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The Focus Group Podcast

The Bulwark
Donald Trump
Biden Administration
Tiktok
Focus Groups
2024 Election
Covid-19
Republican Voters Against Trump
Bytedance
Congress
Joe Biden
Gen Z
Data Privacy
National Security
Republican Party
2024 Presidential Election
Swing Voters
Georgia
China
Israel-Hamas War
Larry Hogan

Unfiltered, uncompromising, unexpected—The Focus Group is a look into what the average voter thinks about politics, policy, and current events. Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, has conducted hundreds of hours of focus groups all across the country. She and a series of special guests will take you behind the glass to hear what real focus group participants have to say. www.thebulwa... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes118Founded4 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for The Focus Group Podcast

Latest Episodes

We haven't caught up with Democratic voters since the summer. So, who do they see in the Democratic Party who is distinguishing themselves? And, do Democratic voters really want to shut down the government? It turns out some of them are really wrestl... more

Charlie Kirk was one of the most important figures in conservative media for over a decade, especially for Gen Z. We asked a couple of focus groups of young conservatives what Kirk meant to them, how they're grappling with his passing, and who else t... more

Donald Trump is bleeding support from Hispanic voters, including from some who voted for him. So, we found some former Trump voters who are souring on him, and asked them why. Adrian Carrasquillo, author of The Bulwark's Huddled Masses newsletter, jo... more

The murder of Charlie Kirk was the culmination of Americans' long-brewing fear of political violence. First, political violence expert Rachel Kleinfeld joins Sarah to discuss the ramifications of Kirk's death on the American body politic, and then Sa... more

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Recent Guests

Dan Pfeiffer
Co-host of Pod Save America and author of The Message Box Substack newsletter.
Pod Save America
Episode: S6 Ep5: I'd Do Anything To Win (But I Won't Do That) (with Dan Pfeiffer)
Rachel Kleinfeld
Senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, expert in political violence
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Episode: S6 Ep2: You Can Ramp It Up or Ramp It Down (with Rachel Kleinfeld)
Ashley Parker
Staff writer at The Atlantic
The Atlantic
Episode: S6 Ep1: Swing Voters Say Trump is "Meh" (with Ashley Parker)
Heather Cox Richardson
History professor at Boston College and author of The Substack, Letters from an American.
Boston College
Episode: S5 Ep24: Do the Next Right Thing, Change the World (with Heather Cox Richardson)
Harry Siegel
Senior editor at The City and columnist at New York Daily News
The City
Episode: S5 Ep23: Cuomo vs. Mamdani (with Harry Siegel)
Jonathan Cohn
Health care expert and author of The Bulwark's newsletter, The Breakdown
The Bulwark
Episode: S5 Ep22: 'This Country is Effed' (with Jonathan Cohn)
Annie Karni
Congressional Reporter for The New York Times and co-author of 'Mad House.'
The New York Times
Episode: S5 Ep19: Congress: Trump's Super-Staffers (with Annie Karni)
Dave Weigel
Author of Semafor's Americana Newsletter
Semafor
Episode: S5 Ep17: Trump Had ONE JOB (with Dave Weigel)
Faiz Shakir
Former campaign manager for Bernie Sanders and founder of More Perfect Union
More Perfect Union
Episode: S5 Ep16: Can You Say 'Oligarchy'? (with Faiz Shakir)

Host

Sarah Longwell
Host and publisher known for her unfiltered and analytical approach to political discourse, focusing on insights drawn from extensive focus group data.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 3k ratings
  • I want more

    It is so important for Americans to hear what other Americans are thinking and feeling and why. I find a lot of what people say on the Focus Group incredibly upsetting and frustrating, but it offers insight that I don’t get any other way. I’d like to see the podcast be longer and on at least three times a week.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cgrlxwwmp
    United States20 days ago
  • Great Simple Breakdown of focus groups on important topics

    I love listening to Sarah Longwell break down topic after topic with these focus groups. Such an important way to get information so we can break out of our own biases and bubbles.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BKP9919
    United States24 days ago
  • Your last show was spot on, except…

    In light of the increasing polarization that both political parties have exhibited, it is my contention that a significant portion of the electorate will gravitate towards a centrist position, ultimately identifying as independent voters. I extend my gratitude to Bulwark for refraining from premature speculation and allowing the facts to unveil themselves naturally. The incessant finger-pointing directed at each party is disheartening, particularly when we must remember that these parties are co... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    First*responder
    United Statesa month ago
  • Episode with Rachel Kleinfeld

    It’s a shame that the episode is written before the murderer of Charlie Kirk is established and a clear attitude of the visitor is assuming it’s done by someone from the opposite line of the political spectrum. Do better before the facts are established, otherwise you are undermining The Bulwark credibility.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Disappointed listener 5
    United Statesa month ago
  • Assassinations in Minnesota

    Not only was the Democratic leader, Hortman assassinated her husband, and her dog were killed. And on the same day, a different Democratic senator was shot nine times and his wife was shot multiple times. They are looking at lifetime rehab rehabilitation. They did survive.

    I don’t know why anyone gets this wrong there were four shootings 2 murders. It wasn’t just leader Hortman.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Lee Esq
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

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

There are mixed feelings regarding the show, with some critics pointing out perceived biases in guest selection and discussion topics.
Listeners appreciate the in-depth exploration of voter psychology and sentiments, finding the authentic voices enlightening.
Many value the unique format that merges focus groups with political analysis, seeing it as a critical tool for understanding contemporary politics.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#78
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#235
United States/News
Apple Podcasts
#185
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#196
United Kingdom/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#179
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#200
France/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

S6 Ep4: The Right's 'Turning Point'? (with Will Sommer)
Q: How did the focus groups view the reactions from the left about Charlie Kirk's assassination?
The group expressed that the reactions from some on the left celebrating his death are indicative of a fractious political environment that has desensitized engagement.
S6 Ep4: The Right's 'Turning Point'? (with Will Sommer)
Q: Do you think Charlie Kirk's legacy will bring more young people into conservatism?
Yes, many young people seem to view him as a model for entering conservative politics without the fear of backlash.
S6 Ep4: The Right's 'Turning Point'? (with Will Sommer)
Q: What do you think the impact of Charlie Kirk's assassination will be on the Republican Party and its young followers?
It might drive many young conservatives towards more extreme voices due to the perception that traditional figures like Charlie Kirk were being targeted.
S5 Ep24: Do the Next Right Thing, Change the World (with Heather Cox Richardson)
Q: What do you make of the protests in general and their effectiveness?
The mobilization during protests reflects the anger towards current politics, and history teaches us that engagement is crucial.
S5 Ep24: Do the Next Right Thing, Change the World (with Heather Cox Richardson)
Q: How has your thinking evolved over the past few years on the threat to the American experiment?
The experiment’s in trouble with a small minority imposing their will on the majority, but history shows we're not done yet.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Focus Group Podcast

What is The Focus Group Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This podcast provides a revealing insight into the minds of average voters regarding political sentiments, policy perspectives, and current events. Utilizing extensive data from focus groups, the discussions often highlight voter frustrations, misunderstandings, and aspirations, showcasing a variety of opinions from both sides of the political aisle. Unique to this show is its emphasis on authentic, unfiltered voices, allowing participants to express their feelings candidly, sometimes challenging the prevailing narratives within political discourse.

Noteworthy themes include the complexities surrounding political violence, voter discontent with major political figures, and the effects of misinformation on public perception. The format enco... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Focus Group Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Focus Group Podcast:

1. The Next Level
2. George Conway Explains It All (To Sarah Longwell)
3. The Bulwark Podcast
4. Bulwark Takes
5. The Mona Charen Show

How many episodes of The Focus Group Podcast are there?

The Focus Group Podcast launched 4 years ago and published 118 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 The Focus Group Podcast?

Recent guests on The Focus Group Podcast include:

1. Dan Pfeiffer
2. Rachel Kleinfeld
3. Ashley Parker
4. Heather Cox Richardson
5. Harry Siegel
6. Jonathan Cohn
7. Annie Karni
8. Dave Weigel

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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