Former Ohio Governor John Kasich is taking to the airwaves with a new SiriusXM show that he promises will break from the toxic, combative style dominating political media. Launching Saturday at 11 a.m. on the POTUS channel, The John Kasich Show aims to model the kind of bipartisan problem-solving he says is missing in Washington.
“We’re in a world today where in order to make any news or get anybody to listen, it’s got to be like fighting and anger,” Kasich told ITK. “What I hope to do with the show is to basically have interesting, but relatively calm conversations.”
The weekly hour-long program is designed as a respite from polarized politics, offering listeners a chance to “get a break, or some optimism, or something positive,” while still delivering depth and substance. Kasich’s first guest is former Senator Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.), a Democrat-turned-independent known for his centrist positions and willingness to cross party lines.
Kasich, who served nine terms in the House and two as Ohio governor, said he wants the show to probe guests’ thinking without descending into confrontation. “I don’t want to get into a fight with people that I would interview. I want to probe them and I want to see where their head is,” he explained.
The show grew out of Kasich’s Substack newsletter, where he offers a “steady, hopeful take on the issues of the day.” He argues that today’s elected officials are “incapable of talking to one another” and fear punishment for pursuing bipartisan solutions. “The whole purpose of being in public life is to change the world,” Kasich said. “If you’re not really interested in working with other people to change the world, I think you ought to get out.”
Kasich, a two-time presidential candidate who has been critical of former President Donald Trump, said poor leadership has worsened political dysfunction. “I think we’ve had very poor leaders,” he said, though he predicted that “at some point, that’ll change.” He rejected the idea that only those holding office can drive change, noting that life outside the Capitol can still be impactful. “You don’t need to cling to something,” he added.
The show will also cover faith, culture, and other non-political topics, reflecting Kasich’s view that politics isn’t his entire identity. A self-described rock fan who recently attended a Tool concert, he praised the band’s drummer and listed Metallica, Pearl Jam, the Killers, and Oasis among his favorites.
Kasich framed his current role as a nonpartisan observer rather than a party loyalist. “Look, the Republican Party has been my vehicle and never my master,” he said. “And right now I feel as though I’m just sort of an umpire rather than a partisan.” His approach echoes broader calls for civility, even as political battles intensify over issues like trade and immigration—topics that have seen recent developments such as the federal court blocking Trump’s 10% tariff, which dealt another blow to the trade agenda.
