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
101 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 49min
Empire State of Mind
Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and U.S. Senator from Arizona, joins to discuss a political firestorm surrounding Secretary Hegseth's censure against him. He emphasizes the importance of service members standing against illegal orders. The conversation also covers the legality of military actions, especially regarding recent U.S. involvement in Venezuela, and the need for congressional approval for such decisions. Kelly critiques the implications of these actions on global order and advocates for a more restrained approach to military intervention.
65 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 22min
Meet Democrats' Go-To Trump Stand In
Philippe Reines, a veteran Democratic communications advisor and former Hillary Clinton aide, shares his unique experience impersonating Donald Trump for debate prep. He details how he transformed physically and mentally to step into Trump's shoes, including his McDonald's diet and signature mannerisms. Reines emphasizes the importance of debate strategies and their mixed outcomes in elections. He advises Democrats to let Trump self-sabotage while focusing on his vulnerabilities, offering insightful commentary on the art of political debate.
58 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 23min
Is JD Vance the Republican Front-Runner?
The hosts dive into the midterms and speculate on the 2028 election landscape. They brainstorm Republican messaging around affordability while playfully discussing the implications of RFK Jr. on public health. The panel humorously debates J.D. Vance's viability as a nominee and reflects on their previous predictions regarding Trump's administration. Light-hearted segments include a funny discussion on fonts and Lovett's reality TV ambitions, topped off with personal resolutions and favorite books of the year.
76 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 6min
The 2025 Pundies: Highs & Lows from a Long Year
In a hilarious awards show, the hosts celebrate the year's political blunders with categories like the worst self-inflicted scandal and the most irritating public discourse. They humorously debate nominees for the Fluffer of the Year, examine the most entertaining political beefs, and recall their own comical spats with officials. The Epstein files snag the title of Pundie of 2025, while the panel shares rays of hope amidst the chaos. Join the laughter as they recap the highs and lows of a tumultuous political year!
173 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 1h 12min
Rahm Emanuel is Not NOT Running for President
Rahm Emanuel, former White House Chief of Staff and ambassador to Japan, dives deep into Democratic Party strategies and lessons from the 2024 elections. He urges a social media ban for kids under 16 to address educational challenges. Rahm critiques the Democrats' messaging and cultural outreach, emphasizing the need to resonate with middle-class values. He reflects on U.S. foreign policy, including nuanced views on Israel's role and the implications of decisions surrounding Iran. His insights aim to chart a path forward for the Democratic Party.
133 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 24min
Trump White House Secrets Revealed
In a revealing interview, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles spills some eyebrow-raising secrets about Trump and even touches on Ghislaine Maxwell's mysterious prison transfer. Jon and Dan critique Trump's chaotic primetime address and its impact on his media strategy. They tackle the administration's escalating threats toward Venezuela while dissecting Trump’s controversial executive orders on gender-affirming care and medical marijuana. The conversation wraps with outrage over the DNC's decision to bury vital reports, highlighting the cracks within party unity.
147 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 1h 38min
Donald Trump, Empath in Chief
Jake Tapper, CNN's lead Washington anchor and chief correspondent, shares insights on his new book 'Race Against Terror' and discusses the challenges facing his network amid ongoing media industry upheaval. He critiques the Pentagon's strict press access rules, emphasizing the importance of transparency. The conversation touches on the ramifications of covering terrorism in America, the complexities of military trials versus civilian courts, and the political implications of reporting on national security. A thought-provoking exploration of media and accountability!
101 snips
Dec 14, 2025 • 1h 15min
Can Democrats Fight Trump Without Being Defined by Him? (with Gov. JB Pritzker)
J.B. Pritzker, the Governor of Illinois and former businessman, shares insights on resilience in politics and personal growth shaped by privilege and tragedy. He discusses Illinois’ stance against aggressive ICE enforcement and advocates for balanced immigration policies. Pritzker emphasizes the importance of owning the affordability narrative in political discourse and critiques Democrats for chasing Republican agendas. He also reflects on his family's history and defends his controversial Star Wars rankings, while highlighting civic engagement as crucial to democracy.
189 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 1h 33min
Trump's A+++++ Affordability Message
Trump's recent rally features an affordability pitch that's raising eyebrows, especially his suggestion for parents to limit doll purchases. The hosts analyze his surprisingly low approval ratings and discuss Indiana Republicans rebuffing his redistricting efforts. Congressman Adam Smith shares insights on U.S. military strikes and the legal consequences surrounding them. The conversation dives into the challenges Democrats face with messaging on healthcare and immigration, especially in light of recent political dynamics.
141 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 1h 29min
Trump Joins the Streaming Wars
Lucas Shaw, managing editor at Bloomberg News and author of the Screentime newsletter, dives into the fierce bidding war for Warner Brothers Discovery involving Netflix and Paramount. He reveals how President Trump might influence this Hollywood showdown, especially with ties to key figures like Larry Ellison and Jared Kushner. Shaw also breaks down the implications of the merger for the future of entertainment and discusses the intersection of politics and media in shaping industry dynamics.
