Lovett or Leave It - podcast cover

Lovett or Leave It

Crooked Mediacrooked.com
Former Obama speechwriter, comedian and Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett takes the stage for a new season of the hit show that dared guests from Danny DeVito to Amy Klobuchar to ask “What is this?” and “Where am I?” Each week, Jon breaks down the biggest and dumbest stories in politics to help you keep up with and laugh at the news. And this season, stay tuned for big guests and surprising conversations you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes every Saturday morning on your podcast feed and on YouTube. And if you’re in LA, come to a taping. You’ll be amazed by what we cut from the live show. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Lovett or Leave It, Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, and Offline with Jon Favreau, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.

Episodes

In-Seder Trading

Donald Trump tariffies the global economy, SCOTUS is 9-0 for due process, and RFK Jr says you can have one measles vaccine, as a treat. Rachel Bloom and Robby Hoffman gather ‘round to share matzah, marriage advice and mortal terror. Lovett’s mother and future mother-and-law share a mom-umental first meeting on stage, and we close out the show with all the dayenus you can use this Passover week. "Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special" is streaming now on Netflix. Catch Robby Hoffman on "Hacks...

Apr 12, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 397

Martha v. Meghan and SNL v. God

It's a Lovett or Leave It + Terminally Online crossover! We’re dark this week at Dynasty, so instead we’re bringing you a special episode of our subscriber-exclusive show. Lovett stirs the pot with Meghan Markle’s new pasta dish. Pod Save the UK's Nish Kumar finds himself in God’s Country (America) alongside Morgan Wallen. Writer Halle Kiefer finds a BOGO deal for winter boots on TikTok. And producer Elijah Cone steps into the Bali Time Chamber… perhaps forever. For a closed-captioned version of...

Apr 05, 20251 hr 15 min

Freaks and Leaks

The Atlantic posts the receipts, Kristi Noem goes full Viet Cong, and Tulsi Gabbard either lied to Congress or needs a doctor. Plus Barbie Ferreira and Jared Goldstein join to talk theater etiquette, social media insecurities, and the moments in our lives when we fired off errant texts of our own. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast. Upcoming shows: crooked.com/even...

Mar 29, 20251 hr 29 minEp. 396

The Autopen is Mightier

Tattoos get people deported, Tesla gets a plug from the Commerce Secretary, and both the Cybertruck and Statue of Liberty get recalled. Plus Al Franken stops by to talk about SNL at 50 and Democrats at zero. Atsuko Okatsuka attends the Jellicle Ball, whether she wants to or not. And in honor of the seemingly cursed Snow White reboot, we suggest a few reboots of our own. Upcoming shows: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episod...

Mar 22, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 395

Grand Theft Autocrat

This week, getting measles is good for you, and if you believe that, Donald Trump has a Cybertruck to sell you. Tig Notaro and Stephanie Allynne drop by to talk about life, love, death, and documentaries, before two gay relationships are stress-tested to the very brink. Halle reviews a movie that hits close to home. Lovett shares some personal news. And we share a few silver linings, before we all hurry home to our seed oils. Upcoming shows: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of t...

Mar 15, 20251 hr 18 minEp. 394

If You Give a Mouse a Pronoun

This week, DOGE continues to gobble up federal jobs, and the Secretary of Agriculture suggests you suck eggs. Natalie Morales eats in Was I In This? Emily St. James’s new book Woodworking gives us something to chew on. And Lovett digs his teeth into two terrors, cannibalism and high school. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast. Upcoming shows: crooked.com/events. Ord...

Mar 08, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 393

Don't do it, Gayle!

This week, DOJ rickrolls the MAGAverse over the Epstein files, DOGE faces another round of blowback, and Gayle King becomes an astronaut, which we do not support. Plus Jesse Tyler Ferguson orders for the table, Liza Treyger catches 40 winks (and one alleged killer), and we prepare our own list of accomplishments for Elon Musk's inbox. Upcoming shows: crooked.com/events Get your copy of WOODWORKING: http://crooked.com/books For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transc...

Mar 01, 20251 hr 11 minEp. 392

The Trigon of Sadness

This week, Elon Musk revs up his chainsaw to slice through bureaucracy… and our hearts. Donald Trump comes down on Ukraine and Mitch McConnell walks straight into retirement. Tom Green bets the farm on farms. Nori Reed goes hunting for great news. And Lovett and his guests share their country rants until the cows come home. Upcoming shows: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and inc...

Feb 22, 20251 hr 13 minEp. 391

DOGE and Penny Show

This week, Donald Trump squares off against the judicial system, Democrats circle the wagons, and Elon Musk drags his hexagonal ass into the Oval Office. Thomas Lennon runs rings around this week in news. Harvey Guillén and Lovett get caught in a platonic love triangle with ChatGPT, and we come full circle with the forbidden delights of the Can’t Wheel. For upcoming shows, visit: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, ple...

Feb 15, 20251 hr 16 minEp. 390

Who Let the DOGE Out?

This week, Elon Musk is the ghost in the machine, that ghost being Slimer. The Treasury and USAID go down, Democrats stand up, and Mitch McConnell tumbles every which way but loose. Jason Isaacs stops by to share his decades of villain experience. Andy Richter and Paula Poundstone turn over a big rock and recoil at the week in news, and Lovett and his guests hand-select their teeniest, tiniest, pettiest complaints to share with you. For upcoming shows, visit: crooked.com/events For a closed-capt...

Feb 08, 20251 hr 24 minEp. 389

Lovett or Leavitt

Here we are, one thousand years into Trump’s second term, with a brand new Lovett or Leave It! This week, Bernie refuses to baby RFK Jr. and the federal funding freeze sends everyone into a meltdown. Director Kevin Smith stops by to take us down Memory Lane which runs straight through Hollywood. And at long last Lovett sees Emilia Perez and reveals the truth about this film and the French writ large. Week two down. Upcoming shows: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of this episode...

Feb 01, 20251 hr 23 minEp. 388

Hail to the $Chief

WELL here we go again. Trump's pardons, Melania's hat, Elon's gesture, our hell. Comedian Guy Branum and the Scam Goddess herself Laci Mosley stop by to distract us with sweet, sweet television and rate the biggest scams (so far) of the second Trump administration. Plus Oscar nominations, sexually charged honey, and the comfort foods getting us through it all. One week down. Tour dates & cities: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of t...

Jan 25, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 387

DEI Didn’t Start The Fire

And we’re back for our first show of 2025, earnest, eagle-eyed, and already exhausted. This week, Los Angeles battles wildfires, while conservatives battle lesbian firefighters. Ron Perlman brings a bit of Hellboy to the city of angels, while Langston Kerman explores what’s so cool in SoCal. Our audience tells us their top tales of Tinseltown, and Lovett remains vigilant against the coyotes of Griffith Park. Tour dates & cities: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of this episode, ...

Jan 18, 20251 hr 19 minEp. 386

Lovett or Leave It: For Good

Before you snuggle up in front of a roaring fire with your loved ones and watch Conclave as is the new tradition, enjoy this end-of-year gift from the Lovett or Leave It team. That’s right, Kendra, Halle, Lazarus, Chris, Kennedy, and Lovett all hand-wrapped this best-of episode, full of Hollywood tales, existential ennui, gay musings, and the right amount of oversharing, just for you. So go ahead, pour yourself a mug of hot cocoa, Google “Stanley Tucci IMDB,” and take a listen to Jane Fonda, Kat...

Dec 21, 20241 hr 15 minEp. 385

What a Weekday: If You're In Line To Be President, Stay In Line

SoftBank goes hard for oligarchy. Big Tech kisses the ring. Biden quiet quits and commutes the unforgivable. And Trump will see you in court. Plus we hand out our End Of Year Awards to the biggest, oldest, weirdest, and most dead squirrel moments of 2024. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Dec 17, 202444 min

All My Exes Live in Athens

Lovett or Leave It has officially loved and left another perfect year in America. This week, Margaret Cho and Fortune Feimster look back on the moments that red, white and blew our minds in 2024. Luenell brings enough hot, fresh takes to feed us all ’til 2025. Lovett and his guests shake their fists at the holidays, and nine gay little reindeer pull us along for one last Joyride before New Year’s. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, plea...

Dec 14, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 384

What a Weekday: Caught at McDonald's

Trump launches a fragrance and lays out a 100 day agenda (and they both stink!). The internet loses what's left of its mind over a murder. Bashar al-Assad takes a holiday in Moscow, and we hold space for the space being held by the stars of Wicked. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Dec 10, 202450 min

But His Mom's Emails feat. Louis Virtel

Tragically, Lovett entered a catatonic state this week after watching Wicked 24 times in a 72 hour period. Luckily, that gave us the perfect opportunity to welcome Keep It’s Louis Virtel as our substitute host! This week, the Oscar goes to Bruce Vilanch for juiciest behind-the-scenes gossip. Raven Symoné spells out her life in television, and it’s worth way more than seven points. And Louis and the gang pick out the gay gift for the gifted gay in all of our lives. Tour dates & cities: crooked.co...

Dec 07, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 383

What a Weekday: A Tough Monday at the Justice Department

Biden pardons Hunter after all. Trump picks Kash Patel for FBI director, just like the Deep State wanted all along. RFK Jr. and Cheryl Hines invite us into their shower. And Lovett flies off the handle for Wicked and Gladiator II, dog-monkey CGI be damned. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Dec 04, 202446 min

Subscriber Exclusive: Terminally Online

While Lovett or Leave It is on a break this week, enjoy some of the best moments from the Crooked subscription exclusive show Terminally Online. Listen to learn more than you ever needed to know about the nuanced art of Balkan breakfast, RFK’s horny TikTok history, the ghosts in Tucker Carlson’s bedroom, and the complex backstory of the Costco Guys. If you want more, head to Crooked.com/Friends and subscribe! You'll get Terminally Online and other subscriber shows, and it's the best way to suppo...

Nov 30, 202435 min

No Gaetz, No Glory

This week’s show is the gift that keeps on Thanksgiving. Manosphere expert Brad Turbo (Matt Rogers) returns and he’s gobbling up these Trump appointees. Marc Evan Jackson and Wendie Malick make a plate for all their past characters in Was In This This? Lovett carves up some National Dog Show winners, and we all talk turkey about the things we should be more grateful for. Tour dates & cities: crooked.com/events For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this ...

Nov 23, 20241 hr 23 minEp. 382

What a Weekday: Mike Johnson's Rumspringa

Trump adds more haunted dolls to his cabinet of curiosities. Elon Musk is taking the government he purchased out for a joy ride. Matt Gaetz inspires us to ask the important questions like, “Where’s Nestor?” DNC members are pointing so many fingers, they’re going to put an eye out. And we lower P’Nut’s teeny, tiny coffin into the ground for a final goodbye. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and inclu...

Nov 19, 202426 min

Finally, Justice for Matt Gaetz

BREAKING: Donald Trump picks Lovett or Leave it to head Department Of Gay Little Jokes. This week, RFK Jr. worms his way into the new administration, while Matt Gaetz plans a field trip to the DOJ. Colorado Governor Jared Polis walks back his enthusiasm, yet another thing we can’t do if we all get polio, and Lovett and his guests are sorry, but they refuse to apologize. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked...

Nov 16, 20241 hr 11 minEp. 381

The Worst People Are Happy (With Tim Miller)

The worst people believe their worldview has been validated, while the best people are uncertain, scared, and angry. But we have to stay focused on the menace, including the threat to officials Trump may target for revenge—and the immigrants whose cheap and willing labor helped build our economy. Tim Miller joins Lovett for a special crosspost with the The Bulwark Podcast. -- Speech by Otto Wels in March 1933 The 'The Bulwark' Podcast For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . ...

Nov 12, 202452 min

So we ARE going back

This week, Lovett or Leave It takes a big sip of coffee and reads who won the 2024 presidential election. Donald Trump takes the White House, Republicans take the Senate, and RFK Jr. takes the fluoride out of our water the first moment he can. Lovett opens the floor to questions from his audience like, “What the hell?” and “Are you kidding me?" and we cycle through the five stages of being an American, before taking our listeners on a much needed joyride. Tour dates & cities: crooked.com/events ...

Nov 09, 20241 hr 24 minEp. 380

What a Weekday: See You on the Other Side

Kamala closes with hope and SNL. Trump jokes about his enemies being shot. RFK Jr. goes Joker on the water supply. And a surprise poll from Iowa makes us wonder what tomorrow may hold. (RIP P'Nut.) For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected] and include the name of the podcast.

Nov 05, 202449 min

Last Call

It’s official: Lovett or Leave It is a graveyard smash! This week, Donald Trump has plenty of tricks up his sleeve, and their names are RFK Jr., Mike Johnson and Elon Musk. Kamala Harris braves the haunted house that is this final week of horrifying news. Ricki Lake and Lovett are dying to live in the present. Zach Zucker has us all drinking the ghoul-aid, and we wrap up some unfinished business. Speaking of unfinished business, if you can, please fly, crawl or ooze on over to votesaveamerica.co...

Nov 02, 20242 hr 30 minEp. 379

What a Weekday: Closing Arguments (with Senator Bernie Sanders)

Puerto Rican voters roast Trump’s racist MSG rally. AOC and Tim Walz tackle Tony Hinchcliffe while streaming Madden. Trump and Mike Johnson hint at their little secret, and we hope to God it's that they’re in LOVE. And Lovett is joined by Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders to talk about their favorite fall soups. Just kidding! They talk about the election. For the foreseeable future, we’re all going to be talking about the election. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a ...

Oct 29, 202450 min

General Mayhem

This episode of Lovett or Leave It will unlock after you call three friends or loved ones in swing states. Just go do it now, trust us. This week, Colorado Governor Jared Polis reminds you to get off the couch and get out the vote; Ego Dwodim finds out if Father really does know best. Barry Sonnenfeld lifts the veil on Hollywood to reveal a gigantic mechanical spider. And we close out the show by traveling into the unknown… and we’re fine with that! For a closed-captioned version of this episode...

Oct 26, 20241 hr 29 minEp. 378

What a Weekday: Ba Da Ba Ba Ba I'm Losin' It!

14 days! It’s like The Ring times two! This week on What A Weekday, Donald Trump does a dishonest days work at McDonald's. Elon Musk offers a million reasons to vote for the GOP. Liz Cheney reminds us: if you wouldn’t trust Trump to watch your kids, you shouldn’t trust him with the nuclear codes. Cynthia Erivo’s opinion of fan art has changed for good, and Dua Lipa walks so Cher can run. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email t...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 8 min