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
Jul 12, 2021 • 1h 19min
“CPAC: The Fascist & The Furious” (with Katie Porter & Dr. Vivek Murthy)
Katie Porter, a consumer protection advocate and California Representative, dives into President Biden’s new executive order targeting big business and antitrust issues. Dr. Vivek Murthy, the U.S. Surgeon General, sheds light on vaccine mandates, the importance of booster shots, and the challenges posed by the Delta variant. They tackle the intertwining of political narratives with vaccine hesitancy, the implications of misinformation from Trump’s recent speeches, and the need for proactive strategies in responding to public health and political challenges.
Jul 8, 2021 • 1h 13min
“Trump Mini-Me’s and Wannabe’s.”
Adam Serwer, a staff writer at The Atlantic and author of "The Cruelty Is the Point," explores the chilling effects of political cruelty in this engaging discussion. He delves into the profound influence of Trumpism on Republican strategies and the normalization of insurrection narratives. Serwer also critiques the use of public mockery in politics, highlighting its emotional toll on victims and its role in perpetuating division. The conversation emphasizes the necessity for Democrats to reframe economic issues to unify a diverse electorate.
Jul 5, 2021 • 1h 26min
“Baby, you’re a firework.” (Fourth of July holiday pod!)
Jason Concepcion, co-host of "Take Line" and NBA enthusiast, and Roger Bennett, broadcaster and author, join for a festive Fourth of July discussion. They dive into the significance of patriotic music, sharing personal favorites and cultural connections. Roger reflects on his immigration journey in his memoir, adding depth to the conversation about identity. The group tackles the narratives shaping American culture, blending humor with critical insights. Expect a lively debate on songs that embody the spirit of America, making this a true celebration of the holiday.
Jul 1, 2021 • 1h 20min
"Criminal Apprentice." (with Anat Shenker-Osorio!)
Communications expert Anat Shenker-Osorio and NBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff join the discussion on Trump’s legal troubles and political strategies for upcoming elections. They delve into the ramifications of Trump's criminal charges on his campaign and the establishment of a select committee to investigate the January 6th attack. The guests explore the importance of integrity, the complexities of political narratives, and the urgent need for effective voter engagement in a polarized landscape. Soboroff also shares insights on immigration policies and the challenges of reuniting separated families.
Jun 28, 2021 • 57min
"MAGA v. The Military." (with Sam Sanders!)
Join NPR's Sam Sanders as they dissect Trump's return to rallies, revealing insights from former AG Bill Barr on his intricate dance with McConnell and Trump. The discussion highlights the Republican obsession with critical race theory hitting the military's approach to education. You'll hear about Tucker Carlson's alarming exposure as a source for reporters and the implications of media narratives around January 6. Delve into the complexities of bipartisan politics while exploring how historical contexts shape current societal challenges.
Jun 24, 2021 • 1h 13min
“Infrastructure 1, Democracy 0.” (with Sen. Amy Klobuchar!)
In this engaging discussion, Senator Amy Klobuchar, a prominent advocate for voting rights and antitrust reform, joins to unpack critical political topics. She addresses the hurdles in advancing the For the People Act due to party infighting and GOP obstruction. The conversation shifts to the recently announced bipartisan infrastructure deal, highlighting its significance amid rising crime concerns. Klobuchar also speculates on the shocking notion of Donald Trump potentially becoming Speaker of the House, weaving humor into the serious political landscape.
Jun 21, 2021 • 55min
“That new Biden smell.” (with Sen. Bernie Sanders!)
Joining the discussion are Melissa Murray, a law professor at NYU and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, and Bernie Sanders, the Vermont Senator renowned for his advocacy for working-class families. They dive into Biden's plummeting approval ratings amidst legislative gridlock, dissect Supreme Court rulings, and explore the critical need for robust voter rights protections. Sanders emphasizes the importance of infrastructure to support ordinary Americans, arguing for a broader definition that includes education and healthcare as vital components.
Jun 17, 2021 • 1h 3min
“Juneteenth and the GOP’s anti-anti-racism.” (with Jelani Cobb!)
Jelani Cobb, a New Yorker staff writer and Columbia professor specializing in race and American history, joins the discussion on the right-wing backlash against teaching about racism in schools. He explores the significance of Juneteenth as a federal holiday and delves into the myths surrounding critical race theory, clarifying its actual academic roots. The conversation also touches on Joe Manchin's legislative hurdles and the shifting dynamics of bipartisanship in voting rights reform, emphasizing the importance of accurate discussions on race in America.
Jun 14, 2021 • 1h 9min
“Trump Leaks and Tax Cheats.” (with Rep. Val Demings!)
In this engaging discussion, Florida Congresswoman Val Demings, a former Orlando Police Chief, sheds light on the Justice Department’s targeting of House Democrats and her campaign to unseat Marco Rubio. The conversation reveals shocking insights into wealthy individuals evading taxes and how this issue should shape the Democratic agenda. The hosts also highlight Biden's overseas trip, sharing funny moments and reflections on political accountability and the urgent need for reform within the justice system, making for an informative dialogue!
Jun 10, 2021 • 1h 4min
“Does size matter?” (with Pete Buttigieg!)
Pete Buttigieg, the first openly gay cabinet secretary in American history and current Secretary of Transportation, shares insights on Joe Biden's rocky start to his agenda. He discusses the challenges of passing the infrastructure plan and the need for bipartisan cooperation while addressing climate concerns. The conversation also highlights legislative victories in urban commuting technology, the media's skewed focus on political failures, and the necessity of ongoing engagement in the post-Trump political landscape.
