Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou

On this mini episode of Grounded, we unpack the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and its implications. Why now? What’s next? Plus, with the looming possibility of another government shutdown, there's new pressure from the Trump administration to make a deal. We breakdown what it all means.

Former VP of the Pentagon Press Association Kevin Baron joins Grounded to discuss new restrictions on journalists covering the Pentagon. What does this mean for national security? What does this mean for your access to real information? How about the future of a free press? We unpack it all, including new pressure from the Trump administration to prosecute political rivals.

Independent journalist + influencer Aaron Parnas joins Grounded to talk about his unique approach to news, which appeals to audiences young and old. He offers viewpoints on Trump, civics education, Ukraine and his future aspirations. How do we reach the younger generations? How do we fight against social media algorithms? Plus, what Parnas sees as the biggest challenge facing our country today.

Is this really where the United States of America is right now? In a press conference Friday morning, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called what we’re living through a “watershed moment.” JT & MG share thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s murder after the political assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman in Minnesota this summer. Where do we go from here as a country? How can we all do better? Plus, a conversation with filmmaker Steven Sawalich and Paul Mitchell co-founder John Paul DeJoria on Case For Kindness, a documentary that highlights the critical need for acts of kindness small and large.

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says you should hold on to your hats… because an AI-driven increase in energy demand combined with federal policies could mean a big hit to your bottom line. Inslee discusses his new work with Climate Power in an effort to hold the federal government accountable for policies he says will lead to even higher energy prices and more carbon emissions. Plus, how it all impacts agriculture and the clean energy industry.

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas brings her trademark wit to Grounded and talks about new revelations over the Epstein files. We unravel plans to send National Guard troops to more U.S. cities and why she thinks the average American needs to better understand the difference between police training and military training. Plus, the president’s health, how she stays quick on her feet and what gives her hope at the end of each day. 

Dr. Michael Osterholm joins Grounded to talk about why he says these are the most dangerous days for public health that he’s seen in his 50-year career. “We will never forget this. It will be before and after, much like BC/AD in terms of what public health is about,” Osterholm said. We talk about the recent exodus at the CDC, the future of vaccine access in the U.S. and how the art of intimidation is being used against his colleagues. Plus, hear why he says the federal government is sabotaging research and medicine.

“We have more millionaires in Congress than we have moms. There are three times more men named John in the Senate than there are moms of minor children, and this is why our policies fail women in this country, why they fail children in this country and Vote Mama is is here to change that.”

That’s what Vote Mama founder and CEO Liuba Grechen Shirley dropped on us in this episode of Grounded that focuses on parents in politics, specifically mothers of young children. We also chat about the recent media attention around some calls to repeal the 19th amendment and other barriers for parents of young children in the political sphere where the rules were written almost exclusively by men.

JT had a date with the combine during our conversation with Liuba, but he joins MG for some headlines and to show off his funniest hat yet.

"If my column really had an accurate name, it would be called ‘Always looking for Minnesota."

NYT columnist and three-time Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman joins JT & MG to chat about foreign policy, how growing up in St. Louis Park, Minnesota shaped his political worldview, and the recent Trump administration move that gives him fear about the future of America as we know it. What’s his 30,000 ft. view of the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine? What’s the path forward for the war in Gaza? Plus, what he says when asked about how to stay optimistic in this divisive political climate.

As Politico wrote Friday, “the Senate map suddenly looks a lot better for Democrats. But still not a slam dunk.” Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek sure hopes so, as he just announced his candidacy for the Senate seat currently held by Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. You may have seen his splashy campaign launch video in which he crawls up stairs to knock on doors because he was born with spina bifida as a result of his dad’s exposure to Agent Orange. Josh and Jon discussed many parallel interests (in addition to shared initials), like running as a Democrat in a red state, VA accessibility and rural America. The JTs even get in some basketball chatter, as Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist for Team USA.

This conversation was recorded live on Substack!