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 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.
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.
