The Al Franken Podcast
The Al Franken Podcast
A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 29, 2021 • 47min
76: Ben Rhodes, Obama’s Deputy National Security Advisor, on Afghanistan & Our Foreign Policy Reset
How our 20 Year War on Terror Distracted Us from Climate, China, Social Media, and Democracy
Aug 22, 2021 • 1h 8min
75: Laurie Garrett and Andy Slavitt – Where We Are NOW on COVID-19
The Pulitzer-Winner (Garrett) and Biden Covid Advisor (Slavitt) take a deep dive.
Aug 15, 2021 • 55min
74: Atlantic Monthly’s Adam Serwer on his book about the Trump Administration: The Cruelty is the Point
Separating kids from their parents at the border? Mocking a disabled journalist? Cutting food stamps? The Cruelty is the Point!
Aug 8, 2021 • 45min
73: Bryan Fogel, Producer of The Dissident, on the Brutal Murder of Jamal Khashoggi
Mohammed bin Salman made the Washington Post columnist pay in the worst way possible for his dedication to reform in his home country.
Aug 1, 2021 • 54min
72: Atlantic Monthly Journalist Edward-Isaac Dovere's Fascinating New Book, 'Battle For The Soul’, Chronicles the Democrats Fight for the 2020 Nomination.
This one is pure candy. If you're at all a political junkie - do not miss this one!
Jul 25, 2021 • 47min
71: Norman Lear Discusses His 99-Years on the Planet
The legendary creator of groundbreaking TV sit coms - All in the Family, Maude, Sanford and Sons, The Jeffersons, et al, on flying 50 bombing missions in WWII, the joy of comedy and, dare I say, satire.
Jul 18, 2021 • 57min
70: Heather McGhee - An Encore of My Best Podcast Ever!
McGhee discusses her powerful book, The Sum of Us, about how white people have been told that anything that benefits people of color hurts them - i.e. a zero-sum game. It ain't true!
Jul 11, 2021 • 47min
69: Al Solo!
I just had to get some things off my chest.
Jul 4, 2021 • 55min
68: Andy Slavitt On His New COVID Book - Preventable
Slavitt Explains How Trump’s Refusal to Hold Himself Accountable Caused Untold Death and Suffering
Jul 2, 2021 • 7min
38: Thomas Jefferson Explains Inconsistencies in the Declaration of Independence
Al interviews our third President on the 4th of July.
