Pod Save the World

Crooked Media
  • 4.8 (24K)
  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
Pod Save the World

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“Pod Save America” cohost Tommy Vietor thought foreign policy was boring and complicated until he got the education of a lifetime working for President Obama’s National Security Council. On “Pod Save the World,” he and former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes break down the latest global developments and bring you behind the scenes with the people who were there. New episodes every Wednesday. To get access to extended ad-free Pod Save The World episodes, sign up to be a Friends of the Pod member at crooked.com/friends

  1. Russian Interference Won’t Stop After Election Day

    18 HR. AGO

    Russian Interference Won’t Stop After Election Day

    Tommy and Ben discuss the normalization of foreign interference in US elections, the Chinese hack of US telecoms that could be putting millions of Americans’ communications at risk, concerns around potential post-election day violence stemming from right wing groups, and Bill Clinton’s unhelpful Gaza messaging. They also talk about Benjamin Netanyahu firing his Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, allegations that a Netanyahu staffer leaked classified information, reports that Russia planned to ship explosive devices on planes headed to the US, an update on the election in Moldova, and a massive political shakeup in Botswana. Finally, they cover a report about how North Korean soldiers sent to Russia are spending their free time, a time limit on hugs at a New Zealand airport, and Russia’s historically massive fine on Google.

    53 min
  2. Election 2024: The Stark Choice on Climate Change?

    4 DAYS AGO

    Election 2024: The Stark Choice on Climate Change?

    In this special episode of Pod Save the World, Ben looks at the most existential issue of our time, and one that gets little attention on the campaign trail: climate change. He examines both Harris and Trump’s records, the domestic and global benefits of the Inflation Reduction Act, the dire circumstances for small island nations and vulnerable communities, and what’s at stake if the US abandons climate leadership. Ben is joined by Brian Deese, former Director of the White House National Economic Council in the Biden administration, Leah Stokes, an Associate Professor of Environmental Politics at UCSB, and Rueanna Haynes, the Head of Diplomacy, Climate Analytics, and Director of Climate Analytics, Caribbean.

    54 min
  3. North Korean “Storm Corps” Deploys to Russia

    OCT 30

    North Korean “Storm Corps” Deploys to Russia

    Tommy and Ben discuss why North Korea deployed 10,000 special forces troops to Russia, reports that Elon Musk likes to chat on the phone with Vladimir Putin, and a Trump campaign memo suggesting that if elected, he should do away with FBI background checks normally required before staff can access classified information. They also talk about new Israeli laws that would cripple aid deliveries into Gaza, the muted response from Iran after Israeli airstrikes near Tehran, increasingly sophisticated election interference from Russia, Iran, and China, the consequences of elections in Georgia and Japan, and a giant feces geyser near Moscow. Then, Tommy interviews NBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff about the new documentary based on his book “Separated” that details the inhumane family separation policy enacted during the Trump administration, and the chances of it happening again if he wins.

    1h 33m
  4. Bonus Q&A: If Elected, Should Harris Reinstate the Iran Nuclear Deal?

    OCT 30 • SUBSCRIBERS ONLY

    Bonus Q&A: If Elected, Should Harris Reinstate the Iran Nuclear Deal?

    Tommy and Ben answer questions from subscribers about what a foreign policy-focused rally for the Harris campaign could look like and whether a potential Harris administration should pursue reinstating the nuclear deal with Iran. To unlock these episodes, sign up for Friends of the Pod on Apple. To submit your own questions for the guys, join the Friends of the Pod community at the Friends with Benefits or Best Friends tier. Head to https://crooked.com/friends to learn more.

    12 min
  5. Election 2024: Cooperation, Competition, or War with China?

    OCT 26

    Election 2024: Cooperation, Competition, or War with China?

    In this special episode of Pod Save the World, Ben looks at the most important bilateral relationship in the world today: the new era of competition between the U.S. and China. Will the U.S. drift into outright conflict with China, or can we balance competition and cooperation? He reviews China’s attempt to reshape the global order, how the Biden administration has tried to get tougher on China through its trade policy, and how tensions over Taiwan could impact both our economic and military future. Ben is joined by Evan Medeiros, Professor of Asian Studies at Georgetown University, US Trade Representative Katherine Tai, and Ryan Hass, Chair of Taiwan Studies at the Brookings Institution.

    49 min
  6. Trump Blames Zelensky for War, Sucks Up to Saudis

    OCT 23

    Trump Blames Zelensky for War, Sucks Up to Saudis

    Tommy and Ben discuss the biggest foreign policy debates on the 2024 campaign trail, like Trump blaming Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for the war in Ukraine, Kamala Harris campaigning with Liz Cheney, speculation about who would serve in Harris’s foreign policy cabinet, and Gaza policy. Then they talk about the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the devastating humanitarian situation in Northern Gaza, continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon, the BRICS summit in Russia, Moldova’s razor thin vote to pursue EU membership, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleging that right wing personalities Tucker Carlson and Jordan Peterson are financed by the Russian government, the electrical grid collapse in Cuba, and a shady pizza operation in Germany. Then, Tommy speaks to Casey Michel, Director of the Combating Kleptocracy Program at the Human Rights Foundation and author of the new book, “Foreign Agents”.

    1h 37m
  7. Election 2024: Israel, Gaza, and the Future of the Middle East

    OCT 19

    Election 2024: Israel, Gaza, and the Future of the Middle East

    In this special episode of Pod Save the World, Ben looks at the expanding conflict in the Middle East and how either a Harris or Trump electoral victory could impact the actions or motivations of countries in the region. He also looks at the growing rift among Democrats on the issue of Israel, anti-semitism in the US, the Palestinian perspective on the ongoing destruction in Gaza, and the broader regional dynamic. Ben is joined by Peter Beinart, Editor-at-Large of Jewish Currents and author of the forthcoming book “Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza”, as well as foreign policy analyst Rula Jebreal, and The Economist’s Middle East correspondent, Gregg Carlstrom.

    55 min
  8. Trump Officials on an Iranian Hit List

    OCT 16

    Trump Officials on an Iranian Hit List

    Tommy and Ben discuss the Israeli military’s plan to seal off and lay siege to Northern Gaza, the Biden administration’s demand that Israel improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or else the US will (maybe?) cut off weapons shipments, the IDF’s expanding military campaign in Lebanon, and new details about how Israel might respond to Iran’s ballistic missile attack. They also talk about a “hit list” of Trump administration officials being targeted by Iran, North Korea blowing up roads connected to South Korea and sending troops to Russia, Canada and India expelling diplomats over the assassination of a Sikh activist, and Viktor Orbán getting dunked on in the European Parliament. Then Ben speaks to Saad Mohseni, author of “Radio Free Afghanistan” about running a media company in Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

    1h 30m
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Trailer

Shows with Subscription Benefits

  • 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, Wednesday and Friday. Ad-Free Pod Save America episodes available NOW through Friends of the Pod subscription. Head to crooked.com/friends to join today! For a transcript of an episode of Pod Save America, please email transcripts@crooked.com (edited)

    • 4.5 (79999)
    • POLITICS

  • Does every new poll make you want to crawl under your desk and get into the fetal position? Do you hate the polls but can’t quit them? Well, we have a podcast that’s just for you (and us!). Pollercoaster is Crooked’s new home for exclusive in-depth analysis across the biggest national polls, latest voter trends, and closest races up and down the ballot. Join former White House Communications Director and Pod Save America host Dan Pfeiffer and a series of expert guests to break down the polls, unpack what they actually mean, and whether or not it’s time to hit the panic button. New exclusive episodes of Pollercoaster drop twice monthly for Friends of the Pod subscribers. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod on Apple Podcasts now to get access to exclusive episodes from Pollercoaster, Inside 2024 and Terminally Online or learn more about the Friends of the Pod community at crooked.com/friends.

    • 4.1 (14)
    • GOVERNMENT

  • Terminally Online is Crooked Media’s loosest series featuring unscripted convos between Pod Save America hosts and Crooked staff about what it’s like being way too online while producing the shows you love to listen to. We’ll hold hands and dive deep into the internet (some would argue too deep), only to resurface with our picks for the most can’t-miss moments of the week across politics, culture, and beyond. New episodes drop weekly for Friends of the Pod subscribers. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod on Apple Podcasts now to get access to exclusive episodes from Terminally Online, Pollercoaster, and Inside 2024 or learn more about the Friends of the Pod community at crooked.com/friends.

    • 4.3 (24)
    • SOCIETY & CULTURE

  • Interested in never-before-heard campaign stories and insight into what it takes to actually run a presidential campaign? Inside 2024 is just the show! Each monthly episode features a rotating cast of former White House officials including Tommy Vietor, Jon Favreau, Jon Lovett and Alyssa Mastromonaco as they look ahead to the 2024 Presidential election and share the gritty (and often hilarious) reality of running for president and the many, many ways candidate’s decisions can spectacularly backfire. Expect campaign trail stories on everything from debate prep and convention speeches to campaign ads and botched media appearances. Subscribe to Friends of the Pod on Apple Podcasts now to get access to exclusive episodes from Inside 2024, Pollercoaster, and Terminally Online or learn more about the Friends of the Pod community at crooked.com/friends.

    • 3.7 (10)
    • GOVERNMENT

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“Pod Save America” cohost Tommy Vietor thought foreign policy was boring and complicated until he got the education of a lifetime working for President Obama’s National Security Council. On “Pod Save the World,” he and former deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes break down the latest global developments and bring you behind the scenes with the people who were there. New episodes every Wednesday. To get access to extended ad-free Pod Save The World episodes, sign up to be a Friends of the Pod member at crooked.com/friends

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