Pod Save the World
Pod Save the World
Each week, “Pod Save America” cohost Tommy Vietor and Obama’s former Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes break down the biggest developments in foreign policy, national security and global politics. They try to explain which stories matter and why, and what we can all do to understand and shape the world around us.
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Episodes
Mentioned books
7 snips
May 13, 2026 • 1h 53min
Keir Starmer’s Last Stand?
Susie Hansen, journalist and author who lived in Istanbul for over a decade, discusses Turkey, Erdogan, and her book From Life Itself. Conversation covers how a neighborhood reveals refugee tensions and rising nationalism. They examine Erdogan’s Islamist-capitalist coalition, Turkey’s role as regional mediator, and how the 2016 coup reshaped politics and civic life in Istanbul.
49 snips
May 6, 2026 • 1h 32min
Bullsh*t Ceasefires Everywhere
Jason Crow, a Colorado congressman on Armed Services and Intelligence committees, weighs in on Iran, war powers, and troop shifts. He debates Project Freedom and naval legal risks. He calls out Pentagon hires and the politics behind troop withdrawals in Germany. Short, sharp takes on oversight, costs, and how military moves reshape alliances.
86 snips
Apr 29, 2026 • 1h 35min
King Trump Welcomes King Charles
Nick Antipov, activist with Democracy Hub who fought Belarusian authoritarianism, and Federica Vinci, program coordinator who helped build an Anti-Authoritarian Toolkit. They discuss practical plays to counter autocrats, using influencer networks, exposing corruption, coordinating parties and civil society, and adaptable organizing tactics worldwide.
95 snips
Apr 22, 2026 • 1h 43min
All the President’s (Corrupt) Men
Nick Enrich, former USAID global health policy director and author of Into the Woodchipper, recounts whistleblower memos and how political appointees gutted health programs. Short, direct takes cover collapsed surveillance and pandemic risks. He also discusses partial contract restorations, agency betrayal, and what rebuilding USAID would require.
100 snips
Apr 15, 2026 • 1h 38min
JD Vance’s Global Humiliation
Anand Gopal, award-winning journalist who reports on the Middle East, discusses his book Days of Love and Rage and his reporting from Syria. He talks about how ordinary people became revolutionary leaders. He explores Manbij’s experiments with self-governance, the roots of ISIS, and the long, multi-generational struggle for democracy in post‑Assad Syria.
116 snips
Apr 8, 2026 • 1h 31min
Trump Threatens Genocide
A tense breakdown of a presidential threat to obliterate Iran’s infrastructure and what that would mean for civilians and international law. A look at new reporting linking Israel to escalation and which officials were sidelined. A discussion of fractures on the right over war risks, including fears of nuclear escalation. A roundup of Hungary’s surprise electoral fight and U.S. figures campaigning abroad.
91 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 1h 42min
Trump Begs Allies to Clean Up Iran Mess
Nika Kovač, Slovenian activist and founder of My Voice My Choice, who helped expose covert election meddling, joins to discuss election interference and anti-authoritarian organizing. She recounts uncovering Black Cube’s operations and talks about coalition-building, cross-border tactics, and defending democracy. Short, sharp conversation on exposing covert operatives and sustaining civic engagement.
125 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 1h 24min
Trump Goes from Obliteration to Negotiation on Iran
Edward Fishman, director at the Council on Foreign Relations and author of Chokepoints, explains how economic warfare reshapes conflict. He discusses sudden U.S. reversals on Iran, suspicious market trades ahead of announcements, and the strategic power of choke points like the Strait of Hormuz. Short takes cover oil flows, sanctions relief, and how economic leverage can become the battlefield.
151 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 52min
MAGA’s Iran War Meltdown (and Micropenis)
Kim Ghattas, Lebanon-based journalist and Middle East analyst and author, discusses Israel’s campaign in Lebanon and the massive displacement of civilians. She explores Lebanon’s political fractures, Hezbollah’s role, and the risk of wider regional escalation. Short, clear takes on possible ground invasions, buffer-zone plans, and diplomatic paths forward.
168 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 1h 49min
Why Trump Might Send Ground Troops to Iran
Michael C. Horowitz, Senior Fellow for Tech & Innovation at the Council on Foreign Relations and former Pentagon official, discusses AI, defense, and Pentagon tech policy. He explains how AI is being used for logistics, intelligence, and battlefield decision support. He also breaks down the Anthropic-Pentagon supply dispute, legal limits on autonomous weapons, and concerns about weapons stockpiles and low-cost precision munitions.
