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 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.
Sep 18, 2025 • 17min
BULLETIN: BOB IGER, ABC AND DISNEY FOLD TO FASCISTS, SUSPEND KIMMEL - 9.17.25
The podcast dives into the controversial suspension of Jimmy Kimmel Live! after his comments on Charlie Kirk's assassination. It examines how political pressures from the FCC and Nexstar influenced ABC's decision. Olbermann highlights the dangers of censorship and discusses Bob Iger's capitulation to these forces. The conversation also touches on the troubling precedent this sets for free speech and the implications for late-night commentary. Expect sharp insights and a critical view on the state of media and democracy.
19 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
KILMEADE: KILL THE HOMELESS. AND THE WORST ATTACKS ON KIRK? BY FUENTES AND LOOMER - 9.15.25
A morning news anchor faces public outrage over shocking comments advocating extreme measures against the homeless. The discussion highlights the dangerous implications of such rhetoric in today's political climate. The conversation also touches on the leadership vacuum in U.S. authoritarian movements and critiques right-wing influencers who mask radical beliefs. Media scandals, political accountability, and the hypocrisy in corporate media further complicate the landscape. This podcast delivers a deep dive into controversial topics shaping current discourse.
7 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 60min
TRUMP DOESN'T REALIZE RUSSIA HAS ATTACKED POLAND - 9.11.25
The discussion kicks off with a sharp critique of the former president's failure to grasp the implications of Russia's drone attack on Poland. Historical parallels highlight the dangers of ignoring international threats. The podcast then dives into pressing energy demands on the U.S. electric grid, suggesting propane as a cleaner alternative. Reflecting on 9/11, it examines the emotional and political repercussions over two decades, and explores media integrity amidst a landscape of political betrayal and journalistic compromises. A mix of humor lightens the weighty themes.
Sep 8, 2025 • 1h 9min
VANCE MUST RESIGN. AND JOHNSON IS STILL CLAIMING TRUMP WITNESSED EPSTEIN - 9.8.25
The Vice President faces harsh criticism for advocating military actions against migrants. As speculation swirls about Trump's alleged ties to Epstein, political hypocrisy takes center stage. Media manipulation is called out when Trump gets booed at the U.S. Tennis Open and major networks choose not to air the truth. Discussions dive into the influence of AI in film restoration and the biases seen in media coverage. Finally, a humorous anecdote about an encounter with Mickey Mantle highlights the intersection of sports and politics.
