Political Gabfest
Slate Podcasts
Voted “Favorite Political Podcast” by Apple Podcasts listeners. Stephen Colbert says "Everybody should listen to the Slate Political Gabfest." The Gabfest, featuring Emily Bazelon, John Dickerson, and David Plotz, is the kind of informal and irreverent discussion Washington journalists have after hours over drinks.Want more Political Gabfest? Join Slate Plus to unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. You can subscribe directly from the Political Gabfest show page on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Or, visit slate.com/gabfestplus to get access wherever you listen.
Episodes
Mentioned books
20 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 20min
2025 Conundrums!
In this lively discussion, Stephen Colbert, a celebrated comedian and television host, joins a trio of hosts to tackle conundrums ranging from the absurd to the philosophical. They humorously explore unsolved mysteries of history, debate who could be an effective dictator, and ponder the significance of past events. Colbert also shares amusing anecdotes from his mock presidential campaigns, while the group contemplates the future of AI and reminisces about life phases, making for an entertaining hour brimming with laughter and insight!
10 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 32min
Gabfest Reads | The Seven Rules of Trust
David Plotz chats with Jimmy Wales, the co-founder of Wikipedia and author of The Seven Rules of Trust. Wales shares insights on fostering trust within digital communities, emphasizing the importance of assuming good faith. He reflects on how Wikipedia's culture can inform today’s polarized social media landscape and discusses challenges posed by AI-generated content. The conversation highlights the need for genuine civility and the value of stable online identities in building lasting trust.
52 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 55min
Susie Wiles is a Sane Enabler
This week, the hosts delve into Susie Wiles' revealing Vanity Fair interview, offering a striking glimpse into the dynamics of Trump's White House. They explore the implications of Wiles’ unexpected candidness and how it reflects power struggles in the administration. The discussion also touches on the mixed unemployment data and its reflection on the economy. Finally, a poignant examination of the rise of antisemitism among young Americans reveals complex societal factors at play. Light-hearted segments add humor to the insightful conversations.
49 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 1h
Civilizational Erasure
Tim Wu, a Columbia Law professor and author, dives deep into the ramifications of the Warner Bros. Discovery sale, arguing that an independent Warner Brothers is crucial for preserving cultural diversity. He highlights the antitrust risks posed by potential mergers with Netflix and Paramount, emphasizing how such consolidation harms competition. The discussion also explores historical protocols for merger reviews to shield them from political influence, and how reduced competition in the streaming market impacts creators and wages.
57 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 1h 13min
Kill Them All
This week, the hosts delve into the dangerous ramifications of a controversial military strike, where survivors were targeted. They explore the implications of the Tennessee special election results for future midterms and debate the strategies Democrats should adopt. The discussion shifts to the potential of self-driving cars as a public health measure, highlighting safety gains and the challenges of public acceptance. Plus, a captivating chat with author Andrew Ross Sorkin on the historic 1929 Wall Street crash adds another layer of intrigue.
51 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 1h 6min
Is This the End of the Trump Era?
This discussion dives into the erosion of trust in government as allegations of DOJ falsehoods surface. The hosts analyze the surprising cordiality between the NYC mayor-elect and Trump, exploring political tactics and implications for party alignments. A closer look at MAGA's fracture highlights tensions around extremism and the role of influential figures. The conversation also touches on Marjorie Taylor Greene's resignation, questioning her motives and future influence. Plus, discover recommendations for film and engaging true crime stories!
73 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 1h 3min
DOJ is DOA
Jake Sullivan, former National Security Advisor, shares insights on the recent visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, discussing the implications for U.S.–Saudi relations. He highlights the strategic benefits for Saudi Arabia, including technology cooperation and investments, while weighing the moral dilemmas tied to Crown Prince MBS's past actions. Sullivan also critiques the risks of transactional diplomacy and underscores the importance of a credible path toward Israeli normalization involving a Palestinian state.
12 snips
Nov 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
Gabfest Reads | Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History
Andrew Ross Sorkin, a renowned journalist and author of financial crises analysis, dives into the 1929 stock market crash. He reveals how optimism and leverage led to the boom and subsequent bust, highlighting key figures like Charlie Mitchell and Jesse Livermore. Sorkin draws parallels to today's financial landscape, discussing the dangers of AI funding and crypto trends. He also explores the human toll of the crash, the political missteps that exacerbated the crisis, and offers a cautious optimism for America's innovative future.
42 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 2min
Who Really Won the Shutdown?
David Leonhardt, editorial director at The New York Times, joins the discussion to unravel the complexities of 'affordability' in current politics. He defines affordability as linked to living standards, emphasizing real income growth and housing costs. The talk explores how everyday expenses like childcare and energy impact budgets, questioning the role of political figures like Trump in affordability issues. Lastly, competing Democratic strategies on addressing affordability highlight the tension between short and long-term solutions.
47 snips
Nov 6, 2025 • 59min
Spectacular Night for Democrats
Recent election results have given Democrats newfound confidence as they strategize for upcoming midterms. A deep dive into legal challenges surrounding Trump's tariffs raises questions about presidential power versus congressional authority. The show's hosts also explore the implications of moderates versus progressives within the party. Additionally, they discuss Gavin Newsom’s potential 2028 presidential ambitions, while touching on the controversial use of SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. It's a blend of political analysis, history, and a sprinkle of lighter topics!
