

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

May 31, 2023 • 51min
More Extreme. Less Dangerous. Equally MAGA.
Republicans and President Joe Biden worked out a debt ceiling deal where Democrats gave major concessions ... and yet Speaker Kevin McCarthy is still being accused of caving to the libs.
The gang also debates who's more MAGA: Ron DeSantis or Donald Trump? Plus, Chris Christie appears ready to launch another presidential campaign and Tara Reade moves to Russia.
Watch the gang record this episode our official YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzFsrGpTW4E
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 28, 2023 • 51min
The Death of the West Wing Dream? (with Bradley Whitford)
Bradley Whitford (The West Wing, Transparent) joins the Sunday show to talk The West Wing, criticisms of the show's idealistic politics, and his own evolution into an advocate for liberal causes and much more!
Plus, Tim and JVL breakdown DeSantis' attempts to shake off the "establishment" label after his presidential campaign launch.
Watch Tim and JVL interview Bradley here: https://youtu.be/6hbDyqu8qOo
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 27, 2023 • 21min
The Shape of Things to Come (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Sarah and JVL talk about the DeSantis launch, his January 6 pardon weasel words, and the norming of soft-authoritarianism.
To get the full episode—and The Secret Podcast every week—join Bulwark+.
Go to: https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 24, 2023 • 50min
Countdown to the Edgelord Announcement
It's all about Ron DeSantis and his upcoming announcement on Twitter Spaces tonight. What does the gang think of the move to launch his campaign with Elon Musk? Plus, a riff on Tim Scott's inconsequential run for president and a rant on Nate Silver's Never Trumper critiques.
And tune in tonight on YouTube to watch all your favorite Bulwark personalities react to DeSantis' announcement live! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPz-zmDUiuw
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 21, 2023 • 59min
Anxiety vs Reality (LIVE from NYC with Molly Jong-Fast)
Sarah and JVL are joined by Molly Jong-Fast as part of The Bulwark's live event in NYC! Tune in to hear several "Are we going to fight?" moments while discussing Donald Trump's continuous popularity with Republicans, the cruelty of the latest allegations against Rudy Giuliani, and basically ever current and potential 2024 presidential contender. It's a wild show that you won't want to miss!
Subscribe to The Next Level's YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_lAiayRbLUnTfPebOw-44g
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 18, 2023 • 53min
Between Three Ferns (A TNL Livestream)
Sarah, Tim and JVL went live yesterday during their recording to talk Dem wins in traditionally Republican cities, DeSantis' Iowa trip and his allied PAC walking back criticism of Trump, and the idea that Mike Pence might actually jump into the 2024 race. Plus, the gang takes questions from the audience!
The Bulwark is heading to the Big Apple for a night of politics, laughs and maybe even a few tears—with special guest Molly Jong-Fast of the Fast Politics podcast.
Come meet the gang from The Next Level and fellow Bulwark+ members in Manhattan on Thursday, May 18.
For tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 14, 2023 • 53min
The Dung Faces of Washington (with David Mandel)
Director, writer and producer David Mandel (Veep, Seinfeld) sits down with Tim to discuss his new HBO miniseries White House Plumbers and his fascination with the behind the scenes of Washington.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Next week's TNL will be streamed LIVE on YouTube on The Bulwark's main channel. Tune in May 17th at 3 pm EST to watch Tim, Sarah, and JVL record in the same room for the first time in ages! The chat will be open to get ready to ask our hosts your burning questions! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVoAmys1Lg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 12, 2023 • 26min
How Lindsey Graham Became "That Guy" (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
JVL sits down with Will Saletan to talk about his book on The Corruption of Lindsey Graham. It’s a *much* more free-flowing and philosophical discussion than I’d planned. If you’re game for a journey, you might like it.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Next week's TNL will be streamed LIVE on YouTube on The Bulwark's main channel. Tune in May 17th at 3 pm EST to watch Tim, Sarah, and JVL record in the same room for the first time in ages! The chat will be open to get ready to ask our hosts your burning questions! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVoAmys1Lg
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 10, 2023 • 43min
To Elect A Predator
Donald Trump is found guilty of sexually assaulting E Jean Carroll, but no one doubts he's still on a path to the top of the Republican ticket in 2024. The GOP is also sticking by Rep. George Santos after he was indicted by a grand jury on 13 criminal charges. They really know how to pick some good ones!
Plus, what do our hosts think of President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy's standoff over the debt limit? And Tucker Carlson announces his return to spewing propaganda on Twitter, while RFK Jr. does surprisingly well in Democratic polls.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Next week's TNL will be streamed LIVE on YouTube on The Bulwark's main channel. Tune in May 17th at 3 pm EST to watch Tim, Sarah, and JVL record in the same room for the first time in ages! The chat will be open to get ready to ask our hosts your burning questions! Join here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVoAmys1Lg
The Bulwark is heading to the Big Apple for a night of politics, laughs and maybe even a few tears—with special guest Molly Jong-Fast of the Fast Politics podcast.
Come meet the gang from The Next Level and fellow Bulwark+ members in Manhattan on Thursday, May 18.
For tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 7, 2023 • 57min
Grace, Class, and Poise (with Larry Wilmore)
Tim sits down with Larry Wilmore to talk his career as a comedian, the Democratic party, race in America, and Vice President Kamala Harris on this week’s Sunday show.
Plus, Tim and JVL discuss the killing of a homeless black man in New York City that has, once again, divided the country along party lines.
The Bulwark is heading to the Big Apple for a night of politics, laughs and maybe even a few tears—with special guest Molly Jong-Fast of the Fast Politics podcast.
Come meet the gang from The Next Level and fellow Bulwark+ members in Manhattan on Thursday, May 18.
For tickets go to TheBulwark.com/events.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices