Episodes

  • Black and Latino Men on the Democratic Party

    Black and Latino Men on the Democratic Party
    Nov 4 2025
    In this episode we bring together three of Washington’s top political minds — Chuck Rocha, Albert Morales, and Khalil Thompson — for a candid conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing men of color in Democratic politics. From the lack of Black- and Latino-owned consulting firms to the need for culturally competent messaging and leadership, the panel unpacks how power, access, and authenticity shape campaigns — and what it’ll take to truly diversify the party’s future. Plus: concrete fixes that turn rhetoric into results. Glossary: Coordinated Campaign A joint effort between the political party and candidates to share resources, data, and messaging during elections. DCCC (Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee) The national organization that recruits, funds, and supports Democrats running for the U.S. House of Representatives. DGA (Democratic Governors Association) The committee that helps elect and support Democratic governors across the country. DNC (Democratic National Committee) The governing body of the Democratic Party that manages national strategy, sets party rules, and organizes the Democratic National Convention. DSCC (Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee) The party organization focused on electing and reelecting Democrats to the U.S. Senate. IE (Independent Expenditure) Money spent by outside groups to support or oppose candidates without coordinating directly with campaigns. NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement) A 1994 trade deal that eliminated tariffs between the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, reshaping manufacturing and labor politics. Rooney Rule A policy requiring at least one candidate from an underrepresented background be interviewed for leadership or coaching positions, adopted from the NFL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 37 mins
  • “It’s Not What You’re Called, It’s What You Answer To.” - Jim Clyburn on Staying Grounded in Divisive Times

    “It’s Not What You’re Called, It’s What You Answer To.” - Jim Clyburn on Staying Grounded in Divisive Times
    Oct 28 2025
    Representative Jim Clyburn of South Carolina sits down at the table to revisit his journey from a young boy in Sumter inspired by Harry Truman to one of the most influential voices in American politics. Together, we reflect on the lessons that shaped his leadership and the mentors and moments that defined his path. Through stories of faith, family, and history—and his new book The First Eight—we explore how America has always measured its greatness by repairing its faults, and how we can do it again by choosing unity, humility, and purpose over division. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Rep. Eric Swalwell on Courage, Strategy, and What’s Next for the Democratic Party

    Rep. Eric Swalwell on Courage, Strategy, and What’s Next for the Democratic Party
    Oct 14 2025
    Rep. Eric Swalwell joins us at the table to talk about fighting for democracy, standing up to MAGA extremism, and what it means to lead with courage in a divided Congress. From his unconventional path to public service to balancing fatherhood with being a top target of the right, Rep. Swalwell shares why the stakes have never been higher—and why Democrats must stop negotiating with themselves and start flexing their values. He leaves us with a reminder that leadership isn’t about comfort. It’s about courage, conviction, and showing up when it counts most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Expand the Supreme Court, Redraw the Maps, Save Democracy: Eric Holder on Throwing Out the Rules

    Expand the Supreme Court, Redraw the Maps, Save Democracy: Eric Holder on Throwing Out the Rules
    Oct 7 2025
    Former Attorney General Eric Holder joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of American democracy. We discuss how his storied career led to his current role fighting against gerrymandering, which we agree is one of the greatest threats to representative government. And we address the painful moments when Democrats could have prevented some of the failures of our current administration. We also look ahead: how to restore the Voting Rights Act, why diversity strengthens our institutions, and why planning for 2029 and beyond must start now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • DNC Chair Ken Martin on Expanding the Map and Saving Democracy

    DNC Chair Ken Martin on Expanding the Map and Saving Democracy
    Sep 30 2025
    DNC Chair Ken Martin joins us for a candid look at his first seven months leading the party. We talk about the personal experiences that shaped his leadership, the loneliness of being party chair, and the urgent need to rebuild Democratic infrastructure. From year-round organizing to partisan voter registration, Chair Martin lays out how we stop relying on quick fixes and start building durable power in every state. It’s about more than elections. It’s about restoring trust and waking the giant. Companion Substack: Why Partisan Voter Registration Matters https://jaimeharrison.substack.com/p/lets-wake-the-sleeping-giant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Rep. Ro Khanna (CA) on Epstein, Gaza, and the Cult of the Modern GOP

    Rep. Ro Khanna (CA) on Epstein, Gaza, and the Cult of the Modern GOP
    Sep 23 2025
    U.S. Representative Ro Khanna of California joins us to talk about why Democrats must reject Trump-style politics and lead with moral clarity. We discuss his push to release the Epstein files, his refusal to be part of policies that harm everyday Americans, and his belief that economic justice is key to rebuilding trust. He shares how his identity as an Indian American, shaped by Gandhi’s legacy, fuels his public service and how his long history with HBCUs sparked a broader commitment to equity, education, and opportunity for all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • NEA President Becky Pringle on Power, Politics, and Public Schools

    NEA President Becky Pringle on Power, Politics, and Public Schools
    Sep 16 2025
    Becky Pringle, president of the National Education Association, sits at the table for a wide-ranging conversation about the urgent challenges facing public education. President Pringle reflects on her journey from the classroom to union leadership and shares how educators are standing up against book bans, funding cuts, and other political attacks on schools. We also dig into the fight for equity, the lasting impact of COVID, teacher shortages, and why protecting public education is inseparable from protecting democracy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • MSNBC Host Michael Steele on Being A Republican in the MAGA Era

    MSNBC Host Michael Steele on Being A Republican in the MAGA Era
    Sep 12 2025
    MSNBC host and Former RNC Chair Michael Steele comes to the table with a candid, funny, and deeply personal conversation about his accidental rise through the Republican Party and the moral compass that guided his leadership. We reflect on the loneliness of party chairmanship, Chair Steele’s resistance to Trumpism, and the broken culture of politics today. With stories from the farm to the convention floor, this episode is part family reunion, part political therapy. And ends with one of our best-ever Sit Your Ass Down Awards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 17 mins