Blue Dot
Northern Kentucky’s premier Political Podcast.
This is your ultimate source for in-depth analysis, lively discussion, and comprehensive coverage of the political landscape in Northern Kentucky.
Brought to you by the Kenton County Democratic Executive Committee.
Episodes
81 episodes
Patriotism, Parades and America 250
In this week’s Blue Dot Podcast roundup, Natalie McDonald and Brian Koehl take a closer look at the celebrations surrounding America’s 250th anniversary and the controversy surrounding competing commemorative efforts.The hosts discuss th...
.png)
Faith, Power, and Politics in America
In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie and Brian explore the persistent overlap between religion and politics, tracing how faith has shaped political movements from the Cold War to the rise of the Moral Majority and today’s d...
NKY in Motion: Big Plans, Bigger Questions
Northern Kentucky is on the move—but not without challenges. This week on the Blue Dot Podcast, we break down a bold vision for a regional trail network that could connect Boone, Kenton, and Campbell counties, boosting recreation, tour...
A Voice for the People: Brant Owens Runs for Commissioner
Brant Owens, candidate for Campbell County Commissioner (District 3), joins the Blue Dot Podcast to discuss his vision for more transparent, responsive local government. A lifelong resident and active community volunteer, Owens shares why he’s ...
Weekly Round Up: From Juneteenth to Freedom 250 and a Local Look at Politics
This week, Natalie and Brian cover Juneteenth and its significance. They dive into controversy surrounding Trump’s “Freedom 250” celebration, including concerns about commercialization, political branding, and funding, and contrast it with the ...
Drew Williams on a “People First” Campaign in Kentucky’s 1st District
In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast, hosts Natalie McDonald and Brian Koehl interview Drew Williams, a Democratic candidate for Kentucky’s 1st Congressional District. Williams shares how his “People First” campaign is shaped by his...
Infrastructure, Elections, and a Call for Accountability
This week on the Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie and Brian cover major developments in Northern Kentucky and national politics. Locally, they discuss the groundbreaking of the $125M Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence and ongoing concerns a...
Pride, Medical Marijuana and Pocketbook Pressure
This week, Natalie and Brian highlight Kentucky’s 234th birthday, Pride Month recognition, and the political tensions surrounding inclusivity and “Nuclear Family Month.” They discuss rising costs impacting Kentuckians, Governor Beshear’s action...
Ghost Governments and Big Growth: Rep. Matt Lehman on Northern Kentucky’s Future
In this hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with State Representative Matt Lehman (District 67, Campbell County) for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of Northern Kentucky and the realities of serving in the state legislatu...
Weekly Round Up: Turnout Trends & The Political Pulse
This week hosts Natalie and Brian break down the Kentucky primary results, including a major upset in the 4th District and what new turnout data reveals about Democratic momentum—especially in rural areas. They highlight Governor Be...
Weekly Round Up: Kentucky Primary Recap: Key Races, Surprises, and What’s Next
The Kentucky primary election shook things up—and we’re breaking it all down. We dive into the biggest surprises across Northern Kentucky and beyond, from high-profile congressional shakeups to key local races that could shift the balance of po...
Candidate Interview- Vincent Thompson, US Senate
In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast, hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl sit down with Kentucky U.S. Senate candidate Vincent Thompson—a farmer, conservation leader, and small business owner—to explore the personal experiences ...
Weekly Round Up: Primary Prep, Polls and: What You Need to Know
In this week’s roundup, Natalie and Brian cover everything you need to know ahead of Kentucky’s May 19 primary, including early voting details and why local races matter more than ever. They also discuss a major $125M biomedical project planned...
Candidate Interview- John Busse
In this episode, we sit down with Kenton County District 3 candidate John Bussey to discuss his vision for the future of the community. Drawing from his business background, Bussey shares his perspective on local government, emphasizing respons...
Primary Pulse: Elections, Turnout and Big Headlines
This week’s round up focuses on primary election season across Kentucky, Ohio, and Indiana, highlighting key races, strong voter turnout in Ohio, and upcoming opportunities for Kentuckians to vote and get involved ahead of the May 19 primary.
Addiction in Our Backyard: What’s Happening—and What’s Working
In this episode of the Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl talk with nationally recognized policy expert Meagan Guthrie about the evolving addiction and overdose crisis. They explore how today’s challenge extends beyond opioids,...
Weekly Round Up: From Frankfort to Washington: A Rough Week for Democracy
This week on The Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl break down a chaotic week in Kentucky and national politics in 10 minutes or less.They examine Kentucky’s worsening energy crisis, where utility shutoffs have su...
Powering the Future: AI, Data Centers, and Kentucky’s Grid
As demand for electricity surges—from AI and data centers to EVs and new manufacturing—lawmakers at the local and state level are weighing how to keep the lights on without driving energy costs out of reach. In this episode of The B...
Weekly Round Up: The Loss of a Beloved Community Member; Lt. Gov is Running and a Nation at War
This week’s Blue Dot podcast takes a different tone as hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl pause the usual fast-paced roundup to honor the life and legacy of Katie Meyer, a beloved community leader whose impact shaped Northern Kentucky and ...
2026 Strategy: Why Kentucky Matters — A Conversation with Prominent Democratic Strategist Andrew Grossman
In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast, hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl are joined by longtime progressive strategist Andrew Grossman for a wide-ranging and hopeful conversation about the road to 2026.Andrew brin...
Weekly Round up: A Wild Week From Frankfort to the Vatican
Kentucky lawmakers have wrapped up the 2026 legislative session—and the results are raising serious concerns. In this week’s Blue Dot Podcast roundup, Natalie McDonald and Brian Koehl break down what the GOP supermajority passed...
Candidate Interview: Wilanne Stangel For KY House 69- Local Leadership and Lived Experience
In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast, hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl continue their 2026 election series with a candid conversation featuring Wilanne Stangel, Democratic candidate for Kentucky House District 69
What’s Happening in Your Holler: Fayette County’s Fight to Grow the Blue Dot
In this “What’s Happening in Your Holler” episode, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl head to Fayette County (Lexington) for a conversation with Karen Summers, Chair of the Fayette County Democrats.Karen shares her pa...
Weekly Round Up: Shell Bills, Shady Nonprofits, and a Blue Wave Rising
In this week’s roundup of the Blue Dot Podcast, hosts Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl mark Local News Day by diving deep into the legislative shadows of Kentucky and the broader national landscape.The episode kicks...
Candidate Interview-Tech, Trust, and the Future of Kenton Co. A Conversation with Jordan Baldridge
In this episode of The Blue Dot Podcast, Natalie MacDonald and Brian Koehl speak with Jordan Baldridge, Democratic candidate for Kenton County Commissioner (District 3). Jordan shares how his background as a senior softwa...
