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
44 snips
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 39min
JD Vance Defends Hitler-Loving Racists
Joining the conversation is Senator Brian Schatz, a U.S. Senator from Hawaii, known for his advocacy on civil liberties and bipartisan cooperation. He dives into the implications of the recent government shutdown and remarks on the troubling designation of Antifa as a terrorist organization. Schatz also addresses the potential fallout of expiring ACA tax credits and discusses U.S. military actions in Venezuela. His take on the Young Republicans' leaked racist messages and JD Vance's defense of them adds a provocative layer to the episode.
167 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Trump's Gaza Ceasefire Takes Hold
Leah Greenberg, Co-Executive Director of Indivisible and a prominent activist, dives into the significance of the No Kings protests aimed at combating rising authoritarianism. She passionately defends the movement against accusations of 'hating America,' emphasizing its patriotic roots. The discussion highlights strategies for effective peaceful protests and the importance of leveraging public energy for political impact. Greenberg also addresses challenges posed by governmental pressure on civil society and outlines safety plans for demonstrators.
195 snips
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 50min
President of Peace Invades Chicago (feat. JB Pritzker)
J.B. Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois, discusses his legal strategies against federal troop deployments to Chicago. He delves into the realities of ICE operations, emphasizing community support and rapid response teams. Pritzker also addresses Trump's inflammatory rhetoric and potential threats to democracy, warning about militarized policing during elections. His proactive measures aim to protect Illinois residents and ensure political accountability. The conversation balances pressing state issues with broader implications for civil liberties.
177 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump's War on Blue America
Ben Smith, Editor-in-Chief of Semafor and co-host of Mixed Signals, joins the discussion on media evolution and Trump's influence. They explore Bari Weiss's controversial appointment at CBS and its implications for news coverage. Smith unpacks the challenges facing CBS amidst declining viewership and how Trump's shift to an insulated media bubble impacts information dissemination. The conversation highlights the tension between corporate media and creative talent, including insights on political pressures in today’s media landscape.
162 snips
Oct 5, 2025 • 1h 7min
Roxane Gay on the Myth of Civility
Roxane Gay, a New York Times bestselling author and cultural critic, dives into the complexities of civility in political discourse. She argues that calls for civility often serve to protect the privileged, contrasting it with the urgency of incivility in advocating for accountability. Roxane examines the dangers of the manosphere and emphasizes the need for men to hold each other accountable. She discusses the ongoing importance of feminism and warns about disinformation and authoritarianism in the U.S., advocating for bolder political action to effect change.
82 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 23min
Affordable Healthcare is Worth Fighting For
The podcast dives into the recent government shutdown, driven by healthcare subsidy disputes. It explores Republican strategies that threaten blue states and the political fallout from targeting these areas. There's a lively discussion about how Democrats can effectively respond, especially in the context of healthcare messaging and AI-driven social media battles. The hosts also touch on Trump's military rhetoric and the implications for universities, while highlighting some encouraging news in the realm of free speech and legal victories.
188 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 13min
Can Democrats Win a Shutdown Fight?
Democrats face an impending government shutdown as talks about ACA subsidies stall. The hosts delve into strategies for navigating this political minefield. They also discuss Trump's controversial Comey indictment and his militarized response in Portland. The episode highlights the implications of a new national security directive targeting leftist groups. Additionally, Trump’s dubious Gaza ceasefire plan and an AI-generated video about 'medbeds' stir skepticism and laughter. It's a mix of serious politics and absurdities that provoke thoughtful debate.
178 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 50min
Trump Has James Comey Indicted
Jon Ossoff, a U.S. Senator from Georgia, dives into pressing issues, including his investigations into ICE and the pervasive corruption during the Trump administration. He discusses the alarming trend of weaponizing the Justice Department against political adversaries, particularly the indictment of James Comey. Ossoff also highlights the potential political fallout of a government shutdown and stresses the importance of campaign finance reforms. His call for optimism and active engagement ahead of his reelection signals a determined fight for accountability.
152 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 1h 38min
Kimmel Wins, Tylenol Loses
In this lively discussion, U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, a prominent progressive leader known for her work in consumer protection and healthcare, joins to tackle pressing political issues. She shares her insights on the looming government shutdown and the Democratic strategy to combat cuts in healthcare. The conversation digs into the dangers of corporate influence in politics and public health, particularly in light of controversial claims about Tylenol's effects. Warren emphasizes the importance of safeguarding vaccines and public health initiatives.
271 snips
Sep 21, 2025 • 1h 1min
The Roots of Political Violence and How We Prevent It
Dr. Lilly Mason, a political science professor at Johns Hopkins University, explores the unsettling rise of political violence in America. She analyzes the implications of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and the challenges both parties face in humanizing their opponents. The conversation delves into the influence of presidential leadership and celebrity rhetoric on mitigating violence. Dr. Mason emphasizes the importance of addressing identity politics and emotional narratives to heal societal rifts and restore democratic norms.
