Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou

Former VP of the Pentagon Press Association Kevin Baron joins Grounded to discuss new restrictions on journalists covering the Pentagon. What does this mean for national security? What does this mean for your access to real information? How about the future of a free press? We unpack it all, including new pressure from the Trump administration to prosecute political rivals.

Independent journalist + influencer Aaron Parnas joins Grounded to talk about his unique approach to news, which appeals to audiences young and old. He offers viewpoints on Trump, civics education, Ukraine and his future aspirations. How do we reach the younger generations? How do we fight against social media algorithms? Plus, what Parnas sees as the biggest challenge facing our country today.

Is this really where the United States of America is right now? In a press conference Friday morning, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called what we’re living through a “watershed moment.” JT & MG share thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s murder after the political assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman in Minnesota this summer. Where do we go from here as a country? How can we all do better? Plus, a conversation with filmmaker Steven Sawalich and Paul Mitchell co-founder John Paul DeJoria on Case For Kindness, a documentary that highlights the critical need for acts of kindness small and large.

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says you should hold on to your hats… because an AI-driven increase in energy demand combined with federal policies could mean a big hit to your bottom line. Inslee discusses his new work with Climate Power in an effort to hold the federal government accountable for policies he says will lead to even higher energy prices and more carbon emissions. Plus, how it all impacts agriculture and the clean energy industry.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas brings her trademark wit to Grounded and talks about new revelations over the Epstein files. We unravel plans to send National Guard troops to more U.S. cities and why she thinks the average American needs to better understand the difference between police training and military training. Plus, the president’s health, how she stays quick on her feet and what gives her hope at the end of each day.

Dr. Michael Osterholm joins Grounded to talk about why he says these are the most dangerous days for public health that he’s seen in his 50-year career. “We will never forget this. It will be before and after, much like BC/AD in terms of what public health is about,” Osterholm said. We talk about the recent exodus at the CDC, the future of vaccine access in the U.S. and how the art of intimidation is being used against his colleagues. Plus, hear why he says the federal government is sabotaging research and medicine.

“We have more millionaires in Congress than we have moms. There are three times more men named John in the Senate than there are moms of minor children, and this is why our policies fail women in this country, why they fail children in this country and Vote Mama is is here to change that.” That’s what Vote Mama founder and CEO Liuba Grechen Shirley dropped on us in this episode of Grounded that focuses on parents in politics, specifically mothers of young children. We also chat about the recent media attention around some calls to repeal the 19th amendment and other barriers for parents of young children in the political sphere where the rules were written almost exclusively by men. JT had a date with the combine during our conversation with Liuba, but he joins MG for some headlines and to show off his funniest hat yet.

"If my column really had an accurate name, it would be called ‘Always looking for Minnesota." NYT columnist and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman joins JT & MG to chat about foreign policy, how growing up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota shaped his political worldview, and the recent Trump administration move that gives him fear about the future of America as we know it. What’s his 30,000 ft. view of the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine? What’s the path forward for the war in Gaza? Plus, what he says when asked about how to stay optimistic in this divisive political climate.

As Politico wrote Friday, “the Senate map suddenly looks a lot better for Democrats. But still not a slam dunk.” Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek sure hopes so, as he just announced his candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. You may have seen his splashy campaign launch video in which he crawls up stairs to knock on doors because he was born with spina bifida as a result of his dad’s exposure to Agent Orange. Josh and Jon discussed many parallel interests (in addition to shared initials), like running as a Democrat in a red state, VA accessibility and rural America. The JTs even get in some basketball chatter, as Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA. This conversation was recorded live on Substack!

As the fight over redistricting in Texas threatens to explode in states across the country, we dig into what’s ahead with former Housing and Urban Development Sec. Julian Castro, who also once served as the mayor of San Antonio. How far does this fight over gerrymandering go? What does it mean for the rest of the country? How will it impact the 2026 midterms? Plus, we chat about a proposal to put new limits on federal housing vouchers, ICE arrests, and the Trump administration deploying the National Guard to police the streets of Washington, D.C.

Former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh joins JT & MG to hash out the headlines over coffee. We talk about his transition from a moderate Republican to a Tea Party activist to an Independent and now, a Democrat. Plus, his proposal for a national strike to fight back against the Trump administration, his frustration with lawmakers, and his pitch for a Tester/Walsh 2028 ticket. Why Work Truck? Listen to find out!

The headlines about Jeffrey Epstein keep coming and we asked high-profile attorney Gloria Allred to help us unpack what’s happening. Gloria has represented dozens of Epstein’s survivors. What about that list? When did the allegations first come on her radar? How are the survivors holding up with so much renewed focus on Epstein and his convicted accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell? What the hell is in those files? And will we ever see them released? We talk it out with someone who not only knows the case, but who’s also been an iconic player in our judicial system. Plus, Gloria raises her own questions about the case, including some we hadn't thought of.

As pressure mounts over the Epstein files, the Trump administration is leaning on an old target: former President Barack Obama. Ned Price, who served in various government roles related to national security and diplomacy, joins Grounded to discuss the latest accusations of treason being thrown at Obama from the Trump administration related to Russian interference in the 2016 election. What’s the end game? Where do previous investigations fit into the conversation? What do accusations like this mean for our national security and international relations? We break it all down.

How can the U.S. government best fund our military and defense? It’s not just a political issue—it’s a national security issue. On this episode dedicated to our defense budget and national security, we’re joined by former Navy Under Secretary Erik Raven and Kate Käufer, both of whom served as advisers to Jon Tester when he served as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee on Defense. We discuss how our current defense budget compares to years past, the big security risks facing us as a nation, artificial intelligence, and areas of hope looking ahead.

The focus on the Epstein files continues to intensify, despite President Trump trying to talk about literally anything else (enter the Washington Commanders). Longtime political analyst and independent journalist Chris Cillizza joins JT & MG to discuss what this means for MAGA as loyalists start saying things like, “Dangling bits of red meat no longer satisfies.” Could this be the “thing” that causes Trump to lose his base? Plus, Colbert, Hunter Biden and the further fracturing of legacy journalism.

Former Trump “fixer” Michael Cohen joined JT & MG for an unfiltered live conversation about the Jeffrey Epstein files, the fracture inside MAGA and what Donald Trump’s end game. The chat became lively many times, including when talking about Congress, beef with both political parties and the idea of a town hall in Butte, America.

Ryan Busse, a former firearms executive who ran for governor in Montana, joined JT & MG for a live coffee chat about the big headlines from over the weekend. FEMA, fury over Epstein, cuts to medicaid, public lands, immigration… we hit on a lot. Here’s a spoiler: Tester says Congress needs to do its job. This episode was recorded live on the morning of July 14, 2025.

Everyone’s favorite Senate bromance reunites for this lively episode of Grounded. Despite repeatedly saying he doesn’t like Jon Tester, Sen. Cory Booker joins us to chat about the vibe in the U.S. Senate, the record-breaking filibuster, and what it will take to win as a Democrat in 2026. Booker talks about his efforts to be more creative when it comes to good trouble and what everyone can do to raise awareness. Plus, he tries to convince us to turn Grounded in a lifestyle show.

Nothing was off limits in this episode with Miles Taylor, who was once a part of the Trump administration and was later exposed as the author of a 2018 NYT op-ed under the pen name, “Anonymous.” We talked about Taylor’s initial concerns working for Trump 1.0, what’s different in Trump 2.0, retribution for even associating with dissenters and more. Taylor gives us an in-depth view of life in Trump’s crosshairs, his fears about the potential use of sophisticated counterterrorism technology against political foes, and why he thinks Elon Musk has the power to stop political retaliation.

As the Senate participates in a “vote-a-rama,” we unpack what’s happening with former Sec. of Transportation Pete Buttigieg, including his top three issues with the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” How does Mayor Pete stay engaged AND grounded? Plus, the announcement from Sen. Thom Tillis that he’s not running for reelection, air travel concerns and the 2028 race for the White House. PB & J(T) weigh in! We recorded this episode live on our Substack channel, so please excuse some of the glitches!

An episode dedicated to the Citizens United decision of 2010 and its impacts on the way our political system works today. It’s estimated the campaign spending in former Sen. Tester’s most recent 2024 race neared $300 million, a huge departure from the $27.5 million spent during his first Senate race in 2006. We talk with the president of End Citizens United, an organization founded in 2015 that aims to reform campaign finance in the United States. We dig into the decision itself, the effects on today's campaigns and what people can do to demand more transparency in political spending.

Veteran journalist Terry Moran joins Grounded to talk about life after his departure from ABC News. We chat about what he’s seeing on the ground in Springfield, Ohio— home to a large population of Haitian immigrants trying to figure out what’s next since the Trump administration revoked their temporary protected status. Where do they go from here? How can the rest of us help? Plus, Moran takes us inside his notable (and at times combative) interview with President Trump and the massive pivot his life took after a late night post on social media.

“I do not understand this adhesive that holds them so tight when they know that things are wrong.” Former Montana Gov. Marc Racicot (and former chair of the RNC) talks with JT and MG about getting booted from the Montana Republican Party after speaking out against Donald Trump, when he thinks the viciousness in politics took a hard turn, and his continued efforts to speak out and be engaged. Plus, JT and MG break down new rulings by the Senate parliamentarian that reject a section of the GOP budget bill that would have mandated the sale of public lands.

Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin (who served alongside military in Iraq) of Michigan joins JT and MG to unpack the events that unfolded in Iran over the weekend, where we go from here, ideas for the future of the Democratic Party and her recent spicy exchange with Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth. Plus, a little love for Detroit and Minnesota.

Grounded gets spicy with our friend Katie Phang, a former prosecutor, longtime legal analyst and former host of the Katie Phang Show. We chat about Iran, the Tucker Carlson v. Ted Cruz video, the necessary evolution of informative media and why Katie thinks there’s still a measure of respect for the Judicial Branch. If you’ve found yourself thinking you want more profanity from Grounded, this is the episode for you!

We had planned to solely chat with former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn for this episode, but something happened Wednesday night that prompted us to add another guest to the mix. Dunn and JT share some behind the scenes anecdotes about Jan. 6, 2021, and their response to the Trump administration calling the LA protesters insurrectionists. We also talk to Land Tawney with the American Hunters and Anglers Action Network about new language in the Big, Beautiful Bill that would sell off public lands.

We tried something new in episode 26 by having a LIVE conversation with Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, America’s favorite historian. We cover the unrest in Los Angeles, the public Elon Musk/Donald Trump feud and the defining moments she thinks will be remembered in future history books. Plus, what keeps her up at night? What gives her hope? How does she decompress? You’ll hear it all on this special extended edition of Grounded.

In the 25th episode of Grounded, fellow Montanan and Pearl Jam co-founder Jeff Ament joins JT and MG to talk politics, music and Big Sandy, Montana. We ask about the viral moment when his bandmate Eddie Vedder defended Bruce Springsteen against attacks from President Trump, the concert poster that landed the Secret Service at his door, and the way his upbringing and college years shaped his viewpoints. Look for bonus music content on our Substack! https://groundedpodcast.substack.com/

JT & MG talk to journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes who just co-authored their fourth book together about the 2024 presidential campaign cycle. They cover insider perspectives from both the Biden and Trump campaigns, the debate that unleashed a summer of political chaos and what happens now as Democrats try to figure out their path forward in the middle of a Trump 2.0 presidency.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joins JT and MG to talk about what went wrong for the Harris/Walz campaign, the future of the Democratic Party, and the governor’s political plans. What do Democrats need to do to win back rural America and the working class? Is there room for a moderate candidate in today’s political environment? We also make sure to talk about the Minnesota State Fair, Montana breakfast joints, and high school football. An episode you don’t want to miss!

“We’re not doomed yet, but we’re running out time that we need.” That’s what former Ambassador John Bolton said to JT & MG in the latest episode of Grounded about our global security risks. We ask what keeps him up at night, the best path forward for unity, President Trump’s relationship with authoritarians and more. He also spills the beans about who he actually voted for in 2024.

Is due process in trouble in America? We discuss with Dave Aronberg, a former state attorney in Florida, who also worked alongside current U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi. He tells JT and MG why he believes due process is still intact. He also explains why he doesn’t think AG Bondi will cross what he calls the bright red line. Let’s go to law school!

Former Sec. of Agriculture Dan Glickman joins the pod to chat about the effect of tariffs on American farmers and access to food we eat. We also discuss concerns over DOGE cuts within the U.S. Forest Service, bipartisan cooperation, and what Jon Tester really thinks about going to State of the Union addresses.

JT & MG chat with Olivia Troye, who worked as a national security adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence. They unpack the latest Trump interview on Meet the Press, what’s likely happening behind closed doors at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. and the reasons she left the Trump 1.0 administration in the summer of 2020. Olivia also tells JT & MG what keeps her up at night and what gives her hope moving forward.

Sen. Dick Durbin, who announced his retirement last week, joins JT & MG to chat about that decision after more than four decades in Congress, his experience at Pope Francis' funeral, the future of the Democratic party and more. Plus, what he fears will be the “most serious constitutional crisis since the Civil War.”

Fresh off his return from El Salvador to visit a Maryland man deported in error, Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins JT & MG to for an inside look at what led up to his meeting, the “margaritas” placed at the table for social media optics, and why he thinks this is a constitutional crisis. CVH and JT explain why every American should care about this case and the precedent it sets.

Former Bureau of Land Management director (and Montanan!) Tracy Stone-Manning joins JT and MG to dissect new concerns over threats to public lands. They get into the weeds on the difference between proposals to sell public land for tax breaks and affordable housing solutions. The conversation also covers what DOGE cuts could mean for our great outdoors and what people can do to keep public lands in public hands.

Economic concerns over tariffs and the markets persist and JT and MG chat all about it with University of Michigan economist and public policy professor Justin Wolfers (who sometimes goes by his alter ego Fed Lasso). Hear why he says we’re in the middle of two economic crises and his predictions for what’s ahead. Will prices ever come down? What about accusations of market manipulation in the Oval Office? What does the U.S. stand to win in this trade war? A fascinating conversation you don’t want to miss!

Ahead of a scheduled US House vote on the SAVE Act, JT and MG discuss its potential impacts with Greta Bedekovics with the Center for American Progress. What will the SAVE Act mean for voters across the country if it passes through Congress? What impact will it have on married women who took their husband’s last name? How is it different than President Trump’s executive order on elections? We break it all down.

It's the economy, stupid! Jon and Maritsa dig into what's happening with tariffs, Wall Street and your finances with former White House economic adviser Jared Bernstein, who also chaired the U.S. Council of Economic Advisers under President Joe Biden. How did the Trump administration come up with this tariff formula? Are we heading for a recession? What should we be doing right now? We ask all of these questions and more! This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

After a wild political week that included a 25+ hour speech on the Senate floor and sweeping new tariffs, former VA Sec. Denis McDonough joins JT & MG to explain the importance of the programs he helped implement, and what's at stake for our veterans with proposed cuts to staff and those very programs. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

Former Sec. of Defense Leon Panetta unpacks SignalGate with JT and MG, including the questions he would ask if he were leading the investigation. The three also discuss foreign policy related to Iran and Greenland, and how Elon Musk’s DOGE cuts compare to the balanced budget Sec. Panetta helped craft when he was the director of the Office of Management and Budget under President Bill Clinton. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

JT and MG weigh in on the Signal scandal and take up the Trump executive order to dismantle the Department of Education (which officially takes an act of Congress). So now what? Randi Weingarten, the President of the American Teachers Federation, joins Jon and Maritsa to break down what it means for you. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

Legendary political journalist Sam Donaldson joins Jon and Maritsa to discuss what’s changed since he covered the White House, what he would do if he were still in the briefing room, and the moment in history he says the United States has never fully recovered from. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

Jon and Maritsa discuss news headlines including a new legal fight over the Trump administration's use of a centuries-old war time law to deport hundreds of Venezuelans alleged to be gang members. The pair also chat about a deal to cut 10,000 USPS employees, cuts to Voice of America, and the Autopen signature you're likely to hear a lot more about. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

Former U.S. Ambassador to Russia (and native Montanan) Michael McFaul joins Jon and Maritsa on a special edition of Grounded. The trio discuss what McFaul calls similarities between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s ideologies, the history lessons he wants Americans to pay attention to, and what keeps him optimistic about the future. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

In this week’s episode of Grounded, we hear from former Republican political strategist Steve Schmidt, who now hosts The Warning with Steve Schmidt on Substack. Hear his warning to Americans across all political ideologies, his criticisms of Democrats AND Republicans in Congress, and what he says you should do if your elected representatives aren’t being responsive. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

Veteran political journalist Jim Acosta joins Jon and Maritsa to reflect on what’s happening with the White House press corps, the fiery Trump/Vance/Zelenskyy exchange in the Oval Office, and what Jim says to people who give him the middle finger at Trump rallies. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

"When you're not going to follow the law, the first thing you want to do is get rid of the lawyers." Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee and a former Army paratrooper, joins JT & MG to discuss in simple terms the Pentagon’s Friday night massacre as the Trump administration purged multiple military leaders including Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Gen. CQ Brown Jr. and multiple JAGs. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) joins Jon Tester and Maritsa Georgiou to discuss her time in Ukraine on the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion along with concerns over what comes next in the war in light of recent comments made by President Donald Trump about Ukraine and the country’s president. This is a free episode of Grounded! If you'd like to get exclusive content or chat with other subscribers, please visit our Substack!