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Intimate Conversations with America’s Change-Makers

Burn the Boats is an award-winning podcast featuring intimate conversations with change-makers from every walk of life. Host Ken Harbaugh interviews politicians, authors, activists, and others about the most important issues of our time.

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All Episodes

Stuart Stevens: Fighting American Fascism

Burn the Boats | S:2 E:149
Former Republican operative Stuart Stevens explains how the Republican party is complicit in a modern American fascist movement....
Listen to Stuart Stevens: Fighting American Fascism

Mark Chiusano: Who Really is George Santos?

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:148
Mark’s new book, The Fabulist, peels back the lies, grifts, and alter-egos of Santos to reveal who really represents the 3rd district of New York....
Listen to Mark Chiusano: Who Really is George Santos?

Amy McGrath: Republicans Have Undermined Our Military

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:147
Marine Corps Vet and former Senate Candidate Amy McGrath discusses Tuberville’s military promotion block, authoritarianism, Project 2025, and Oper...
Listen to Amy McGrath: Republicans Have Undermined Our Military

David Pepper: Going on Offense

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:146
Former Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party explains how pro-democracy forces need to go on offense in order to preserve majority rule....
Listen to David Pepper: Going on Offense

Countdown to Dallas Episode 1: What Happened in Dealey Plaza?

Burn the Boats
Today we're sharing the first episode of Countdown to Dallas, a great new show from Evergreen Podcasts....
Listen to Countdown to Dallas Episode 1: What Happened in Dealey Plaza?

Nancy MacLean: Democracy in Chains

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:145
Guest host Amanda Weinstein and historian Nancy MacLean discuss the ways in which democracy has been slowly and systematically subverted by the ri...
Listen to Nancy MacLean: Democracy in Chains

Rep. Pat Ryan: Republican Chaos

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:144
Rep. Pat Ryan talks about the unprecedented House Speaker elections, right-wing extremism, and his new resolution....
Listen to Rep. Pat Ryan: Republican Chaos

Dr. Kathleen Belew: Trump is Quoting Hilter

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:143
Historian Kathleen Belew explains how the rhetoric used by Trump and Alt-Right groups is both dangerous and purposeful....
Listen to Dr. Kathleen Belew: Trump is Quoting Hilter

Katherine Stewart: The Growth of Christian Nationalism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:142
Katherine Stewart discusses her book, The Power Worshippers....
Listen to Katherine Stewart: The Growth of Christian Nationalism

Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Trump’s Plan

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:141
Propaganda expert Ruth Ben-Ghiat reveals how Trump is paving a path toward authoritarianism in the U.S.....
Listen to Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Trump’s Plan

Alex Finley: Russia and the Intelligence Community

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:140
Former CIA officer Alex Finley discusses authoritarianism and how former Trump officials were susceptible to Russian influence....
Listen to Alex Finley: Russia and the Intelligence Community

Mike Rothschild: Analyzing Anti-Semitic Conspiracies

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:139
Former Navy SEAL and founder of Veterans for Responsible Leadership explains why he thinks Civil War in the US is unrealistic, but future politica...
Listen to Mike Rothschild: Analyzing Anti-Semitic Conspiracies

Dr. Dan Barkhuff: Political Violence on the Horizon

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:138
Former Navy SEAL and founder of Veterans for Responsible Leadership explains why he thinks Civil War in the US is unrealistic, but future politica...
Listen to Dr. Dan Barkhuff: Political Violence on the Horizon

David Hogg: Demanding an End to Gun Violence

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:137
David Hogg discusses the political burden placed on Gen-Z, his trauma from the Parkland shooting, gun violence, and protests....
Listen to David Hogg: Demanding an End to Gun Violence

Dara Starr Tucker: Confronting Racism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:136
Political Commentator Dara Starr Tucker talks about why many white Americans hide behind “politeness” as an excuse for not confronting racism....
Listen to Dara Starr Tucker: Confronting Racism

Rep. Jason Crow: Political Courage

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:135
Rep. Crow discusses Space Command remaining in his state, right-wing extremism, and the lack of political courage shown by Republican politicians....
Listen to Rep. Jason Crow: Political Courage

Denver Riggleman: Combating Conspiracy Theories

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:134
Former Representative Denver Riggleman describes the appeal of conspiracy theories, and the damage that they can do....
Listen to Denver Riggleman: Combating Conspiracy Theories

Dr. Kareem Crayton: The Courts, Gerrymandering, and Voter Suppression

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:133
Dr. Crayton discusses how democracy is being purposefully obstructed at the state and local levels....
Listen to Dr. Kareem Crayton: The Courts, Gerrymandering, and Voter Suppression

Mark J. Lindquist: How You Can Help Ukraine

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:132
Mark, an Air Force Veteran, explains what he’s been doing to aid the war effort in Ukraine, and what you can do to help....
Listen to Mark J. Lindquist: How You Can Help Ukraine

Anne Nelson: Corruption in the Courts

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:131
Anne discusses the corruption within the Supreme Court and how certain “grassroots” conservative organizations have ties to powerful shadow networ...
Listen to Anne Nelson: Corruption in the Courts

Miles Taylor: Trump 2.0

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:130
Former Trump Administration official Miles Taylor discusses a potential Trump 2.0, and his new book, Blowback....
Listen to Miles Taylor: Trump 2.0

Rep. Seth Moulton: Understanding the Threats to American Democracy

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:129
Rep. Seth Moulton discusses right-wing extremism within Congress and the dangers to American Democracy....
Listen to Rep. Seth Moulton: Understanding the Threats to American Democracy

Olivia Julianna: The Future of Texas

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:128
20-year-old abortion-rights advocate Olivia Julianna discusses voter suppression in Texas, Gen-Z for Change, and the fight against Ted Cruz’s 2024...
Listen to Olivia Julianna: The Future of Texas

Ryan Busse: Inside the Gun Industry

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:127
Ryan Busse, a former executive of a major firearms manufacturer, pulls back the curtains on the gun industry....
Listen to Ryan Busse: Inside the Gun Industry

Sarah Posner: The Evangelical Agenda

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:126
Journalist and author Sarah Posner reveals how many evangelicals have adopted and executed a platform of extremism....
Listen to Sarah Posner: The Evangelical Agenda

Brynn Tannehill: American Fascism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:125
Author of American Fascism, Brynn Tannehill, describes the striking similarities between Germany in the 1930s and America today....
Listen to Brynn Tannehill: American Fascism

Exposing the Myths About Guns w/Fred Guttenberg

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:124
In this special Father’s Day episode, Ken is joined by Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter Jaime was killed in the 2018 Parkland shooting....
Listen to Exposing the Myths About Guns w/Fred Guttenberg

Kristin Kobes Du Mez: What Evangelism Means Today

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:123
Kristin describes how Evangelism has transformed, and its relationship to masculinity, oppression, and nationalism....
Listen to Kristin Kobes Du Mez: What Evangelism Means Today

General Stanley McChrystal: “It Could Happen Here”

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:122
General Stanley McChrystal describes the ways in which American Democracy could crumble....
Listen to General Stanley McChrystal: “It Could Happen Here”

Stacey Abrams: A Point of Entry

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:121
Stacey Abrams talks about her new book, Rogue Justice, and the systems that influence American life from the shadows....
Listen to Stacey Abrams: A Point of Entry

Mary Trump: Minority Rule is Here

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:120
Clinical Psychologist and niece of former President Donald Trump talks about the country’s historical trauma, and how we currently live under mino...
Listen to Mary Trump: Minority Rule is Here

Mila Atmos: Moving the Needle

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:119
Host of Future Hindsight, Mila Atmos, discusses voter engagement and persuasion....
Listen to Mila Atmos: Moving the Needle

Angela Denker: White Christian Nationalism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:118
Lutheran pastor and journalist Angela Denker discusses the evangelicals who voted for Trump, and her book, Red State Christians....
Listen to Angela Denker: White Christian Nationalism

Sarah Longwell: Trump vs. DeSantis

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:117
Sarah Longwell discusses the 2024 presidential race and its potential candidates....
Listen to Sarah Longwell: Trump vs. DeSantis

Fred Wellman: What’s Next for Democracy?

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:116
Senior Advisor of Voters of Tomorrow and former republican Fred Wellman discusses facism, masculinity, and the hope Gen-Z brings to democracy....
Listen to Fred Wellman: What’s Next for Democracy?

Ukraine Report #9: Documenting Russian War Crimes w/Mike Breen

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:115
Mike Breen is the President and CEO of Human Rights First. He’s been on the ground in Ukraine documenting Russian war crimes, and he joins us fro...
Listen to Ukraine Report #9: Documenting Russian War Crimes w/Mike Breen

Tim Ryan: The Culture Has to Change

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:114
Former Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan talks about the quality of American life, divisions within both parties, and how American culture has made a turn...
Listen to Tim Ryan: The Culture Has to Change

Brett Jones: First Openly Gay Navy SEAL slams Trump’s bigotry

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:113
Brett Jones talks about overcoming hate and discrimination....
Listen to Brett Jones: First Openly Gay Navy SEAL slams Trump’s bigotry

Bill Kristol: Extremism in the Republican Party

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:114
Former leading Republican Bill Kristol discusses media echo chambers and anti-democratic enablers within the Republican Party...
Listen to Bill Kristol: Extremism in the Republican Party

Will Sommer: The Dangers of QAnon

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:111
Political Reporter Will Sommer talks all things QAnon, and his new book, Trust the Plan....
Listen to Will Sommer: The Dangers of QAnon

Dr. Dan Barkhuff: Toxic Masculinity and Gun Culture

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:110
Former Navy SEAL and founder of Veterans for Responsible Leadership discusses the relationship between toxic masculinity and gun culture....
Listen to Dr. Dan Barkhuff: Toxic Masculinity and Gun Culture

Lucas Kunce: “Corporate, Country Club Republicans”

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:109
Lucas Kunce talks about his run against Josh Hawley for the 2024 Missouri Senate Seat....
Listen to Lucas Kunce: “Corporate, Country Club Republicans”

Joe Walsh: Republican Accountability

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:108
Former Illinois Congressman Joe Walsh talks about how both he and the Republican party have changed....
Listen to Joe Walsh: Republican Accountability

Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld: What Causes Political Violence?

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:107
Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld discusses political violence, the possibility of a Civil War, and extremism....
Listen to Dr. Rachel Kleinfeld: What Causes Political Violence?

Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Authoritarianism Around the Globe

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:106
Historian Ruth Ben-Ghiat describes past and present authoritarian movements, and discusses her recent book, Strongmen....
Listen to Ruth Ben-Ghiat: Authoritarianism Around the Globe

Andrew Hartzler: Fighting Discrimination

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:105
Andrew Hartzler, nephew of fmr. Representative Vicky Hartzler, talks about his viral video and how he has faced discrimination as a gay man....
Listen to Andrew Hartzler: Fighting Discrimination

Ken Mayer: The Electability of Republicans

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:104
Political science professor Ken Mayer discusses the prospect of Republican candidates in 2024, and current campaign finance reform efforts....
Listen to Ken Mayer: The Electability of Republicans

BONUS: Past, Present, and Future w/Senator Tammy Duckworth

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:103
Senator from Illinois Tammy Duckworth reflects on her first term in office, the current issues facing the Senate, and what she hopes to accomplish...
Listen to BONUS: Past, Present, and Future w/Senator Tammy Duckworth

Olga Lautman: The Fall of Putin

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:102
Russian politics expert Olga Lautman discusses Russia’s failure to defeat Ukraine, the instability of the Russian political system, and more....
Listen to Olga Lautman: The Fall of Putin

Ravi Gupta: “The Door is Always Open”

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:101
Ravi Gupta discusses good-faith political disagreements, elections, and where the Republican party goes from here....
Listen to Ravi Gupta: “The Door is Always Open”

Stuart Stevens: The Republican Party’s Downfall

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:100
Former Republican operative Stuart Stevens explains how the Republican Party has changed, and how he’s now working to counteract the movement he h...
Listen to Stuart Stevens: The Republican Party’s Downfall

Tyler Merritt: Patience for the Ignorant

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:99
Tyler discusses hate, ignorance, and his new book, A Door Made for Me...
Listen to Tyler Merritt: Patience for the Ignorant

Miles Taylor: The Fight Has Just Begun

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:97
Miles Taylor, who co-founded the Forward Party, discusses the significance of the midterm election results, the future of Trumpism, and the ongoin...
Listen to Miles Taylor: The Fight Has Just Begun

David Bellavia: Partisan Politics

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:96
Medal of Honor Recipient and conservative radio host David Bellavia talks about the recent shift in the Republican party, what makes a qualified c...
Listen to David Bellavia: Partisan Politics

Jinho ‘Piper’ Ferreira: Hip-Hop, Community, and Policing

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:95
Flipsyde member ‘Piper’ Ferreira talks about how his experiences as a police officer, rapper, and artist have influenced him....
Listen to Jinho ‘Piper’ Ferreira: Hip-Hop, Community, and Policing

Garrett Reisman: The Future of Space Exploration

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:94
Astronaut Garrett Reisman discusses how the Ukraine-Russia War, Elon Musk, and global warming are impacting space exploration....
Listen to Garrett Reisman: The Future of Space Exploration

Rerun: In Remembrance of Michael Gerson

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:94
On Thursday, former Presidential Speechwriter Michael Gerson passed away. He was the first ever guest on Burn the Boats, and we've decided to re-r...
Listen to Rerun: In Remembrance of Michael Gerson

Denver Riggleman: Leaving the Republican Party

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:93
Former Representative Denver Riggleman discusses the January 6th committee, his experiences as a Republican during the Trump Administration, and h...
Listen to Denver Riggleman: Leaving the Republican Party

Anne Nelson: The Future of the Right Wing

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:92
Anne Nelson talks about the November Midterm Elections, right-wing domestic extremism, and the direction of the Republican Party....
Listen to Anne Nelson: The Future of the Right Wing

Al Franken: Has Democracy Reached a Tipping Point?

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:91
Fmr. Senator Al Franken discusses the radicalization of the Republican party and the threats facing American Democracy....
Listen to Al Franken: Has Democracy Reached a Tipping Point?

Nan Whaley: Fighting for Ohioans

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:90
Former Dayton Mayor Nan Whaley talks about her Ohio gubernatorial campaign....
Listen to Nan Whaley: Fighting for Ohioans

Scott Hershovitz: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:89
Scott talks about his new book, Nasty, Brutish, and Short, in which he discusses philosophy with his children....
Listen to Scott Hershovitz: Adventures in Philosophy with My Kids

Kris Goldsmith: The Anti-Fascist Agenda

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:88
Kris, a combat vet, explains how he studies and disrupts fascism and white supremacism in the U.S....
Listen to Kris Goldsmith: The Anti-Fascist Agenda

Dr. Kathleen Belew: The State of the White Power Movement

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:87
Dr. Belew describes the growth, strategies, and consequences of the White Power movement in America....
Listen to Dr. Kathleen Belew: The State of the White Power Movement

LTC Alexander Vindman: Fighting Authoritarianism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:86
In 2019, Alex provided testimony that led to Donald Trump’s first impeachment, and foreshadowed Russia’s devastating invasion of Ukraine....
Listen to LTC Alexander Vindman: Fighting Authoritarianism

Representative Pat Ryan: The Backlash after Dobbs

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:85
Pat Ryan discusses his successful special election campaign, and the nationwide surge in support Democrats have seen in response to the Dobbs deci...
Listen to Representative Pat Ryan: The Backlash after Dobbs

Jason Kander: Getting Help Saved My Life

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:84
Jason Kander discusses his new Memoir, Invisible Storm...
Listen to Jason Kander: Getting Help Saved My Life

Esosa Osa: Fighting Disinformation

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:83
The Deputy Director of Fair Fight Action, Esosa Osa, talks about internet disinformation....
Listen to Esosa Osa: Fighting Disinformation

Jim Obergefell: The Battle for Marriage Equality

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:82
Jim was the lead plaintiff in the 2015 Supreme Court that ruled same-sex couples are guaranteed the right to marry. Now he’s running for the Ohio ...
Listen to Jim Obergefell: The Battle for Marriage Equality

Jimmy Soni: The Influential Founders of PayPal

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:81
PayPal was the launching pad for some of the world’s most impactful tech entrepreneurs, who went on to create companies like SpaceX, YouTube, Yelp...
Listen to Jimmy Soni: The Influential Founders of PayPal

Dan Pfeiffer: Battling the Big Lie

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:80
Dan Pfeiffer, Co-Host of Pod Save America, discusses his new book and the messaging of the Democratic Party....
Listen to Dan Pfeiffer: Battling the Big Lie

David Gergen: Passing the Torch to Gen-Z

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:79
Former Presidential Advisor David Gergen discusses leadership, passing the torch to younger generations, and his new book, Hearts Touched with Fir...
Listen to David Gergen: Passing the Torch to Gen-Z

Lecia Michelle: The White Allies Handbook

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:78
Lecia talks about her new book, The White Allies Handbook, and how white people must use their voices to actively dismantle racism....
Listen to Lecia Michelle: The White Allies Handbook

Steve Pierson: How We Win

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:77
Activist and organizer Steve Pierson discusses the 2022 Midterms, and the obstacles, and opportunities, facing the Democratic Party....
Listen to Steve Pierson: How We Win

The Repercussions of Transphobic Legislation

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:76
Heather is a mother of two living in Alabama, a state that recently passed an anti-trans bill, SB184, that makes it a felony for her to seek the m...
Listen to The Repercussions of Transphobic Legislation

Sebastian Junger: Bravery, War, and Purpose

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:75
Journalist and filmmaker Sebastian Junger discusses his books, his experiences as a war reporter, and his organization, Vets Town Hall....
Listen to Sebastian Junger: Bravery, War, and Purpose

Ukraine Report #8: Humanitarian Aid with Amed Khan

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:74
Activist, Philanthropist, and humanitarian Amed Khan discusses his efforts in Ukraine....
Listen to Ukraine Report #8: Humanitarian Aid with Amed Khan

BONUS: The Clock is Ticking for Afghan Evacuees

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:73
Congress is running out of time to determine the status of our allied Afghan refugees....
Listen to BONUS: The Clock is Ticking for Afghan Evacuees

Amanda Weinstein: Suburbia and the Culture Wars

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:72
Amanda Weinstein talks about the divisions in local communities....
Listen to Amanda Weinstein: Suburbia and the Culture Wars

David Pepper: The Impact of Corrupt State Houses

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:71
David Pepper talks about his new book, Laboratories of Autocracy, in which he argues that corrupt politicians in state houses are the biggest thre...
Listen to David Pepper: The Impact of Corrupt State Houses

Ukraine Report #7: Refugees and Aid Workers

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:70
Anna is a Ukrainian refugee who had to flee on the day of the invasion, and Nico is a volunteer who has been helping refugees like Anna on the Pol...
Listen to Ukraine Report #7: Refugees and Aid Workers

Ukraine Report #6: Russian Politics with Olga Lautman

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:69
Olga Lautman describes internal Russian politics and Putin’s rise to power....
Listen to Ukraine Report #6: Russian Politics with Olga Lautman

Ukraine Report #5: Former CIA Officer David Chasteen

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:67
Former CIA officer David Chasteen provides insight into what part intelligence collection and cyber warfare play in the invasion of Ukraine....
Listen to Ukraine Report #5: Former CIA Officer David Chasteen

Stephen Marche: The Next Civil War

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:66
Stephen Marche details the ways in which civil war could realistically break out in the United States....
Listen to Stephen Marche: The Next Civil War

Ukraine Report #4: A Volunteer Soldier in Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:66
A few weeks ago, Nikolay worked in finance. Now, he’s fighting for his life, his family, and his country....
Listen to Ukraine Report #4: A Volunteer Soldier in Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Forces

Ukraine Report #3: The Battle for the Skies with Ward Carroll

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:65
Ward Carroll, a former F-14 Radar Intercept Officer, discusses aerial combat, no fly zones, the Ghost of Kyiv, and the battle for the skies over U...
Listen to Ukraine Report #3: The Battle for the Skies with Ward Carroll

Shannon Watts: The State of Gun Reform Efforts in 2022

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:64
The founder of Moms Demand Action, a grassroots gun safety organization, discusses ongoing reform efforts and what they mean for the 2022 midterms...
Listen to Shannon Watts: The State of Gun Reform Efforts in 2022

Ukraine Report #2: Urban Warfare with Dan Barkhuff

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:63
Dan Barkhuff, a former Navy SEAL, discusses the realities of urban warfare, and what the Russian invasion force is likely to face....
Listen to Ukraine Report #2: Urban Warfare with Dan Barkhuff

Ukraine Report #1: The Morning of the Attack with Oliya Scootercaster

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:62
We spoke to Oliya Scootercaster, a Ukrainian video journalist on the ground in Kyiv, just 12 hours before Russia invaded Ukraine....
Listen to Ukraine Report #1: The Morning of the Attack with Oliya Scootercaster

Billy Ray: Movies and Messaging

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:61
Film director, writer, and political activist Billy Ray discusses the importance of messaging when reaching out to independent voters....
Listen to Billy Ray: Movies and Messaging

Josh Remillard: Defeating Madison Cawthorn in NC-13

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:63
Army vet Josh Remillard talks about his campaign for North Carolina’s 13th congressional district seat....
Listen to Josh Remillard: Defeating Madison Cawthorn in NC-13

Dr. Kate Starbird: Disinformation in the Age of Social Media

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:59
Dr. Kate Starbird discusses the growth and threat of disinformation spread via the internet....
Listen to Dr. Kate Starbird: Disinformation in the Age of Social Media

Rerun: Rep. Jason Crow talks about January 6th

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:58
Rep. Jason Crow, former Army Ranger and congressman from Colorado’s 6th district, talks about the January 6th insurrection and the importance of t...
Listen to Rerun: Rep. Jason Crow talks about January 6th

BONUS: Reflections on the January 6th Insurrection

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:57
Various guests from over the last year discuss the causes and consequences of the attack on the U.S. Capitol....
Listen to BONUS: Reflections on the January 6th Insurrection

Lucas Kunce: Populism and Power

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:56
Lucas Kunce hopes to fill Missouri’s vacant Senate seat in 2022, and he’s running a populist campaign that focuses on taking power out of the hand...
Listen to Lucas Kunce: Populism and Power

Heidi Heitkamp: The Democratic Party’s Branding Problem

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:55
Former Senator Heidi Heitkamp discusses the importance of rural communities, and the Democratic Party’s branding problem....
Listen to Heidi Heitkamp: The Democratic Party’s Branding Problem

Fred Wellman: The Signs of a Violent America

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:54
Fred Wellman, the former Executive Director of the Lincoln Project, discusses how fear mongering, toxic masculinity, and the lust for power are le...
Listen to Fred Wellman: The Signs of a Violent America

Tyler Merritt: Before You Call the Cops

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:53
Tyler Merritt discusses his new book, I Take My Coffee Black, about his experiences as a black man in America....
Listen to Tyler Merritt: Before You Call the Cops

Kareem Crayton: Redistricting & the Problem with Politicization

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:52
Law professor Kareem Crayton discusses the role of race in current redistricting efforts, and the politicization of America’s symbols and institut...
Listen to Kareem Crayton: Redistricting & the Problem with Politicization

Chris Harnisch: The ‘Surrender’ of Afghanistan

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:51
Chris Harnisch, who worked in the State Department during the Trump Administration, discusses the missteps during the withdrawal from Afghanistan,...
Listen to Chris Harnisch: The ‘Surrender’ of Afghanistan

Chairwoman Shontel Brown: Bipartisanship and Ohio’s 11th District

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:50
Shontel Brown discusses her recent primary win in Ohio’s 11th District, and the future of both parties....
Listen to Chairwoman Shontel Brown: Bipartisanship and Ohio’s 11th District

Miles Taylor: Inside the Trump White House

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:49
Miles Taylor describes the chaos created by Former President Trump, and how people within the administration tried to combat it....
Listen to Miles Taylor: Inside the Trump White House

Amy McGrath: The ‘Honor Bound’ Memoir

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:48
Amy McGrath talks about her new book, which details her time in the military, her tough political campaigns, and the challenges we face as a count...
Listen to Amy McGrath: The ‘Honor Bound’ Memoir

Kris Goldsmith: PTSD, Less-Than-Honorable Discharges, and Domestic Violent Extremism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:47
Kris discusses PTSD and his suicide attempt, his battle to amend his less-than-honorable discharge, and his work fighting domestic violent extremi...
Listen to Kris Goldsmith: PTSD, Less-Than-Honorable Discharges, and Domestic Violent Extremism

Chris Meagher: The President’s Infrastructure Plan

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:46
White House Deputy Press Secretary Chris Meagher discusses the goals of President Biden’s Build Back Better Infrastructure Plan...
Listen to Chris Meagher: The President’s Infrastructure Plan

Anne Nelson: The Secret Influence of a Right-Wing Political Coalition

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:45
Award winning journalist Anne Nelson describes the influence of the Council for National Policy, a powerful right-wing political coalition....
Listen to Anne Nelson: The Secret Influence of a Right-Wing Political Coalition

Master Sergeant Michael ‘Top’ Washington: Coping with Loss

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:44
Master Sergeant ‘Top’ Washington describes the difficulty of coping with the loss of his son, and how he’s working to make that process easier for...
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Jason Kander: Destigmatizing PTSD While Continuing to Serve

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:43
Jason Kander, an Army Veteran and former candidate for Senate in Missouri, talks about his struggle with PTSD, and about his continuing public ser...
Listen to Jason Kander: Destigmatizing PTSD While Continuing to Serve

Judge Lina Hidalgo: Local Leadership, Voting Rights, and Values

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:42
Judge Lina Hidalgo, county executive for Harris County, Texas, talks about changing the system from within and about budgeting through a values le...
Listen to Judge Lina Hidalgo: Local Leadership, Voting Rights, and Values

Elliot Ackerman: Writing About War and America’s Future

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:41
Elliot Ackerman, Marine combat veteran and bestselling author, talks about writing and about his fears for the future....
Listen to Elliot Ackerman: Writing About War and America’s Future

Christian Picciolini: Disengaging White Power Extremists

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:40
Christian Picciolini, a former leader in the American white power movement, talks about his past and his current work in extremism prevention....
Listen to Christian Picciolini: Disengaging White Power Extremists

Rep. Jason Crow: Accountability and the Aftermath of January 6

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:39
Rep. Jason Crow, former Army Ranger and congressman from Colorado’s 6th district, talks about the January 6th insurrection and the importance of t...
Listen to Rep. Jason Crow: Accountability and the Aftermath of January 6

Dr. Kathleen Belew: The History of the White Power Movement and Paramilitary America

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:38
Dr. Kathleen Belew, historian and author of Bring the War Home, talks about the white power movement and the role of veterans in the movement’s hi...
Listen to Dr. Kathleen Belew: The History of the White Power Movement and Paramilitary America

Jon Soltz: Giving Veterans a Voice

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:37
Jon Soltz, founder of VoteVets, talks about the organization's origins and priorities and what it means to give a voice to veterans....
Listen to Jon Soltz: Giving Veterans a Voice

Jon Heavey: On the Front Lines

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:36
Dr. Jon Heavey talks about serving on the front lines - both as a battalion surgeon in Iraq and as an emergency room physician during the COVID-19...
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Carlos Gauna: Ending the Stigma Around Sharks

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:35
Burn the Boats takes a break from politics by talking with Carlos Gauna, an artist and videographer who raises awareness about ocean life - in par...
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Dan Barkhuff: A Tribe to Compete with Trumpism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:34
Dan Barkhuff, former Navy Seal and founder of Veterans for Responsible Leadership, talks about fighting Trumpism and the importance of belonging....
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Steve Schmidt: Fighting an Autocratic Coalition

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:33
Steve Schmidt, longtime Republican political strategist and co-founder of The Lincoln Project, comes on Burn the Boats to talk about his work figh...
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Mike Howard: Keeping America Secure from the CIA to Microsoft

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:32
Mike Howard, a veteran in the security and protection field, comes on Burn the Boats to talk about his 22 year career with the CIA and the years h...
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Rerun: Max Rose and Ali Soufan on White Supremacist Terrorism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:31.5
This rerun from July 2020 features former congressman Max Rose and counterterrorism expert Ali Soufan talking about their work addressing the thre...
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Sen. Sherrod Brown: The Dignity of Work and Hope in Politics

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:31
Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio talks about the dignity of work, his Senate desk 88, and the role of both fear and hope in politics....
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Doug Wilson: Celebrating 10 Years Without Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:30
Ken celebrates the 10th anniversary of the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell with Doug Wilson, former Pentagon official who played a key role in the...
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Aida Salazar: Activist, Artist, Author

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:29
Award-winning author Aida Salazar talks about writing difficult stories for children, raising a new generation of activists, and the intersections...
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Jake Wood: A New Mission Closer to Home

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:28
Jake Wood, veteran and CEO of Team Rubicon, talks about his new memoir, the value of veterans serving in disaster relief, and the power of vulnera...
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Jacqueline Novogratz: Marshalling a Moral Revolution

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:27
Jacqueline Novogratz, founder and CEO of Acumen, talks about the role of markets in working towards a better world and how the kind of work she do...
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Rerun: Pete Buttigieg

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:26.2
The day after the election, hear a rerun of Ken's conversation with Pete Buttigieg from the summer - talking about patriotism, his hopes for the f...
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Voting Rights and the 2020 Election w/ Esosa Osa and Sylvia Albert

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:26.5
Just days before the 2020 election, Ken passes the mic to guest host Esosa Osa, Research and Policy Director for Fair Fight Action. Esosa intervie...
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MJ Hegar: Campaign Like a Girl

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:26
MJ Hegar, Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas, talks about her campaign, what drove her to run in the first place, and the prejudiced respons...
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Rep. Tim Ryan: Politics and Mindfulness

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:25
Rep. Tim Ryan talks politics - Trump, Ohio, and Tim’s current reelection campaign. He also talks about something he wishes all politicians would p...
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Rep. Cheri Bustos: Legislating by Listening

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:24
Representative Cheri Bustos, congresswoman from Illinois and chair of the DCCC, talks about the values that women bring to leadership and about wi...
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Bonus: Sec. Leon Panetta and the Anniversary of 9/11

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:23.5
In this bonus episode of Burn the Boats, Sec. Leon Panetta talks about the ultimate tough decision: launching a raid into Pakistan based on uncert...
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Anthony Scaramucci: Room on the Off Ramp

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:23
Anthony Scaramucci talks about his brief tenure as the White House Communications Director and his recent decision to denounce Trump, as well as h...
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Swati Mylavarapu: Making Politics Accessible

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:22
Pete Buttigieg’s chief investment officer and founder of Incite.org and the Arena, Swati talks to Ken about campaign finance and about diving into...
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Andrew Towne: Modern-Day Adventurer

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:21
Andrew Towne, endurance athlete and principal with the Boston Consulting Group, has climbed the tallest mountain on every continent, including Mou...
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Bonus: Gen. Stanley McChrystal on Confederate Symbols

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:20.5
In this bonus episode of Burn the Boats, Gen. Stanley McChrystal reflects on his formerly-beloved painting of Robert E. Lee and his perspective on...
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Pete Buttigieg: On Moving Forward

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:20
Pete Buttigieg, former candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination, talks about his campaign, his decision to end it, and his hopes for t...
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Max Rose and Ali Soufan: Fighting White Supremacist Terrorism

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:19
US Representative Max Rose and counterterrorism expert Ali Soufan talk about the work they’re doing to address the threat of transnational violent...
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Sarah Longwell: How to Save the GOP

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:18
Sarah Longwell, publisher of the Bulwark and co-founder of Republicans for the Rule of Law, talks about being a staunchly “Never Trump” Republican...
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Pride Month: Gina Ortiz Jones

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:17.5
This rerun in honor of Pride month features a conversation with Gina Ortiz Jones, Democratic candidate for Congress in Texas’s 23rd district, abou...
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Fred Guttenberg: Father of Two

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:17
Fred Guttenberg, gun safety advocate whose daughter Jaime was killed at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, talks about how the los...
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Mansoor Shams: Muslim Marine

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:16
Mansoor Shams, founder of MuslimMarine.org, talks about both his good and bad experiences as a Muslim in the US Marine Corps, about patriotism in ...
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Soledad O’Brien: Journalism’s ‘Tough Love’ Critic

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:15
Award-winning journalist Soledad O’Brien talks about the current news landscape, what success means in journalism, and her flexibility and optimis...
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Amy McGrath: From the Marine Corps to the Campaign Trail

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:14
Amy McGrath, candidate for the US Senate seat in Kentucky, talks about the state of the Senate under her opponent Mitch McConnell, about her exper...
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Joe Sanberg: Seeking Financial Security for All

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:13
Joe Sanberg, progressive entrepreneur and investor in Los Angeles, talks about his work to end poverty, his personal connection to the cause, and ...
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Patrick Murphy: Constitutional Crisis and the US Military

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:12
The Honorable Patrick Murphy talks about the role of the military in American democracy, about his leadership in getting Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell rep...
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Ryan Manion: Harnessing Grief to Do Good

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:11
Ryan Manion, president of the Travis Manion Foundation, talks about losing her brother to war, about her own PTSD diagnosis, and about harnessing ...
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Voting Rights Special with Demos and the ACLU

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:10
Naila Awan from Demos and Ben Guess from the ACLU of Ohio talk about the importance of full voting rights for all and the work they are each doing...
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Shannon Watts and Casey Weinstein: The Dangers of Fighting for Gun Safety

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:9
Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, and Casey Weinstein, state representative for Ohio’s District 37, talk about gun safety and the inti...
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Paul Rieckhoff: The Power of Righteous Anger

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:8
Paul Rieckhoff, host of the Angry Americans podcast, talks about being an independent in today’s political climate, about the role of veterans in ...
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Bill Kristol: The Crisis within the Republican Party

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:7
Bill Kristol, founder of The Weekly Standard and chief of staff to the Vice President under George H. W. Bush, talks about the current state of th...
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Mary Beth Bruggeman: Inclusion, Leadership, and Service

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:6
ary Beth Bruggeman, the president of The Mission Continues, talks about her experiences as a woman in the Marine Corps, about the responsibility o...
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Bonus: Adam Frankel on Writing for Obama

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:5.5
In this bonus episode, Ken continues his conversation with Adam Frankel, talking about what it was like to write speeches for President Obama....
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Adam Frankel: Healing Family Trauma through Honesty

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:5
Adam Frankel, former speechwriter for President Obama and author of a new memoir, The Survivors, talks about generational trauma - from his grandp...
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Bonus: The Rights of American Samoans

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:4.5
In this bonus episode of Burn the Boats, Staff Sergeant Jeniffer Afualo-Robinson talks about losing her security clearance and, with it, a pathway...
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Joe Sestak: Individual Rights and the Common Good

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:4
Joe Sestak, retired 3-star Admiral in the US Navy and former candidate for Democratic presidential nominee, talks about the similarities between t...
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Gina Ortiz Jones: Overcoming Barriers to Serve Her Country

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:3
Gina Ortiz Jones, Air Force veteran and Congressional candidate in Texas’s 23rd district, talks about the tough decision her mother made to immigr...
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Mikie Sherrill: Challenging Authority and Reaching Across the Aisle

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:2
Mikie Sherrill, former navy pilot and federal prosecutor and current Congresswoman from New Jersey, discusses the challenges of pushing back again...
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Michael Gerson: Faith, Friendship, and Empathy in Today’s Political Climate

Burn the Boats | S:1 E:1
George W. Bush's former presidential speechwriter, Michael Gerson, talks to Ken about his dissension from the Republican party, about the role of ...
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Coming Soon!

Burn the Boats
Listen as Ken Harbaugh interviews political leaders, influencers, and other history makers about the tough choices they've made, starting with col...
Listen to Coming Soon!

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