Happy New Year! Our first episode of 2025 features leading political strategist and author Symone Sanders Townsend, now host of MSNBC's The Weekend. Symone speaks with co-hosts Debbie Cox Bultan and Ryan Coonerty about the importance of citizens being informed and staying engaged in the political arena, even if they feel worn out after the 2024 election. She shares her approach to covering the incoming Trump administration and the current political environment, as well as the nuts and bolts of her life in the political media and what it takes to be ready to go live every Saturday and Sunday on MSNBC. With 2024 being the first year of The Weekend, Symone talks about some of her favorite highlights and her desire to elevate good ideas from state and local policymakers. Tune in to learn more about Symone’s background, what fostered her love of policy and politics, and what motivates her to keep working in her field.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

The Weekend airs at 8am ET on Saturdays and Sundays on MSNBC.

• [01:15] Welcoming today’s guest, Symone D. Sanders Townsend.

• [02:47] She tells us about her show The Weekend and what it’s been like for the past year.

• [10:12] Symone shares some advice for making sure local news makes more headlines.

• [15:34] How they put the show together and decide what to discuss.

• [19:06] What motivates Symone to keep talking about politics and stay informed.

• [22:30] How Symone got involved in politics and what led her to being a reporter.

• [27:21] Why Symone doesn’t think being an elected official is in the cards for her.