Countdown with Keith Olbermann
iHeartPodcasts
“Countdown With Keith Olbermann,” the landmark news and commentary program that reordered the world of cable news, returns as a daily podcast. Olbermann’s daily news-driven mix will include his trademark “Special Comment” political analysis, the tongue-in-cheek “Worst Persons In The World” segment, and his timeless readings from the works of the immortal James Thurber. The man who turned SportsCenter into a cultural phenomenon will broaden the content to include a daily sports segment, a daily call for help for a suffering dog, and a remarkable series of anecdotes covering a career that stretched from covering the 1980 Olympic Miracle on Ice a month after his 21st birthday, to anchoring the 2009 Presidential Inauguration and the 2009 Super Bowl pre-game show in a span of just twelve days, to rejoining ESPN as a “rookie” baseball play-by-play man at the age of 59.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Jan 29, 2026 • 1h
"THE ART OF THE NO-DEAL" ON ICE - 1.29.26
Fiery critique of ICE and calls to disband or rebuild it under strict bipartisan oversight. Sharp condemnation of Senate weakness over reform and discussion of using political leverage, even shutdowns. Breakdown of Trump administration infighting and reports of his alarming behavior. A new Bruce Springsteen protest song is introduced and played.
8 snips
Jan 26, 2026 • 1h 6min
THE MURDER OF ALEX PRETTI IS TRUMP'S WARNING: SUPPORT ME OR ELSE - 1.26.26
A fiery commentary accusing federal agencies of using violence and intimidation to coerce political support. Discussion of a Minneapolis killing and how officials framed it as a warning. Examination of a public letter demanding voter data and cooperation in exchange for withdrawing enforcement. Calls to defund and shut down abusive federal tactics. Critique of media defenders of violent enforcement.
9 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 49min
TRUMP PLANS 2020 ELECTION INDICTMENTS, SHOW TRIALS - 1.22.26
In a whirlwind of political chaos, Trump drops hints of staging show trials over the 2020 election, potentially involving Maduro as a key 'witness.' Olbermann dissects Trump’s bizarre claims from Davos, where he insists the election was rigged. The discussion spirals into how a fake confession from Maduro could validate Trump’s narrative. Comparisons are drawn to previous Ukrainian schemes while highlighting Trump's erratic mental state and courtroom theatrics. Amidst all this, the host critiques media responses to Trump's antics and explores the absurdity of political loyalty.
9 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 53min
DID CRAZY TRUMP JUST THREATEN TO ARREST JOE BIDEN? - 1.19.26
The discussion dives into Trump's alarming rhetoric about potentially arresting Biden and his obsession with punctuation. Concerns rise over the DOJ possibly acting on Trump's threats, raising fears of violent outcomes. The episode explores Trump's fixation on Greenland and speculates about his use of the Insurrection Act. Additionally, it critiques ICE's actions and highlights public opinion shifting against them. Olbermann also lampoons various media figures and their controversial stances, making for a thought-provoking and entertaining episode.
10 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 55min
TRUMP HAS LOST THE MORAL AUTHORITY TO RULE THIS COUNTRY - 1.15.26
This discussion dives into the erosion of Trump's moral authority, likening his actions to those of King George III. It highlights his hypocrisy regarding protests, his aggressive legal maneuvers, and the unprecedented raid on a journalist's home. Trump’s oppressive tactics and the troubling implications of his visa bans are scrutinized. Suggestions for peaceful resistance are offered, while connections to the Declaration of Independence emphasize the historical parallels with today's challenges. The political landscape is examined, alongside critiques of media complicity.
Jan 12, 2026 • 58min
ARREST THE ICE MURDERER AND IMPEACH KRISTI NOEM - 1.12.26
A shocking cover-up of an ICE murder is at the forefront, with calls for justice and accountability against those involved. Keith critiques the shooter's premeditated behavior and mocks ICE's leadership for their menacing rhetoric. He emphasizes the need for state intervention against federal overreach in Minnesota and urges Democrats to leverage funding against ICE. The community's heartbreak over Renee Good's death is palpable, while a bishop calls for civil protection amidst rising tensions. The discussion turns to the absurdity of political figures, adding a satirical twist.
9 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 57min
TRUMP'S TERRORISM KILLS MINNEAPOLIS POET RENEE GOOD - 1.8.26
A chilling commentary on the fatal shooting of protestor Renee Macklin Good by ICE is framed as domestic terrorism. Keith Olbermann highlights how official narratives contradict video evidence, exposing lies about the incident. He connects Trump's demands for a larger military budget to domestic aggression against civilians. The unsettling connection between Trump's past comments and current violence is discussed. Olbermann emphasizes the need for accountability among officials and critiques the handling of media narratives surrounding the events.
Jan 7, 2026 • 7min
BULLETIN: OUR KENT STATE - ICE KILLS PROTESTOR - 1.7.25
A woman was tragically killed by ICE during a raid in Minneapolis, raising serious questions about the agency's actions. Conflicting claims from ICE about the incident were debunked by video evidence, revealing a shocking truth. Local officials, including Mayor Jacob Frey and Governor Tim Walz, have condemned ICE and taken steps towards accountability. The incident has sparked comparisons to the Kent State protests, highlighting a broader issue of violence against unarmed citizens under the current administration.
14 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 57min
TRUMP MAKES HIMSELF MILITARY DICTATOR OF VENEZUELA - 1.5.26
The discussion revolves around Trump declaring himself the 'El Presidente' of Venezuela, raising eyebrows about legality and authority. Olbermann critiques the potential repercussions of this illegal invasion on both domestic and international fronts. The segment on impeachment reflects a call for accountability, especially focusing on Marco Rubio's misleading claims. Polling data reveals scant public support, while Trump's health narrative undergoes scrutiny. A humorous note is added with comedic interludes, balancing the serious themes.
Jan 3, 2026 • 17min
BULLETIN: TRUMP UNCONSTITUTIONALLY INVADES VENEZUELA, FOR OIL - 1.3.26
A bold assertion about Trump's unapproved invasion of Venezuela takes center stage, highlighting the constitutional crisis at play. The discussion reveals concerns about setting dangerous international precedents, curtailing democracy, and prioritizing corporate interests over ethical governance. Calls for impeachment echo as the dangers of unilateral military actions are dissected. Olbermann warns of potential chaos if global norms are undermined, emphasizing that America risks becoming a 'bandit nation' under Trump’s blatant disregard for law.
