Start Making Sense

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Start Making Sense is The Nation’s flagship weekly podcast, hosted by contributing editor Jon Wiener, featuring the magazine’s writers and editors as well as activists who shape the week in news. Subscribe at Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts, for new episodes each Wednesday.

Joe Biden at podium

What the Polls Get Wrong About Biden—Plus, Turmoil in Haiti What the Polls Get Wrong About Biden—Plus, Turmoil in Haiti

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Steve Phillips argues for expanding the electorate, and Amy Wilentz reports on Port-au-Prince.

Mar 13, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

Biden After Super Tuesday—and the Case for a Voting Rights Amendment

Biden After Super Tuesday—and the Case for a Voting Rights Amendment Biden After Super Tuesday—and the Case for a Voting Rights Amendment

On this episode of Start Making Sense, John Nichols has our analysis of the Super Tuesday primary elections, and Richard Hasen proposes a voting rights amendment to the constituti...

Mar 6, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

Abortion Could Make Florida a Swing State; Plus “Ukrainians in Exile”

Abortion Could Make Florida a Swing State; Plus “Ukrainians in Exile” Abortion Could Make Florida a Swing State; Plus “Ukrainians in Exile”

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Amy Littlefield on reproductive rights in Florida, and Janek Ambros talks about his documentary short film.

Feb 28, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

Nithya Raman won a Los Angeles City Council seat as a progressive political newcomer.

“Renters Are the Sleeping Giants of LA Politics”—Plus the Hidden History of AIDS “Renters Are the Sleeping Giants of LA Politics”—Plus the Hidden History of AIDS

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Peter Dreier reports on the fight for control of LA, and Kai Wright and Lizzy Ratner talk about “the plague in the shadows.”

Feb 21, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

A messy empty hospital dormitory room after an armed attack forced the closure of Fontaine Hospital in Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The Families That Made Fortunes Selling Opium, Plus the News from Haiti The Families That Made Fortunes Selling Opium, Plus the News from Haiti

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Amitav Ghosh explains what the “China trade” was actually doing, and Amy Wilentz reports on the continuing American disaster in the Caribbea...

Feb 14, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

Donald Trump, on stage, points in front of a large sign reading

Jeff Merkley on a Cease-Fire In Gaza, and Sean Wilentz on Disqualifying Trump Jeff Merkley on a Cease-Fire In Gaza, and Sean Wilentz on Disqualifying Trump

On this episode of Start Making Sense, the progressive senator from Oregon talks politics, and the Princeton historian explains the 14th Amendment.

Feb 7, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

Heroes of the Left, Plus Healthcare for the Undocumented

Heroes of the Left, Plus Healthcare for the Undocumented Heroes of the Left, Plus Healthcare for the Undocumented

On this episode of Start Making Sense, John Nichols presents The Nation’s Progressive Honor Roll and Sasha Abramsky reports on California’s big step toward healthcare for all.

Jan 31, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

Jonathan Kipp prepares to cast his ballot in the New Hampshire Primary at Londonderry High School on January 23, 2024, in Londonderry

New Hampshire Left And Right, Plus Frantz Fanon Today New Hampshire Left And Right, Plus Frantz Fanon Today

On this episode of Start Making Sense, John Nichols analyzes the first primary of 2024, and Adam Shatz talks about his new book, The Rebel's Clinic: The Revolutionary Lives of Fra...

Jan 24, 2024 / Audio

Jeffrey Wright in “American Fiction.”

Reasons for Hope From Iowa Republicans, Plus “American Fiction” Reasons for Hope From Iowa Republicans, Plus “American Fiction”

On this episode of Start Making Sense, John Nichols analyzes Monday’s GOP caucus results, and John Powers reviews the new film starring Jeffrey Wright.

Jan 17, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

Biden with Israeli, US flags

Only Joe Biden Can Stop The War in Gaza—Plus “Corporate Bullsh*t” Only Joe Biden Can Stop The War in Gaza—Plus “Corporate Bullsh*t”

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Amy Wilentz analyzes Israeli politics, left, right, and center; and Joan Walsh talks about the lies that defend profits.

Jan 10, 2024 / Audio / Jon Wiener

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