Best Mark Esper Podcasts (2025)

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Interviews with Speaker Mike Johnson; Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen; Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe 43:23

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12m ago43:23

43:23

On CNN’s State of the Union, House Speaker Mike Johnson joins Jake to discuss the looming government shutdown and what will be on the table when Trump hosts Democratic leaders at the White House. Jake also presses Johnson over the Comey indictment and Trump publicly pressuring the Justice Department to go after his political opponents. Then, former…

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Interviews with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, SenatorJohn Fetterman, Senator Markwayne Mullin, Representative Jasmine Crockett 44:15

7d ago44:15

44:15

On CNN's State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Chuck Schumer on whether Democrats will shut down the government. John Fetterman responds to Schumer and discusses whether Democrats can win back the Senate in 2026. Senator Markwayne Mullin responds to Trump increasing pressure on the DOJ to investigate his political enemies. Congresswoman Jasmine Cro…

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#265 Crafting Characters with Stephen Mark Lukas 41:16

13d ago41:16

41:16

Stephen Mark Lukas Gaston Stephen has appeared on Broadway and on Tour as Nick Arnstein in Funny Girl and Elder Price in The Book of Mormon. Regional: Gaston in Beauty and the Beast (Paper Mill), Joe Hardy in Damn Yankees (Goodspeed – CT Critics Circle nom), Curly in Oklahoma! (Ogunquit Playhouse and Reagle Music Theatre- IRNE nom), Lancelot in Cam…

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Interviews with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox; Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Rep. Sarah Elfreth and Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley 41:19

14d ago41:19

41:19

On CNN’s State of the Union, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins Dana Bash on the latest in the investigation into Charlie Kirk’s assassination, as well as his appeal to Americans to turn away from political violence. Then, Republican Senator and pastor James Lankford joins Dana to discuss the rise in political violence and what responsibility lawmakers ha…

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Interviews with Florida Surgeon General Joe Ladapo; Doctor Paul Offit; White House Border Czar Tom Homan 44:43

21d ago44:43

44:43

On CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses FL Surgeon General on him not conducting any study before calling to lift vaccine mandate. Doctor Paul Offit responds. And White House Border Czar Tom Homan says sanctuary cities across America will be seeing immigration raids this week. Our panelists Rep. Kim Schrier, Scott Jennings, Xochitl Hinojos…

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Interviews with White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka; Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar; Ambassador Cindy McCain 43:56

28d ago43:56

43:56

On CNN’s State of the Union, Brianna Keilar and White House Senior Director for Counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka spar over right-wing claims about the prevalence of mass shootings by transgender people. Next, Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar joins to respond and discuss how her community is dealing with the aftermath of the Minneapolis school sho…

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#264 Dianté Lodge - Stage Dreams, Screen Realities; Spotlight on Dianté 34:55

1M ago34:55

34:55

Dianté Lodge / @diantelodge is currently in the ensemble in EVITA in London's West End! Theatre credits include: MJ The Musical (Prince Edward); Matilda (Cambridge); Peter Pan (The London Palladium); Carousel (Kilworth House); Best of West End (Royal Albert Hall); Coppelia (Cockpit). Film credits include: Snow White (Disney). Television credits inc…

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Interviews with Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel 41:36

1M ago41:36

41:36

On CNN's State of the Union, Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries discusses with Dana Bash New York's redistricting plans, the party's loss of voters, and the President reviewing exhibits within the Smithsonian museums. Former Chicago Mayor and U-S Ambassador Rahm Emanuel slams President Trump's new plans to send troops into Chicago and reacts t…

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Interviews with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Former Vice President Mike Pence 41:26

1M ago41:26

41:26

On CNN’s State of the Union, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joins Jake to discuss what he says was “substantial progress” in the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska. Then, Trump’s former vice president Mike Pence joins Jake to react to Trump rolling out the red carpet for Putin. Next, CNN Political Commentators Bakari Sellers, Brad Todd, Kristen Soltis An…

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CNN Goes on the Road with Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders; Interview with US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker 42:28

2M ago42:28

42:28

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash travels to Wheeling, West Virginia for an exclusive interview with Sen. Bernie Sanders. They discuss his push to bring his progressive message to red states, the Democratic Party’s struggles with working-class voters, the escalating showdown over redistricting in red and blue states, the situations in Ukraine …

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#263 Damian Buhagiar - Ensemble of West End's EVITA 28:33

2M ago28:33

28:33

Theatre credits include: My Fair Lady; West Side Story (Curve, Leicester); Sister Act (Eventim Apollo/ UK Tour); Grease (UK Tour); Mamma Mia (Novello); Thoroughly Modern Millie (UK Tour); In the Heights (Southwark Playhouse/ King’s Cross); Bugsy Malone (Lyric); Jersey Boys (UK Tour). Want to try our Broadway fitness program for free? ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.bui…

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EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin; Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and Former BLS Commissioner William Beach 41:27

2M ago41:27

41:27

On CNN’s State of the Union, after President Trump abruptly fired the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics over a weak jobs report, her predecessor William Beach – also appointed by Trump – tells Kasie Hunt Trump’s actions are “groundless” and “damaging.” Then, Kasie presses EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin over his push to gut the government’s abili…

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Rep. Sen. Markwayne Mullin, WH Budget Director Russel Vought and Dem. Sen. Mark Kelly 44:05

2M ago44:05

44:05

Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin discusses the Epstein controversy with Jake Tapper and what it will take for the Trump administration to move on from the crisis. White House Budget Director Russ Vought tells Jake Tapper about plans for another recissions package and the tools the administration might use to achieve spending cuts. Democratic Sen…

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Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Former Rep. Beto O'Rourke 42:44

2M ago42:44

42:44

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Senator Amy Klobuchar on why Democrats didn't release the Epstein files during the Biden Administration, Congressman Tim Burchett says Trump's call to release grand jury material in the Epstein case is a "good start." US hostage envoy Adam Boehler discusses the Trump administration’s prisoner exchang…

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#262 STEFAN LAGOULIS - Stage to Stage: Stefan’s Journey to the West End 37:19

3M ago37:19

37:19

STEFAN LAGOULIS / @stefann96 is currently in the Ensemble of HERCULES on the West End in London. He's originally from Australia and his story of breaking into the London theatre scene via BURLESQUE THE MUSICAL is beyond inspiring.Disney's Aladdin (Australian National Tour); Faust (Arts Centre Melbourne); Hamilton (Australian National Tour); Moulin …

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White House Border Czar Tom Homan, California Sen. Alex Padilla and Texas Congressman Tony Gonzales 42:46

3M ago42:46

42:46

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House Border Czar Tom Homan over Trump’s immigration crackdown amid chaotic ICE raids in California. Next, California Sen. Alex Padilla sits down with Dana to respond. Then, Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales joins Dana amid growing calls for accountability after the deadly floods in his state. Finally, CN…

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#261 Eddie Ortega - Curtains Down, Dreams Up: Eddie Ortega’s Next Act 41:18

3M ago41:18

41:18

Eddie Ortega is an actor living in West New York, NJ. Yes, that's a city in NJ for those who don't believe it. Originally from Orlando, FL he is the proud son of two immigrants from the Dominican RepublIc. He recently closed the Philip tour on June 1st; one of Hamilton's long running national tours. He played Hercules Mulligan and James Madison on …

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear 41:49

3M ago41:49

41:49

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash speaks with Texas Rep. Joaquin Castro about the deadly floods ravaging his state. Then, Dana sits down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss President Trump’s sweeping domestic policy legislation. They also discuss what will happen when Trump’s 90-day pause on tariffs ends later this week. Next, Ken…

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Rep. Sen. Katie Britt and Dem. Sen. Mark Warner 41:31

3M ago41:31

41:31

On CNN's State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks to Republican Senator Katie Britt about the President's domestic policy agenda as it nears its final vote in the Senate. Democratic Senator Mark Warner slams Republicans for supporting this bill while also what he knows about the state of Iran's nuclear program. Finally Republican Rep. Riley Moore, De…

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Dem. Sen. Adam Schiff and Former Trump National Security Adviser John Bolton 42:30

3M ago42:30

42:30

On CNN's State of the Union, Kasie Hunt speaks to Israeli President Isaac Herzog about the aftermath of the U.S. strikes against Iranian nuclear sites. Democratic Senator Adam Schiff speaks about the congressional response to President Trump’s order to strike Iran arguing the action was "not constitutional." And Trump's former National Security Adv…

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#260 PJ Adzima - is a New York based actor and comedian currently playing Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon on Broadway. 35:20

3M ago35:20

35:20

PJ Adzima is a New York based actor and comedian currently playing Elder McKinley in The Book of Mormon on Broadway. He is the creator and host of STAGE TIME with PJ Adzima, the hit downtown variety show that unites the best of New York City nightlife. Select credits include The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (Amazon), Girls5Eva (Peacock), Madam Secretary (…

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Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Former Vice President Mike Pence, California Sen. Alex Padilla and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass 45:57

3M ago45:57

45:57

On CNN’s State of the Union, Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar joins Dana Bash to react to the shocking assassination of a Minnesota state legislator and her husband, as well as the manhunt for the suspect behind the attack. Then, former Vice President Mike Pence joins Dana to discuss the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. Dana also presses…

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#259 Broadway Journeys: Daniel Quadrino - Currently playing the role of Boq in WICKED. 44:03

4M ago44:03

44:03

Daniel Quadrino Currently playing the role of Boq in WICKED. Other Broadway: The Who’s Tommy (Harmonica Player,Tommy/Kevin understudy),Wicked(ensemble, Boq understudy),Newsies(Albert,Crutchie and Davey understudy),Bye Bye Birdie(ensemble,Hugo understudy) National Tours: Waitress(Ogie),Charlie & the Chocolate Factory(Mikey Teavee). Off Bway: Fowl Pl…

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Rep. Nanette Barragán, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Markwayne Mullin and Sen. Ron Johnson 43:56

4M ago43:56

43:56

On CNN’s State of Union, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragán sits down with Dana Bash to react to President Trump’s stunning decision to deploy thousands of National Guard troops to quell immigration protests in her district and elsewhere in Los Angeles County. Then, Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders joins Dana to react to the breaking news and lay out …

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#258 Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce Gotlieb - Celebrating extreme excellence in theater, film and tv 29:19

4M ago29:19

29:19

Behind the Awards with Eila Mell & Bruce GotliebCelebrating extreme excellence in theater, film and tv, this podcast takes listeners all over the world on a journey behind the scenes featuring never-before-heard stories from Academy Award winners, Tony Award winners, Golden Globe Award winners, and so much more. Co-Hosts Eila Mell, bestselling auth…

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White House Budget Director Russ Vought, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Sen. Chris Murphy 45:03

4M ago45:03

45:03

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down for an exclusive interview with the man seen as the architect behind President Trump’s scorched-earth effort to upend the federal government, White House Budget Director Russ Vought. Then, House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries joins Dana to detail his party’s plan to counter Trump’s agenda, as…

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#257 Charlie Murphy - a native Pittsburgher and a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, co-founded Esperance Theater Company — a company that produced classical-based work here in NYC. 36:02

4M ago36:02

36:02

Charlie is a native Pittsburgher and a proud graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, where he studied Acting. As an actor, select stage credits include the NY Public Theatre’s “Shakespeare in the Park” (All’s Well That Ends Well, Measure for Measure), the Pearl Theatre Company (Richard II), the Hudson Valley Shakespeare Festival (King Lear, The Thr…

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Speaker Mike Johnson, Sen. Ron Johnson and Sen. Michael Bennet 40:58

4M ago40:58

40:58

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake presses House Speaker Mike Johnson on the impact the GOP tax and spending bill will have on the national debt and on Medicaid. Next, Republican Sen. Ron Johnson joins Jake to detail his concerns about the bill and his threat to sink it unless there are steeper spending cuts. Then, Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet joi…

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#256 Broadway Sandwich - Garen Scribner is a producer, manager, and arts leader with over 20 years of experience on stage and behind the scenes. 37:09

4M ago37:09

37:09

Garen Scribner is a producer, manager, and arts leader with over 20 years of experience on stage and behind the scenes. Credits include four seasons of the 6x Emmy-nominated broadcast TV series BROADWAY SANDWICH (Creator, Host), the 10-part limited series AND THE TONY NOMINEES ARE (Producer), and the film WAITING PLACES (Producer), all for New York…

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Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Rep. James Clyburn, David Axelrod and Van Jones 41:58

4M ago41:58

41:58

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper sits down with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss Trump’s tariff policy, efforts to negotiate trade deals, and plans for the US to accept a luxury jet from Qatar. Then, Jake presses Democratic Rep. James Clyburn over his past support for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign amid new reporting about Bide…

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#255 Robert Bannon - is a multi hyphenate performer, talk show host, and educator. His debut album "Unfinished Business" debuted at #1 on the Amazon A/C. 47:57

5M ago47:57

47:57

Robert Bannon is a multi hyphenate performer, talk show host, and educator. He has been featured on SNL/Real Housewives of NJ, and has performed at MSG, Beacon Theatre, 54 Below, Feinstein's in LA, Pride events in NYC, NJ, Detroit, LA, Ohio, and more. His debut album "Unfinished Business" debuted at #1 on the Amazon A/C. His new album “Rewind” was …

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Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Dem. Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez, former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu 46:33

5M ago46:33

46:33

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick for details on Trump’s trade negotiations with China and the impact tariffs are having on Americans. Then, Democratic Reps. Bonnie Watson Coleman, LaMonica McIver, and Rob Menendez join Dana to respond to the Trump administration’s threat that they could be arrested af…

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Dem. Sen. Mark Warner, Rep. Sen. Ron Johnson and Stephen A. Smith 41:29

5M ago41:29

41:29

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake sits down with Democratic Sen. Mark Warner to discuss Trump’s shake-up of his national security team. Then, Jake asks Republican Sen. Ron Johnson about a growing lead crisis in Milwaukee, as well as Americans’ unease over Trump’s handling of the economy. Next, Stephen A. Smith joins Jake to discuss whether he is co…

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#254 J Savage - also known as Jonathan, you can catch him at the Imperial Theatre, in the highly anticipated Broadway production of SMASH! 47:57

5M ago47:57

47:57

J Savage, also known as Jonathan, starting March 11, you can catch him at the Imperial Theatre, (where he made his Broadway debut), in the highly anticipated Broadway production of SMASH! Also a singer/songwriter, Jonathan took his pandemic experience and wrote his critically acclaimed one man show, Farewell to the West. Three months into quarantin…

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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins 44:23

5M ago44:23

44:23

On CNN’s State of the Union, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer joins Dana Bash for a wide-ranging interview on Ukraine peace talks, Trump’s handling of immigration and the economy, Schumer’s future as a leader in his party, and rising antisemitism in America. Next, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins joins Dana to discuss the continued economic…

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Sen. Chris Van Hollen, House Majority Whip Rep. Tom Emmer and Sen. Amy Klobuchar 42:04

5M ago42:04

42:04

On CNN’s State of the Union, Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen joins Dana Bash to discuss his trip to El Salvador to meet with deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia. Then, Dana presses House GOP Whip Rep. Tom Emmer on Trump’s standoff with the courts over his immigration policies. After, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar tells Dana that she believes the…

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Kevin Hassett and Sen. Elizabeth Warren 42:22

6M ago42:22

42:22

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett over the confusion and turmoil caused by Trump’s tariff rollout. Then, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren joins Jake to discuss how Democrats should respond to Trump’s economic chaos. Finally, CNN Political Commentators Brad Todd and Ashley Allison, Repu…

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#253 Shoshana - If there is a Broadway legend with a pulse, there's a good chance Shoshana has chatted with them on a mic! 59:52

6M ago59:52

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Sho from @BWAYSHO If there is a Broadway legend with a pulse, there's a good chance Shoshana has chatted with them on a mic! Watch this insightful and hilarious conversation that highlights not just the passion, but also the work ethic it takes to create bwaySHO! bwaySHO YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/bwaySHO To try your own Broadway Fit…

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Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and Gov. Tim Walz 44:47

6M ago44:47

44:47

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins for clarity on Trump’s sweeping tariffs as the economic fallout grows. Then, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz joins Jake to respond and to weigh in on what he thinks Democrats’ strategy needs to be to counter Trump. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator David Urban, C…

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Interviews with Republican Senator James Lankford; Democratic Governor Wes Moore 41:22

6M ago41:22

41:22

On CNN’s State of the Union, Republican Sen. James Lankford joins Dana Bash to discuss the fallout from the Trump administration’s Signal chat leak, as well as the impact from President Trump’s escalating trade war. Then, Dana asks Democratic Governor and potential 2028 candidate Wes Moore about Democrats struggle to find a path forward under the T…

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Interviews with Secretary of Education Linda McMahon; Representative Ro Khanna 42:32

6M ago42:32

42:32

On CNN’s State of the Union, Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joins Dana Bash exclusively to discuss what the future looks like for the Department of Education as President Donald Trump pushes to dismantle it. Next, Dana asks Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna if a new Tea Party is forming among Democrats. Then, Democratic Rep. Jason Crow, CNN Se…

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#252 Cameron Amandus Jones - a Michigan alum, and member of Lion King on Broadway joins us on BFTS Podcast! 43:49

7M ago43:49

43:49

Cameron Amandus Jones, a Michigan alum, and member of Lion King on Broadway joins us on BFTS Podcast! More on Cameron here: @i.amandus Try your own Broadway fitness program on a mobile app! https://builtforthestage.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Broadway Podcast Network

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Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett; Republican Senator Mike Rounds 41:02

7M ago41:02

41:02

On CNN’s State of the Union, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff joins Jake Tapper to discuss his hours-long meeting with Vladimir Putin and the prospects for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Next, Jake asks Democratic Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett about the finger-pointing in her party after Congress’ shutdown showdown and the frustration with Sen. Chuck Schumer.…

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Interviews with Republican Senator Rick Scott; Democratic Senator Andy Kim; US Hostage Envoy Adam Boehler; Democratic Congressman Jake Auchincloss and Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales 42:21

7M ago42:21

42:21

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper presses Republican Sen. Rick Scott over Elon Musk’s approach to slashing government, as well as President Trump’s whiplash-inducing tariff policies. Then, with Democrats facing a do-or-die moment this week on a potential government shutdown, Jake asks Democratic Sen. Andy Kim how he plans to vote. After, US …

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#251 Julio Rey - The Ups and Downs of Broadway - Playing Aladdin on Broadway 38:34

7M ago38:34

38:34

Julio Rey - The Ups and Downs of Broadway - Playing Aladdin on Broadway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Broadway Podcast Network

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Interviews with Speaker Mike Johnson; National Security Adviser Mike Waltz; Democratic Senator Chris Murphy 43:51

7M ago43:51

43:51

On CNN’s State of the Union, Speaker Johnson joins Dana Bash to discuss the stunning Trump-Zelensky blowup, as well as his strategy for preventing a government shutdown in less than two weeks. Then, Dana presses National Security Adviser Mike Waltz on the future of US-Ukraine relations and if it’s possible to repair the damage from that Oval Office…

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Interviews with Special Envoy Steve Witkoff; House Democratic Leader Rep. Hakeem Jeffries 43:01

7M ago43:01

43:01

On CNN’s State of the Union, Jake Tapper speaks with President Trump’s point person leading negotiations to end the wars in the Mideast and Ukraine, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Witkoff says he’s optimistic that negotiations over phase two of the Gaza ceasefire will move forward. Jake also presses him over Trump’s attacks on Ukrainian President Zel…

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Interviews with White House Border Czar Tom Homan; Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar 41:09

7M ago41:09

41:09

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash presses White House border czar Tom Homan over allegations that the Trump administration dropped corruption charges against New York City Mayor Eric Adams in exchange for his cooperation on immigration enforcement. Then, with Trump pushing the limits of presidential power, Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar joins D…

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Interviews with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem; Democratic Senator Cory Booker 42:56

8M ago42:56

42:56

On CNN’s State of the Union, Dana Bash sits down with Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem to discuss her recent trip to Guantanamo Bay. Dana presses Noem for specifics on Trump’s plan to house tens of thousands of migrants at Guantanamo, as well as questions over his legal authority to do so. Dana also challenges Noem over Elon Musk accessing A…

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Interviews with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy; Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine 41:26

8M ago41:26

41:26

On CNN's State of the Union, new Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy joins Jake Tapper to discuss the latest in the investigation into the deadly midair collision in Washington, DC. Jake also challenges Duffy over President Trump's claims that diversity initiatives were to blame for the accident. Then, Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine joins Jake to voice hi…