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 21, 2021 • 47min
What A Year! (LIVE from LA)
Join a lively live event in Los Angeles as hosts revive the highs and lows of 2021 with humor and games. They emphasize civic engagement, spotlighting the Capitol riot and the importance of voter registration. The implications of a Republican House are explored, sparking a discussion about preserving democratic values. From NFTs to holiday gift debates, the atmosphere is filled with laughter. Concluding with a whimsical recap song, the hosts blend music and comedy while celebrating resilience throughout the year.
Dec 19, 2021 • 1min
Offline: Elizabeth Bruenig on Forgiving Trolls and Strangers
Jon interviews Elizabeth Bruenig about the complex nature of forgiveness in the digital age. They delve into the challenges posed by online trolling and the importance of self-reflection. The conversation covers how political polarization and cancel culture affect our capacity to forgive. With insights into navigating negativity, they emphasize the need for understanding and compassion toward our online adversaries.
Dec 16, 2021 • 1h 20min
“Fox’s Insurrection Group Chat.”
Andy Slavitt, former Senior Advisor for COVID Response under Biden and co-host of "In the Bubble," joins the discussion to tackle pressing issues. He emphasizes the importance of vaccinations and booster shots in light of the Omicron variant. The conversation also delves into the ongoing battles for voting rights amid rising political turmoil. Slavitt and the hosts critique media's role in democracy and the challenges of navigating misinformation. They stress the urgency for effective messaging as elections draw near.
Dec 14, 2021 • 51min
“Mark Meadows’ Fascist PowerPoint.”
The discussion reveals Mark Meadows' troubling involvement in the January 6th investigation and his defiance of subpoenas. There’s a humorous take on the struggle of Trump and O'Reilly's live show to fill seats. Conversations about the future of Build Back Better highlight the legislative hurdles faced by political leaders. The impact of Texas' abortion law is examined through the moving stories of those affected, emphasizing the ongoing fight for reproductive rights and the urgent need for electoral integrity.
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.
