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
7 snips
Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 13min
2025 Election Preview with David Axelrod
David Axelrod, former chief strategist for Obama and CNN political analyst, shares insights on the upcoming off-year elections. He highlights the energizing role of young voters in Zohran Mamdani’s campaign and the importance of addressing identity issues in a polarized environment. Axelrod critiques Andrew Cuomo's campaign approach and explains how competitive contests in Virginia and New Jersey can signal national trends. He also discusses the implications of Gavin Newsom's redistricting initiative on California politics and its potential impact on his future.
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 10min
J. Michael Luttig: Trump’s Plan to Be President for Life Is No Joke
J. Michael Luttig, a former U.S. Court of Appeals judge and conservative legal scholar, delves into alarming implications of Trump's ambition for power. He argues that Trump’s claims about future elections shouldn’t be dismissed as jokes; they signify serious threats to democracy. Luttig scrutinizes the potential for Trump to circumvent the 22nd Amendment and highlights dangers of executive overreach. He warns against normalizing anti-constitutional behavior, advocating for public mobilization as a remedy to maintain democratic integrity.
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 39min
Cameron Crowe, Pt 2: Backstage Passes & Lost Youth, Lester Bangs & Jeff Spicoli
Cameron Crowe, Oscar-winning writer-director and former teenage rock journalist, shares captivating stories from his life and career. He discusses his deep connection with rock critic Lester Bangs, revealing how their bond shaped his work. Crowe opens up about the loss of his sister, Kathy, and its profound influence on his writing and family dynamics. He also reflects on reclaiming his youth through 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High,' the writing process behind memorable films, and the powerful moments that defined his journey in Hollywood.
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 22min
Cameron Crowe, Pt 1: The Birth of The Uncool
Cameron Crowe, Oscar-winning writer-director and former rock journalist, shares riveting tales from his teenage years with legends like Led Zeppelin and The Allman Brothers. He delves into how those experiences inspired his classic films, especially Almost Famous. Crowe recounts a memorable encounter with Glenn Frey that made its way into his movies and reflects on the ethical dilemmas faced while writing about rock royalty. His profound relationship with Bob Dylan unveils the unique collaborations that enriched his cinematic journey.
6 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 16min
Ro Khanna: Donald Trump’s Wrecking Ball & The Democrats' New Guard
Ro Khanna, a California Democratic congressman and advocate for economic populism, joins the discussion on Trump’s antics and their implications for democracy. He argues that Trump’s $230 million demand from the Justice Department showcases a government geared towards billionaires. Khanna emphasizes the need for transparency around the Epstein files and critiques the GOP's reluctance to address it. He also discusses his support for insurgent candidates like Graham Platner, calling for more inclusivity within the party while recognizing unexpected alliances.
9 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
Don Lemon: Living La Vida YouTube
Former CNN primetime anchor Don Lemon shares his journey into independent media on YouTube. He discusses the alarming rhetoric surrounding Trump's prosecution of political opponents and the dynamics of recent protests like No Kings Day. Lemon explores the creative freedom he's found outside corporate constraints, touching on his experiences reporting in Chicago and the complexities of local politics. He also reflects on his controversial interview with Elon Musk and the challenges of thriving as an independent voice in today's media landscape.
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.
