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
Aug 16, 2021 • 1h 24min
“The Taliban takes Afghanistan.”
Jane Coaston, a New York Times journalist, and Amy Walter, Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report, join the conversation to dissect the Taliban's swift takeover of Afghanistan and the U.S. response. They delve into the complexities of America's withdrawal, unpacking the impact on Afghan allies and veterans. Additionally, Walter shares insights on redistricting following the 2020 Census, exploring how demographic shifts may reshape the political landscape and influence the upcoming elections. Their discussion balances serious global issues with a touch of humor in pop culture.
Aug 12, 2021 • 1h 8min
“Fire sale on Cuomo books.”
Austin Goolsbee, former chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under President Obama and a University of Chicago economics professor, shares insights on pressing economic issues. He delves into the challenges of Biden's economic agenda amidst inflation concerns and the looming debt ceiling crisis, emphasizing the intricacies of bipartisan negotiations. The conversation also touches on the political turbulence following Andrew Cuomo's resignation, exploring the implications of leadership accountability during the Me Too movement.
Aug 9, 2021 • 1h 5min
“No Climate, No Deal.”
Shaniqua McClendon, Crooked Media’s Political Director, dives into the No Off Years campaign, highlighting the importance of continuous political engagement to combat voter suppression. Sheera Frankel, a New York Times tech reporter, discusses insights from her book ‘An Ugly Truth’ about Facebook’s role in misinformation and political discourse. Together, they tackle the urgent need for climate action amid bipartisan dilemmas, while also exploring the challenges of electric vehicle infrastructure and the fight for voting rights in a complex political landscape.
Aug 5, 2021 • 59min
“Biden v. Florida Man.”
Mondaire Jones, a first-term Congressman from New York and an activist for housing issues, joins to discuss critical topics hitting the national stage. He covers the eviction moratorium’s expiration and its impactful protests by fellow legislators. The conversation dives into Biden’s stance on student debt relief amidst rising costs, exploring the president's powers in addressing it. With Democrats facing midterm challenges, they also analyze polling reactions that could reshape their strategies and messaging as they navigate the upcoming elections.
Aug 2, 2021 • 58min
“The Fear Olympics.”
Dr. Ashish Jha, Dean of the Brown University School of Public Health and an expert in global health, joins to discuss the latest CDC guidelines and their implications for the public amid ongoing COVID-19 concerns. The conversation dives deep into how Fox News may be fueling public anger and political polarization. Jha emphasizes the importance of clear communication from health officials as we navigate potential transitions in the pandemic. Expect insights on the vital intersection of public health and the media's role in shaping perceptions.
Jul 29, 2021 • 1h 3min
“1/6 Truth and 1/6 Truthers.”
Marcella Nunez-Smith, White House COVID-19 Equity Task Force Chair and esteemed Professor at Yale, joins the discussion. She delves into the challenges of vaccination hesitance and the urgency of effective communication amidst political upheaval. The conversation highlights the emotional toll of the January 6th insurrection on law enforcement and the pressing need for accountability. Nunez-Smith also examines the evolving electoral landscape, particularly in Texas and California, signaling a shift in voter dynamics and the critical importance of engagement.
Jul 26, 2021 • 55min
"Panic! At The Delta."
Adam Schiff, a U.S. Representative and chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, joins the conversation to discuss pressing political issues. He dives into the ongoing January 6th investigation, emphasizing the challenges of uncovering the truth. The dialogue also tackles the Biden Administration's struggles with COVID-19 and the Delta variant, highlighting vaccine strategies. Additionally, Schiff critiques Donald Trump's influence on the GOP, and they humorously dissect the wild moments from Trump's recent rally, underscoring the absurdities of today's political landscape.
Jul 22, 2021 • 1h 16min
“Both Sides-ing the Insurrection.” (with Mehdi Hasan)
Join Mehdi Hasan, host of the Mehdi Hasan Show on Peacock, and Stephanie Valencia, co-founder of Equis Research, as they dive into the current political landscape. They discuss Biden's town hall, the GOP's internal vaccine wars, and the evolving narratives around immigration. Mehdi shares insights on the 1/6 commission and a humorous take on Tom Brady's critique of Trump. Meanwhile, Stephanie highlights Latino voters' perspectives on immigration and the urgent need for Democrats to address their concerns as they gear up for future elections.
Jul 19, 2021 • 1h 15min
“Is Facebook killing people?” (with Sen. Brian Schatz)
Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, a vocal advocate for climate change and voting rights, joins the discussion. He critiques Facebook's role in spreading vaccine misinformation and emphasizes the need for transparency to combat public health crises. Schatz explores the political landscape around vaccine hesitancy and highlights the urgency of robust climate policies. He also discusses the importance of child tax credits and voting rights advocacy amidst rising authoritarianism, all while sharing lighthearted anecdotes from his time in politics.
Jul 15, 2021 • 1h 16min
“deja coup.”
LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter, shares her insights on the critical state of voting rights in America. She discusses the alarming Republican efforts to suppress democracy and emphasizes grassroots activism's role in combating these challenges. The conversation touches on President Biden's approach to the filibuster and its implications for legislative action. Brown highlights the importance of mobilizing women, particularly Black women, to secure federal voting rights protections ahead of the upcoming elections.
