Everyone’s favorite Senate bromance reunites for this lively episode of Grounded. Despite repeatedly saying he doesn’t like Jon Tester, Sen. Cory Booker joins us to chat about the vibe in the U.S. Senate, the record-breaking filibuster, and what it will take to win as a Democrat in 2026. Booker talks about his efforts to be more creative when it comes to good trouble and what everyone can do to raise awareness. Plus, he tries to convince us to turn Grounded in a lifestyle show.
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Treason...?
Nothing was off limits in this episode with Miles Taylor, who was once a part of the Trump administration and was later exposed as the author of a 2018 NYT op-ed under the pen name, “Anonymous.” We talked about Taylor’s initial concerns working for Trump 1.0, what’s different in Trump 2.0, retribution for even associating with dissenters and more. Taylor gives us an in-depth view of life in Trump’s crosshairs, his fears about the potential use of sophisticated counterterrorism technology against political foes, and why he thinks Elon Musk has the power to stop political retaliation.
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Pistol Pete
As the Senate participates in a “vote-a-rama,” we unpack what’s happening with former Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, including his top three issues with the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” How does Mayor Pete stay engaged AND grounded? Plus, the announcement from Sen. Thom Tillis that he’s not running for reelection, air travel concerns and the 2028 race for the White House. PB & J(T) weigh in!
We recorded this episode live on our Substack channel, so please excuse some of the glitches!
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Citizens Divided
An episode dedicated to the Citizens United decision of 2010 and its impacts on the way our political system works today. It’s estimated the campaign spending in former Sen. Tester’s most recent 2024 race neared $300 million, a huge departure from the $27.5 million spent during his first Senate race in 2006. We talk with the president of End Citizens United, an organization founded in 2015 that aims to reform campaign finance in the United States. We dig into the decision itself, the effects on today's campaigns and what people can do to demand more transparency in political spending.
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I Said What I Said
Veteran journalist Terry Moran joins Grounded to talk about life after his departure from ABC News. We chat about what he’s seeing on the ground in Springfield, Ohio— home to a large population of Haitian immigrants trying to figure out what’s next since the Trump administration revoked their temporary protected status. Where do they go from here? How can the rest of us help? Plus, Moran takes us inside his notable (and at times combative) interview with President Trump and the massive pivot his life took after a late night post on social media.
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
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