Remembering David | Congratulating Christine | Sneve's correction | Trolling with public info | Running proud | That other runoff | Constitutional communism?

Remembering David | Congratulating Christine | Sneve's correction | Trolling with public info | Running proud | That other runoff | Constitutional communism?

Author: The Dakota Scout July 12, 2026 Duration: 1:18:18

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REMEMBERING DAVID BARRANCO

While recording this episode of the Scouting Lounge podcast, we couldn’t help but think about our most frequent guest.

David Barranco was such a friend to The Dakota Scout that it wasn’t uncommon for him to just wander into our office on a Thursday or Friday afternoon. He liked the free beer and the political conversation that came with appearing as a guest on the podcast - or anytime the lights are on in the newsroom. Plus, he had journalism in his background and he enjoyed the energy of “the bunker.”

For a time — before he got sick — we gave him a hard time about being our Ed McMahon or Andy Richter, infamous sidekicks on the programs of Johnny Carson and Conan O’Brian.

So frequent were his visits that David kept a jar of olives in our fridge so he could have olive beers when he was here. It’ll be in our fridge for a long, long time.

We already miss you, buddy.

Jon & Joe



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Every week in The Scouting Lounge, the newsroom doors are propped open. Hosts Joe Sneve and Jonathan Ellis, award-winning reporters from The Dakota Scout, move past the soundbites and press releases to sit down with the people shaping South Dakota. This isn't a scripted interrogation; it's the candid, behind-the-scenes conversation that happens after the microphones are supposedly off, featuring political leaders, local celebrities, and genuine newsmakers. The tone here is a unique blend of sharp insight and dry humor, offering a refreshingly human perspective on the week's headlines. You'll also get an unfiltered peek into the editorial process as Sneve and Ellis grapple with the daily challenges of reporting-the tough calls, the evolving stories, and the context that never makes the final print. This podcast strips away the performative nature of modern media, delivering substantive talk that informs and engages. For anyone curious about the forces and personalities driving one of the country's most interesting states, The Scouting Lounge provides essential listening that goes deeper than the daily clip.
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