NewsPoliticsGovernment

The Conversation with Dasha Burns

POLITICO

The Conversation with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns is a fresh take on the traditional Sunday show format, going beyond conventional wisdom and short sound bites to broaden the political conversation. Each week, Dasha will sit down with one of the most compelling – and sometimes unexpected – power players in Washington and beyond for a real discussion about how they are shaping the current moment.

Play

Open in

26 episodes
Avg 44 min
English

Episodes 26

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

Thursday · 47 min
‘What the hell is going on with the Democratic Party?’ (with Stephen A. Smith)
Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 presidential run. In a wide-ranging conversation with Dasha, the outspoken analyst explains why he believes he could win the presidency but won’t give up his career to campaign. He also discusses what he thinks is wrong with today’s political class, his criticism of the direction of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump’s appeal to voters, his interviews with controversial figures and the 2028 contenders he’s watching — including a MAGA Republican he could consider voting for. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
Wednesday · 49 min
Susan Collins on her high-wire act in Trump’s GOP | On the Road
Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President Trump’s second administration and the future of the Republican Party. The Maine Republican also discusses Canadian tariffs, immigration enforcement, her independent record and the challenge of appealing to voters in an increasingly nationalized political environment. Collins makes the case for bipartisan governing — and argues that there is still room for a political middle. Plus, Jonathan and Collins dig into a classic Maine meal of lobster, steamers and clam chowder.
August 28 · 33 min
The lesson Democrats could learn from MAGA
The 2026 midterms are taking shape, and the results could determine the future of both parties. Dasha sits down with her fellow Playbook co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to examine what the primaries have revealed about Trump’s influence, the Republican coalition and the Democratic Party’s identity crisis. They discuss Trump’s $400 million MAGA Inc. war chest, the power of online politics, progressive upsets and moderate wins, and the three key states they think will be the best test of the national political environment in November. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
August 26 · 34 min
An outsider Democrat taking on both parties in Iowa | On the Road
In a new episode of the On the Road, Jonathan Martin sits down with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand at the Iowa State Fair to talk politics over a pork tenderloin and a deep-fried Twinkie. Sand, a Democrat running in a state that has shifted sharply to the right, makes the case that Iowa voters are fed up with one-party control, corruption and politics as usual. He discusses why Democrats have lost ground in rural America, whether the party has become too focused on insiders and national politics, and how he would govern with a Republican legislature. Sand also weighs in on the future of the Democratic Party, his unlikely friendships with Republican governors — and his brief career as a model.
August 21 · 45 min
He went after social media. AI is next. (with Jonathan Haidt)
Social psychologist and “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt helped turn concerns about kids and social media into a global political movement. Now, as Meta faces a consequential trial over youth safety and addiction, Haidt tells Dasha why he believes the courts may succeed where Congress has failed — and why the fight is only getting bigger. Haidt also sounds the alarm on AI, warning that the threats to children could go “far beyond” social media and arguing that policymakers can’t afford to give AI companies the same free pass. And with restrictions on social media gaining bipartisan support, he weighs whether protecting kids from Big Tech could become a winning issue at the ballot box. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
August 14 · 31 min
How DSA progressives and centrist Dems can both win (with Sen. Adam Schiff)
In a live taping of the show in Sacramento, Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) weighs in on whether insurgent candidates on the left could become a liability for Democrats — and on how the party should reckon with its past embrace of “woke” politics. Dasha also presses Schiff on where he stands on California’s proposed billionaire tax, his opposition to recent arms sales to Israel, and whether he’ll continue accepting support from AIPAC. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
August 6 · 38 min
Can the GOP ‘defy history’ in the midterms? (with Speaker Mike Johnson)
Speaker Mike Johnson sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging interview as Republicans fight to hold onto the House majority. Dasha presses Johnson on why voters remain unhappy with the economy despite Republican promises, whether rising gas prices and the conflict with Iran could derail the GOP's midterm hopes, and why he believes Republicans can overcome decades of history working against the president's party. Dasha asks Johnson about his relationship with President Trump – questioning whether he ever tells the president "no" and why Senate Majority Leader John Thune appears more willing to publicly push back. Johnson also addresses the mounting allegations against Rep. Max Miller and weighs in on what Abdul El-Sayed's victory says about the direction of the Democratic Party. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536
August 4 · 1 hr
Pete Buttigieg has a theory for how Democrats can win | On the Road
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and why he believes Democrats can't simply campaign on a return to the pre-Trump status quo. Buttigieg argues the party needs to "build what's next," weighs in on the Michigan Senate race, reflects on his time in the Biden administration, and shares his vision for institutional reform, AI, economic inequality and the road to 2028. Plus, he gives Jonathan a tour of his adopted hometown—including a stop for Traverse City's famous cherry ice cream.
July 31 · 50 min
‘Broadcast licenses aren't sacred cows’ (with FCC Chair Brendan Carr)
FCC chairman Brendan Carr sits down with POLITICO's Dasha Burns for a wide-ranging interview on the growing power of the FCC under President Trump. Dasha presses Carr on his warnings that broadcasters could lose their licenses, accusations that the agency is being used to target the president's critics and concerns that the FCC has become increasingly politicized. Carr also weighs in on what he believes the FCC's role should be in a media landscape increasingly dominated by social media and streaming. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
July 29 · 57 min
Rahm Emanuel makes his 2028 pitch over pizza in Chicago | On The Road
Rahm Emanuel joins POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at Michael's Original Pizzeria on Chicago's North Side for a wide-ranging conversation about his political future, the Democratic Party's identity crisis and why he's seriously considering a run for president in 2028. The former Chicago mayor, Obama chief of staff and U.S. ambassador to Japan reflects on the biggest mistakes of both parties, argues Democrats need to win back the political center, weighs in on Israel, China and Donald Trump, and explains why he believes America is at a political turning point. Plus: Chicago tavern-style pizza, growing up on the North Side and the childhood experience that still drives Emanuel today.
July 24 · 42 min
The California AG trying to stop Hollywood’s biggest merger (with Rob Bonta)
California Attorney General Rob Bonta joins Dasha to explain why he’s trying to block Paramount’s proposed merger with Warner Bros. Discovery, and defends California’s antitrust agenda. He also weighs in on AI regulation, election security and why says his office will keep suing President Trump whenever it believes the law has been broken. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
July 17 · 44 min
The populist Democrat taking on his own party (with Abdul El-Sayed)
Abdul El-Sayed – the progressive former public health official running for the Democratic nomination in Michigan's open Senate seat – joins Dasha to explain why he believes "both parties are lying" to working Americans, unleashes on the ‘hypocrisy’ of the Democratic establishment, and defends his record on “Defund the Police,” ICE, socialism and more. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
July 10 · 43 min
Why NATO’s chief thinks Trump was right (with Mark Rutte)
At the 2026 NATO Summit in Ankara, Secretary General Mark Rutte joins Dasha to discuss NATO's historic defense spending overhaul, Russia's war in Ukraine, Greenland, President Trump's demands of the alliance, and whether NATO can withstand growing questions about America's future role in European security. Plus, POLITICO’s diplomatic correspondent Felicia Schwartz and defense reporter Jack Detsch give their takeaways from the summit. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
July 8 · 54 min
A GOP power trio look to Teddy Roosevelt for America's next 250 years | On The Road
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Gov. Kelly Armstrong (R-N.D.) and Sen. Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.) join POLITICO's Jonathan Martin at the Little Missouri Saloon in Medora for a conversation about the newly opened Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, why the Badlands helped shape one of America's most consequential presidents and how they're betting the landmark will transform North Dakota. They also discuss President Donald Trump's agenda, the future of the GOP, the politics of conservation and why they believe Theodore Roosevelt's legacy still offers lessons for America as the nation celebrates its 250th birthday.
July 2 · 46 min
Can the American experiment survive? (with Ken Burns)
As America marks 250 years since its founding, award-winning documentarian Ken Burns joins Dasha to reflect on what history can teach us about this political moment. In this wide-ranging interview, Burns discusses what lawmakers misunderstand about the founding of our nation, what George Washington would think of Donald Trump, and whether the American experiment can survive the next chapter. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
June 26 · 34 min
Finland’s president: Europe needs to calm down about Trump (with Alexander Stubb)
Dasha sits down with Finnish President Alexander Stubb in Helsinki for a wide-ranging conversation on NATO, Russia's war in Ukraine, Iran and the future of America's relationships with allies around the world. Stubb, who has developed an unusually close personal relationship with Donald Trump, discusses how he approaches the president behind closed doors, why he believes Ukraine has the upper hand in the war against Russia and how he remains confident in NATO's future. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
June 19 · 39 min
Democrats need to stop being ‘boring’ (with Jack Schlossberg)
Jack Schlossberg joins Dasha to talk about his campaign for New York’s 12th congressional district, his viral online persona and why he thinks Democrats need to be more “controversial” in the Trump era. Schlossberg discusses what he says Democrats got wrong in 2024, why he believes attention is political power, how the party can reach young male voters, and why he sees himself as part of a new generation trying to change Democratic politics. He also weighs in on his Kennedy family legacy, RFK Jr., Israel and Gaza, impeachment, super PAC spending, and why he says he has “no regrets” about anything he’s posted online. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
June 12 · 43 min
The EPA isn’t here to fight climate change (with Lee Zeldin)
At POLITICO’s Energy Summit, Dasha presses EPA administrator Lee Zeldin on rising gas prices, the war in Iran, Trump’s energy dominance agenda, coal, AI data centers, and whether the EPA has a responsibility to address climate change. Zeldin defends his approach, arguing that the EPA can protect the environment while growing the economy and rejects the idea that his agency should lead the fight against climate change – unless Congress tells him to. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
June 5 · 33 min
The crypto clash that could reshape finance (with Brian Armstrong)
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of crypto, the growing political influence of the industry, and his vision for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Plus, he responds to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s recent attack, after Dimon called him “full of s--t,” and explains why he’s still “a little perplexed” by the personal animosity. Have feedback for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.
May 29 · 28 min
Q&A: Dasha Burns pulls back the curtain on covering politics
Every week on this show, Dasha Burns talks to the most compelling and sometimes unexpected power players in Washington and beyond. But for this special first anniversary episode, she turned the microphone over to you … our listeners. “How do you prepare for high-stakes interviews?” “Why has Washington left Gen Z behind?” “How has covering politics changed you?” Dasha answers your burning questions, weighing in on everything from the most interesting under-the-radar character at the White House to why her news diet is a “hot mess.” Have feedback for “The Conversation?” Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Showing 1–20 of 26 episodes