The People's Cabinet

In this BONUS EPISODE from The People’s Cabinet, Dr. Phil Gordon — former National Security Advisor to Vice President Kamala Harris, White House Coordinator for the Middle East, and Sydney Stein Jr. Scholar at Brookings — breaks down the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran.We cover:• What Iran’s government and nuclear program actually look like• President Obama’s Iran deal (the JCPOA) and why it unraveled• What “uranium enrichment” means and why it matters• Israel’s role • Whether TACO got to Trump • What the U.S. was targeting with this weekend’s B-2 bomber strikes• Whether the mission accomplished its goals — and what further retaliation may follow• What to expect next: more strikes, diplomacy, or even broader war?🎧 If you’re looking for a clear, credible explanation of a fast-moving conflict — start here.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker joins to discuss standing up to political threats and what true leadership entails in turbulent times. He highlights the escalating violence in politics and emphasizes the urgency of civic engagement. Pritzker also shares insights on raising the minimum wage to $15, underlining its vast impacts on poverty and community well-being. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by transgender youth and the critical need for supportive decision-making. Throughout, Pritzker promotes a vision of empowerment and responsibility for future generations.

Former Education Secretary Miguel Cardona and Chief of Staff Sheila Nix join The People's Cabinet to break down Donald Trump’s and Linda McMahon’s plan to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education — and what that means for students, teachers, schools, and families nationwide.They explain how eliminating the Department of Education could:- Slash funding for special education programs- Defund rural schools, especially in high-poverty communities- End civil rights enforcement in classrooms- Jeopardize college affordability — including Pell Grants, student loans, and access to student debt relief and loan forgiveness programsIf you’ve ever wondered how closing the Department of Education could affect your child’s school, your town, or your rights, this episode gives you the tools to understand — and explain — what’s at stake.🎧 Subscribe to The People’s Cabinet for weekly conversations that cut through the noise, unpack the policies shaping our future, and show how to take action.

Trump’s executive orders. Medicaid cuts. Political fear as strategy. Neera Tanden breaks it all down — and explains how Democrats can fight back.In this episode of The People’s Cabinet, Dan Koh interviews Neera Tanden, President & CEO of the Center for American Progress and former White House Domestic Policy Advisor, for a deep dive into:- How executive orders work — and how Trump is misusing them- Why courts are blocking his actions with temporary restraining orders- The real-world stakes of Medicaid cuts for families and state budgetsTanden, a key architect of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), explains:- 90% of Medicaid recipients are working or in training- Children are the largest group who would lose health coverage- Medicaid cuts could increase death rates and gut state budgetsThe episode ends on a hopeful note — with a call to organize, reject fear, and build a positive, opportunity-focused Democratic message that speaks to working families and immigrant communities.

Sen. Ruben Gallego joins Dan Koh to talk about how Democrats should approach the border — and how that message can help win back the voters they’ve been losing.From immigration and deportation to working-class men, veterans, and messaging in swing states, Senator Gallego shares what’s broken — and what actually works. Drawing on his experience outperforming the 2024 Democratic presidential ticket in Arizona by 8 points, he lays out a path forward rooted in empathy, clarity, and political strategy.Subscribe to The People’s Cabinet for new episodes every Tuesday — and let us know who you want to see sworn in next.

Former Labor Secretary, DNC Chair, and Assistant U.S. Attorney General Tom Perez joins Dan Koh to break down how Democrats can win in 2026, reform the DOJ, and rebuild trust with working people.You’ll hear:How Democrats can flip key seats and build a lasting majorityWhat really happens inside the DOJ — and how to restore public trustWhy putting workers first isn’t just good policy — it’s essential politicsHow to lead with values in a moment of deep political cynicismIf you’re looking for clarity, strategy, and hope heading into the next election cycle, this episode delivers.🎧 Subscribe, rate, and share The People’s Cabinet wherever you get your podcasts.

Can America stay competitive without funding science and technology? Former White House Chief Science & Technology Advisor Dr. Arati Prabhakar joins Dan Koh to explain what’s at stake — from breakthroughs in AI and drug development to national security and America’s innovation edge.🔍 Topics Covered:• AI and medicine• Drug development and Alzheimer’s research• The role of federal science agencies: — DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency) — ARPA-H (Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health) — NIH (National Institutes of Health) — NSF (National Science Foundation)• How public-private partnerships fuel innovation• U.S. vs. China in science and tech leadership• What Biden got right — and what Trump is undoing🎧 This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of AI, biotech, life-saving cures, and America’s innovation edge in a fast-changing world.

Trump’s tariffs could tip us into recession. Attacks on the Fed and universities are escalating. Larry Summers explains what’s at stake.Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers joins The People’s Cabinet with a stark warning: Trump’s China tariffs are a “self-inflicted supply shock” that could plunge the U.S. economy into recession.In this wide-ranging conversation, Summers breaks down:• Why Trump’s tariffs and China trade war could destabilize the U.S. economy• The growing threat to Fed independence and politicization of the Federal Reserve• What the bond market, stock market, and Jerome Powell are signaling about market volatility, a potential Fed rate cut, and US inflation• His take on Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)'s takeover of the Treasury Department and its payment systems• How far loyalty to Trump goes—from Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to AI and Crypto Czar David Sacks• What’s really behind the Trump administration’s attacks on Harvard, DEI, and rising antisemitism• Why rising antisemitism on campus is about more than just universities—and what it means for democracy in America• How economic policy is being weaponized—and what it means for the future of leadership and legitimacy in the U.S.If you care about the economy, the Fed, or the future of democracy—this is a must-listen.🎧 Subscribe and follow @PeopleCabinet for more bold conversations on Trump news, trade war fallout, and the institutions shaping our future.

Marty Walsh joins The People’s Cabinet to talk addiction, recovery, and how we can win back the working-class voters we’ve lost.The former U.S. Labor Secretary and Boston Mayor—now Executive Director of the NHL Players’ Association—shares his story of hitting rock bottom and rebuilding his life, and explains why showing up with humility is key to rebuilding trust.We cover:– Alcoholism, recovery, and staying sober– Why politicians need to get yelled at– What DC can learn from local leaders– What’s missing in Democratic messagingThis is a conversation about personal and political recovery—and how to lead with honesty when it matters most.

Cleveland Mayor and Democratic Mayors Association President Justin Bibb joins The People’s Cabinet to share what’s actually working—from cutting crime to fixing housing and homelessness.Cleveland’s mayor shares practical, real-world solutions to critical urban issues like homelessness, permitting reform, and public safety—and explains why Democratic leaders need to focus on results, not rhetoric.We cover:– Holding police accountable—and his take on “Defund the Police”– Chronic homelessness– Housing affordability– Permitting reform and the Abundance Agenda– Transportation– Governing a blue city in a red stateThis is a grounded, hopeful conversation about solutions that are already working—and how to scale them.