Breaking new ground is one of the trademarks of the Politically Speaking podcast, and this year was no exception.
After three years of podcasts, Politically Speaking changed its format and put the spotlight on guests. In all, 48 episodes featured federal, state and local officials from across Missouri and Illinois 鈥� as well as a few folks who aren鈥檛 in office.
Over the course of 2014, we covered a lot of ground, including an eventful legislative session and an election in which local contests took center stage. We also pressed some key officials on what was next for the St. Louis region after the protests and rioting in Ferguson. And throughout it all, 漏 2024 外网天堂鈥檚 Jason Rosenbaum made several terrible jokes.
Just for fun, we crunched some numbers about our shows:
- 27 hours 58 minutes and 17 seconds: The total amount of time that elapsed in episodes with guests. (A few of these were 鈥渟plit shows鈥� that featured a guest on only half of the time.)
- 34 minutes and 58 seconds: The average length of the 48 shows with guests. We like to run a tight, but fair, ship on the Politically Speaking podcast.
- Eight: The number of guests from St. Louis, which was the most frequent residence of people that appeared on the show. Kansas City came in second place, as it was the hometown for four guests.
- 25: The number of current Missouri lawmakers on the show. Incoming House Speaker John Diehl made two appearances, making him the first and currently only politician to appear on the show three times.
- Three: The number of statewide officials from Missouri 鈥� , and 鈥� who joined us on the show in 2014. That leaves Gov. Jay Nixon and Attorney General Chris Koster, both Democrats, as the two statewide officers who haven't appeared. (State Auditor Tom Schweich .)
- Two: The number of officials who appeared on the show who once recorded deeds. They are St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Jennifer Florida and former (and future) St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Sharon Carpenter.
Before we turn a page on another year, here are some of our favorite highlights from this year's shows.
Jason Rosenbaum
Three moments in particular stuck out for me:
- It was a big deal to me when When a key Republican in the Missouri House says something like this, it suggests that the issues -- including alterations to municipal courts and a look at St. Louis County's structure -- won't be an afterthought in the legislative shuffle.
- By the time had become something of a lightning rod. Roorda 鈥� the business manager for the St. Louis Police Officers Association 鈥� had provided an unapologetic defense of law enforcement in the wake of the Ferguson protests. His opinions may not have been super popular in some quarters, but it's the type of sentiment that was expressed more vocally as the year went on 鈥�
- I will remember for two reasons: First, we engaged in a frank discussion about the impact of race on Missouri鈥檚 politics 鈥� which months later became a dominant topic of discussion throughout the region. And, second, my son was born the day after we completed the show.
Chris McDaniel
- It was great to get state Rep. Chris Kelly on the show before he was term-limited out after 18 years in the House. Kelly served in the House before and after term limits, and so it was interesting to hear his take on the issue. (He鈥檚 not a fan of term limits, arguing it has increased the power of lobbyists, bureaucrats and the political parties.)
Credit Rebecca Smith, 漏 2024 外网天堂St. Louis County Executive-elect Steve Stenger brought his daughter Madeline in for his appearance on the Politically Speaking podcast. - As much as we like having elected officials on, having political consultants on is a nice change of pace. Sometimes they鈥檙e freer to speak their mind. . I found it really interesting to hear him talk about how he likes physical mailers more than anything else. Why? 鈥淲e know they have to touch it."
- Even though we were all sleep deprived, was a chance to talk to him about the nail-biter (which was won by just a couple thousand votes). And it was also a chance to look forward and discuss what his plans are to improve the relationship between police and the black communities they serve.
Jo Mannies
When it comes to our weekly Political Speaking podcasts, 2014 was a stellar year 鈥� which makes it harder for me to choose my favorites.
In fact, my favorite guests include all three on Chris McDaniel鈥檚 list.
But overall, rather than individual shows, I鈥檓 most proud of specific groups of shows. Such as:
- The podcasts featuring House and Senate leaders, especially ; ; and incoming (Diehl gets ). All three legislative leaders have been refreshingly candid and accessible, offering great legislative insight to our listeners.
- Our pairing of ballot competitors, notably and her temporary replacement, ; and of the two Jefferson County rivals for the state Senate, Republican (who won) and Roorda. We tried, but failed, to have a similar matchup in the 24th District state Senate contest. Republican Jay Ashcroft declined our invitation.
- And our shows featuring some of the most influential women in local and state government, especially ; ; and
As always, we are grateful to our guests -- and our loyal listeners -- for keeping the momentum going for the Politically Speaking podcast. We're hoping to exceed your expectations throughout 2015.
