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It's Just Politics

Michigan Public
Michigan
Gretchen Whitmer
Republican Party
Democratic Party
Donald Trump
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
Mike Duggan
Economy
Detroit
Lansing
Road Funding
Abdul El-Sayed
Kamala Harris
2024 Presidential Election
Data Centers
Matt Hall
Michigan State Budget
Detroit News
Michigan Legislature
Michigan Government

Politics can be messy. Politics can be confusing. But, that certainly doesn't mean politics can't be a joy-ride. Join It's Just Politics hosts Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta as they drill down on what’s happening in Michigan politics.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes100Founded13 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentNewsPolitics

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Artwork for It's Just Politics

Latest Episodes

Proposed by the group Michiganders for Money out of Politics, Proposal 2 would regulate political spending by utilities and large government contractors. Will it pass?

By Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

Want to get political updates from Zoe and Rick st... more

YouTube

How are Michiganders feeling about Proposal One on their ballot, that’s the question that would call for a constitutional convention in Michigan. Plus, candidates call for a gas tax suspension.

By Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

Want to get political up... more

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With absentee ballots set to go out next week, the chairs of the Michigan Democratic and Republican Parties join It’s Just Politics to discuss the midterm election, and what’s worrying them the most.

By Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

Want to get politi... more

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It’s official: State Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks is the Democrat's choice to run for Lieutenant Governor. Senator Brinks joins the show. Plus, a debrief on the Democrat’s weekend Nominating Convention.

By Zoe Clark and Rick Pluta

Want to... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Curtis Hurtell
Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party
Michigan Democratic Party
Episode: Party Chairs in chairs
Jim Runstead
Chair of the Michigan Republican Party and state senator
Michigan Republican Party
Episode: Party Chairs in chairs
Winnie Brinks
Democratic Lieutenant Governor candidate; State Senate Majority Leader
Michigan Senate/State Government
Episode: Lt. Gov. ambitions
John Lindstrom
Former publisher Gongwer News Service; longtime Lansing journalist
Gongwer News Service
Episode: A capital career
Corwin Smith
Associate Professor of Political Science at Michigan State University
Michigan State University
Episode: Primary turnout
Abdul El‑Sayed
Former Wayne County Health Official, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate (Michigan)
Candidate for U.S. Senate (Michigan)
Episode: U.S. Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Haley Stevens
Congresswoman, U.S. House of Representatives
U.S. House of Representatives
Episode: U.S. Senate Candidate Haley Stevens
Emily Lawler
Politics editor at the Detroit Free Press
Detroit Free Press
Episode: 2026. So far.
Jennifer Smith
Representative of the Michigan Association of School Boards
Michigan Association of School Boards
Episode: Budget deadline, budget frustration

Hosts

Zoe Clark
Host focused on Michigan politics and policy, with frequent collaborations and co-hosts across episodes.
Rick Pluta
Co-host providing Michigan-focused political analysis and discussion, often guiding policy and election conversations.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 29 ratings
  • Great political coverage in Michigan

    I love that these hosts are still elsewhere on Michigan Radio but I miss this show. I loved the snappy pace and tone and how well it caught me up on politics after I moved to Michigan.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    andrew.conkling
    United States6 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners appreciate clear Michigan-focused political analysis with snappy pacing.
Regular guests bring deep local context and credible experience.
Guests and hosts help translate complex policy into accessible insights.
The show's coverage is timely and opinionated without sacrificing nuance.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#109
United States/Government
Apple Podcasts
#123
France/Government
Apple Podcasts
#230
Germany/Government
Apple Podcasts
#138
New Zealand/Government
Apple Podcasts
#233
Switzerland/Government

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Lt. Gov. ambitions
Q: So the Lieutenant Governor's job can be somewhat undefined. If you and Jocelyn Benson win, what specifically do you want to own as Lieutenant Governor that isn't simply being the Governor's number two?
Winnie Brinks emphasizes using her legislative leadership experience and relationships to shepherd the governor's agenda, focusing on saving money for taxpayers, raising wages, protecting rights, and bringing an informed, collaborative approach to governing.
A capital career
Q: John, which governor was most interesting to cover?
John Lindstrom explains that William Milliken stood out for his ability to work with Democrats and steer Michigan through economic changes, environmental and civil rights initiatives, making him arguably the greatest governor the state had.
Primary turnout
Q: So let's just start at the top. What do we know about overall turnout in last week's primary election? How many folks voted total?
Over 2.5 million people voted, a modern-day record. Turnout is high partly because Michigan's voting laws have become more accessible, though the comparison with past years is tricky due to changes in registration and procedures.
Where do Dems go from here?
Q: What does this result tell us about Democratic voters in Michigan right now?
It indicates a split but engaged electorate pushing for changes and performance-focused governance, with a desire to break away from traditional party politics, while also highlighting tensions over issues like money in politics and foreign policy. Voters rewarded Abdul El-Sayed's message of economic relief and anti-establishment sentiment, signaling the importance of coalition-building beyond traditional bases.
U.S. Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed
Q: What is your stance on health care reform, specifically Medicare for All, and how would it work in practice?
Medicare for All would replace the current fragmented system with a universal, government-backed framework that covers essential care with minimal out-of-pocket costs, while preserving patient choice and ensuring providers are paid in a way that sustains access to quality care.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
Household Income
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Which podcasts are similar to It's Just Politics?

These podcasts share a similar audience with It's Just Politics:

1. MichMash Politics
2. MIRS Monday Podcast
3. Science Friday
4. Fresh Air
5. Points North | Great Lakes. Great Stories.

How many episodes of It's Just Politics are there?

It's Just Politics launched 13 years ago and published 100 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on It's Just Politics?

Recent guests on It's Just Politics include:

1. Curtis Hurtell
2. Jim Runstead
3. Winnie Brinks
4. John Lindstrom
5. Corwin Smith
6. Abdul El‑Sayed
7. Haley Stevens
8. Emily Lawler

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