

The Next Level
The Bulwark
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last bring their signature political insight and banter to the masses in The Next Level podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss the news of the week, break down campaigns and elections, and wade into pop culture feuds. www.thebulwark.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 27min
1005: Trump’s Economy Is Sputtering—Make Him Pay for It!
Bill Kristol, a prominent political analyst and commentator, delves into the pressing issues surrounding Trump's economic challenges. He highlights how rising grocery prices and tariffs are eroding the former president's support. Kristol discusses the potential fallout for the 2026 elections and critiques the economic policies that prioritize large corporations over small businesses. He also emphasizes the difficulty Democrats face in countering Trump’s narrative in a climate marked by inflation and job market struggles.

10 snips
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 8min
1004: Trump’s Polls Could COLLAPSE! Epstein Cover-Up Keeps ROLLING! Newsom Goes HARD!
Hosts dive into Trump's ongoing troubles tied to Epstein, while examining the chaotic GOP redistricting in Texas. They discuss the fallout from RFK Jr.'s anti-vax stance and poke fun at Megyn Kelly's clash with Sarah. The conversation turns to the ethics of gerrymandering and the implications of vaccine policies, revealing concerns over public transparency. Playful banter ensues around societal views on beauty, particularly breasts, reminding listeners to appreciate beauty beyond political lines.

16 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 29min
1003: The Go-Home for Summer Show | Secret Podcast Preview
Dive into a lively exploration of Trump's extravagant new presidential ballroom amid rising taxpayer concerns. The hosts cleverly compare ambitious political projects to historical dictatorships, questioning their implications. They tackle the growing distrust in leadership, highlighting the urgent need for ethical standards. There's also a witty dissection of Kamala Harris's memoir and her political aspirations. And let's not forget the lighthearted references to Hunter Biden and Sydney Sweeney, making for a dynamic blend of politics and pop culture!

5 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
1002: ICE Website Goes Full Fascist! Trump’s Personal Army? Epstein Excuse Blows Up!
A deep dive into controversial ICE job postings reveals a troubling push for loyalty and lack of oversight in enforcement agencies. The podcast examines Jeffrey Epstein's links to political figures, highlighting alarming attitudes towards sexual misconduct. It also features Luke Farritor, who impressively utilized AI to decode historical texts, raising questions about accountability in tech. The discussion navigates through the murky waters of political culture, youth influence, and the erosion of ethics in both public and private sectors.

12 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 27min
1001: Evil Is As Evil Does | Secret Podcast
Dive into a whirlwind of topics from childhood nostalgia with Hulk Hogan's wrestling legacy to the serious implications of the Epstein scandal. The discussion unpacks Ghislaine Maxwell's shifting media portrayal and its political ramifications. Insights into Elon Musk's relationship with the U.S. government raise questions about political narratives and conspiracy theories. Finally, the episode emphasizes the impact of allegations on public perception within today's polarized climate.

9 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 14min
1000: Trump Spooked! Oval Office Barf! Gen-Z Goes Full Fascist!
Dive into the chaos as Trump panics over Epstein revelations and invokes wild conspiracy theories. Republicans dash from tough votes while a focus on Gen-Z reveals alarming acceptance of fascism. The Oval Office undergoes a dictator-inspired gilded makeover, and discussions reveal cognitive dissonance among supporters defending outrageous claims. With humor and insight, the hosts explore rising political polarization and the eerie influence of algorithms on youth ideology.

Jul 18, 2025 • 19min
999: Like a Rat in a Trap | Secret Podcast Preview
Dive into a heated analysis of the Wall Street Journal's explosive Trump-Epstein story. Sarah's fiery take contrasts sharply with JVL's intriguing conspiracy theory about JD Vance. The hosts tackle the broader implications of controversial political narratives and public denials, while dissecting the complex language surrounding conspiracy theories. Their discussion reveals the intricate ties between elite interests and voter concerns, all while promoting a sense of community among subscribers.

Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 11min
Epstein Scandal Keeps Shaking Trumpworld
The discussion dives into Trump's reaction to the Epstein scandal, labeling it a hoax and his consequent fallout with supporters. The group analyzes shifting loyalties within his base, especially among suburban Republicans. Anticipation builds around Ghislaine Maxwell's potential testimony and its impact on the scandal's legacy. They also critique how sensational stories distract from vital policy issues and examine inflation's effect on voter behavior and perceptions, providing a blend of humor and serious political commentary.

Jul 9, 2025 • 1h 14min
Elon’s Bot Goes Full Bigot! Trump’s Tariff Tantrum! Epstein Files “Vanish”
Special guest Sam Stein, an insightful journalist and political commentator, joins the discussion on chaotic political antics. They dive into Trump's disorganized cabinet meeting and the controversial new tariffs impacting everyday life. The conversation heats up with the backlash from the Epstein files and the rise of a bigoted AI chatbot. Moreover, Stein critiques the troubling role of ICE under Trump and reflects on the surreal landscape of political communication today, emphasizing the underlying chaos and ethical dilemmas in contemporary politics.

15 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Next Level LIVE: Chaos, Cowards, and Alligator Alcatraz
Get ready for a wild ride through the chaos of politics and media! The hosts tackle a controversial merger and its chilling effects on journalistic integrity. They delve into the ethical quagmire of ICE's potential expansion into a major prison operator and the moral dilemmas faced by politicians. Plus, enjoy a debate on the peculiar Alligator Alcatraz detention center and its implications for immigration policies. Tune in for sharp wit, provocative ideas, and a fresh take on the intersection of faith, technology, and society!