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
Oct 26, 2021 • 1h 22min
“How Mark Zucked America.”
Facebook is under serious scrutiny as whistleblowers reveal its dangerous internal practices. The link between January 6th and organized political movements raises chilling questions about accountability and misinformation. Andrew Yang discusses the Forward Party's mission to strengthen democracy amid rising authoritarianism. Meanwhile, the hosts engage in witty banter, navigating the complexities of political polarization, advocating for reforms like ranked choice voting, and emphasizing the importance of bridging the political divide.
Oct 24, 2021 • 1min
Offline: Jia Tolentino on the Internet’s Endless Stage
Jia Tolentino delves into how the internet transforms our lives into constant performances. She discusses the complexities of virtue signaling in politics and the unique challenges posed by being online during the pandemic. The conversation hints at social media's influence on collective emotions and personal experiences, showcasing the irony of modern communication. It's a thought-provoking exploration of how our digital lives intersect with reality.
Oct 21, 2021 • 1h 16min
“Darkest before a deal.”
Join investigative journalist Amy Westervelt, co-host of the climate podcast Hot Take, as she dives into Joe Biden's economic plan and its implications for the environment, especially with Joe Manchin's pivotal role in Congress. They explore the optimism among Democrats for transformative policies amid legislative hurdles. The conversation critiques media narratives surrounding Biden’s press engagement and the pressing need for grassroots activism in climate policy. Discover the complexities of navigating bipartisan support for effective climate action!
Oct 18, 2021 • 1h 15min
“Terry vs. Trump.”
Terry McAuliffe, the former Governor of Virginia, dives into his campaign strategies against Trump supporter Glenn Youngkin. He discusses the urgent need for voter engagement and the implications of Trump's influence on critical issues like reproductive rights. The conversation touches on the chaotic political landscape, navigating bipartisan challenges, and recent developments in voting rights legislation. With a sprinkle of humor, they also critique political punditry, showcasing the absurdities in today's discourse.
Oct 17, 2021 • 4min
Offline with Jon Favreau (coming October 24/sneak peek)
Dive into the complexities of online life and its impact on our brains and society. Explore how social media affects mental health and contributes to internet pranks. Unpack the alienation and polarization caused by our hyperconnected world. Hear insights from a range of guests about fostering genuine human connections. This engaging conversation addresses both the benefits and challenges of living in an online universe, encouraging us to reflect on our digital habits.
Oct 14, 2021 • 1h 7min
"Two Truths & the Big Lie." (with Jen Psaki!)
Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary known for her sharp communication skills, joins Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer to tackle the Biden administration's challenges. They dive into the evolving political landscape, discussing the Build Back Better agenda amidst crises and tensions within the Democratic Party. Psaki shares insights on voter dynamics, particularly the divide between urban and rural electorates. The trio also witfully analyzes the struggles of conveying successes in a crowded media space and critiques the influence of corporate media on public perception.
Oct 11, 2021 • 1h 17min
“Trump’s running again, again.”
Adam Schiff, California Congressman and author of 'Midnight in Washington,' joins to discuss the current political climate. He shares insights on Trump’s potential second presidential run and its implications for the GOP. Schiff highlights the tight race in Virginia and the challenges facing both parties, including voter engagement and the impact of Trumpism. The conversation also delves into the aftermath of the January 6th events and the ongoing threats to democracy, emphasizing the need for activism in these turbulent times.
Oct 7, 2021 • 1h 1min
“Not my default.”
Sean Patrick Maloney, the Chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and representative of New York's 18th district, joins the conversation to unpack the Democratic party's midterm strategies. Topics include Mitch McConnell's recent economic decisions and their potential consequences. The discussion navigates voter turnout disparities and effective grassroots mobilization, while also balancing immediate public benefits against long-term spending implications. Humor emerges through a game rating questionable political takes, keeping the tone lively amidst serious political topics.
Oct 4, 2021 • 51min
“Civility down the toilet.”
Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, a key player in advancing progressive policies as chair of the House Progressive Caucus, shares insights on breaking through legislative gridlock. She discusses the ongoing negotiation of Joe Biden's agenda, emphasizing the need for unity among Democrats despite loud dissent from centrists. The conversation tackles media narratives around these issues and the importance of civil discourse in politics. With a mix of humor, they even explore quirky naming ideas for centrists, blending serious topics with light-hearted banter.
Sep 30, 2021 • 1h 21min
“The fun part.”
In this engaging discussion, Dave Wasserman, U.S. House Editor of the Cook Political Report and a redistricting guru, joins to break down the complexities of the new congressional maps. He highlights how these maps influence control of Congress, particularly amidst the ongoing tension around Biden's Build Back Better plan. The conversation also reveals the significant public support for this legislation in competitive districts, showcasing the complex dynamics between polling data, political strategy, and the role of key senators like Manchin and Sinema.
