Brogressive Podcast

Inside the Data That Could Save Democrats: A Conversation with Searchlight’s Scotty Moore

Ben, Dylan, and Beleh sit down with Scotty Moore, Policy Associate at the Searchlight Institute, for a candid conversation about how Democrats can talk like humans again — and why breaking from fear-based messaging may be the key to sparking a new political realignment. Scott opens with a reframing that sets the tone: there are climate-concerned voters, not climate voters (01:40). From there, the group digs into the “activist guardrails” that quietly cost Democrats battleground votes (06:55), and how one national soundbite can taint every local candidate on the ballot (08:16). They explore what a heterodox, real-world message sounds like on crime and immigration — secure the border without cruelty, punish crime while believing in second chances (10:11) — and how Searchlight’s independent polling builds permission structures that let candidates say what normal people already think (13:19). Midway through, Scott unpacks the difference between salience and agreement (14:33) and why long-form formats expose slogan politics (19:41). The crew then breaks down how to move primary voters by making “electability” personal (21:00), and how to apologize without looking weak — “I learned and changed” beats lawyering every time (23:39). They close with a sharp read on why 2024 Democrats sounded trapped on immigration and energy (31:58), how the lack of top-down permission let Twitter fill the vacuum (35:28), and Scott’s own path from Alaska Native advocacy to the DCCC to building Searchlight — an institute built to disrupt purity politics and power the next realignment. Follow Scotty [https://x.com/plathiandc], Searchlight Institute [https://x.com/searchlightinst], Beleh [https://x.com/Btoma15], Ben [https://x.com/BenBartlettt], and Brogressive [https://x.com/BrogressivePod] on Twitter/X.

NBA Western Conference Over/Unders Picks with Jack Cocchiarella

Ben and Dylan are joined by political commentator and YouTube creator Jack Cocchiarella for a special crossover episode diving into the NBA's Western Conference. The crew breaks down the official Vegas win totals for every team in the West, making their official over/under picks for the upcoming season.The debate kicks off with a contentious discussion on the Dallas Mavericks (02:24) and whether rookie Cooper Flagg can make a difference. The crew unanimously takes the over on the Denver Nuggets (08:07) before having a heated argument over Ben's Golden State Warriors and their "washed allegations" (11:35). The analysis continues with the Houston Rockets (20:38), the aging Los Angeles Clippers (25:45), and Jack's beloved Los Angeles Lakers (30:46).The second half of the bracket features discussions on the Memphis Grizzlies (35:47), a puzzling Minnesota Timberwolves team (37:08), the Zion-led New Orleans Pelicans (40:12), and the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder (44:01). The episode wraps up with predictions for the Phoenix Suns (49:27), Portland Trail Blazers (51:07), Sacramento Kings (54:05), the promising San Antonio Spurs (57:02), and the tanking Utah Jazz (1:03:14), before the hosts give their final picks for who will win the Western Conference (1:07:04).Follow our guest Jack Cocchiarella @JDCocchiarella, Ben @BenBartlettt, and the show @BrogressivePod on Twitter/X.Also check out Jack’s YouTube show at: https://www.youtube.com/@JackCocchiarellaShow

Inside Bidenworld’s Media Strategy: With Former Jill Biden Press Secretary Michael LaRosa

Ben and Beleh sit down with Michael LaRosa, former press secretary to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, for an unfiltered post-mortem on 2024—and a blueprint for how Democrats stop losing the media war. Michael opens with the core problem: Trump treats media as an opportunity; Democrats treat it as a hazard (02:20). He walks through Harris’s 107-day handoff and the culture of caution that followed (07:30), explaining why the old “answer the question you want to answer” playbook dies in long-form formats (10:12). From there, the guys break down the biggest self-inflicted wounds. The Tim Walz “pick-six” tweet and how authenticity theater backfires (39:40). The fracking layup Harris wouldn’t take—“just run on your record” (43:55). And the decision to skip the Super Bowl interview, which Michael calls pure malpractice (55:35). They finish with the questions Democrats keep ducking and why yes/no answers beat hedges—even on hot-button topics like trans sports (59:35). Plus: what a “central casting” Cabinet would look like, and how to build a team that can actually sell policy on Fox, podcasts, and everywhere in between (1:01:20). Follow Michael LaRosa ⁠@MichaelLaRosaDC⁠ [https://x.com/michaellarosadc?lang=en], Beleh ⁠⁠⁠@Btoma15⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/btoma15], Ben ⁠⁠⁠@BenBartlettt⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/BenBartlettt]⁠⁠,⁠⁠ [https://x.com/MaxLevin23] and Brogressive Podcast ⁠⁠⁠@BrogressivePod⁠⁠⁠ [https://x.com/BrogressivePod] on Twitter/X.

Meet the Democrat Challenging Party Establishment: Patrick Roath

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Roath, a Boston-based attorney and democracy advocate, who's challenging longtime incumbent Stephen Lynch in Massachusetts' 8th Congressional District. Patrick shares his vision for a more responsive and accountable government, emphasizing the need for new leadership and fresh perspectives in Congress.Patrick accepts no corporate PAC money and advocates for campaign finance reform. Follow Patrick on X @PatrickRoath and donate to his campaign if you can https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sbd... [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2xHcmlrS05qY1BVV0pxU1JGRWdDZkRoV19KZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuMkU0dHlGSzMzNWdMOEo2UlJFTzZVZEMydWhUMlVSM1NPNVNsT2ZFc19EcDhmYXI3aFV0X21sbEp4Sm9KMVNUMzY3LVAxUWVNU3RpTmVDYjJJM3U3NlZLR2VCX0tuZlRHOFJRWTF0VDlJMjFiNld2OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fsecure.actblue.com%2Fdonate%2Fsbd-pr-web&v=oawtBl8_mzk] 00:08 — Intro: Meet the Congressional Challenger 03:25 — Why I Got Into Politics 05:52 — The Problem with Corporate PACs 12:23 — My Opponent's Voting Record 15:16 — Our Progressive Vision for America 22:15 — The "Waiting Your Turn" Problem in Politics 28:18 — On-the-Ground Politics in Boston 37:21 — Ticketmaster & NFL RedZone Monopolies 39:45 — Outro: Where to Support the Campaign

Trump's Gen Z Problem: A Conversation with Voters of Tomorrow's Katy Gates

00:00 Beleh and Katy discuss Voters of Tomorrow, an organization founded in late 2019. 03:34 Beleh and Katy discuss how to bounce back from a political loss. 09:46 Beleh asks Katy about Voters of Tomorrow's mission and their presence on college campuses. 17:06 Beleh and Katy analyze a poll showing a decline in Trump's support among young people. 23:25 Beleh and Katy discuss the influence of the oil and gas industry on politics. 26:12 Beleh and Katy discuss how to effectively communicate with young voters online. Ever wondered why so many young people are changing their minds about politics? On this episode, we're sitting down with Katy Gates from Voters of Tomorrow to get the real story. We're diving deep into the issues that are at the top of Gen Z's minds, like the rising costs of living, student debt, and the future of our planet. We'll also explore why so many young people feel let down by the current political system and how organizations like Voters of Tomorrow are working to mobilize a new generation of voters. Whether you're a Gen Zer yourself or just curious about what's next for American politics, this episode offers a fresh and insightful look at the future of our country. Make sure to follow Katy on X @KatyGatess and @VotersTomorrow