Pod Save the World
Crooked Media
“Pod Save America” cohost Tommy Vietor thought foreign policy was boring and complicated until he got the education of a lifetime working for President Obama’s National Security Council. On “Pod Save the World,” he and former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes break down the latest global developments and bring you behind the scenes with the people who were there. New episodes every Wednesday.
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Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.
Episodes
Mentioned books
92 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 39min
Where Will Trump Invade Next?
Joaquín Castro, a U.S. Representative from Texas, offers keen insights into Trump’s controversial strike on Venezuela. He highlights the lack of congressional transparency regarding military actions and criticizes the significant costs to American taxpayers. The conversation delves into a proposed war powers resolution to better regulate future interventions. Castro also discusses concerns from military families and the Latinx community, addressing the potential ramifications of U.S. operations across the region.
124 snips
Jan 3, 2026 • 51min
Breaking: Trump Invades Venezuela
The podcast dives into the shocking U.S. military operation that led to the capture of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. It discusses Trump's audacious statement about America 'running' the country and explores the implications of prioritizing oil interests. Legal concerns over this regime change are examined, alongside potential regional threats to Cuba and Colombia. The hosts analyze the risks of occupation and how this sets a concerning precedent for global strongmen. They also consider international reactions from major players like China and Russia.
98 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 46min
ISIS Terror in Australia
Zanny Minton Beddoes, Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, joins the conversation to explore significant global trends shaping 2026. She discusses the rise of populist-right parties in Europe and their impact on European security, especially regarding Ukraine. Beddoes also delves into the evolving international order, emphasizing the need to adapt trade and alliances. Additionally, she reflects on the potential risks of an economic bubble driven by AI, advocating for regulatory measures to ensure stability. A compelling look at the future of geopolitics and economics!
122 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump Forfeits AI Race to China
Annika Wells, Australia's Minister for Communications, leads a bold initiative to restrict social media for kids under 16, citing developmental research. She shares insights on enforcement and platform compliance, emphasizing the significance of safeguarding youth online. The conversation also navigates the broader implications of Australia’s approach, aiming to inspire global standards on digital safety. Additionally, Tommy and Ben dissect Trump’s AI policies and their impact on international relations, revealing the complexities of current geopolitical tensions.
87 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 1h 49min
Is Pete Hegseth a War Criminal?
Julia Loktev is a filmmaker known for her work on 'My Undesirable Friends', while Ksenia Mironova is a Russian independent journalist from TV Rain. They discuss the challenges faced by independent journalists in Russia amid severe crackdowns. Ksenia shares her personal experiences, including the arrest of her partner, shedding light on the tactics used to silence the press. They also reflect on the decision to continue their work in exile and draw parallels between media suppression in Russia and trends emerging in the U.S.
67 snips
Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 16min
Unpacking Trump’s Ukraine “Peace Deal”
Dive into the chaotic world of Trump's proposed peace deal for Ukraine, revealing its shifting terms and potential Russian rejection. Explore the U.S. absence from major global summits and its implications for international relations. Unpack Bolsonaro's bizarre arrest story and the U.S. military positioning regarding Venezuela. Discover escalating tensions between Israel, Lebanon, and Gaza, and the spicy back-and-forth between China and Japan over Taiwan. Plus, a look at Candace Owens' latest conspiracy theory and MAGA influencers’ surprising international ties!
70 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 38min
Trump & Saudi Arabia: A Tale of Corruption
Atul Gawande, a surgeon and public health leader, discusses his New Yorker documentary 'Ravina's Choice' and the dire consequences of USAID dismantlement. He highlights the staggering rise in preventable malnutrition and deaths resulting from cuts to foreign aid. Gawande sheds light on how these systemic failures in global health are affecting vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for long-term investment and independent development agencies to rebuild capacity and restore credibility in humanitarian efforts.
48 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 48min
From Al Qaeda to the White House
Tarek Habash, a former Biden administration official and co-founder of A New Policy, discusses the implications of U.S. Gaza policy and the need for Palestinian self-determination. Joining him is Josh Paul, a former State Department official, who critiques arms transfers and America's leverage on Israel. They both share personal stories behind their resignation, shedding light on institutional constraints and the motivation for political change. Their organization aims to mobilize public support for a shift in U.S. policy towards Israel and Palestine.
43 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 5min
What Should Progressive Foreign Policy Look Like? (Crooked Con)
Ro Khanna, a progressive U.S. Representative from California, and Yassamin Ansari, a climate and human rights advocate from Arizona, dive into contemporary foreign policy challenges. They emphasize rethinking U.S. priorities on immigration linked to human rights and propose a fresh approach to Israel and Gaza for moral clarity. Both guests advocate for nonmilitary support for Iranian activists and stress the importance of climate as a national security issue, suggesting innovative solutions like a Climate Security Corps.
93 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 43min
Trump Flirts With Nuclear Annihilation
Sanna Marin, the former Prime Minister of Finland, joins the discussion to share insights from her tenure and her book, "Hope in Action." She highlights the unique challenges women face in leadership and emphasizes the need for societal action to protect young politicians from online harassment. Marin also delves into Finland's NATO membership response to Russia's invasion, urging faster military aid for Ukraine, and addressing the growing threat of far-right politics in Europe.
