The Focus Group Podcast

S6 Ep19: What a Difference a Year Makes (with Jonathan Chait)

The United States just captured Venezuela's dictator, and we needed to get some quick voter reactions. Is this REALLY what the newest members of Trump's coalition voted for? We're also sensing growing discontent from them with the state of the country, and with the Trump administration governing more for its friends than for them. Atlantic staff writer Jonathan Chait joins the show to break down voter sentiment nearly a year into Trump's term.Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at https://RocketMoney.com/THEFOCUSGROUP.

S6 Ep18: Sarah’s First Focus Groups

Sarah started doing focus groups in 2018 and 2019 hoping to save the Republican Party from Trump—by finding a primary challenger who wouldn’t embarrass themselves. Instead, she discovered voters who were fine with Trump, and she picked up a years-long addiction that turned into this show. We listen to audio from Sarah’s earliest focus groups with reluctant Ohio Trump voters, and not-so-reluctant New Hampshire Trump voters. Then, Sarah and producer Conor Kilgore take some listener questions and look ahead to 2026 races. Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THEFOCUSGROUP.

S6 Ep17: America on Tape: A Brutal (and Hopeful) Year

A year in review from The Focus Group Podcast: the revealing moments, toughest conversations, and warnings that hit a little harder with hindsight—from swing voters to Democrats to cracks inside MAGA. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THEFOCUSGROUP at https://www.oneskin.co/THEFOCUSGROUP #oneskinpod Original episodes: Nothing is True, Everything is Possible (with Anne Applebaum):  https://audioboom.com/posts/8711563-nothing-is-true-everything-is-possible-with-anne-applebaum Do the Next Right Thing, Change the World (with Heather Cox Richardson): https://audioboom.com/posts/8741588-do-the-next-right-thing-change-the-world-with-heather-cox-richardson The GOP's Life After Trump (with Robert Draper): https://audioboom.com/posts/8806639-the-gop-s-life-after-trump-with-robert-draper

S6 Ep16: MAGA's 'Crunchy' Surprise (with Jonathan Cohn)

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.'s 'Make America Healthy Again' movement and its adherents have done some of the most harm of anyone in Donald Trump's second term. The voters who are motivated by 'MAHA' are also some of the most interesting. The Bulwark's resident healthcare expert, Jonathan Cohn joins the show to break down the policy consequences of RFK's healthcare regime, and what motivates the everyday 'MAHA' voter. By Jonathan Cohn: This Is What It Looks Like When RFK Jr. Wins

S6 Ep15: The Civilian-Military Relationship (with Mark Hertling)

The American military used to be one of the more trusted institutions in America. In 2025, it's a major political football. But how much do voters know about the military and its proper use? Bulwark military expert, Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) joins the show. This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to Superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership. Show notes: Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THEFOCUSGROUP.