Start Making Sense

Subscribe

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.

Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo delivers remarks as President Donald Trump listens during an event at Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa on August 5, 2026, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

GOP Election Deniers Running for Governor— Plus John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing” GOP Election Deniers Running for Governor— Plus John Berger’s “Ways of Seeing”

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Harold Meyerson analyzes Democrats’ key campaigns for governor, and John Powers comments on critic and writer John Berger.

Oct 14, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Demonstrators against the rapid expansion of AI data centers in the UK and the environmental and social impact of Artificial Intelligence in London, UK, on February 28, 2026.

AI: What Is to Be Done? Plus Protest Under Assault AI: What Is to Be Done? Plus Protest Under Assault

On this episode, Garrison Lovely argues that the real threat of AI is making human labor obsolete, and Annie Leonard says we need to defend and use our right to protest.

Oct 7, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

A large crowd gathers outside the Minnesota State Capitol during the “No Kings” national day of protest in Saint Paul, Minnesota, on March 28, 2026.

The Plan for No Kings–Vote Early Day—Plus, the Supremes and Trump’s Voter List Purge The Plan for No Kings–Vote Early Day—Plus, the Supremes and Trump’s Voter List Purge

Leah Greenberg outlines Indivisible’s early-voting strategy, while Rick Hasen explains the Supreme Court’s order allowing expanded use of the SAVE voter database.

Sep 30, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Norm Eisen on the Paramount Merger, plus Trump and TV News

Norm Eisen on the Paramount Merger, plus Trump and TV News Norm Eisen on the Paramount Merger, plus Trump and TV News

The primary force behind the settlement that will allow Trump’s allies at Paramount to take over Warners-Discovery and CNN was Gavin Newsom, who pressured California Attorney Gener…

Sep 23, 2026 / Podcast

The Paramount logo is displayed on a water tower at the Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, California.

The Supremes Say “No” to Trump on Mail Voting—Plus, the Paramount-Warner Merger Fight The Supremes Say “No” to Trump on Mail Voting—Plus, the Paramount-Warner Merger Fight

 David Cole analyzes the court’s ruling on voting by mail, and Rashad Robinson comments on the battle to block Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery.

Sep 16, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

The Supremes and the Ballroom. Plus, the Dems and the Senate.

The Supremes and the Ballroom. Plus, the Dems and the Senate. The Supremes and the Ballroom. Plus, the Dems and the Senate.

Robert Weissman analyzes the Supreme Court’s ruling on Trump’s White House ballroom, while John Nichols surveys the battle for control of Congress in the midterms.

Sep 10, 2026 / Jon Wiener

The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers. Plus, How to Be a Dissident.

The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers. Plus, How to Be a Dissident. The Amazing Movement Against Data Centers. Plus, How to Be a Dissident.

On this episode of Start Making Sense, David Wallace-Wells analyzes the new form of protest in America, and Ami Fields-Meyer explains how dissident leaders and movements arise. Is…

Sep 9, 2026 / Podcast

An official mail ballot drop box during a 2026 primary election in New York.

The Supremes, Trump, and Voting—Plus Colson Whitehead’s Harlem The Supremes, Trump, and Voting—Plus Colson Whitehead’s Harlem

David Cole explains the latest court rulings on Trump’s efforts to undermine Democratic voting, and John Powers comments on the new novel “Cool Machine.”

Aug 26, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Signage outside a polling location during a primary election in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday, August 18, 2026.

Protecting the Midterms—at the Grassroots and in the Courts Protecting the Midterms—at the Grassroots and in the Courts

Leah Greenberg and Vanita Gupta join the show to discuss preparations to protect voting, ballot counting, and election certification in the midterms.

Aug 19, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Howard Zinn prior to a press conference at Cutler Majestic Theatre in Boston on January 9, 2008.

Election Protection: The ACLU’s $25M Project—Plus, Howard Zinn’s Life and Work Election Protection: The ACLU’s $25M Project—Plus, Howard Zinn’s Life and Work

On this episode of Start Making Sense, Deirdre Schifeling of the ACLU explains their plans to protect voting in November, and Dave Zirin talks about A People’s History of the...

Aug 12, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

x