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
105 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 30min
Breaking Down Trump's Gaza Deal
Michelle Wiese Bockmann, a senior maritime intelligence analyst at Windward, dives into the world of the shadow fleet. She discusses the growth and tactics of these elusive vessels, revealing their environmental risks and implications for global trade. The conversation highlights the use of AI to track deceptive shipping practices and the complexities of crew management aboard shadow fleet ships. The talk is not just about maritime security but also touches on broader issues like sanctions evasion and potential military threats.
102 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 37min
Trump Barrels Towards War with Venezuela
Michael Froman, President of the Council on Foreign Relations and former U.S. Trade Representative, dives deep into Trump’s trade strategy and its implications for the global economy. He discusses the decline of the postwar rules-based trading system, emphasizing how the U.S. and China are creating competing frameworks. The conversation also highlights the soybean market as a significant flashpoint in trade wars and suggests that smaller coalitions could reshape tech regulations. Froman warns about the neglect of policies addressing worker displacement in the age of AI.
72 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
Trump's Fascist Military Jamboree
Rula Jebreal, a foreign policy analyst and journalist with Palestinian roots, dives into Trump's controversial Gaza plan and the glaring absence of Palestinian voices. She critiques the neglect of Palestinian concerns and warns of potential annexation in the West Bank. Jebreal emphasizes the importance of international support for Palestinian civil society and calls for legal challenges against injustices. The discussion sheds light on the broader implications of ongoing violence and the urgent need for advocates to amplify Palestinian narratives.
52 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 1h 35min
Has Trump Ended 7 Wars? (No)
Joining the discussion is Robert Malley, a former U.S. envoy with extensive experience in Middle East diplomacy and co-author of Tomorrow Is Yesterday. He dives into the complexities of the Israel-Palestine peace process, challenging traditional narratives and suggesting fresh approaches beyond the two-state solution. The conversation also explores the historical failures of past negotiations and the implications of recent recognitions of a Palestinian state, emphasizing the need for actionable plans rather than symbolic gestures.
87 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 39min
Can the FBI Survive Trump & Kash Patel?
Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, shares insights on the current humanitarian crises in Gaza, Haiti, and Sudan. He discusses the devastating impacts of the cuts to USAID and the urgent need for international intervention. The conversation also touches on the ramifications of U.S. foreign policy, particularly in relation to Israel and regional stability. Fletcher offers a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos, highlighting the resilience of affected communities and the importance of ongoing humanitarian support.
95 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 30min
Israel Bombs Hamas Leaders in Qatar
The hosts react to Israel's airstrikes on Hamas leaders in Qatar, sparking discussions on the implications for peace talks and regional politics. They illustrate how these strikes hinder normalization efforts in the Arab world. The conversation shifts to bombings in Tunisia and the terrorist attack in Jerusalem. Special guest Susan Rice shares insights into the military's weaponization under Trump. The podcast also covers political upheaval in the UK, global protest movements, and the risks of U.S. involvement in Venezuela.
120 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 1h 54min
Trump Is Humiliated by China
Journalist Jasper Nathaniel, who covers the West Bank on his Substack, Infinite Jaz, shares profound insights about the daily realities for Palestinians under occupation. He discusses the far-right’s ambitions for full annexation and elaborates on the dwindling viability of a two-state solution amid increasing settlement expansions. The conversation also touches on international perceptions of Israeli policies and the urgent need for action to address human rights issues. Jasper's observations provide a critical lens on a complex and pressing humanitarian crisis.
67 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 1h 40min
Trump's Military and Intelligence Purge
Franklin Nossiter, a Sahel Analyst at the International Crisis Group in Senegal, sheds light on the intricate geopolitical dynamics of the Sahel region. He discusses the implications of recent military coups and the influence of foreign powers amidst rising terrorism. Nossiter highlights the local grievances that fuel recruitment by jihadist groups and critiques military strategies that overlook the necessity of dialogue. This compelling conversation unpacks the complex interplay between history, politics, and regional stability.
108 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 43min
How Putin Dominated Trump, and Can Ukraine Survive
Tommy and Ben dive into the complex geopolitical landscape following recent meetings on Ukraine, including insights from an iconic figure, Donald Trump. They examine Putin's subtle manipulation of Trump and its implications for Ukraine's sovereignty. The conversation covers the challenges of ceasefires in the Israel-Hamas conflict and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, critiquing media narratives. Representative Ro Khanna discusses the future of Democratic foreign policy, advocating for a more humane approach to international relations.
75 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 36min
Trump's Strongman Summit Is a Gift to Putin
Yalda Hakim, Lead World News Presenter at Sky News, and Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, dive into heavy global issues. They analyze Trump's meeting with Putin and its implications for Ukraine, discussing Trump's Nobel aspirations and Europe's struggle with the crisis. The duo also confronts Israel's military actions in Gaza and the tragic losses of journalists. Lastly, they explore how drone warfare is reshaping military strategies, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in this new age of conflict.
