The Playbook Podcast

Social psychologist and “The Anxious Generation” author Jonathan Haidt helped turn concerns about kids and social media into a global political movement. Now, as Meta faces a consequential trial over youth safety and addiction, Haidt tells Dasha why he believes the courts may succeed where Congress has failed — and why the fight is only getting bigger.

Haidt also sounds the alarm on AI, warning that the threats to children could go “far beyond” social media and arguing that policymakers can’t afford to give AI companies the same free pass. And with restrictions on social media gaining bipartisan support, he weighs whether protecting kids from Big Tech could become a winning issue at the ballot box.

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Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins POLITICO’s Jonathan Martin in Traverse City, Michigan, to discuss the future of the Democratic Party and why he believes Democrats can't simply campaign on a return to the pre-Trump status quo.

Buttigieg argues the party needs to "build what's next," weighs in on the Michigan Senate race, reflects on his time in the Biden administration, and shares his vision for institutional reform, AI, economic inequality and the road to 2028. Plus, he gives Jonathan a tour of his adopted hometown—including a stop for Traverse City's famous cherry ice cream.

Two power players land in South Carolina today. President Trump is hitting the trail for Darline Graham after her rocky debate on Tuesday, while Pete Buttigieg stumps for Nancy Lacore. What are the larger picture stakes of these visits ahead of the midterms and leading into 2028? Then Playbook’s Adam Wren and Megan Messerly invite POLITICO Albany bureau chief Nick Reisman to discuss other stories animating Washington: how the Knicks owner became a GOP power player, why puppies are now a campaign strategy, and Trump’s latest side gig – IndyCar opening act.

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Is Scott Jennings auditioning for the White House briefing room? The CNN conservative went to the mat defending Trump aide Natalie Harp just as his name is circulating as a possible next press secretary. Playbook’s Dasha Burns and Will Steakin unpack what his performance tells us about the job he may want — and new details about another major White House departure. Then, Playbook contributor Megan Messerly joins the panel to talk about what the 2026 primaries tell us about the fading power of the original anti-Trump Resistance, Darline Graham’s rough foreign-policy moment shaking up the South Carolina Senate runoff, and Donald Trump unveiling his new White House helipad. Plus, Harry and Meghan may be headed back to Britain — but is America’s right wing ready to say goodbye?

Another primary night of surprises — this time in Florida, where a DSA candidate upset the establishment Democrat in the race for U.S. Senate. Florida Playbook author Kimberly Leonard joins Megan Messerly and Will Steakin to discuss. Then we dig into the data center dominance this midterm, more from Jon Ossoff's attack on Trump, and an essay from The Atlantic with a surprising revelation about Mike Pence.

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