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
10 snips
Oct 30, 2025 • 39min
WHY DO THEY KEEP GIVING TRUMP COGNITIVE TESTS? - 10.30.25
Why do cognitive tests keep popping up for Trump? Keith dives into Mary Trump's insightful question and examines the odd pattern of these tests being scheduled every six months. He ponders the significance of associated MRIs and critiques Trump's boastful comments about his cognitive abilities. The discussion spans Trump's past screenings and perplexing language errors, leading to a chilling analysis of potential extra-constitutional scenarios that could keep him in power. It's a blend of political inquiry and psychological exploration.
23 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 16min
DE-FUND THE TRUMP DICTATORSHIP - 10.27.25
A call to action emerges as one speaker demands blue states to halt federal tax transfers until Trump resigns. He highlights numerous illegal actions taken by the Trump administration, likening them to a dictatorship. Concerns about voter intimidation arise with plans to deploy election monitors in Democratic areas. The controversy continues with critiques of Trump's extravagant proposals and their economic implications on Social Security. Additionally, he scrutinizes the involvement of celebrities in normalizing problematic figures.
13 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 55min
TRUMP DOCTRINE: DESTROY THE WHITE HOUSE, DESTROY AMERICA, GET DEMOCRATS KILLED - 10.23.25
Trump's latest antics signal a dangerous new phase, framing policies that encourage violence against Democrats. Olbermann connects GOP rhetoric to actual threats, including an attempted assassination against Hakeem Jeffries. He explores stochastic terrorism and highlights the DOJ's inaction on these threats. A vivid Twilight Zone analogy illustrates Trump's destructive mindset. Additionally, he critiques Trump's financial motives, while touching on straightforward political missteps and polling insights that challenge Democratic self-criticism.
10 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 55min
AFTER THAT VIDEO, CAN WE GET TRUMP COMMITTED TO A PSYCH WARD - 10.20.25
A provocative discussion unfolds around the potential involuntary commitment of Trump, with one host suggesting his recent AI video symbolizes deeper psychological issues. The analysis explores Trump's erratic behavior and its perilous implications for American politics. Media failures come under fire as major outlets are criticized for downplaying a massive political protest. Additionally, skepticism surrounds a NewsNation town hall, raising questions about authenticity and staged moments. The conversation closes with a humorous short story reading, providing a lighter touch.
14 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 6min
IS TRUMP BOMBING BOATS TO TEST IF HE CAN GET AWAY WITH BOMBING AMERICANS? - 10.16.25
A provocative discussion unfolds about whether Trump’s recent military actions signal a troubling precedent for domestic strikes against those he calls terrorists. The implications of Stephen Miller’s claims of absolute authority raise alarm bells for civil liberties. Media gullibility is scrutinized as unverified claims are repeated endlessly. Amidst the chaos, a critique of political theatrics around memorials and familial power claims adds depth to the conversation. Plus, a playful nod to Olivia Nuzzi’s new book lightens the mood.
4 snips
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.
