In the 10th episode of the Brogressive Podcast, Ben and Beleh kick things off by reflecting on their playoff predictions, where they went wrong, and what surprised them most from the wildcard round. Beleh shares his firsthand account of attending the Chargers vs. Texans game, describing the Chargers’ devastating collapse, Justin Herbert’s struggles, and the surprisingly welcoming Texans fanbase (00:54).

The conversation transitions into a deeper analysis of what went wrong for the Chargers and what the team needs to improve in the offseason, from bolstering their wide receiver corps to dreaming of adding stars like Tee Higgins or Tyreek Hill (04:44). From there, Ben and Beleh turn their attention to the divisional round, previewing key matchups like Ravens vs. Bills and Rams vs. Eagles while holding themselves (and absent co-hosts Dylan and Luis) accountable for their predictions last week (15:17).

Outside of football, Beleh recounts highlights from his Texas trip, including the unmatched quality of Texas barbecue and his take on the In-N-Out vs. Whataburger debate (09:06). The episode wraps up with a thoughtful discussion on disaster relief politics, the implications of conditioning aid, and the media’s role in shaping public perceptions during crises (26:23).

Follow Beleh⁠⁠⁠ @Btoma15⁠⁠⁠, Ben ⁠⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠ on Twitter/X.

On this episode of the Brogressive Podcast, Beleh and Dylan talk with Bakari Sellers about the Democratic Party’s recent struggles and what lies ahead. They discuss Kamala Harris’s near victory, the cultural and economic challenges shaping elections, and the importance of storytelling in political messaging.

Sellers also shares his thoughts on young leaders like AOC and Pete Buttigieg, the role of social media in shaping political identity, and the need for Democrats to reconnect with voters at the grassroots level. It’s a candid, insightful conversation about the state of progressive politics and the future of Democratic leadership.

Timestamps
(00:00) Introduction and Bakari Sellers’ Background
(02:13) Why Democrats Lost: Kamala’s Campaign and the Bigger Picture
(05:26) Global Trends: Why 2024 Was Tough for Parties in Power
(07:10) Storytelling in Politics: What Democrats Get Wrong
(10:35) Kamala’s Populist Ideas and the Challenges of Being Vice President
(13:44) Crime, Public Perception, and Communicating Effectively
(15:54) How to Talk to Voters Across Political Divides
(19:31) Bakari’s Roots: Lessons From Civil Rights Organizing
(22:12) Young Leaders in Politics: Balancing Fame and Effectiveness
(25:43) AOC, Pete Buttigieg, and the Future of Democratic Leadership
(28:30) Wrapping Up: Bakari’s Vision for the Democratic Party

Follow Bakari Sellers ⁠@Bakari_Sellers on Twitter/X. Follow Beleh ⁠⁠⁠@btoma15 and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠.

In this episode of the Brogressive Podcast, Ben, Beleh, Dylan, and Luis dive into the NFL playoffs, the chaos of Rush Week at UCLA, and rank the most intriguing NFL head coaching vacancies. Dylan, a fraternity president, shares insider stories about fraternity culture, the dynamics of Rush Week, and the political dynamics of frat bros.

The conversation transitions to football as the group breaks down Wild Card Weekend matchups, including a deep dive into the Rams vs. Vikings game, and explores how coaching changes could reshape the NFL.

Follow Beleh ⁠⁠⁠@btoma15, Ben ⁠⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠.

Timestamps:

In this episode of the Brogressive Podcast, Max Levin and Ben Bartlett sit down with Dhaaruni Sreenivas, a DNC delegate, to discuss the dynamics of the DNC chair race, gender politics, and the challenges of political messaging. The conversation explores healthcare reform, the backlash to the Me Too movement, and the evolving role of social media in shaping political identity. Dhaaruni brings fresh insights into how Democrats can address their struggles with messaging and their image among young men.

Follow Dhaaruni @dhaaruni on Twitter/X. Follow Max ⁠⁠@MaxLevin23⁠⁠, Ben ⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠.

Timestamps:

In this episode of the Brogressive Podcast, we sit down with journalist and political commentator Matt Yglesias for a deep dive into the shifting political landscape. From Gen Z’s surprising rightward turn and their backlash against “woke” politics to the challenges of maintaining a big tent Democratic coalition, Matt offers his sharp insights and unfiltered takes. We explore how activist groups are reshaping party priorities, why Democrats struggle with messaging on issues like crime and the border, and what lessons the party must learn before 2028. Plus, Matt shares a few rapid-fire takes on movies, the NFL, and more.

Subscribe to Matt's Slow Boring newsletter and listen to his Politix podcast. Follow Matt on Twitter/X @mattyglesias. Follow Max ⁠@MaxLevin23⁠, Beleh⁠ @Btoma15⁠, Ben ⁠@BenBartlettt⁠, David ⁠@michiganstan25⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠@BrogressivePod⁠.

Timestamps:
(00:05:05) - The Rightward Shift of Gen Z Shattering the Illusion of Inevitable Liberal Progress
(00:18:54) - Democratic Policy Missteps and Strategic Errors
(00:22:06) - “The Groups” and Their Increasing Influence on Democratic Politics
(00:50:30) - Joe Rogan, Purity Tests, and Shrinking the Democratic Tent
(01:05:10) - JD Vance and Potential 2028 Candidates
(01:16:55) - Matt’s Favorite Movies of 2024, Thoughts on the Superman Trailer, and NBA Ratings Problems

Follow Beleh⁠⁠ @Btoma15⁠⁠, Ben ⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠ on Twitter/X.

Timestamps:

(00:03:38) Warriors and Lakers Seasons and Potential Trade Targets

(00:37:47) State of the NBA and Ratings Discourse

(00:49:52) Chargers Talk

(01:03:15) NFL Playoff and MVP Predictions

We sat down with attorney and author William Cooper to talk about his new book How America Works … And Why It Doesn’t.

We covered everything from the Chiefs' dark magic-fueled success this season and the A’s leaving Oakland to the roots of America’s political dysfunction, Trump’s legacy, and the impact of social media on tribalism.

Will is giving away 10 signed copies of his book — visit our Twitter to enter!

Follow William Cooper on Bluesky ⁠@wcooperbooks.bsky.social. Follow Max ⁠@MaxLevin23⁠, Beleh⁠ @Btoma15⁠, Ben ⁠@BenBartlettt⁠, David ⁠@michiganstan25⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠@BrogressivePod⁠ on Twitter/X.

Timestamps:

(02:48) Tips for Getting Started Writing as a Columnist

(05:07) Bay Area Sports, A’s Leaving Oakland, and Chiefs Dark Magic

(12:47) How Social Media and Tribalism Drive Political Dysfunction

(21:22) Breaking Out of the Liberal Bubble

(27:16) Best- and Worst-Case Scenarios for Trump’s Second Term

(35:39) Using Trump’s Ego for Positive Change

(41:39) William Cooper’s Future Projects and Must-Read Book Recommendations for Historical Perspective and Optimism

(46:08) "How America Works … And Why It Doesn’t" Signed Book Giveaway

In Part 2 of this two-part episode of Brogressive, we draft possible 2028 Democratic candidates and explore who would have the best chance of defeating JD Vance. Vote for who drafted the best slate in the poll below!

Follow Max ⁠⁠@MaxLevin23⁠⁠, Beleh⁠⁠ @Btoma15⁠⁠, Ben ⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠, David ⁠⁠@michiganstan25⁠⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠.

In Part 1 of a two-part podcast, we debate Trump’s best and worst cabinet picks so far. We also talk about whether RFK Jr.’s pick has some positives and if there need to be big changes in U.S. food production, like with seed oils. Plus, we dig into what Trump’s labor secretary pick means and whether it shows unions got something out of not endorsing Biden.

Follow Max ⁠@MaxLevin23⁠, Beleh⁠ @Btoma15⁠, Ben ⁠@BenBartlettt⁠, David ⁠@michiganstan25⁠, and Brogressive Podcast ⁠@BrogressivePod⁠.

Follow Armand on Twitter @ArmandDoma. Follow Max @MaxLevin23, Beleh @Btoma15, Ben @BenBartlettt, David @michiganstan25, and Brogressive Podcast @BrogressivePod.

Timestamps:
(01:38) Why Did Democrats Lose in 2024?
(25:30) Rightward Shift of Young Men and Reasons for Optimism in the Next Four Years
(28:56) Armand Domalewski Interview
(30:22) The Future of YIMBYism
(01:05:06) Lessons from 2024
(01:19:53) How Dems Can Win Back Young Men