Not Quite Quorum - Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein

Latest Episodes:

We Didn't Hail the Dark Lord Oct 13, 2026

Show notes

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein reflect on a recent press conference against the proposed jail, and discuss their futile efforts to save a homeless dog.

It's Gonna Be Messy Oct 12, 2026

Show notes

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss the challenges of building or having trust in and between leaders, constituents, and local governments.

Transparency on Process is Better Than Nothing? Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss the process of determining whether/when/how to release body camera footage of a police shooting, and Oliver is reading a new book on municipal socialism.

Human Rights, A Biased Forum, and Listening to Each Other Sep 26, 2026

Show notes

Nick Bergus and Laura Bergus discuss jail bond events the week of September 21, 2026: Iowa City Human Rights Commission, League of Women Voters Pro-Jail Forum, and Dream City's ongoing Community Conversations.

Why You Haven't Seen the Footage Yet Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

We break down the bureaucracy of moving towards release of video footage of Iowa City's first police killing in 30 years, reflect on several other recent tragedies, and talk about the horror of the Johnson County Sheriff's error(s) that enable ICE's unconstitutional work in our community.

It Feels Like Too Much Sep 25, 2026

Show notes

I recorded this short late-night voice memo after a week of tragedies in our community. I took this picture while I was trying to take in some nature, immediately after watching all of the footage of the man killed by Iowa City Police. These times call for digging into the work to make transformative change, together. It is messy and scary and hard and noisy. But we cannot sit back or stay silent when we have the power to make the change we deserve. Stay uncomfortable. I’m right here with you.

How Does ICE Use Our Jail? Sep 12, 2026

Show notes

Laura and Nick Bergus discuss how federal immigration enforcement already happens at the Johnson County Jail, and how ICE can expand its reach if we build a bigger jail.

Why's That Back on the Agenda? Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein discuss the procedure of a recently deferred vote coming back on the Iowa City city council agenda, and what happens next.

Why Did We Delay the Vote to Add Police? Sep 04, 2026

Show notes

Oliver Weilein and Laura Bergus discuss the Iowa City city council meeting discussion and vote to defer the decision to add three full-time police officers, and recount the community conversation at Dream Fest about the proposed Johnson County jail.

Why Isn't It Just a Building? Aug 31, 2026

Show notes

Laura Bergus and Nick Bergus discuss how we can do hard things if we think just a little bit creatively and avoid falling into the trap of shortsightedness.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Not Quite Quorum – Laura Bergus and Oliver Weilein

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected