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
221 snips
Feb 18, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump's Shocking Cuts to Air Safety and Nuke Inspection
Stephen A. Smith, the legendary sports commentator and potential 2028 presidential candidate, shares his insights on how Democrats are failing to connect with young men. The discussion highlights Trump’s alarming cuts to air safety and nuclear inspections, raising concerns about national security. They also touch on geopolitical tension regarding Ukraine, and the need for the Democratic Party to revive its approach to engage a broader audience, arguing for a shift from traditional campaigning to innovative outreach strategies.
243 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 26min
Is Elon a Drag on Trump?
Rohit Chopra, the former Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, shares insights on his dismissal and the troubling trends for consumer protection. He discusses the aggressive attempts by Trump and Musk to dismantle the CFPB, emphasizing the importance of this agency in safeguarding consumers from corporate exploitation. The conversation highlights the political fallout from proposed budget cuts affecting essential services and asks critical questions about the influence of billionaires like Musk on the government and public perception.
281 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 38min
Will Trump Defy the Courts?
Leah Litman, a legal expert and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives into the tense relationship between Donald Trump and the judicial system. The discussion highlights how federal judges are finally challenging Trump’s authority, raising questions of whether he will comply with their rulings. They explore the implications of executive power, the constitutional crisis sparked by political leaders defying court decisions, and the broader impact on democracy and rule of law.
235 snips
Feb 9, 2025 • 1h 8min
How the Right Took Over the Media
Ben Smith, Editor-in-chief of Semafor and ex-media columnist for the New York Times, joins to discuss the fraught landscape of today's media. He highlights how Trump's tactics have reshaped journalism, turning media narratives into a battleground. The conversation delves into the consequences of corporate consolidation for journalistic integrity and the rise of polarized media consumption. Smith argues that the media's enduring challenges stem from succumbing to personality-driven reporting and warns against the implications for democracy.
231 snips
Feb 7, 2025 • 1h 29min
Trump's War on the U.S. Government
Senator Brian Schatz of Hawaii, a prominent advocate for economic policy and climate change, joins the discussion about the current political turmoil. He highlights the Democratic resistance to Trump's controversial nominees, including a fierce floor battle against his OMB pick. Schatz emphasizes the need for proactive strategies to navigate a shifting political landscape and rally support against harmful initiatives. The conversation also touches on the implications of Trump's Gaza proposal and the vital role of civic engagement in safeguarding democracy.
257 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 29min
Elon Musk's Nerd Coup
Brian Deese, a former economic advisor to Presidents Obama and Biden, joins the discussion to illuminate the economic fallout from Trump's trade war and its implications. The talk dives into Elon Musk's controversial ascendancy within the government, skewering the chaotic grip inexperienced tech leaders may have on key economic systems. They explore how tariff decisions impact international relations with Canada and Mexico, raising concerns about potential economic crises that could reshape American politics over the next four years.
249 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 11min
Trump Heals Grieving Nation
The podcast dives into Trump's controversial responses to a tragic plane crash, exposing his blame on diversity hiring. Discussions include drastic budget freezes and loyalty tests for federal employees, raising questions about accountability. Senator Chris Murphy shares insights on democratic strategies amid rising threats. Critiques highlight how rhetoric surrounding tragedy can undermine compassion and the need for responsible leadership as the opposition rallies against political chaos. There's also a call for improved messaging and community engagement during these tumultuous times.
217 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 27min
Has Anyone Seen the Democrats?
Dara Lind, Senior Fellow at the American Immigration Council, joins to tackle pressing immigration issues. She delves into the complexities of deportation logistics and its humanitarian impacts, particularly for crisis-stricken regions. Lind emphasizes the significant changes brought by the Trump administration and their lasting effects on immigrant communities. The conversation also touches on the political implications of these policies and the necessity for informed public engagement, making it clear why this topic deserves urgent attention.
220 snips
Jan 26, 2025 • 1h 1min
Rachel Maddow on Surviving Trump 2.0
Rachel Maddow, host of MSNBC's The Rachel Maddow Show, dives into the whirlwind of Trump's first week in office. She shares insights on navigating the chaotic news landscape and discusses how embarrassment can be a political weapon. Maddow also highlights the importance of mental wellness amidst turmoil, revealing her unexpected ice fishing strategy. The conversation flows through the absurdities of current politics, the implications of Trump's actions, and the media's pivotal role in safeguarding democracy.
186 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 23min
Trump's Indefensible Pardons
Faiz Shakir, a progressive strategist and candidate for DNC Chair, shares his insights on Donald Trump's controversial pardons for January 6 rioters, calling them a travesty for justice. He discusses the implications for law enforcement and political accountability, as well as the mixed responses within the Republican Party. Shakir emphasizes the need for the DNC to connect with grassroots movements and working-class voters, advocating for stronger communication and engagement strategies to counteract Trump's media dominance.
