Katie and Brian head to the Capitol to talk with Senator Al Franken about the current political campaign, the issues that are top on his mind, and the legacy and lessons of the late Senator Paul Wellstone. Along the way they also hear from constituents with a lot on their minds, especially relating to recent gun violence.

 Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com

Katie and Brian head to the Capitol to talk with Senator Al Franken about the current political campaign, the issues that are top on his mind, and the legacy and lessons of the late Senator Paul Wellstone. Along the way they also hear from constituents with a lot on their minds, especially relating to recent gun violence. Learn more about your ad-choices at <a href="https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com">https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com</a>

Tired of political headlines that feel like déjà vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie’s asking those same questions—and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she’s breaking down what’s worth your attention (and what’s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7—but we can stay informed without losing our minds. 

Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.

Tired of political headlines that feel like d&eacute;j&agrave; vu? Wondering if you actually need to care about every controversy? This season, Katie&rsquo;s asking those same questions&mdash;and talking to the people who have real answers. From political insiders to sharp-eyed journalists, she&rsquo;s breaking down what&rsquo;s worth your attention (and what&rsquo;s not), with smarts, sanity, and even a little humor. Because none of us can be tuned in 24/7&mdash;but we can stay informed without losing our minds.&nbsp;
Tune in every Thursday and join Katie Couric and her guests for a conversation on NEXT QUESTION.

Next Question with Katie Couric

Sen. Al Franken: Inside Washington

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/69373a01-4ad6-4381-b519-ae2800775c1d/transcript

Snyder has spent his career studying how democracies collapse — and how they fight back. He’s the Chair in Modern European History at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy at the University of Toronto, the bestselling author of On Tyranny and On Freedom, and he's also the writer behind the popular Substack newsletter Thinking About.

In this conversation, Snyder uses Hungary's stunning election upset, in which opposition leader Péter Magyar defeated Viktor Orbán after 16 years in power, as a roadmap for American democracy. He breaks down what made Magyar's campaign work, why protests matter even when they feel futile, and how the war with Iran could impact the upcoming elections.

Snyder has spent his career studying how democracies collapse &mdash; and how they fight back. He&rsquo;s the Chair in Modern European History at the Munk School of Global Affairs &amp; Public Policy at the University of Toronto, the bestselling author of&nbsp;On Tyranny and On Freedom, and he's also the writer behind the popular Substack newsletter Thinking About.
In this conversation, Snyder uses Hungary's stunning election upset, in which opposition leader P&eacute;ter Magyar defeated Viktor Orb&aacute;n after 16 years in power, as a roadmap for American democracy. He breaks down what made Magyar's campaign work, why protests matter even when they feel futile, and how the war with Iran could impact the upcoming elections.

Historian Timothy Snyder on Orban’s defeat, Christian nationalism, and What’s Coming Next

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/59bf19da-fb5f-4b1d-8623-b436000faab1/transcript

Retired four-star Admiral and former commander of US Special Operations Command William McRaven oversaw the 2011 Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Beyond his military career, McRaven became widely known for his “Make Your Bed” commencement speech  which has been viewed more than 150 million times. Now he's out with a new book, Duty, Honor, Country, and Life, a collection of speeches and essays rooted in the West Point motto he's spent a lifetime trying to embody.

Admiral McRaven speaks, at times necessarily diplomatically (as we’re at war), at times candidly, about the state of the US military under the Trump administration, the war with Iran, and his growing concern that the president may not fully understand the limits of military power. He reflects on what it means to maintain integrity in an institution under pressure, why he believes the next generation of Americans gives him reason for optimism, and what he wants readers to take away from a book he says is as much for civilians as it is for soldiers.

Retired four-star Admiral and former commander of US Special Operations Command William McRaven oversaw the 2011 Navy SEAL raid that killed Osama bin Laden. Beyond his military career, McRaven became widely known for his &ldquo;Make Your Bed&rdquo; commencement speech&nbsp; which has been viewed more than 150 million times. Now he's out with a new book, Duty, Honor, Country, and Life, a collection of speeches and essays rooted in the West Point motto he's spent a lifetime trying to embody.
Admiral McRaven speaks, at times necessarily diplomatically (as we&rsquo;re at war), at times candidly, about the state of the US military under the Trump administration, the war with Iran, and his growing concern that the president may not fully understand the limits of military power. He reflects on what it means to maintain integrity in an institution under pressure, why he believes the next generation of Americans gives him reason for optimism, and what he wants readers to take away from a book he says is as much for civilians as it is for soldiers.

Katie’s One-on-One with Admiral William McRaven

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/59662d1b-e91c-4440-a1e4-b4350016dffc/transcript

Jack Schlossberg is JFK's only grandson, and he's making his first bid for elected office in Manhattan's 12th Congressional District, the seat being vacated by Jerry Nadler. He has Nancy Pelosi's endorsement, two million social media followers, and a campaign built around kitchen-table issues like housing costs and tariffs on food and clothing.

But he's also faced pointed questions about his qualifications and some notably harsh press coverage. In this conversation, he lays out his policy priorities, his decision to forgo Super PAC money, and what the Kennedy name really means for a first-time–ever–candidate running for Congress 2026.

Jack Schlossberg is JFK's only grandson, and he's making his first bid for elected office in Manhattan's 12th Congressional District, the seat being vacated by Jerry Nadler. He has Nancy Pelosi's endorsement, two million social media followers, and a campaign built around kitchen-table issues like housing costs and tariffs on food and clothing.
But he's also faced pointed questions about his qualifications and some notably harsh press coverage. In this conversation, he lays out his policy priorities, his decision to forgo Super PAC money, and what the Kennedy name really means for a first-time&ndash;ever&ndash;candidate running for Congress 2026.

Katie’s One-on-One with Jack Schlossberg

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/44c33a94-c49c-4221-91d9-b42c01542502/transcript

Sen. Al Franken: Inside Washington

In 1 playlist(s)

Next Question with Katie Couric

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips