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
52 snips
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 33min
Can Democrats Lose the Downer Image? + Chris Murphy in Conversation (Crooked Con)
Sen. Chris Murphy, an advocate for democracy and gun safety, joins a vibrant panel featuring Hasan Piker, a progressive commentator, and strategists Symone Sanders Townsend and Tim Miller. They dive into the image of Democrats as joyless scolds and explore how humor could be a key to reaching broader audiences. Murphy discusses the urgency of addressing economic issues and the need for authentic messaging. The group also tackles strategies for unified messaging amidst diverse views, emphasizing the importance of connecting with working-class voters.
152 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 16min
Shutdown for What? (Schumer's Version)
Eight Democratic senators broke ranks to strike a deal with Republicans, raising eyebrows among party members. The hosts delve into Chuck Schumer's leadership struggles amid this controversy. Meanwhile, Trump stirs up conversation with preemptive pardons for allies linked to the 2020 election chaos, while Ghislaine Maxwell reportedly enjoys lavish treatment in prison. The podcast also critiques Trump’s appearance at a Washington game amid boos and explores the implications of changing voting rules.
81 snips
Nov 9, 2025 • 1h 16min
How Do We Push Back on Authoritarianism? (Crooked Con)
Skye Perryman, a leader in challenging executive abuses, and Norm Eisen, a former White House ethics official, share their strategies for combating authoritarianism. They discuss the impact of rapid response litigation and how to shape public narratives through legal action. Political strategists Alex Ball, Morris Katz, and Samson Signore dive into upcoming election tactics, emphasizing disciplined messaging and persuasion over mere turnout. Their insights on targeting key demographics and employing new media tactics reveal innovative ways to engage voters and counter misinformation.
140 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 46min
Live from Occupied D.C. with Barack Obama
Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, joins the conversation to praise grassroots activists after recent Democratic wins and emphasizes the crucial need for youth engagement. U.S. Representative Jasmine Crockett shares her insights on the government shutdown and her potential Senate run in Texas. The hosts analyze election data showing surprising voter shifts, while also discussing Trump's proposed focus on affordability and the political ramifications of a potential government shutdown. The lively discussion wraps up with Crockett’s take on why Trump can’t stop mentioning her.
175 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 49min
Revenge of the Libs
Celebrate the Democratic wins in the recent election, including big victories in New Jersey and Virginia. Zohran Mamdani's historic mayoral win in New York sparks discussions about his cross-party appeal and the future of progressive candidates. The hosts analyze the significance of affordability as a key message across races. Wins in Pennsylvania and Georgia signal political momentum, while shifts in Virginia highlight the impact of federal issues and Trump’s unpopularity. It's a night that illustrates a broader rejection of Trump’s agenda.
99 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 1h 33min
Don't Poo — Vote!
George Redis, a U.S. Army veteran from Ventura, CA, shares his harrowing story of being detained by ICE while driving to work. He recounts the shocking details of his experience, including being tear-gassed and held in solitary confinement with no explanation. Redis opened up about the lawsuit he filed to challenge the incident, emphasizing the need for reform in accountability for federal officers. His journey highlights the intersection of civil rights and personal bravery, as he advocates for systemic change.
88 snips
Nov 2, 2025 • 1h 11min
Debating the Trump Era with Abby Phillip
Abby Phillip, CNN anchor and author of A Dream Deferred, discusses her experiences in political journalism. She highlights the narrowing of White House access and the impact of financial pressures on traditional reporting. Abby emphasizes the importance of blending analysis with hard news and reflects on Jesse Jackson’s lasting influence on the Democratic Party. She explores modern campaigning's emotional disconnect and the continuing struggle for working-class voters, revealing insights from her daily conversations with MAGA supporters.
106 snips
Oct 31, 2025 • 1h 34min
Noem Won't Rule Out Tear-Gassing Trick-or-Treaters
Zohran Mamdani, a dynamic Democratic mayoral candidate for New York City, joins to discuss his campaign's final push. He shares insights on coalition-building and prioritizing cost-of-living issues over cultural distractions. Mamdani also tackles the challenges posed by Trump-backed opponents and media misrepresentation, while advocating for inclusivity in New York. He reflects on the responsibilities of governing and translating campaign excitement into real commitments for the city. Plus, he adds some playful banter about sports.
183 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 1h 32min
Trump's Secret Plan for a 3rd Term
In this discussion, guest Marc Elias, a prominent election attorney and founder of Democracy Docket, delves into the potential legal risks surrounding Donald Trump's talk of a third term. He asserts there's no constitutional loophole but warns of possible extra-legal tactics. The conversation also covers threats to the 2025 elections and how the DOJ's involvement could be manipulated. Elias emphasizes the need for public activism, civic engagement, and strong defenses to protect democracy against rising intimidation efforts.
64 snips
Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 37min
Trump (Literally) Destroys White House
In this engaging discussion, Denise Feriozzi, Head of the Pipeline Fund, shares her insights on cultivating the next generation of Democratic leaders. She emphasizes the critical need for grassroots candidates at the local level. The hosts also dive into Trump’s demands for $230 million from the DOJ and his controversial pardon of a crypto CEO linked to terrorism. The conversation highlights the significance of building a strong Democratic bench through strategic state-based organizing and local election engagement.
