

The Daily Punch
Punchbowl News
Weekday mornings, The Daily Punch brings you inside Capitol Hill, the White House and Washington for an unfiltered look at the key players and stakes of all major issues of the day. Power. People. Politics. Hosted by Punchbowl News founders, journalists and best-selling authors Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2025 • 11min
The Creator Economy: Content to Commerce
Explore the inspiring journey of Cassey Ho as she morphs from a YouTube Pilates star into the founder of a thriving athleisure brand, PopFlex, employing 30 team members. Dive into the challenges she faced, from copyright issues to design patents. Discover how YouTube's revenue-sharing model is reshaping the creative landscape, empowering countless creators to turn their passions into profitable ventures and significantly impacting the U.S. economy.

Sep 11, 2025 • 10min
What happened to our politics?
The rise of political violence in America is examined following the shocking assassination of a key figure, prompting a discussion on its impact on political discourse. The hosts analyze troubling trends in threats and attacks targeting public officials. Additionally, the podcast highlights the Congressional Black Caucus backing Colin Allred’s Texas Senate bid and delves into ongoing efforts for data privacy legislation. The emotional toll of these events on communities grappling with loss is poignantly reflected.

Sep 10, 2025 • 16min
Dems are digging in for a funding fight
Congress faces a looming funding showdown, with shutdown fears intensifying. Analysis of Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s strategy reveals the contentious climate. Bipartisan efforts to repeal Syria sanctions gain momentum, adding layers to political negotiations. The complexities of passing a short-term funding resolution highlight the tug-of-war between House Democrats and Senate Republicans. Meanwhile, Maine's Gov. Janet Mills weighs a challenge against incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, indicating a competitive election ahead.

Sep 9, 2025 • 18min
The Hill is waiting on Trump
The government funding fight is taking center stage as both parties wait on President Donald Trump’s next move. Plus, a key Republican backs Trump’s Fed nominee, and Senate Republicans gear up to push through nearly 50 Trump nominees using the “nuclear option.” Anna and Jake break it all down.
Punchbowl News is on YouTube! Subscribe to our channel today to see all the new ways we’re investing in video.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sep 8, 2025 • 15min
GOP leaders need a funding plan
With a looming government shutdown just 22 days away, Republicans are scrambling for a funding plan. Tensions rise as Senate leaders contemplate using the nuclear option to expedite confirmations. The podcast dives into the fractured dynamics within the party and the urgent need for bipartisan cooperation. As House numbers tighten, the implications for funding strategies become even more critical. Plus, the impact of special elections on Republican majorities adds another layer of complexity to the unfolding political drama.

Sep 6, 2025 • 9min
The Readback: 'Fly Out Day' premieres
Explore a new YouTube show bringing fresh political conversations straight from Capitol Hill. Behind the scenes of 'Fly Out Day,' the hosts share challenges in development and their vision for engaging discussions on vital issues. The spotlight is on Eleanor Holmes Norton, addressing concerns about her health and representation. Plus, a dive into media transformations and the rise of audiobooks, encouraging audiences to embrace varied audio experiences and connect with insightful commentary.

Sep 5, 2025 • 14min
Johnson makes lots of news on 'Fly Out Day'
Mike Johnson discusses the pivotal challenges around healthcare and government funding, offering insights into the future of Obamacare subsidies. The conversation dives into Maryland's redistricting strategies aimed at weakening Republican positions, alongside the Iowa Senate race, where key endorsements could boost Ashley Hinson's candidacy. Unexpected political comebacks, like Melissa Bean's potential return, add intrigue to the landscape. The hosts navigate complex political waters, promising more engaging content in future installments.

Sep 5, 2025 • 40min
Check out Fly Out Day! Speaker Mike Johnson on Shutdowns, Epstein & 2026
In this engaging dialogue, Speaker Mike Johnson, a key figure in Congress representing Louisiana's 4th district, shares insights on critical topics. He discusses the looming threat of a government shutdown and the complexities of bipartisan negotiations. Johnson also unpacks Congress's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case, highlighting the balance between transparency and victim protection. The conversation touches on strategies for the 2026 elections and the implications of redistricting, making for a riveting exploration of current political landscapes.

Sep 4, 2025 • 15min
The Obamacare subsidy fight
Vulnerable Republicans face a looming crisis as Obamacare subsidies are set to expire, impacting their fortunes ahead of the 2026 elections. The HHS Secretary encounters bipartisan backlash during a Senate hearing over broken vaccine promises. Tensions brew as Senate Republicans uphold traditions against the Trump administration's push for quicker nominations. Meanwhile, strategies for navigating the political landscape around health insurance costs emerge, highlighting divides between House and Senate approaches to solutions.

Sep 3, 2025 • 15min
GOP heading in different directions as funding fight begins
The government funding deadline looms as the Republican trifecta that controls Washington pursues three different strategies. Plus, the increasingly difficult Senate map the GOP faces in 2026.
Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices