The David Pakman Show
David Pakman
The David Pakman Show is one of the most-watched independent progressive programs in the country. Hosted by David Pakman, the show offers a fresh perspective on the stories shaping our world through thoughtful commentary and compelling interviews with our nation's leaders.
With new episodes dropping every weekday, David delivers sharp, insightful, and fact-based analysis on politics, current events, and social issues. Whether you're looking for deep dives into major political events, in-depth conversations with experts and newsmakers, or sharp-witted breakdowns of the latest headlines, The David Pakman Show has you covered
With new episodes dropping every weekday, David delivers sharp, insightful, and fact-based analysis on politics, current events, and social issues. Whether you're looking for deep dives into major political events, in-depth conversations with experts and newsmakers, or sharp-witted breakdowns of the latest headlines, The David Pakman Show has you covered
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 37min
8/8/25: Trump meddles in NYC mayor's race as tech CEOs capitulate
Key topics discuss Trump's controversial census plans aimed at excluding undocumented immigrants, raising constitutional concerns. House Republicans are aggressively redistricting to gain seats, while a minor ad critique of Sydney Sweeney snowballs into a culture war issue. Insights on Biden's engagement in office defy narratives of detachment, as Trump highlights economic strength through selective charts. Labor protections are under fire with union agreements ending, and political maneuvering affects the NYC mayoral race and economic oversight, revealing deep contradictions in Trump's policies.
Aug 7, 2025 • 1h 16min
8/7/25: Trump unleashes racist rant as his approval rating plummets
Dan Koh, host of The People's Cabinet and former White House Deputy Director, discusses Trump's recent racist comments and his faltering approval ratings. They dive into the manipulation of job statistics and the impact of political rhetoric on public trust. Koh reveals alarming reports about FEMA staff being redirected to assist ICE with deportations. The conversation also touches on the shift in support for Trump, highlighting the urgency for progressive messaging in response to changing political dynamics and the internal challenges within the Democratic Party.
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 20min
8/6/25: They'll try to steal 2026, but we aren't looking away
Carlos Espina, a Spanish language content creator focused on U.S. news for Latinos, joins the discussion about the political landscape. They dive into the dangers of voter suppression and how Trump’s tactics threaten democracy. The conversation highlights the transformation of the Republican Party into a loyalty-driven entity and critiques the illusion of masculinity in political leadership. Espina shares insights into Latino identity in media, the urgent need for civic engagement, and the rich culinary diversity within the Latino community.
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 21min
8/5/25: Trump cracks as MAGA wonders if they've been conned
Olivia Julianna, a political activist known for her work on progressive causes in Texas, joins the discussion. The conversation dives into Trump's bizarre rants and how they reveal cracks within his MAGA base, leading to growing disillusionment. Julianna highlights Marjorie Taylor Greene's break from the GOP and the influence of Russian disinformation on political narratives. They also explore the shift in content creation towards authenticity and the Democratic Party's struggle to connect with voters, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism in this turbulent political landscape.
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
8/4/25: Trump fires the messenger as economy gets shaky
Donald Trump erupts on social media as economic indicators slip, leading to the firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics chief after bad job reports. Republican Senators break ranks to criticize him, and he faces unexpected backlash from WWE fans. Controversial comments about a press secretary raise concerns of sexism, while Trump's claims about job numbers and loyalty are scrutinized amidst economic reality. A troubling shift in public sentiment and the manipulation of job data highlight the complexities of Trump's political landscape.
Aug 3, 2025 • 35min
ONE-ON-ONE: Resisting Trumpism in red states w/ Jess Piper
Jess Piper, a political activist from rural Missouri, sheds light on the uphill battle of fostering a Democratic presence in predominantly Republican areas. She discusses the importance of grassroots activism and relatable candidates to inspire voter engagement. The conversation touches on the role of platforms like Substack in amplifying progressive voices and the necessity of addressing misconceptions about immigration. Piper emphasizes the need for authentic leadership and increased female representation to drive political change in these conservative regions.
8 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 20min
BONUS FREEBIE: FBI has missing Epstein minutes, American Eagle eugenics controversy
The discussion highlights shocking revelations about missing footage from the Epstein tape, raising questions about government trust and transparency. A critique of the stalled congressional stock trading ban delves into ethics in politics. The American Eagle ad featuring Sidney Sweeney sparks debate over beauty standards and accusations of eugenics, challenging societal norms. Trump's evasive strategies in scandals are humorously examined, reflecting on his influence amidst ongoing corruption claims.
Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 10min
8/1/25: MAGA questioning failed deportation scheme, Jubilee's debate meme-ification
Sarah Matthews, former deputy press secretary during the Trump administration, offers insider insights into the chaotic dynamics of the White House. She discusses how Trump's immigration narratives are unraveling, emphasizing the positive economic impact of immigrants. The episode also critiques the sensationalism in media, particularly with viral debate formats like Jubilee’s 'Surrounded.' Matthews reflects on the emotional toll of January 6th on the Republican Party and the complexities of navigating political narratives in today's climate.
Jul 31, 2025 • 1h 8min
7/31/25: Trump admin launches health spying system, Kamala setting up '28 run
Lena Gonzalez, the California Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, discusses the implications of Trump's immigration policies and the significant community impacts of health surveillance initiatives. She highlights Kamala Harris's political maneuvers towards a 2028 presidential run. The conversation dives into concerns about Donald Trump's proposed privatization of Social Security and its risks. They also explore community reactions to law enforcement's militarization in Los Angeles and the importance of advocating for individual rights amid federal enforcement.
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 19min
7/30/25: Trump's Epstein admission rocks MAGA, trade deal reality sets in
Tim Miller, a writer at large for The Bulwark and former Republican political operative, joins the discussion to dissect Trump's puzzling claims about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. They delve into Ghislaine Maxwell's offer to testify and the potential implications for Trump. The conversation reveals the shaky ground of Trump's unsigned trade deals and critiques the Electoral College for its democratic shortcomings. Miller offers insights into Trump's authoritarian tendencies and the necessity for political loyalty, while highlighting how these narratives influence contemporary politics.
