Advertise on podcast: Heartland Politics with Robin Johnson

Fred Burton, a former State Department special agent and New York Times best-selling author, talks about the book he co-authored with Samuel Katz called Beirut Rules: The Murder of a CIA Station Chief and Hezbollah's War Against America. He discusses Iran's role in terrorist bombings, kidnappings and killings of Americans after the Iranian revolution, the life, abduction and death of CIA Station Chief William Buckley, how 'Beirut Rules' differed from previous spycraft rules, why the US didn't retaliate, and much more. Burton also addresses whether the American public might be more supportive of the current Iran War if the terrorist attacks against the US from this period were given greater weight by the Trump administration.

Daniel Bullen discusses his book, Daniel Shays's Honorable Rebellion: An American Story. He talks about how this 'rebellion' was misrepresented, the economic conditions that led to the protests by small farmers in western Massachusetts, profiles of Daniel Shays and his fellow protesters, the roles of Founders George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, the similarities and differences with the Whiskey Rebellion, and why this story is important for today.

Jon Ralston talks about his book, Games Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight. We discuss Reid's upbringing into poverty in small town Nevada, his rise in politics, relationship with the casino industry, connection with Howard Hughes, investigations of him by the FBI, his rebuilding of the Nevada Democratic party, and the evolution of his political views, including on the filibuster and "nuclear option." Ralston is Founder and CEO of Nevada Independent and regular commentator on MS-NOW. He is recognized as the leading authority on Nevada politics.

Michael Tackett, Deputy Washington Bureau Chief for the Associated Press and former Chicago Tribune political reporter, talks about his book, The Price of Power: How Mitch McConnell Mastered the Senate, Changed America, and Lost His Party. We discuss his rise in politics, understanding power and how to use it, mastering the rules of the Senate, the importance of fundraising, the filibuster, the Trump impeachments, and much more.

Patrick Pfingsten, author of The Illinoize political newsletter, radio host, and TV commentator, talks about the results of the Illinois primary election, including national impacts, statewide outcomes and analysis of a key local Republican race in the QC region.

Dillan Vancil, Republican Candidate for Congress in Illinois' 17th District, talks about why he's running, his background and experience, key issues facing voters in the district, and why he's the better candidate to face incumbent Eric Sorenson.

Jared Abbott, director of the Center for Working Class Politics, talks about the realignment of working class voters to the Republicans and Trump, how Democrats can win them back, the importance of proper messaging and language, the tie between economic and cultural issues, and presidential candidates with the most appeal to working class voters.

Brian Reisinger, author of Land Rich, Cash Poor, talks about the US ag economy, the impact of tariffs and globalization, bailout funding, foreign purchases of US land, impact of immigration restrictions, the latest on the Farm Bill, fewer heirs taking over farms, and the political impact of the slumping farm economy in this year's midterm elections.

Former Missouri Governor Jay Nixon (D) talks about how he was able to win two terms in his Red state, his advice to the Democratic Party in winning working class and rural voters, how to repair the damaged party brand, his favorite '28 presidential candidates and more.

Josh Higgins, Republican candidate for the 94th State Representative in Illinois, talks about his candidacy, his background, key issues, and much more.

Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) talks about her state representative district, her background, why she is seeking reelection, key issues, including affordability, ethics and downstate roads, and much more.

Timothy Wu, professor at Columbia Law School and former White Houseadvisor on tech and competition policy, talks about his new book, The Age of Extraction: How Tech Platforms conquered the Economy and Threaten Our Future Prosperity. We discuss the initial promise of the Internet and what went wrong, how tech platforms choked off competition, platform power in health care and housing, the role of "couch lock" and convenience in creating dependency, whether AI will break platform monopoly power or extend it, the implications for our economy and democracy, and recommendations on how to address platform monopoly power.

Matt Grossmann talks about the book he co-authored, Polarized by Degrees: How the Diploma Divide and the Culture War Transformed American Politics. He discusses when this political realignment began, the impact of increasing levels of college attainment on American culture, the impacts on the two political parties, Trump II's attempts to change American culture, and more.

Jerry Nowicki, editor in chief for Capital News Illinois, lists his top news stories in Illinois politics and government for 2025. He also looks ahead to some key issues and people to watch for in 2026.

Kathie Obradovich, editor in chief of the Iowa Capital Dispatch, talks about the most important political stories from 2025 and offers insights into key topics for 2026.