The Next Level

Discussion of rising signs the U.S. may be moving toward conflict with Iran, including evacuations and political incentives. Debate over implications of toppling Iran’s regime and shifting American sympathy on Israel. Breakdown of the Ellisons' purchase of Warner and CNN and concerns about media influence. Examination of a DHS-related death, allegations of depraved indifference, and questions of accountability.

They dig into explosive reporting that files tied to Epstein were removed and whether that shielded Trump. They dissect Supreme Court tariff rulings and name three justices they see as reliably partisan. They cover Kristi Noem’s made-up cannibal tale, Laura Loomer pushing pressure on Netflix, a controversial Make-a-Wish meeting with Kash Patel, and a messy Texas Senate primary.

A live Minneapolis roundtable unpacks a spectacle called the Board of Peace and whether it signals a bid for global power. Guests debate military moves near Gaza and Iran, and why other countries pursue Epstein-related justice while U.S. elites mostly avoid consequences. The conversation shifts to Democratic strategy, name recognition for 2028, and the politics of authentic social media.

They unpack a Wall Street Journal exposé about infighting at DHS and whether ICE should stage viral, humiliating raids or operate quietly. They weigh the risks of clownish publicity versus hidden abuses and stress the role of citizen documentation. They also touch on shifting polls that show Biden gaining ground on economic perceptions.

They dissect Trump’s collapsing approval and the risk of a Bush-style political collapse. They dig into how inflation and economic pain are dragging GOP support down. They probe new Epstein-related revelations and the party fractures over who quietly defended whom. They also mock cultural misfires from halftime stunts to international spats and note growing signs of panic in the White House spin.

They unpack a blatantly racist social post and why GOP reactions reveal political cowardice. They discuss how vanity projects and renaming demands distract from policy and alienate voters. They explore institutional decay as media consolidation and power plays reshape accountability.

JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller talk about the new Epstein file releases and what they reveal about elite weakness, Peter Attia’s emails, the effort to rehabilitate Epstein after prison, and why this isn’t “cancel culture.” They also discuss what the FBI's raid of an election center in Georgia and Donald Trump's talk about nationalizing elections means for the midterms and beyond.Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL.Get 30% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpodGet 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA.

JVL and Sarah came in hottt today, angry about . . . all of it? Journalists are now being arrested. Masked DHS agents are still terrorizing Minneapolis. The worst “free speech” people you know are building a state media ecosystem. And the Melania movie is here.Paid members of The Bulwark get access to the FULL episode of The Secret Podcast. Join today on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube.

Sarah, Tim and JVL join to talk about the fallout in Minnesota after Trump pulls Greg Bovino and installs Tom Homan, how voters are reacting, global blowback on Greenland, and what's next.For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting https://Tovala.com/NEXTLEVEL and using code NEXTLEVEL.

JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the latest—from Trump's sinking poll numbers and the Greenland spectacle to escalating ICE actions and local resistance. They also talk about new focus-group findings showing Gen Z Trump voters cooling on JD Vance (and warming to Marco Rubio), react to the White House’s use of AI imagery in political messaging, and critique Jared Kushner’s glossy “Dubai for Gaza” redevelopment pitch, with a look at how Michigan protest politics is landing now.Full episodes of the The Secret Podcast are available to paid supporters of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.