New Libs on the Block

After discussing the special election victory for the DFL, the New Libs discuss how a bill becomes a law in the Minnesota Legislature. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-house Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/...

Kristi, Brion, and Andy talk about the final days of the Republican Majority in the Minnesota House of Representatives, including many, many harmful bills being brought to the house floor. They also revisit the question everyone is asking, "What can we do about the Trump Administration?" The New Libs did not know at the time of recording BUT the special election is over and the DFL has won that seat (congratulations David Gottfried!). New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and peo...

On this week's episode the New Libs talk about the political theater going on in the Minnesota House while Republicans are in control and then offer some examples of better bills that could be getting passed instead. We also play a game around the Oscars. ***We did have some technical difficulties this week, so apologies for some audio and an odd ending*** New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curr...

While the New Libs await the Special Election, they talk about what Republicans in power looks like in the Minnesota House of Representatives. Unfortunately, that agenda is defined by three things: corruption, grievance, and cruelty. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaig...

We have an incredible episode talking about disability rights with Rep. Kim Hicks. We start the discussion with Kim's story and how she became a disability advocate, followed by an in-depth discussion of federal disability policy being changed under the Trump Administration. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donati...

Kristi, Brion, and Andy give an update on people trying to recall them (yeah, for real), an update on the MN House, and how to survive in Trump's America New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-house Kristi's Campaign: https://...

The Supreme Court has ruled in favor of democrats in the quorum case: what does that mean and where do we go from here? Kristi, Brion, and Andy explain it all and also touch on Trump's new slew of Federal Orders. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.c...

On today's episode the New Libs discuss the first day of Donald Trump's 2nd term as president, including his Executive Orders that undermine our constitution, bodily autonomy, immigration, diversity, and so much more about what makes us free. We also give an update on the Minnesota House of Representatives and talk about the 2024 election. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith...

In this special edition of New Libs Podcast, Kristi, Andy, and Brion give an update on what is happening in the Minnesota House of Representatives, the Minnesota Supreme Court, and how all of this ends. We also mention the (potential) demise of TikTok. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. A...

On 14 January 2024 the Republicans in the Minnesota House of Representatives disregarded the will of the people of Minnesota and engaged in an unconstitutional Kangaroo Court of Representatives. We explain and discuss what is to come. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: ht...

Kristi, Brion, and Andy discuss the weird historic situation in the Minnesota House of Representatives, and how democrats are defending the will of Minnesota voters. Recorded 7 January 2025. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-...

A new season of New Libs on the Block starts this week, Wednesday January 8th! This season we are posting WEEKLY on Wednesdays. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. Hosted by three sitting lawmakers, New Libs on the Block discusses the nuts and bolts of the policy, organizing, and will needed to create a better world. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and...

[Reposted from 2023] Andy tells his story going from evangelical pastor to progressive politician. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-house Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1 ...

[Republished from 2023] Andy, Brion, and Kristi talked reproductive freedom and abortion rights. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-house Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1 Br...

This week we take New Libs on the Block on the road to Hinckley, MN and this year's DFL House Caucus retreat. We take inspiration from Billy Eichner and ask our fellow state representatives important and not so important questions. Enjoy and we'll be back with a normal episode in two weeks!New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

The New Libs go over their New Year's Resolutions, both personal and legislative. We'll talk about lunch, running, President Biden, reading, right to repair legislation, minimum wage, single payer/public option healthcare, Trans-rights legislation, and a whole lot more. Enjoy!New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

We're all getting over the holiday season, including us at New Libs on the Block. So we're releasing a bit of an oddball episode of lost segments. Please try to enjoy and we'll be back in two weeks with a full episode.New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

2023 was a milestone year for the Minnesota legislature, so in the spirit of the season of giving, we are reviewing all the presents the legislature gave this year with a fantasy draft. We are delighted to be joined by Representative Liz Lee for this episode.Remember to review our show on the podcast app of your choice!New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

On this special eTRANSvaganza episode we welcome Minnesota's first sitting trans-legislator, Representative Leight Finke, to talk about the beauty of the Trans-community and the substantial obstacles they face. We view this episode as a resource for those who have very little experience with the experience of trans-people.  We talk about things such as the importance of gender affirming care, transpeople in sports, bathroom usage, and more!Most importantly, we hope this episode helps in any way to create a society where everyone, regardless of their identity, can live with dignity and safety.New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

In this episode we talk the climate crisis and how we can work to stop it on a global, national, state, county, and city level. We are lucky to be joined by our fellow Minnesota state representative and host of the podcast "City Climate Corner," Representative Larry Kraft! This is a fantastic discussion, whether you are an climate expert or a climate novice. Here are resources we mention on this episode:The Climate Action Handbook: A Visual Guide to 100 Climate Solutions for Everyone, by Heidi RoopOn Fire: The (Burning) Case for a Green New Deal, by Naomi KleinHow to Talk to Your Kids about Climate Change: Turning Angst Into Action, by Harriet ShugarmanIntergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ReportsNew Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

In this episode we discuss the rise of white evangelical christian nationalism in national politics through the election of Mike Johnson as Speaker of the US House. This discussion provides a good opportunity for Andy to tell his story of growing up in an evangelical house, deconstructing his religious and political views, and then finding himself in politics.If you listen long enough, you'll also here a surprise discussion on horror films and Steven King.New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

Kristi, Brion, and Andy go over the election results across the country, including Virginia legislature races, Ohio ballot questions, and the Kentucky gubernatorial race. We also talk about some local election and how your vote ALWAYS matters!This episode executive produced by Franklin Pursell.New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

In this episode, Kristi and Andy answer questions from the most recent Republican presidential primary debate. Questions cover such broad topics as immigration, crime, AI, TikTok, and more.New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

The New Libs take on one of the most important and divisive issue in American politics: abortion. In this episode we'll talk about our own personal journeys around abortion, as well as the history of thought in the United States of America. We'll delve into questions of personhood, choice, birth control, and so much more.New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

Hello world! On this inaugural episode of New Libs on the block we will introduce ourselves (Reps. Brion Curran, Kristi Pursell, and Andy Smith) and why we decided to start a podcast about politics and people.New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns.Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-houseKristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

The New Libs are joined once again by Minnesota State Representative Kim Hicks to talk about the ballooning cost of Health and Human Services in Minnesota and around the country. This is a far-reaching conversation that touches on insurance costs, disability rights, state demographics, and so much more. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially suppor...

Brion and Kristi celebrate women serving in the Minnesota Legislature and how important it is to have diverse public servants making decisions in the capitol. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-house Kristi's Campaign: htt...

Kristi, Andy, and Brion talk about the agreement that led to the (constitutional) start of Minnesota's legislative session and the first 25 (garbage) bills the Republicans filed. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-house Kr...

[Republished from 2023] We are joined by one of our favorite colleagues, Rep. Leigh Finke, to talk with her about the constant battle for trans rights in our state and our country. New Libs on the Block is a podcast about politics and people. It is hosted by three sitting legislators, Reps. Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith. The best way to financially support the New Libs is by donating to their campaigns. Andy's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/andy-smith-for-house ...