Former DOJ pardon attorney Liz Oyer joins Grounded to discuss a whole lot of chaos happening inside her former office. Hours before our interview, Congress moved to force the DOJ to release its Epstein files, raising major questions about what comes next. Oyer breaks down the complications ahead. With nearly 2,000 pardons already granted in Trump’s second term, Oyer talks to us about why the pardon process looks wholly different in a Trump 2.0 term and the negative impacts on the American people. Plus, a chat with American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten about the latest moves to dismantle the Dept. of Education.
--------
59:39
--------
59:39
As the Crow Flies
The last time Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) appeared on Grounded was Oct. 1, 2025—the very first day of what became the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. When an event with Crow and JT lined up in Arizona, we decided it was a good chance to check in on what was accomplished during the shutdown, the renewed focus on the Epstein files and his efforts to recruit Democratic candidates in flippable House districts. Plus, we bring Tiffany Muller of End Citizens United back into the fold to again discuss money in politics.
--------
28:37
--------
28:37
Every Day is Veterans Day
It’s not every day we’re live on Substack when a U.S. senator calls Jon Tester’s landline and agrees to be put on speaker phone. But that’s exactly what happened today when Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) called the farm.
On this Veterans Day, we also welcome Paul Rieckhoff, a veteran himself in addition to being the president of Righteous Media and founder of a group called Independent Veterans of America. He discusses what he calls a cultural war the Trump administration is waging on our government institutions, low morale at the VA and his frustration with both the Republican and Democratic parties. Plus, learn more about what he describes as the “patriotic purge,” and what Rieckhoff thinks is the most important group of people to push back on the president.
--------
1:18:18
--------
1:18:18
In the Room
Author and journalist Michael Wolff joins Grounded to discuss the new lawsuit he filed in response to First Lady Melania Trump’s lawyers threatening him with a $1 billion defamation suit. Wolff brings a unique perspective, as he’s not only spent time with President Donald Trump, but also Jeffrey Epstein. He’s written four books about Trump and has more than 100 hours of interviews with Epstein. What does he hope will come out of the lawsuit? What does it even mean when we talk about the Epstein files? Plus, a long discussion about the Democratic senators who voted to end the government shutdown.
--------
1:04:19
--------
1:04:19
Governerds Unite
Sharon McMahon, America’s Government Teacher, joins Grounded to discuss the government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history. We talk about the new legal battle over sending out SNAP payments and the cancellation of hundreds of flights across the country. Sharon’s energetic and enthusiastic approach to teaching makes it easy to see why she’s so effective and popular. The former government teacher now uses her online platform to teach the rest of us the basics of civics. Her “Governerd” community not only gets a history lesson—it’s raised more than $13 million to help pay off medical debts, donate to food banks, fill teacher wishlists and more. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did.
If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed by the news coming out of Washington, D.C. right now, know this: you are not alone.
Each week, former U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana and veteran journalist Maritsa Georgiou are here to talk you through it.
Grounded is about more than just deciphering the headlines; It’s about hearing from changemakers, sharing insider insight, and leaving each episode with a roadmap forward.
Let’s stay grounded: In facts, in reason, and in community.
You can also find us on YouTube and Substack!
https://groundedpodcast.substack.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@GroundedPcast
USA