
Pantsuit Politics
"Compelling and thoughtful listening" - the New York Times
Hosted by Kentuckians Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, Pantsuit Politics is an independent podcast that takes a different approach to the news and culture. Pay attention without the anxiety. New episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
Sales and Distribution by Lemonada Media https://lemonadamedia.com/
Latest episodes

Feb 21, 2025 • 1h 20min
Is Elon Building or Destroying?
Destruction can be part of the building process; it certainly is a key part of Elon Musk’s approach to business and his new - legally ambiguous - role with DOGE. There is, however, a fine line between disruption and destruction. The tech mantra of “move fast and break things” can be dangerous, particularly when applied to the government. On today’s show, Sarah and Beth explore this idea and how the new Trump administration is letting Musk run full steam ahead. Plus, they discuss the Trump administration’s approach to foreign policy, most notably marked this week by Ukraine’s exclusion from the negotiating table with Russia. Outside of politics, Beth shares her new hack for managing her online shopping. Topics Discussed Ukraine Excluded from Negotiations Is Elon Musk Building or Destroying Through DOGE? Outside of Politics: Online Shopping Strategies Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 18, 2025 • 53min
Federal Firings, Say Something, and SNL50
On today’s show, Sarah and Beth talk about President Trump's mass firings of probational federal employees and what that means for our communities and government, a mass shooting that was averted and why we're hearing about it, and outside of politics, SNL's 50th-anniversary celebration. Topics Discussed DOGE Fires Federal Employees Sandy Hook Promise Prevents Mass Shooting Outside of Politics: SNL 50 and the next great thing in TV Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 19min
On Trump, China, and Romance
It’s not lost on us that we are taking a more unique approach to the second Trump administration than many other creators. On today’s show, Sarah and Beth explain some of the thinking behind their approach - including why we want to make space for conversations like the next one on today’s show. We share a fabulous conversation with Jane Perlez about China - its economy, its use of surveillance techniques, and its potential future. Plus, it’s Valentine’s Day, so outside of politics, we’re talking romance! Topics Discussed Why We’re Talking About China Jane Perlez on China’s Economy, Surveillance, and Future Outside of Politics: Valentine’s Day and Romance Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 19min
Constitutional Crisis?
Sarah and Beth discuss the recent actions of Trump's DOGE, the courts, the tweets, and how we as citizens might think about the current state of the Federal Government. Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 7, 2025 • 59min
Stalemate Is Not An Option with Holly Page
Beth sits down with Holly Page, who co-founded No Labels, to talk about why they aren't giving up on bipartisan work in Washington D.C., even in this period of intense partisan entrenchment. Plus, outside of politics, they talk networking tips. Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 2min
Tariffs, DOGE, and What Democrats Should Do Now
Sarah and Beth are together today to discuss the chaotic beginning of the third week of the Trump administration. They discuss the on-again-off-agency tariffs, the Department of Government Efficiency and its attempts to close USAID, and what they think the Democratic response should be. TOPICS DISCUSSED Tariffs DOGE Outside of Politics: Glitching Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 10min
Trump Is On A Bender with Rep. Greg Landsman
Rep. Greg Landsman joins us to talk about the early days of the administration and what Democrats should be doing right now. Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 28, 2025 • 45min
Firings, Freezes, and Raids
Sarah and Beth process the Executive Orders from the Trump administration, their on-the-ground impact, and what comes next. TOPICS DISCUSSED The Shock and Awe of Executive Orders Outside of Politics: Games Email our team at hello@pantsuitpoliticsshow.com to find out more about having Sarah and Beth come to discuss the value of disagreement with your group or organization. Visit our Substack page for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
How to (Not Just) Survive the Trump Administration
Today, Sarah and Beth discuss their approach to the second Trump administration. Outside of politics, they discuss whether or not they read more than one book at the same time. TOPICS DISCUSSED Not Just Surviving the Trump Administration Outside of Politics: Reading Multiple Books at Once Email our team at hello@pantsuitpoliticsshow.com to find out more about having Sarah and Beth come to discuss the value of disagreement with your group or organization. Visit our website for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 8min
Inauguration Day, TikTok, and Senator Cory Booker
Donald Trump returned to office on January 20 in a ceremony held in the Capitol Rotunda. Sarah and Beth discuss his first day in office, his flurry of executive orders, and the TikTok ban and un-ban over the weekend. Then, Senator Cory Booker joins them to discuss what's giving him hope and how he thinks Senate Democrats can work effectively in this administration. TOPICS DISCUSSED President Trump Takes Office Inauguration Executive Orders TikTok Senator Cory Booker on his vision for the Democratic Party Join our Premium Community on Substack for news, deep dives, and processing all this together. Visit our website for complete show notes and episode resources.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.