Trailblaze: The America We Are Becoming

Join dynamic leaders and media personalities Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq as they dive into thought-provoking discussions at the intersection of race, gender, and faith — all while juggling the chaos of family life with young children. With a wealth of experience from the White House to the forefront of American media, Jamal (CNN political contributor) and Nayyera (Sirius XM host and cable news regular) bring their sharp insights, humor, and direct style to complex conversations on policy, politics, and America’s role on the global stage. Nayyera, a former Senior Director in the Obama White House, and Jamal, a former Deputy Assistant to President Biden and communications director to Vice President Kamala Harris, will tap into their deep networks for compelling conversations and unique perspectives on this extraordinary political moment.

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Episodes

TLDR: The Tragedy of Trump’s Tariffs

April 9, 2025 · 43:32

How will Trump’s tariffs hurt us? Jamal Simmons & Nayyera Haq are joined by Don Graves, former Deputy Secretary of Commerce to dig into why small business confidence is falling, when Americans will feel the impact of tariffs (hint: soon), and how food safety is also at risk.

Did The Campaign Lie To Kamala

April 1, 2025 · 50:45

How did we go from excitement about change to getting another Trump term? Nayyera and Jamal are joined by journalists Amie Parnes and Jonathan Allen, who tell us what happened in the room in their new book FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House.

The Recklessness of Government Decisions

March 26, 2025 · 43:28

Nayyera and Jamal dig into the Trump Administration’s recklessness with national security and social security—from the recklessness of a war planning group chat, which would have caused any rank and file military service member to get fired—to shutting down Social Security websites and customer service, claiming that people don’t need it—these officials keep showing us that their billionaire status makes is impossible for them to meet the American public’s needs.

Is This A Constitutional Crisis Yet?

March 19, 2025 · 42:19

CNN Legal Analyst, former federal prosecutor and Homeland Security official Elliot Williams joins Nayerra and Jamal to discuss Trump deporting immigrants to off shore prisons without judicial review or proof of offense.

The Rise of Billionaire Villains

March 13, 2025 ·

Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq discuss the evolving perception of billionaires in society, the cultural shifts against wealth inequality, and the implications of taxation and public support.

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Paddles & Pink Suits Are Not Going To Work

March 5, 2025 · 25:13

Nayyera and Jamal dissect Trump’s first address to Congress and share how Democrats should be responding.

Why Joy Matters

February 25, 2025 · 33:05

Nayyera and Jamal chop it up about how journalist Joy Reid challenged people’s assumption and lifted up new voices, how information networks need to adapt for today’s politics, and how the powerful few use tools of democracy for themselves.

Why You Cannot Rely on Politicians

February 18, 2025 · 30:34

In this episode of Trailblaze, co-hosts Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons chat with Maurice Mitchell, the National Director of the Working Families Party, about the state of politics in America.

If You Believe Trump, Jill Wine-Banks Has A Bridge to Sell You

February 13, 2025 · 40:21

Jill Wine-Banks joins Nayyera and Jamal to discuss the current state of American democracy. They explore the courts, public pressure, and leadership decisions, examining historical cases and the rule of law.

Is This A Billionaires Coup?

February 4, 2025 · 28:31

Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons discuss pressing issues facing America, including immigration policies and the influence of billionaires in government.

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