In this episode of 'Between Two Ellens,' Marilyn Luper Hildreth shares anecdotes about her mother, Clara Luper, a dedicated educator and civil rights activist. Marilyn recounts the transformative sit-ins led by young students in Oklahoma City, their impact on desegregation efforts, and her mother's enduring influence on education and civil rights. The discussion also touches on the current state of democracy and the importance of voting and civic engagement.

Representative Melissa Provenzano shares her journey from teaching biology in Tulsa to tackling education issues in the Oklahoma State Legislature, discussing the ongoing challenges in education funding, teacher support, and the implementation of literacy programs. A deep dive into school financing, legislative hurdles, and the importance of long-term commitment in public education.

Join the Ellens as they sit down with Rep. Ron Stewart of House District 73 to discuss the historic influence of AC Hamlin, the role of the Black Caucus in Oklahoma, and the importance of community involvement in legislation.

The Ellens* delve into the world of energy with former Oklahoma Corporation Commissioner Jim Roth. Explore the fascinating dynamics of wind energy regulation, power struggles, and the future landscape of energy in Oklahoma.

The Ellens* sit down with Rachel Holt, President and CEO of United Way of Central Oklahoma. Rachel discusses the critical support United Way provides to various partner agencies addressing key community challenges like homelessness, childcare, and health services. The discussion highlights United Way's ALICE initiative, the importance of the 2-1-1 helpline, and innovative partnerships like the Key to Home initiative for homelessness. Personal stories of resilience and community collaboration bring a heartfelt perspective to United Way’s ongoing efforts. Enjoy this insightful exploration of nonprofit impact and community support.

Hosts Ellen Pogemiller and Ellyn Hefner discuss the complexities of HR1 and its profound impact on Oklahoma’s hospitals with Scott Tohlen, Vice President of Advocacy at the Oklahoma Hospital Association. The conversation delves into the less understood aspects of provider taxes, the Supplemental Hospital Offset Payment Program (SHOP), the shift to Medicaid managed care, and the challenges facing rural hospitals. Scott also shares insights on the state's unique relationship with nonprofit hospitals and the potential long-term effects of HR One, including potential service cuts and economic ramifications. Don't miss this in-depth discussion on healthcare policy, hospital funding, and the future of medical services in Oklahoma.

The Ellens* visit with Dr. Crystal Hernandez, a seasoned forensic psychologist and mental health administrator. They tackle the sensitive topic of suicide, exploring hope, policy changes, and actionable solutions to improve mental health services in Oklahoma and beyond. Dr. Hernandez shares her expertise on access to mental health care, early intervention, the importance of community support, and innovative policy proposals like psychological autopsies and comprehensive youth care evaluations. Tune in for a candid and hopeful conversation aimed at making meaningful changes in mental health systems.

In this episode, we discuss Senate Bill 1027 with subject matter expert Amber England. Amber outlines the myths surrounding the bill and its potential consequences on Oklahoma's ballot initiative process. We delve into the historical context of ballot initiatives, the significant changes proposed by SB 1027, and the upcoming Supreme Court case. Amber highlights key dangers of the bill including the cap on signatures, involvement of the Secretary of State, and the overall threat to Oklahoma's democratic processes. Join us to understand why this issue is crucial and what it means for the future of state questions in Oklahoma.