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
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 11min
Tim Miller: Why Iran is Making J.D. Squirm & MAGA Media Melt Down
Tim Miller, a writer for The Bulwark and a former Republican operative, dives into the intriguing split within Trump's base over his military actions in Iran. He explores the tensions among MAGA media figures and the potential fallout for the GOP’s 2028 nomination race. Additionally, Tim reflects on the emotional moments from the New York City mayoral primary, particularly the tearful response from candidate Zohran Mamdani, and highlights the humanitarian issues facing deportees caught in dire situations.
9 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 28min
Jeremy Bash: Point of No Return
Jeremy Bash, former C.I.A. and Pentagon chief of staff, shares his insights on Trump's looming decision about military action against Iran. He delves into the intricate history of Iran's nuclear program and Israel's response. Bash discusses the internal divisions within the Republican Party regarding military strategies and the potential repercussions of Trump's choices. He also critiques Tulsi Gabbard's unconventional attempt to influence Trump through a social media video, adding a layer of political intrigue to the conversation.
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 23min
Tom Nichols: L.A. Was a Dress Rehearsal
Tom Nichols, a U.S. Naval War College professor emeritus and Atlantic staff writer, joins the discussion to analyze Trump’s militarization of law enforcement, particularly in L.A. He argues this is an unsettling dry run for U.S. troops in urban settings. Nichols critiques the erosion of military integrity linked to political influences and the silence of military leaders. He also touches on America’s passive role in global conflicts, notably in Ukraine and Israel, emphasizing the moral complexities of national security.
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 33min
Jeh Johnson: On Trump, Newsom, Noem, Padilla, & America’s Homeland Insecurities
Jeh Johnson, former Secretary of Homeland Security under Barack Obama, discusses the controversial deployment of military troops to manage civil unrest. He shares insights on the implications of using the military for domestic law enforcement and reflects on the complicated dynamics surrounding immigration policies during Trump's administration. Johnson also addresses a controversial incident involving Senator Alex Padilla and critiques a deal his firm struck with the Trump administration, exploring the tensions between law, legacy, and leadership in challenging times.
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 17min
Karen Hao: Superintelligence & Supreme Hype on the A.I. Frontier
In this engaging discussion, Karen Hao, a former Wall Street Journal correspondent and author of 'Empire of AI,' delves into the evolution of OpenAI from altruism to a $300 billion powerhouse. She highlights the skepticism surrounding claims of superhuman AI, questioning the narratives spun by tech leaders that serve their egos. The conversation also touches on the ethical dilemmas of AI's rapid advancements and how they intersect with corporate interests and politics. Hao’s insights challenge listeners to rethink the implications of this technology.
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 31min
Miles Taylor: Anonymous No More
Miles Taylor, former DHS chief of staff and author of the NYT op-ed under the pen name Anonymous, shares his intense battle against an executive order aimed at investigating him. He discusses the personal and professional fallout from being labeled a traitor for standing up to Trump, the legal strategies he's considering, and the broader implications for democracy. Taylor reflects on the moral dilemmas of whistleblowing within a politically charged environment and underscores the urgent need for accountability and unity in facing political power abuses.
7 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 18min
Robert Wolf: Elon’s Adios, Biden Agonistes & The TACO That Ate Trump
Robert Wolf, former CEO of UBS Americas and influential Democratic donor, shares his insights on Elon Musk’s tumultuous departure from politics and Donald Trump’s economic antics. He humorously likens Wall Street's view of Trump to the 'TACO' meme – hinting at his tendency to backtrack on trade issues. Wolf also details how the current economic climate is more fragile than it seems, while reflecting on his support for Biden’s re-election amid growing skepticism about his leadership abilities.
May 30, 2025 • 1h 18min
David Hogg: Hope I Die Before I Get Old
David Hogg, a Parkland survivor and gun control activist, shares his bold vision for the Democratic Party. He reveals plans to allocate $20 million through his PAC to galvanize younger candidates who challenge the status quo. Hogg discusses the backlash from party leaders resistant to change and emphasizes the necessity of grassroots activism for future political reform. He also outlines generational divides in addressing issues like gun safety, drawing parallels between past and present societal threats, making a compelling case for a refreshed Democratic strategy.
May 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
Mark Whitaker: Why Malcolm X Still Matters
Mark Whitaker, former editor in chief of Newsweek and author of "The Afterlife of Malcolm X," explores the enduring relevance of Malcolm X. He delves into the mysteries surrounding Malcolm's assassination and his immense influence on modern social justice movements, notably Black Lives Matter. The discussion also highlights how Malcolm's legacy continues to resonate through hip-hop culture and inspire conversations about equity today. Whitaker emphasizes the complex relationship between Malcolm and Martin Luther King Jr., showcasing Malcolm's lasting impact on American identity.
23 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 18min
Jake Tapper & Alex Thompson: Joe Biden's Sins & His Party's Penance
Jake Tapper, CNN's Washington anchor and author of 'Original Sin', joins Alex Thompson, Axios's national political correspondent, to dissect Biden's presidency and the controversies in their new book. They discuss the cover-up surrounding Biden's declining health and the rising conspiracy theories following his prostate cancer announcement. The conversation dives into the Democratic Party's struggles with transparency and the implications of Biden’s age on the 2024 election, revealing internal dynamics and media scrutiny amid growing public skepticism.
