The Conversation with Dasha Burns

Andy Beshear, Kentucky's high-approval Democratic governor known for pragmatic, bipartisan problem-solving. He explains why he worries about J.D. Vance, outlines a three-part playbook to win voters in Trump country, discusses handling culture war issues like trans youth care, and walks through policy stances on AI, economic messaging, and the role of governors in national politics.

Gavin Newsom, California governor and former San Francisco mayor who wrote a memoir, discusses his personal journey and political reinvention. He talks about balancing progressive goals with business, California’s role in national policy, tech and AI guardrails, debates over LGBTQ and trans issues, and his sharpened strategy for confronting Donald Trump. Short, candid conversations about family, ambition, and service.

Ruben Gallego, U.S. Senator from Arizona and Iraq War veteran, reflects on military restraint, diplomatic alternatives to war, and how service shapes his views. He tackles immigration and border policy with candid critiques of both parties. He also discusses election integrity, DHS funding, and whether Democrats can reclaim a more upbeat, relatable image.

Today, we're bringing you an episode from POLITICO's latest show, On The Road with Jonathan Martin. In episode one, JMart sits down with Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders for a lively conversation about politics, leadership and life growing up in a political family. From her time as White House Press Secretary to leading Arkansas today, Sanders shares insights on the Republican Party, U.S.-Israel security and the memories that shaped her journey—all while enjoying some of the state’s best barbecue.  You can find more episodes of On The Road on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube.com/Politico. The Conversation with Dasha Burns will be back soon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katie Britt, U.S. senator from Alabama and rising Republican leader focused on security and family policy. Gabby Birenbaum, Texas Tribune reporter with on-the-ground primary coverage. They discuss U.S. actions against Iran and how they affect American safety. They talk campaign promises versus policy, energy and economic risks, DHS funding and Texas primary takeaways from reporters.

Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) joins POLITICO's Dasha Burns on "The Conversation" and responds to President Trump's State of the Union address. Slotkin lays out her vision for the future of the Democratic Party, which could be a Project 2029 for the party. The two also discuss the upcoming midterms and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president leading defense and diplomacy, and Clarissa Ward, CNN’s front-line correspondent reporting from Ukraine. They discuss what it will take to stop the war, the need for U.S. pressure and security guarantees, rising Ukrainian fatigue and morale challenges, and the political tensions between Europe and the U.S. Short, urgent, and grounded reporting from Kyiv and the corridors of power.

John Fetterman, U.S. senator from Pennsylvania known for his blunt style and focus on labor and criminal justice. He discusses immigration and ICE tactics, DHS funding and shutdown politics, support for Israel and Iran policy, the voter ID debate, balancing progressive priorities with purple-state politics, mental health and his recovery.

María Corina Machado, Venezuelan opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, on hopes for a rapid return to democracy and plans for reconstruction. Brian Tyler Cohen, progressive political creator and commentator, on the blurring lines between journalism and content creation and the future of progressive politics. They discuss regime dismantling, election timelines, economic reform, media shifts, and mobilizing new political leaders.

Thom Tillis, U.S. senator from North Carolina and former management consultant, speaks plainly about leadership failures in Washington. He calls for tough personnel changes, worries about the Republican Party’s direction, and debates tariffs, NATO tensions, and midterm risks. Short, candid takes on policy, party strategy, and political accountability.