The Next Level - podcast cover

The Next Level

The Bulwarkwww.thebulwark.com
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last bring their signature political insight and banter to the masses in The Next Level podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss the news of the week, break down campaigns and elections, and wade into pop culture feuds. www.thebulwark.com
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Episodes

Daddy Issues (with Ryan Holiday)

In the lead up to Father’s Day, author and podcast host Ryan Holiday joins Tim and JVL to talk the rewards and tribulations of being a dad. Ryan also talks to Tim about their similar experiences setting aside their less than moral professional careers to pursue more rewarding livelihoods. Plus, Tim and JVL discuss the second indictment of Trump and the damning evidence against him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 11, 20231 hr 3 min

Indictment: Part Deux (The Secret Podcast)

Sarah and JVL talk about the big indictment. What it means for the Republican primary. How the Triangle of Doom is operating. And whether there’s any way out of this thing. The Secret pod is almost always locked for Bulwark+ members but this week we’re making the entire thing available to everyone, because it’s an important moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 09, 202337 min

The Problem with CNN (with Sonny Bunch)

Sonny joins JVL and Sarah to talk the ouster of Chris Licht from CNN after a devastating profile by Tim Alberta. Plus, Chris Christie and Mike Pence official enter the 2024 primary, the Saudis take over pro-golf, and Marjorie Taylor Greene is becoming more mainstream, alienating her from the other fringe members of her party. Watch the gang record this episode our official YouTube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXgljzlXOIE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.co...

Jun 07, 202345 min

Why Aren't You Angrier? (with Chasten Buttigieg)

On a special Pride edition of TNL Sunday, Chasten Buttigieg joins Tim to discuss his new book, Josh Hawley's "Manhood," Ted Cruz's Uganda comments, and being a new parent while under the spotlight. Watch Tim interview Chasten here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=426Tjzws4kI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 04, 202350 min

Our Kevin (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)

Sarah and JVL go to a perplexing place trying to figure out if the (very valuable) short-term good Kevin McCarthy has done regarding governing outweighs the long-term danger of normalizing white nationalists, insurrectionists, and other assorted crazies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 02, 202317 min

More Extreme. Less Dangerous. Equally MAGA.

Republicans and President Joe Biden worked out a debt ceiling deal where Democrats gave major concessions ... and yet Speaker Kevin McCarthy is still being accused of caving to the libs. The gang also debates who's more MAGA: Ron DeSantis or Donald Trump? Plus, Chris Christie appears ready to launch another presidential campaign and Tara Reade moves to Russia. Watch the gang record this episode our official YouTube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzFsrGpTW4E Learn more about your ...

May 31, 202351 min

The Death of the West Wing Dream? (with Bradley Whitford)

Bradley Whitford ( The West Wing , Transparent ) joins the Sunday show to talk The West Wing, criticisms of the show's idealistic politics, and his own evolution into an advocate for liberal causes and much more! Plus, Tim and JVL breakdown DeSantis' attempts to shake off the "establishment" label after his presidential campaign launch. Watch Tim and JVL interview Bradley here : https://youtu.be/6hbDyqu8qOo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 28, 202351 min

The Shape of Things to Come (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)

Sarah and JVL talk about the DeSantis launch, his January 6 pardon weasel words, and the norming of soft-authoritarianism. To get the full episode—and The Secret Podcast every week—join Bulwark+. Go to: https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 27, 202321 min

Countdown to the Edgelord Announcement

It's all about Ron DeSantis and his upcoming announcement on Twitter Spaces tonight. What does the gang think of the move to launch his campaign with Elon Musk? Plus, a riff on Tim Scott's inconsequential run for president and a rant on Nate Silver's Never Trumper critiques. And tune in tonight on YouTube to watch all your favorite Bulwark personalities react to DeSantis' announcement live! Join here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPz-zmDUiuw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

May 24, 202350 min

Anxiety vs Reality (LIVE from NYC with Molly Jong-Fast)

Sarah and JVL are joined by Molly Jong-Fast as part of The Bulwark's live event in NYC! Tune in to hear several "Are we going to fight?" moments while discussing Donald Trump's continuous popularity with Republicans, the cruelty of the latest allegations against Rudy Giuliani, and basically ever current and potential 2024 presidential contender. It's a wild show that you won't want to miss! Subscribe to The Next Level's YouTube channel here : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_lAiayRbLUnTfPebOw-...

May 21, 202359 min

Between Three Ferns (A TNL Livestream)

Sarah, Tim and JVL went live yesterday during their recording to talk Dem wins in traditionally Republican cities, DeSantis' Iowa trip and his allied PAC walking back criticism of Trump, and the idea that Mike Pence might actually jump into the 2024 race. Plus, the gang takes questions from the audience! The Bulwark is heading to the Big Apple for a night of politics, laughs and maybe even a few tears—with special guest Molly Jong-Fast of the Fast Politics podcast. Come meet the gang from The Ne...

May 18, 202353 min

The Dung Faces of Washington (with David Mandel)

Director, writer and producer David Mandel ( Veep , Seinfeld ) sits down with Tim to discuss his new HBO miniseries White House Plumbers and his fascination with the behind the scenes of Washington. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Next week's TNL will be streamed LIVE on YouTube on The Bulwark's main channel. Tune in May 17th at 3 pm EST to watch Tim, Sarah, and JVL record in the same room for the first time in ages! The chat will be open to get ready to ask our hosts your burning questions! Join here : h...

May 14, 202353 min

How Lindsey Graham Became "That Guy" (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)

JVL sits down with Will Saletan to talk about his book on The Corruption of Lindsey Graham. It’s a *much* more free-flowing and philosophical discussion than I’d planned. If you’re game for a journey, you might like it. SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Next week's TNL will be streamed LIVE on YouTube on The Bulwark's main channel. Tune in May 17th at 3 pm EST to watch Tim, Sarah, and JVL record in the same room for the first time in ages! The chat will be open to get ready to ask our hosts your burning que...

May 12, 202326 min

To Elect A Predator

Donald Trump is found guilty of sexually assaulting E Jean Carroll, but no one doubts he's still on a path to the top of the Republican ticket in 2024. The GOP is also sticking by Rep. George Santos after he was indicted by a grand jury on 13 criminal charges. They really know how to pick some good ones! Plus, what do our hosts think of President Joe Biden and Speaker Kevin McCarthy's standoff over the debt limit? And Tucker Carlson announces his return to spewing propaganda on Twitter, while RF...

May 10, 202343 min

Grace, Class, and Poise (with Larry Wilmore)

Tim sits down with Larry Wilmore to talk his career as a comedian, the Democratic party, race in America, and Vice President Kamala Harris on this week’s Sunday show. Plus, Tim and JVL discuss the killing of a homeless black man in New York City that has, once again, divided the country along party lines. The Bulwark is heading to the Big Apple for a night of politics, laughs and maybe even a few tears—with special guest Molly Jong-Fast of the Fast Politics podcast. Come meet the gang from The N...

May 07, 202357 min

How Should the Media Cover Trump?

Today Bill Kristol is in for Sarah and he and JVL talk about CNN’s Trump town hall, the latest Ginni Thomas reporting, and the bizarre reaction of Conservatism Inc. to the ongoing Clarence Thomas story. To get the full episode—and The Secret Podcast every week—join Bulwark+. Go to: https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 05, 202329 min

DeSantis Deflation

The OG trio is back this week to talk the latest poll of GOP primary voters. Spoiler alert: fighting “wokeness” matters, helping Ukraine does not. Plus, Ron DeSantis is imploding before our very eyes, while Trump’s campaign is actually running a coherent operation. Is a repeat of 2020 truly inevitable? And in Texas, the tragic murder of a family gets drawn into immigration politics, while Rep. Colin puts his hat in the ring to challenge Cruz for the Senate. Watch the gang record this episode our...

May 03, 202346 min

Undercover BO$$ (with Rep. Abigail Spanberger)

Rep. Abigail Spanberger, a favorite of Never Trumpers everywhere, joins Tim this week to talk appealing to the middle, the battle of the debt ceiling, her career in the CIA (as much as she's allowed to say), what it's like being a mom while in Congress and much more! Note: This episode was recorded on April 24, 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 30, 202354 min

The Old Man and the Participation Trophy (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)

Sarah and JVL talk about Montana Republicans kicking a trans Democrat out of the chamber, the E. Jean Carroll lawsuit, Nikki Haley’s death pool, DeSantis in Israel, Trump and debates. And then we close out with the scourge of participation trophies. To get the full episode—and The Secret Podcast every week—join Bulwark+. Go to: https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 28, 202323 min

Loser Stench (with Amanda Carpenter)

Both Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon have been kicked to the curb by their employers, leaving us political pundits to wonder what their next move means, and what the future holds for Fox and CNN, respectively. Plus, Ron DeSantis keeps sinking in the polls, while the primary field against Trump has almost evaporated. Will DeSantis even run? And is he trying to match Trump’s crazy by making it easier to enforce the death penalty? Amanda Carpenter subs in for Sarah to discuss! Learn more about your ad...

Apr 26, 202352 min

Backlash & in Heels (with Abraham Josephine Riesman)

Abraham Josephine Riesman, author of The New York Times bestselling book, Ringmaster , joins Tim and JVL to talk WWE wrestling and the latest attacks on trans Americans from the right. Plus, Tim and JVL talk the $5 million Mike Lindell has the pay for his disproven election fraud claims. Watch the gang record this episode here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0u9_tuy9V4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 23, 20231 hr 1 min

He's Running! Joe Biden is Ready to Run it Back for 2024 (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)

Sarah and JVL talk about Biden’s coming reelection announcement and DeSantis’s latest polling drop. Also: If Trump becomes the Republican nominee and you could wave a wand and have any person be the Democratic nominee, who would you pick? To get the full episode—and The Secret Podcast every week—join Bulwark+: https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 21, 202319 min

It's the Mickey Mouse Jail House (with Sonny Bunch)

Fox settled with Dominion Voting Systems for $787.5 million, at the expense of getting Tucker Carlson and Laura Ingraham to testify publicly. Was this the best or worst case scenario? Plus, with his stock in the 2024 presidential horse race sinking, Ron DeSantis picks back up his fight with Disney, threatening to build a jail next to Disney World. Anything beats taking on Trump directly, right? And Democrats are pressuring Sen. Dianne Feinstein to retire as her absence prevent President Biden fr...

Apr 19, 202340 min

Racist Chickens with their Heads Cut Off (with Rep. Gloria Johnson)

Tennessee House Rep. Gloria Johnson joins Tim to talk the insanity that's happened in her state's legislature over the past couple of weeks. She details why she and her Democratic colleagues, Reps. Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones, decided to take action after another school shooting in Nashville. Along with reacting to the racism her Republican peers and the conservative media have shown in the aftermath, Rep. Johnson also gets into the dangerous legislation proposed by the GOP in her state, ...

Apr 16, 202342 min

Ol' Puddin' Fingers (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)

Sarah and JVL talk about MAGA’s new attack on the Great Republican Hope. And about the Heritage Foundation’s strange new respect for socialism. And more! Check out all The Secret Podcast episodes here : https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 202321 min

Spilling the Xi

UPDATE: Rep. Tim Scott revealed he was no longer a virgin in 2012, according to the Daily Mail . Donald Trump joined Tucker Carlson last night to lavish praise on genocidal Chinese President Xi Jinping, among other authoritarian world leaders. Plus, law and order Texas Gov. Greg Abbott plans to pardon a convicted murderer and Tim Scott launches his presidential campaign, while DeSantis waits in the corner and passes dangerous new immigration laws. Show Notes " The Big Break " by Ben Terris: http...

Apr 13, 202344 min

Unacknowledged Bubble Baths (w/ Frank Bruni)

Frank Bruni, veteran opinion writer for The New York Times, joins Tim and JVL on this week's Sunday show to talk Trumps indictment, his esteemed career, which includes covering the President George W. Bush's administration, the future of journalism, modern day challenges to free speech, and much more! Watch the gang record this episode here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2XXMZkdu-M0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 09, 202351 min

The 2024 Spoiler? (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)

Sarah and JVL talk about the potential for Vivek Ramaswamy to fill the Ron Paul lane and how that could hurt DeSantis. And also Clarence Thomas and the burden of having close personal friends who just happen to be billionaires. Check out all The Secret Podcast episodes here : https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 07, 202314 min

The Indicted Demon and the Maligned Angel

Trump's (first) indictment has finally arrived and the GOP is more (publicly) united behind him than ever before. The MAGA base demands loyalty, and even the so-called normies are falling in line. The gang also breaks down Democrats' big win in Wisconsin yesterday and if it's a bad sign for Ron DeSantis. Plus, everyone gives their take on the NCAA women's national championship tournament, as well as how much racism and misogyny was behind the media storm surrounding the Angel Reese. Watch the ga...

Apr 05, 202340 min

On the Emergency Room Table (with Junot Diaz)

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Junot Diaz joins the Sunday show to talk his career and the current political climate in America. They also get into his experience with cancel culture, and if it changed his view of the world. Plus, Tim and Sarah give their thoughts what the Trump indictment means for his re-election campaign. Watch the gang record this episode here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K2dK1BEWqg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 02, 20231 hr 2 min
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