The Bulwark Podcast
The Bulwark
Tim Miller and guests discuss the latest political news for the flagship podcast of the Never Trump movement and the reality-based community. Every weekday we provide insightful analysis, political hot-takes, an unabashed defense of liberal democracy and long-form interviews that cut through the "both-sides" BS. Plus a few laughs to help you wash down the crazy.
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Bulwark+ members can get a totally ad-free version of the show delivered right to their favorite podcast player.
Episodes
Mentioned books
46 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 1h 1min
Morris Katz: Tax the Billionaires
Morris Katz, a young Democratic media strategist and co-founder of Fight Agency, talks about building pro-worker, populist messages that reach rural voters. He discusses persuading voters with economic populism, risks of a MAGA–left alliance, algorithm-driven antisemitism online, and why taxing the wealthy should be central to a broad Democratic coalition.
60 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 1h 10min
Mark Hertling and Ruben Gallego: A Rush to War
Ruben Gallego, a Marine Corps Iraq combat veteran turned U.S. Senator, and Mark Hertling, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and military analyst, discuss the rush to war with unclear planning. They debate mixed political messaging, Iran strike goals, force protection failures, drone threats, and whether operations were hurried to match Israeli timelines.
39 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 56min
Bill Kristol: A Madman's Way of War
Bill Kristol, veteran political analyst and founder of The Weekly Standard, offers sharp commentary on the U.S. strikes on Iran. He and Tim parse the unclear aims, mixed messaging, and possible influence of Israel and Gulf states. They weigh risks of escalation, domestic political fallout, and the constitutional questions about who authorizes war.
39 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 58min
Amanda Carpenter: Let the Media Dinosaurs Die
Amanda Carpenter, writer and editor at ProtectDemocracy.org and former political commentator, brings sharp analysis on DHS actions, surveillance and lawsuits, threats to elections, and the changing media landscape. Short takes explore surveillance red lines, state legal defenses, media consolidation, and culture notes with quick, pointed conversation.
30 snips
Feb 26, 2026 • 56min
Jonathan Chait: The World's Worst People
Jonathan Chait, Atlantic staff writer and political commentator, breaks down corruption, media payoffs, and political optics. He discusses Epstein-related cover-up claims and how they threaten Trump’s coalition. He analyzes crony capitalism around the Michigan-Canada bridge, troubling FBI optics, and why Democrats must reclaim school improvement as a priority.
33 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 58min
Susan Glasser: Trump’s Industrial-Scale Lies
Susan Glasser, New Yorker staff writer and political analyst, offers sharp commentary on Trump’s State of the Union and media maneuvers. She breaks down the speech’s mix of upbeat economic claims and fear-driven immigration rhetoric. They discuss media capture, free speech attacks, shifting Ukraine policy, and dangerous signals on Iran.
51 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 58min
Charles Duhigg: What MAGA Can Teach Democrats
Charles Duhigg, Pulitzer-winning journalist and author focused on communication and organizing, explores why MAGA outperforms Democrats at local turnout and scalable organizing. He traces tactics back to Obama-era playbooks, explains attention-getting campus stunts, and offers communication tips like matching emotion before offering solutions.
52 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 1h 5min
Jonathan V. Last: Trump's Decadence Is Rubbing off on Americans
Jonathan V. Last, editor and political commentator behind the Triad Newsletter, offers sharp takes on Minnesota’s turmoil, national security lapses, and whether Trump is gearing up to strike Iran. He dissects political incentives around Israel, critiques media attention spans, and flags worrying social consequences as norms fray.
65 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 59min
Michael Weiss: Trump’s Fee-Fees Are Hurt
Michael Weiss, investigative reporter on foreign policy and security, joins to unpack Iran, Ukraine, and global geopolitics. They discuss the SCOTUS tariff ruling and who it helped or hurt. Conversation covers U.S. military posture in the Gulf, risks of confrontation with Iran, Europe’s balancing act with Trump, and the fourth anniversary of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
30 snips
Feb 19, 2026 • 39min
Sen. Tina Smith: The Bulwark LIVE from Minneapolis
Tina Smith, junior U.S. senator from Minnesota and former lieutenant governor, talks community organizing and Minnesota's 'radical empathy' that protected immigrants. She critiques ICE operations and federal overreach. She warns about unchecked military action and bemoans broken Senate dynamics. She explains stepping aside to make room for new leaders.
