The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky
by Michael Brodkorb
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky provides a unique insight into politics, policies, and news of the day by injecting humor, personal stories, and blunt analysis of the political environment – all with a refreshing and entertaining perspective. While Michael Brodkorb is no stranger to sharing his analysis and commentary about politics on both sides of the aisle, Becky Scherr has spent the last decade working behind the scenes. She will take a new opportunity to share a unique view – and serve as the podcast's co-host. michaelbrodkorb.substack.com
Episodes
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The Final Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb record their final episode and livestream after nearly four years and more than 200 episodes, with Scherr stepping away to reallocate the weekly prep and recording time to be more present with her young family while staying engaged in politics. They thank their...
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A Break Down Live on Minnesota's Primary Night Results
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb livestream Minnesota primary election night coverage as polls close, tracking early turnout and results from the Secretary of State website and discussing what the numbers may signal for November. Joined by guests Billy Grant, Will Davis, David FitzSimmons…
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A Break Down on the Primary: Analysis, Polls, and Early Predictions
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb preview Minnesota’s Primary Election next Tuesday, stressing uncertainty, turnout, and unreliable polling while running through statewide races, money, and late-breaking controversies. They debate the DFL U.S. Senate primary between Congresswoman Angie Craig and...
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A Break Down on Campaign Cash and DFL Senate Primary Drama
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb preview Minnesota’s 2026 primary with a deep dive into fundraising reports covering January 1 through July 20. They note Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s massive advantage in the governor’s race, with $9.3 million raised and approximately $4.4 million cash on hand, compared...
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A Break Down with Jay Reeves on Running for State Auditor
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb return and highlight Michael’s interview with Jay Reeves, the Forward Independence Party candidate for Minnesota state auditor. Reeves shares his background, military service, and cancer diagnosis, and how he secured ballot access by collecting 2,000-plus...
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A Break Down of President Trump's Endorsement of Mike Lindell
Michael Brodkorb hosts this week’s episode, with Becky Scherr off, to discuss President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Mike Lindell for Minnesota governor and how it upends the Republican primary. Guests Will Davis, a Democratic strategist, and Billy Grant, a MAGA-aligned Republican strategist,...
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A Break Down on July 4th, SCOTUS, and MN Election Tensions
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb return after a week off to discuss Independence Day traditions and 250th-anniversary fun facts, then break down the controversy over competing Washington, D.C. events branded “America 250” and the Trump White House “Freedom 250,” including artist withdrawals and...
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A Break Down on Primary Polls and the Money Race
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb return after a week off and reflect on the June 14th anniversary of the assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, discussing tributes, the removal of public officials’ home addresses from campaign finance records, new safety-related rule...
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A Break Down with Pat Garofalo and the Craig-Flanagan Ad War
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb open with an update ahead of the first anniversary of Speaker Melissa Hortman’s assassination, noting Vance Bolter’s guilty plea and a reported deal to avoid the death penalty in exchange for two consecutive life sentences plus 40 years in federal prison. They…
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A Break Down on the GOP's Post-Convention Chaos
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb are joined by GOP strategist Preya Samsundar to break down the MN DFL and GOP state conventions. They recap Senator Amy Klobuchar’s first-ballot DFL Senate endorsement and discuss the DFL’s comparatively quiet governor and U.S. Senate activity, including Lt. Gov....
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A Break Down on the GOP and DFL Conventions
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb are joined by DFL strategist Will Davis to preview Minnesota’s GOP convention in Duluth and the DFL convention in Rochester, offering predictions on endorsements, ballot counts, and potential fireworks. They discuss the MN GOP governor’s race, including the field...
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A Break Down on the Session End, Guns, and Fraud
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb recap Minnesota’s just-ended 2026 legislative session, which concluded on time with a relatively quiet compromise, including an HCMC bailout with broader hospital funding, car tab and property tax relief, anti-fraud measures highlighted by a new Office of…
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A Break Down on Klobuchar's Fraud Plan, Moderate Brand
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb return after Michael’s week off due to health issues before breaking down Sen. Amy Klobuchar’s first major gubernatorial campaign rollout: a Sunday St. Paul press conference and “Get Results and Make Government Accountable” anti-fraud agenda, framed as a break…
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A Break Down on GOP Forums, Fraud, and Political Violence
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb sit down with former Minnesota Rep. Dennis Smith, now chair of the Republican Party of Minnesota’s Elephant Club. Smith reflects on his legislative record working across the aisle, a brief run for attorney general, and what it takes to build a Republican Party...
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A Break Down with Lars Leafblad on Minnesota's Future
Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb sit down with Lars Leafblad of Ballinger Leafblad, one of Minnesota’s top executive search leaders, to talk about a leadership crisis hiding in plain sight. Leafblad estimates roughly 60% turnover since 2020 across elected officials, nonprofit CEOs, and major...
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A Break Down with Aaron Rupar on Trump, the Pope, and Money Totals
In their 150th episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb celebrate the podcast’s growth, highlight past guests and panels, and thank their families. Next, they interview Minnesota native and independent journalist Aaron Rupar. Rupar recounts his…
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A Break Down on Big Tech, Iran, and ICE in Minnesota
On this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb welcome back Erich Mische, the CEO of SAVE — Suicide Awareness Voices of Education — a Minnesota-based national suicide prevention nonprofit, to discuss his Star Tribune op-ed arguing for “Big...
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A Break Down with Chris Madel on the State of Minnesota Politics
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb interview first-time guest Chris Madel, a Minneapolis trial attorney and former Republican candidate for Minnesota governor. In December 2025, Madel entered the GOP…
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A Break Down About Iran and Operation Epic Fury
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb discuss the escalating conflict with Iran and Operation Epic Fury. Becky and Michael debate whether to call it a war, criticize inconsistent administration messaging, and…
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A Break Down of the SOTU, Fraud & GOP Abortion Messaging
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb return after a week off for a packed episode covering President Trump’s State of the Union, including viewership trends, Democratic absences, key policy themes like immigration and…
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A Break Down With State Senator Matt Klein
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! In this episode, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb interview Minnesota State Senator Matt Klein, a physician and chair of the Commerce and Consumer Protection Committee, who is also running for Congress in Minnesota’s 2nd...
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A Break Down with Dr. Scott Jensen on Running for Auditor
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb dive into the highlights of Super Bowl weekend, including their take on the halftime show controversy, commercials, and snacks. They welcome their first candidate interview of...
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A Break Down of Precinct Caucuses and Klobuchar for Governor
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! This week, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb discuss the recent update on Operation Metro Surge, noting a partial drawdown of 700 officers statewide and the introduction of body-worn cameras for ICE agents in Minneapolis....
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A Break Down on Another ICE Shooting and the Rising Outrage
In this emotionally charged episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb tackle recent tragic events involving ICE in Minnesota. They focus on the tragic shooting death of Alex Pretti by a border control agent, with layered discussions on the…
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A Break Down on the Battle Over ICE in Minnesota
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! Hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb provide updates on topics from previous episodes, exploring incidents like the flashbang injury involving children in North Minneapolis and the inconsistencies in the parents’ statements....
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A Break Down About ICE in Minnesota
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ Join hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb for an intense episode, where they delve into the tragic death of Renee Goode and the intricate dynamics of ICE operations in Minnesota. Michael and Becky provide updates on the...
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A Break Down of the ICE Shooting and Minnesota's Fraud Scandals
Welcome to another episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! In this emotionally charged and insightful discussion, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb tackle a whirlwind of current events, including the tragic shooting involving an ICE agent in Minnesota and the subsequent fallout....
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Bonus Episode: A Break Down on Gov. Walz's Surprise Exit
Welcome to a special bonus episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ In this episode, Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb dive deep into the breaking news that Governor Tim Walz announced he will not seek a third term in 2026. They discuss the implications of Walz’s decision on his...
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A Break Down of the Fallout as Fraud Goes Viral
In this episode of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky, hosts Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb kick off 2026 by diving into the viral video by YouTuber Nick Shirley that exposes alleged daycare fraud in Minnesota. Michael and Becky discuss the widespread reactions from both political parties,...
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A Break Down of Trump, Immigration, ICE, Straw Poll & Tafoya
Welcome to the spiciest and longest episode (to date) of The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky! Join Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr as they speak with guests Julius Hernandez and Preya Samsundar, who offer their perspectives on Governor Tim Walz’s handling of fraud, ICE raids in Minnesota…
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A Break Down of Harassment, Fraud, and the Governor’s Race
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr return to discuss the recent harassment that led to an unscheduled pause in recording podcast episodes. Michael and Becky then shift to the important topic of fraud in Minnesota and its...
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A Break Down with Congressman Brad Finstad: Shutdowns, Ag, and Accountability
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘! In this episode, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr talk with Congressman Brad Finstad, who represents Minnesota’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. The discussion covers the recent...
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A Break Down on Frey's Win and Running Mates
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘! In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr bring a more relaxed discussion after last week’s intense roundtable episode! The duo dives into election updates, including news...
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A Break Down on the '25 Elections: Turnout, Trends & Takeaways
Welcome to Season 4 of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. Michael and Becky return after a brief hiatus to dive deep into the most recent political developments. This week’s episode kicks off with a heated political roundtable featuring guests Julius...
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A Break Down with Jim Rubin: The Fight to Save Minneapolis
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, they are joined by Jim Rubin, a Minneapolis-based business leader and co-founder of Mint Properties, who shares his insights on the city’s declining housing and public safety...
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A Break Down with Ryan Wilson: Tackling Fraud in Minnesota
Welcome to another episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. In this episode, Michael and Becky welcome back Ryan Wilson, attorney and chair of the Minnesota chapter of America First Policy Institute, to discuss his recent op-ed, ‘Enough is…
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A Break Down with Joe Teirab: Why Mary Moriarty's Traffic Stop Policy Is Wrong
In this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky‘, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr dive into current public safety issues against the backdrop of fall with guest Joe Teirab, an attorney and former federal prosecutor at the US Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis. The conversation centers…
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Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Rep. Elliott Engen on WBL School Safety
Welcome to a special bonus episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!’ In this episode, host Michael Brodkorb explores the disturbing case of a 22-year-old man with a criminal record who allegedly used a false identity to enroll in multiple high schools in Minnesota. Joining him is...
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A Break Down about 'A Precarious State' with Rick Kupchella
Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.’ This week, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by veteran journalist and filmmaker Rick Kupchella. Rick discusses his latest documentary, ‘A Precarious State,’ which delves into the social, political, and economic...
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A Break Down with Senator Julia Coleman on Motherhood, Messaging & Modern Republicanism
Welcome to the latest episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.’ This week, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr are joined by Assistant Minority Leader Senator Julia Coleman. Elected as a Republican in 2020, Senator Coleman represents Carver County. She shares her journey from…
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Bonus Episode: A Break Down with Rep. Nolan West on Civility
Welcome to a special bonus episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky!' In this episode, hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr pause the regular political chaos to highlight the importance of meaningful leadership. Michael and Becky are joined by Representative Nolan West, a Republican...
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A Break Down of Gun Policy: From Gun Owner to Reformer
Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' which dives into recent policy discussions and political developments. Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr welcome Mounds View Mayor Zach Lindstrom to discuss his recent op-ed on gun control and his evolving views as a gun...
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A Break Down About The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.'In this week's episode, Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr shift focus from their planned discussion to address the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred while he was speaking at a college campus. Michael…
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A Break Down about Guns, Safety, and the Politics in Between
Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky.' This week, Becky Scherr and Michael Brodkorb welcome Bryan Strawser, Chairman of the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus, for a timely and in-depth discussion following the tragic Annunciation Church shooting. Together, they break...
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A Break Down About the Tragedy at Annunciation Church and School
In this heart-wrenching episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky', hosts Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr pivot from their planned political discussion to focus on the tragic shooting at Annunciation Church and School in Minneapolis. The shooting, which occurred during an all-school...
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A Break Down About Uber-Lyft, Lies, and Regent Selection
Welcome to another episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky', with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, Michael and Becky dive deep into the week's hot political topics. They discuss the ongoing drama surrounding Minneapolis mayoral candidate and State Senator Omar Fateh, whose...
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A Break Down About Police, Politics, and Polls
Join us in this episode of ‘The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky’, with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, Michael and Becky Scherr are joined by David FitzSimmons, Chief of Staff for Congressman Brad Finstad, and a former state representative known for his political acumen. The...
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A Break Down with Andy Brehm: From Baseball to Ballots
Welcome to another fantastic episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. This week, hosts Michael and Becky are joined by Andy Brehm, Star Tribune columnist, corporate lawyer, and vocal Republican from Minnesota. Andy discusses his recent op-eds in...
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A Break Down About Special Elections, DSA Platform, Naked Man at the Capitol, and an Axe Murderer
Welcome to another fantastic episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' with Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr. In this episode, they begin by discussing the upcoming special elections for three vacant seats in the Minnesota legislature, including those left vacant by the resignation of...
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A Break Down About Chaos at the Minneapolis DFL Convention
Welcome to the latest episode of 'The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky,' where Michael Brodkorb and Becky Scherr tackle the complex and chaotic world of politics and current affairs. This week, Michael shares a harrowing personal story of an arson attack on his home. The discussion then shifts…
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About this show
The Break Down with Brodkorb and Becky provides a unique insight into politics, policies, and news of the day by injecting humor, personal stories, and blunt analysis of the political environment – all with a refreshing and entertaining perspective. While Michael Brodkorb is no stranger to sharing his analysis and commentary about politics on both sides of the aisle, Becky Scherr has spent the last decade working behind the scenes. She will take a new opportunity to share a unique view – and serve as the podcast's co-host.
michaelbrodkorb.substack.com
Hosted by
Michael Brodkorb