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
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
Michael Osterholm: Be Afraid – Very Afraid – of RFK Jr. & The Next Pandemic
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Michael Osterholm, a leading epidemiologist and director at the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, addresses the looming threats to public health under RFK Jr. He critiques the damaging misinformation proliferating in health conversations and highlights the urgent need for effective pandemic preparedness. Dr. Osterholm also shares insights from his new book, stressing that America is woefully unprepared for the next deadly outbreak and advocating for transparency and proactive strategies.
11 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 14min
Frank Figliuzzi: Charlie Kirk’s Killing & America’s Political Violence Crisis
Frank Figliuzzi, a former FBI assistant director with 25 years of experience, joins to dissect the alarming rise of political violence in America. He analyzes the investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk and the troubling implications for national security. Figliuzzi explores how divisive rhetoric fuels this violence, affects both parties, and threatens civic engagement. He also discusses the challenges law enforcement faces amid this escalating crisis and calls for a bipartisan approach to counteract the cycle of fear and violence.
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 9min
Rob Reiner: The Spinal Tap Sequel, Like the Original, Goes to 11
Rob Reiner, renowned for classics like 'This Is Spinal Tap' and 'The Princess Bride', joins the conversation to unveil the journey behind the long-awaited 'Spinal Tap II'. He shares insights on how the original shifted from flop to cult classic, influencing major comics and shows. Reiner reflects on aging rockers, the mockumentary's cultural impact, and the emotional depths of his film 'Stand By Me'. With humor, he explores mortality and personal growth, emphasizing the enduring legacy of creativity and relationships in shaping lives.
Sep 5, 2025 • 57min
Leigh Ann Caldwell: 12 Angry Women (& One Addled Man) Hit Capitol Hill
Leigh Ann Caldwell, Chief Washington correspondent for Puck and an expert in national politics, returns to discuss Congress's high-stakes challenges. She unpacks the emotional testimonies of Jeffrey Epstein survivors calling for justice on Capitol Hill and analyzes the contentious Senate hearing featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Caldwell also shares insights on the fraught atmosphere surrounding a potential government shutdown and the political maneuvers at play as lawmakers navigate these pressing issues.
Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 32min
Jonathan Mahler: NYC’s 1980s Reinvention & The 40-Year Era it Spawned
Jonathan Mahler, a New York Times Magazine staff writer and bestselling author, dives into the vibrant reinvention of New York City in the late 1980s. He discusses iconic figures like Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani, and Donald Trump, revealing how their controversial policies shaped today’s urban landscape. Mahler reflects on writing about the chaotic years of 1986-1988, touching on the intertwined themes of race, crime, and media narratives. With personal anecdotes, he illustrates the complexities of this transformative era that laid the groundwork for modern NYC.
Aug 31, 2025 • 3min
Presenting: The C-Word
Join the hosts as they dive into the lives of women dismissed by society for being 'mad, sad, or bad.' They explore the fascinating stories of icons like Lindsay Lohan and Judy Garland, unraveling the comedic and heartbreaking implications of calling a woman 'crazy.' Through humorous anecdotes and sharp critique, the duo highlights the media's influence on women's narratives and societal expectations. Get ready for a rich discussion that challenges perceptions and celebrates these misunderstood figures.
16 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 40min
Chuck Klosterman: Oasismania Overcomes America
Join Chuck Klosterman, a renowned music and pop culture writer known for his sharp cultural insights, as he explores the recent buzz surrounding Oasis and their thrilling reunion tour. He unpacks their monumental impact during the Britpop era and how the internet has kept the Gallagher brothers in the limelight post-breakup. Klosterman delves into the nostalgia for the '90s fueling this resurgence, while also touching on deeper cultural dynamics and the lasting emotional resonance of their music in today's landscape.
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
James Talarico: Flipping Seats & Flipping Tables in the Lone Star State
James Talarico, a Democratic Texas state representative, former sixth-grade teacher, and pastor, dives into the fiery political landscape of Texas. He highlights a controversial redistricting map favoring Republicans, his role in a bold walkout to oppose it, and its ripple effect prompting other states to respond. Talarico also shares insights from his memorable appearance on Joe Rogan's show and advocates for a more aggressive Democratic strategy. He emphasizes the moral imperative to 'flip tables' to protect democracy from rising extremism.
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
Michael McFaul: Trump’s Red Carpet & Putin’s Middle Finger
Michael McFaul, a former U.S. ambassador to Russia and senior fellow at Stanford, shares his insights on the recent whirlwind of diplomatic events relating to Ukraine. He examines the stark contrast between Trump's opulent meeting with Putin and Zelensky's important visit to the White House with European leaders. McFaul emphasizes the unchanged war aims of Putin and the dire situation Zelensky faces if negotiations fail. He also discusses the complexities of U.S.-Russia relations, the credibility of ceasefire talks, and the enduring geopolitical dynamics at play.
54 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 5min
Dan Pfeiffer: Gavin’s Gamble, J.B.’s Jibes & Other Harbingers of 2028
Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and former top advisor to President Obama, shares insights into the upcoming political landscape as key figures vie for the Democratic Party's future. He dives into Gavin Newsom’s bold redistricting strategy and J.B. Pritzker’s challenge to connect with voters as a billionaire. The conversation also highlights the rising stars in politics like Zohran Mamdani and James Talarico, while tackling the urgent question of how Democrats can effectively combat Trump's resurgence.
