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
144 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 16min
Trump Cancels Kimmel
Alex Wagner, a journalist and Crooked contributor, joins the discussion as they tackle Trump's media censorship, specifically his influence on pulling Jimmy Kimmel's show. Wagner sheds light on Trump's lawsuit against The New York Times and a MAGA-aligned consortium's attempts to take over TikTok. They also explore the White House's plans to target left-leaning nonprofits and the CDC's controversial new guidelines on childhood vaccinations. The conversation dives into Kamala Harris's upcoming tell-all book, revealing insights into her political dynamics.
121 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 21min
Trump Promises Free Speech Crackdown
Chris Murphy, U.S. Senator from Connecticut and advocate for gun control, joins the conversation to discuss the alarming political rhetoric emerging from Trump and his supporters. They delve into how such statements could threaten free speech and democratic values. Murphy emphasizes the need for Democrats to stand firm against the rising tide of censorship and political violence. Additionally, the discussion touches on the impacts of social media on public discourse and the challenges faced by traditional media, particularly in a polarized landscape.
318 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 28min
The Assassination of Charlie Kirk
Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen joins the conversation, bringing his insights on the rising political violence in the U.S., sparked by the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk. He explores the chilling effects of such violence on civic engagement and the urgent need for unity. Van Hollen also shares his recent visit to Gaza, addressing the dire humanitarian crisis and the shifting sentiments within the Democratic Party regarding support for Israel. His reflections emphasize the importance of empathy and democratic values during turbulent times.
99 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 1h 50min
Trump's Epstein Doodle Grosser than Expected
Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic candidate for governor in New Jersey and former U.S. Representative, joins the conversation to discuss the shocking details of Trump’s creepy doodle and its implications. They dive into the New Jersey gubernatorial race, exploring strategies to counter Trump’s influence. Sherrill also touches on the quirky New Jersey gas pump laws, explaining why locals prefer full service. The discussion balances serious political issues with humor and relatable anecdotes.
234 snips
Sep 7, 2025 • 1h 14min
Heather Cox Richardson on Donald Trump, MAGA and How We Fight Back
Heather Cox Richardson, a renowned historian and author of the popular Substack newsletter, lends her insights on America's political landscape. She draws parallels between the current MAGA movement and historical challenges to democracy. Richardson discusses the ideological shifts within the Republican Party and how they echo past political movements. With a focus on resilience, she encourages embracing historical perspectives to navigate today's complexities and highlights the importance of civic engagement in safeguarding democracy.
161 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.
122 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.
140 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.
