This week on the Andy Beshear Podcast, we’re looking north to the great state of Maine for a conversation with five Democratic primary gubernatorial candidates stepping up to shape the future of the Granite State.

Andy sits down with Shenna Bellows, Angus King III, Hannah Pingree, Troy Jackson, and Nirav Shah for an honest conversation about leadership, rural communities, economic opportunity, and what it means to govern with integrity in a politically divided era.

From protecting reproductive freedom and strengthening public education to supporting working waterfronts, small businesses, and the people who keep Maine running, each candidate shares their vision for the state – and how their personal journeys have shaped their approach to public service.

Andy also digs into what it takes to win as a Democrat in a state that values independence, common sense, and results over rhetoric.

It’s a thoughtful, spirited conversation about the future of Maine – and what strong, steady leadership looks like in 2026.

PLUS, don't miss Andy's big announcement. Learn more: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/go-and-do-likewise-9781250452719/

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We're back in the Big Apple at the SiriusXM HQ for a brand new episode featuring Hall of Fame coach Rick Pitino for a candid, wide-ranging conversation about legacy, loyalty, and what it really means to lead.

From growing up in New York to becoming the face of Kentucky basketball, Pitino opens up about arriving at the University of Kentucky in the late ’80s when the program was climbing out of one of its toughest chapters, and what rebuilding trust with players, fans, and an entire commonwealth looked like day-by-day. He reflects on his time at University of Louisville and what he learned from the less than ideal ending. We talk about Bad Bunny's SuperBowl performance, the extreme division in America, heated rivalries and how Pitino handles politics both on and off the court.

Plus, the Jo(h)ns are back in business for a conversation among friends. We're covering the SuperBowl halftime show reviews, catching up on everything you may have missed offscreen with our Primed for 2026 candidates and what's to come next for the Podcast. And Andy's daughter, Lila, brings us a brand new Gen Z Lingo: cooked vs. cooking. Hint: Neither of them have to do with a kitchen.

It's a can't-miss episode whether you're a basketball fan or not – we're cooking this week and you don't wanna miss out. Tune in now!

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Amy’s story is deeply Ohio-rooted and anything but easy. Raised in Youngstown, she grew up facing poverty, abuse, hunger, and periods of homelessness. She put herself through college and medical school, completed her residency and went on to serve as a doctor, public health expert, and Director of the Ohio Department of Health. Across party lines, Amy built a reputation for steady leadership, problem-solving, and putting people first.

We dig into the rising stakes of the Ohio governor’s race – from new polling and the economic pressures facing working families, to Vivek's baffling choice to call Medicaid a “mistake.” Amy shares her take on what it all means for families, communities, and the future of the Buckeye state.

And because this is the Andy Beshear Podcast, the episode isn’t all policy. We talk about Amy's love for Ohio and Ohioans and yes, a detour into a certain Raising Cane’s parking lot moment...

Don't miss this week's conversation with the Jo(h)ns to talk about the most recent ICE updates in Minnesota, the latest Epstein file release and some SuperBowl predictions. (Bad Bunny mentioned!)

This week's In My Kentucky Accent is all about Black History Month – the Trump's administration can try to cover it up, but Black history is American history. And it's everywhere.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, on the SiriusXM app, or Saturdays at 11 a.m. ET on SiriusXM Progress.

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Season 2 of the Andy Beshear Podcast continues with a powerful conversation featuring former Congresswoman and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland – now running for Governor of New Mexico.

Raised in a military family, a single mom who relied on programs like SNAP and Medicaid, and the first Native American Cabinet Secretary in U.S. history, Deb Haaland brings lived experience to public service and a clear-eyed vision for what government should do for people who are doing everything they can to get by.

Andy and Deb talk about what it means to lead with fierceness, stand up for democracy in moments of chaos, and why governors are the first line of defense against harmful federal policies. Deb reflects on her parents’ service, her own journey to sobriety and public office, and why programs like Medicaid aren’t handouts; they’re lifelines that strengthen families, rural hospitals, and entire communities.

The episode also includes a candid conversation with the Jo(h)ns as they process the latest devastating shooting in Minnesota, the erosion of our civil liberties, and what accountability should look like in moments of national crisis.

And, of course, the episode wraps with the return of Gen Z Lingo, where we really hit a "flow state."

It’s a wide-ranging episode about leadership, fierceness, and why the 2026 midterm elections – in New Mexico and across the country – matter more than ever.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts, on the SiriusXM app, or Saturdays at 11 a.m. ET on SiriusXM Progress.

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We're all about the next generation of leaders here at the Andy Beshear Podcast so this week we're talking to Beau Bayh. Beau is an attorney, former Marine, and now a candidate for Secretary of State in his home state of Indiana.

Beau joins the show fresh off a record-breaking $1.8 million Q4 fundraising haul to share why this race is resonating with so many people right now. From growing up around the brutal realities of public service to debunking the assumption that come along with with a well-known last name, Beau reflects on the moments that shaped his commitment to civic life. The conversation spans everything from the rampant corruption in the current Secretary of State office to how we can get more people engaged and excited about democracy, to diffusing our highly partisan and inflammatory political environment. Andy and Beau dig into leadership, trust in institutions, and what the country needs more – and less – of in the years ahead. We wrap up by talking football, Hoosier pride, and whether 2026 is Indiana’s year on the field and at the ballot box.

Thoughtful, personal, and grounded, this episode is a candid look at service, integrity, and showing up for people when it matters most. Let's get into it.

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In this brand-new episode in the Primed for 2026 series, Andy is joined by former NLF player and congressman Colin Allred – running for Texas' freshly gerrymandered District 33.

From ground zero of gerrymandering in Texas, Colin talks about the importance of restoring trust in democracy and what exactly it looks like to put impact over ego, including his decision to shift from a Senate run back to a congressional race in one of Texas’ newest districts. It’s a frank conversation about doing the right thing, even when it’s hard. Colin talks about growing up with a single mom who was a teacher, how that shaped his commitment to working families, and why meeting people where they are isn’t just a slogan, it’s a strategy. And it's working!

Next, Andy and the Jo(h)ns break down the week’s biggest stories, from escalating tensions over Greenland and the implications for NATO to protests following the tragic fatal ICE shooting and growing questions around accountability. We also talk the role of other branches of government in checking Donald Trump’s power, including recent Supreme Court and Senate actions. Are the other branches finally fighting back?

From tough political moments to reminders of our shared humanity, this episode looks at where we are and where we can go next. Listen now to the Andy Beshear Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts. And don't forget to send us to a friend!

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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 stakes are high.

For Democrats, this is shaping up to be a competitive primary. Several well-known statewide and local leaders are making their case to voters, emphasizing experience, competence, and continuing progress on issues like jobs, infrastructure, and protecting fundamental rights. The Democratic field reflects the strength of the party’s bench in Michigan after years of winning tough statewide races. Today, you’ll hear directly from them. Meet Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Sheriff Chris Swanson.

👉 Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II is Michigan’s 64th lieutenant governor and a lifelong Detroiter. A former software engineer and public servant, he has focused his work on expanding economic opportunity, protecting access to clean water, strengthening infrastructure, and advancing equity across the state. Gilchrist brings a data-driven, people-first approach to governing Michigan’s future.

👉 Jocelyn Benson is Michigan’s Secretary of State, where she oversees elections and motor vehicle services for millions of residents. A former law professor and nationally recognized expert on democracy and voting rights, she has led efforts to expand access to the ballot, protect election integrity, and modernize state services. Benson is known for her steady leadership and commitment to defending democratic institutions.

👉 Sheriff Chris Swanson is the elected sheriff of Genesee County, Michigan, where he has focused on community-based public safety, accountability, and rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the people they serve. A longtime law enforcement professional and reform-minded leader, Swanson is known for emphasizing prevention, transparency, and keeping communities safe while respecting civil rights.

What makes this race so important is that Michigan isn’t just any state. It’s a bellwether. It’s a place where working families, union households, rural and urban communities all come together — and where governors can make a real difference on economic growth, education, public safety, and protecting personal freedom.

This race is going to be competitive. It’s going to be expensive. And it’s going to matter — not just for Michigan, but for the direction of the country.

We’ll be watching it closely, because strong Democratic leadership at the state level has never been more important and Michigan is right at the center of that fight.

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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 shares how his small-business background influences his approach to governing, and why working families remain at the center of his priorities.

We dive into the biggest challenges facing small businesses today, the rising cost of health care and prescription drugs, and the work still needed to properly support America’s veterans. Pappas also discusses cutting through the noise of national politics, why New Hampshire’s open U.S. Senate seat matters on a national scale, and the importance of bringing a new generation of leadership to Washington.

He talks about what gives him hope for the country — and offers his must-see recommendations for anyone visiting the Granite State for the first time.

Primed for 2026 is a conversation series focused on ideas, motivations, and the future — not endorsements or predictions. Whether you’re deeply engaged in politics or just trying to stay informed, this episode offers a thoughtful look at one of the candidates shaping the 2026 election cycle.

Plus, a very special segment with college students reacting to Andy's conversation with Chris Pappas and their hopes for the future of our country. It's going to be a great year, tune in now.

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