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
Oct 13, 2025 • 56min
WHY ARE THEY ACTING LIKE TRUMP DOESN'T HAVE MUCH TIME LEFT AS PRESIDENT? - 10.13.25
Speculating on Trump's potential exit from the presidency, the discussion reveals a chaotic blend of panic among his allies. They explore how Trump's cabinet, known for sycophantic behavior, simultaneously showcases desperation. The theme of violence underpinning MAGA's power raises eyebrows, while absurd claims and extremist rhetoric echo throughout. Private messages hint at Trump's urgent paranoia, igniting fears of succession. Ultimately, the conversation highlights an unsettling vacuum of viable successors amidst rising anxiety.
7 snips
Oct 9, 2025 • 48min
TRUMP IS TALKING ABOUT HIS MORTALITY AGAIN. AND WEAPONS - 10.9.25
Trump's recent musings on mortality intertwine with threats to jail political opponents, including local leaders. Through manipulation tactics, Stephen Miller reinforces Trump's distorted perceptions, leading to a chilling erosion of democracy. Meanwhile, the media landscape transforms as outlets like CBS News shift towards pro-MAGA narratives, raising alarms about censorship and the blurring line between news and propaganda. Amidst a backdrop of layoffs and a push for ideological conformity, the podcast delves into the alarming state of journalism and political discourse.
15 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 48min
TRUMP SUDDENLY SPECULATING ABOUT A FUTURE WITHOUT HIM - 10.6.25
In a surprising twist, Trump hints at a future without him, raising eyebrows and questions about his mental state. His five-day absence from public life is explored, alongside a bizarre video release that suggests possible health issues. Confused remarks about Osama bin Laden and elections add to the chaos, while Stephen Miller’s violent rhetoric stirs concern. Plus, the fallout from Disney cancellations and Trump allies’ dangerous comments highlight the turbulent political climate. Keith also shares a personal story from his broadcasting journey.
Oct 3, 2025 • 43min
RERUN: COULD TRUMP PASS A SANITY TEST? - 10.3.25
The discussion delves into the intriguing question of Trump's mental fitness, revisiting a detailed 2016 analysis. Using the Hare Psychopathy Checklist, various traits are assessed such as superficial charm, grandiosity, and emotional shallowness. Insights on his manipulative behavior, lack of empathy, and impulsivity are explored. The chilling conclusion suggests he might not pass a sanity test, raising significant concerns about his psychological state. It's a provocative examination mixing humor and critical analysis.
Oct 2, 2025 • 54min
"THE PRESIDENT IS UNWELL" - WHITE HOUSE IN CRISIS - 10.2.25
Concerns about the president's health take center stage, with Representative Madeleine Dean declaring that he is unwell. A deep dive analyzes symptoms of cognitive decline observed during recent speeches, leading to calls for invoking the 25th Amendment. Past warnings about Trump's mental fitness are revisited, highlighting impulsive behavior and patterns of manipulation. An intriguing debate over a psychopathy checklist score suggests significant risks, raising questions about the implications for the nation if these assessments hold true.
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 22min
TRUMP TACOS ON PORTLAND INVASION; HINTS HE CAN BESTOW IMMORTALITY - 9.29.25
Trump is ramping up his intimidation tactics, labeling critics as terrorists and suggesting state invasions. A controversial National Security memo presents broad definitions for dissent as domestic terrorism. Meanwhile, his bizarre claims of granting immortality through a 'MedBed' concept are met with mockery. The podcast dives into parallels with McCarthyism, critiques Democrats' weak responses, and highlights the hypocrisy in Trump's rhetoric against his foes. Personal anecdotes about dog adoption add a heartwarming touch to the serious discourse.
4 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 60min
DEFEATED BY KIMMEL AND AN ESCALATOR, TRUMP SHOULD RESIGN - 9.25.25
A dramatic call for Trump's resignation follows a chaotic 96 hours of blunders, including a bizarre U.N. speech and a controversial news conference. Olbermann dives into Trump's unpredictable embrace of Zelensky and the alarming implications for NATO. He also dissects Jimmy Kimmel’s sharp monologue, which stirs public sentiment against Trump, while detailing Republican paranoia over perceived sabotage at the U.N. Olbermann warns of potential backlash from right-wing media outlets, highlighting their history of fabrications.
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 10min
THE LEFT WINS. SOURCES: KIMMEL COULD BE BACK ON ABC THIS MONTH - 9.22.25
This podcast dives into the surprising potential return of Jimmy Kimmel to late-night television, spurred by a backlash against FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr. The hosts discuss how this controversy could revive late-night franchises and the wider implications of media freedom. They also critique public figures, highlighting Nancy Mace's retweet and others' missteps. Lastly, engaging personal anecdotes illustrate resilience in the media landscape, showcasing how setbacks can lead to redefined careers.
4 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 14min
TRUMP DECLARES CRITICISM OF HIMSELF "REALLY ILLEGAL" - BULLETIN 9.19.25
In a wild Oval Office briefing, Trump claimed that 94-97% of media coverage of him is negative, declaring such criticism 'really illegal.' This bizarre assertion raises serious constitutional questions. Meanwhile, the FCC's pressure on ABC to silence Jimmy Kimmel faced unexpected backlash, even from Ted Cruz. The discussion includes warnings about the dangers of labeling groups like Antifa, emphasizing that a president who prohibits criticism cannot sustain their position. What happens next remains to be seen!
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 3min
KIRK DIED BECAUSE OF TRUMP'S RHETORIC; KIMMEL CANCELLED AS DISNEY FOLDS - 9.18.25
The discussion delves into the troubling consequences of Trump's rhetoric, tying it to recent acts of violence and the culture of political intimidation. It highlights the tragic case of Charlie Kirk, emphasizing the dangers created by toxic political discourse. The podcast also examines the fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's suspension and the broader economic challenges facing late-night television amid corporate pressures. Additionally, there's a tribute to Robert Redford's impactful career, blending nostalgia with personal anecdotes.
