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
72 snips
Nov 23, 2025 • 1h 38min
What Will Democratic Governance Look Like? + Lina Khan (Crooked Con)
Sen. Brian Schatz, a Hawaii representative, discusses Senate strategies to prioritize healthcare affordability. Sen. Ruben Gallego from Arizona pushes for a $20 minimum wage while addressing key policy challenges. Rep. Pramila Jayapal shares House goals focusing on accountability and structural reforms. Lina Khan, the former FTC Chair, dives into antitrust enforcement against big tech and consumer protections, highlighting risks from corporate monopolies and advocating for renewed oversight amid rising AI concerns.
157 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 45min
Trump Calls for Democrats' Executions
Yasmin Raji, the Executive Director of Swing Left, discusses their innovative voter-engagement initiative, Ground Truth, which emphasizes deep listening and building trust with voters. She highlights the importance of early and sustained outreach to strengthen democracy. The podcast also addresses Trump's alarming remarks about executing congressional Democrats and the chaotic fallout from his week, touching on Republican missteps and the implications of legal challenges they face. Raji's insights offer a refreshing perspective on grassroots organizing amidst rising tensions.
48 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 37min
What’s the Story We’re Telling? + Sen. Ruben Gallego (Crooked Con)
Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary, teams up with political strategists Faiz Shakir, Liz Smith, Rebecca Katz, and Adam Jentleson to discuss the need for a cohesive narrative for Democrats. They emphasize bold messaging on affordability and governing accountability. Senator Ruben Gallego shares insights on winning Latino voters and the importance of ambitious policies that promise a better quality of life. He urges the party to take risks to maintain momentum and avoid alienating working-class support while reflecting on the dangers of militarization in politics.
167 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 1h 31min
Did Trump Blow It on the Epstein Files?
Ro Khanna, U.S. Representative and progressive lawmaker, dives into the ramifications of Trump's astonishing reversal on releasing the Epstein files, exploring what this means for GOP dynamics. The discussion shifts to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s makeover and her new stance on Trump, reflecting the shifting power within the party. Khanna also sheds light on U.S. pressure on Venezuela and critiques the administration's military actions and potential legal implications. His insights highlight a turbulent political landscape with far-reaching consequences.
64 snips
Nov 16, 2025 • 1h 36min
What Is the Polling Telling Us About 2026? + Gov. Andy Beshear (Crooked Con)
Join political consultant Sarah Longwell, data analyst David Shor, strategist Terrence Woodbury, and researcher Carlos Odio as they dive into voter dynamics ahead of 2026. They discuss shifting Latino and young voter trends, explore vital issues impacting voter sentiment, and debate strategies for re-engaging disillusioned Democrats. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shares his insights on governing in a red state, focusing on jobs and healthcare, and emphasizes how local issues can energize campaigns and foster community trust.
126 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 1h 33min
Trump's Ballroom Reno Derailed by Epstein
Texas State Representative James Talarico, a rising Democratic Senate candidate, joins the conversation to share his vision for a new Texas. He discusses his decision to challenge Senator John Cornyn, focusing on affordability in housing, healthcare, and childcare. Talarico also presents a balanced view on immigration, portraying Democrats as the anti-chaos party. The hosts dive into the troubling implications of newly released Epstein emails linked to Trump, dissect his questionable economy claims, and tackle the political fallout of these revelations.
52 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 33min
Can Democrats Lose the Downer Image? + Chris Murphy in Conversation (Crooked Con)
Sen. Chris Murphy, an advocate for democracy and gun safety, joins a vibrant panel featuring Hasan Piker, a progressive commentator, and strategists Symone Sanders Townsend and Tim Miller. They dive into the image of Democrats as joyless scolds and explore how humor could be a key to reaching broader audiences. Murphy discusses the urgency of addressing economic issues and the need for authentic messaging. The group also tackles strategies for unified messaging amidst diverse views, emphasizing the importance of connecting with working-class voters.
152 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 16min
Shutdown for What? (Schumer's Version)
Eight Democratic senators broke ranks to strike a deal with Republicans, raising eyebrows among party members. The hosts delve into Chuck Schumer's leadership struggles amid this controversy. Meanwhile, Trump stirs up conversation with preemptive pardons for allies linked to the 2020 election chaos, while Ghislaine Maxwell reportedly enjoys lavish treatment in prison. The podcast also critiques Trump’s appearance at a Washington game amid boos and explores the implications of changing voting rules.
81 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 16min
How Do We Push Back on Authoritarianism? (Crooked Con)
Skye Perryman, a leader in challenging executive abuses, and Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics official, share their strategies for combating authoritarianism. They discuss the impact of rapid response litigation and how to shape public narratives through legal action. Political strategists Alex Ball, Morris Katz, and Samson Signore dive into upcoming election tactics, emphasizing disciplined messaging and persuasion over mere turnout. Their insights on targeting key demographics and employing new media tactics reveal innovative ways to engage voters and counter misinformation.
127 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 46min
Live from Occupied D.C. with Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, joins the conversation to praise grassroots activists after recent Democratic wins and emphasizes the crucial need for youth engagement. U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett shares her insights on the government shutdown and her potential Senate run in Texas. The hosts analyze election data showing surprising voter shifts, while also discussing Trump's proposed focus on affordability and the political ramifications of a potential government shutdown. The lively discussion wraps up with Crockett’s take on why Trump can’t stop mentioning her.
