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.

Shasta County resident Ronald Plumb, 71, addresses the Shasta County Board of Supervisors about his concerns of voter fraud during the public comment period of the Boards regular meeting inside the Board Chambers in Redding.

The Far Right’s Takeover of Shasta County, Plus the Enslaved Black Family The Far Right’s Takeover of Shasta County, Plus the Enslaved Black Family

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, Sasha Abramsky reports on politics, and Brenda Stevenson talks about history.  

Jun 8, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

US President Joe Biden speaks to the Democratic National Committee at an event in Washington, D.C., on November 10, 2022.

D.D. Guttenplan on Biden and the Vision Thing; Plus Disappearing Islands D.D. Guttenplan on Biden and the Vision Thing; Plus Disappearing Islands

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, The Nation’s editor looks at the 2024 campaign, and Christina Gerhardt talks about climate change.

Jun 1, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Planned Parenthood Texas

Is Planned Parenthood Too Cautious? Plus: Writing and Politics Is Planned Parenthood Too Cautious? Plus: Writing and Politics

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, Eyal Press reports on abortion rights organizations, and Adam Shatz talks about politically committed writers.

May 25, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener

Jeffrey Toobin on the Roots of Jan. 6 and Adam Hochschild on Anti-Woke History

Jeffrey Toobin on the Roots of Jan. 6 and Adam Hochschild on Anti-Woke History Jeffrey Toobin on the Roots of Jan. 6 and Adam Hochschild on Anti-Woke History

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, the legacy of the 1995 bombing of the Oklahoma City federal building; and reading Hillsdale College’s “1776 Curriculum.”

May 18, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

President Joe Biden delivering a primetime speech at Independence National Historic Park, Philadelphia, September 1, 2022.

Bhaskar Sunkara on Biden in 2024, plus Josh Gondelman on the Writers Strike Bhaskar Sunkara on Biden in 2024, plus Josh Gondelman on the Writers Strike

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast. concerns about the Democratic candidate, and picket lines outside Hollywood studios.

May 11, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Clarence Thomas looks into the distance in a black judge's robe

Impeach Clarence Thomas—Plus Joe Biden, the GOP, and “Freedom” Impeach Clarence Thomas—Plus Joe Biden, the GOP, and “Freedom”

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, The Nation's editor, D.D. Guttenplan makes the case for impeaching the Supreme Court Justice, and Eric Foner comments o...

May 4, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

collapsed building in the town of Borodianka.

Anatol Lieven Reports From Ukraine, Plus Amy Wilentz on Haiti Anatol Lieven Reports From Ukraine, Plus Amy Wilentz on Haiti

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast, life during wartime in Kyiv and fighting gangs in Port-Au-Prince.

Apr 27, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Climate Change Student Protest

Rebecca Solnit on Climate Action, Plus John Nichols on Abortion Politics Rebecca Solnit on Climate Action, Plus John Nichols on Abortion Politics

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast: why it’s not to late to slow global warming, and how Democrats can win in 2024.

Apr 20, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Former US president Donald Trump appears in a Manhattan court during his arraignment on April 4, 2023, in New York City.

Elie Mystal, Joan Walsh, and Chris Lehmann on Trump and His 34 Felonies Elie Mystal, Joan Walsh, and Chris Lehmann on Trump and His 34 Felonies

On this episode of Start Making Sense, we feature highlights of The Nation’s roundtable on Trump’s arraignment, plus the story of SOLA, the School of Leadership Afghanistan.

Apr 13, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

Chicago mayoral candidate and Cook County Commissioner Brandon Johnson

John Nichols on Progressive Victories and Chris Lehmann on Trump’s Indictment John Nichols on Progressive Victories and Chris Lehmann on Trump’s Indictment

On this episode of the Start Making Sense podcast: How abortion wins elections, and how 34 felonies may not change anybody’s mind about Trump.

Apr 6, 2023 / Podcast / Jon Wiener and Start Making Sense

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