On this special “At the Kids’ Table” episode, we flip the script and hand the mic to teen host Margo, and answer questions about the government shutdown and how it hurts families who rely on health care and SNAP. Together we dig into what leaders owe the people they serve and what makes a good president—all through the honest, unfiltered lens of a young voter in the making. Margo has no trouble reminding us that kids are paying attention and deserve real answers from grown-ups, not spin. Also, we give out the inaugural the “Sit Your Butt Down” Award. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with three of the hardest-working people in politics: party chairs of the early primary states. Ray Buckley of New Hampshire, Daniele Monroe-Moreno of Nevada, and Christale Spain of South Carolina talk about what it really means to run a state party. We dig into how under-resourced these operations are, why state parties are the backbone of democracy, and how early states shape the national conversation long before Election Day. It’s a reminder that real power starts close to home, and it starts with us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

In this powerful roundtable, we sit down with Yolanda Caraway, Minyon Moore, Leah Daughtry, and Tina Flournoy—four trailblazing women known as “The Colored Girls.” Together, they trace their political lineage from Jesse Jackson’s historic campaigns to modern party leadership, unpacking lessons on power, representation, and resilience. They pull no punches, and they have all the receipts as they reflect on the 2024 election, the role of Black women in our democracy, and what it truly means to build—and protect—the Democratic Party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

Senator Ruben Gallego of Arizona joins us for a candid conversation about the Democratic Party’s blind spots with men and communities of color and why campaigns need to break out of cookie-cutter approaches. A Marine combat veteran, Sen. Gallego has strong feelings on Gaza and the future of U.S.–Israel relations. He also lays out what Democrats must do to connect authentically, claim credit for their wins, and fight for voters who feel overlooked. And we couldn’t let him go without asking the burning question on many minds: “What was he doing in Iowa?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Representative Lauren Underwood of Illinois joins us to talk about the moment she left a career in health care to run for office—and the fight that’s kept her going. From defending the ACA to confronting America’s maternal health crisis, she brings both policy chops and personal stakes to her work as one of the most effective members of Congress. She breaks down what power really looks like in Washington, how the Congressional Black Caucus uses it, and why the difference between life and death for millions too often comes down to politics. Also: Congress is just like middle school. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freshman U.S. Representative Sarah McBride of Delaware joins us at the table for a candid conversation on leadership, identity, and the stakes of today’s politics. She reflects on how personal loss and advocacy led her to public service and why healthcare is central to her fight. Rep. McBride calls out “Trumpcare” for gutting Medicaid and shares her mission to expand childcare and paid family leave for every American. We also talk about the strength it takes to navigate cruelty and bullying in Congress with dignity as well as the GOP’s obsession with culture wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this bonus episode, we speak with four members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus—Venton Jones, Christian Manuel, Lauren Ashley Simmons, and Charlene Ward Johnson—who fled the state to block a racially driven gerrymander designed to give Republicans five more U.S. House seats at the expense of Black and Latino representation. They describe the personal and safety sacrifices of leaving home as well as the national stakes for democracy. They also call for resources and sustained investment in Texas Democrats, warning that what happens in Texas could shape the entire country’s political future. (00:00) Unpacking the Texas Quorum Break and Racial Gerrymandering (08:09) How Texas Gerrymandering Threatens American Democracy Nationally (15:00) The Personal Sacrifices and Threats Faced by Texas Legislators (30:13) Texas Democrats' Strategy and Urgent Call for National Support (45:28) SYAD and Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

South Carolina pediatrician and mom Dr. Annie Andrews sits at the table to talk about her 2026 Senate race against Lindsey Graham. From kids’ health care and vaccine misinformation to political courage and campaign lessons, Dr. Andrews brings passion and heart. We reflect on running tough races in red states and why authenticity matters now more than ever. Plus: a sharp “Sit Your Ass Down” award and behind-the-scenes stories from the trail. This is a conversation about hope, grit, and fighting like hell for the next generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear joins us for a conversation about what real leadership looks like in times of crisis. From devastating tornadoes to historic floods, Beshear has led his state through moments when politics fades and community takes center stage. In this episode, he shares what it means to show up for people every day, how faith and public service connect, and why helping your neighbors is the real work of government. This is a candid look at the challenges and values that shape his approach to serving Kentuckians and an honest talk about what it takes to lead when it matters most. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Maryland Governor Wes Moore to talk about what it means to lead with urgency and heart. He shares the moment he decided to run for office, why tackling child poverty became his calling, and how his philosophy of “leave no one behind” is shaping Maryland’s future. We dig into his biggest accomplishments so far and why he believes results matter more than rhetoric. Governor Moore also reflects on the need for action over performative politics and what it will take to rebuild trust with voters—especially Black men who feel overlooked and unheard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we sit down with Hunter Biden for his first long-form interview since the 2024 election. We move past the headlines and caricatures to talk openly about addiction and recovery, the weight of public life, and the power of family. Hunter shares how his father’s love and loyalty kept him steady, and why the Biden family’s strength has been his foundation. We also dig into the 2024 campaign and the future of the Democratic Party. Beyond politics, Hunter talks about finding purpose again, his work on global health and homelessness, and what it really means to keep showing up after scandal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our opening episode, we sit down with Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to talk about leading with empathy and accountability during moments of crisis, including the early days of the pandemic and the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder. Governor Walz shares what he’s learned from his time as a teacher, a veteran, and a governor, and why authenticity and human connection are critical when the stakes are high. We also talk about where the Democratic Party goes from here, exploring the hard lessons from 2024 and what it will take to reconnect with voters across the country—especially in unexpected places. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices