Pod Save America
Pod Save America
Pod Save America is a no-b******t conversation about politics hosted by former Obama aides Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett, Dan Pfeiffer, and Tommy Vietor. It cuts through the noise to break down the week’s news and helps people figure out what matters and how they can help. They’re regularly joined by journalists, activists, politicians, entertainers, and world leaders. You can watch on YouTube or listen to new episodes every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.
Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.
For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com.
Subscribe to Friends of the Pod! Your subscription makes Crooked’s work possible and gives you access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America and Pod Save the World, plus exclusive content and a lively Discord community. Learn more and subscribe at crooked.com/friends or on Apple Podcasts.
For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Mar 29, 2026 • 1h 15min
When Life Gives You Don Lemon
Don Lemon, journalist and former CNN anchor now building an independent media platform, joins for a fiery talk on his arrest after reporting at an ICE protest in a Minnesota church. They dig into press freedom, selective free speech, MAGA media, the split between independent and mainstream journalism, and his surprising next act, maybe even politics.
130 snips
Mar 27, 2026 • 1h 10min
Blue Wave Building in the Strait of Hormuz
Trump’s sinking approval, the political fallout from the Iran conflict, and gas price panic drive the conversation. There’s also buzz around Florida seat flips near Mar-a-Lago, fears of a messy ground invasion, chaos from unpaid TSA workers, and a high-stakes California election scramble that could reshape the midterms.
213 snips
Mar 24, 2026 • 1h 34min
TACO Tuesday in Tehran
Leah Litman, a law professor, Supreme Court analyst, and Strict Scrutiny co-host, joins a fast-moving conversation on a major mail-in voting case and the chaos inside New Jersey’s US attorney office. There’s also sharp debate over Trump’s Iran reversal, surprise oil sanctions relief, a huge new war funding ask, ICE at airports, and Democratic unrest over Chuck Schumer.
165 snips
Mar 22, 2026 • 1h 13min
Trump’s Wartime Messaging Disaster (feat. Jen Psaki)
Jen Psaki, former Biden press secretary and MSNBC political commentator, joins a sharp conversation on Trump’s shaky sales pitch for war with Iran. They dig into meme-heavy White House messaging, fractures inside MAGA, and Trump’s phone-call media strategy. Then they turn to bruising Democratic primaries, outsider energy, party fault lines, and whether anti-Trump fury can carry the midterms.
196 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 1h 28min
The Worst Way to Spend $200 Billion
Juliana Stratton, Illinois lieutenant governor and Democratic Senate nominee, joins for a sharp conversation after her primary win. They dig into the Pentagon’s $200 billion ask for Trump’s Iran war, the risk of rising gas and food costs, chaotic Capitol Hill hearings, AIPAC’s role in Illinois primaries, Trump’s gold coin grift, and Stratton’s blunt anti-Trump campaign message.
152 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 1h 11min
Trump Desperate for Strait Allies
Trump scrambles to rally allies for a tense Middle East standoff and gets little support. The conversation tracks war confusion, threats against the press, and a nasty feud on the right. It also turns to eyebrow-raising fundraising, Jared Kushner’s money ties, suspicious stock trades, and the surreal trend of cold-calling Trump.
96 snips
Mar 15, 2026 • 1h 8min
Josh Shapiro Is Calm but Not Cool
Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor known for pragmatic governance and criminal justice reform, sits down to tackle rising antisemitism and Islamophobia. He discusses the Iran war, immigration enforcement and state efforts to block large ICE detention plans. He also explains delivering infrastructure through faster permitting and repair projects.
180 snips
Mar 13, 2026 • 1h 13min
Trump Celebrates High Gas Prices
They tackle the human and military costs of the war with Iran and how it is driving oil prices. They unpack confusing presidential messaging that claims victory and celebrates rising gas costs. They examine GOP politics from mass deportation chatter to the push for the SAVE Act and rising Islamophobia. Lighter moments include tech missteps, DEI depositions, and an odd story about shoe size.
193 snips
Mar 10, 2026 • 1h 18min
Trump Says War Is Over, Vows to Keep Fighting
Pat Ryan, U.S. Representative and Iraq War veteran, offers a frontline view on military and national security matters. He and the hosts tackle Trump’s contradictory war rhetoric and the risks of escalation. They discuss political fallout, veterans’ reactions, and why Congress should think twice before funding further strikes.
131 snips
Mar 8, 2026 • 1h 9min
Gavin Newsom Is Finally Comfortable with Himself
Gavin Newsom, California governor and author of Young Man in a Hurry, reflects on childhood discoveries and political milestones. He discusses Trump and U.S. policy toward Iran, the crowded California primary and party strategy. He also revisits issuing same-sex marriage licenses, dyslexia and public speaking, and quirky family stories like his pet otter.
