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
Dec 12, 2021 • 1min
Offline: Dr. Vivek Murthy on Defeating Doomscrolling with Human Connection
Dr. Vivek Murthy dives deep into the impacts of doomscrolling on our mental health. He highlights the importance of genuine human connections, especially in these uncertain times. The conversation addresses how the pandemic has intensified our online habits and the toll it takes on emotional well-being. Murthy advocates for a more meaningful and connected life, urging listeners to break away from superficial social media interactions.
Dec 9, 2021 • 56min
"The War on Christmas Trees."
Cornell Belcher, a former pollster for Obama, delves into political strategies and messaging essential for the Democrats. He discusses the party's challenges with Joe Manchin and offers insights on framing Republican extremism as the midterms approach. The conversation touches on the absurdity surrounding the Christmas tree controversy, revealing how right-wing media creates narratives around holiday grievances. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the urgency for Democrats to mobilize younger voters and effectively communicate their achievements.
Dec 7, 2021 • 53min
“Trump’s Covid World Tour.”
United States Senator Chris Murphy, a leader in gun violence prevention, joins to discuss the challenges Democrats face as another Trump presidency looms. He dives into Biden's economic plan, touching on its viability before Christmas. The conversation also explores the White House's diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics amid human rights concerns. Additionally, Murphy emphasizes the urgent need for reform in gun legislation and the importance of maintaining electoral integrity as the 2022 elections approach.
Dec 5, 2021 • 58sec
Offline: Charlie Warzel on Facebook’s Original Sin
Charlie Warzel dives into the darker side of the internet, discussing how its architecture shapes our culture. He argues that our hyperconnected world may be too much for humanity. The conversation highlights the prevalence of online criticism and suggests a shift towards more constructive interactions. With a nod to sustainability, there's also a quirky promotion for organic groceries, blending serious discourse with a light-hearted twist.
Dec 2, 2021 • 58min
“America’s Next Top MAGA.”
Leah Litman, a law professor and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, dives into the potential overturning of Roe v. Wade, discussing immediate repercussions for abortion access in the U.S. She also analyzes the Republican Party's chaotic strategies and infighting, particularly in light of incendiary rhetoric from controversial figures. The conversation shifts to Dr. Mehmet Oz's carpetbagging campaign in Pennsylvania, exploring how celebrity candidacies impact voter sentiment and the future of the political landscape.
Nov 30, 2021 • 1h 12min
“Darkest before the Omicron.”
Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, shares crucial insights on the emerging Omicron variant and its implications for public health. Kal Penn, an actor and former Obama staffer, discusses his new book, bringing humor and personal anecdotes from his journey in politics and entertainment. The conversation dives into the White House's strategies for tackling COVID-19 and offers a critical look at political dynamics surrounding health responses, interspersed with light-hearted reflections on celebrity culture.
Nov 28, 2021 • 1min
Offline: DeRay Mckesson on How Twitter Saved Black Lives
DeRay Mckesson discusses the impact of Twitter on social movements, highlighting its role in the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The conversation delves into the evolution of online activism since the Ferguson protests. Mckesson shares insights on how to engage people face-to-face and emphasizes that Twitter can be a powerful tool for good despite its challenges. The humorous comparison of social media platforms to familiar places adds a lighthearted touch to the serious themes.
Nov 25, 2021 • 1h 2min
"Thanksgiving Mailbag!"
The hosts tackle listener questions, blending politics with Thanksgiving fun. They explore the quirky tradition of turkey pardons and share humorous personal stories. A deep dive into Latino voter engagement highlights how cultural factors shifted their support in recent elections. The discussion also covers the effects of pandemic policies on education and the need for Democrats to adapt their messaging. From political strategies to lighthearted anecdotes, the conversation captures the spirit of gratitude and the importance of activism.
Nov 23, 2021 • 58min
“Kyle Rittenhouse, Right-Wing Hero.”
Join legal expert Melissa Murray, a professor and co-host of Strict Scrutiny, as she breaks down the controversial Rittenhouse verdict and its implications for vigilante culture. They dive into the challenges faced by prosecutors, particularly in a politically charged environment. Murray discusses the media's role in shaping public perception of such cases and the dangerous normalization of violence. They also draw parallels between rhetoric in the Rittenhouse and Ahmaud Arbery cases, urging for active engagement in addressing deep-rooted social issues.
Nov 21, 2021 • 1min
Offline: Stephen Colbert on Finding Laughter in the Darkness
Stephen Colbert discusses his eight-hour-a-day screen habit and advocates for a Twitter-free lifestyle. He reveals the challenges of producing The Late Show during the pandemic and expresses relief at the return of a live audience. The conversation dives into the darker moments of American democracy experienced behind the scenes. Colbert also shares his views on cancel culture and emphasizes the importance of empathy in comedy, proving that laughter can indeed be found in the darkest times.
