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PODCAST

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou

Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou

If you’re feeling confused or overwhelmed by the news coming out of Washington, D.C. right now, know this: you are not alone. Each week, former U.S. Senator Jon Tester of Montana and veteran journalist Maritsa Georgiou are here to talk you through it. Grounded is about more than just deciphering the headlines; It’s about hearing from changemakers, sharing insider insight, and leaving each episode with a roadmap forward. Let’s stay grounded: In facts, in reason, and in community. You can also find

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All Episodes

28:37

As the Crow Flies

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/11/16

The last time Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) appeared on Grounded was Oct. 1, 2025—the very first day of what became the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history. When an event with Crow and JT lined up in Arizona, we decided it was a good chance to check in on what was accomplished during the shutdown, the renewed focus on the Epstein files and his efforts to recruit Democratic candidates in flippable House districts. Plus, we bring Tiffany Muller of End Citizens United back into the fold to

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78:18

Every Day is Veterans Day

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/11/11

It’s not every day we’re live on Substack when a U.S. senator calls Jon Tester’s landline and agrees to be put on speaker phone. But that’s exactly what happened today when Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) called the farm. On this Veterans Day, we also welcome Paul Rieckhoff, a veteran himself in addition to being the president of Righteous Media and founder of a group called Independent Veterans of America. He discusses what he calls a cultural war the Trump administration is waging on our government

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64:19

In the Room

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/11/10

Author and journalist Michael Wolff joins Grounded to discuss the new lawsuit he filed in response to First Lady Melania Trump’s lawyers threatening him with a $1 billion defamation suit. Wolff brings a unique perspective, as he’s not only spent time with President Donald Trump, but also Jeffrey Epstein. He’s written four books about Trump and has more than 100 hours of interviews with Epstein. What does he hope will come out of the lawsuit? What does it even mean when we talk about the Epstein

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49:31

Governerds Unite

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/11/07

Sharon McMahon, America’s Government Teacher, joins Grounded to discuss the government shutdown, now the longest in U.S. history. We talk about the new legal battle over sending out SNAP payments and the cancellation of hundreds of flights across the country. Sharon’s energetic and enthusiastic approach to teaching makes it easy to see why she’s so effective and popular. The former government teacher now uses her online platform to teach the rest of us the basics of civics. Her “Governerd” community

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58:12

Broken Harvest

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/11/05

2025 election results show big wins for Democrats in races across the country. What does it mean for the government shutdown? Will it change minds in Washington? Plus, our conversation about the state of farming and ranching at this moment in the U.S.— from tariffs to price increases to the government shutdown. We tackle it all with a farmer and rancher and what it means for the future of their livelihoods.

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38:43

SNAP Decisions

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/10/31

42 million people are going to bed tonight worried about the legal limbo over whether they’re going to get their SNAP benefits. In normal government shutdowns, SNAP benefits continue to go out because of contingency funds. That’s not what’s happening this time around. Josh Protas of Meals on Wheels and Liza Lieberman of MAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger help us dig into the hunger crisis that exists in this country even without the threat of taking away SNAP payments. We also discuss how this

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67:53

Pop Quiz

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/10/29

Influencer Emily Amick, known as Emily in Your Phone, joins Grounded to discuss headlines and why more Americans are getting their news from social media than ever. We chat about a new partnership between the Trump administration and a spyware company, the ongoing government shutdown, SNAP payments and more. Plus, we tackle messaging deficiencies on the left and how people can become more engaged if they feel hopeless and/or overwhelmed. Don't forget to stay for JT's pop quiz.

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46:08

Let Them Eat Cake

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/10/24

Historian Heather Cox Richardson returns to Grounded to talk shop with JT & MG. We cover everything from the demolition of the White House East Wing to McKinley parallels to threats of Trump 3.0 in 2028. What is the most surprising thing HCR has seen in the last nine months? What continues to give her hope? Who does she think is getting ready for a 2028 run? It’s a packed show!

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59:41

Pickin’ & Grinnin’

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/10/20

It’s been a wild 10 days for country singer Bryan Andrews, whose new song (and corresponding spicy social media clips) about ICE raids, the Epstein files and economic woes launched him into viral stardom. We chat with Andrews about his decision to get political, the country music industry and what he hears from his rural friends and neighbors. Plus, if your name is Stephen Colbert or Jimmy Kimmel, wait until you hear his ultimate dream. Disclaimer: If you do not like swear words, this is not the

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68:40

Weathering the Storm

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/10/14

If you want to talk about agriculture, the weather, and the government shutdown, you’ve come to the right place. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-IL), who serves on the House Committee on Agriculture, talks about his transition from being a TV meteorologist to a member of Congress. Sorensen and Tester do a deep dive on issues facing family farms and how to connect with voters of all political stripes in rural America. Plus, what does this ongoing shutdown mean for our weather alert systems?

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53:25

Locked Out

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/10/09

While the federal government shutdown drags on, the U.S. House of Representatives remains out of session. That’s a problem for newly-elected Adelita Grijalva, who just won a special election to fill her late father’s seat representing Arizona’s 7th Congressional District. Despite winning two weeks ago, House Speaker Mike Johnson has yet to swear her in. Why do some think this is about Jeffrey Epstein? What has she heard from Speaker Johnson? And what comes next? We ask her in this episode of

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51:16

Closed for Business

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/10/01

We’re officially in the first government shutdown in almost 7 years. While the blame game on Capitol Hill intensifies, federal government websites are adding a new tactic in the fight. We talk to Rep. Jason Crow of Colorado about where negotiations on health care go from here, messaging from the Democratic Party and his concerns about hospitals closing without a fix. As a former U.S. Army Ranger, we also get his take on the administration’s new messaging to top generals and admirals at Quantico

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32:21

Statute of Limitations

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/09/26

On this mini episode of Grounded, we unpack the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and its implications. Why now? What’s next? Plus, with the looming possibility of another government shutdown, there's new pressure from the Trump administration to make a deal. We breakdown what it all means.

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34:51

New Rules

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/09/22

Former VP of the Pentagon Press Association Kevin Baron joins Grounded to discuss new restrictions on journalists covering the Pentagon. What does this mean for national security? What does this mean for your access to real information? How about the future of a free press? We unpack it all, including new pressure from the Trump administration to prosecute political rivals.

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46:39

Bright Future

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/09/16

Independent journalist + influencer Aaron Parnas joins Grounded to talk about his unique approach to news, which appeals to audiences young and old. He offers viewpoints on Trump, civics education, Ukraine and his future aspirations. How do we reach the younger generations? How do we fight against social media algorithms? Plus, what Parnas sees as the biggest challenge facing our country today.

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36:59

A Watershed Moment

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/09/12

Is this really where the United States of America is right now? In a press conference Friday morning, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox called what we’re living through a “watershed moment.” JT & MG share thoughts on Charlie Kirk’s murder after the political assassination of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman in Minnesota this summer. Where do we go from here as a country? How can we all do better? Plus, a conversation with filmmaker Steven Sawalich and Paul Mitchell co-founder John Paul DeJoria on Case For

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49:58

Ever Green

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/09/10

Former Washington Gov. Jay Inslee says you should hold on to your hats… because an AI-driven increase in energy demand combined with federal policies could mean a big hit to your bottom line. Inslee discusses his new work with Climate Power in an effort to hold the federal government accountable for policies he says will lead to even higher energy prices and more carbon emissions. Plus, how it all impacts agriculture and the clean energy industry.

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60:21

Represent

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/09/03

Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas brings her trademark wit to Grounded and talks about new revelations over the Epstein files. We unravel plans to send National Guard troops to more U.S. cities and why she thinks the average American needs to better understand the difference between police training and military training. Plus, the president’s health, how she stays quick on her feet and what gives her hope at the end of each day.

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48:29

No Shot

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/08/29

Dr. Michael Osterholm joins Grounded to talk about why he says these are the most dangerous days for public health that he’s seen in his 50-year career. “We will never forget this. It will be before and after, much like BC/AD in terms of what public health is about,” Osterholm said. We talk about the recent exodus at the CDC, the future of vaccine access in the U.S. and how the art of intimidation is being used against his colleagues. Plus, hear why he says the federal government is sabotaging

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56:27

A Woman’s Place is in the House... and the Senate

Grounded with Jon Tester & Maritsa Georgiou ·

2025/08/27

“We have more millionaires in Congress than we have moms. There are three times more men named John in the Senate than there are moms of minor children, and this is why our policies fail women in this country, why they fail children in this country and Vote Mama is is here to change that.” That’s what Vote Mama founder and CEO Liuba Grechen Shirley dropped on us in this episode of Grounded that focuses on parents in politics, specifically mothers of young children. We also chat about the recent

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