Show overview
It's Just Politics has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 103 episodes. That works out to roughly 30 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run ten to twenty minutes. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-US-language Government show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed yesterday, with 17 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2025, with 50 episodes published. Published by Michigan Public.
From the publisher
Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they drill down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.
Latest Episodes
View all 103 episodesCharges in grant scandal
Dems keep majority
A campaign roundup
Is Lansing functional?
Calling the state capitol “one of the most dysfunctional places” in America, Democratic State Rep. Alabas Farhat joins the pod for a candid conversation about the challenges facing Lansing by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
35th Senate District race
We are two months away from the special election that will determine the functional make-up of the state Senate. The 35th Senate district election is an important race that has folks in Lansing wondering what comes next. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Duggan disruption
Can former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan win Michigan’s governor race as an independent? We break down his rise, Michigan’s swing voters, and the possible shake-up of two-party politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Lansing roundup
A ballot proposal to tax the wealthy folds, Michigan’s “fake electors” threaten a lawsuit, and could future primary election dates change? It’s a Lansing roundup edition of It’s Just Politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
High stakes for MI’s marijuana tax
A bipartisan group of lawmakers is pushing to repeal the state’s new, controversial 24% wholesale marijuana tax, even as the cannabis industry challenges it in court. An update on all things weed in Michigan. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michigan’s perception gap
A new Michigan poll reveals where voters stand on data centers, the 2026 governor’s race, and how the state compares nationally on key economic measures. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
State of the state’s budget
What’s in the proof-of-citizenship and voter ID ballot proposal, and what is the state of the state budget as Governor Whitmer prepares for her final State of the State address. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michigan’s ballot proposals
An inside look at the proposals aiming for Michigan’s November ballot - from property taxes and school funding to voter ID and minimum wage - and where the campaigns stand now. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Classroom cellphone ban
Michigan bans smartphones in classrooms starting next school year - what the new bipartisan law does and doesn’t do. Plus, Perry Johnson on entering the GOP primary for governor, Trump, and his pitch to voters. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Michigan’s open U.S. Senate seat
Michigan’s U.S. Senate race draws national attention as Democrats face a competitive primary and a key state Senate race in the 35th District could have big consequences in Lansing. Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Michigan media shakeup and a swing Senate seat
What the surprising Detroit News deal means for Michigan journalism. Plus a breakdown of the high-stakes 35th Senate District special election. Plus, voters head into a pivotal 35th Senate District race. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside the House: Matt Hall on a high-stakes year
Michigan Republican Speaker of the House Matt Hall discusses his 2026 policy priorities, independent gubernatorial candidate Mike Duggan and support for a Constitutional Convention. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Inside the senate: Winnie Brinks on a high-stakes year
Politics in Michigan just got more interesting as Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist changes statewide races. Plus a conversation with the Michigan Senate Majority Leader on what can actually get done this year in Lansing with divided government. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Why 2026 will rewrite Michigan politics
Big elections. Bigger fights. And maybe a rewritten state constitution? A look ahead to a pivotal year in Michigan politics. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whitmer, Duggan, Nessel, and Hall… oh my!
Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Speaker of the House Matt Hall, and Attorney General Dana Nessel all made news in 2025. A look back at the year in Michigan politics… and what’s in store in the year to come. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Whitmer’s political future: TBD
It’s the question folks in Michigan - and across the country - are continually asking: Is Governor Gretchen Whitmer going to run for president in 2028? by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Data Center deep dive
Wondering why data centers are suddenly everywhere in the news? We’ll break it down. Plus, why the backlash isn’t falling along the usual party lines and what Michigan can learn from how voters in other states have responded at the ballot box. by Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick straight to your inbox? Sign up for the It's Just Politics newsletter! Want to support more work like this? Donate now!Support the show: http://michiganradio.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.