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
170 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 1h 41min
Trump Deports Noem
They break down the sudden firing of Kristi Noem and the congressional hearings that preceded it. They analyze the Mullin nomination and what it means for the future of DHS. They track shifting White House rationales for strikes on Iran and the widening regional fallout. They cover subpoenas over mishandled DOJ files, primary surprises in Texas and Montana, and RFK Jr.'s unexpected crusade against Dunkin'.
149 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 1h 31min
Why Democrats Must Oppose Trump's Iran War
Senator Ruben Gallego, a U.S. senator from Arizona and former Marine, weighs in on the strikes in Iran and congressional oversight. He critiques ceding war decisions to foreign leaders and lays out political stakes for Democrats. Short, sharp takes on escalation risks, War Powers strategy, and how Democrats should frame opposition.
67 snips
Mar 1, 2026 • 1h 13min
Graham Platner Isn't Backing Down
Graham Plattner, a former Marine turned community organizer and Democratic Senate candidate from Maine. He talks campaign dynamics and handling controversies with transparency. He describes grassroots organizing in rural Maine and building durable local power. He lays out progressive policy priorities from Medicare for All to anti-oligarchy populism and critiques hawkish talk about Iran.
71 snips
Feb 27, 2026 • 1h 21min
Trump's Dangerous War Games
Shelly Jackson, organizer and leader at Instituto who recruits and supports down-ballot candidates in Arizona. She discusses recruiting and training everyday people to run for local office. She explains Instituto’s support model and co-governance fellowship. She contrasts recruitment tactics and outlines how to get involved and run in Arizona and beyond.
195 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 45min
The State of the Union Is Long
They react to Trump’s record‑long State of the Union and the theatrical stunts he used to distract from policy. Conversation covers the hockey team cameo, immigration rhetoric and racist attacks, and the surprising policy pivots like a stock trading ban and tariff talk. They also scrutinize Iran remarks, media normalization of theatrics, and the Democratic response from Abigail Spanberger.
124 snips
Feb 24, 2026 • 1h 29min
Will Trump Bomb State of the Union/Iran?
Eugene Daniels, journalist and MS NOW host, offers quick-take political analysis. Symone Sanders-Townsend, former Biden campaign aide and commentator, previews Democratic strategy and 2028 dynamics. They discuss Trump's possible strikes on Iran, the new global tariff move, Democratic response plans, the Texas Senate primary, and who might lead the 2028 field.
40 snips
Feb 22, 2026 • 1h
Trump Loses At Supreme Court, Handles It Well
Jerusalem Demsas, economics writer and editor-in-chief of The Argument, breaks down the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs and Trump's reaction. She unpacks polling on trans rights and how messaging shifts public opinion. They also tackle housing policy, congressional power, and why earnest political action matters.
104 snips
Feb 20, 2026 • 1h 14min
Trump: "I've Won Affordability"
They dissect a chaotic affordability tour in Georgia and a White House admitting its leader will do as he pleases. They unpack risks of unilateral Iran action and the chances of war. They examine tariffs, economic messaging, and why Republican strategists are worried about the midterms. They cover FCC equal-time guidance affecting interviews and troubling DHS propaganda and child detention reports.
150 snips
Feb 16, 2026 • 1h 38min
Fascist Mile High Club
They unpack a Wall Street Journal scandal involving alleged misuse of DHS resources and political intrigue at high levels. They dig into Republican voter ID drives and the SAVE Act’s threat to ballot access. They mock surreal food-politics moments and debate which Democratic hopefuls might lead the party into 2028.
83 snips
Feb 15, 2026 • 1h 9min
How To Survive a Dictatorship (feat. Wagner Moura)
Wagner Moura, Brazilian actor and filmmaker known for Narcos and politically charged films, speaks about his film The Secret Agent and Brazil’s dictatorship. He explores how art and memory resist authoritarianism. They discuss toxic masculinity, tech-fueled disinformation, journalism’s decline, cultural resistance, and the risks artists face when speaking out.
