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
Feb 24, 2022 • 55min
"Putin Chooses War in Ukraine."
Join former Obama administration official Ben Rhodes for an insightful discussion on Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and the multifaceted international response, including economic sanctions and their implications. Later, Democratic strategist Celinda Lake breaks down the National Republican Senatorial Committee's controversial midterm manifesto, spotlighting tax increases on the middle class and the dissonance in Republican messaging. The conversation examines the intersection of foreign policy and domestic voter sentiment as America navigates these pivotal issues.
Feb 22, 2022 • 55min
"Putin Finds His Pretext."
Ben Rhodes, former Obama aide and foreign policy expert, shares his insights on the potential Russian invasion of Ukraine, discussing its significant political and economic repercussions. Leah Litman, a University of Michigan law professor, analyzes the mounting legal troubles surrounding Donald Trump and how these issues might finally catch up with him. Their conversation navigates the complexities of sanctions, diplomacy, and the deeply intertwined relationship between U.S. foreign policy and domestic politics.
6 snips
Feb 20, 2022 • 1h 9min
Offline: Ezra Klein on the Democrat’s Echo Chamber
Ezra Klein, host of The Ezra Klein Show and New York Times columnist, joins the discussion to unpack the polarization shaping today's political landscape. He delves into how social media, especially Twitter, distorts public discourse, creating echo chambers that weaken democratic engagement. Klein emphasizes the Democratic Party's struggle to reconnect with disillusioned voters amidst growing cynicism. The conversation also addresses the need for effective communication strategies to promote progressive policies and the importance of crafting narratives that resonate with the electorate.
Feb 17, 2022 • 1h 6min
"How To Win A Culture War."
Join Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action, as she discusses the historic Sandy Hook settlement with a gun manufacturer, highlighting the significance of legal accountability in gun violence prevention. The conversation shifts to the challenges Democrats face in navigating cultural narratives and ensuring they resonate with voters. Jon Lovett drops in for a humorous debunking of right-wing conspiracy theories, adding a playful twist to serious topics while empowering youth activism for gun safety. It's an insightful blend of advocacy and laughter!
Feb 15, 2022 • 48min
"Fox Trucks Canada."
Erin Ryan, co-host of Hysteria, steps in as guest host to tackle pressing political issues. She discusses the Democrats' need for a better strategy to combat inflation while unpacking the GOP's growing defiance of Donald Trump. The conversation highlights the irony of media portrayals of Canadian truckers protesting vaccine mandates and critiques the disconnect between economic indicators and citizens' realities. With humor, they also debate mask-wearing during the pandemic, reflecting on personal experiences and the absurdities of it all.
Feb 13, 2022 • 49min
Offline: Hank Green on Inspiring Curiosity
Hank Green, an influential internet personality and educator behind Vlogbrothers and SciShow, shares his insights on inspiring curiosity in the digital age. He discusses the evolution of online creativity and community, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking over rote memorization in education. Green explores social media's dual nature, navigating authenticity versus algorithmic demands, and reflects on the emotional toll of public scrutiny. He also highlights the significance of personal connections in a technology-driven world.
Feb 10, 2022 • 1h 4min
"Hangin' with Mike Pence."
David Axelrod, former senior advisor to Barack Obama and director of the University of Chicago Institute of Politics, joins to dissect the Republican Party's current turmoil under Trump. He shares insights on the Democrats' midterm strategies and how they plan to address vaccine misinformation. The conversation dives into the complexities of shifting COVID-19 policies as mask mandates lift, as well as the GOP's struggles with cohesion and political narratives post-January 6. Axelrod emphasizes the need for clarity in conveying public health messages amid evolving challenges.
Feb 8, 2022 • 1h 4min
"Fine, we’ll talk about Joe Rogan.”
Sam Sanders, host of NPR's 'It's Been a Minute,' dives into the tumultuous waters of media controversies and political rhetoric. He tackles the Republican Party's troubling resolution on January 6th, exploring how party loyalty clashes with personal integrity. Sanders also critically examines the contentious impact of Joe Rogan's platform on public trust in media, questioning the responsibilities of streaming services like Spotify. The conversation reveals the challenging dynamics of accountability and misinformation in today's media landscape.
Feb 6, 2022 • 45min
Offline: Roxane Gay on Why People Are So Awful Online
Roxane Gay, a New York Times bestselling author and cultural critic, joins for a thought-provoking discussion on the dark side of online interactions. She shares her decision to step back from Twitter, exploring how accountability has morphed into a toxic landscape. The conversation dives into the roots of online nastiness and the role of political figures in fueling negativity. Gay reflects on collective trauma from COVID-19 and the importance of empathy, while advocating for more positive, nuanced dialogues amid the chaos of social media.
Feb 3, 2022 • 1h
"The Masked Fascist." with Stacey Abrams!
Join Stacey Abrams, a fearless voting rights activist and former minority leader of the Georgia House, as she dives into her gubernatorial run and the fight for democracy. They tackle the alarming rise of fascism in politics, dissect Trump’s influence over voting while urging vigilance against anti-democratic tactics. Abrams also highlights the pressing need for voter engagement in Georgia, advocating for Medicaid expansion and emphasizing the importance of joy and unity in political battles. It's a lively conversation filled with passion and purpose!
