Press Briefing

He used to face the press, now he faces his increasingly skeptical daughter. Join former White House Press Secretary Mike McCurry and his daughter as they dissect recent political news with an inside scoop. Tune in each week for this family therapy session (disguised as a political podcast).

Media Matters 04/02/2025

Media Matters Truth or clicks? The American people have a right to know and the government has an obligation to tell, but who is responsible for getting the story straight? Will a 24/7 news cycle ever be able to deliver accuracy? Mike and Marjorie debate the press's impossible mission and whether "slower news" could be the answer. Finally, Mike is reading a new book! It is a political thriller (naturally). /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/35978090

The Fight 03/27/2025

The Fight The old D.C. playbook is OUT. The battle is beyond the beltway. Mike and Marjorie break down the Dems grassroots revolution fueled by community, mobilization, and a strong offensive strategy. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/35883290

It's The Economy, Stupid! 03/12/2025

It's The Economy, Stupid! The price of eggs is still high, but the cost of free speech just skyrocketed. At least one campaign promise is being kept: silencing dissent. This week, Mike breaks down how aggressive immigration policies signal a shift towards autocracy, and the consequences that lie ahead. Turns out, “it's the economy, stupid” is still a lesson we are learning the hard way. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/35649580

Democrats: Will The Stars Align? 03/05/2025

Democrats: Will The Stars Align? Mike reveals the Democrat's biggest hurdle: everyone thinks they're the star. Plus, future-gazing! Who's the 2028 savior? (spoiler: they're already campaigning!) Finally, Mike asks the press one PRESSING question. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/35541060

The Conversation Continues (S2 Premiere!) 02/26/2025

The Conversation Continues (S2 Premiere!) Season 2 LIVE from frozen Chicago. 2025's already a "tumultuous" mess, says Mike. Federal attacks, pricey hearings, and... a tiny ray of sunshine? Tune in! /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/35436560

Thanksgiving Special 12/12/2024

Thanksgiving Special Welcome to the Press Briefing Thanksgiving special! We have a full plate of Mike's takes on Trump's cabinet appointees. And just like at any family dinner, Mike stresses the importance of LISTENING before speaking. For dessert, Mike dishes on Dems. Where does the party go from here? What is the best use of energy during this time? Finally, Mike gets to ask the press one question. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/34408510

Ashes of the 2024 Election 11/13/2024

Ashes of the 2024 Election The ashes of the 2024 election are still smoldering, but the show must go on! We're back! And Mike provides SOME semblance of HOPE. (Remember that key word from the always-winning Democratic playbook?!) And if Tr*mp does go crazy (he will!), we will pay the price. But until then, we can wait & see! And watch the media speculate over 2026 midterms starting... two commercial breaks ago. Buckle up, it is certainly going to be a bumpy ride. But at least we have Democratic safe guards, right?! /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33910032

Issues on the Street with Lukas Thimm 11/04/2024

Issues on the Street with Lukas Thimm Celebrity shot! In a very special episode, we pass the mic to comedian, host and liberal die-hard, Lukas Thimm! We sent Lukas to the streets (where he thrives) to have conversations with real voters. What issues matter most to them? And how do they plan to spend this historic Election Day? Enjoy this special edition of "Issues on the Street". /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33782077

One Week Out Wellness Check 10/29/2024

One Week Out Wellness Check One week out from Election Day, so we figured it was a good time to check in with a key demo: suburban women. What issues do they care about? To speak on this, we invited a very special guest on the show, who describes herself as "canary in a coal mine": MOTHER, wife and official Press Briefing spokesperson, Debra McCurry! (who also happens to be an angel in human form). This week, we ask Debra (and Mike) about what voters are caring about in the 'burbs and beyond. We take a "feelings inventory" during the last few critical (and stressful) days. And reminder... CALL YOUR MOM! /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33666992

Election 2024 CRUNCH TIME 10/14/2024

Election 2024 CRUNCH TIME This week on "Press Briefing", we cover A LOT. You could say we are spinning multiple plates in the air at the same time. Not so different than what is going on behind-the-scenes at campaign headquarters. First, we catch up on some recent election news. Mike is asked about the Hurricane Helene & Milton responses, the VP Presidential Debate performances and Trump + Vance's recent shifts in abortion stances. Then, we do an "AMA" (Ask Mike Anything), where Mike fields questions from our listeners. Finally, Mike gets to ask one question that is skillfully deflected. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33447402

Star Power in Politics 09/26/2024

Star Power in Politics Celebrity endorsements, laying out economic policy and competing in a debate all require the same thing: STAR POWER. This week on “Press Briefing”, Mike is asked about the role of celebrity endorsements during an election. Later, Mike responds to VP Harris' economic focused speech given in Pennsylvania this week. And Mike pulls back the curtain on what goes into candidate debate prep, as we look ahead to the VP debate next week (or as we’re calling it: the “normal v. weird” debate). Last but not least, Mike asks one question and gets a less than satisfactory answer. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33214772

The Power of Rhetoric (ft. Hiccups & Hollywood) 09/18/2024

The Power of Rhetoric (ft. Hiccups & Hollywood) We've said it once, we'll say it again: words matter! And SO does rhetoric, particularly in times of tension and crisis. "The Press" asks Mike about the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump and the aftermath of the responses from both sides. Mike also reveals the story behind the iconic image of him wearing a paper bag over his head (a.k.a. the official "Press Briefing" logo). And last but not least, Mike asks one question that is vaguely answered. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33103917

Debate Debrief 09/11/2024

Debate Debrief In a special two-for-one episode, Mike gives “the press” an outline of what to look out for during the first presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. AND THEN later in this episode…Mike reacts LIVE minutes after the two candidates walked off the stage in Philadelphia. But first, we get a “Mike’s take” on polling: can we trust them now? Or will they let us down time and time again? Finally, Mike sneaks in one question for "the press". /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33005917

Dissecting Kamala's First Sit-Down Interview (LIVE from the McCurry Family Room) 09/04/2024

Dissecting Kamala's First Sit-Down Interview (LIVE from the McCurry Family Room) We are recording LIVE from our Headquarters in Kensington, Maryland (dripped in Washington Nationals gear). In other sporting event news, Mike & Marjorie watched the first sit-down interview with Vice President Kamala Harris (and Tim Walz)...and they have thoughts. Mike gives his candid take on the type of questions asked and how conseqential this interview really was. Did the Media perhaps over fixate and dramatize the access to Harris for a sit-down? No...they would never! Then, Mike gives a very unsoliticited, honest PREDICTION about what will happen next (clairvoyance runs in the fam!). Last but not least, Mike gets to ask "the press" ONE, very important, question. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/32892747

Drinking the Kamala Kool-Aid: Top Moments from the DNC 08/28/2024

Drinking the Kamala Kool-Aid: Top Moments from the DNC When we fight...we win! This week on "Press Briefing", we review our favorite television show of all time: The Democratic National Convention. 30-days ago, they were prepping for a very different convention. How did they pull it off and create a Kamala-extravanganza in just one month? We are living in a history book chapter! "The Press" asks Mike for his perspective on how the week went and the behind-the-scenes of what it takes to run a convention. Mike gives his the top moments of the week and opinion on Kamala Harris' historic nomination acceptance speech. Mike also weighs in on the lack of a Palestinian-American speaker. Finally, Mike gets to ask ONE question in return. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/33079652

Words Matter 08/19/2024

Words Matter Words matter, and so does brevity! So let's get right to it. "The Press" asks Mike for his thoughts on recent Trump antics and well as the stategy behind Harris campaign messaging. Will the word "weird" ever be the same? Plus, we take a closer look at Project 2025 and a look ahead at what to expect for the Democratic National Convention. Finally, Mike gets to ask ONE question. Just one. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/32632172

A Decade-Long Week in Politics 08/01/2024

A Decade-Long Week in Politics Sometimes a week can feel like a decade and a decade can feel like a week. And this past week sure felt like a decade. In Episode 2 of "Press Briefing", "The Press" asks Mike about Kamala Harris' recent rapid advancements and the strategy behind her messaging. Also, should we trust polling? Does anything matter? Then, we go to the land where no man has EVER gone before...discussing the "likeability" of a female political candidate. Finally, in return for answering all of our questions, Mike gets to ask "The Press" one question about the PAST. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/32382642

Meet the Press (Secretary) 07/23/2024

Meet the Press (Secretary) Coming off the news of Biden dropping out of the presidential race, the first official "Press Briefing" commences. "The Press" asks Mike about the timing & format of President Joe Biden's announcement, the status of Kamala Harris' run for the presidency, and what to expect in the coming weeks in this historic election. In exchange for answering all of the press' questions, Mike gets to ask ONE question in return. /episode/index/show/2915926a-48c3-436c-917f-c6eef2fbfa74/id/32267092

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