The Playbook Podcast
Episodes
The GOP’s fifth stage of grief
Hosts Sophia Kai and Ali Bianco discuss VP JD Vance’s first press briefing, the Iran conflict’s impact on midterms, and a private Trump-Zuckerberg call regarding AI regulation.
Harris’ red state blues
The hosts discuss Kamala Harris’s campaign strategy and Democratic candidates distancing themselves from her in red states.
Trump’s data center defense
The Playbook Podcast examines President Trump’s push for data centers despite poor polling, driven by economic and national security goals.
Canada trade talks went cold. What happens next?
This episode covers the stalled US-Canada trade negotiations, JD Vance’s defense of controversial data center expansion, and Pentagon staff turnover involving Pete Hegseth.
Bernie Sanders on what's next for Democrats
The Playbook Podcast relaunches with an exclusive interview featuring Senator Bernie Sanders, who discusses progressive midterm wins, the Abdul…
The lesson Democrats could learn from MAGA | The Conversation
Host Dasha Burns welcomes Adam Wren and Will Staken, who are taking over as co-authors of The Playbook, to discuss the upcoming midterm elections.
An outsider Democrat taking on both parties in Iowa | On the Road
Host Jonathan Martin interviews Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair, where Sand campaigns for governor amid a crucial midterm election.
He went after social media. AI is next. (with Jonathan Haidt) | The Conversation
Dasha Burns interviews psychologist Jonathan Haidt about his book *The Anxious Generation* and the global movement to restrict smartphones and social media for children.
Pete Buttigieg has a theory for how Democrats can win | On the Road
Jonathan Martin interviews Pete Buttigieg in Traverse City, Michigan, discussing the Democratic Party’s need to move beyond "return to normal"…
Trump tests endorsement in South Carolina
Hosts Megan Messerle and Adam Ren discuss President Trump campaigning for Darlene Graham and Pete Buttigieg supporting Nancy LaCour in South…
Scott Jennings’ public audition
The episode examines Scott Jennings as a frontrunner for White House Press Secretary, highlighting his aggressive defense of aide Natalie Harp.
Florida’s surprising primary results
Hosts Megan Messerly and Will Stakin discuss Florida’s primary surprises, including Angie Nixon’s upset victory and Jared Moskowitz’s win against a DSA challenger, with guest Kimberly Leonard.
‘Bobby unleashed’ on the campaign trail
The episode examines the White House’s push to mobilize the Make America Healthy Again movement for midterms, featuring an interview with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Zach Lane on pesticide concerns.
Mark Kelly’s next frontier
Hosts Dasha Burns and Adam Wren discuss Senator Mark Kelly’s preparations for a potential 2028 presidential run, highlighting his fundraising success and campaign activities.
How DSA progressives and centrist Dems can both win (with Sen. Adam Schiff) | The Conversation
Dasha Burns interviews Senator Adam Schiff on the Democratic Party’s internal tensions between progressive and establishment wings ahead of the midterms.
Who can replace Karoline Leavitt?
Hosts Megan Messerle and Will Stekin discuss the White House’s lack of urgency in replacing Caroline Levitt, noting Trump’s direct communication style.
Dems’ ‘silent normie majority’
Hosts Dasha Burns and Adam Redden analyze Democratic primary results, highlighting a surge in "normie" voter turnout that challenges progressive factions.
Gavin Newsom’s Michigan fumble
Hosts Dasha Burns and Adam Wren analyze the gap between Governor Gavin Newsom’s polished social media presence and the reported missteps during his Michigan trip.
Francesca Hong’s progressive platform test
Hosts Will Stakin and Adam Wren analyze the Wisconsin primary, noting Francesca Hong’s lead despite lacking endorsements from Bernie Sanders and AOC.
Can Tucker Carlson build a third party?
This episode examines the emerging political movement around Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene, analyzing their donor outreach and potential 2028 ambitions amid White House dismissal.
Can the GOP ‘defy history’ in the midterms? (with Speaker Mike Johnson) | The Conversation
Dasha Burns interviews House Speaker Mike Johnson in Arizona as he campaigns to retain the Republican majority in the 2026 midterms.
Dems descend on Michigan
Michigan dominates the 2028 Democratic primary landscape as Pete Buttigieg, Gavin Newsom, and Andy Beshear test their appeal amid party divisions.
Mike Johnson, the ‘Ambassador of Hope’?
Dasha Burns interviews House Speaker Mike Johnson in Arizona, where he projects optimism for Republicans despite headwinds from the Iran conflict and high gas prices.
Slow burn in the Michigan primary
The episode analyzes Abdul El-Sayed’s narrow Michigan primary win, highlighting its implications for Democratic strategy and Republican opposition.
Who will take Bernie Sanders’ mantle in 2028?
The Playbook Podcast analyzes the Michigan primary’s impact on progressive momentum and identifies potential 2028 Democratic contenders, focusing on…
MAGA puts Mullin on ice
Hosts Dasha Burns and Will Stakin discuss MAGA backlash against DHS Secretary Mark Wayne Mullen, with Steve Bannon pushing Bill Pulte as a replacement.
‘Broadcast licenses aren't sacred cows’ (with FCC Chair Brendan Carr) | The Conversation
Host Dasha Burns interviews FCC Chair Brendan Carr, dubbed Trump’s “media pit bull,” who defends the FCC’s aggressive enforcement of broadcast regulations under the Trump administration.
Rahm Emanuel makes his 2028 pitch over pizza in Chicago | On the Road
Jonathan Martin interviews former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in his old congressional district about his potential 2028 presidential bid.