Featured Interviews
These interviews are part of our latest series considering "Restoring Trust in Our Minnesota Institutions." As part of our emphasis on engaging and developing the next generation of policy leaders, these discussions were conducted by a panel of two policy veterans paired with two emerging young leaders from high school or college.
Bill Doherty Bridging the Political Divide Can any of our institutions thrive if we don't overcome our tribalism?
The co-founder of Braver Angels discusses efforts to bring red and blue people together to find common ground for the betterment of us all. May 28, 2026 Rob Vischer Higher Education's Role in Fostering Civil Discourse The University of St. Thomas president discusses the evolving work of universities in helping students reduce political acrimony and form whole-person character, prepared for constructive civic engagement. June 15, 2026 Patrick Coolican Is the Fourth Estate Dead – or Evolving? Or is journalism fledging a new golden age of independence
The editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer discusses the current state of the media, and how news outlets that focus on fairness, honesty, and rigorous reporting can help restore public trust in principled journalism. March 24, 2026 Lori Sturdevant Legislative Lessons from the Leadership of Martin Sabo How good public policy can regain a foothold in the Minnesota Legislature February 25, 2026 Judy Randall Can Minnesota Be Generous Without Being Robbed Blind Legislative Auditor Judy Randall discusses the recent rampant fraud cases in state-funded public assistance programs and how Minnesota can improve oversight January 27, 2026 Dane Smith and Mitch Pearlstein Whither the Policy Wonk: Good Public Policy Through the Marketplace of Ideas Mitch Pearlstein, founder of the Center of the American Experiment, and Dane Smith, president emeritus of Growth & Justice, discuss the value and roles of think tanks in public policy August 19, 2025 Don Gemberling Keeping Public Data Public and Government Transparent Minnesota’s public data champion Don Gemberling discusses how the loss of government transparency threatens faith in democracy and how citizens can fight back. July 30, 2025 T Williams Timeless Lessons of Community Leadership and Partnerships Long-time Minneapolis activist T Williams discusses how the successful community coalitions of the past should be models for positive social change today. July 8, 2025 Peter Hutchinson Public Budgeting Through Transparent Priority Setting Former Minnesota commissioner of finance and superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools says rather than worrying about how much to tax and spend, policymakers should be focusing on delivering outcomes that taxpayers want and expect. May 27, 2025 Lucy Gerold and John Delmonico Better Policing Through Leadership, Accountability, and Partnership Former Minneapolis Police officers outline practical lessons from their time on the force, and recommend ways to build community trust with a guardian, not a warrior, culture. May 13, 2025
The co-founder of Braver Angels discusses efforts to bring red and blue people together to find common ground for the betterment of us all. May 28, 2026 Rob Vischer Higher Education's Role in Fostering Civil Discourse The University of St. Thomas president discusses the evolving work of universities in helping students reduce political acrimony and form whole-person character, prepared for constructive civic engagement. June 15, 2026 Patrick Coolican Is the Fourth Estate Dead – or Evolving? Or is journalism fledging a new golden age of independence
The editor-in-chief of the Minnesota Reformer discusses the current state of the media, and how news outlets that focus on fairness, honesty, and rigorous reporting can help restore public trust in principled journalism. March 24, 2026 Lori Sturdevant Legislative Lessons from the Leadership of Martin Sabo How good public policy can regain a foothold in the Minnesota Legislature February 25, 2026 Judy Randall Can Minnesota Be Generous Without Being Robbed Blind Legislative Auditor Judy Randall discusses the recent rampant fraud cases in state-funded public assistance programs and how Minnesota can improve oversight January 27, 2026 Dane Smith and Mitch Pearlstein Whither the Policy Wonk: Good Public Policy Through the Marketplace of Ideas Mitch Pearlstein, founder of the Center of the American Experiment, and Dane Smith, president emeritus of Growth & Justice, discuss the value and roles of think tanks in public policy August 19, 2025 Don Gemberling Keeping Public Data Public and Government Transparent Minnesota’s public data champion Don Gemberling discusses how the loss of government transparency threatens faith in democracy and how citizens can fight back. July 30, 2025 T Williams Timeless Lessons of Community Leadership and Partnerships Long-time Minneapolis activist T Williams discusses how the successful community coalitions of the past should be models for positive social change today. July 8, 2025 Peter Hutchinson Public Budgeting Through Transparent Priority Setting Former Minnesota commissioner of finance and superintendent of Minneapolis Public Schools says rather than worrying about how much to tax and spend, policymakers should be focusing on delivering outcomes that taxpayers want and expect. May 27, 2025 Lucy Gerold and John Delmonico Better Policing Through Leadership, Accountability, and Partnership Former Minneapolis Police officers outline practical lessons from their time on the force, and recommend ways to build community trust with a guardian, not a warrior, culture. May 13, 2025