Pod Save America
Crooked Media
Pod Save America is a no-bullshit conversation about politics hosted by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. It cuts through the noise to break down the week’s news and helps people figure out what matters and how they can help. They’re regularly joined by journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers, and world leaders. You can watch on YouTube or listen to new episodes every Tuesday and Friday.
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.
For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com.
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.
For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
123 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 20min
Trump's Very Convincing Body Double
Leah Litman, a law professor at the University of Michigan and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, joins the discussion on political intrigue surrounding Trump's rumors of ill health. They delve into the troubling implications of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s controversial public health stance and the bipartisan concerns it raises. The conversation shifts to the erosion of democratic norms during Trump's presidency and the urgent need for political action. Litman also highlights the judicial challenges facing the Trump administration and the shifting landscape of legal accountability.
111 snips
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why is JD Vance so Annoying?
The hosts dive into the world of politics with a humorous take on why JD Vance rubs them the wrong way. They debate the importance of effective social media strategies in engaging voters ahead of the 2026 elections. A playful discussion ensues about who they'd prefer to be trapped with—Don Jr. or Marjorie Taylor Greene? They also explore the evolving role of platforms like TikTok in political campaigning and reflect on their growth as podcasters through a changing media landscape. Plus, expect some lighthearted banter on fantasy football and pop culture.
131 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 21min
RFK Jr. Decapitates the CDC
RFK Jr. and Donald Trump push to oust the CDC director over vaccine policies, igniting a heated discussion on the future of public health in America. The hosts dissect the alarming influence of anti-vaccine rhetoric on policy-making while poking fun at a bizarre cabinet meeting. They also analyze the growing trend of militarization in governance, drawing parallels to historical regimes. Additionally, there's a humorous take on Charlie Kirk's unsolicited advice to pop culture figures and reflections on the Democratic Party's internal struggles.
101 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 34min
First They Came for John Bolton
James Surowiecki, a seasoned economic writer for The Atlantic and Fast Company, shares insights on the Trump administration's economic strategies. He discusses the administration's acquisition of Intel stock, raising eyebrows about corporate governance. The conversation dives into political tactics, including the FBI’s raid on John Bolton and broader implications for democracy. The hosts examine alarming military deployments in urban areas and the complexities of immigration enforcement, shedding light on authoritarianism and public resilience in challenging times.
138 snips
Aug 24, 2025 • 1h 21min
Marc Maron on Brainf*cked Trolls and Liberal Scolds
Marc Maron, a comedian and podcast pioneer known for WTF with Marc Maron, joins Lovett for a lively discussion on the challenges faced by the left. They tackle why Americans might have voted for Trump out of annoyance and explore the role of online trolls. Maron and Lovett ponder if Democrats could combat anti-woke comedy by simply being funnier and reflect on the emotional toll of living in today's political climate while navigating personal authenticity within comedy. The conversation is a humorous yet insightful dive into comedy's intersection with politics.
181 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 44min
Officer Trump Patrols Washington
Jake Auchincloss, U.S. Representative for Massachusetts and former Marine, dives into the pressing need for Democrats to adopt bold ideas. He discusses the troubling militarization of law enforcement in D.C. and critiques political responses to crime. The conversation touches on Trump's attempts to reshape historical narratives, electoral challenges ahead, and the importance of authentic communication between politicians and voters. Auchincloss emphasizes that to regain trust, the Democratic Party must redefine its approach to public safety and engage meaningfully with younger voters.
105 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 28min
Blessed are the Peacemakers (Trump and Putin)
Bridget Brink, the former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine and now a congressional candidate, shares her insights on Trump's controversial peace talks with Putin and Zelensky. She discusses Ukraine's reactions to Trump's unorthodox negotiation style. The conversation also highlights the complexities of international relations amid the Russia-Ukraine conflict, debates over election integrity influenced by partisan politics, and the militarization of D.C. With wit and depth, the discussion sheds light on the intersection of diplomacy and domestic issues.
163 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 24min
Can Newsom Stop Trump's Steal?
California Governor Gavin Newsom dives into the urgency behind calling a special election to redraw the state’s congressional map, aiming to counteract Trump and Texas Republicans' efforts to manipulate the 2026 midterms. He discusses the challenges of implementing this ballot proposal and the importance of independent redistricting for democratic integrity. The conversation also touches on Trump's authoritative political maneuvers and the need for citizen mobilization against misinformation, blending critical insight with a call to action for voters.
113 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 34min
Trump’s Made for TV Occupation of D.C.
David Kirkpatrick, a staff writer at The New Yorker known for his deep dives into politics, joins the discussion about Trump's actions in D.C. They analyze his controversial deployment of National Guard troops and the implications of federal oversight in the city. Kirkpatrick reveals his investigation into how much the Trump family financially benefits from his presidency, touching on the ethics of profiting from public office. The conversation also covers Trump's shifting views on cryptocurrency and the broader consequences of misinformation in political discourse.
215 snips
Aug 10, 2025 • 1h 16min
Pete Buttigieg Thinks Democrats Can't Go Back
Pete Buttigieg, the former South Bend mayor and Transportation Secretary, shares insights on the future of the Democratic Party. He discusses how much of the current status quo should be restored and how to effectively message around Trump's broken promises. Buttigieg also reflects on JD Vance's rise to power and the values he's compromised. Additionally, topics include gerrymandering, the erosion of trust in political institutions, and the need for cohesive strategies to connect with changing voter demographics.
