Elizabeth Tegtmeier explains the purpose and function of the Nebraska State Board of Education. She talks about some of the issues being addressed during the past three years. They have provided innovative ways to address the teacher shortage, invested in literacy projects around the state. Elizabeth gives a good perspective on the way she votes and her focus on helping kids learn the basic skills of reading, math, and writing. An intriguing conversation about education and what is happening in Nebraska.

From testing to diagnosis to more testing to treatment to recovery. What happens after treatment is completed? There is a sense of relief to get through the treatment after weeks of daily treatment. Then what happens after completing treatment? It has been about 8 weeks since completing treatment, and the recovery process has been very up and down. Check out the latest update on where I stand in the recovery process, 8 weeks after treatment.

The Nebraska Legislature is approaching "halftime" of the 60 day session. Mark Vail from KLIN News joins the podcast this week and we discuss the legislative session so far in 2026. Plenty of intrigue in the session, starting with an immediate discussion to expel a member of the Legislature, a resolution to file articles of impeachment on a University of Nebraska Regent, and a recent reprimand of a member of the Legislature. All within less than 30 days. We're just at the "two minute" warning. Senators will be naming their personal priority bills soon. The budget will be coming before the legislature in early March. That said, there's not a whole lot of time left in the session for 2026. Tune in to hear our discussion.

Former Kearney City Council member, Mayor, and now State Senator, Stan Clouse is featured this week. He brings a unique perspective to the Legislature after serving in local government. Senator Clouse shares his perspective on issues in the Legislature and some lessons learned in the process in his first two years in the Nebraska Legislature. He brings a refreshing view to the Legislature and you will enjoy hearing his perspective.

Nebraska State Senator Jana Hughes has a bill, LB 1038, to address how public schools are funded in Nebraska. For several years, property taxes have been a discussion in the Nebraska Legislature and a majority of property taxes paid across the state. Senator Hughes has been a member of the Education Committee and is bringing forward a bill to address how to fund public schools in Nebraska. It is a unique idea worth a conversation. Check out her idea how to fix our school funding formula in Nebraska.

Nebraska State Senator Ben Hansen discusses the inner workings of the Executive Board of the Legislature. He is completing his final session as a State Senator. We talk about the lessons learned and how he sees things going during his last session. We also discuss some bills related to taxes and how he plans to address taxes during the 2026 session.

Nebraska State Treasurer Joey Spellerberg was appointed by Governor Pillen on November 3, 2025 to fill the vacancy for State Treasurer. Since assuming this role, Spellerberg has been learning about the duties of the State Treasurer and setting forth his vision for the office and serving Nebraskans. Just a few topics we discuss include paying the state's bills, unclaimed property, NEST saving plans for kids, and child support. Finally Treasurer Speallerberg gives insight on his advocacy for a first time home buyer saving account to help Nebraskans buy their first home.

CANCER SUCKS!!! This episode I give an update on my cancer treatment and how the treatment journey worked. Along with some special shout outs to my family and the radiation team at NHO! Check this episode out and hear the treatment journey. Thanks to all my friends and family who have been reaching out and supporting me through this journey. Especially the two people who had to deal with me the most during this time - my wife, Nikki and daughter Chloe.

Speaker of the Nebraska Legislature, John Arch, joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming 2026 session of the Legislature. Speaker Arch talks about developing the agenda, working with his colleagues to work through all of the bills introduced, assigning bills to the various committees, and Speaker Arch shares some reflection on his time in the Legislature as he enters his last session before being term limited.

A look back at the highlights of our first 27 episodes. This time Bud becomes the guest to reflect back on the conversations in 2025. A great time to reflect on 2025 and prepare to move forward in 2026.