Democratic Sen. Elissa Slotkin (and U.S. Iraq War veteran) of Michigan joins JT and MG to unpack the events that unfolded in Iran over the weekend, where we go from here, ideas for the future of the Democratic Party and her recent spicy exchange with Sec. of Defense Pete Hegseth. Plus, a little love for Detroit and Minnesota.

Grounded gets spicy with our friend Katie Phang, a former prosecutor, longtime legal analyst and former host of the Katie Phang Show. We chat about Iran, the Tucker Carlson v. Ted Cruz video, the necessary evolution of informative media and why Katie thinks there’s still a measure of respect for the Judicial Branch. If you’ve found yourself thinking you want more profanity from Grounded, this is the episode for you!

We had planned to solely chat with former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn for this episode, but something happened Wednesday night that prompted us to add another guest to the mix. Dunn and JT share some behind the scenes anecdotes about Jan. 6, 2021, and their response to the Trump administration calling the LA protesters insurrectionists. We also talk to Land Tawney with the American Hunters and Anglers Action Network about new language in the Big, Beautiful Bill that would sell off public lands.

We tried something new in episode 26 by having a LIVE conversation with Dr. Heather Cox Richardson, America’s favorite historian. We cover the unrest in Los Angeles, the public Elon Musk/Donald Trump feud and the defining moments she thinks will be remembered in future history books. Plus, what keeps her up at night? What gives her hope? How does she decompress? You’ll hear it all on this special extended edition of Grounded.

In the 25th episode of Grounded, fellow Montanan and Pearl Jam co-founder Jeff Ament joins JT and MG to talk politics, music and Big Sandy, Montana. We ask about the viral moment when his bandmate Eddie Vedder defended Bruce Springsteen against attacks from President Trump, the concert poster that landed the Secret Service at his door, and the way his upbringing and college years shaped his viewpoints. Look for bonus music content on our Substack!

https://groundedpodcast.substack.com/

JT & MG talk to journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes who just co-authored their fourth book together about the 2024 presidential campaign cycle. They cover insider perspectives from both the Biden and Trump campaigns, the debate that unleashed a summer of political chaos and what happens now as Democrats try to figure out their path forward in the middle of a Trump 2.0 presidency.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz joins JT and MG to talk about what went wrong for the Harris/Walz campaign, the future of the Democratic Party, and the governor’s political plans. What do Democrats need to do to win back rural America and the working class? Is there room for a moderate candidate in today’s political environment? We also make sure to talk about the Minnesota State Fair, Montana breakfast joints, and high school football. An episode you don’t want to miss!

“We’re not doomed yet, but we’re running out time that we need.” That’s what former Ambassador John Bolton said to JT & MG in the latest episode of Grounded about our global security risks. We ask what keeps him up at night, the best path forward for unity, President Trump’s relationship with authoritarians and more. He also spills the beans about who he actually voted for in 2024.