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
Apr 26, 2017 • 36min
What the hell is happening in France with Dr. Karen Donfried
Tommy talks with Europe expert Dr. Karen Donfried about the French Presidential elections and the rise of far-right nationalist candidates like Marine Le Pen. They also discuss the potential for Russian interference in France, comparisons to Trump and why the French presidency could have major implications for the US.
Apr 19, 2017 • 41min
Chief of Staff Stuff with Denis McDonough
Tommy talks with former White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough about the Bin Laden operation, Iraq, Syria and Russian hacking of our election.
Apr 12, 2017 • 34min
The Russian Investigation with Senator Mark Warner
Senator Mark Warner talks with Tommy about why the Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in our election is the most important thing he’s done in public life. He also takes us behind the scenes of the Committee’s TOP SECRET work.
Apr 10, 2017 • 31min
Understanding the Syrian Civil War
Tommy and Middle East expert Colin Kahl discuss the Syrian civil war from when the protests first erupted in 2011 to President Trump’s cruise missile strike last week. They cover the roots of the conflict, Syria’s chemical weapons, Obama’s red line and Trump’s policy options going forward.
Apr 5, 2017 • 43min
China’s Rise with Evan Medeiros
Tommy and China expert Evan Medeiros preview Trump’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. They discuss the meticulous planning and choreography that goes into these talks, tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan, human rights, and how the Chinese view Russian hacking of our election.
Mar 29, 2017 • 35min
Gayle Smith, former USAID Administrator
“Tommy is joined by Africa expert and former USAID Administrator Gayle Smith to discuss the crisis in South Sudan and the impact of Trump’s proposed budget cuts on the State Department and USAID.”
Mar 22, 2017 • 51min
North Korean Nukes with Mark Lippert
Former US Ambassador to South Korea Mark Lippert talks about the threat from North Korea’s nuclear program, Trump’s “new” approach to the DPRK, the assassination of Kim Jong Nam and the attack on his life while serving as Ambassador.
Mar 15, 2017 • 54min
Snowden and Surveillance with Glenn Greenwald
Intercept editor Glenn Greenwald joins to respond to criticism of Edward Snowden and to discuss his views on intelligence collection.
Mar 8, 2017 • 46min
Of Russia with Love with Mike McFaul
Tommy and former US Ambassador to Russia Mike McFaul talk about the US-Russia relationship. We cover pop culture and Rocky IV, arms control, Russian harassment of US diplomats, Mike’s assessment of Putin’s leadership and when relations turned bad, if Romney was right to call Russia our number one geopolitical foe and the lessons America can learn from Putin’s rise.
Mar 1, 2017 • 50min
Running the State Department with Heather Higginbottom
Tommy and Heather Higginbottom to discuss her journey from political campaigns to becoming the first woman to serve as Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources. We cover refugee vetting, pandemic response, women in foreign policy and Heather’s reflections on Secretary Kerry’s career.
