Trailblaze with Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons

Trailblaze with Nayyera Haq & Jamal Simmons

Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq are dynamic leaders and media personalities who live at the intersection of race, gender and faith. (They also live with their spouses in crazy households with small children.) From working at the White House to driving discussions at the forefront of American media, our hosts will use their experiences, humor and direct style to draw listeners into complex discussions of policy, politics, and America’s role on the globalstage. Jamal is a CNN political contributor and was Deputy Assistant to the President and communications director to Vice President Kamala Harris. Nayyera a Sirius XM radio host and regular presence on cable news and was a Senior Director in the Obama White House working on national security and economic policy They’ll tap their diverse networks to create compelling conversations with unique perspectives on this remarkable political moment.

Episodes

May 21, 2025 25 mins
Nayyera & Jamal discuss what the Democrats are for, Are thy an opposition party anymore. 
Also they talk about Kathy Hochul's innovative rebate policy for New Yorkers, the issues of corruption and accountability in politics, the disconnect between political leaders and the public, the struggles of the working poor, the importance of authenticity in political communication, and the need for generational change in politi...
Mark as Played
From accepting a $400 million plane to welcoming South Afrikaaners, can Trump’s personal ambitions be more clear? Nayyera and Jamal dig into what happens when leaders stop being guided by the ethics and morals of social good, what that means for families, and how do deal with corruption as an everyday occurrence.


#trailblazepodcast #nayyerahaq #jamalsimmons #podcasts #politics


YouTube Playlist:
...
Mark as Played
Nayyera and Jamal discuss pressing issues like government inefficiencies, eroded public trust, punitive policies, student loan burden, and the need for community service. They critique flawed approaches to social issues, particularly the Trump administration’s policies and shifting political tone. They discuss Trump’s policies on tariffs, climate change, and global power dynamics, their impact on consumers, the environment, an...
Mark as Played
Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq discuss the first 100 days of the Trump presidency, examining its historical context and impact on governance, power dynamics, and economic policies. They explore Trump’s challenges to the balance of power, Congress’s role, and the consequences of tariffs and trade policies on the economy and healthcare. The discussion highlights the ongoing struggle for rights and the government’s responsibilitie...
Mark as Played
Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq discuss a range of pressing issues, including the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the economic implications of Trump's policies, and the potential risks associated with food safety and national security. They explore the historical context of African American economic organizing, the role of USAID in foreign policy, and the colonial undertones of current diplom...
Mark as Played
April 16, 2025 40 mins
Nayyera & Jamal are joined this week by Jason Steinhauer to discuss the profound impact of social media and the internet on our understanding of history and collective memory. He emphasizes the challenges of preserving information in the digital age, the role of institutions like the Library of Congress in shaping narratives, and the importance of diversity in historical storytelling. The discussion also touches on the fra...
Mark as Played
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. They explore how Trump’s actions are creating new enemies from countries who used to be our allies, risking Americans’ quality of life, all so Trump a...
Mark as Played
April 1, 2025 50 mins
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. They dig into where mistakes were made in polling, how the different personalities leading the campaigns managed the candidates, and what’s in store for the next year.
Mark as Played
March 26, 2025 43 mins
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...
Mark as Played
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. We are on the slippery slope. 

Nayyera and Jamal also discuss the profound changes in human interaction after COVID and the future of community in a digital world. Will we still have democracy, privacy...
Mark as Played
March 13, 2025 22 mins
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. They explore the broken promise of the American dream, the importance of legal rights, and the need for a more equitable system that allows everyone to thrive. The conversation highlights the challenges posed by political meanness and the h...
Mark as Played
Nayyera and Jamal dissect Trump’s first address to Congress and share how Democrats should be responding. They dig into the fact that 90 million people didn’t show up to vote in the last election, which makes apathy equal to the major political parties, and how that audience might be lost forever if systems and leaders don’t change. 

Mark as Played
February 25, 2025 33 mins
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. They also discuss how the military has always been at the forefront of a changing society. They also debate whether “both sides” need oligarchs.

Mark as Played
February 18, 2025 30 mins
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. 

They talk about the idea of a ‘CEO monarch’ in politics, how recent government actions have affected people’s feelings, and why it’s important for communities and grassroots movements to get involved in politics. The conversation...
Mark as Played
February 13, 2025 40 mins
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. They discuss challenges like expertise, accountability, and the impact of tariffs on farmers. The conversation also touches on media narratives, judicial orders, engaging with Trump supporters, due process for immigrants, ...
Mark as Played
February 4, 2025 28 mins
Nayyera Haq and Jamal Simmons discuss pressing issues facing America, including immigration policies and the influence of billionaires in government. They explore the implications of current immigration practices, the treatment of undocumented individuals, and the broader societal impacts of these policies. The conversation shifts to the role of wealthy individuals in shaping public policy, leading to an interview with Erica P...
Mark as Played
January 30, 2025 31 mins
Jamal Simmons and Nayyera Haq discuss the current state of immigration law in the United States with Allen Orr, an expert in the field. They explore the implications of recent executive orders, the role of the military in immigration enforcement, and the historical context of immigration policy. The discussion highlights the complexities of legal status, the impact of criminalization narratives, and the importance of community...
Mark as Played
Nayyera and Jamal discuss the evolving landscape of American politics, particularly in light of the Trump administration. They explore the need for the Democratic Party to engage with outsiders, build community, and redefine its brand to resonate with the working class. Faiz Shakir, a candidate for DNC chair, shares his vision for a grassroots movement that prioritizes local issues and fosters genuine connections with constitu...
Mark as Played
January 15, 2025 30 mins
Nayyera & Jamal are joined this week by Reverend Kirsten Spalding to discuss the systemic challenges of climate change, emphasizing the role of corporate responsibility and fiduciary duty in addressing climate risks. She highlights the current backlash against ESG initiatives and the importance of data-driven decision-making in navigating political pressures. Despite the challenges, she expresses optimism about the commitm...
Mark as Played
January 7, 2025 23 mins
Nayyera and Jamal  discuss the current state of Congress, public perception, and the effectiveness of legislative actions. They explore the impact of COVID relief measures, taxation, corporate strategies, and immigration policies, emphasizing the need for local solutions and community engagement to address economic challenges.
Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.

    Betrayal: Season 4

    Karoline Borega married a man of honor – a respected Colorado Springs Police officer. She knew there would be sacrifices to accommodate her husband’s career. But she had no idea that he was using his badge to fool everyone. This season, we expose a man who swore two sacred oaths—one to his badge, one to his bride—and broke them both. We follow Karoline as she questions everything she thought she knew about her partner of over 20 years. And make sure to check out Seasons 1-3 of Betrayal, along with Betrayal Weekly Season 1.

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

    Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.