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
Oct 17, 2025 • 1h 23min
Dennis Ross: Mideast Momentum & The Long Hard Road to Peace
Dennis Ross, a veteran U.S. diplomat and key figure in Middle East negotiations, dives into the recent Gaza ceasefire brokered by Trump. He discusses the limitations of this achievement and the crucial need for disarmament and U.S. oversight. Ross highlights challenges from past peace efforts, like the failed Camp David summit, stressing the importance of learning from history. He also analyzes Trump's leverage over Netanyahu and outlines a roadmap for sustainable peace, emphasizing the need for reform and international stability.
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 29min
Pablo Torre: Bad Bunny & Bad Ballmer
Pablo Torre, an investigative sports journalist and host of "Pablo Torre Finds Out," joins to delve into the cultural storm surrounding Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime gig and the unfolding controversy with Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. He explores why the NFL chose Bad Bunny amid political backlash and breaks down his exclusive findings that triggered an NBA investigation into Ballmer’s dubious financial maneuvers. The conversation highlights sports as a cultural unifier and examines the dynamics of wealth and power in professional athletics.
Oct 10, 2025 • 1h 23min
Michael Steele: First the Chainsaw, Now the Scythe
Michael Steele, former RNC chairman and MSNBC host, dives into the current political landscape, discussing the looming government shutdown and Democrats’ messaging triumphs. He critiques Pam Bondi's Senate performance and the concerning militarization of cities under Trump. Steele emphasizes the need for 'Team Democracy' to unify and adapt, advocating for proactive Democratic strategies and raising alarms about the dangers of AI in political media. Their conversation shines a light on the evolving challenges within American politics.
28 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 8min
Dylan Byers: Bari's New Perch & Kimmel's Curtain Call
Dylan Byers, a media reporter and editor at Puck, joins to discuss significant shifts in the media landscape. He dives into Bari Weiss's new role as editor-in-chief at CBS News and what it means for the network’s future. Byers explores the implications of Jimmy Kimmel's return after his suspension and the lessons learned by media companies from his situation. The conversation also touches on Hollywood's anxiety over AI advancements with OpenAI's Sora 2 and the Washington Post’s attempts to reinvent its op-ed page under new leadership.
10 snips
Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 11min
Jennifer Palmieri: Dems Are Winning the Shutdown Showdown (So Far)
In a lively discussion, Jennifer Palmieri, former White House communications director for Obama, offers her insights on the recent government shutdown that distinguishes itself with its vindictive nature. She argues that Democrats are effectively leveraging the situation, especially through a focus on healthcare. Palmieri critiques GOP tactics, noting how their missteps aid Democratic narratives. Additionally, she speculates on the positioning of potential 2028 candidates and the evolving political landscape, emphasizing the need for unifying leaders.
5 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 12min
Floyd Abrams: Comey, Kimmel, & Trump’s Limitless Enemies List
Floyd Abrams, a veteran First Amendment lawyer with a rich history of Supreme Court cases, joins to discuss the ongoing threats to free expression under Trump. He highlights the alarming implications of Jim Comey’s indictment and the dangers of weaponizing the legal system against political opponents. They explore the significance of Jimmy Kimmel's return as a symbol of free speech and the chilling effects of FCC threats on broadcasters. Abrams warns against politicization in media regulation and explains the motivations behind right-wing criticisms of these actions.
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
Rahm Emanuel: Jimmy Kimmel Shows Why Growing a Pair > Bending the Knee
John welcomes Rahm Emanuel, a seasoned political figure and likely 2028 presidential candidate. They dive into the impact of Jimmy Kimmel's recent return, highlighting media pressure in the Trump era. Rahm calls for unity among broadcast networks to push back against political coercion and defends the independence of the Federal Reserve against Wall Street's silence. He also talks strategy for Democrats on healthcare cuts and suggests branding a potential government shutdown as the 'Trump shutdown' to sway public opinion. It’s a lively discussion on courage in politics!
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 9min
Drew Nieporent: The Restaurateur Who Remade New York
Drew Nieporent, a veteran restaurateur behind iconic spots like Nobu and Tribeca Grill, dives into his new memoir, sharing tales from the restaurant trenches. He reveals how he transformed New York's dining scene from formal French cuisine to a lively, chef-driven experience. Drew reflects on his complex partnership with Robert De Niro and the heartbreak of being sidelined in the Nobu saga. He also discusses the pandemic's profound impact on dining culture, forever altering the way we experience food.
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 20min
Robert Draper & David Frum: Charlie Kirk Assassination Aftershocks
David Frum, a political commentator and Atlantic staff writer, teams up with Robert Draper, a New York Times reporter, to unpack the political fallout from the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Draper shares insight from Arizona, exploring the shocked MAGA community's reaction and the future of Turning Point USA. Frum discusses the Trump administration's opportunistic response, highlighting threats to democracy and the polarizing effects of this incident on free speech. Tune in for a gripping examination of politics in the wake of tragedy.
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.
