In a first for the podcast, Blake and Earl sit down with a member of Republican leadership, House Majority Floor Leader Matt Lehman, to discuss the first half of Indiana’s 2025 legislative session. From budget battles to bipartisanship, Rep. Lehman shares his insights on the key issues shaping the Statehouse, what surprised him this session, and how the shifting political climate is affecting policymaking. We also discuss the growing disconnect between the public and government and the lessons he’s learned from serving in both the minority and majority. Don’t miss this thoughtful and candid conversation.

When it comes to jobs that get a bad wrap, lobbyists top the list. In this episode of Session Sessions, we sit down with Ali Bartlett of Bose Public Affairs Group to break down what lobbying actually is, the misconceptions (and deserved critiques) about the profession, and how it plays a critical role in shaping public policy.

We dive into:
✅ The difference between a registered lobbyist and a regular advocate
✅ How lobbying works at the state level vs. the federal level
✅ The day-to-day grind of a lobbyist during legislative session
✅ Major issues like iGaming, casino policies, and adult education initiatives
✅ How bipartisanship is crucial for gaming and other policy debates
✅ Why precise testimony in committee hearings is an art form

From gaming policy to nonprofit advocacy, Ali gives us an unfiltered look at how she strategizes, educates lawmakers, and navigates the legislative process.

Rep. Carey Hamilton takes us on a journey from the Appalachian Trail to the Indiana Statehouse. After hiking solo from Georgia to Maine, Carey’s transformative adventure sparked her passion for outdoor recreation and environmental policy. Now, as a leader in the legislature, she’s blazing trails in Indiana by advocating for sustainability policies, tackling the child care crisis, and creating the first-ever Trails Caucus. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about perseverance, leadership, and how personal experiences shape powerful public service.

Topics Discussed:
Carey Hamilton's journey to the State House and leadership as Caucus Chair
The ongoing child care crisis in Indiana and the economic impact
The push for Pre-K and child care reform
Carey’s work on creating the first-ever trail caucus in Indiana
Legislation for electric vehicle manufacturing and climate resilience
The state’s fiscal situation and road funding reform
Immigration reform and its implications for local communities
How Democrats are finding ways to push policy in a super minority