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
128 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 1h 23min
Trump's Arctic Humiliation
Trump's questionable Greenland deal takes center stage, sparking international embarrassment and confusion. The hosts humorously dissect his invitation to Putin for a 'Board of Peace.' They highlight troubling ICE operations in Minnesota, where civil rights concerns arise, especially regarding young detainees. The impacts of a controversial New York Times poll reveal Trump's vulnerabilities ahead of the midterms, prompting discussions about political strategies, including protests and shutdowns to leverage change.
172 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 1h 53min
That'll Leave a Denmark
The hosts dive into Trump's outrageous remarks about Greenland and his tariffs on NATO allies amid escalating tensions. They discuss shocking ICE operations in Minneapolis and federal investigations into local leaders. Positive polling hints at a bright future for Democrats, while a conversation about Tucker Carlson's controversial career reveals his media strategies and potential political ambitions. It's a wild ride through political absurdities, upcoming elections, and the influence of media!
208 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 1h 5min
What It Would Take to Rein in ICE
Leah Litman, a law professor and host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, dives deep into the legal challenges surrounding ICE accountability. She discusses the potential ramifications of invoking the Insurrection Act and how historical precedents affect court interventions. Leah outlines ways the community can push back against ICE actions and highlights the importance of video evidence for accountability. She also calls for legislative changes to improve the ability to sue federal officers, emphasizing the need for action against systemic abuses.
158 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 21min
ICE's Reign of Terror
U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego, a former representative known for his work on veterans' issues, joins to discuss the troubling actions of federal agents in Minneapolis. He shares insights on the abuse of power by ICE and proposes significant reforms like reducing agents and warrant requirements for deportations. The conversation also touches on Trump's contentious Greenland proposal and its diplomatic repercussions. Gallego emphasizes the need for a housing affordability plan that balances abundance and populist ideals.
173 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 1h 24min
Trump Targets Minneapolis, the Fed, and Greenland
Lael Brainard, the former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve, joins the discussion. She emphasizes the critical importance of Fed independence and explains how political pressure can harm economic stability. The conversation dives into the unprecedented investigation into Jerome Powell, where Brainard highlights past global examples of politicizing central banks and the inflation consequences that followed. She also discusses market reactions and why citizens should prioritize understanding the Fed's role in their financial future.
183 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 1h 7min
2026's Biggest Questions
Jon Favreau and Alex Wagner dive into pivotal questions that could shape the political landscape leading to 2026. They tackle the potential fallout of Supreme Court decisions on voting rights and the economic perceptions influencing midterm voters. The duo investigates who Democrats might target for investigations if they reclaim power, and explores the implications of Stephen Miller's immigration agenda. They also discuss Gavin Newsom's prospects for the presidency and how America's 250th anniversary could impact political messaging.
125 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 1h 11min
ICE Kills Minnesota Mom
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey joins the discussion to address the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent. Frey emphasizes the need for a thorough investigation and rejects harmful narratives labeling Good as a terrorist. He explains his decision to limit ICE's presence, asserting that federal actions threaten community safety rather than enhance it. The conversation explores the political motivations behind officials' responses and sheds light on the broader implications for immigrant protection and community unity after the incident.
130 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 1h 49min
Empire State of Mind
Senator Mark Kelly, a former astronaut and U.S. Senator from Arizona, joins to discuss a political firestorm surrounding Secretary Hegseth's censure against him. He emphasizes the importance of service members standing against illegal orders. The conversation also covers the legality of military actions, especially regarding recent U.S. involvement in Venezuela, and the need for congressional approval for such decisions. Kelly critiques the implications of these actions on global order and advocates for a more restrained approach to military intervention.
73 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 22min
Meet Democrats' Go-To Trump Stand In
Philippe Reines, a veteran Democratic communications advisor and former Hillary Clinton aide, shares his unique experience impersonating Donald Trump for debate prep. He details how he transformed physically and mentally to step into Trump's shoes, including his McDonald's diet and signature mannerisms. Reines emphasizes the importance of debate strategies and their mixed outcomes in elections. He advises Democrats to let Trump self-sabotage while focusing on his vulnerabilities, offering insightful commentary on the art of political debate.
67 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 23min
Is JD Vance the Republican Front-Runner?
The hosts dive into the midterms and speculate on the 2028 election landscape. They brainstorm Republican messaging around affordability while playfully discussing the implications of RFK Jr. on public health. The panel humorously debates J.D. Vance's viability as a nominee and reflects on their previous predictions regarding Trump's administration. Light-hearted segments include a funny discussion on fonts and Lovett's reality TV ambitions, topped off with personal resolutions and favorite books of the year.
