The Al Franken Podcast

Molly Jong-Fast, an accomplished author and political commentator for Vanity Fair, dives into her new memoir, shedding light on her complex relationship with her mother, feminist icon Erica Jong. She candidly shares tales of familial struggles with addiction and fame. The conversation takes a political turn as they critique a recent controversial bill affecting social programs. They also tackle pressing issues in the Middle East and question Donald Trump's influence on foreign affairs, blending personal stories with sharp political insights.

Heather McGhee, an expert in economic and social policy and author of "The Sum of Us," joins the discussion on Trump's war on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She explains how diversity strengthens America and details the chilling impact of ICE raids on immigrant communities, drawing parallels to historical segregationist actions. McGhee emphasizes the economic contributions of immigrants and the moral imperative for society to embrace inclusivity, highlighting the challenges and successes within DEI initiatives in corporate America.

David Pakman, a prominent political commentator and YouTube sensation with over 3 million subscribers, dives into pressing political issues. He tackles the 'Big, Beautiful Bill' and its waning Republican support, along with Trump’s controversial travel ban, revealing its flawed rationale. Pakman shares shocking insights from Trump's second term and discusses strategies for Democrats to regain voter trust and improve their standing. The conversation is a blend of critical analysis and engaging commentary on current U.S. politics.

In this fascinating discussion, George Packer, a staff writer for The Atlantic, dives into the political metamorphosis of JD Vance, who shifted from vocally criticizing Trump to becoming his vice president. Packer examines whether Vance's change is genuine belief or political ambition. The conversation also touches on class divides, the evolution of political rhetoric, and how Democrats can effectively engage disenchanted voters. Packer's insights shed light on the complexities of modern American politics and the influence of cultural divides.

In this enlightening chat, Ed Shelleby, former Senate Communications Director and Deputy Chief of Staff to Al Franken, shares hilarious tales of managing Al's comedic instincts during serious moments. He recounts the memorable challenges of interview preparation and the origin of the term 'The Dehumorizer.' Ed reflects on the effectiveness of Al's actions in the Senate and how their office felt like family, blending humor with meaningful political work. Their camaraderie shines through in anecdotes that illustrate the unique intersection of comedy and public service.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Lewis, acclaimed author of bestsellers like "The Big Short" and "Who is Government?", highlights the often-overlooked heroes of public service. He shares inspiring stories of government workers whose contributions save lives and improve society. Lewis warns of the dangers of dismantling agencies like NOAA, emphasizing how privatization could undermine crucial services. He also tackles the reality of rare diseases in the healthcare system, stressing the importance of meaningful government involvement in public health.

Join Dahlia Lithwick, an award-winning journalist and host of Amicus, as she dives into the judiciary's courageous stand against Trump-era policies. She sheds light on the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling regarding Kilmar Abrego Garcia and discusses the implications of Trump's targeting of law firms. The conversation also explores looming fetal personhood bills heading to the Supreme Court and raises questions about the ongoing constitutional crisis. Lithwick's insights reveal the vital intersection of law and society in today's climate.

Mark Leibovich, a staff writer at The Atlantic, and Molly Jong-Fast, host of the Fast Politics Podcast, dive into Trump's chaotic first 100 days back in office. They discuss underreported stories like cuts to FEMA and the implications of controversial proposals, including the abolition of birthright citizenship. The duo explores how Trump's policies affect mental health services and medical research funding, while also pondering how Democrats can improve messaging. It's a whirlwind of political drama and insights that captures the current landscape.

Every day we see this country inch closer to authoritarianism under Donald Trump. We're joined by Robert Reich, political economist, professor, author, and former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton. We cover how Reich thinks Democrats should fight back against this era of oligarchy in America. He explains the power of protest and lays out the messaging that Democrats need to embrace to show solidarity for the coming midterms and beyond. Plus, Reich tells the story of being classmates with Clarence Thomas, Hillary Rodham, and Bill Clinton and how he introduced Bill and Hillary at law school.  Listen to Reich's podcast, The Coffee Klatch: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-coffee-klatch-with-robert-reich/id1635446643 Watch Reich's videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RBReich

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Tim Alberta, the author of the profoundly disturbing book "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,” which was released before the 2024 election. In this interview, he explains how evangelicals have been turned into a political tool for the Republican Party. Alberta grew up in the evangelical wing of The Presbyterian Church and watched as they turned their backs on him after he criticized Donald Trump. How did The Evangelical Church turn so far towards right wing politics? What exactly is an Evangelical? How can those voters ever be won back? Read Tim's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/tim-alberta/