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Blue Bench Podcast
by Gaby Krevat and Jorgia Hawthorne
Join us weekly as we unpack and demystify the chaos and excitement that is the Montana Legislative Session. We'll spotlight important bills, interview lawmakers and stakeholders, and give you the top-lines you need to know to understand the news out of Helena and to hold your lawmakers accountable.
Episodes
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No Time For Neutral: Gianforte's New Tax Scam
Jorgia and Andy return to the pod to discuss Gov. Gianforte's plan to move Montana to a flat income tax. Problem is, most middle class families already pay the 4.7% tax and won't see a penny of savings. Meanwhile, the wealthiest 20% of Montanans will receive 95% of the tax break. It opens the…
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No Time for Neutral: Trillions and Billions on A Pointless War
Jorgia and Andy break down the recently House-passed NDAA (spoiler: more money for the Iran war!), the SAVE America Act and the latest on the Trump war in the Middle East. They also break down how the federal government has placed Gov. Gianforte in charge of our grizzly bear management, while...
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No Time for Neutral: Platform Convention and Gianforte's Attack on Medicaid
Jorgia and Andy go through the highlights of the 2026 Montana Democrats Platform Convention! A two year moratorium on data centers, corner crossing, surveillance, water rights... and that's a drop in the bucket. Final platform live on montanademocrats.org soon! They also cover the newest...
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No Time for Neutral: 2026 Democratic Primary
Andy and Jorgia break down everything you need to know heading into Election Day on June 2. How to cast your ballot, who's on your ballot... and how Republicans have made it harder to vote than years prior. Plus, dive in to the allegation that Seth Bodnar may have bribed Montana voters when...
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No Time for Neutral: Ballots, Subpoenas, and Your Weekend Plans
Jorgia and Andy go through the candidates you'll see on your primary ballot. Sign, date, print your birth year, and get those ballots in the mail by May 25th! Ballots must be received by the county election's office by 8pm on June 2. Plus, Democrats begin the subpoena process on Christi Jacobsen...
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No Time for Neutral: Trump's Tax Day and MTGOP Suing... Themselves?
Jorgia and Andy break down how the Republican Big Beautiful Bill really meant a Long Brutal Tax Season for most Montanans. Congress still hasn't passed a War Powers Resolution -- although Montana Democrats (and 8 Republicans!) keep asking the Congressional delegation for answers. Plus, everything...
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No Time for Neutral: Post-No Kings, DHS Shutdown, Family Farms
Did you attend No Kings last weekend? Jorgia and Andy lay out three easy steps you can take this week to help Democrats win in November. They also explain how Republicans rejected a shutdown deal... and then went on vacation. Also, Trump's war, tariffs - and well, presidency - is hurting Montana...
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No Time for Neutral: Montana's Whirlwind Week
Welcome back to No Time for Neutral! Andy and Jorgia recap Zinke dropping out, Sheehy breaking a Marine's arm, Daines ALSO dropping out, and Montana Democrats' annual get together. The pair also touches on executive malpractice: Trump's war in Iran and Gianforte's Capitol ban. It's primary…
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No Time for Neutral: Investigating Helena, Passports, and Jeremy Carl
Jorgia and Andy break down the SAVE Act and why it threatens your right to vote - if you're married and changed your name, this is for you! The pair gets into Gov. Gianforte and AG Knudsen's latest hypocritical stunt (Spoiler: They're suing the city of Helena for not cooperating with ICE) and...
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No Time for Neutral: Voter Info For Sale + DHS Funding Fight
Jorgia and Andy break down Secretary Jacobsen's latest move to cleanse Montana's voter rolls. She's providing confidential information like SSNs and driver's license numbers with the intent of removing "ineligible people" from the rolls. Check your voter registration and give her a call to let…
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No Time for Neutral: Greenland, Funding the Government, and Postcards
Jorgia and Andy lay it out in the simplest of terms: Montanans don't want Greenland. And they don't want another government shutdown either. But yet, Montana's delegation is seemingly doing nothing on either front -- give them a call! Plus, more on the release of the Epstein Files (or lack...
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No Time for Neutral: ICE, ACA, and Zinke's Lies
Happy New Year, Montana! We hope you had a restful holiday season. Jorgia and Andy return from the break with the MT Dems statement on the tragic ICE-involved shooting in Minneapolis. They also discuss the Senate's war powers resolution and the House passing (finally) a resolution to extend ACA...
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No Time for Neutral: ACA Subsidy Vote + Farmer Bailout
Jorgia and Andy break down all you need to know about this week's ACA vote -- Republicans have had over 10 years to make another healthcare plan, and they STILL can't decide with three weeks until subsidies expire. Plus, Trump's latest announcement on a $12B bailout for farmers... which wouldn't…
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No Time for Neutral: Electric Bills + Health Insurance
We hope you had a great Thanksgiving holiday. We've got your back for what happened while everyone was at dinner! Jorgia and Andy break down the results of the TN-07 election and what it might mean for Montana's 1st District. They also discuss the plan (or lack thereof, thanks Republicans) for…
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No Time for Neutral: Nominations, Resignations and Remembering Your Oath
Jorgia and Andy wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings! And if you still need a dose of politics this week, we've got you covered. Donald Trump has called for the execution of sitting members of Congress after reminding military members to remember their oath to the Constitution. And Marjorie...
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No Time for Neutral: Trump's Epstein U-turn + Montana's PSC
Jorgia is joined by Aren, the data manager for the Montana Democratic Party! The two unpack Trump's complete flip on releasing the Epstein files and how the bill went through Congress... although the timing is making everyone a bit uncomfortable. Plus, the Montana Public Service commission is...
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No Time for Neutral: Epstein's Emails and Ending the Shutdown
Jorgia and Andy explain how the government finally got re-opened - who, what, when, where and why. Plus, the pair get into the latest Epstein bombshell (AKA a set of emails largely incriminating Donald Trump). *Montana Democrats are still raising food and money to help our neighbors! Reach out to...
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No Time for Neutral: Blue Wave Recap!
Jorgia and Andy debrief everything you need to know about this week's elections. Democrats won up and down the ballot across the country, including right here in Montana. Plus, you'll get their take on why the levies failed and the latest shutdown update. *Reach out to [email protected]…
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No Time for Neutral: Tariffs, SNAP and Election Day
Jorgia and Andy recap the president's latest spat with Canada, the resulting tariffs, and how this is yet another blow in a string of them for Montana farmers. They get into how SNAP is running dry, since Republicans refuse to negotiate healthcare prices. Plus, races they're watching for Election...
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No Time for Neutral: Press Passes, Bailouts, and Beef
Jorgia and Andy recap Pete Hegseth's latest decisions to stifle freedom of the press and Trump's laundry list of taxpayer-funded side quests. Plus, Mike Johnson STILL has not sworn in Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva, Republicans have had not one - but TWO - Nazi scandals, and how Trump's latest…
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No Time for Neutral: Government Shutdown
Jorgie and Andy provide everything you need to know of how Republicans shut down the government. Refusing to negotiate, kicking almost 40 million Americans off healthcare... to name a few.
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No Time for Neutral: Rules Changes, Free Speech, and ICE in MT
Jorgia and Andy return from the break! Montana Democrats were busy at convention this month - tune in for the new rule changes! The pair also consider what free speech looks like now in America, and recap the latest ICE detainment in Montana. Head to @flathead.democracy for more information on...
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Montana State Convention 101 - Join us Sept 13-14th in Livingston
Join the Montana Democratic Party for the 2025 State Convention Saturday, September 13th-14th! This week on the Blue Bench Podcast, interim executive director Justin Ailport and development director Tiffany Williams explain what happens at the convention and how you can join in the action. For…
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No Time for Neutral: Latin Words, Roadless Rules, and Medicare Cuts
Jorgia and Andy return to kick off the start of fall in Montana. Schools are back in session -- and so is Congress. The pair break down the effects of eliminating the de minimis tariff loophole (spoiler: it's expensive). They also explain the Medicare cuts Republicans DON'T want you to know…
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Data Centers in Montana and NorthWestern Western Energy Merger with Black Hills - Featuring Anne Hedges from MEIC
This week on the Blue Bench Podcast, we dig into the rapid rise of data centers in Montana and what it means for our communities. Our special guest, Anne Hedges from MEIC, breaks down the environmental and economic impacts. Tune in for a timely conversation on the future of energy and water in…
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UPDATE: How tariffs are impacting farmers in Montana with special guest Jason Boeshore
In this episode, we dive into how tariffs are affecting Montana farmers, from grain prices to the ripple effects across rural communities. Our guest, Jason Boeshore, manages the UGC grain elevator in Culbertson, MT, where he purchases grain from local farmers and provides services such as grain...
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No Time for Neutral: Redistricting, Mail Ballots, and Creme Brulee
Jorgia and Andy sit down to explain the two major ways Republicans are coming after your voting rights. Trump wants to eliminate mail-in ballots, which 60% of Montanans use. Texas and California are duking it out over gerrymandering, and they walk through the whole situation. Trump and Putin also...
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No Time for Neutral: It's A Bad Week for Legal Precedent
Jorgia and Andy return for a recap of the Trump Administration's latest attacks on foundational legal precedent. He's called the National Guard to DC and federalized their police. They're officially seeking to overturn gay marriage at the Supreme Court. And the EPA is considering repealing their...
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Montana Democrats Town Hall
The Montana Democratic Party hosted a virtual town hall last week to discuss the statewide impacts of proposed federal cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. Democratic lawmakers and community stakeholders addressed the consequences the cuts will have on food security and access to healthcare, rural…
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Meet MDP's Interim Executive Director Justin Ailport
On this episode of the Blue Bench Podcast, we chat with the Montana Democratic Party’s Interim Executive Director Justin Ailport. We talk about his Montana roots, what drives him, and why organizing right now matters more than ever.
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The Future of Medicaid in Montana with Senator Cora Neumann
The so-called Big Beautiful Bill will threaten access to health coverage for tens of thousands of Montanans in years to come. Now, Gianforte’s Department of Health and Human Services is trying to speed up the process, imposing work requirements and higher costs than the rest of the country. State...
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No Time for Neutral: Town Halls and Tariffs
Jorgia and Andy rally around the cowardice of Sen. Daines, Sen. Sheehy, Rep. Zinke, and Rep. Downing - after shutting down the House to protect a pedophile, they're now appearing to skip out on town halls again. Montana Democrats are hosting their own town hall, Thursday July 31 @ 6pm - RSVP at...
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No Time for Neutral: Epstein, Montana Medicaid, and Public Radio
On this week's episode, Jorgia and Andy dive into the topic that has the whole country tuned in: the Epstein Files. We also explain how DPHHS is trying to kick Montanans off of Medicaid a year and a half earlier than necessary, and why cuts to public media are so detrimental to a rural state like...
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No Time for Neutral: ICE in Helena, Tribal Colleges, and Suing Donald Trump
Jorgia and Andy give a whirlwind recap of the last week in Montana politics. The two discuss the arrest of Christopher Martinez by ICE in Helena and the impact Trump's cuts to tribal colleges will have on Indigenous communities. To no one's surprise, the MTGOP is up to no good and their new chair...
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The Governor's Veto Frenzy with Representative James Reavis
This week on The Blue Bench Podcast, we’re joined by special guest Representative James Reavis of Billings to break down some of the biggest vetoes from Governor Gianforte’s desk and what they mean for Montana families. We also dig into the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill” and share tips on staying...
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No Time for Neutral: An (Almost) Full Breakdown of the Big, Ugly Bill
Jorgia is joined by No Time for Neutral's new co-host: Andy Nelson! The two attempt to break down Trump's Big, Ugly, No Good, Very Bad Bill. It's a HUGE piece of legislation, with cuts to healthcare, education, and clean energy. The deficit goes up, billionaires make more money, and the rest of…
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Keep Public Lands in Public Lands with Land Tawney
On this episode, we sit down with public lands champion Land Tawney. We talk about why protecting our public lands matters, how to take meaningful action, and the power of pressuring lawmakers to put people over profit. Don’t miss this one!
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No Time for Neutral: Gianforte's Vetoes
Jorgia and Shannon discuss Governor Gianforte's vetoes this session. He's vetoed anything from property tax relief for veterans to a bill holding his office accountable to the people. Tune in for the full rundown!
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Reproductive Freedom with Nancy Keenan
This week we sit down with longtime advocate and leader Nancy Keenan to talk about the fight for reproductive freedom in a post-Roe America. From her years at NARAL Pro-Choice America to her work in her home state of Montana, Nancy shares lessons from the frontlines and how everyday people can be...
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No Time for Neutral: No Kings, Public Lands, and Call Your Senators!
Jorgia and Shannon discuss the massive turnout at No Kings protests in Montana and the United States and what it might mean for the future. They also recap new updates in the Big Ugly Terrible Bill and talk about the tragedy in Minnesota - and why we need to come back together. Contact Sens.…
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Missoula Has Pride
This week on Blue Bench Podcast, Gaby and special co-host Andy Nelson, MDP’s Blue Bench Associate, sit down with Missoula Councilwoman Jennifer Savage. Earlier this month, Councilwoman Savage led the charge on a landmark resolution making the Pride flag an official city flag of Missoula,...
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No Time for Neutral: LA protests, Northwestern Energy, and... Hamilton?
On this week's No Time for Neutral, Shannon and Jorgia unpack the LA protests and Northwestern Energy's latest greed scheme. Shannon takes us back to school to learn about the veto process, and the two talk all things.. Hamilton (the musical, not the Founding Father, but him too.. technically)
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No Time for Neutral: Messy Breakups, the Middle Class, and What's Next
This week on No Time for Neutral, we talk about the Elon–Trump breakup (spoiler: it's MESSY) and the newest Senate noise around the GOP’s “big beautiful bill”—but more importantly, we focus on what really matters: rebuilding the middle class and where Democrats go from here. Tune in for honest...
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Democratic Politics in Rural America with DNC Chair Ken Martin
In this episode, we sit down with newly elected DNC Chair Ken Martin to talk about how Democrats can rebuild trust and regain ground in rural America—including right here in Montana. From from community organizing to healthcare access, Chair Martin shares his vision for reconnecting with rural...
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Flathead Valley Immigrants Nervous Living in Trump's America
This week, we’re joined by Rebecca Miller and Johnny Ratka Skinner, Chair and board member of the Valley Neighbors of Flathead, a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting immigrants to resources in the Flathead area, and equipping communities to provide resources for immigrants. Our guests...
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No Time for Neutral: Medicaid, Harvard, and a Veto Spree
In the latest episode of the Blue Bench's new segment, No Time for Neutral, Shannon and Jorgia recap the GOP budget: How will Medicaid cuts affect Montana? Why do Republicans keep stealing from the poor to give to the rich? They also talk higher education attacks, Governor Gianforte's latest...
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How Tariffs are Affecting Montana Farmers and Ranchers
Welcome to Season 2 of the Blue Bench Podcast. Now that the Legislative session is over, we're changing our focus to the national stage. Every week, we'll have interviews that help bring national news and issues home here to Montana. This week, we interviewed farmer and rancher from central...
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No Time for Neutral: Planes, Medicaid, and Due Process
There's no time for neutral because sitting this out isn't an option. Welcome to Blue Bench Season 2! We'll be splitting the podcast into two episodes so you get all the information you need - but don't worry, we're not getting rid of anything! In this season opener, Jorgia and Shannon recap the...
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Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 16 -SEASON 1 FINALE
Join us for our final episode of Blue Bench Podcast Season One, where we’ve been covering the Montana Legislature since January. We close season one with our very first guest, Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers.Senator Flowers answers our lingering questions about the session and shares his…
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Blue Bench Podcast Season 1 Episode 15
We're officially in the final stretch of the 2025 Legislative session. Today's talk of the town: property taxes, property taxes, and did I mention property taxes? Shannon breaks down property tax relief proposals and sits down with MFPE Executive Director Amanda Curtis to discuss labor and...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Join us weekly as we unpack and demystify the chaos and excitement that is the Montana Legislative Session. We'll spotlight important bills, interview lawmakers and stakeholders, and give you the top-lines you need to know to understand the news out of Helena and to hold your lawmakers accountable.
HOSTED BY
Gaby Krevat and Jorgia Hawthorne
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Blue Bench Podcast have?
Blue Bench Podcast currently has 64 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Blue Bench Podcast about?
Join us weekly as we unpack and demystify the chaos and excitement that is the Montana Legislative Session. We'll spotlight important bills, interview lawmakers and stakeholders, and give you the top-lines you need to know to understand the news out of Helena and to hold your lawmakers accountable.
How often does Blue Bench Podcast release new episodes?
Blue Bench Podcast has 64 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Blue Bench Podcast?
You can listen to Blue Bench Podcast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Blue Bench Podcast?
Blue Bench Podcast is created and hosted by Gaby Krevat and Jorgia Hawthorne.
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