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.

John Nichols on Politics in 2024 and Amy Wilentz on Reparations for Haiti

John Nichols on Politics in 2024 and Amy Wilentz on Reparations for Haiti John Nichols on Politics in 2024 and Amy Wilentz on Reparations for Haiti

On this week's episode of Start Making Sense, a discussion about Pennsylvania’s gubernatorial race and an investigation into Haiti’s forced payments to France.

May 26, 2022 / Audio / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

John Nichols on Progressives in the Primaries, Plus Lynn Garafola on “La Nijinska”

John Nichols on Progressives in the Primaries, Plus Lynn Garafola on “La Nijinska” John Nichols on Progressives in the Primaries, Plus Lynn Garafola on “La Nijinska”

On this week’s show, an analysis on pro-Israel groups trying to sway Democratic primaries and a discussion about the amazing life of a Russian avant-garde dancer.

May 19, 2022 / Audio / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Abortion rights rally California

Amy Littlefield on the Abortion Fight and Chesa Boudin on Progressive Prosecutors Amy Littlefield on the Abortion Fight and Chesa Boudin on Progressive Prosecutors

How Americans are fighting back to protect abortion rights.

May 12, 2022 / Audio / Start Making Sense and Jon Wiener

Rebecca Solnit on How People Change and Why We Care

Rebecca Solnit on How People Change and Why We Care Rebecca Solnit on How People Change and Why We Care

On this week’s episode of Start Making Sense, we have discussions on forgiveness and the American Revolution.

May 4, 2022 / Audio / Start Making Sense and Jon Wiener

Ukainian refugees

David Nasaw on Biden’s “Disgraceful” Ukrainian Refugee Policy and Katha Pollitt on What Abortion Opponents Are Really Thinking David Nasaw on Biden’s “Disgraceful” Ukrainian Refugee Policy and Katha Pollitt on What Abortion Opponents Are Really Thinking

On this week’s episode, Nation contributor Nasaw gives bad marks to the president’s “new and improved” approach to asylum seekers, and columnist Pollitt reveals what we’re getting ...

Apr 28, 2022 / Audio / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Jane McAlevey on Amazon Workers’ Next Big Battles and Margo Jefferson on “Constructing a Nervous System”

Jane McAlevey on Amazon Workers’ Next Big Battles and Margo Jefferson on “Constructing a Nervous System” Jane McAlevey on Amazon Workers’ Next Big Battles and Margo Jefferson on “Constructing a Nervous System”

On this week's podcast, we discuss what the Amazon workers have to do next—and how they should do it.   

Apr 21, 2022 / Audio / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Gustavo Arellano on the Sheriff vs. Black LA, and Michele Goodwin on Ketanji Brown Jackson

Gustavo Arellano on the Sheriff vs. Black LA, and Michele Goodwin on Ketanji Brown Jackson Gustavo Arellano on the Sheriff vs. Black LA, and Michele Goodwin on Ketanji Brown Jackson

The LA Times columnist comes on our podcast to discuss deputies' war on Los Angeles's Black community.

Apr 14, 2022 / Audio / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Anatol Lieven on How the Ukraine War Could End

Anatol Lieven on How the Ukraine War Could End Anatol Lieven on How the Ukraine War Could End

Plus E.J. Dionne and Miles Rapoport on Universal Voting.

Apr 7, 2022 / Audio / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Ginni Thomas, the Supreme Court, and Abolishing Student Debt

Ginni Thomas, the Supreme Court, and Abolishing Student Debt Ginni Thomas, the Supreme Court, and Abolishing Student Debt

On this week’s podcast, Joan Walsh on January 6 and Astra Taylor on April 4.

Mar 31, 2022 / Audio / Start Making Sense and Jon Wiener

Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson talks to former senator Doug Jones

Senate Confirmation Hearings and the Missing Fight About the Constitution Senate Confirmation Hearings and the Missing Fight About the Constitution

Joseph Fishkin and William E. Forbath on the Supreme Court, plus P.E. Moskowitz on antidepressants.

Mar 24, 2022 / Audio / Start Making Sense and Jon Wiener

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