Building the Bench: Why I Started This Podcast
After months of working behind the scenes, I’m excited to finally share some news: my new podcast, Building the Bench, officially launches TODAY!
What began as a small idea less than a year ago has grown into something bigger — and better — than I could have imagined. The spark came last year when I was knocking on doors before the election. Over and over, I heard the same thing: voters didn’t feel like they knew or trusted their Democratic leaders. That stuck with me.
The goal of this show is to change that: to break the script and spotlight the people who will shape the future of the Democratic Party. These are conversations with leaders across the spectrum — from center-left pragmatists to bold progressives — about who they are, why they got into public service, and how they see the path forward.
In a time dominated by the relentless hamster wheel of the 24-hour news cycle, I wanted to create something different. A space to step back, slow down, and connect with leaders as people, not just headlines. Politics can feel distant, and humanity often gets lost in the veneer of public life. But personal stories have a way of breaking through and creating connection across differences.
I want to thank the incredible members of Congress who believed in this show before it even launched and agreed to be among my first guests: George Whitesides (D-CA) , Hillary Scholten (D-MI), Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Melanie Stansbury (D-NM), Sam Liccardo (D-CA), Ritchie Torres (D-NY), Emily Randall (D-WA), Sarah Elfreth (D-MD), and Summer Lee (D-PA). They showed up ready to engage, let their guard down, be vulnerable, and share a laugh or two. Their willingness to take a chance on something in its earliest stages meant everything to me.
Doing these first interviews has also been a joy. I’m excited to keep improving the show and honing a craft I thought I might like but have come to find I truly love.
I’m also thrilled to be partnering with Democratic Wins Media for the launch. They’ve built one of the most passionate political communities out there, and I’m excited to bring Building the Bench into that orbit. As they expand into news coverage and streaming, I’ll be serving as their Lead Contributor — aiming to bring clarity, perspective, and maybe a sarcastic jab or two to the day’s news.
There’s still so much potential here, and so many places this podcast could go. Dream guest? Pete Buttigieg, obviously! Seriously though, I’m just as excited to take these conversations beyond Congress — to mayors, state legislators, organizers, and others building the next generation of Democratic leadership.
I also want this to be a conversation with all of you. Who do you want to hear from? What questions do you wish I’d ask? Your ideas will help shape where this goes.
And finally, a small ask. Early support is everything when you’re trying to launch something new. If you believe in what I’m building, I’d be so grateful if you could follow the show, leave a review, and share it with friends and family who might enjoy it. Those early listens and shares can move the needle immensely.
Follow the show on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and right here on Substack
Leave a review on your podcast platform of choice (it makes a huge difference).
Join the launch challenge: share the first episode with 5 people you think might enjoy the show — and ask each of them to share it with 5 more. Let’s see how far we can take it.
Thank you, truly, for all the encouragement and support along the way. I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Episode one, featuring my fellow Chicagoan Rep. Delia Ramirez, is now live.
Here’s to Building the Bench together.
—Matt