Political Playlist Happy Hour

What's it like to be the youngest person in Congress? Michael and Anna sit down with 28-year-old Florida Democrat, Maxwell Frost, to find out. Rep. Frost is a master of messaging, but that's because (unlike some of his colleagues) he doesn't force it. So what does the future of the Democratic party look like? With people like Frost, who began his public service as a teenager fighting gun violence, the future looks bright and very, very cool.

Okay Playlisters, get ready for Michigan-palooza, or as we call it, everything you wanted to know about manufacturing thanks to Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens of Michigan's 11th district! Michael and Anna sit down with the three term Rep now running for the Michigan Senate to discuss the latest in the tariff chaos, the auto industry, and how Michigan Manufacturing (did we just coin that?) could be the slogan of many a nationwide campaign. But first, Anna and Michael discuss the protests in their backyard and how each day this is turning into a manufactured crisis thanks to Trump. To be clear, we denounce the instances of violence and property damage, but we also want to cut through the BS and say there is not large scale civil unrest in Los Angeles and we defer to the Governor when he says the National Guard is NOT needed. Chapters[00:00] Introduction to Congresswoman Haley Stevens[03:11] The Impact of Manufacturing on Michigan[05:57] ICE Raids and Protests in Los Angeles[09:14]Political Ramifications of National Guard Deployment[12:01]Media Narratives and Public Perception[14:53] Manufacturing Challenges and Tariffs[18:13] Future of Manufacturing in America[24:40] Michigan's Economic Landscape and Its Lessons[32:09] The Importance of the CHIPS Act[39:38] The Role of a Workhorse in Congress[43:16] Manufacturing Caucus and Future Aspirations

On this Happy Hour, Michael and Anna sit down with Democratic Congresswoman Yassamine Ansari (AZ-3), the youngest women in the House of Representatives! They discuss her tireless work championing climate change policy, her new bill tackling Extreme Heat in her Phoenix area district, and discuss how, given her age, she still pinches herself when she walks the halls of Congress to remind her this is all real. But first on the episode, the gang discuss the latest spate of videos depicting immigration arrests and deportations, and how a growing number of Trump supporters are saying this isn't what they voted for.[00:00] Introduction to the Podcast and Guests[02:01] Discussion on Extreme Heat and Climate Change[04:59] Immigration Issues in Arizona[08:01] Personal Stories of Immigration Enforcement[10:45] Empathy and Public Perception of Immigration[13:37] Political Implications of Immigration Policies[16:38] Women in Politics and Immigration[19:18] Transition to Interview with Representative Ansari[20:09 ]Introduction and Background of Congresswoman Ansari[22:56] The Impact of Youth in Politics[25:51] Climate Change: A Core Passion[28:25 ]Economic Perspectives on Climate Change[31:28 ]Addressing Extreme Heat in Arizona[34:22] Bipartisan Efforts and Legislative Strategies[37:01] Proactive Measures Against Climate Challenges[39:57] Mentorship and Support in Congress[42:40] Building Relationships Across the Aisle[45:41] Conclusion and Future Aspirations

 In this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna sit downEmma Weir and Annie Sokolov from the New Democratic Coalition! They discuss thecoalition's role in Congress, its focus on economic messaging, and the importance of engaging with voters through new media, highlighting the challenges and strategies of the Democratic Party as they navigate a dividedpolitical landscape, emphasizing the need for proactive messaging and local engagement to resonate with constituents.[00:00] Introduction to Political Playlist Happy Hour[02:48] Understanding the New Democratic Coalition[06:06] The Role of New Dems in Elections[09:01] Messaging Strategies for the Democratic Party[11:52] Engaging with New Media[15:02] Economic Messaging and Its Evolution[17:55] The Importance of a Unified Message[21:12] The Future of Democratic Leadership[23:58] Engaging Republicans and Constituents[27:12] Conclusion and Call to Action

In this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael sits down with Congresswoman Maxine Dexter, a Democrat from Oregon, who comes armed with facts and a can of Deschutes IPA from her home district to discuss her journey from doctor to a member of Congress. And who better qualified to discuss the proposed cuts to Medicaid, the challenges faced by rural healthcare, and the implications of work requirements for Medicaid eligibility. Dexter emphasizes the importance ofbipartisanship, listening to constituents, and the current concerns surrounding democracy. The conversation highlights the interconnectedness of healthcare, economic stability, and the need for public engagement in political processes. [00:00] Introduction to Political Playlist and CongresswomanDexter[02:46] Congresswoman Dexter's Journey from Medicine toPolitics[06:04] The Impact of Proposed Medicaid Cuts[08:52] Challenges Faced by Rural Healthcare[12:13] Work Requirements and Their Implications[15:06] Bipartisanship and the Role of Public Opinion[18:05] Listening to Constituents and Addressing TheirConcerns[20:53] The Importance of Democracy and Future Outlook[23:57] Closing Thoughts and Future

In this episode of Political Playlist, co-host and Hollywood mogal Michael K is off on assignment so Anna M-G and Anthony B go it alone with Freshman Democrat Emily Randall, of Washington State. They discuss her personal connection to Medicaid, the importance of healthcare for rural communities, and the potential cuts to federal programs. And it wouldn't be a Happy Hour with Emily if we didn't touch on her unique fashion choices in Congress![00:00] Introduction to Political Playlist and Rep. Randall[04:16] Personal Connection to Healthcare and Medicaid[08:58]The Importance of Medicaid for All[12:46]The Political Landscape and Medicaid Cuts[21:06]Navigating Healthcare Challenges in Rural Communities[30:38]The Role of Government in Healthcare[35:42]Expressing Identity Through Fashion in Congress

On this Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Recreational Film Enthusiast Anthony, unpack the latest hollywood blockbuster bombshell from the White House regarding possible tariffs on...Movies!?!?! Then the gang discuss Jake Auchincloss, a politician you might not know, before discussing more on tariffs, the economy and the "Trump Slump" seen in foreign elections around the world.

On this Happy Hour, Michael and Anna reconnect with their east coast roots by welcoming Congressman Seth Magaziner of Rhode Island onto the show and make Dark N Stormys in his honor...at 10 in the morning! He joins with his hometown 'Gansett Lager (Narragansett Brewery) to discuss his new bipartisan bill to limit Congressional Stock Trading (duh, no brainer!) as well as discussing his background as State Treasurer, his education and climate initiatives he's working on and of course, Block Island fan girl Anna talks all things-island like their first-of-its-kind off shore wind farm that looks to be a model for the rest of the country. You don't want to miss this eppisode!

Said after the passing of a Pope, "Sede Vacante," means "the see is vacant" and indeed, the same could be said about the US Congress. On this episode, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss the recent passing of Pope Francis, reflecting on his progressive legacy and the implications for the future of the Catholic Church. Next, the gang covers Rep. AOC through the lens of the resurging Bernie movement sweeping the nation, and then talk DNC's new strategy to fund Dem primary challegers for...OTHER Dems! Is this a good idea?

Welp, Donny blinked, and the US economy is, well, losing. Michael, Anna and Anthony unpack the latest in the escalating tariff war with the US and China, and then discuss the growing popularity in legislation from Jon Ossoff that would ban Congressional stock trading. Then the gang discuss what's going on with Harvard and higher education before finally celebrating a win of the week--if we could call it that. It's a long episode, we grant you, but it's a good one nonetheless!

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael sits down with Congresswoman Brittany Pettersen AND her newborn Sam to discuss her story, her journey to Congress, and most importantly, the Vote By Proxy bill for new parents she's been fighting tooth and nail for. The fight continues, but for now, we take stock in how much progess and headway has been made. And in an effort to get out in front of any perceived "mansplaining," absentee host Anna gives Michael a prepared statement to read. He manages.

On this Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss a whole host of topics ranging from the seemingly unlawful deportation of an innocent father to El Salvador, to Speaker Mike Johnson canceling the week of work and sending everyone home because he...didn't like a bill? The gang then discuss Ritchie Torres, Victoria Spartz, and Kat Cammack.

Fire up the "War Signal" boys, we got ourselves a bombin' to plan! That's right, the group chat heard round the world is the news-du-jour of todays happy hour, and Michael, Anna and Anthony got some hot takes. Afterwards, they tell you about Jared Moskowitz, a politician you might not know, plus they discuss how to talk about spending cuts and how these seemingly innocuous slashes are actually very personal and wide-reaching. It's a jam packed episode you won't want to miss!

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss the dizzying array of chaotic headlines before discussing tariffs and a politician from PA you don't know (Chris Deluzio). They then discuss the apparent unlawful detainment of a pro Palestinian activist who appears to actually be in this country legally, and has not been charged with any crime, and finally they discuss a win of the week in the form of a bill from Rep Dan Crenshaw.

Oh this episode, Anna and Anthony are joined by Democrat Representative Sarah Elfreth of Maryland's 3rd Congressional District. Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation about the current state of politics, what strategies Democrats should consider, and what awaits us with the upcoming Government shutdown bill.

On this happy hour, Michael, Anna, and Anthony tackle the latest crumbling of the US alliance with Ukraine, an interesting pro-union bill from Josh Hawley, and we discuss how to talk about free speech, which seems to be under attack by the very same people who devoutly proclaim to protect it.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss the latest email heard 'round the Government Inboxes. Then Anna cuts in with some breaking news on the government shutdown bill that passed the House, before we discuss a Politician You Don't Know--yet--spoiler, it's Elise Stefanik and then we discuss How To Talk About: Ukraine. It's a jam-packed episode you won't want to miss.

Like many a lady of Mar-A-Lago, we too are undergoing a light touch of cosmetic surgery on the show, as Michael, Anna and Anthony debut a new look and structure to the Happy Hour. But fear not, while there might be some new sections, it's still the same great content focusing on young leaders in Congress. And of course, Martinis included.

On this happy hour, the gang is going downtown in the Big Apple to discuss the latest in the NYC Mayor scandal involving charges being suddenly dropped in exchange for...immigration purges? Yikes. Then the gang discuss a Treasury bill, a Fentanyl bill and the CFPB. It's a newsy, boozy episode you won't want to miss.

On this spicy happy hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony unpack the latest tech-bro treasury takeover at the direction of "Elon-ia". Then the gang discuss the latest in Tariffs, USAID and a particular young politician from Florida we think you're all going to want to keep your eyes on. His name is Jared, and he's not related to the Trumps.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony give their assessment of the Selena Gomez video taking the internet by storm and the vicious backlash it is receiving from all corners of the web. Then, the gang discuss the new Trump immigration policy affecting our Afghan military partners, we talk DeepSeek AI and of course, the pause on federal grant money.

Welcome to America! Or should we say, it's time to leave? On this episode, Michael, Anna and Anthony break down all the fascinating, bizarre, and frankly unnerving things about the inauguration. Then we segue to immigration and look at a few different elements of this flashpoint issue that has so galvanized our country.

As the devastating fires wreak havoc on Los Angeles for the 8th straight day, Michael, Anna and Anthony reflect on all of the inspiring GOOD they're seeing from humanity during this crisis, as well as call out some politicians and media figures taking cheap shots for quick political wins. The gang also discusses out of state wildfire aid, proxy voting in Congress for new parents, and a follow up on Meta's new free speech policy. Spoiler, that one isn't so good for humanity.

Tragically, the year is not beginning how anyone in Los Angeles would like, as Michael, Anna, and Anthony process the still ongoing fires ravaging their own backyards in the Palisades at an unprecedented level. The gang then turn their attention to all the other things making everyone else's start to the year a bit prickly, like Meta announcing they're no longer fact checking, or how funding for 9/11 first responders and victims has lapsed thanks to Donald and Elon. Or how US Steel may be going under after a merger was recently blocked. It's not the start to the year we wanted, but that doesn't me we can allow ourselves to tune out the news.

Yes, we talk about the drones over Jersey...we just couldn't help ourselves. But we also talk about the quiet but steady work of one GOP Congresswoman to combat China's bad trade practices, the annual year end pardon petitioning to the President, and the future of AOC in Democratic leadership. And finally, to conclude the Year's End Happy Hour, we bid adieu to the departing members on account of age--and spoiler, some of our favs are growing up!

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony break down all the things happening in Syria with the fall of the Assad Regime and discuss what this means for the US and the broader region. The gang then discuss what the young Congress is saying about this, as well as other important issues like maternal death rates in the US and some new tiktok trends a few Congresswomen are getting involved in.

On this Happy Hour, Michael regales the gang with his recent golf hole in one which lead to none other than Mitch McConnell receiving a free drink! We also discuss a number of relevant news items this week like the Pete Hegseth nomination, new democratic leadership contests, immigration and the economy, and of course, the Hunter Biden pardon.

On this Happy Hour, Michael arranges for a surprise holiday cameo that is just the sort of pumpkin espresso martini Anna and Anthony were looking for. Then they discuss the new cease-fire in Lebanon, as well as Trump's nominee for DNI, Tulsi Gabbard, a proposed housing solution for low and middle income families and finally an interesting prisoner swap between the US and China.

On this Happy Hour, the gang tackle what has become a resounding talking point on the Right: Did Trump really win by an overwhelming mandate? And what does this mean for all those swing states that voted for him but then voted for Democratic Senators like Ruben Gallego or Elissa Slotkin. And later in the episode, we talk about combating homelessness and the divisive return of trans-rights in the actually Capitol Building following the election of Congresswoman Sarah McBride.

And boy does it feel like our country has just undergone one of those! On this happy hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss some of the new playlist "graduates" now looking at shiny new Cabinet roles, as well as who of our young leaders might fill those new House leadership vacancies and who the Dems aught to have as their "dream team" council as Anna puts it. It's an episode that hits the reset as we dive into the upcoming administration.

Feelings? We have a few. Thoughts? We have even more. On this morning after episode, the gang unpacks this wild rollercoaster election ride we've been on as a nation and what we think it all means, and where we think we head to next.

Whether your thrilled or still wanting more, we close out this election season with one final happy hour before the polls close, this time to highlight a few key congressional races in New York, Florida, and Washington. We've got Lawler v Jones, Luna v Fox, and Glusenkamp-Perez v Kent. Every single one of these defenders and challengers is under 45 and we solute them in their political pursuits.

FORE! Let this be a warning...a warning that Anna left the boys to their own juvenile devices and oh did they indulge themselves in the latest presidential platforming of Arnold Palmer's purported legendary "status". But there's a larger point we're trying to make here and that's what this measuring contest signifies for where our politics is, in 2024.

Okay, let's all admit it...we're stress eating (and drinking) and frankly, ready for this election to be over. Except we still have 21 more days, and our Young Leaders are still working their butts off for the American People...well, some of them. On this episode, we cover the latest in the Middle East, we talk economic plans, FEMA and mental health.

Not only is there a second life threatening storm approaching our southern states, but it does seem as the election nears that our politics have become darker and, well, stormier, too. On this Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss the latest on the ground in Florida before tackling the latest bogus mis-information regarding FEMA relief. Then, they talk about a group of states suing TikTok, Rep Jasmine Crockett's VOGUE debut, and an unlikely pairing between Sen. Katie Britt and Rep. Lauren Underwood on a new maternity health bill.

Well, gang, there sure was a whole lotta agreement at Tuesday's VP Debate and we're here to say...WE AGREE WITH IT! Michael, Anna, and Anthony fill up their glasses, and marvel at this seeming--and perhaps short-lived--return to normalcy in the political debate realm. But don't be fooled, because behind those kind salutations was a lot of unsaid policy agenda and sales pitch that needs discussion.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, the gang discuss the latest military escalations in the middle east, the crazy political manueverings going on in Nebraska, the importance of youth sports, but first--we welcome two new Under 45ers to the Playlist, both from none other than New Jersey.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss the latest pager attacks in Lebanon before covering a wide range of congressional issues like manufacturing, election certification and a very interesting race shaping up in central California.

That is the question of the hour, Swifties... and it appears it's looking like a cruel summer for Donny T post debate as the biggest pop star in the world just threw her support behind Kamala. But the real question is, did this debate, and will this endorsement, change a gosh darn thing in this race? Your guess is as good as ours, although we do follow this stuff closely, so pour a glass and hit play to hear our thoughts post presidential debate, as well as what young Congressional leaders are saying about the issues covered (and not covered) in the debate.

This week Anna and Anthony sit down with Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers of the Pantsuit Politics podcast! Sarah and Beth brand their conversations as a different approach to the news and have garnered a wide audience of people craving their casual and informative conversations. We have just that with them as we get some of the hot goss from the DNC, discuss the shifting conservative movement and dig into why the 'kitchen table' issues they're known for tackling on their show resonate so much with listeners and voters. These Kentucky ladies are just the best and we may or may not have veered into an all-out therapy session with them... 

That's a wrap on Anna's wedding as well as the DNC, and the gang is here to hash it all out this happy hour. Most striking, besides Anna's shoes, where the amount of young leaders on our platform who spoke at the DNC. But of course, our favorite speaker was Anna's dad Tony, who MC'd night one. How cool is that?!?!

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anthony welcome William He, the founder of Dream For America, a progressive organization dedicated towards activating young Gen Z voters in order to combat MAGA extremism. William joins us again, this time from the DNC where his officially the youngest accredited DNC goer at the age of 17. So naturally this happy hour we're drinking sodas.

As Anna prepares to say "I Do," Michael and Anthony prepare to say "I'll have another" as the latest political hits keep coming. This week, Kamala takes the lead in three key swing states as Donald has a streaming failure to launch with Elon which turns into a 2 hour ramble-fest, and Congress is getting punchy as it nears November.

This week, Anna and Anthony are making due without the smoothest-talking member of the Political Playlist trio, but nonetheless they've got a lot to discuss. From Trump's problematic remarks about Kamala Harris's race to the release of US prisoners from Russian jail, the news is all over the place. And you bet your bottom dollar we've got some HOT TAKES of our own  and some from the youngest members of Congress who always have a thing or two to say about what's going on in this wild, wild world of ours. Tune in, take a sip, and join the conversation. 

Let's face it folks, when things are in disarray, sometimes you just need Mom--err Momala, that is. Yes, we're talking about our VP Kamala Harris aka Momala, who has now stepped in to replace Joe Biden atop the democratic ticket and WOW has she galvanized a party that was desperate for new energy and in turn, has shown that the country writ large is also desperate for that new energy.

The Republican National Convention is on, and Michael, Anna and Anthony are here to break down who of our young Congress is speaking at this grand old party. But first, the gang discuss the horrific assassination attempt on former president Trump that tragically claimed the live of an everyday hero protecting his family. Sadly, no one thinks any of these political "unity" pledges will last.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, Michael and Anna welcome Anthony back from Europe and gingerly remind him that we still have two very old people running for president, despite many reasons for both to exit stage right. The gang unpack the latest controversies surround the 2024 election through the lens of what our young leaders in Congress are saying about it. Then they segue to Trump's frontrunner VP of JD Vance... VP JV has a certainly ring to it I guess. Then we couldn't NOT cover the controversy surround Refrigerator Freedom--yep, you heard that right. Can't make this stuff up kids...

This is a question Michael and Anna ask many times on this episode, are we there yet? Are we done with the election yet? Are we over the unnecessary vitriol and chaos and disfunction of Washington and our politics yet? Indeed these may be unanswerable questions, but what we can tell you is what our young members like Jared Golden, Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez and Eric Swalwell are saying about the Democratic Presidential ticket and the recent Presidential immunity ruling by the Supreme Court.

On this episode of the Happy Hour, the gang rejoice at the news that Anna has found wedding shoes for her beautifully oversized feet! Then on to other important matters, like the elections in Britain and France, plus Ritchie Torres' unwavering support for Israel and the contentious primary races for many of his progressive colleagues.

Apologies to anyone in favor of sensible gun reform, we're just not that into you--or so says the US Supreme Court when it comes to the federal ban on bump-stocks for semiautomatic weapons. On this happy hour, Michael, Anna, and Anthony dive into the Supreme Court's latest overturning of the Trump-era policy as well as wade into the new immigration marriage policy for undocumented immigrants as well as some interesting new crime policy propositions hitting the California ballots.

The political vitriol in Washington is getting harsher and harsher but this trio of civic youngsters (we can call ourselves that right?) is trying to unpack the baggage so you don't have to go insane doing it! This episode features discussions on the DOJ, Immigration and a wild alleged fraud scheme surrounding the CFO of right wing media outlet The Epoch Times.