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
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!
63 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.
69 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 37min
Trump Dances Across Asia
Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and expert on U.S.-Russia relations, joins to discuss his book on autocrats versus democrats. He argues that autocrats are gaining ground globally and critiques Trump's foreign policy as dangerous and inconsistent. McFaul highlights the effectiveness of sanctions on Russia while addressing the need for a firm stance in Ukraine. He also touches on the transformation of key Russian figures and the importance of balancing cooperation with China. It’s a compelling insight into global politics today!
19 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 10min
Introducing: Runaway Country with Alex Wagner
Anam Raman Petit, a former immigration court judge, shares gripping insights on courtroom conditions, where detentions instill fear and chaos disrupt due process. She discusses how recent DOJ policies have intensified the immigration court backlog and eroded legal protections. Joining her, Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor, delves into the politicization of the DOJ and the implications for the rule of law. Together, they explore how these dynamics impact ordinary Americans seeking justice amid a turbulent political landscape.
54 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 40min
Trump Rug Pulls Ukraine
In a riveting discussion, art theft expert Anthony Amore shares insights into the infamous crown jewel heist at the Louvre, revealing the thieves' bold methods and timing that allowed them to succeed during daylight hours. He explains why valuable jewels are often targeted due to their divisibility and describes the unique challenges of tracing stolen pieces. Amore also recounts the notorious Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist, providing a captivating glimpse into the world of art crime and the mysteries that still linger.
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.
