The Get More Smarter Podcast - A Weekly Show About Colorado Politics

State Senator Jessie Danielson, who represents Jefferson County’s District 22 and chairs the Business, Labor, and Technology Committee, dives into the significant Worker Protection Act aimed at easing unionization in Colorado. She discusses the challenges workers face and the importance of solidarity among different labor groups. The conversation also humorously tackles the confusion around a guest named Jason Bain. Additionally, the podcast touches on the tumultuous political landscape, including Trump’s economic impacts and the upcoming gubernatorial race.

Send us a message! Really!THIS WEEK on the Get More Smarter Podcast it’s another special interview-only episode, mostly because Jason is still in the arctic setting tariffs on islands inhabited exclusively by puffins and melting ice caps. Speaking of our apocalyptic climate nightmare hell scape, this week our guest is SIlvio Marcacci, Senior Director of Communications for Energy Innovation. We ask how truly cooked we are if Trump and Congressional Republicans repeal the Inflation Reduction Act, both literally and figuratively, and what it means for Colorado - take a listen!Links:Follow Silvio on BlueskyMake Friends with Silvio on LinkedInFollow Energy Innovation on Bluesky Read the Full Report "REPEALING FEDERAL ENERGY TAX CREDITS AND FUNDING WILL HARM COLORADO’S ECONOMY"

Megan Burns, a newsfluencer expert and a regular contributor, dives into the evolving landscape of media in this engaging discussion. She explores the rise of newsfluencers and their crucial role in reshaping how we consume information. The conversation touches on the struggle between conservative and progressive voices, the impacts of doom scrolling, and the necessity of authenticity in digital politics. Burns also highlights the changing habits in news consumption and the importance of local media and relatable messaging in political engagement.

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast the race for the worst job in Colorado politics is back on! Who among us gets to be the next Chair of the Colorado GOP? Then, who wants to Chuck…Schumer? It could start with one of Colorado’s Senators. And finally, our least favorite member of congress from the 8th congressional district continues to follow in the footsteps of Former U.S. Senator Cory Gardner in his quest to be "Former Member of Congress Gabe Evans."But first, we take a trip back in time and a trip to visit our neighbor in the north. That's right, "Canadian Jason Bane" is BACK on the pod after a four year hiatus. We ask if his move to Canada after the first Trump election in 2016 was a good choice in retrospect, and if Canada is still accepting American applicants! 

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, new polling shows Americans are already sick of Trump 2.0; will shutting down FiveThirtyEight so nobody can get a good polling average help or hurt the 45th and 47th president and his flagging ratings? The White House is controlled by Republicans. The senate is controlled by Republicans. The House of Representatives is controlled by Republicans. The New York Times asks, 'Why won’t Democrats stop the government shutdown?' Next, there is some real pain in store for the constituents of our favorite bread sandwich from Colorado’s 3rd congressional district; will Rep. Jeff Hurd stand with the tens of thousands of people in his district who have healthcare because of Medicaid expansion, or will he side with Elon Musk and Donald Trump to kick them off their insurance and doom their rural hospitals to bankruptcy? Finally we check in with the most anti-family political party in the country, the Colorado GOP. But first...he was the first officially announced candidate for Colorado Attorney General! He's also the Boulder County District Attorney, and a former deli worker otherwise known as Colorado’s Harvey Dent (but with just the one face). Michael Dougherty joins us to talk about his campaign to be the state’s top cop in 2026.

Join Dr. Sarah Wilson Sohkey, an expert on Ukrainian politics and political science professor, as she dives into the complex relationship between American right-wing politics and pro-Russian sentiments. The discussion unveils the alarming trend of political figures mirroring foreign propaganda, particularly regarding Ukraine. Explore the economic motivations behind Russia's aggression and understand the need for reliable news amid misinformation. This insightful chat highlights the urgent call for supporting Ukraine's sovereignty amidst shifting political narratives.

Brittany Pedersen, a Congresswoman known for her impactful speech while holding her newborn, joins to discuss her unique experience balancing politics and parenthood. She highlights the chaos surrounding a contentious budget resolution that could drastically affect Medicaid funding. The conversation touches on alarming political figures like Trump and Musk, the resurgence of town halls, and the growing awareness of political issues leading into the critical 2026 elections in Colorado. It's a lively exchange of insights on navigating the complex political landscape today.

Join State Senator Jeff Bridges, the Chairman of Colorado's Joint Budget Committee, as he unravels the perplexing math behind the $1.2 billion budget cuts despite a booming economy. He explains the challenges posed by the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights on funding education and social services. Listen as he discusses strategies for innovative funding amidst growing costs, fears of federal fund losses, and the bipartisan efforts needed to navigate Colorado's budgetary complexities. It's an eye-opener into state finances that you won’t want to miss!

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, Sam Silverii is three weeks old, which is five days younger than the Trump Administration, and even he knows what’s going on in DC is bonkers. We check in with our 8th favorite soon-to-be-one-term member of Congress, who has spent his time in Washington hiding when he’s not too busy doing Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s bidding. And we check in on the Colorado Legislature, where State House Republicans literally show their asses in defense of the January 6th rioters who Trump pardoned for some indefensible reason.But first...Jason Bane sat down with the House Assistant Democratic Leader, Colorado’s own Joe Neguse, to ask him what Democrats in Congress can and will do to stop Trump and Musk’s wrecking ball, and what you -- yes you -- can do to help. 

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, Jason Bane is joined by guest host Megan Burns as we continue to keep you updated on what you need to be watching as the Trump administration floods the zone with nonsense. Gabe Evans may be earning a new nickname, while Lauren Boebert just keeps on doing Lauren Boebert things. We’ll also discuss the good and the bad in the state legislature; and we’ve got more “groans” as Colorado Republicans continue playing silly games.