Best Indiana Legislature Podcasts (2025)

1
How Irsay’s daughters carved out big roles with Colts and could handle succession 42:34

11h ago42:34

42:34

With an estimated value of $4.8 billion, the Indianapolis Colts franchise is arguably the best-known family-owned business in Indiana. While we reflect on the passing of team owner Jim Irsay, who had significant influence on building the physical plant and identity of modern Indianapolis, we have the luxury of knowing that three more Irsays are in …

1
Trump Approves the Sale of U.S. Steel 26:46

3d ago26:46

26:46

President Trump approves the sale of U.S. Steel to Japan’s Nippon Steel for $14.9 billion. Secretary of State Diego Morales investigated over footage used in a campaign launch video. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins defended the Trump administration’s planned 15% cut to the VA during a visit to Indianapolis’ Roudebush Vete…

1
Cuts to Medicaid and SNAP Passes in the House 26:46

10d ago26:46

26:46

The U.S. House approves major cuts to SNAP that may leave over half a million Hoosiers without access to some or all of their current benefits. House-approved federal Medicaid work reporting requirements may render Indiana’s new reporting requirements redundant. Advocates split on a proposal to close down a Duke Energy coal plant and replace it wit…

1
Explaining the Indy 500 tumult, Team Penske scandal and firings, and what’s important 47:17

10d ago47:17

47:17

The week between qualifying for the Indianapolis 500 and the actual race is usually pretty quiet from a news perspective. But there’s nothing usual about the last week in this year’s Month of May. Major penalties assessed to two cars owned by Team Penske—including the car driven by two-time defending champion Josef Newgarden—inflamed long-running c…

1
Whatever happened to downtown’s elevated People Mover? 21:56

14d ago21:56

21:56

You may have become so used to them that you no longer notice, but snaking through downtown Indianapolis’ northwest quadrant are the remains of a revolutionary public transit system that transported riders on elevated tracks 30-feet high. It was called the People Mover, developed for $44 million by Clarian Health Partners, the hospital system now k…

1
Todd Rokita Threatens to Sue Notre Dame 26:46

17d ago26:46

26:46

The IEDC sells off two properties purchased for the controversial LEAP district at a loss. Indiana AG Todd Rokita threatens to sue the University of Notre Dame over DEI efforts he says violate a 2023 Supreme Court ruling. Two voter and civic advocacy groups join with an Indiana University student to sue the state over the recently-passed ban on stu…

1
Pete the Planner on student loan collections, recessions, stagflation (and holding our breath) 34:05

21d ago34:05

34:05

These are uncertain times for the U.S. economy. We’re in a grace period for many of the Trump administration’s promised tariffs on dozens of trading partners. U.S. consumer confidence plunged again in April, hitting its lowest level since October 2011. First-quarter gross domestic product for the U.S. hit negative territory for the first time since…

1
A Bill Targeting Non-profit Hospital Systems 26:46

24d ago26:46

26:46

A bill threatening the non-profit status of several hospital systems over the cost of care, though the impact on healthcare costs is unclear. Governor Braun signs an anti-DEI bill into law that critics say twists the meaning of diversity, equity, and inclusion into something they are not. Lawmakers revive the A-to-F school ranking system with rollo…

1
Inside the Legislature's wild session on tax breaks, hospitals, IEDC and more 1:09:09

28d ago1:09:09

1:09:09

In the early hours of Friday, April 25, Indiana legislators passed a $46.2 billion budget for state expenses over the next two years—specifically, from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2027. Legislators knew going in that state revenue to fund the budget would be tight, and they got a nasty revenue forecast with about a week to go in the session. The last…

1
Governor Braun Reflects on the 2025 Session 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

Governor Mike Braun reflects on the 2025 legislative session and calls his first 100 days in office a “wonderful opening act”. Micah Beckwith praises the Three-Fifths Compromise as a “great move”, drawing backlash from various groups as well as the Governor himself. A last-minute addition to the budget bill gives Braun full control of the Indiana U…

1
Taxes and Cuts in the Indiana State Budget 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

A $2 cigarette tax and cuts to both public health and higher education in the Indiana state budget. Governor Braun launches a forensic audit of the IEDC after allegations of ethics violations and self-dealing by staffers. An energy bill offering tax incentives to coal plants and small nuclear reactors heads to Braun’s desk amid questions over the b…

1
Indiana NIL guru says settlement threatens 'what we love about college sports' 42:46

1M ago42:46

42:46

Any day now, a federal judge is expected to give final approval to a $2.8 billion settlement of three antitrust lawsuits that could dramatically alter the landscape of college sports. And given the tumult since the creation of the transfer portal and name, image and likeness opportunities for athletes, that’s saying something. In addition to awardi…

1
UConn champion Kelley Gay applies on-court lessons as corporate VP in Indy 45:15

1M ago45:15

45:15

Comparing company employees to a sports team is a well-worn management trope, but Kelley Gay knows as well as anyone the value of translating the experience of a championship-level athlete to the corporate world. She graduated from one of the most lauded team cultures in the history of college athletics: the University of Connecticut’s women’s bask…

1
A $2.4 Billion Loss in Revenue 26:46

1M ago26:46

26:46

State Revenue Forecasts project a $2.4 billion loss in revenue, the worst forecast since the Great Recession. Governor Mike Braun unveils significant changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that includes removing candy and soft drinks and limiting eligibility. The property tax overhaul is signed in to law, giving most Hoosiers a cr…

1
Maureen Weber on the importance of early learning, leadership and failure 21:29

2M ago21:29

21:29

This week’s IBJ Podcast features a conversation from our Forty Under 40 awards breakfast last week with Maureen Weber, the winner of this year’s Alumni Award. Maureen was originally a Forty Under 40 honoree in 2010. Back then, she had just finished reorganizing the Indiana Department of Education and had taken a job as director of community outreac…

1
House GOP Passes Property Tax Overhaul 26:46

2M ago26:46

26:46

The House GOP passes a major property tax overhaul with most counties expected to see more money than in previous years. The Senate GOP budget proposal does not expand the voucher program, lowers income eligibility for the Child Care and Development Fund, and increases the amount held in reserves. A House Committee scales back controversial measure…

1
Could a tax credit upgrade help make Indiana a film and media hub? 34:56

2M ago34:56

34:56

In this era of online entertainment, you could switch to a steaming service this very second and watch one of many classic movies filmed in Indiana. You would be hard-pressed to find many movies and TV shows that recently were filmed in Indiana—even those where the stories are set in Indiana. Other states, including several of our immediate neighbo…

1
Partisan School Board Election Bill Advances 26:46

2M ago26:46

26:46

A bill to force school board candidates to declare a political party is narrowly approved in the House. A bill aimed at ending the statute of limitations for rape and child molestation is gutted by a House committee. Secretary of State Diego Morales continues to refuse to answer questions around the funding for a 10-day India trip. Host Brandon Smi…

1
Born in Mumbai, TED expert bringing global sports leaders to Indy 41:32

2M ago41:32

41:32

Neelay Bhatt was born in Mumbai, India, and didn’t move to Indiana until 2006, after he finished a graduate degree in sports administration. But he found a home here because he speaks the language of sports and developed a strong network of local sports executives. In 2023, he founded a consultancy in Carmel that focuses in part on master planning,…

1
A Possible Primary Challenge for Sen. Young 26:45

2M ago26:45

26:45

Former State Senator Carlin Yoder mulls a primary challenge to Senator Todd Young in the 2028 elections. House Democrats unveil a series of property tax reform amendments to support schools and provide relief for homeowners. A House committee approves a bill to ban student IDs as valid identification at polling places. Host Brandon Smith is joined …

1
Pete the Planner on the Social Security cliff and potential for benefit cuts 42:14

2M ago42:14

42:14

If you’re of a certain age—or you anticipate being of a certain age—and you’ve been keeping up with the news lately, there’s a lot out there that can trigger your anxiety. Today we’re going to talk about Social Security. As you likely know, Social Security provides a modest amount of money every month to retirees from a fund that collects payroll t…

1
Hundreds Rally for Property Tax Relief 26:46

2M ago26:46

26:46

Governor Mike Braun joins hundreds who gathered at the statehouse to rally for significant property tax relief. Former State Senator Karen Tallian is named the new Indiana Democratic Party chair, replacing outgoing chairman Mike Schmuhl. Federal Democratic Senators led by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer help advance a continuing budget resolution ami…

1
Former NBA exec on joining Pacers’ parent firm, Caitlin Clark’s potential, deal with Kevin Hart company 49:58

3M ago49:58

49:58

Joey Graziano was an executive vice president for the NBA with global responsibilities when he began working with Pacers Sports & Entertainment on the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. The way he tells it, Graziano soon became convinced that the Indiana Pacers, Indiana Fever and the city of Indianapolis on the whole presented enormous pote…

1
A Major Property Tax System Overhaul 26:46

3M ago26:46

26:46

Proposals for a major property tax system overhaul to completely change how property taxes are calculated. An education campaign on the role of pharmacy benefits managers in lowering the costs of prescription medication. A proposal to raise teacher minimum pay to $45,000 a year raises questions as to how schools would afford the move under current …

1
Tech founder on building teams, loving pivots, fostering startup hustle in high schools 50:55

3M ago50:55

50:55

Scott Lingle grew up in Indianapolis with parents who were always looking for ways to bring in extra money and eliminate debt. Their entrepreneurial pursuits included flipping more than a dozen houses and rehabilitating a host of other products for resale. Scott Lingle knew early on that he wanted to be in sales. After a distinguished career in the…

1
LEAP District Spending Approaches $1 Billion 26:46

3M ago26:46

26:46

Spending on the controversial LEAP district nears $1 billion, with only Eli Lilly so far committed to the site. The Senate approves a study committee to look at relocating Indiana’s lowest performing casino from the southeast corner to one of three more profitable regions. A proposal to introduce consumer protections against medical debt collection…

1
Third-gen Indy hotelier on industry ups and downs, $43.5M Ball State project 47:33

3M ago47:33

47:33

Based in Indianapolis, the Schahet family has been managing and developing hotels since the 1960s. The family firm Schahet Hotels currently has nine properties in its portfolio, mostly in central Indiana, with a 10th hotel under construction in Muncie and an 11th in the final planning stages. There’s still room in the lodging industry for mom-and-p…

1
The Midpoint of the Legislative Session | 26:45

3M ago26:45

26:45

The midpoint of the 2025 legislative session. The Indiana Senate approves a bill to ban DEI initiatives in state government and local schools. The House advances a ban on transgender women in college sports. The Senate approves a bill that would require school board candidates to declare a political party affiliation. IPBS Digital Editor Lauren Cha…

1
Marsh Davis on a career saving Indiana landmarks, bringing right people to the table 49:36

3M ago49:36

49:36

Indiana has been a national leader in historic preservation for decades. Hoosiers have a strong record for studying, cataloguing and saving homes, churches, farms, factories, covered bridges, monuments, courthouses, hotels, libraries and even entire commercial districts and neighborhoods deemed to have historic value. Since being founded in 1960, t…

1
House GOP Advance Their Budget Proposal 26:45

3M ago26:45

26:45

The House GOP advances their budget proposal with new money for DCS and the Department of Corrections but no new tax cuts. A controversial immigration bill passes the House. Under the bill, the attorney general would have the power to go after businesses that employ undocumented immigrants. Governor Braun threatens to veto major property tax reform…

1
The risks tariffs pose to Indiana’s manufacturing-heavy economy 32:34

4M ago32:34

32:34

Podcast listeners might remember about three months ago when regular guest Pete the Planner predicted that President Donald Trump’s plans for tariffs could have a pronounced effect on some elements of Indiana’s economy. Trump wasted little time once his second term began last month, imposing or thratening to impose a barrage of tariffs on many of A…

1
The Property Tax Reform Bill Overhauled 26:45

4M ago26:45

26:45

The property tax reform bill sees a major overhaul in a Senate committee, focusing savings on older Hoosiers and disabled veterans. A committee approves major changes to the Healthy Indiana Plan, reintroducing work requirements and an enrollment cap. Medicaid legislation expands contraceptive access but limits the scope of birth control methods off…

1
With billions at stake, hyperscale data centers become charged issue in Indiana 33:59

4M ago33:59

33:59

You don’t need to be too technically savvy to pick up on the charged atmosphere surrounding large-scale data centers. Various technology-heavy industries need data centers as a kind of way station and storage point for all the electronic information they generate and process. As technology evolves at a breakneck speed, the size of these centers gro…

1
More Charges Against AG Todd Rokita 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

More disciplinary charges filed against Attorney General Todd Rokita over statements made to the Indiana Supreme Court. Governor Braun calls on local leaders to prove their claims that his property tax proposal would harm their budgets and cut public safety dollars. A controversial education bill to promote “fostering a national identity” receives …

1
A preschool, a church, a pickleball palace—tracking the transformations of Indy’s vacant Marsh supermarkets 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

Founded in central Indiana, Marsh Supermarkets Inc. at its peak operated well over 100 stores, with a critical mass in the nine-county Indianapolis metro area. In 2017—11 years after a private equity firm took ownership—just 63 stores remained. Marsh declared bankruptcy in May 2017. From those 63 stores, Marsh closed the majority and sold 26 to Kro…

1
A Major Expansion for Online Gambling 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

A major expansion of the gambling industry would fully legalize online gambling and lottery. Proposed legislation would move municipal elections to presidential election years, but critics say that may bury local candidates. Governor Mike Braun directs all state law enforcement agencies to comply with Trump’s deportation efforts, though state law a…

1
The latest on downtown soccer stadium, $78M Fever facility and Simon hotel/concert venue 42:06

4M ago42:06

42:06

It’s time to unpack the latest developments in Mayor Joe Hogsett’s plan to establish a Major League Soccer team in downtown Indianapolis. Among other things, the team needs a stadium to play in. The city earmarked about 16 acres in the southeast quadrant of the Mile Square and held discussions with MLS officials. We were left with a cliffhanger: Ca…

1
Gov. Braun Orders Abortion Report Release 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

Governor Braun orders the Indiana Department of Health to resume releasing individual terminated pregnancy reports, as it did before the near-total ban took effect. A Senate bill aimed at extending individual income tax cuts contingent on state revenue secures nearly unanimous committee approval. A proposal to slash unemployment insurance benefits …

1
Pete the Planner on Trump's second term, rising inflation and the impact of the LA wildfires on housing 31:45

4M ago31:45

31:45

The official release date of this episode is Jan. 20, which not coincidentally is Inauguration Day. President Trump will outline his vision for second term, but we already have a sense of what to expect in terms of economic policy. Four of the biggest themes are prioritizing tax cuts, decreasing regulation in several major industries, increasing ta…

1
Governor Braun’s Budget Proposal 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

Governor Mike Braun unveiled a state budget proposal that provides nearly 700 million dollars in tax relief. He also signed a series of executive orders this week that begin to remake the administrative side of state government. Also this week, the Indiana House GOP’s 2025 legislative priorities, unveiled this week, hope to build on previous initia…

1
Inside the mind of a rising Indy apartment developer 43:36

5M ago43:36

43:36

After five years leading apartment development for Indianapolis-based real estate firm Birge & Held, Jarod Brown decided he wanted a business with his name on the door. So he struck out on his own in late 2022 and soon hung his shingle for Brown Capital Group on an historic building in Broad Ripple. As a developer, he hit the ground running with an…

1
A Major Overhaul of Indiana Medicaid 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

A major Medicaid overhaul, including moving over 180,000 Hoosiers to a waitlist and adding work requirements for many Medicaid participants. Statehouse Democrats lay out their 2025 session priorities, including healthcare, housing and public education. State officials call for an end to funding for Indiana University over connections to the Kinsey …

1
Dave Lindquist previews can't-miss entertainment in 2025 29:46

5M ago29:46

29:46

2024 was a big year for entertainment in Indianapolis. Taylor Swift came to town for three concerts of course. But major sports events including NBA All-Star Weekend, the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials and Indianapolis 500 included multiple concerts and arts events. Even celebrations around the eclipse featured music and the arts. So will 2025 be a l…

1
The Legacy of Governor Eric Holcomb 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

A look back at the legacy of Governor Eric Holcomb. State legislative leaders call for local communities to take action on key issues before coming to the Statehouse. Just three initiatives under the public health funding program generated nearly $100 million in savings for Indiana by preventing injuries and premature deaths. Host Brandon Smith is …

1
A Look Back At A Historic 2024 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

A look back at 2024. A historic presidential race between Republican Donald Trump and Democrats Kamala Harris and Joe Biden. The fight for Indiana’s open governor seat. An unusual campaign ends with Micah Beckwith edging out Julie McGuire, Mike Braun’s hand-picked lieutenant governor candidate. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, …

1
Senate Democrats Elect a New Leader 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

Indiana Senate Democrats oust Greg Taylor from his leadership role amid mounting sexual harassment allegations. Lawmakers are cautiously optimistic after a modest revenue forecast is released. Indiana’s billion-dollar Medicaid forecasting error leads to frustration and calls for a new Medicaid forecast vendor. Host Brandon Smith is joined by Democr…

1
Mission of Indy furniture maker ‘is about building other people up’ 37:13

6M ago37:13

37:13

Indy-based Furniture maker Purposeful Design LLC—which lives under the umbrella of the nonprofit Sagamore Institute—works with local relief organizations to recruit people who have struggled with addiction, homelessness, incarceration and other obstacles to self-sufficiency. As apprentices and craftspeople, the workers learn skills that can help th…

1
New High School Diplomas Approved 26:46

6M ago26:46

26:46

New high school diploma requirements approved after months of revisions. Indiana re-implements a wait list for two of its child care voucher programs after an increase in participants by over 30,000 children in two years. A report shows Secretary of State Diego Morales’ office has spent about $4 million in less than two years on no-bid IT contracts…

1
Josef Newgarden, Indy 500 champ and avid investor, also races against S&P 500 33:48

6M ago33:48

33:48

IndyCar and Indy 500 champion Josef Newgarden doesn’t take his hands off the steering wheel when he leaves the cockpit of his No. 2 Chevy. He enjoys being a very hands-on caretaker of his career, business interests and financial life. As he says in his IBJ Podcast interview this week, “Maybe I’m just too type-A, but I want to know where every dolla…

1
Mike Braun’s 2025 Gubernatorial Agenda 26:46

6M ago26:46

26:46

Mike Braun’s 2025 gubernatorial agenda, which features proposals for property tax relief and several changes to the health care system. Randy Head steps down as the Indiana GOP chair. The Indiana Charter Innovation Center aims to secure property tax funds for charter schools, a move opposed by the Indiana State Teacher’s Association and traditional…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Indiana Legislature Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen