PODCAST · news
Swing Left Nebraska
by Swing Left Nebraska
The Swing Left Nebraska Podcast features interviews with progressive candidates, activists, and organizers in Nebraska, as well as discussions of important political issues facing Nebraska.
Episodes
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 16
Welcome to the 2026 season finale of Unpacking the Unicameral. In today's episode, we examine the legislation vetoed by Governor Pillen and cover some other discouraging updates. But don't despair—we will conclude on a high note by highlighting the successes and positive developments from this…
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 15
As we approach the end of this legislative session, Cindy and I are diving into the specifics and current standing of several bills that were either advanced or defeated last week.
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 14
I'm happy you're here to unpack the Unicameral with Cindy and me. The budget finally had its Final Reading on Wednesday and has moved forward. We'll be diving into this, and providing updates on developing bills.
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 13
Today, we're going to dive deep into the newly proposed state budget. In addition to the budget, we have several critical pieces of legislation—or bills—up for debate and potential votes this week. It’s going to be a dynamic and pivotal week in the Unicameral, and understanding these issues is...
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 12
In today's episode, Cindy and I dive deep into the developments at the Nebraska Legislature, focusing specifically on the intense second round of debate that continued throughout this past week. This stage is crucial as bills move closer to final passage or face significant challenges.
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 11
This week, we have the pleasure of having Cindy back to lead the discussion. She has a true gift for taking complex financial information and breaking it down into terms and concepts that are incredibly easy for everyone to grasp, regardless of their background or experience with the state…
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 10
In this episode, we'll start with a deep dive into last week's priority bills. After that, we'll shift our focus to next week, so you know what to expect.
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 9
This past week marked a critical juncture in the legislative session, essentially serving as basically the last week for the introduction of new bills. We'll be dissecting the most significant—and perhaps the most surprising—pieces of legislation. Looking ahead, we'll go over what is to be…
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 8
We have a lot of ground to cover as we delve into bills that had hearings last week, and bills that will have hearings next week.
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 7
I'm stoked you're tuning in to hear about what went down in the unicameral last week and what's on the docket for the upcoming week. One bill we discussed that had a hearing last week is LB 855, introduced by Senator McKinney. This bill would establish an early intervention system to catch youth...
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 6
Today, we'll analyze the past week’s key developments, including: a controversial bill regulating weapons in the State Capitol, and a crucial bill that will override voters' approved minimum wage law. We’ll also preview next week, focusing on upcoming essential legislation to protect Nebraska...
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 5
I am excited you are here to tune! Cindy and I get into some great discussions about some bills that had hearings last week, and some that are being introduced next week.
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Unpacking The Unicameral 2026, Week 4
This episode was recorded before the atrocious murder of Alex Pretti by ICE agents. The agency's sickening brutality must end. The deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good highlight a systemic problem we must confront and dismantle. Keep notifications on for upcoming protests, vigils, and actions...
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Fired Up With Chris Backemeyer, CD1 Candidate
I am absolutely thrilled to share this conversation with the incredibly insightful Chris Backemyer.
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Unpacking the Unicameral 2026, Week 3
We have a fantastic and insightful episode ahead as we unpack the unicameral with the truly amazing Cindy Maxwell Ostdiek. In this conversation, we cover a range of critical and timely topics that are currently shaping the political landscape. We start by discussing the recent and significant...
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Fired Up With Michaela Conway, State Board of Education District 5 Candidate
Michaela Conway is a dedicated community advocate and a passionate voice for change here in Nebraska. She has spent years working tirelessly on issues that matter most to our communities, and today, we're going to delve into her background, her motivations, and her vision for her campaign for...
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Unpacking the Unicameral 2026, Week 2
Thank you so much for joining Cindy and me as we take a deep dive into one of the most unique and fascinating aspects of our state's governance: the unicameral. Cindy has some incredible insights and background information ready to share, so prepare for a comprehensive and engaging discussion. We...
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Fired Up With Erin Feichtinger, LD 8 Candidate
Today, I’m sitting down with an exceptional progressive voice: Erin Fichstinger. Erin is running for the Nebraska Legislature in District 8. Erin's campaign is built on a powerful platform designed to uplift our community and state.
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Unpacking the Unicameral 2026, Week 1
Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek is back, and we’re looking forward to providing your ears with weekly unicameral updates every Sunday In these episodes, we'll break down what actually happened during the past week of the Legislative session, moving beyond the headlines to give you the context and...
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Fired Up With James Leuschen, CD 2 Candidate
For two decades, James Leuschen served in influential senior staff positions in the U.S. House of Representatives, culminating as Policy Director to Democratic Majority Leader Steny Hoyer. An expert in economic policy impacting American families, he significantly contributed to the Affordable…
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Fired Up With Tony Vargas, Douglas County Treasure Candidate
You are about to dive into a fascinating conversation with a great guest: County Treasurer Candidate, Tony Vargas. As an elected official for over a decade, tony served eight years on the Appropriations Committee in the Legislature. He was known for bipartisan collaboration, successfully…
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Fired Up With Nate Ostdiek, LD 6 Candidate
I am absolutely thrilled you're here to join me for a captivating conversation with Nate Ostdiek. Nate is campaigning for the open Legislator seat in District 6, as incumbent Machaela Cavanaugh is term-limited. Nate is a powerful advocate for Nebraskans, particularly in higher education and the...
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Fired Up With Eric Moyer, CD1 Candidate
I had the pleasure to sit down with Eric Moyer who is running to seat Mike Flood in CD1. Born and raised in Madison, Northeast Nebraska, Eric holds degrees in Theater and Marketing, Communication, and Advertising (MCA) from the University of Nebraska. He has nearly a decade of experience building...
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Fired Up With Josh Livingston, LD8 Candidate
Josh Livingston, a Creighton Law School graduate, began his public service as a Deputy County Attorney, advocating for vulnerable families and ensuring child support. He now continues this mission as a family law attorney, guiding clients through custody and divorce. Running for the Legislature,...
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Fired Up With Crystal Roads, CD 2 Candidate
Today, I am speaking with Crystal Rhodes, a dedicated and passionate individual who is currently running for Congress in District 2. Crystal brings a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to public service, having significantly impacted the communities she serves through her various roles...
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Fired Up With Robin Richards, LD12 Candidate
I'm delighted you've taken time out of your busy day to learn more about Robin Richards. Robin is an independent candidate once again running to unseat Merv Reipe in District 12 in Ralston. Her dedication to public service is evident in her current role as President of the Ralston Public School...
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Fired Up With Kishla Askins, CD2 Candidate
We have an exciting conversation lined up with another fascinating candidate from Congressional District 2,Kishla Askins. I am absolutely stoked that you've tuned in to learn more about her, her vision, and what she hopes to achieve for CD2. Get ready for an insightful discussion that will shed...
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Fired Up With John Cavanaugh, CD2 Candidate
I so appreciate you dropping in to tune into my interview with State Senator John Cavenaugh, who is now running for Congress in Congressional District 2. Senator John Cavenaugh, representing Midtown Omaha since 2020, was a Douglas County Public Defender for seven years. As a state senator, he...
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Fired Up With Denise Powell, CD2 Candidate
Denise Powell joined the Swing Left Nebraska Pod for a second time to discuss her candidacy for Congress in district 2. Denise is a dedicated mom, and successful small business owner. She is driven by a profound belief that the current representation is failing to adequately address the pressing...
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Spilling Tea With State Board Of Education Members Deborah, Kristin, Liz & Maggie
Today, I am honored to be joined by four remarkable individuals who are not just involved in education but are at the very heart of shaping its direction here in Nebraska. We have with us Deborah Neary, Kristen Christensen, Liz Renner, and Maggie Douglas. All four of these dedicated public…
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Fired Up With Jayden Speed, LD2 Candidate
Today, I have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Jayden Speed, an inspiring candidate who is currently running for Legislature District 2. This vital district encompasses a significant portion of Cass County, along with a substantial chunk of Lancaster County, making it a diverse and important...
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Making "Good Trouble" With Jamie, Karin, and Thia!
Today’s episode is a special detour from our usual content. I’m joined by three remarkable women: Karin, Jamie, and Thia. These incredible ladies are united by a mission to cause "good trouble" – challenging the status quo and inspiring others. Prepare to be captivated as Karin, Jamie, and Thia...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell Ostdiek, Week 22
What an exciting moment to wrap up this chapter. In this special episode, we're taking a deep dive into the whirlwind that was this past legislative session. We'll be celebrating some of the victories we fought so hard for, acknowledging the progress made, and sharing the highlights of our...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell Ostdiek, Week 21
In this episode, we will be delving into several key pieces of legislation that have garnered significant attention. We will be unpacking the details surrounding the recently vetoed bedbug bill, examining the rationale behind its initial passage and the subsequent decision to veto it.…
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell Ostdiek, Week 20
We have a packed agenda today, focusing on several key areas that have recently captured public attention. Firstly, we'll be dissecting the Governor's recent veto actions, specifically examining the implications of the veto of a bill addressing the growing concern of bed bugs. We will provide a...
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Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 19
We're delighted to have you tune in as we delve into the latest developments from the previous week's session in the unicameral legislature. Our goal is to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, debates, and decisions that transpired. Furthermore, we'll offer insights...
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Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 18
Today, we're going to be diving deeper into the fascinating discussions and developments surrounding the unicameral legislature from our previous episode. But that's not all! We also want to give you, our valued listeners, a little sneak peek, a little taste, if you will, of what you can expect…
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Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 17
Our discussion begins with a recap of the impactful "People's Day" event at the state capitol. Next, we'll provide a comprehensive update on the contentious anti-transgender bill currently moving through the legislature. Following that, we will examine a noteworthy bill that proposes removing the...
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Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 15
We have a packed show for you this week, where we'll discuss various legislative topics. First, we'll delve into a controversial bill that would mandate healthcare facilities performing procedural abortions to dispose of fetal remains through cremation or burial. We'll explore the implications of...
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Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 14
On today's episode, we celebrate the victory of the Winner Take All bill being rejected. This bill would have drastically changed Nebraska's electoral process, and we're relieved that it won't be moving forward. We'll discuss the potential implications of this bill and why it was so important to...
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Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 13
We have a packed agenda today. We will start by reviewing some key bills from last week, including the highly debated minimum wage restriction bill. Then, we'll shift our focus to the week ahead. We'll preview the upcoming legislative agenda, with a special focus on the contentious...
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Unpacking the Unicameral with Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 12
In this episode, we'll start by delving into a topic from the federal level, which is a unique approach compared to our usual format. We'll analyze its implications and potential impact on the local level. Additionally, we'll provide an update on some significant bills discussed in hearings last...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 11
We have a recap of some key bills from last week. One that has sparked significant debate aims to restrict public postsecondary educational institutions from establishing or maintaining dedicated offices for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Next, we'll focus on the upcoming week and...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 10
A few things we discuss, we'll delve into a recent update from last week concerning a bill proposing a pay raise for state legislators. We'll explore a bill aimed at providing comprehensive support and early intervention for families and juveniles who are at risk of or already involved in the...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 9
We have a jam-packed show planned for you today. We'll dive deep into the whirlwind of activity last week within the unicameral, dissecting the key events, decisions, and debates that shaped the legislative landscape. But that's not all! We'll also be looking ahead to the coming week, giving you…
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 8
First, we touched on some of the bills that had hearings last week. One bill proposes allowing chaplains to serve in public schools, while another seeks to display the Ten Commandments in all schools. Additionally, a bill was introduced that proposes to increase the salaries of state senators in...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 7
This week's legislative highlights include Senator Lippincott's controversial comments on DEI initiatives, a hearing on three bills affecting citizen-initiated ballot initiatives, and LB 655, which allows healthcare providers to refuse services on religious, moral, or ethical grounds. In addition...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week6
Looking back at last week, we're diving into LB299, which proposes allowing certain authorized immigrant workers to access unemployment insurance benefits. We'll also explore LB 303, focused on reforming Nebraska's school finance formula, and LB 22, aiming to expand the Nebraska Prenatal Plus...
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 5
In this episode, Cindy Maxwell Osdiek and I discuss the important legislative activities from last week. We will recap the bills that had hearings and offer a preview of what we anticipate will be on the legislative agenda in the upcoming week. nebraskalegislature.gov…
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Unpacking The Unicameral With Cindy Maxwell-Ostdiek, Week 4
This is the fourth week of the legislative session, and we have a packed episode for you. First, we'll touch briefly on the federal spending freeze that took place on Monday. Then, we'll unpack a few key bills that had hearings last week, including the controversial "winner take all" proposal, a...
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Swing Left Nebraska currently has 141 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
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The Swing Left Nebraska Podcast features interviews with progressive candidates, activists, and organizers in Nebraska, as well as discussions of important political issues facing Nebraska.
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Swing Left Nebraska publishes regularly with 141 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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