Several widely floated 2028 contenders are making their foray into the podcasting world, part of a broader trend of politicians using the platform to expand their reach.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear (D) is the latest rising political star to launch his own podcast, joining other high-profile names like California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) and Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas).

Their entrance into audio programing has raised speculation over their future ambitions and underscores the way political figures are turning to alternative forms of media to get their message out.

“It really kind of goes back to how we were able to communicate during COVID,” Beshear told The Hill in an interview, regarding the impetus of his podcast. “COVID was a scary time. People were nervous about their future and the future of not just our country, but the world. And it was at that time that I started doing daily updates on what we knew, taking questions.”

Beshear noted that during President Trump’s second term, people started approaching him again about his daily updates, “looking for a way to take the concern and the stress and to be able to talk about it in a way where you feel like you address it, but at the same time, it takes a little bit of that stress off your shoulders.”

Beshear and Newsom have become two of the biggest political stars to join in on the trend of making their podcasts. Newsom’s podcast says its aim is to “have honest discussions with people that agree AND disagree with us,” being able to debate in a way that doesn’t denigrate others.

Beshear — whose own podcast diet includes political and nonpolitical ones, such as sports commentator Rich Eisen — is looking to have conservations about a variety of topics, including politics, and says it’ll be a space where “real conversations bridge divides and foster understanding.”

© The Hill