Humanizing Policy: Inside the White House Press Briefing
Related Episodes
The Dangerous Illusion of the Lone Genius Myth
The "genius myth" fuels ego and delusion, leading intelligent individuals to flawed ideas and reputational damage. Cultivate critical thinking and humility over hero worship.
View Episode Notes →
Defeating Authoritarianism Requires Systemic Reform and Proactive Democratic Construction
Defeating authoritarianism requires recognizing its presence, actively resisting, and proactively building superior democratic systems. Simply restoring the past is insufficient; a strategic construction of resilient institutions is paramount.
View Episode Notes →
DOJ Weaponized for Political Revenge, Judge Rules
Trump's DOJ allegedly pursued political enemies like Comey and James, with indictments dismissed due to improper appointments, revealing a disturbing weaponization.
View Episode Notes →
Voter Identity Trumps Ideology: Democrats' Real Election Battle
Voters prioritize identity and community over ideology, and Democratic strategists often miss this, leading to messaging that alienates rather than connects.
View Episode Notes →
DCCC's Early Investment Targets Voters of Color and Rural Communities
Democrats invest early in Black, Brown, and rural voters, shifting from transactional outreach to sustained engagement, aiming to build trust and reshape power for electoral victory.
View Episode Notes →
DOJ Subpoena Against Fed Chair Threatens Independence Via Criminal Charges
Criminal charges threaten Fed officials, escalating pressure beyond typical politics and potentially consolidating executive control over independent economic functions.
View Episode Notes →Resources
Books
- "Ted Lasso" - Mentioned as a reference point for a "power move" used by Jen Psaki before entering the briefing room.
Videos & Documentaries
- The Wizard of Oz - Used as a metaphor to describe Jen Psaki's first experience entering the White House gates.
Tools & Software
- Zoom - Mentioned in the context of connecting with an audience during an era where in-person interaction is limited.
Articles & Papers
- Ronald Reagan's speech on why tariffs are bad for trade - Referenced in the context of Donald Trump's reaction to an advertisement featuring Reagan.
People Mentioned
- Jen Psaki - Host of "The Briefing with Jen Psaki" on MSNBC, former White House Press Secretary for Joe Biden.
- Everett Kelly - National President of the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE).
- Joe Biden - Former President of the United States, for whom Jen Psaki served as Press Secretary.
- Donald Trump - Former President of the United States, whose administration's actions regarding federal employees and tariffs were discussed.
- Ted Lasso - Character from the TV show "Ted Lasso," used as an example of a confident "power move."
- Rebecca - Character from the TV show "Ted Lasso," whose "power move" was referenced.
- Barack Obama - Former President of the United States, during whose election Jen Psaki first visited the White House.
- Bill Burton - Former colleague of Jen Psaki, who accompanied her on her first visit to the White House.
- Dana Perino - Former White House Press Secretary under George W. Bush, whom Jen Psaki met at the White House.
- George W. Bush - Former President of the United States, whose administration and press secretary were mentioned.
- Corey Booker - Mentioned as a past guest on Jen Psaki's podcast, "The Blueprint."
- Tim Walls - Mentioned as a past guest on Jen Psaki's podcast, "The Blueprint."
- Pete Buttigieg - Mentioned as a past guest on Jen Psaki's podcast, "The Blueprint."
- Kamala Harris - Mentioned as a candidate whose policies Jen Psaki supports and would discuss with her children.
- Ronald Reagan - Former President of the United States, whose words in an advertisement incited a reaction from Donald Trump.
- Nick Brown - Attorney General of Washington state, who discussed the weaponization of the Department of Justice.
- Attorney General Bondi - Mentioned in the context of the Department of Justice working for the president.
- Carter - Friend of Will Bashir, whose house Will was driving to.
- Will Bashir - Son of Andy Beshear and Brittany Bashir, who received his provisional driver's license.
- Brittany Bashir - Wife of Andy Beshear and First Lady of Kentucky, who joined "the Johns" segment.
- John Ribenowitz - Co-host of "the Johns" segment.
- John McConnell - Co-host of "the Johns" segment.
Organizations & Institutions
- Sirius XM Podcast Network - The podcast is a proud member of this network.
- MSNBC - Jen Psaki's employer and the network where her show "The Briefing" airs.
- American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) - The largest union representing federal and DC government employees, led by Everett Kelly.
- White House - The executive branch of the U.S. federal government.
- Department of Justice - Mentioned in the context of its alleged weaponization.
- Democratic Party - The subject of discussions on Jen Psaki's podcast, "The Blueprint."
- Republican Party - Mentioned in relation to political control and differing viewpoints.
- Federal Government - The subject of discussions regarding shutdowns and employee treatment.
- U.S. Senate - Mentioned as being controlled by Republicans.
- U.S. House of Representatives - Mentioned as being controlled by Republicans.
- Iowa Democratic Party - Where Jen Psaki worked on her first campaign in 2002.
- NBC - Mentioned as part of the media environment Jen Psaki works in.
- Supreme Court - Mentioned in relation to potential rulings on tariffs.
Courses & Educational Resources
- Army JAG lawyer - Nick Brown served in this capacity early in his legal career.
Websites & Online Resources
- YouTube Channel (Andy Bashir Podcast) - Listeners are encouraged to subscribe.
- Sling.com - Website for Sling TV, mentioned for accessing live college football games.
- Rubrik.com - Website for Rubrik, mentioned for their AI agent monitoring platform.
Other Resources
- The Briefing with Jen Psaki - Jen Psaki's show airing Tuesday through Friday at 9 pm eastern time on MSNBC.
- The Blueprint - Jen Psaki's podcast, in its second season, discussing the future of the Democratic Party.
- Matthew 25:38-40 - A Bible passage mentioned by Everett Kelly, emphasizing ministering to those in need.
- Cincinnati Chili - A type of chili associated with Cincinnati, Ohio, discussed in the context of family meals.
- Graeter's Ice Cream - A brand of ice cream mentioned by Brittany Bashir.
- Snap Benefits - Federal nutrition assistance program, mentioned in the context of potential disruptions due to a government shutdown.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) - A program providing assistance to at-risk families, mentioned as a resource in Kentucky.
- Clorox Toilet Wand - A cleaning product mentioned in an advertisement.