Now You Know with Knowa De Baraso

Knowa's back with the latest installment of the 2026 "Meet the Candidates” series, and on this episode, Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman joins him to break down why she’s running for Governor of Georgia — and what she thinks Democrats need to do differently to win in a “once-in-a-generation” cycle.

They get into her affordability agenda, how she navigated the 2024 cycle as a Palestinian elected official, and why she argues leaders should stop investing in war. She also weighs in on ICE overreach and what it will take for Democrats to show up for communities consistently — not just at election time. Ruwa made national headlines last year after the DNC blocked her from speaking when she questioned why anti-choice Republicans were given a platform at the convention instead of a progressive, lifelong Democrat.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this first episode of 2026, Knowa marks the one-year anniversary of the Los Angeles wildfires with none other than Mayor Karen Bass. Discussing topics from the wildfires' connection to climate change, misinformation spread, and rebuilding efforts, Mayor Bass provides valuable insights. The conversation also delves into broader themes like urban policy, homelessness, and Los Angeles culture, alongside Mayor Bass's stance on ICE and her thoughts on the ongoing situation in Venezuela. Tune in for Mayor Bass's candid insights on these critical issues and her plans to combat homelessness, misinformation and keep LA the entertainment capital of the world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former NFL player who famously flipped a red seat blue in 2018, served three terms in Congress, and was later nominated to run against Ted Cruz for the U.S. Senate is now looking to make a return to Washington. This time, he’s running against incumbent U.S. Congresswoman Julie Johnson in a closely watched race in the newly drawn Texas congressional district.

He speaks at length about affordability, the spread of misinformation, and the lasting impact of redistricting, while laying out what sets him apart from his opponent. Along the way, he also reflects on his previous campaigns, and he digs into his past races and how they’ve shaped his approach this time around.

Follow Knowa on all socials: https://linktr.ee/knowadebaraso

Learn more about Colin Allred on his campaign website: https://colinallred.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

History-making Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan stepped into the national spotlight as the would-be successor to Governor Tim Walz had Kamala Harris won the 2024 presidential election, a moment that put her leadership under a national microscope. Flanagan is now running for the U.S. Senate on a progressive platform, and on this week’s episode of Now You Know, she digs into her story, how it’s impacted her governing during her political career, and tells us what makes her different from her opponent.

Follow Knowa on all socials: https://linktr.ee/knowadebaraso
Learn more about Peggy Flanagan on her campaign website: https://peggyflanagan.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode of Now You Know, Knowa sits down with Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat, the man behind some of the most talked-about moments in recent criminal justice history. From Donald Trump’s mugshot to high-profile celebrity cases, criminal justice reform, and Young Thug’s time behind bars, Sheriff Labat speaks on it all.

The sheriff also dives into one of the biggest debates in law enforcement right now: cash bail versus no cash bail. He shares his perspective and gives an inside look at how the system really works. You won’t want to miss this full conversation!

Follow Knowa on all socials: https://linktr.ee/knowadebaraso
Read more about Pat Labat: https://fultoncountyga.gov/inside-fulton-county/fulton-county-departments/sheriff/about-us/sheriff-patrick-labat

✉️ Send In Your Questions

Have a question or something you want Knowa to break down on the show?
Send your thoughts to Knowa @knowadebaraso on all platforms and your questions may appear in an upcoming episode.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With Thanksgiving approaching, Knowa frames the episode as a moment of reflection and responsibility: a time when many families gather, give thanks, and think about freedom—while thousands of people remain incarcerated pre-trial or wrongfully convicted. Lauren Bright Pacheco’s new season of Wrongful Conviction brings that tension into sharp focus, highlighting overlooked stories, investigative failures, and families who continue fighting through the holidays. 

From there, Knowa makes it clear he’s only scratching the surface. His curiosity is shifting toward how influencers amplifying cases or partnering with organizations like the Reform Alliance can shift public pressure toward policy change. 

Then, Fulton County Sheriff Patrick Labat breaks down why celebrity arrests at Fulton County Jail end up revealing the same systemic issues everyday residents face. When high-profile figures go through intake and publicly describe overcrowding, slow processing, or poor conditions, it draws rare national attention to problems that wrongfully convicted people and pre-trial detainees endure for far longer. Sheriff Labat uses these moments to contextualize the county’s ongoing challenges: insufficient funding, safer infrastructure, and the cascading impact of understaffing on jail conditions.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Now You Know "Meet the Candidates 2026 Midterm Series," this no-holds-barred conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Georgia gubernatorial candidate Representative Derrick Jackson's policy positions, and his thoughts on qualifications for leadership roles.

Jackson, a retired lieutenant commander in the U.S. Navy and a corporate executive, emphasizes his commitment to family, rights, and military matters as key pillars of his platform. He also touches on his past legislative achievements, his vision for raising the minimum wage, and his plans to support small farmers and low-income families.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As millions of Americans rethink their political identity, former Georgia Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan has made his own bold move — leaving the GOP to run for Governor of Georgia as a Democrat.

In this episode of the Now You Know  "Meet the Candidates 2026 Midterm Series," Knowa sits down with the candidate for an honest, wide-ranging conversation about his political transformation, his policy priorities, and the future of Georgia politics.

Duncan talks about his thoughts on identity politics, DEI, the future of bipartisanship, and also opens up about his family, and why “doing the right thing” has become their guiding motto.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s exciting episode, Knowa sits down with former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre to discuss her new book, Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House, Outside the Party Lines, and her time behind the White House podium. Karine also opens up about her departure from the Democratic Party. Why she left, what she believes the party is lacking, and her vision for its future. You don’t want to miss this!

Follow Knowa on all socials: https://linktr.ee/knowadebaraso

Buy Karine Jean-Pierre’s book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/karine-jean-pierre/independent/9781538777084/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the first episode of the 2026 Meet the Candidates midterm series, Knowa sits down with State Senator Jason Esteves, a candidate for Governor of Georgia who’s bringing a fresh perspective. Senator Esteves talks about his plan for caretakers and the key policies he’s running on to lead the state.
He also shares his record of getting things done, from his work with Atlanta Public Schools to his time in the state Senate. Take a listen—you might just find your next candidate!

Follow Knowa on all socials: https://linktr.ee/knowadebaraso

Read about Jason Esteves and his campaign for Governor: https://www.jasonesteves.com/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.