The Conversation with Dasha Burns

The Conversation with POLITICO’s Dasha Burns is a fresh take on the traditional Sunday show format, going beyond conventional wisdom and short sound bites to broaden the political conversation. Each week, Dasha will sit down with one of the most compelling – and sometimes unexpected – power players in Washington and beyond for a real discussion about how they are shaping the current moment.

The Conversation with Dasha Burns is a news podcast hosted by POLITICO, with 575 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

POLITICO hosts The Conversation with Dasha Burns, a news show with 575 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  The Conversation with Dasha Burns

  ‘I'd rather they be American killer robots’ (with Sen. Ted Cruz)

  Sep 11, 202650 min

  Dasha sits down with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) at the Republican midterms convention in Dallas to discuss President Trump’s tariffs, the economy and the GOP’s prospects in November. Cruz explains why Trump “changed” his views on trade, responds to the president’s proposed $5,000 dividend for American adults, and weighs in on Tucker Carlson and concerns over AI’s threat to humanity — including why he says he’d prefer “American killer robots” to Chinese ones.  Plus, Cruz warns that Republicans face a defining debate over the party’s future and begins to make his 2028 case ahead of a possible presidential bid.  Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

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  The Conversation with Dasha Burns

  Spencer Cox on why Trump is the result — not the cause — of America’s crisis

  Sep 9, 202657 min

  Utah Gov. Spencer Cox joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Salt Lake City’s Red Iguana for a wide-ranging conversation about his new book, “Off Ramp: How to Be a Peacemaker in an Age of Contempt,” and the forces driving America’s political divide.  The Republican governor discusses political violence, social media’s role in fueling polarization, his relationship with President Trump and why he says he is not running for president. He also weighs in on the Republican Party’s future, immigration reform and what it will take to rebuild trust and community in American life.

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  The Conversation with Dasha Burns

  ‘What the hell is going on with the Democratic Party?’ (with Stephen A. Smith)

  Sep 3, 202648 min

  Stephen A. Smith is best known for sports commentary. But now, he’s weighing in on the direction of both political parties — and even considering a potential 2028 presidential run. In a wide-ranging conversation with Dasha, the outspoken analyst explains why he believes he could win the presidency but won’t give up his career to campaign. He also discusses what he thinks is wrong with today’s political class, his criticism of the direction of the Democratic Party, Donald Trump’s appeal to voters, his interviews with controversial figures and the 2028 contenders he’s watching — including a MAGA Republican he could consider voting for. Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

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  The Conversation with Dasha Burns

  Susan Collins on her high-wire act in Trump’s GOP | On the Road

  Sep 2, 202650 min

  Sen. Susan Collins joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin at Perry’s Lobster Shack in coastal Maine for a wide-ranging conversation about her reelection fight in the senate, President Trump’s second administration and the future of the Republican Party.   The Maine Republican also discusses Canadian tariffs, immigration enforcement, her independent record and the challenge of appealing to voters in an increasingly nationalized political environment. Collins makes the case for bipartisan governing — and argues that there is still room for a political middle.   Plus, Jonathan and Collins dig into a classic Maine meal of lobster, steamers and clam chowder. 

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  The Conversation with Dasha Burns

  The lesson Democrats could learn from MAGA

  Aug 28, 202634 min

  The 2026 midterms are taking shape, and the results could determine the future of both parties.  Dasha sits down with her fellow Playbook co-authors Adam Wren and Will Steakin to examine what the primaries have revealed about Trump’s influence, the Republican coalition and the Democratic Party’s identity crisis. They discuss Trump’s $400 million MAGA Inc. war chest, the power of online politics, progressive upsets and moderate wins, and the three key states they think will be the best test of the national political environment in November.  Have thoughts for the show? Text or leave us a voicemail at 202-643-1536.

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