On the Ground in Minneapolis: Operation Metro Surge Is Far From Over

On the Ground in Minneapolis: Operation Metro Surge Is Far From Over

Author: Sarah & Beth February 20, 2026 Duration: 53:21

There’s a theme in today’s episode of holding the breath, which is something I’ve been doing about unrest and possible US military action in Iran. Sarah and I discuss reporting that the administration seems increasingly likely to take what they term “kinetic” action (and what Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie and Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul would call acts of war). 

Then there’s the way that our guest and friend Natalia Terfa describes holding her breath in Minneapolis. Even as Operation Metro Surge “winds down,” there are still agents and agitators. There is still fear and tension. There is damage left to repair after “it’s over,” and a sense that it’s not really over yet. We’re grateful to Natalia for her leadership on the ground and her willingness to discuss it with us today. 

We often talk about outside of politics as an exhale, and we hope it is today. We talk about our very-non-sports-y Winter Olympics takes, with a special shout out to all of you who participated in the Spice Cabinet Opening Ceremonies. 

If you’ve listened for a long time, you know that I love yoga. One of my favorite parts of a yoga class is taking a collective breath. It reminds me that we’re here. We’re alive, right now, and that’s its own form of miracle. It reminds me that we’re not alone. I hope this episode gives you that sense, too. -Beth 

Topics Discussed:

  • Unrest in Iran and Potential Military Action 
  • On the Ground in Minneapolis with Natalia Terfa
  • Outside of Politics: The Winter Olympics

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In a media landscape often defined by shouting matches and partisan trenches, Pantsuit Politics offers a different kind of conversation. Hosts Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, two friends from Kentucky, built this independent podcast on a simple but radical premise: you can discuss the news and culture of the day with both conviction and genuine curiosity. What you’ll hear here isn’t debate for its own sake, but a sustained effort to understand the complexities behind the headlines. Sarah and Beth approach each topic with a blend of thorough research and personal reflection, modeling how to engage with difficult subjects without surrendering to outrage or anxiety. Their dialogue proves that thoughtful disagreement and common ground aren't mutually exclusive. This podcast provides a consistent, calming space for listeners who feel exhausted by the usual political noise but still want to stay meaningfully informed. New episodes arrive every Tuesday and Friday, offering regular check-ins that prioritize nuance over kneejerk reactions. It’s the kind of compelling listening that doesn’t just analyze the world, but quietly suggests a better way to talk about it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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