Next Question with Katie Couric

Mel Robbins, a renowned author and motivational speaker, shares her transformative 'Let Them Theory' aimed at reducing anxiety in chaotic times. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of control over others and focusing on personal growth. Through her candid anecdotes, Mel illustrates how this mindset fosters resilience and emotional well-being. She also discusses the impact of vulnerability in navigating life’s challenges and introduces practical tools like the five-second rule to spark decisive action.

In our season 10 finale, Katie takes a look at standout moments from her conversations with top political minds from both sides of the aisle about the 2024 election and its surprising twists. From Trump’s unexpected coalition to the Democrats’ coulda-woulda-shouldas, this episode serves up sharp insights, candid reflections, new reflections from Katie and a dash of optimism as we face the unpredictable road ahead. See you all next year!   Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jessica Tarlov, who co-hosts Fox News’ The Five (as the lone Democratic voice we might add) and the podcast Raging Moderates, is no stranger to navigating tricky political debates with style and substance. Jessica’s thoughtful prescriptions for Democrats still reeling from November stand out for their sharpness and simplicity–they’re clearly honed from her deep experience debating extensively with people she disagrees with (but also respects and likes). From keeping debates civil to breaking free of partisan echo chambers, Jessica’s conversation with Katie offers a practical, no-nonsense approach to speaking across the aisle and finding some much-needed common ground.   Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arlie Hochschild, a sociologist from Berkely, has spent a chunk of the last decade in ruby red areas of the United States. During that time she’s written two books: Strangers In Their Own Land (which was a finalist for the National Book Award in 2016) and now, Stolen Pride. Arlie interviewed dozens of people from Pike County, Kentucky–the whitest and second poorest district in the country–to better understand what’s happening in the rust belt and why those voters are so drawn to Donald Trump. In her view, it’s not just about the economy, trans rights, or climate change, but about loss, shame, and ultimately pride. Arlie invites us to open our minds and ears so we can learn about one another and begin to come together.   Download the Intuit Credit Karma AppSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Republican strategist, vocal Trump critic, and host of “The Warning,” Steve Schmidt poses the million dollar question: Can America’s political guardrails withstand Trump’s chaos? As the President-elect continues to fill his cabinet with a number of controversial picks, Steve warns us of just how dangerous these appointments could be and how cultural amnesia has led us to this moment.  Yet while some of the country’s most self-evident processes may now feel uncertain, Steve has faith in the resilience of America and is grateful to be part of this chapter in our history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From her perch as “token conservative” on The View to viral posts on Instagram, Meghan McCain has long been a favorite lightning rod for liberals and conservatives alike. The daughter of legendary war hero and Arizona Republican Senator John McCain, her last name has been derided by some on the MAGA right who believe a “McCain Republican” is the equivalent of a RINO. But as a staunch conservative, she has no place on the left either. It’s not necessarily an enviable vantage point, but it is a crucial one. As America wades into the unknowns of a second Trump term, we will need to find a way to speak to one another, and McCain has some ideas about how to go about that–and how not to.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jen Psaki knows a thing or two about politics. The former Obama communications director and Biden press secretary has spent nearly 20 years in politics–now she’s breaking down what happened in the 2024 election and what she thinks the next Trump administration could look like. Katie and Jen talk about how the media ecosystem impacted the election results, what can be done at the state level to protect against some of Trump’s policies, and the future of the Democratic party. Their conversation wasn’t all doom and gloom–Jen has some words of wisdom that will leave you hopeful about the weeks and years to come. (PS–Tune into her show on MSNBC, ‘Inside with Jen Psaki’, which airs Sundays at 12pm ET and Mondays at 8pm ET.)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2024 presidential race has finally come to a close, but the conversation and questions about how things unfolded have just begun. For this election debrief, Katie is joined by Democratic consultant and friend of the pod Brian Goldsmith to examine the surprising dynamics of Trump’s 2024 victory, including the conventional-wisdom-smashing voter coalition that delivered him a second term. With the Democratic Party now facing tough questions about its future, Goldsmith explores what Harris’s campaign could have done differently and the soul-searching needed for Democrats to reconnect with an evolving American public. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this sobering conversation, Katie Couric sits down with comedian Samantha Bee and political commentator Van Jones to unpack the turbulence surrounding the final days of the 2024 Presidential election. From campaign strategies to media responsibility, they explore how humor, outrage, and disinformation shape the home stretch. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this one-on-one conversation with Katie, Gwen Walz opens up about bringing storytelling, shared values, and listening back to political conversations. Drawing on her background as a teacher, she reflects on confronting Trump’s bullying and explains how empathy and authenticity shape her vision for the campaign and her connections with voters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.