubble." We sit down with Chris Campaniolo, chief legal counsel to the Democratic Leader, to learn how the bubble works, how other staff help keep the Statehouse running, and a bit more context on the legislative process.
Article from the Discussion: Threat of Utility Shutoff at Four Indianapolis Apartment Complexes Looms
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The break is over. Senate bills are headed to the House, and House bills are headed to the Senate. With the handoff underway, Senator Andrea Hunley joins the podcast to discuss some of the Senate bills to watch (including her work to reduce fatal crashes) and shares some insight into life in the other chamber.
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Following a hectic week in the House of Representatives, including debate over the state budget, Rep. Tonya Pfaff shares insights from her service on Education, Elections and Apportionment, and Ways and Means - committees that played host to a number of controversial bills throughout the week.
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Just moments after the House passed his bill, HB 1449 regarding 21st Century Scholars, the always civil Rep. Earl Harris, Jr. sat down to discuss a productive week for House Democrats, controversial legislation on firearm training for teachers, and the priorities of the Indiana Black Legislative Caucus.
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Gallup's annual Honesty/Ethics in Professions survey reveals that Americans rate lobbyists dead last in terms of the 22 professions evaluated on the topic. Despite their unpopularity, though, this profession plays a critical role in issue advocacy (and even fights on behalf of some issues that might surprise you). We dive into the topic with government affairs professional (read: lobbyist) Kip Tew. He shares the good, the bad and the ugly about the industry.
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Since joining the Indiana House of Representatives this year, Rep. Kyle Miller has been consistently mistaken for Rep. Jake Teshka. He was also a stand-in on this episode due to a scheduling conflict with Rep. Porter, but the bottom line is this: Rep. Miller is a dedicated public servant who is working hard to serve the people of Indiana. We recap the week, discuss the three-tier alcohol system in Indiana and dive into the stress of offering your first speech on the House floor.
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This is no ordinary episode. We've got the one and only Rep. Phil GiaQuinta, Minority Leader of the Indiana House of Representatives, joining us to discuss what happened this week, how a bill can go in reverse through the process, and what it's like to be in the hot seat as the leader of the Indiana House Democratic Caucus.
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Drinking from a firehose? Try drinking from a waterfall. We sit down this week with Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn, one of the newest members of the legislature, to recap a busy week at the statehouse and discuss what it's like to onboard to the remarkably unique job of being a legislator.
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Ninja stars, tenderloins and setting the stage. We sit down with Rep. Maureen Bauer of South Bend to recap the week, including Governor Holcomb's race-car-metaphor-riddled State of the State and Leader GiaQuinta's remarks from the first day of session. We also discuss how a bill becomes a law and answer your questions.
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Just a few days remain before the start of the 123rd Indiana General Assembly. Rep. Blake Johnson and Rep. Mitch Gore share a behind the scenes look at what happens from the time the final votes are counted on Election Day through the pomp and circumstance of Organization Day and the preparation leading up to the first bills being filed.
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