The Playbook Podcast

Voters head to the polls in Maine's primary, where Democrats are watching to see whether controversies surrounding Graham Platner will derail his political future. In South Carolina’s Republican gubernatorial race, it’s another test of Trump’s influence in a crowded field. Will Trump-endorsed Lt. Governor Pamela Evette cross the finish line? Plus, First Lady Melania Trump welcomes student finalists to the White House for the Presidential AI Challenge.

Sunday marked 100 days of the Iran war with no deal reached. Iran launched a new wave of missiles at Israel overnight and then Israel struck back. Trump is pressing both sides toward negotiations. Plus, the Senate's FISA renewal is at risk after Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence — the act expires Friday. And Maine's primary is Tuesday, with Democrat senate candidate Graham Platner facing controversy heading into the vote. 

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong sits down with Dasha for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of crypto, the growing political influence of the industry, and his vision for a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. 

Plus, he responds to JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon’s recent attack, after Dimon called him “full of s--t,” and explains why he’s still “a little perplexed” by the personal animosity.

Have feedback for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

The Bidens are back in the spotlight after tensions briefly flared between loyalist Andrew Bates and Jill Biden over her new  memoir. Out west, California's primary results are rolling in, revealing a trademark California story: Democrat-on-Democrat showdowns. And with another round of allegations surrounding Graham Platner, do personal scandals still have political consequences?

Trump nominates Todd Blanche as attorney general—but can he actually get confirmed? Plus, oil industry executives are warning the White House of a potential energy price spike in mid-to-late June as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. And in Congress, vote-a-rama gets underway in the Senate, but as of late, but White House curveballs keep complicating things for Republicans. 

Iowa delivered the biggest surprise of the 2026 primary cycle as a Trump-backed candidate, Randy Feenstra, lost for the first time, while Chuck Schumer's Senate pick, Josh Turek, won comfortably. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns dive into all the results from Iowa and New Jersey, and try to make sense of Bill Pulte's sudden move from housing chief to acting Director of National Intelligence.

Six states vote today, with California's governor's race taking center stage. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns discuss the unexpected rise of Xavier Becerra, whether a Republican makes the final ballot, and why Spencer Pratt is somehow in contention for LA mayor. Plus, Marco Rubio and Acting AG Todd Blanche both face tough questioning on the Hill.

Congress returns from recess with several unresolved items on the agenda. Playbook’s Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns walk through the stalled immigration spending bill, an upcoming war powers vote, and the mood among some Republican senators following the Texas primary. Then, a Democratic Senate primary in Iowa tomorrow and what it signals about Chuck Schumer’s role as a Democratic leader. Plus: the latest on Iran negotiations, which remain at a standstill.

Every week on this show, Dasha Burns talks to the most compelling and sometimes unexpected power players in Washington and beyond. But for this special first anniversary episode, she turned the microphone over to you … our listeners. 

“How do you prepare for high-stakes interviews?” 

“Why has Washington left Gen Z behind?”

“How has covering politics changed you?” 

Dasha answers your burning questions, weighing in on everything from the most interesting under-the-radar character at the White House to why her news diet is a “hot mess.”  

Have feedback for “The Conversation?” Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-Pa.) sits down with POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Angelo’s Pizzeria, a South Philly institution, for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of the Democratic party, rising cynicism in American politics and the growing speculation around his political future in 2028.