

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

Jan 17, 2024 • 1h 21min
Biden Launches Airstrikes Against Houthis in Yemen
Discussions include US airstrikes in Yemen against Houthi rebels, Gaza conflict and administration's stance, spike in gang violence in Ecuador, efforts to prevent Guatemala's new President, Taiwan's election results, North Korea's announcement on reunifying Korean peninsula. Tommy speaks with Oona Hathaway about South Africa's charges of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

Jan 13, 2024 • 47min
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 2: The Barefoot Lawyer
Guangcheng, a blind lawyer who fought against the One Child Policy in China, talks about his activism, challenges, and clashes with authorities. The podcast highlights Guangcheng's resilience and determination in seeking justice. It also discusses the extreme restrictions and brutal enforcement of the policy, as well as Guangcheng's plans to file a class-action suit and gather evidence in villages. The speaker also recounts a harrowing incident of someone being forcefully taken away by the police.

Jan 13, 2024 • 28min
Dissident at the Doorstep Episode 1: Batman Gets Punched
A captivating podcast explores the journey of human rights activist Chen Guangchang, from being punched by security guards in China to his endorsement of Donald Trump. The hosts grapple with the complexities of his transformation and reflect on the implications for the China-US relationship. They also delve into the role of the Bradley Foundation in American politics and discuss Guangchang's impactful speech at the Bradley Prizes event. The narrator aims to understand Guangchang and looks forward to a potential interview at a 10-year anniversary celebration.

Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 21min
How Israel’s War with Hamas Could Escalate Into a Regional Conflict
The podcast covers the war between Israel and Hamas, the differences between Netanyahu and Biden, and the risks of regional conflict. They also discuss Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's secret hospitalization, foreign corruption involving Trump and Senator Bob Menendez, upcoming elections in Taiwan and Germany, and global security. Taiwanese journalist Emily Wu talks about Taiwan's upcoming election.

Jan 6, 2024 • 3min
Introducing “Dissident At The Doorstep”
What happens when someone becomes a human-rights icon – but then turns out to stand for something else entirely? Chinese activist Chen Guangcheng was locked up for fighting against China’s One Child Policy and suffered years of unlawful imprisonment. In 2012, following a daring midnight escape, he landed in the United States a hero. But that’s only the beginning of his story. Just a few years later, he would re-enter the spotlight as an avid Trump supporter and a “Stop the Steal” rally-goer. How did this happen? Alison Klayman, Colin Jones, and Yangyang Cheng set out on a journey to find out – did Guangcheng change, or was he totally misunderstood from the beginning? From Crooked Media, This is Dissident At The Doorstep.

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 5min
Zelensky's Plea To Congress
The podcast discusses the dire situation in Gaza and the disconnect between Biden's words and actions, Zelensky's plea for security assistance, republican efforts to tie Ukraine funding to border security, the mess at the UN's climate summit, a territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana, a masked mystery candidate running for president in Ghana, Elijah Wood's Russian propaganda blunder, global election trends in 2023, and the potential for 2024 to be the biggest election year in history.

6 snips
Dec 6, 2023 • 1h 15min
Henry Kissinger’s Complicated Legacy
Hosts discuss Israeli forces in Gaza, Biden's shift on Israel, skirmishes with Iranian proxy forces, controversies at COP28, UAE's role in Sudan, Cuban spy US ambassador, and the complicated legacy of Henry Kissinger. Interview with Senator Welch about Gaza ceasefire and Biden's funding bill for Israel and Ukraine.

6 snips
Nov 29, 2023 • 1h 28min
How Long Will The Ceasefire In Gaza Hold?
Discussions on the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Qatar's role in diplomacy, conditioning US aid to Israel, and Elon Musk's controversial visit to Israel. Also covers right-wing populist election victories in the Netherlands and Argentina, thwarted attack on a Sikh separatist, leaked documents exposing UAE's plans, and Jair Bolsonaro's encounter with a whale. Includes an interview with a UN Relief Agency representative on humanitarian efforts in Gaza.

4 snips
Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 7min
Climate Special: A Look Ahead At COP28
John Kerry, Special Presidential Envoy for Climate from the US, discusses the upcoming COP28 and challenges in securing funding for climate commitments. The podcast explores the chaotic nature of COP conferences and the impact of geopolitical crises on climate priorities. It highlights the agency of Pacific island climate activists and the urgency of addressing climate change. The need for funding in developing countries and financial tools like blended finance are also discussed.

Nov 15, 2023 • 1h 13min
Hospitals Under Siege In Gaza
The podcast discusses the Gaza conflict, including the targeting of hospitals and the divide between the US and Israel. It also covers the UK's cabinet shakeup, the Afghan refugee crisis, the APEC Summit, and potential peace solutions. The episode ends with a surprise for Ben.


