

The People's Cabinet
Dan Koh
The People’s Cabinet is a bold, solutions-focused podcast hosted by former White House senior aide Dan Koh.Each week, Koh talks with the leaders shaping America’s future — from governors and senators to economists and organizers — about how we move past the chaos and build something better.Guests like Governor JB Pritzker, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Chris Coons, and Larry Summers join to tackle the biggest challenges of our time: economic inequality, healthcare, education, reproductive rights, foreign policy, democracy reform, climate action, and how we win again.Whether you’re disillusioned by Trump-era politics or frustrated by the inaction of Democrats, this show is for those ready to break the mold and get things done.🎧 New episodes weekly. For listeners ready to rebuild, lead, and make progress that lasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 2min
🚨 3.3 Million Watch The David Pakman Show — This Week, I’m Guest Hosting!
I’m stepping in behind the mic at The David Pakman Show this week — 3.3 million subscribers strong — to break down 8+ topics each day facing our country. From Trump’s latest power plays to the policy fights that will define 2026, we’re pulling no punches.Tune in, hit subscribe, and join millions who come to The David Pakman Show for sharp, fact-driven analysis and fearless conversation.Listen whereever you get your podcast or watch on David's YouTube channel:🎧 Watch & Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@thedavidpakmanshow🔔 New episode of The People's Cabinet will be out Tuesday as planned.

Aug 5, 2025 • 11min
BONUS EXPLAINER — Redistricting 101: Why Texas and California Are Blowing Up the Map
Redistricting usually flies under the radar — but right now, it’s front and center in two of the biggest states in the country.In this bonus explainer, Dan Koh and President of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee John Bisognano break down:– Why Texas is trying to redraw the lines– What California is doing in response– How these fights could reshape power in Congress for years to come– What a sustainable long-term solution could beSubscribe for more episodes.

Aug 5, 2025 • 27min
Is This Democracy Worth Saving? Chris Murphy on Trump, AI, and What a Winning Strategy Actually Looks Like
Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut joins The People’s Cabinet for a fast-paced, deeply honest conversation on the crisis of trust in American democracy — and how to fix it before it’s too late.Murphy opens up to Dan Koh about:– Why Americans are losing faith in democracy — and how to rebuild it– The messaging traps Democrats fall into — and how to fight Trump effectively– The hidden risks of AI and why Washington isn’t ready– Big structural problems: housing, guns, money in politics — and how to actually move the needleThis episode blends urgency, sharp analysis, and clarity from one of the Senate’s most strategic voices. Essential listening for anyone who cares about democracy, technology, and the future of American politics.Subscribe to The People’s Cabinet on your favorite podcast platform.

Aug 1, 2025 • 3min
BONUS EXPLAINER: Trump Just Fired America’s Top Jobs Official: Why It Matters
In an unprecedented move, Donald Trump just fired the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)—the trusted, nonpartisan agency responsible for America’s job numbers. As former Chief of Staff at the Department of Labor, which oversees BLS, Dan Koh breaks down exactly why this matters, what it means for the economy, and how it could threaten public trust in critical U.S. data.Emergency episode—listen now.

Jul 29, 2025 • 41min
Pete Buttigieg on Trump, Epstein, AI — and Our Future
Former U.S. Transportation Secretary and South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg joins The People’s Cabinet for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on leadership, legacy, and the future of American politics.Buttigieg dives deep with Dan Koh on:Leading through the chaos of the Trump era, whether he believes there’s an Epstein list — and how he thinks it all endsHow Democrats win again by honing in on the right issues — including his take on Zohran Mamdani’s affordability messageHis first election loss and underdog rise from South Bend Mayor to leading the Presidential pollsProposing a new approach to bridging political divides — grounded in empathy and accountabilityHis hot take on the Coldplay kiss cam, what movies make him cry, and parenting stories — from wall-decorating toddlers to mastering the burgerThis episode is a powerhouse of insight, blending humor, hope, and hard-hitting analysis for anyone passionate about leadership, innovation, and America’s next chapter. Subscribe to The People’s Cabinet on your favorite platform.

Jul 22, 2025 • 31min
From Gridiron to Governor: Wes Moore on Grit, Results, and Building Trust
Maryland Governor Wes Moore joins The People’s Cabinet to unpack his journey from college football wide receiver to transformative leader. He covers:– Rejecting labels like “left” or “moderate” to focus on results-driven governance– How he curbed Baltimore’s homicide rate to a 50-year low with innovative crime partnerships and solutions – Navigating the Trump administration while advocating for second chances– A leadership playbook that involves bringing everyone to the table– His vivid recollection of his favorite college touchdownA must-listen for anyone who cares about public service, our country’s future, and leading with purpose.

Jul 15, 2025 • 46min
Money, Messaging & Misinformation: Stephanie Ruhle on Wall Street, Trump, and the Democratic Response
The MSNBC anchor of “The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle” and NBC News Senior Business Correspondent joins The People’s Cabinet to break down:– What Wall Street insiders are actually saying about Trump– Why Democrats keep losing on messaging—and how to fix it– How financial illiteracy is being weaponized in American politics– The toxic role of misinformation and social media algorithms– And why empathy might be our best political strategy going forwardThis episode is for anyone trying to make sense of the our elections, the economy, and what’s really happening behind the headlines.🎙️ Don’t miss this unfiltered conversation with the person who often has the last word in media.

Jul 8, 2025 • 38min
Is It Still the Economy, Stupid? Carville on Messaging, Mamdani, and Learnings from 2024
James Carville, a veteran Democratic strategist famed for his role in Bill Clinton's 1992 campaign, shares his insights on the Democratic Party's struggles with economic messaging and cultural elitism. He discusses the party's need for a strategic shift to connect with voters, especially younger demographics. Carville critiques internal conflicts within the DNC and urges collaboration over division. He reflects on 2024 lessons learned and emphasizes the importance of grassroots engagement to address voter disappointment and rekindle political passion.

Jul 1, 2025 • 40min
What’s at Risk: Climate, Justice, and Small Business
Senator Ed Markey joins to lay out what’s at stake: the future of climate and clean energy, the Green New Deal, his fight for due process in the case of Rümeysa Öztürk, the treat of tariffs to small businesses – and how we push back in 2025.We cover:– What Trump is doing to unravel the clean energy revolution — including a reported $1B deal with Big Oil– What the Green New Deal was built to solve — and what’s now under attack– The case of Rümeysa Öztürk and what it signals about due process in America– One family’s fight for a better future — and what it says about who this country is forA clear-eyed conversation about what we owe the next generation — and what’s at risk if we don’t all stand up.NOTE: After this podcast was recorded, Senator Markey attempted to pass the Small Business Liberation Act through unanimous consent — where a measure can pass so long as no senator objects. However, Senator Bernie Moreno of Ohio objected, blocking it from moving forward.

Jun 24, 2025 • 25min
Trump, IVF, Iran, and Veterans at Risk: What Sen. Duckworth Wants You to Know
Senator Tammy Duckworth—combat veteran, Purple Heart recipient, and mother via IVF—joins The People’s Cabinet with a warning for this moment.We cover:The real danger of media figures influencing war decisions and why she believes Pete Hegseth should no longer be Secretary of DefenseWhy Duckworth says Trump’s “Fertilization President” claim is hollowHow the Dobbs decision would’ve blocked the care that made her a motherWhy the Trump-Musk “DOGE” overhaul is hurting veteransWhat leadership looks like when lives are on the lineThis is a deeply personal, politically urgent conversation about war, care, and consequence.