The Focus Group Podcast
The Bulwark
Unfiltered, uncompromising, unexpected—The Focus Group is a look into what the average voter thinks about politics, policy, and current events. Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, has conducted hundreds of hours of focus groups all across the country. She and a series of special guests will take you behind the glass to hear what real focus group participants have to say.
https://www.thebulwark.com/podcast/focus-group/
https://www.thebulwark.com/podcast/focus-group/
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Mar 28, 2026 • 1h 4min
S6 Ep31: PSA: AI is NOT Your Boyfriend!! (with Megan McArdle)
Megan McArdle, economics columnist and tech commentator who hosts Reasonably Optimistic, talks about how AI is reshaping society and politics. She contrasts today’s AI hype with past tech waves. She explores AI’s effects on journalism, parasocial relationships with chatbots, deepfakes and political persuasion, and practical policy responses like energy and permitting.
9 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 45min
S6 Ep30: ‘All of You Could Be Democrats’ (with Anderson Clayton)
Anderson Clayton, the youngest state party chair in the U.S. and North Carolina party leader, talks youth-focused organizing and her rise from campus activism to statewide leadership. Conversations cover why many young people feel disengaged, ways to make voting feel consequential through local work, creative outreach like vlogs and events, and strategies to mobilize Gen Z across campuses and communities.
Mar 14, 2026 • 52min
S6 Ep29: Illinois Senate Race: Daaaa Dems (with David Axelrod)
David Axelrod, former Obama adviser and University of Chicago political commentator, breaks down the Chicago-style Senate primary. He explores why Raja’s ad blitz meets skepticism, how Juliana Stratton’s profane TV spot cuts through but lacks policy clarity, and why Robin Kelly’s steady competence hasn’t gained traction. They also discuss AIPAC’s influence, identity and Israel debates, and what voters really value.
13 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 58min
S6 Ep28: BONUS POD: Iran Fears &...Focus Groups Love The Bulwark?
Bill Kristol, political analyst and editor-at-large of The Bulwark, offers concise commentary on conservative politics. The conversation covers focus-group reactions to the Iran strikes. They explore public opinion on Trump, secrecy and conspiracy spread around Epstein, and why The Bulwark appeals to certain listeners.
Mar 7, 2026 • 59min
S6 Ep27: What's a "Rug Pull"? (with Ed Elson)
Ed Elson, co-host of Prof G Markets and market commentator, joins to unpack Gen Z finance. They explore Gen Z’s housing and job headwinds, crypto habits and high-profile rug pulls, and how prediction markets and sports betting blur lines between information and gambling.
Feb 28, 2026 • 51min
S6 Ep26: Twitter vs. Texans (with Elaine Godfrey)
Elaine Godfrey, staff writer at The Atlantic who reported on the Texas Senate primary, shares firsthand reporting and colorful anecdotes. She recounts being removed from a campaign rally. Conversations cover why voters embrace Jasmine Crockett’s combative persona, James Talarico’s faith-forward appeal, how online drama differs from on-the-ground sentiment, and what Texas Democrats value in a nominee.
16 snips
Feb 21, 2026 • 53min
S6 Ep25: Texas-Sized Scandal (with Eric Benson)
Eric Benson, senior writer at Texas Monthly who covers Texas politics, breaks down the chaotic Republican Senate fight in Texas. They explore why John Cornyn struggles to connect with the base. They dig into Ken Paxton’s scandals and how they fuel his MAGA appeal. They introduce Wesley Hunt as a younger alternative and map likely runoff and turnout dynamics.
Feb 14, 2026 • 55min
S6 Ep24: Two Qual Researchers Walk Into a Bar (with Margie Omero)
Margie O'Meara, principal at GBAO and frequent New York Times contributor on voter focus groups, breaks down why some Trump supporters are disillusioned. She and Sarah explore how focus-group techniques surface negativity, the role of economy and Epstein files in eroding trust, shifting Latino and Texas Democratic moods, and what voters crave from candidates: empathy and competence.
14 snips
Feb 7, 2026 • 54min
S6 Ep23: Young Trump Voters Have Feelings (with Rachel Janfaza)
Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up and a commentator on Gen Z politics, breaks down why Gen Z men tilt right while women move left. She explores concerns about affordability and AI, skepticism of foreign adventures, splits within the right between America First and MAGA, youth fatigue with Trump, and how dating, gender norms, and core values shape young voters.
7 snips
Jan 31, 2026 • 42min
S6 Ep22: Put Excuses on ICE (with Adrian Carrasquillo)
Adrian Carrasquillo, Bulwark immigration correspondent and Huddled Masses newsletter author, shares on-the-ground Minneapolis reporting and coverage of ICE enforcement. He discusses the spread of fear beyond undocumented communities. Listeners hear reactions to recent killings, debates over accountability and reform, and how images of children reshape public outrage.
