Pod Save America - podcast cover

Pod Save America

Pod Save Americaaudioboom.com
Pod Save America is a no-b******t conversation about politics hosted by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. It cuts through the noise to break down the week’s news and helps people figure out what matters and how they can help. They’re regularly joined by journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers, and world leaders. You can watch on YouTube or listen to new episodes every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts. 

For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com.

Last refreshed:
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Age Against the Machine

Does Biden really have an "age problem"—and how should he solve it? Jon and Dan dive into the latest polling to see why Biden is neck and neck with a guy facing 91 felony counts. Plus, Congress is back in session, and their first order of business is—you guessed it—impeachment! Later, Franklin Foer stops by to talk about his exhaustively reported new book on Biden, "The Last Politician." For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email t...

Sep 07, 20231 hr 22 minEp. 776

A Very Online Summer (Friends of the Pod Preview)

We're off for Labor Day! Please enjoy this exclusive episode of Terminally Online, our new Subscription show and loosest pod here at Crooked Media. Every week Pod Save America hosts are joined by your favorite Crooked producers and staffers to commiserate about being way too online as they make their shows. Get episodes of Terminally Online, ads free Pod Save America and so much more by signing up for Friends of the Pod at crooked.com/friends .

Sep 05, 202332 minEp. 775

Are Republicans About To Impeach Biden?

Friend of the Pod Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Dan to discuss the latest impeachment madness from the Kevin McCarthy, the Right's plan to destroy government as we know it, and whether Trump miiiight be exaggerating about being more popular than Michael Jackson. Then, Hawaii Senator Mazie Hirono joins the show to talk about recovery efforts in Maui, and Alyssa and Dan answer questions from listeners. To support people impacted by the wildfires in Hawaii, visit the Hawaii Community Foundation , The P...

Aug 31, 202357 minEp. 774

Trump Mugshot-enfreude

Friend of the pod Addisu Demissie joins to discuss the latest Trump indictment news, including the mugshot seen around the world, Saturday’s horrific hate crime in Florida and Vivek Ramaswamy’s bizarre response, and how abortion access will be a key part of upcoming elections in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Virginia. Then White House Economic Advisor Dr. Heather Boushey stops by to talk about Bidenomics and how the White House is taking on inflation, student loans, and housing prices. And later, Halle...

Aug 29, 20231 hr 10 minEp. 773

Who won the first Republican debate?

Ramaswamy dominated, DeSantis dodged, Christie attacked the wrong guy—and Trump and Tucker Carlson talked about Jeffrey Epstein. Tommy and Dan recap the lowest lows of the first Republican debate, and Republican strategist Sarah Longwell joins to explain whether any of this matters to real-life voters. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast....

Aug 24, 202354 minEp. 772

The JV Republican Debate (Preview)

The Republican candidates try to figure out how to debate when the front-runner isn't on stage. The Bulkwark's Tim Miller joins the pod to talk about prep, bad candidates, and whether it's too late for anyone to consolidate the anti-Trump Republican vote. Plus, Vivek Ramaswamy's tennis moves, and our first-ever round of "I'm so Indicted"! For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the...

Aug 22, 20231 hr 4 minEp. 771

Awkward Americans For DeSantis

Donald Trump and his 18 co-defendants prepare to turn themselves in to Fulton County jail. Jen Psaki joins to preview the first debate, laugh about Ron DeSantis’s ongoing struggle to appear human, and talk about how Joe Biden and Democrats should handle Trump’s courtroom campaign. And later, Jon, Dan, and Jen play a round of 2 Takes and a Fake. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name ...

Aug 17, 20231 hr 15 minEp. 770

Indictment (Georgia's Version)

Donald Trump gets indicted for the fourth time for racketeering and other felonies in Georgia. Republican presidential candidates descend on the Iowa State Fair. Merrick Garland gives special counsel status to the U.S. Attorney investigating Hunter Biden. RFK Jr. floats a national abortion ban. And later, Representative Ruben Gallego stops by to talk about extreme heat in Arizona, and his campaign to unseat Kyrsten Sinema.

Aug 15, 20231 hr 27 minEp. 769

My Ohio, My Choice

Ohio voters resoundingly defeat a Republican ballot initiative that threatened democracy and abortion rights. Donald Trump is headed back to court while he awaits a fourth indictment and possibly even more criminal charges. Ron DeSantis shakes up his campaign, again. Donald Trump debates debating. And later, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer stops by to talk about the one year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act and everything happening on Capitol Hill. For a closed-captioned version o...

Aug 10, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 768

Judge May Shush Trump….in America??

Donald Trump threatens witnesses and attacks Jack Smith while his lawyer tests out some novel defense arguments on all five Sunday shows. Mike Pence says he’s open to testifying against Trump. Ron DeSantis finally admits that Joe Biden won the election. Then, Desiree Tims from Innovation Ohio joins to talk about the crucial abortion rights vote happening on Tuesday. And later, Elijah is back for another round of Take Appreciators. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For ...

Aug 08, 20231 hr 16 minEp. 767

Trump's Triple Crown

Alyssa Mastromonaco joins Jon as guest host, and Strict Scrutiny’s Leah Litman breaks down the strength of the legal case behind Trump’s third indictment. Trump’s Republican opponents react to the new felony charges. A New York Times poll has Trump tied with Joe Biden. And later, Halle Kiefer joins for another round of Well, Well, Well, Looks Like Everyone’s A Fucking Lawyer All Of A Sudden. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please ema...

Aug 03, 20231 hr 9 minEp. 766

BONUS: The Jan. 6 Indictment Drops

The January 6 grand jury hands up its indictment of Donald Trump, detailing how he and six co-conspirators knowingly peddled lies in an effort to obstruct the most important function of our democracy—and deprive you of your right to have your vote counted. Jon, Jon, and Tommy react to the indictment's most damning evidence and look at where the investigation could go next. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@croo...

Aug 02, 202330 minEp. 765

Mar-a-Lago's Funniest Home Videos

Donald Trump is still waiting to get indicted for his attempted coup but got a few more charges in the meantime. The Republican presidential primary contenders wake up to the fact that they’re running against a criminal defendant who is still nearly 40 points ahead of them. Sam Alito flips off Congress in the Wall Street Journal while a House Republican screams at some kids. Kevin McCarthy almost comes to blows with Eric Swalwell and Congress investigates if aliens might exist. And later, Tommy ...

Aug 01, 20231 hr 13 minEp. 764

Indictment Excitement (with Chris Christie!)

Mehdi Hasan joins Jon as a guest host. Republicans respond to Trump’s multiple indictments by threatening to impeach Joe Biden based on right-wing conspiracies and no actual evidence. Ron DeSantis fires one-third of his campaign staff including a speechwriter that shared Nazi propaganda online. Joe Biden gets good economic news that could affect his political prospects. And later, the Republican primary comes to Pod Save America as Jon Lovett and Chris Christie sit down to discuss his campaign f...

Jul 27, 20231 hr 18 minEp. 763

Trump's Legal Eras Tour

Trump gets a trial date for his second indictment as his legal problems get worse. A pair of Iowa and South Carolina polls show Trump still crushing the field and officially qualify multiple candidates for the first debate. The DeSantis campaign has finally landed on a "Let Ron Be Ron" strategy. Joe Biden’s campaign builds an unconventional operation to take on the Republican nominee. And later, New York Congressman Dan Goldman stops by to talk about prosecuting Donald Trump and the latest Repub...

Jul 25, 20231 hr 9 minEp. 762

Third Crime's The Charm

Donald Trump faces a third indictment—his most serious yet. Ron DeSantis’s reset isn’t off to a great start and other Republican candidates are climbing the polls in New Hampshire. Joe Biden’s campaign fires its first shots. And later, Mueller investigation prosecutor Andrew Weissmann joins to break down the week’s big legal news. Crooked Media Reads' first book, Mobility by Lydia Kiesling, is out now! Get your copy at www.crooked.com/mobility. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, cli...

Jul 20, 20231 hr 14 minEp. 761

DeSantis DeShakeUp

Ron DeSantis gives us the first campaign shake up of 2024. Joe Biden gets good news on fundraising and the economy. RFK Jr. is caught on tape at his infamous fart dinner saying covid may have been targeted to spare the Jews. And later, Rahna Epting from MoveOn and Matt Bennett from Third Way stop by to talk about the diverse coalition that’s trying to stop No Labels from a third party bid that could elect Donald Trump. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript...

Jul 18, 20231 hr 20 minEp. 760

The GOP Culture War on the Troops

Donald Trump sees winning the presidency as his best chance to stay out of jail. Rupert Murdoch turns on Ron DeSantis and other presidential candidates are now paying voters for the chance to get on the debate stage. Then Dan talks with Pro-Choice Ohio’s Kellie Copeland about the effort to enshrine abortion access into Ohio’s constitution. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of th...

Jul 13, 202353 minEp. 759

Biden Shifts Into Thigh Gear

Republicans set a date for the Iowa caucuses and the sprint to January begins. Ron DeSantis and Chris Christie try out different lines of attack on Donald Trump. President Biden takes on his two biggest political challenges: the economy and his age. And later, Delaware congressional candidate Sarah McBride chats with Lovett about her campaign and her chance to make history as the first openly transgender member of Congress. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a trans...

Jul 11, 20231 hr 12 minEp. 758

The Biden Bump (with AOC!)

Joe Biden launches a new plan to forgive student debt after the Supreme Court strikes down his first attempt. Ron DeSantis attacks Donald Trump for being too supportive of LGBTQ rights. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joins to talk about reforming the right wing Supreme Court and lots more. Then, in a special edition of Two Takes and a Fake, Jon and Dan sniff out the made up reaction from the right over the revelation that lines were crossed and possibly bumped when someone left their nos...

Jul 06, 20231 hr 13 minEp. 757

Governor Jon Favreau? (Subscription Show Preview)

It's 4th of July! No new Pod today but please enjoy this episode of our Subscription show, Terminally Online. Sign up at crooked.com/friends to get weekly episodes, access to the Friends of the Pod Discord community, and, coming soon, ad free episodes of Pod Save America. In this episode Jon Favreau, Dan Pfeiffer, What A Day’s Priyanka Aribindi and producer Elijah Cone talk about Ron DeSantis' bad social media, Barbenheimer, if being a governor is right for Jon and all the other things that made...

Jul 04, 202339 min

Strict Scrutiny on the Supreme Court’s Student Debt Relief and Gay Rights Decisions

The Supreme Court ended its term today with a double whammy, issuing opinions in the 303 Creative case and the student debt relief cases. In the former, the majority creates “a constitutional right to refuse to serve members of a protected class.” And in the latter, the majority invalidates the Biden administration’s student debt relief program because, well, they had feelings about it. We're bringing you the latest bonus pod on these cases from Strict Scrutiny. Hosted by three badass constituti...

Jun 30, 202351 minEp. 756

Supreme Malarkey

Donald Trump can’t stop incriminating himself after he’s caught on tape talking about classified war plans. The Supreme Court rules against affirmative action. Joe Biden delivers a major speech on Bidenomics and White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt stops by to talk about the strategy behind it. Then, the on-again, off-again bromance between Trump and Kevin McCarthy has hit the skids once more. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode...

Jun 29, 20231 hr 16 minEp. 755

Roe vs Republicans

The Republican presidential candidates and Joe Biden battle with each other over abortion a year after the Dobbs decision. The president road tests a new economic message and gets advice about his age from Hollywood. Texas Congressman Colin Allred stops by to talk about his Senate race against Ted Cruz. And later, Jon, Jon, and Tommy take a look at some feuds where it's tough to pick a side in a game called Billion Dollar Baby. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a t...

Jun 27, 20231 hr 25 minEp. 754

Trump's Perfect Interview (plus Jake Tapper!)

Donald Trump employs the novel legal strategy of confessing his crimes on television. Hunter Biden strikes a plea deal with a Trump prosecutor. RFK JR’s anti-vax, anti-wifi candidacy gets a boost from Joe Rogan and Elon’s VC fanboys. And Justice Sam Alito is mad we all found out he got free rides on a billionaire's private jet whose hedge fund he later ruled in favor of. Then, CNN’s Jake Tapper stops by the studio to talk about Trump, CNN, Fox, and his new novel “All the Demons Are Here.” For a ...

Jun 22, 20231 hr 38 minEp. 753

Trump Arraignment Syndrome

Donald Trump turns his federal indictment into a campaign event/fundraiser/birthday party. Chris Christie cannon balls into the CNN townhall waters. Strict Scrutiny host Leah Litman talks about SCOTUS ruling on the Indian Child Welfare Act and what comes next in Trump's legal process. And finally, highlights from California Governor Gavin Newsom taking on Sean Hannity on Fox News. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcri...

Jun 15, 202352 minEp. 752

Re-Indicted And It Feels So Good (with Hillary Clinton!)

Guest host Alex Wagner joins Jon, Jon, Tommy, and Dan live at Tribeca in New York City! Donald Trump gets 37 felony counts related to stealing classified information and lying to the FBI about it while the rest of the Republican field and party tries to figure out how to deal with a twice-impeached, disgraced former president. New York Attorney General Tish James joins to talk about her plans for New York and her ongoing investigation into Trump's crimes. Secretary Hillary Clinton offers her rea...

Jun 13, 20231 hr 33 minEp. 751

Indictment Eve

Donald Trump prepares to be charged with more crimes. Mike Pence and Chris Christie jump into the race with some pointed criticism of the man who almost killed them. Matt Gaetz foils Kevin McCarthy’s plan to protect your gas stove. And later, White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients stops by to talk about the debt ceiling deal and what’s next on Biden’s agenda. For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and in...

Jun 08, 20231 hrEp. 750

Introducing Dreamtown: The Story of Adelanto

Chapter 1: Bug’s Plan. It’s 2014. Adelanto is a bankrupt city in the California desert known for its massive detention centers and not much else. Then, a stranger comes to town with a wild idea to make Adelanto great again: Become the first city in Southern California to legalize commercial weed cultivation. Subscribe to Dreamtown to hear episode two right now, wherever you get your podcasts.

Jun 07, 202334 minEp. 748

12 Angry Hopefuls

The Republican field grows to twelve as the RNC sets new criteria for the first debate. Donald Trump prepares to be indicted again. Ron DeSantis tests out new attack lines in Iowa. Nikki Haley does a CNN Townhall that no one noticed. And Joe Biden takes a debt ceiling victory lap with an Oval Office address, while his anti-vax Democratic challenger RFK Jr. does a Twitter Spaces event with Elon Musk. Then Washington Post writer Ben Terris stops by to talk about his new book The Big Break.

Jun 06, 20231 hr 32 minEp. 749
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android