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
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.
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.
