The Drumbeat with Josie & Pete

Join us as we talk about policy, not politics! We take a non-partisan approach to discussing serious topics with serious people, all while mixing in lots of humor, some wit, and a slight chance of sarcasm. 😐 Every episode, we’ll kick things off with a question. We’ll explore how Michigan policy decisions impact you and your community. We’ll cover everything from Michigan Supreme Court rulings to pending legislation, executive actions, and maybe even some buzz from the AG and SOS. We’ve got you covered! 🎙️

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Episodes

Friday Jan 17, 2025

Summary: The episode starts with a lively introduction reflecting on the new year 2025. Josie and Pete discuss their thoughts and musings about the year ahead, touching on popular culture references including Tommy by The Who and Taylor Swift. The focus shifts to the legislative landscape in Michigan, introducing the primary theme: navigating the complexities of legislative processes and understanding what the audience might not know about legislative intricacies.
Guests:
Senator Chang and Representative Pohutsky: The episode features an in-depth discussion with Senator Chang and Representative Pohutsky, who share insights into the legislative process, their experiences in their roles, and the dynamics of the Michigan legislature. They discuss term limits, election cycles, and the differences between the House and Senate processes.
Detailed Legislative Insights: Both guests delve into specifics such as the differences in re-election cycles for the House and Senate, term limits, and the composition and functions of the Michigan legislature. They provide a primer on how laws are made, the significance of committees, and the overall legislative cycle from bill introduction to gubernatorial decisions.
Key Discussions:
The episode explores the state's political dynamics, including the impact of term limits and the strategic operations within the legislative bodies.
Detailed explanations of the legislative process provide the audience with a clearer understanding of how state governance works, aiming to demystify the steps from bill proposal to law enactment.
The discussion also covers the importance of civic engagement and how constituents can influence legislative processes.
Conclusion: The episode wraps up with a call to action for more informed and active participation in state politics, emphasizing the power of constituents to influence change through understanding and engagement.

Monday Dec 23, 2024

Title: Drumbeats and Holidays: From Lansing to Solitary Nights
Celebrate the holidays with Josie and Pete in this lively and unconventional episode of The Drumbeat. Recorded fireside with festive drinks (shoutout to the dill pickle martinis—never again), they share heartfelt laughs, personal stories, and unfiltered reflections. From the chaos of Lansing’s lame-duck session and the push for Second Look legislation to quirky holiday traditions and shoutouts to Detroit’s underground music scene (hello, Sonic Smut!), this episode has something for everyone.
Pete offers vivid stories from his time in solitary confinement, shedding light on resilience and humanity in the face of adversity, while Josie reflects on what it means to advocate for meaningful change. Listener questions, holiday memories, and the spirit of community make this a perfect blend of humor, insight, and heartfelt connection.
As they wrap up Season 1, Josie and Pete express their gratitude for the listeners who’ve joined them on this journey and tease what’s to come in Season 2. Tune in for a holiday celebration full of laughter, camaraderie, and a dash of policy and mischief. Season 2 premieres in January with a thought-provoking question: “What don’t you know, you don’t know?” 🎄🎶

Episode 4 | What The FOIA?

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024

Tuesday Nov 26, 2024

In this episode of The Drumbeat with Josie and Pete, we take a deep dive into the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the challenges citizens face in accessing public records. Joined by legal experts Justin Long and James Cresta, we explore how FOIA is meant to promote transparency and accountability—but often falls short due to systemic barriers like vague legal definitions and misuse of fees.
Episode Highlights:
The role of FOIA in democracy and its historical roots post-Watergate.
How upfront fees and unclear rules are being used to block access to public records.
Legal challenges against agencies misusing FOIA laws, including an ongoing lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Ideas for reforming FOIA, from clearer definitions to standardized public summaries.
Practical tips for citizens who want to use FOIA effectively to hold government accountable.
This episode is packed with insights, humor, and a clear call to action: government transparency is a right, not a privilege. Tune in to learn how you can make FOIA work for you!
 

Wednesday Oct 23, 2024

Episode 3: Why Aren’t People Voting?
In this  of The Drum Beat, Josie and Pete take on a critical question: Why aren’t more people voting? Despite the importance of elections, millions of eligible voters stay home. Is it distrust in politicians, a lack of understanding about the process, or simply a belief that one vote doesn’t make a difference?
To get to the bottom of it, Josie and Pete are joined by expert guests. Celia Fan, a research specialist from the University of Michigan’s Ford School of Public Policy, shares fascinating data from the Detroit Metro Area Survey (DMACS), offering insights into voter behavior and why many people feel disconnected from the political process. Teresa Reid from MiVoter.org also joins to provide essential tools and resources for creating a voting plan, breaking down Michigan’s accessible voting laws, including the option to register on Election Day and vote absentee.
Josie and Pete don’t shy away from the tough questions, especially when it comes to holding legislators accountable. They dive into the frustration many people feel when elected officials ask for votes but don’t always deliver on their promises. Josie points out that “there’s no progress report,” while Pete emphasizes that politicians need to do more than just campaign—they need to show real results. They explore how better communication and proactive public service could help bridge the gap between lawmakers and their constituents.
This episode goes beyond politics and focuses on the policies that shape everyday life. With humor, wit, and a nonpartisan approach, Josie and Pete explore how we can empower more people to vote and why every vote truly matters.
Whether you’re an avid voter or someone who’s never cast a ballot, this episode will leave you informed and ready to take action in 2024. Tune in for a mix of serious discussion, humor, and practical tips for making your voice heard!

Saturday Sep 28, 2024

Hosts Josie Ann Lee and Pete Martel discuss the Second Look legislation in Michigan, which would allow judges to revisit sentences for long-serving prisoners. Currently, Michigan has a high percentage of people serving sentences of 10+ years and an average sentence length three times the national average. Second Look would give judges the opportunity to reduce sentences, potentially saving the state billions of dollars and alleviating racial disparities in the justice system.
Guest Drummers, Noah Attal a data analyst, shares research showing Michigan's outlier status in sentencing and the potential cost savings and reduced racial disparities that Second Look could bring. Ronald Simpson-Bey, a formerly incarcerated person and advocate, shares his personal experience and the transformative power of Second Look for both incarcerated individuals and victims. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing people impacted by the justice system.
The episode highlights that Second Look is not about releasing all prisoners but providing an opportunity for judges to reconsider sentences based on individual circumstances and rehabilitation. The discussion emphasizes the need to shift the narrative around criminal justice reform, highlighting the potential for cost savings, reduced racial disparities, and positive community impact. It concludes with a call for greater advocacy and collaboration to push the legislation forward, emphasizing the power of hope and the positive changes it can inspire within the prison system.

Saturday Sep 14, 2024

We are excited to launch The Drumbeat with Josie & Pete!
Welcome to Episode One where we start with the question: 
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Josie and Pete's friendship goes all the way back to kindergarten in 1979. But after graduating high school in 1992, their paths diverged dramatically. Pete became involved in crime, while Josie prepared for college. By the summer of '94, a staggering 7% of their classmates were dead or incarcerated, leaving a scar on their entire community.
That June, Pete was arrested after an armed robbery and shootout. He spent years in prison, including a decade in solitary confinement following a failed escape attempt. His journey towards freedom wouldn't be complete until 2008.
During those 14 years, Josie built a life for herself. She graduated from the University of Michigan, pursued comedy in Chicago, and even wrote a sitcom.  After her father's sudden passing, she moved back home to support her mother. Eventually, she returned to Ann Arbor, started a business, and met the love of her life.
Through it all, Josie and Pete stayed connected through letters.  When Pete got out in 2008, they reconnected in person and have experienced the last 16 years together supporting each other, giving each other a lot of shit, and laughing through it all. 
Our first episode answers the questions:  How we got here, where we are going, and how. you can help.
We invite you to join on us this journey.....Let's Get Drumming!
 

Saturday Sep 14, 2024

We are excited to launch The Drumbeat with Josie & Pete!
Welcome to Episode One where we start with the question: 
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
Josie and Pete's friendship goes all the way back to kindergarten in 1979. But after graduating high school in 1992, their paths diverged dramatically. Pete became involved in crime, while Josie prepared for college. By the summer of '94, a staggering 7% of their classmates were dead or incarcerated, leaving a scar on their entire community.
That June, Pete was arrested after an armed robbery and shootout. He spent years in prison, including a decade in solitary confinement following a failed escape attempt. His journey towards freedom wouldn't be complete until 2008.
During those 14 years, Josie built a life for herself. She graduated from the University of Michigan, pursued comedy in Chicago, and even wrote a sitcom.  After her father's sudden passing, she moved back home to support her mother. Eventually, she returned to Ann Arbor, started a business, and met the love of her life.
Through it all, Josie and Pete stayed connected through letters.  When Pete got out in 2008, they reconnected in person and have experienced the last 16 years together supporting each other, giving each other a lot of shit, and laughing through it all. 
Our first episode answers the questions:  How we got here, where we are going, and how. you can help.
We invite you to join on us this journey.....Let's Get Drumming!
 

EPISODE 2 | WHEN IS ENOUGH, ENOUGH? 

Hosts Josie Ann Lee and Pete Martel discuss the Second Look legislation in Michigan, which would allow judges to revisit sentences for long-serving prisoners. Currently, Michigan has a high percentage of people serving sentences of 10+ years and an average sentence length three times the national average. Second Look would give judges the opportunity to reduce sentences, potentially saving the state billions of dollars and alleviating racial disparities in the justice system.

Guest Drummers, Noah Attal a data analyst, shares research showing Michigan's outlier status in sentencing and the potential cost savings and reduced racial disparities that Second Look could bring. Ronald Simpson-Bey, a formerly incarcerated person and advocate, shares his personal experience and the transformative power of Second Look for both incarcerated individuals and victims. He emphasizes the importance of humanizing people impacted by the justice system.

The episode highlights that Second Look is not about releasing all prisoners but providing an opportunity for judges to reconsider sentences based on individual circumstances and rehabilitation. The discussion emphasizes the need to shift the narrative around criminal justice reform, highlighting the potential for cost savings, reduced racial disparities, and positive community impact. It concludes with a call for greater advocacy and collaboration to push the legislation forward, emphasizing the power of hope and the positive changes it can inspire within the prison system.

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