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    New Libs on the Block

    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.

    Hosted by Minnesota State Representatives Kristi Pursell, Brion Curran, and Andy Smith.

    en-us11 Episodes

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    Episodes (11)

    New Libs at the DFL Caucus Retreat

    New Libs at the DFL Caucus Retreat

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    New Libs New Year Resolutions

    New Libs New Year Resolutions

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    Winter Break 2023-2024

    Winter Break 2023-2024

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    2023 Legislative Fantasy Draft w/ Rep. Liz Lee

    2023 Legislative Fantasy Draft w/ Rep. Liz Lee

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    The eTRANSvaganza Episode w/ Rep. Leigh Finke

    The eTRANSvaganza Episode w/ Rep. Leigh Finke

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    Climate Justice w/ Rep. Larry Kraft

    Climate Justice w/ Rep. Larry Kraft

    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:

    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

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    Evangelical Christian Nationalism (and Andy's Story)

    Evangelical Christian Nationalism (and Andy's Story)

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    Election Results 2023: Abortion is a Kitchen Table Issue

    Election Results 2023: Abortion is a Kitchen Table Issue

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    Answering GOP Debate Questions

    Answering GOP Debate Questions

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    Abortion and Reproductive Freedom

    Abortion and Reproductive Freedom

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse

    Introducing...The New Libs on the Block!

    Introducing...The New Libs on the Block!

    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-house

    Kristi's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/kristi-pursell-for-house-1

    Brion's Campaign: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/brionforhouse