Indy Politics Podcast with Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

This podcast features interviews and discussions with Indiana's newsmakers and thought leaders, hosted by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz. IndyPolitics.Org is the premiere website for political news and analysis regarding Indianapolis and Central Indiana. We aim to provide readers with insight and information they cannot receive anywhere else. Whether it is the city of Indianapolis, the townships, or the doughnut counties, IndyPolitics.Org will be there.

Sen Mike Crider; A Hard on New Maps

Republican State Senator Mike Crider says he is a hard and absolute “no” on drawing new congressional maps and that recent pressure tactics have only reinforced his opposition. He also noted that absences, including Senator Buck’s, could affect Thursday’s vote but says he has no plans to change his own position. Crider added that Indiana’s federal delegation should step in and push back against outside efforts to force the state into redistricting.

12-10
12:23

New Maps - Speaker Todd Huston

House Speaker Todd Huston defended House Bill 1032 on Friday, describing the mid-cycle redistricting measure as the product of a rigorous process supported by the Indiana Election Division and county officials.

12-06
07:57

New Maps - Speaker Todd Huston

New Maps - Speaker Todd Huston by Abdul-Hakim Shabazz

12-06
07:57

New Maps - Mike Braun

Governor Mike Braun and House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta share their reactions to the new congressional maps passed by the Indiana House. Braun reiterates his pledge to support primary challengers against GOP senators who oppose the measure in next week’s vote, while GiaQuinta warns that lawsuits are imminent — and that the maps could energize Democratic voters heading into 2026.

12-05
04:31

New Maps - Phil GiaQuinta

Governor Mike Braun and House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta share their reactions to the new congressional maps passed by the Indiana House. Braun reiterates his pledge to support primary challengers against GOP senators who oppose the measure in next week’s vote, while GiaQuinta warns that lawsuits are imminent — and that the maps could energize Democratic voters heading into 2026.

12-05
10:11

Holiday Surviival 101

Every November, a great migration begins. No — not the birds. Not Hoosiers fleeing construction zones. I’m talking about something far more perilous: The annual journey back to the holiday dinner table.

11-26
18:20

Let's Talk About Tariffs

Indy Politics speaks with Evansville attorney Josh Claybourn  who was at the recent Supreme Court's hearing on tariffs. Claybourn filed an amicus brief with the court where he argued against the President's unilateral authority to impose tariffs. He highlighted the constitutional issues, noting that the President's actions violate the separation of powers. Claybourn predicted that the tariffs are likely to be struck down due to statutory and constitutional problems. He also touched on the potential refund process for illegally collected tariffs and the political implications of redistricting in Indiana, where some state senators oppose the changes.

11-22
18:25

Org Day 2025 - Phil GiaQuinta

As Indiana lawmakers mark the start of the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly, they could not avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room: redistricing,

11-18
07:35

Org Day 2025 - Mike Braun

As Indiana lawmakers mark the start of the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly, they could not avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room: redistricing,

11-18
03:57

Org Day 2025 - Shelli Yoder

As Indiana lawmakers mark the start of the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly, they could not avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room: redistricing,

11-18
03:24

Org Day 2025 - Todd Huston

As Indiana lawmakers mark the start of the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly, they could not avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room: redistricing,

11-18
06:37

Org Day 2025 - Rod Bray

As Indiana lawmakers mark the start of the 2026 session of the Indiana General Assembly, they could not avoid the 800-pound gorilla in the room: redistricing,

11-18
08:32

Pre-Org Day - Shelli Yoder

In this Org Day Preview edition of Indy Politics, we break down the big themes lawmakers are wrestling with heading into 2026 — from senator safety after a swatting incident, to the brewing fight over mid-decade redistricting, to the skyrocketing Medicaid budget that’s doubled in four years. We also look at Indiana’s long-term 2035 vision plan on workforce, infrastructure, affordability, and economic growth. A quick, sharp rundown of everything to watch before the gavel drops.

11-17
10:46

Pre-Org Day - Four Tops

In this Org Day Preview edition of Indy Politics, we break down the big themes lawmakers are wrestling with heading into 2026 — from senator safety after a swatting incident, to the brewing fight over mid-decade redistricting, to the skyrocketing Medicaid budget that’s doubled in four years. We also look at Indiana’s long-term 2035 vision plan on workforce, infrastructure, affordability, and economic growth. A quick, sharp rundown of everything to watch before the gavel drops.

11-17
01:08:06

The Shutdown Shake Up

Indy Politics speaks with Ball State economist Michael Hicks, on the economic impact of the recent government shutdown, predicting a significant drop in job reports, with 100,000-150,000 fewer private jobs and 100,000-250,000 fewer public jobs. He also  highlighted the ripple effects on critical government services, such as air traffic control, and the broader economic challenges, including tariffs and inflation.

11-13
29:34

IPS & SNAP

Indy Politics poke with Shelby Roby-Terry, Chief Communications Officer for Indianapolis Public Schools, about how IPS is helping families affected by the government shutdown — from food pantries and community partnerships to making sure every family knows where to find support.

10-31
07:36

Michael Paul Hart

As the Indianapolis City-County Council takes it first step towards crafting an updated sexual harassment policy, local lawmakers are finding out exactly how involved and potentially how expensive this process could be, and that's the Human Resources and reporting aspect of the process. Indy Politics spoke with Committee Chairman Dan Boots and Republican Michael Paul Hart to get their assessments of the long road ahead.

10-29
06:35

Dan Boots

As the Indianapolis City-County Council takes it first step towards crafting an updated sexual harassment policy, local lawmakers are finding out exactly how involved and potentially how expensive this process could be, and that's the Human Resources and reporting aspect of the process. Indy Politics spoke with Committee Chairman Dan Boots and Republican Michael Paul Hart to get their assessments of the long road ahead.

10-29
09:16

Jesus Sex & Politics

Just interviewed Tom LoBianco about the explosive fallout surrounding Micah Beckwith’s inner circle and the arrest of his adviser’s son on child porn charges. Faith, politics, and scandal collide in what may be the biggest political story of the year in Indiana.

10-28
44:25

Rethink Mid-Decade Redistricting

Groups opposed to mid-decade redistricting dropped off another petition signed by 10,000 Hoosiers opposing plans to draw new maps. That brings the current number to 20,000.

10-21
19:03

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