Best Mics Divided Podcasts (2026)

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Are Crime Statistics Dividing Us? We Asked the Audience 4:42

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18d ago4:42

4:42

Send us a text Are crime statistics helping us understand what’s really happening — or are they pushing us further apart? In this follow-up episode, we take the conversation to the audience, pulling real thoughts from the comments and asking viewers directly how they interpret crime data. We explore the difference between totals, per-capita rates, …

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ICE Says Self-Defense; Minneapolis Says “Not So Fast” 4:36

1d ago4:36

4:36

Send us a text A life lost and two clashing stories — one from federal officials, another from Minneapolis leaders. We dig into the fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis and confront the hard questions that surface when an enforcement operation ends in death, video evidence raises doubts, and the legal justification remains out of public view. Our goal…

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Michigan's Gubernatorial Primary: Garlin Gilchrist, Jocelyn Benson and Chris Swanson 50:00

4d ago50:00

50:00

This is one of the most important governor’s races in the country in 2026 — the open-seat race in Michigan. Governor Gretchen Whitmer is term-limited, which means for the first time in eight years, Michigan voters will choose a new governor without an incumbent on the ballot. And anytime you have an open seat in a true swing state, the national sta…

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Chris Pappas for Senate, A Converstion with College Students, and a New Year 50:00

11d ago50:00

50:00

Welcome to 2026 – we’re kicking off a brand-new series, Primed for 2026, with Congressman Chris Pappas of New Hampshire. In this episode, Pappas reflects on the experiences that shaped his leadership — from growing up in Manchester to helping run his family’s iconic Puritan Backroom Restaurant, where chicken fingers were famously invented. He share…

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Shoutout to Our Amazing Listeners!” 🎉 1:14

7d ago1:14

1:14

Send us a textBy One Mic

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BONUS: Mark Cuban and Coach Cal 50:00

18d ago50:00

50:00

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Podcast family! We’re throwing it back today to two of our favorite interviews from the past year – straight shooter Mark Cuban and legendary Coach Cal. Mark Cuban talks about his journey from selling garbage bags as a kid to successful entrepreneur many times over including his new ventures in transparent drug p…

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Reflecting on Two and a Half Years: Jacksonville’s Stories, Leaders, and Civic Pride 25:10

16d ago25:10

25:10

Welcome to a special year-end milestone episode of Mikes on Mic. In this reflective wrap-up, the hosts come together with community leaders and longtime friends of the show to look back on more than two and a half years of meaningful conversations. With 125 episodes recorded, the podcast reflects on its journey exploring politics, government, and t…

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Aaron Parnas, Walker Montgomery and Being Real Online 49:07

19d ago49:07

49:07

This episode is the epitome of the Andy Beshear Podcast: we're talking politics – but we're talking a lot more than that. We start out with journalist/content creator Aaron Parnas and then pivot to country music star Walker Montgomery. From online political discourse to country music, we're bringing people together. Aaron shares how he moved away f…

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Who Commits the Most Crime in America? (The Data Might Surprise You) 4:42

25d ago4:42

4:42

Send us a text This episode breaks down FBI arrest data to explain what those numbers actually measure — and what they don’t. We compare raw arrest totals with per-capita rates, unpack how policing and enforcement patterns influence crime statistics, and examine how media narratives shape public perception. 👇 Drop your answer in the comments: Who d…

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He Stole a Car, Then Called the Cops on Himself 3:47

27d ago3:47

3:47

Send us a text In this episode of Mic Drop, I break down the bizarre Delaware case where a man allegedly stole a vehicle, had it towed, and then contacted police asking for help retrieving his personal belongings left inside. Is this just another “dumb criminal” story, or does it reflect a deeper disconnect between actions and consequences?…

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Lenny Curry, JEA, and the Jacksonville Public Trust Crisis: Deep Dive with Investigators 26:01

23d ago26:01

26:01

Today we talk about something important happening in Jacksonville. A former mayor, Lenny Curry, just became a lobbyist for JEA—the city’s power and water company. This is surprising because, not long ago, he tried to sell JEA, which caused a lot of people to get upset and worry about the future of the city’s utilities. We sit down with people who w…

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Governor Laura Kelly, Governor Katie Hobbs and a Big Announcement 50:00

1M ago50:00

50:00

Two great governors, two great conversations and one big announcement. Our latest episode comes to us from on-site at the Democratic Governors Association conference in Phoenix, Arizona. Andy joins Governor Katie Hobbs as she runs for re-election in the Grand Canyon state. She shares more about her track record, her social work roots and what exact…

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Mayor Donna Deegan on Jacksonville’s Downtown Revival, Riverfront Parks, and Transparent City Government 26:22

1M ago26:22

26:22

For this episode we sat down with Mayor Donna Deegan—right in her office—for an open, honest conversation about where Jacksonville’s headed. Two and a half years into her first term, she’s had some big wins—downtown development, the riverfront parks, and real investment in neighborhoods that have been overlooked for years. But we also got into the …

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Inside The Reckoning: Diddy, 50 Cent, And the Cost of Culture 21:48

1M ago21:48

21:48

Send us a text What happens when power goes unchecked—on the world stage and online? In this episode, we break down Netflix’s The Reckoning, the explosive docuseries on Sean “Diddy” Combs, produced by 50 Cent, and what its allegations reveal about fame, protection, and the real cost of culture. Then we shift to Adin Ross and his recent use—and defe…

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America's Kids, A Thanksgiving Crashout and a Deepdive into AI 50:00

1M ago50:00

50:00

This week on The Andy Beshear Podcast, our guests are some of America’s kids. Hear directly from teenagers about the issues they are worried about, where they get their news and how they view our crazy world. Their answers may surprise you. It’s their turn to talk and our turn to listen. And for everyone in our inbox, comments and DMs asking where …

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Jacksonville’s Growth, Community Impact, and Leadership with Vystar CEO Brian Wolfburg 25:23

1M ago25:23

25:23

What does it take to turn a hometown credit union into a driving force behind a city’s rebirth? Today, we sit down with Brian Wolfburg, President & CEO of Vystar Credit Union, for a powerful conversation on corporate culture, civic leadership, and Jacksonville’s future. From its roots serving military families on a naval air base to becoming a bill…

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The Best Of: Top Moments, Best Guests and a Look Back at the Laughs 50:04

1M ago50:04

50:04

Welcome to a special bonus episode! Looking for a quick recap of the best moments of the Andy Beshear Podcast so far? We've got you. From music to horses to politics, Season 1 had been a wild ride in trying new things, having real conversations and bringing people across the country together. 🎧 A few moments you won't want to miss: Meet Kentucky De…

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Congressman Clyburn, Learning from the Past and an Upsidedown Week in Politics 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

This week on The Andy Beshear Podcast, Andy sits down with one of the most influential voices in modern American politics — Congressman James E. Clyburn — to talk leadership, legacy, and his new book, The First Eight. It's a special Thanksgiving episode so Rep. Clyburn and Andy kick it off with a few things we are thankful for this season. This liv…

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Why Are We So Divided? A Thanksgiving Reflection on Political Polarization with Dr. Sean Freeder 27:37

1M ago27:37

27:37

Hi! Today we’re doing something a little different—and a little deeper—to honor the Thanksgiving holiday. This episode brings back one of our most requested conversations: Why are we so divided? Together with my co-hosts Mike Hightower and Mike Tolbert, we sit down with Dr. Sean Freeder, political science professor at UNF and expert on political po…

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Discipline or Abuse? Alabama Teacher Fired After Shocking Video 9:17

2M ago9:17

9:17

Send us a text A viral arrest. A painful video. A community torn between what raised us and what may have harmed us. We open the mic on a hard question: where does discipline end and abuse begin? Using the Nicole Staples case as a flashpoint, we walk through what the footage shows, how the law views willful abuse, and why many households still see …

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Rob Sand, Phil Weiser and Government That Actually Works 49:59

2M ago49:59

49:59

Top race to watch in 2026? Don't sleep on Rob Sand running to flip Iowa blue. He's a no-nonsense guy with a passion for getting things done. Andy welcomes Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand running for governor of the Hawkeye state. Sand’s story stretches from small-town Decorah to leading major corruption prosecutions, uncovering tens of millions in miss…

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Are We Repeating the Skyway Mistake? The Shocking Truth About Jacksonville’s Autonomous Shuttle 31:20

2M ago31:20

31:20

Is Jacksonville’s $370-a-Ride Transit Bet a Bust? Today we dive deep into Jacksonville’s bold experiment with autonomous transportation — NAVI — a cutting-edge, self-driving shuttle system meant to revolutionize downtown transit. But with only 76 daily riders and a staggering $370-per-passenger cost, is it already headed for the scrap heap? Joining…

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Keith Edwards On Going Viral, Getting Real, and Building Bridges 49:59

2M ago49:59

49:59

This week on The Andy Beshear Podcast, Andy sits down with viral content creator and political strategist Keith Edwards, the mind behind one of the fastest-growing YouTube political channels in America. Keith opens up about his unlikely journey from television to politics, the moment he decided to take on Trump-era politics, and how he built a foll…

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Florida’s Top Concern: Housing Costs and What Polls Reveal About the 2026 Political Landscape 29:02

2M ago29:02

29:02

Welcome back to the show! This week, we are diving headfirst into the kitchen-table issues hitting Floridians the hardest—housing costs, property taxes, and skyrocketing insurance rates. Joining the conversation is special guest Dr. Michael Binder from UNF’s Public Opinion Research Lab, here to break down fresh polling data revealing what’s really …

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Jim Messina, the SNAP Crisis and a Gen Z Lingo Pop Quiz 49:58

2M ago49:58

49:58

In this week’s episode, Andy sits down with Jim Messina, the strategist known as “the fixer” behind President Barack Obama’s 2012 re-election campaign. From his days in the West Wing to managing one of the most data-driven campaigns in history, Messina shares what still matters most in politics today — trust, leadership, and connecting with working…

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Mississippi Mom Shot a Monkey to Protect Her Kids 14:50

2M ago14:50

14:50

Send us a text A quiet Mississippi morning turned into a moral crossroads after a truck carrying rhesus monkeys overturned and set fear loose in a small town. When Jessica, a mother of five, spotted one of the escapees in her yard, she made a split-second decision that has since sparked a national argument: prudent protection or panic-driven overre…

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Navigating Political Challenges in City Governance with Bill Gulliford 21:38

2M ago21:38

21:38

Why do city leaders say "no" so often—and what does it really cost them? Today we dive deep into the behind-the-scenes world of city council politics, revealing the often unseen pressures, personal dilemmas, and power dynamics that shape local decision-making. You’ll hear how political leaders juggle transparency, legal fears, and public interest—a…

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Episode 30: Jen Psaki 50:02

2M ago50:02

50:02

Welcome to Episode 30 of the Andy Beshear Podcast! 🎂 This week, we’re unpacking a whirlwind of headlines and heart — from the White House to working families...This week, Andy sits down with Jen Psaki, Host of MSNBC’s “The Briefing” and the MSNBC Original podcast “The Blueprint” for an honest conversation about leadership, communication, and stayin…

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An Inside Look Into the Ukraine/Russian War 28:18

2M ago28:18

28:18

It was an experience that very few or any Americans will ever have this opportunity to witness. Our podcast co-host, Mike Hightower, recently returned from a two week trip to Ukraine with an international group. The primary purpose was to deliver much needed medical supplies to battle field Ukraine soldiers. During this episode of Mikes on Mic, Hig…

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Episode 29: Governor Kathy Hochul and American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten 50:00

3M ago50:00

50:00

This week, Andy sits down with New York's first woman Governor and Buffalo Bills fan, Kathy Hochul. 🗽 Governor Hochul's faith guides her to make good policy and to fight for the underdog. She talks about how many women sell themselves short and how she unexpectedly ended up in running for office – and winning. From town board to the top elected in …

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Looking Back, Moving Forward: A Whole Lot of Jacksonville History 43:27

3M ago43:27

43:27

We're throwing it back to one of our favorite milestone moments—the one-year anniversary of Mikes on Mic! In this special episode, originally recorded at The Jacksonville History Center, the Mikes reflect on highlights from the first 51 episodes that helped shape the conversation in and around Jacksonville. From Sheriff Nat Glover’s powerful storie…

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Episode 28: Gov. Maura Healey and DOJ Whistleblower Liz Oyer on Leadership, Integrity, and the Rule of Law 50:04

3M ago50:04

50:04

In this powerful episode, Andy sits down with Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey to talk about leadership, teamwork, and resilience. From her days as a Division I basketball player and pro-athlete overseas to steering her state through turbulent political times, Governor Healey is an All-Star. 🏀👩‍⚖️ The two former Attorneys General share lessons f…

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When Education feels like Freedom with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad 1:18:01

3M ago1:18:01

1:18:01

Send us a text In this episode of I sit down with Dr. Gholdy Muhammad — scholar, educator, and author of Cultivating Genius and Unearthing Joy. From her roots teaching in Gary, Indiana, to shaping national education policy, Dr. Muhammad breaks down what it really means to teach to the soul — centering identity, intellect, criticality, and joy in ev…

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Why Are We So Divided? Exploring the Roots and Remedies of Political Polarization with Dr. Sean Freeder 27:56

3M ago27:56

27:56

This week, we’re tackling a topic that’s hard to ignore: the growing political polarization in the U.S. To help us unpack it, we sat down with Dr. Sean Freeder, associate professor of political science at UNF, for a powerful and timely conversation. Why does the divide feel so personal these days? Why do disagreements so often spiral into full-blow…

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Episode 27: Steve Kerr, National Guard Deployment and More Tariffs 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

This week on The Andy Beshear Podcast, we might just have our biggest episode yet. Andy sits down with nine-time NBA champion and Team USA coach Steve Kerr for a powerful and wide-ranging conversation about leadership, authenticity, and courage – on and off the court. Kerr opens up about what he learned from legends like Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan,…

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Leslie Jean-Bart on Sunshine Law, City Hall Transparency, and Jacksonville’s Political Legacy 35:01

3M ago35:01

35:01

On this episode of Mics on Mic, hosts Mike Miller and Mike Tolbert sit down with Leslie Jean-Bart—fifth-gen Jacksonville native, attorney, and activist—for a bold conversation on ethics, transparency, and power at City Hall. From Sunshine Law concerns to nonprofit funding tied to council members, Leslie brings legal insight and personal passion to …

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Episode 26: Brit Taylor, Miles Miller at Bourbon & Beyond 50:03

3M ago50:03

50:03

This week, we’re bringing you a special edition of the Andy Beshear Podcast from one of the largest music festivals in America: Bourbon & Beyond. 🥃🎵 No politics, no headlines – just music, stories, and the heart of Kentucky. Andy sits down with two incredible country artists with Kentucky roots: Brit Taylor, a daughter of Eastern Kentucky whose sou…

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How will our local public broadcasting stations deal with public funding cutbacks? 40:11

3M ago40:11

40:11

Welcome back to Mikes on Mic, where we dive into the conversations shaping our community, government, and the future of Jacksonville. Today, we’re joined by David McGowan, CEO of WJCT Public Media — the voice and vision behind our city’s public radio and television outlets. Under his leadership, WJCT continues to inform, educate, and inspire Northe…

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The Legacy of Assata Shakur & Ghana’s Call for Justice 52:05

4M ago52:05

52:05

Send us a text Assata Shakur, who passed at 78 in Havana after decades in exile, remains one of the most polarizing figures in history—a terrorist to some, a freedom fighter to others. We explore her legacy of resilience through imprisonment, exile, and sacrifice, and how her story forces us to question who controls history. Meanwhile, Ghana’s pres…

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Episode 25: Governor Jared Polis, Attorney General Rayfield, and Free Speech 48:36

4M ago48:36

48:36

Welcome back to the Andy Beshear Podcast, a proud member of the SiriusXM Podcast Network. This week marks our 25th episode—and while silver is the traditional gift, we’re bringing you something even better: solid gold conversations. 🥇 First up, Andy sits down in Colorado with Governor Jared Polis, a tech entrepreneur turned public servant known for…

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The bold strategy behind Gateway Jax’s $500M+ investment in the urban core 32:44

4M ago32:44

32:44

In this week’s episode of Mikes on Mic, we sit down with Bryan Moll, CEO of Gateway Jax, the visionary developer behind one of the most ambitious urban revitalization efforts in Florida. Bryan pulls back the curtain on how he and his team are reimagining downtown Jacksonville—turning overlooked blocks into a dynamic, inclusive destination where bus…

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Is America on the Brink of Dictatorship? 1:10:16

4M ago1:10:16

1:10:16

Send us a text We discuss signs that America may be approaching a constitutional crisis. From military presence in cities to escalating restrictions on speech, these developments suggest a slide toward authoritarianism that should concern citizens across the political spectrum. As one host poignantly asks: "What is the American public going to do w…

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Why The X-Men Have Always Been About Black People 4:49

4M ago4:49

4:49

Send us a text What if the X-Men saga isn’t just about superheroes, but a powerful lens on race in America? In this discussion, two passionate fans peel back the layers of X-Men: First Class, uncovering striking parallels between the mutants’ fight for acceptance and the lived experiences of Black Americans.…

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Episode 24: Katie Couric 49:39

4M ago49:39

49:39

Welcome back for Episode 24! In this episode, we're thrilled to bring you a special interview with legendary journalist Katie Couric. Andy asks Katie about the most defining moments of her career – from Colombine to 9/11, Katie has covered some important and painful moments in American history. And she's done it with humanity. We talk about the fut…

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What's the latest in the development of the Emerald Trail? 25:35

4M ago25:35

25:35

Kay Ehas, CEO of Groundwork Jacksonville, is a driving force behind one of the city's most transformative urban renewal projects—the Emerald Trail. With a deep commitment to environmental justice, equitable development, and community engagement, Ehas has led Groundwork Jacksonville in its mission to restore and reconnect the city's urban core throu…

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Charlie Kirk’s Words on Black America Are Worse Than You Think 54:28

4M ago54:28

54:28

Send us a text We dive unflinchingly into Kirk's legacy of inflammatory rhetoric toward Black Americans—from his claims that Black people were "better off in the 1940s" despite Jim Crow laws to his advocacy for public executions. His final conversation before being shot involved blaming "gang violence" (a well-known racial dog whistle) for America'…

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Episode 23: Hakeem Jeffries 49:41

4M ago49:41

49:41

We took the Andy Beshear Podcast to the heart of New York City 🏙️ – 36 floors up at NY Studio 1 – to sit down with a history-maker: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries. He’s the first Black leader of a party in Congress, a Brooklyn guy through and through, and a master of fighting hard while keeping the door open for consensus. This conversation …

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Breaking Down Spike Lee’s Latest Film, X-Men’s Racial Allegories, & Trump’s Attack on Black Communities 1:23:21

4M ago1:23:21

1:23:21

Send us a text In this episode, we break down Spike Lee’s latest film, uncover the racial allegories woven into Marvel’s X-Men, and expose how Trump’s militarization of Black communities ties into the systemic racism driving violence.By One Mic

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Navigating Jacksonville's Budget: A Political Landscape with David Bauerlein 33:34

4M ago33:34

33:34

Jacksonville’s budget battle is heating up — and the stakes are higher than ever. After 3 weeks, we sit sit down with veteran Times-Union reporter David Bauerlein to break down the political tug-of-war shaping the city’s financial future. From proposed property tax cuts to controversial reductions in affordable housing and health services, this con…

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Episode 22: Michelle Lujan Grisham 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

🚨 Big announcement time! 🚨 The Andy Beshear Podcast has officially joined the SiriusXM family — and we couldn’t be more excited! This means millions more Americans can join in as we turn down the temperature, bring people together, and have some honest, real conversations about the challenges we all face. Then we dive right into a powerhouse interv…