Andy Beshear Uses Podcast to Bridge Political Divides, Reaches 33 Million via SiriusXM

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has expanded the reach of his podcast through a partnership with SiriusXM, leveraging the satellite radio network’s 33 million subscribers to amplify his voice and platform. Under the agreement, the “Andy Beshear Podcast” will be available on SiriusXM’s Podcast Network and its SiriusXM Progress channel, channel 127. The podcast will air weekly on the Progress channel and be accessible on the SiriusXM app and other major podcast platforms, with video versions available on YouTube. SiriusXM Media, the company’s advertising arm, has secured exclusive global ad sales rights for the audio edition of the podcast [1].

Beshear, who has hosted the podcast since 2019, previously featured guests such as Sen. Chris Coons, actor Steve Zahn, and Gov. Wes Moore. His first episode with SiriusXM will include an interview with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, set to debut on September 10 via the SiriusXM app and air the following Saturday on the Progress channel [4]. The podcast will cover a range of topics, including politics, culture, and community issues, with Beshear emphasizing the intent to foster dialogue and unity at a time of national division. “This is a conversation with friends,” he said, noting that the show aims to highlight diverse voices and ideas [1].

In addition to the podcast, Beshear will host a new series of live specials titled “Andy Beshear Presents,” which will air exclusively on SiriusXM Progress. The inaugural episode will premiere on September 9 and feature John Fugelsang, a regular host on the Progress network. These specials will focus on leadership and national issues, with Beshear inviting listener participation through call-ins [1]. The format reflects a growing trend among politicians to use podcasts as a media tool for visibility and engagement. California Gov. Gavin Newsom, another potential 2028 presidential candidate, also launched a podcast earlier this year [3].

The expansion of Beshear’s platform follows a broader pattern of politicians turning to podcasts to connect with audiences in a more direct and unfiltered way. Analysts suggest that the format allows leaders to present a more authentic voice than traditional media, where soundbites often dominate. Beshear’s approach includes a mix of political and cultural guests, ranging from potential Democratic presidential candidates to celebrities and sports figures. His guests have included Amy Klobuchar, Mark Cuban, and John Calipari, illustrating his strategy to engage with a broad audience [3].

Beshear has previously expressed openness to running for president in 2028 and stressed the need to address the public’s anxiety during times of political and social upheaval. He emphasized that his podcast is not targeted solely at Democrats but aims to reach a national audience. “We’re aiming at an American audience,” he stated. This positioning aligns with a broader strategy among Democratic governors to build a national coalition and provide a counter-narrative to the current political climate [3]. The SiriusXM partnership, therefore, represents a strategic move to elevate Beshear’s profile and engage with a wider demographic, consistent with trends seen in the political podcast landscape [2].

Source:

[1] Andy Beshear Podcast & Live Specials on SiriusXM Progress (https://www.siriusxm.com/blog/andy-beshear)

[2] Gov. Andy Beshear goes national with podcast (https://www.wkyt.com/2025/09/04/gov-andy-beshear-goes-national-with-podcast/)

[3] Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear goes national with podcast ... (https://apnews.com/article/beshear-podcast-governor-kentucky-d7ca37ffcb06b0e054467b3f16b65cce)

[4] SiriusXM To Air Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's Podcast (https://deadline.com/2025/09/andy-beshear-siriusxm-podcast-1236507164/)