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.

Israeli security forces detain a protester

Saree Makdisi on Israelis and Palestinians and Kimberlé Crenshaw on the Battle Over Black Studies Saree Makdisi on Israelis and Palestinians and Kimberlé Crenshaw on the Battle Over Black Studies

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, we examine Netanhayu’s policies and provocations, and the fight over the future of Black Studies.

Mar 2, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

John Nichols on the Most Important Election Before 2024, Plus Gregg Gonsalves on the End of the Covid Emergency

John Nichols on the Most Important Election Before 2024, Plus Gregg Gonsalves on the End of the Covid Emergency John Nichols on the Most Important Election Before 2024, Plus Gregg Gonsalves on the End of the Covid Emergency

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, we talk about this week’s Wisconsin Supreme Court primary, and Joe Biden’s public health disaster.

Feb 23, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

On the Banning of Black History in Florida, and “The Crown”

On the Banning of Black History in Florida, and “The Crown” On the Banning of Black History in Florida, and “The Crown”

On this week's episode of Start Making Sense, Robin Kelley discusses the attacks on Black Studies, and Gary Younge comments on The Crown on Netflix.

Feb 16, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

QAnon and the Republicans, Plus Ireland and the Irish

QAnon and the Republicans, Plus Ireland and the Irish QAnon and the Republicans, Plus Ireland and the Irish

In this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, Chris Lehmann analyzes GOP politics and Fintan O’Toole talks about his “personal history.”

Feb 9, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

The Constitutional Solution to the Debt Limit Crisis, Plus Victor Navasky Remembered

The Constitutional Solution to the Debt Limit Crisis, Plus Victor Navasky Remembered The Constitutional Solution to the Debt Limit Crisis, Plus Victor Navasky Remembered

In this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, historian Eric Foner talks about the 14th Amendment, and we listen to an interview with Victor Navasky from 2006.

Feb 2, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

US Senator Kyrsten Sinema

How to Defeat Kyrsten Sinema; Plus Universal Basic Income in LA How to Defeat Kyrsten Sinema; Plus Universal Basic Income in LA

On this week’s episode of Start Making Sense, Steve Phillips talks about Arizona politics, and Sasha Abramsky reports on fighting poverty in Southern California.

Jan 26, 2023 / Podcast / Start Making Sense and Jon Wiener

Abortion Rights Battles Return in the 2023 Elections, Plus Wages at Walmart

Abortion Rights Battles Return in the 2023 Elections, Plus Wages at Walmart Abortion Rights Battles Return in the 2023 Elections, Plus Wages at Walmart

On this week's episode of Start Making Sense, John Nichols discusses politics and Rick Wartzman comments on America’s biggest employer.

Jan 19, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Fintan O’Toole on the Next Insurrection, Plus Katha Pollitt on “She Said”

Fintan O’Toole on the Next Insurrection, Plus Katha Pollitt on “She Said” Fintan O’Toole on the Next Insurrection, Plus Katha Pollitt on “She Said”

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, lessons for a future coup and a review of a film about the reporters who broke the Harvey Weinstein story.

Jan 12, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Nelson Lichtenstein’s Post-Mortem on the UC Strike and Andrew Bacevich on America’s “Very Long War”

Nelson Lichtenstein’s Post-Mortem on the UC Strike and Andrew Bacevich on America’s “Very Long War” Nelson Lichtenstein’s Post-Mortem on the UC Strike and Andrew Bacevich on America’s “Very Long War”

This week on the Start Making Sense podcast, we discuss the implications of a historic bargaining deal as well as a new book by Andrew Bacevich. 

Jan 5, 2023 / Podcast / Start Making Sense and Jon Wiener

Nadine Seiler attends a rally for voting rights in front of the Supreme Court Building in Washington, D.C., on December 7, 2022.

Best of 2022: Elie Mystal on the Constitution, plus Kelly Lytle Hernández on “Bad Mexicans” Best of 2022: Elie Mystal on the Constitution, plus Kelly Lytle Hernández on “Bad Mexicans”

For the last episode of 2022, we feature some of our favorite book segments.

Dec 29, 2022 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

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