Impolitic with John Heilemann

John is joined by Wright Thompson, master of long-form narrative non-fiction and author of the book Heilemann adjudges the best of 2024 — The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi. Wright explains how he came to write The Barn, in which he blends history, journalism, and memoir to offer a new account of the 1955 torture and murder of 14-year-old Emmett Till a few miles from Wright’s boyhood home in Mississippi; what he learned in the process about race, the South, and himself; and why, now more than ever, the story still matters. Wright also discusses his previous book, Pappyland, about Pappy Van Winkle, the most magical bourbon known to man, and the family that makes it, and his career writing seminal magazine profiles of iconic athletes such as Tiger Woods. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Leitch, founder of Deadspin, and Pablo Torre, former ESPN writer, dive into the year's sports highlights with sharp insights. They discuss the remarkable rise of Caitlin Clark and the WNBA, and how sports provided solace during political tensions. The duo highlights the anticipation for the Paris Olympics and riffs on the evolving nature of sports media. They also tackle the complex role of athletes in activism and can’t resist taking jabs at Aaron Rodgers, blending humor with cultural commentary.

John is joined by his partner and Puck Superfriend Dylan Byers to look back on the year that was on the Byers beat. John and Dylan shake their heads and let the brickbats fly at the sight of a procession of mega-rich entertainment and tech CEOs bowing and scraping before Donald Trump. They also dig into Dylan’s year-end lists of the media industry’s most significant macro trends, its three biggest winners and three sorriest losers; and theorize on why 2024 saw a resurgence in the commercial fortunes and cultural sway of the podcast game. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John is joined by Rob Sheffield—longtime Rolling Stone writer and author of the recent bestseller Heartbreak Is The National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music—to size up the past year in music. Sheffield discusses the final show of the Eras tour (which, naturally, he attended), the otherworldly success of the tour and the album it spawned, The Tortured Poets Department, and Swift's vast cultural and commercial significance. Sheffield also weighs in on Rolling Stone’s Top 10 albums of the year and teases his own forthcoming list, gushes over the new Martin Scorsese-produced Beatles documentary, and reassures Bob Dylan devotees that their fears about A Complete Unknown, the imminent Dylan biopic starring Timothee Chamelet, are misplaced—it’s not bad, says Rob! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this engaging discussion, Senator Chris Murphy from Connecticut shares his critical insights on the current threats to democracy. He warns about the alarming moves by House Republicans and the dangerous influence of billionaires in politics. Murphy highlights the erosion of democratic principles, citing Trump's tactics and the capitulation of corporate titans. Addressing the emotional toll of political fatigue, he stresses the urgent need for Democrats to unite and adopt economic populism to combat rising authoritarianism and secure the future of American democracy.

Dan Pfeiffer, co-host of Pod Save America and former Obama adviser, shares his sharp insights on the political landscape. He discusses Trump’s flood-the-zone strategy and how the Biden administration's inaction on issues like mystery drones presents an opportunity for Democrats to reclaim populism. Pfeiffer argues that outright focusing on Trump can hinder real resistance efforts, and reflects on the need for self-assessment in the Democratic Party following election setbacks. His strategies aim to bridge the gap between elites and working-class voters.

Kurt Andersen, a celebrated writer and former editor of New York Magazine, joins Michael Hirschorn, CEO of Ish Entertainment, to dissect the interplay of reality television and politics. They share amusing anecdotes, including a revelation about a college cocaine dealer turned cabinet member. The duo reflects on the cultural implications of Trump and Musk, while also recommending standout books and shows like 'Wicked' and Kendrick Lamar's latest album. Their insightful banter navigates the blurred lines between performative politics and authentic identities.

Alex Wagner, MSNBC primetime host and former co-star on The Circus, dives into the week's hottest topics. She critiques Trump’s erratic interview commentary on January 6 and the absurd appointment of Kimberly Guilfoyle as ambassador to Greece. Wagner also examines the unsettling cult of personality surrounding accused murderer Luigi Mangione. Plus, she shares her vibrant take on 2024's cultural highlights and reveals her amusing past as the creator of a fictional food blog, The Last Pancake, showcasing her journalistic flair and humor.

John is joined by House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries to discuss this year’s election, next year’s Congress, and the agita about his party’s future. Jeffries argues that although the Democratic performance on November 5 was undeniably “disappointing,” it was hardly catastrophic; that of all of Donald Trump’s disconcerting appointments, RFK, Jr. as secretary of Health and Human Services may be the most dangerous; and that while he disagrees with Mike Johnson about much, he sees the speaker as a “good man” whom he can do business with (neither of which he could say so readily about Kevin McCarthy). Jeffries also describes how his new children’s book, The ABCs of Democracy, was influenced by Schoolhouse Rock, and offers his (solid) list of the all-time top five rap MCs and (unassailable) opinion that The Wire is the greatest TV show ever made. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Pete Wehner, a senior fellow at the Trinity Forum and former advisor in three Republican administrations, digs into the complexities of Donald Trump’s influence on the GOP. He critiques Trump's appeal to evangelical voters and why many overlook his moral failings. They discuss the hollow redemption narratives like that of Pete Hegseth. The conversation takes a hopeful turn as Wehner reflects on the emotional impact of Tracy Chapman's 'Fast Car' duet at the Grammys, suggesting music can bridge divides in these polarized times.