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 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!
Feb 1, 2022 • 59min
"Pardon the Insurrection."
Josh Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Attorney General and 2022 gubernatorial candidate, joins to discuss his campaign's focus on safeguarding democracy amidst rising political tensions. They tackle Trump’s rhetoric around pardoning January 6th insurrectionists, emphasizing its implications for democracy. Shapiro also shares his strategies for engaging voters on crucial issues like voting rights and book censorship in schools. The conversation artfully blends humor with serious political discourse, advocating for imaginative storytelling as a means to mobilize communities.
Jan 30, 2022 • 59min
Offline: Abbie Richards on Fighting Disinformation on TikTok
Abbie Richards, a TikToker and disinformation researcher known for her viral conspiracy theory classification chart, discusses the alarming rise of conspiracy theories on platforms like TikTok. She explains the psychological factors behind why people are drawn to misinformation and shares strategies for combating it. Abbie highlights the importance of educational resources in helping users discern fact from fiction and emphasizes the need for empathy when engaging with those entrenched in conspiracy beliefs. Their open conversation provides insight into navigating these complicated digital waters.
Jan 27, 2022 • 54min
"Rebreyerment."
Kate Shaw, a former Obama White House lawyer and law professor at Cardozo, dives into the implications of Justice Stephen Breyer's retirement. She discusses potential Supreme Court nominees, emphasizing President Biden's commitment to appoint a highly qualified black woman, like Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. The episode also critiques political commentary and explores the confirmation challenges ahead amidst a polarized atmosphere. Shaw's insights shed light on the significance of representation and the far-reaching effects of judicial appointments.
Jan 25, 2022 • 1h 12min
"Cold War, Hot Mic."
Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary known for her sharp communication skills, joins the discussion about escalating tensions with Russia and its impact on Ukraine. They dive into the Biden administration's strategies in this geopolitical landscape. The conversation takes a lighter turn with a hot mic moment involving Joe Biden, revealing the challenges of press interactions. They also discuss voting rights in Florida and the potential consequences of political aggression, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism amid rising authoritarianism.
Jan 24, 2022 • 1min
We’re Going on Tour!
The hosts are hitting the road again for their first live tour in years! They share details about the exciting cities they'll visit and highlight their commitment to COVID-19 safety. Local activism takes center stage as they encourage listeners to get involved and snag tickets fast. It’s a fun blend of politics, engagement, and community—perfect for those passionate about democracy!
Jan 23, 2022 • 57min
Offline: Jenny Odell on How to Do Nothing
Jenny O'Dell, an artist and writer, shares insights from her book, advocating for a mindful approach to life in our fast-paced world. She discusses the value of 'doing nothing' as a resistance to the attention economy. O'Dell emphasizes the mental health benefits of connecting with nature and the importance of meaningful dialogue in the digital age. Through personal stories, she illustrates how moments of curiosity and observation enhance our experiences, encouraging listeners to unplug and truly engage with their surroundings.
