While 2026 is just around the corner, so are the Midterm Elections. Meanwhile, next month will mark the first anniversary of President Trump's second term in office. To reflect on this year and look ahead to next, Dana revisits her conversation with Yemisi Egbowole, founder of Podium Strategies and former Chief of Staff and advisor to the Biden White House Press Office.

Yemisi discusses challenges facing the current Democratic Party and shares her projections for who may lead the Party in the future. 

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Yemisi highlight a messaging issue shared by both Democrats and Republicans. Has that changed since they recorded in August? 

This episode originally aired on Monday, August 18th, 2025.

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As 2025 comes to an end, Dana revisits her conversation with the founder of the bipartisan government relations firm, Mehlman Consulting, and the author of The Age of Distribution Substack, Bruce Mehlman, about foreign policy and what would become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Dana and Bruce spoke in October, on the heels of President Trump's major announcement on the war in Gaza and amid other key issues in the headlines around the world. 

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: For more political updates, visit Bruce's Substack, The Age of Distribution Substack. 

This episode originally aired on Monday, October 13th, 2025.

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Shocking violence ensued over the weekend following a trio of violent attacks that left many on edge at the height of the holiday season. Founding partner at Cavalry LLC and Co-Host of the Ruthless Podcast, Josh Holmes shares how this past weekend's tragedies amplified growing concerns about terror across the globe. 

Josh breaks down the primary health care dilemma in Congress and the need for Republicans to develop a strong, unifying message on the economy before the 2026 Midterm Elections. 

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Josh share their three Christmas wishes for American politics. 

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Following a memorable election win for Republicans, Americans are looking at Congress and its cost-cutting efforts. Senior Vice President of CRC Advisors Matt Whitlock describes President Trump's efforts to address an affordability issue in America.

Matt also shares some of the upcoming Supreme Court cases he's paying attention to, including arguments over presidential power and birthright citizenship.

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Matt discusses how President Trump's tariffs are affecting trade with Europe. 

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Bethany Mandel, a homeschooling mother of 6, a writer and host of 'The Mom Wars' podcast, shares how she is surviving travel with her children, teaching them about religion, architecture across history, and the world. She also discusses her view on teenagers and smartphones.

Later, Dana and Bethany highlight a special election in Tennessee that has the entire Congress watching and the growing concerns of congressional members' personal safety. 

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Bethany describes the concerns that American moms have about the economy. 

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Dana is on assignment this week, but host of the Getting Hammered and Naturally podcasts, Mary Katharine Ham, taps host of the Trey Gowdy Podcast, Trey Gowdy, to examine the political impact of Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s resignation, including how it affects the Republican majority in the House and the shifting dynamics inside the GOP. 

 Mary Katharine and Trey discuss the divide within the party over Ukraine, Russia, and U.S. foreign policy, and the confusion surrounding the State Department’s proposed peace plan. 

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Trey weighs in on how social media is reshaping political narratives heading into 2026.

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As the White House gears up to host Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed Bin Salman, President Trump is ready to make another 'big' deal. Managing Director and Partner at Beacon Global Strategies, Michael Allen unpacks the President's current foreign policy plans.

Dana and Michael discuss global issues and the complex state of geopolitics.

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Michael highlights the high amounts of fentanyl entering through the U.S. Southern border. 

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The longest government shutdown in U.S. history could come to an end with a few Democratic Senators joining Republicans to vote "yes" to reopen the government. Co-founder of South & Hill Strategies, Colin Reed, and Columnist at the Washington Examiner and Washington Post, Salena Zito, explain the political repercussions for Democrats.

They discuss the division within the Democratic Party and whether more Progressive candidates will emerge and be welcomed by voters in upcoming election cycles.

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: While the 2026 Midterm Elections are top of mind, Salena and Colin also highlight potential contenders for the 2028 Presidential Election. 

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It's the eve of Election Day, and a few key races have caught Americans' attention. Former GOP strategist and Host of "The Rich Zeoli Show," Rich Zeoli shares his take on the New Jersey and Virginia Gubernatorial Elections. He describes the issues that matter to voters as they head to the polls. 

Meanwhile, Rich notes the challenges the Democratic Party is facing. He explains why they are in a perpetual state of primarying one another while they continue to search for their base.

 I Wish Someone Had Told Me: Dana and Rich discuss how President Trump is holding both the Democratic and Republican parties together.

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The government shutdown continues, with very few people outside of Washington, D.C., feeling its impact. Meanwhile, Election Day is a little over a week away for the New York City Mayoral Race, and Democrats are split on whether they support the Democratic Candidate Zohran Mamdani. 

Co-host of the Ruthless Podcast, John Ashbrook, describes the growing divide within the Democratic Party, which he calls a "civil war" within the party. He also examines the lack of authenticity among Democrats, which could be why young socialist candidates are creeping into more races around the country.

I Wish Someone Had Told Me: John discusses President Trump's trip to Asia this week, and the results Americans could potentially see. 

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