POLITICO announces a new era for Playbook: The launch of a new daily podcast

POLITICO today announced the official launch of “The Playbook Podcast” — a dynamic daily audio companion to our flagship newsletter, hosted by Jack Blanchard and Dasha Burns, Playbook’s new chief correspondent. The reimagining of the daily morning podcast represents a significant evolution for Playbook — already the most influential destination for political decision-makers — into a fully multiplatform franchise.

Dasha Burns' new role as Playbook chief correspondent means she will join Playbook’s Author and Managing Editor Jack Blanchard at the helm of POLITICO's flagship franchise in Washington, D.C. Burns, who will continue her role as White House bureau chief, will also host “The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” a weekly Sunday show from Playbook launching June 1. Senior National Politics Correspondent Adam Wren also joins Playbook as a contributing author, leading the Friday and Saturday editions of the newsletter.

“The Playbook Podcast” will deliver relevant, deeply sourced reporting and analysis on the high-stakes decisions and personalities shaping Trump’s Washington. Designed to accompany and amplify the successful formula of Playbook — now a global franchise with 14 editions spanning five countries that is relied upon daily by 1.5 million subscribers — the podcast will be a go-to source for Playbook’s audience of leaders and influencers and add even greater depth to its unparalleled coverage of the stories driving the day in Washington, D.C., in 15 minutes or less.

At a time when every major decision is being driven by President Donald Trump and his team across the executive branch, there is no better team to anchor this version of Playbook across platforms — bringing POLITICO’s audience the clarity and reporting they need. Blanchard and Burns will deliver even more insight into the decisions emanating from the White House and their impact on Congress, foreign relations and the broader economy within Playbook and “The Playbook Podcast,” and with “The Conversation,” Burns will have deeper conversations with the people shaping these decisions.

“Playbook has long been at the heart of POLITICO’s mission to inform and engage the most influential audiences in politics, and this team is uniquely positioned for the new era,” said Goli Sheikholeslami, chief executive officer of POLITICO. “With Jack’s clear distillation of the day’s defining moments, Dasha’s deeply sourced reporting inside the Trump administration, and Adam’s finger on the pulse of the broader politics shaping the country, Playbook will cut through the chaos in Washington as the impartial, unmissable tip sheet our audience depends on.”

This expansion of Playbook builds on a broader reimagining of POLITICO’s morning offerings, including the recently relaunched Inside Congress newsletter as the first read for Capitol Hill. With a new send time of 4:50 a.m. ET, live updates, additional newsletter editions and an upcoming audio component, POLITICO is covering Congress with greater breadth, policy expertise and impact than ever before — reflected in double-digit percentage growth in newsletter subscribers working on Capitol Hill.

“We’re in a moment when politics is moving faster, the stakes are higher, and audiences are looking for sharper, more accessible journalism to make sense of it all,” said John Harris, POLITICO’s global editor-in-chief. “Playbook has always been essential reading for those who need to stay ahead, so we’re extending that same depth and urgency with these new shows to ensure people know they can rely on POLITICO wherever they are and however they follow the story.”

Since joining POLITICO’s Washington bureau in January, Blanchard and Burns have been at the forefront of the publication’s coverage of the new Trump administration, breaking news and decoding the latest developments from Washington.

Blanchard’s success launching London Playbook and his tenure as POLITICO’s U.K. editor reflect his relentless commitment to delivering urgent, timely reporting. That same drive now powers Playbook’s continued evolution in Washington, helping it stay ahead of the latest scoops and shifting dynamics at the center of U.S. politics.

Burns’ embrace of multi-platform reporting has allowed her to thrive as POLITICO’s White House bureau chief, a role she will continue to hold as she adds Playbook responsibilities to her portfolio. Since the inauguration, Burns has consistently broken major news on how Trump is enacting his agenda and the internal dynamic shaping his administration.

“The Conversation with Dasha Burns,” launching on June 1, will be a fresh take on the traditional Sunday show format. Available as a podcast and on video, “The Conversation” leverages Burns’ strengths as a tireless reporter with years of broadcasting experience to set the agenda and anticipate what’s on the horizon.

Adam Wren is a talented political reporter and longtime guest voice in the newsletter and will now join the Playbook team in a regular capacity. His reporting and perspective will continue to offer our readers fresh perspective and insight heading into the weekend. Wren joined POLITICO in 2022 and has delivered in-depth reporting on the changes within both the Republican and Democratic parties. Wren’s scoop on Vivek Ramaswamy leaving DOGE, and his most recent profile on Karoline Leavitt’s journey to becoming the youngest White House press secretary in history drove national conversation. Wren will continue his role as a senior reporter on the Politics team.

The first episode of “The Playbook Podcast” launches May 12 and will be available Monday through Friday mornings by 6 a.m. ET on YouTube, Apple Podcasts and Spotify, with video clips of the podcast distributed across POLTICO’s social channels every morning.

“The Conversation with Dasha Burns” launches on June 1 and will be available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast platforms.

About POLITICO:

POLITICO is the global authority on the intersection of politics, policy and power. It is the most robust news operation and information service in the world specializing in politics and policy, which informs the most influential audience with insight, edge and authority.

Founded in 2007, POLITICO has grown to a team of more than 1,100 journalists and media professionals across North America, and Europe. In October 2021, POLITICO was acquired by, and is a subsidiary of, Axel Springer SE.