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.

State of the Union: Not Good—Plus, Jackie Robinson v. Paul Robeson

State of the Union: Not Good—Plus, Jackie Robinson v. Paul Robeson State of the Union: Not Good—Plus, Jackie Robinson v. Paul Robeson

Trump’s State of the Union speech was predictable, but revealing of his state of mind. John Nichols has our analysis.

Feb 25, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

President Donald Trump gestures to members of the media after exiting Air Force One at Palm Beach International Airport on February 13, 2026

Election Protection in the Midterms—Plus Slaves Escaping by Sea Election Protection in the Midterms—Plus Slaves Escaping by Sea

Harold Meyerson explains Democrats’ preparations for Trump’s threats to voting, and Marcus Rediker talks about Black America in the 1850s.

Feb 18, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

People attend a public memorial service for Renee Good in Powderhorn Park on February 7, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The Battle for Minneapolis, and the Fight for Texas The Battle for Minneapolis, and the Fight for Texas

 John Nichols reports on the resistance in Minnesota, and Steve Phillips analyzes Jasmine Crockett’s strategy in the Texas Senate Democratic primary.

Feb 10, 2026 / Podcast

US Capitol Police issue arrest warnings with a bullhorn as clergy with Faith in Action conduct civil disobedience in the atrium of the Hart Senate Office Building on January 29.

The Fight to Stop ICE—in Congress, and at the Super Bowl The Fight to Stop ICE—in Congress, and at the Super Bowl

John Nichols comments on Democrats’ work in Congress to limit ICE, and Dave Zirin explains how Bad Bunny will make the Super Bowl halftime show a center of resistance.

Feb 4, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Freezing ICE Funding in the Senate, plus Standing Together in Israel and Palestine

Freezing ICE Funding in the Senate, plus Standing Together in Israel and Palestine Freezing ICE Funding in the Senate, plus Standing Together in Israel and Palestine

Leah Greenberg of Indivisible talks about how to rein in ICE, and Sally Abed explains how Palestinians and Israeli Jews are Standing Together for peace and equality.

Jan 28, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Minneapolis: the Landscape of Resistance; plus the Destruction Brought by DOGE

Minneapolis: the Landscape of Resistance; plus the Destruction Brought by DOGE Minneapolis: the Landscape of Resistance; plus the Destruction Brought by DOGE

Podcast / Start Making Sense / Jan 21, 2026 Minneapolis: the Landscape of Resistance; plus the Destruction Brought by DOGE John Nichols on Minneapolis groups preparing for Fr…

Jan 21, 2026 / Podcast

Trump, from Minneapolis to Caracas—Plus, How Capitalism Came to Communist China

Trump, from Minneapolis to Caracas—Plus, How Capitalism Came to Communist China Trump, from Minneapolis to Caracas—Plus, How Capitalism Came to Communist China

On Start Making Sense, Harold Meyerson on Trump’s efforts to overcome collapsing support, and critic John Powers talks about the new TV series “Blossoms Shanghai” by Wong Kar Wai....

Jan 14, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Donald Trump departs after speaking during a House Republican retreat at The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on January 6, 2026, in Washington, DC.

Venezuela in American Politics—Plus, VA Housing for Homeless Vets Venezuela in American Politics—Plus, VA Housing for Homeless Vets

On Start Making Sense: John Nichols on the lack of support for Trump’s attack on Venezuela, and Mark Rosenbaum on the court victory that should end homelessness for disabled vets....

Jan 7, 2026 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

People participate in a “No Kings” national day of protest in Boston, Massachusetts, on October 18, 2025.

A Year of Resistance—in the Streets, in Elections, and in the Courts A Year of Resistance—in the Streets, in Elections, and in the Courts

On Start Making Sense: Harold Meyerson and David Cole review the year 2025, when a remarkable resistance movement challenged an unprecedented attack on democracy.

Dec 31, 2025 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

LAPD officers and National Guard soldiers stand outside a downtown LA jail in June 2025.

How LA Defeated Trump! Plus, Bob Dylan’s Xmas How LA Defeated Trump! Plus, Bob Dylan’s Xmas

On Start Making Sense: Bill Gallegos on the withdrawal of the National Guard and marines from LA last summer, and Sean Wilentz on Dylan’s choice of songs for his Christmas album.

Dec 24, 2025 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

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