Impolitic with John Heilemann
Audacy | Puck
Join Puck’s chief political columnist, MSNBC/NBC News national affairs analyst, and best-selling author John Heilemann as he roams the corridors of power and influence in America on this twice-weekly interview show, taking you behind the scenes and beyond the headlines with the people who shape and shift our culture: icons and up-and-comers, incumbents and insurgents, moguls and machers in the overlapping worlds of politics, entertainment, tech, business, sports, media, and beyond. The conversations are rich and revealing, unrehearsed and unexpected … and reliably impolitic. A Puck-Audacy joint, new episodes drop every Wednesday and Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 2, 2026 • 1h 18min
Laurence Tribe: Immunity, Impunity & Why the Constitution Ain’t Dead Yet
Laurence Tribe, renowned Harvard constitutional scholar and litigator, returns to dissect constitutional chaos and rule-of-law threats. He explores how power grabs turned violent, the courts’ shifting role, the fallout from immunity rulings, and a slate of pivotal Supreme Court cases. He also explains why he critiqued a recent constitutional history and urges defense of constitutional norms.
22 snips
Jan 30, 2026 • 1h 14min
Claire McCaskill: Trump, Bovino, Noem, The Boss & The Streets of Minneapolis
Claire McCaskill, former Missouri senator and prosecutor, brings sharp political and legal perspective. She reacts to the Minneapolis shooting and federal tactics. She critiques Republican leadership and debates DHS, ICE and accountability. They discuss reaching disaffected Trump voters and which Democrats might rise in 2026.
10 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 15min
Patrick Gaspard, Pt. 2: The Audacity of Mamdani
Patrick Gaspard, former Obama political director, DNC chief, and U.S. ambassador, discusses his role advising Zohran Mamdani and what propelled the new mayor’s rise. They compare Mamdani’s style to Obama’s. Conversations cover Mamdani’s controversial call to abolish ICE, strategies to shield New York from federal pressure, and the practical politics of big, transformative promises.
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 5min
Patrick Gaspard, Pt. 1: The Mamdani Whisperer on Year One of Trump 2.0
Patrick Gaspard, a seasoned Democratic strategist and former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa, dives into the tumultuous first year of Trump's second term. He critiques Trump's damaging comments on NATO and explores how such rhetoric emboldens autocrats. Gaspard warns against the complacency of the Democratic Party and the need for innovative messaging, pointing to Zohran Mamdani's ambitious approach as a model. He also discusses the troubling complicity of CEOs in the face of democratic threats and reflects on the deeper societal issues that fueled Trump's rise.
Jan 19, 2026 • 1h 35min
Chuck Klosterman: Are You Ready for Some “Football”?!?!
Bestselling author and cultural critic Chuck Klosterman dives deep into his new book 'Football,' exploring the sport's evolution from America's favorite pastime to a cultural behemoth. He discusses how recent changes in college football reflect broader societal shifts, the impact of NIL on player compensation, and why football's dominance may soon wane. Klosterman also analyzes iconic football films, touches on CTE's influence on youth participation, and speculates on the economic vulnerabilities of the NFL, painting a complex picture of football's future.
11 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 11min
Jason Furman: Jerome Powell, Resistance Hero
In this engaging discussion, Harvard economist Jason Furman, former chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, dives into the state of the U.S. economy as Trump begins his second term. He meticulously fact-checks Trump's economic claims, revealing the realities behind wage growth and tariffs. Furman explores the political ramifications of Jerome Powell's stance against Trump’s attacks on the Fed, highlighting the unusual bipartisan support for Powell. The conversation also touches on global concerns ahead of Davos and critiques Trump's housing and healthcare proposals.
9 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 1h 26min
Michael McFaul Pt 2: Autocrats Versus Democrats in Russia, China & America
Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Stanford professor, dives into the ongoing clash between autocrats and democrats, focusing on the U.S., Russia, and China. He critiques Trump's diplomacy, revealing missed opportunities with Putin and the implications for Ukraine. McFaul discusses the importance of U.S. engagement, contrasting it with isolationism and emphasizing the internal ideological struggle within nations. Historical parallels to past crises are drawn, urging resilience for democracy amid challenges.
8 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 55min
Michael McFaul Pt 1: The Donroe Doctrine = The Dumbroe Doctrine
In this engaging discussion, Michael McFaul, former U.S. Ambassador to Russia and author of "Autocrats vs. Democrats," explores the chaotic nature of Trump’s foreign policy. He critiques the haphazard decision-making processes and how Trump's focus on Venezuelan oil overshadows democratic ideals. McFaul describes the risks of 'gangster diplomacy,' warns against annexing places like Greenland, and highlights potential fallout for NATO and global norms. His insights raise alarms about the dangers of fact-free rhetoric in leadership and the implications for U.S. legitimacy.
9 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 14min
Andrew Weissmann: The Year Just Passed & Year Ahead, Rule of Law Edition
Join Andrew Weissmann, a former federal prosecutor and key figure at the Justice Department, as he reflects on the precarious state of the rule of law in light of Trump's influence. They dissect the implications of the DOJ's handling of Epstein documents and the troubling partisan dynamics affecting legal institutions. Weissmann addresses lack of accountability in high-profile cases, the risks of lawless deportations, and the surprising resilience seen in some judges. It's a candid exploration of hope amid challenges in the legal landscape.
21 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 34min
Ezra Klein: The Year in Politics, Part II
In a riveting discussion, Ezra Klein, the influential New York Times columnist and host of the Ezra Klein Show, dives deep into the 2025 political landscape. He analyzes Trump's evolving strategies and the Democratic Party's tactical wins amidst challenges. Ezra highlights the role of attention in politics, exploring how modern candidates must earn it through risk-taking and authentic messaging. He also reflects on the impact of tariffs, the significance of dialogue about art and politics, and the potential future based on party actions.
