Beshear launches podcast, joining other Democrats seeking an audience in right-wing internet vacuum
Republished from Kentucky Lantern
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has launched a podcast that he hopes will “bridge divides and foster understanding” in America.
The first episode of The Andy Beshear Podcast, released Tuesday morning, featured the governor interviewing John Morgan, founder of personal injury law firm Morgan & Morgan and a Democratic megadonor. The discussion focused on national news of the week — topics such as Trump administration officials using a Signal group chat to discuss plans to bomb Yemen. The governor also learned how to use some Gen Z slang from his teenage son, Will.
Beshear’s launch of a podcast comes as national Democratic figures aim to enter internet spaces dominated by right-wing personalities.
“Remember, it might be a tough world, but we’re always better when we choose hope over anger, when we choose love over hate, and when we get together with friends to try to process all that weight that’s on our shoulders,” Beshear said when closing his show. “I still believe that people out there are good, and we’re going to see people waking up all across the country wanting to do the right thing.”
The podcast aims to be “where real conversations bridge divides and foster understanding,” according to its website. Beshear will host episodes weekly in which he “engages in honest conversations with guests from diverse backgrounds — leaders, educators, innovators, creators, and everyday people with extraordinary stories.”
Guests on the show will have some ground rules, including to be themselves, talk like a real human being, no debating reality, tell their why and have fun. “You be you, boo,” Beshear said while explaining the rules.
For the inaugural episode, which was free of advertising, Beshear asked viewers to donate to a charity of their choice and share the group they supported in the comments.
Beshear’s podcast isn’t the first to be hosted by a governor who could be a contender for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination.. Earlier this year, California Gov. Gavin Newsom began his show as a way to explore the MAGA movement’s motivations, but it has gained criticism across the political spectrum, including from Democrats and Beshear.
Last month, Beshear told reporters that Newsom “bringing on different voices is great,” but he drew the line at giving a platform to Steve Bannon, a prominent ally of Republican President Donald Trump.
“Steve Bannon espouses hatred and anger and even at some points violence, and I don’t think we should give him oxygen on any platform — ever, anywhere,” Beshear said at the time.
‘Stale attempt, playing it safe,’ says Kentucky GOP spokesman
However, Beshear’s inaugural podcast performance fell flat for some viewers. Republican Party of Kentucky spokesperson Andy Westberry questioned Beshear’s use of “You be you, boo” and talk of Nike Air Force 1s.
“If Andy Beshear wants to be authentic, he should start by not trying to dress and talk like a 20-year-old. This podcast is nothing more than a stale attempt at emulating California Gov. Gavin Newsom after seeing the publicity he received for launching his own,” Westberry said. “But instead of having difficult conversations with opposing views or reflecting on where Democrats went wrong in ’24, he’s playing it safe by bringing on Democratic bundlers and close friends. This podcast is going to fall flat — just like his ‘aw, shucks’ persona does on the national stage.”
Beshear announced his podcast on social media over the weekend. Louisville-based Media Pros Production is the company behind the production, according to a clapperboard featured in the video.
Kendall Norris, the media and communications director for Beshear’s podcast, said in an email the production for the show is privately financed and owned by AB Media. The podcast is not affiliated with Beshear’s official role or funded by state resources, she said. AB Media was formed in January, according to business records filed with the secretary of state.
The Andy Beshear Podcast is available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and iHeartRadio.
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