The Al Franken Podcast

4.6 (8K)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.

3D AGO

BEST OF: David Kirkpatrick on Trump’s Shameless Profiteering

One of Donald Trump's most successful initiatives in his second term has been making himself and his family richer than ever. In this Best Of episode, we revisit our November 2025 conversation with The New Yorker’s David Kirkpatrick, who wrote a piece outlining all the ways the legendary grifters have cashed in during Trump’s presidency. The Trump family has long been associated with shameless cash grabs, but we have reached new levels of corruption by using his office for their money-making schemes: international real estate deals, Trump-branded merchandise, and cryptocurrency. David lays out the long list of ethical implications involved and calculates the staggering amount of money Donald Trump and his family have made off his presidency. READ David's piece “The Number” in The New Yorker: https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2025/08/18/the-number

45 min
APR 26

Trae Crowder and Geoffrey Asmus on Comedy and Politics

Guest Host Trae Crowder is joined by his friend and fellow standup comedian, Geoffrey Asmus! The two dig into the state of Trump's base, including Geoffrey's own MAGA dad showing signs of buyer's remorse, and why economic pain at the dinner table may finally be doing what years of political argument couldn't. They trade theories on why so many working-class voters remain Republican even when their actual policy views skew left and what it would take to build a real alternative. They also get into the comedy culture wars: the rise of right-wing adjacent comics, the Riyadh comedy festival, and explain the term "clapter.” Geoffrey and Trae also address the threat of artificial intelligence to creative work, Joe Rogan's bizarre evolution, the Kill Tony phenomenon, and how the manosphere targets young men hungry for acceptance and direction. LEARN more about Trae and see his standup! https://www.traecrowder.com/ WATCH Geoffrey's standup special and see him on tour! https://www.whitecomedian.com/ SUPPORT THE SHOW BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS:Save money on your insurance bills with SelectQuote! Visit https://www.selectquote.com/franken today!

48 min
APR 19

BEST OF: Al on SNL’s 50th Anniversary

A little over a year ago, we celebrated the 50th anniversary of Saturday Night Live! For this Best Of episode, we revisit our February 2025 conversation when we switched things up a bit as Executive Producer Peter Ogburn asked Al about his history with the show. We pull the curtain back on what a typical week looks like building up to the live show on Saturday and learn about how Al and his writing partner, Tom Davis, found themselves writing on the first season of the show. We also chat about some iconic sketches and the birth of Al's legendary Stuart Smalley character. SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS: Save money on your wireless bill with Mint Mobile. Visit https://www.mintmobile.com/franken. Make sure you tell them you heard about this deal from The Al Franken Podcast! Get up to 15% off your skincare subscription needs at https://www.oneskin.co/franken

1h 6m
APR 12

Heather McGhee and Adam Serwer on the Power of Protest

Guest Host Heather McGhee, author of the groundbreaking book “The Sum of Us” and expert in economic and social policy, is joined by The Atlantic's Adam Serwer! They discuss a number of issues facing the country, including the continued unrest in Minnesota and the No Kings protests happening nationwide. From the steps of the Supreme Court to the streets of Minneapolis, McGhee and Serwer explore how the struggle for Black freedom has historically paved the way for immigrant rights and why that "inheritance" is currently under its most aggressive attack in generations. Heather and Adam also examine the recent SCOTUS arguments on birthright citizenship and how this could create a whole new class of undocumented immigrants in this country, particularly Chinese immigrants. They also examine Adam's recent writing following the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson about what Rev. Jackson’s message meant to the movement. They dissect his 1980's vision of cross-racial, cross-class solidarity and explain why his "Patchwork Quilt" philosophy is more relevant today than ever. LEARN more about Heather McGhee: https://heathermcghee.com/ READ Adam Serwer's writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/adam-serwer/ SUPPORT THE SHOW BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS: Visit American Giant to get their Classic Full Zip Hoodie and other cold weather staples. Get 20% off your first order by entering the code FRANKEN at checkout! https://www.american-giant.com Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Get free shipping and 365-Day returns at https://www.quince.com/franken

49 min
APR 5

Best Of: John Fugelsang on Jesus and Politics

Donald Trump and the Republican Party have the backing of Evangelicals and fundamentalist Christians. But if you read the Bible or listen to the teachings of Jesus Christ, it would be clear that their policies are anything but Christ-like. In this Best Of episode, we revisit our October 2025 conversation with comedian, radio host, and NYT bestselling author John Fugelsang to discuss his book, “Separation of Church and Hate.” Fugelsang shares his unique perspective as a Christian who was raised by a former nun and a Franciscan Brother. He shows the disconnect between what far-right Christians claim Jesus taught versus what he actually said in the Bible. Jesus promoted peace, love, compassion, and mercy... None of which are evident in today's Republican Party. We also break down many social issues that right-wing Christians use their faith to justify. Jesus advocated against the death penalty, provided for the poor, and never once said that homosexuality is a sin. Not to mention abortion, which was weaponized in the 1980s to consolidate power under Ronald Reagan. We hope this interview can help you engage with right-wing Christians in a civil way by pointing to actual scripture, which might help them see the contradictions and lies that their party embraces. READ John's bestselling book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Separation-of-Church-and-Hate/John-Fugelsang/9781668066898 LISTEN to The John Fugelsang Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-fugelsang-podcast/id1464094232 SUPPORT THE SHOW BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS: Visit American Giant to get their Classic Full Zip Hoodie and other cold weather staples. Get 20% off of your first order by entering the code FRANKEN at checkout! https://www.american-giant.com

39 min
MAR 29

Rep. Madeleine Dean on POTUS Pardon Corruption

Guest Host Norm Ornstein welcomes Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-PA) to discuss legislation they're working on to curb the President's pardon power after the onslaught of blatantly corrupt pardons from the Trump administration. Rep. Dean was the former impeachment manager for Trump's second impeachment, so she also addresses how the blanket pardon of all January 6th insurrectionists especially grotesque. We also discuss the latest on the "stolen documents" case and what Trump might have intended for them. Plus, people are making LOTS of money on insider trading around the Iran War. Rep. Dean shares her thoughts on the ICE brutality her constituents in Pennsylvania and around the country are facing. And she shares her first hand account of the Dilley detention center, where ICE is mistreating detainees and neglecting children. LEARN more about Rep. Madeleine Dean: https://dean.house.gov/biography LISTEN to Norm's podcast "Words Matter" with fellow friend of the show David Rothkopf: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dsrs-words-matter/id1420216970

38 min
MAR 22

BEST OF: George Packer on JD Vance

JD Vance has had an unorthodox rise to power. After a troubled childhood, he joined the Marines, graduated from Yale Law School, became a best-selling author, and then won a seat in the U.S. Senate. And now, at only 41, he is Vice President to Donald Trump, a man who Vance once described as "America's Hitler" and "cultural heroin." In this Best Of episode, we revisit our June 2025 conversation with The Atlantic’s George Packer. His piece, “The Talented Mr. Vance,” explores Vance's political transformation and whether he genuinely evolved his political views or cynically abandoned his principles for ambition. We also look at the Democrats' path forward. Packer shares how they can respond to Trump's appeal to disengaged voters. Read Packer’s writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/george-packer/

33 min
MAR 15

Brian Tyler Cohen on The Unpopular Iran War

Trump can call it whatever he wants, but we are at war with Iran. Podcast host and YouTube star Brian Tyler Cohen joins us again to break down how Trump has dragged us into this wildly unpopular war. How long will we be there? What are our objectives? And who is behind the bombing of the Iranian girls' school that killed 175 people? Early investigations suggest America is responsible, but Trump blames... the Iranians? And the GOP attack on democracy continues as voters become disillusioned with the Trump agenda. Will John Thune and the Republicans blow up the filibuster to pass the SAVE America Act? Plus, the gutting of ACA subsidies, Medicaid cuts, food assistance slashed, and how Trump's trade war has made good on absolutely none of his cost-of-living promises. SUBSCRIBE to Brian's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/briantylercohen LISTEN to Brian’s podcast, “No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-lie-with-brian-tyler-cohen/id1515399733 SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS: Save money on your wireless bill with Mint Mobile. Visit https://www.mintmobile.com/franken. Make sure you tell them you heard about this deal from The Al Franken Podcast! Get up to 15% off your skincare subscription needs at https://www.oneskin.co/franken

52 min

See All (383)

Al Franken

Host
David Kirkpatrick

Guest
Geoffrey Asmus

Guest
Peter Ogburn

Guest
Adam Serwer

Guest
John Fugelsang

Guest
Madeleine Dean

Guest
George Packer

Guest
Brian Tyler Cohen

Guest
Ari Berman

Guest

4.6

out of 5

8,004 Ratings

Is our action in Iran a war?

Mar 15

Lee Esq

It is an unlawful war in violation of the Geneva conventions the UN charter to which we are a signatory and to domestic laws of war. Can you think of another world leader who insists his war not be called a war? That would, of course be Putin. Trump keeps great company.
Repeats

1d ago

nepeddlar

Too many “best of” repeats. Lost interest.
Power and a sick mind

Mar 9

Gateway cityZen

Excellent conversation. Coupled with detailed understanding of the perils of war, especially one started on a whim without any real plan was important discussion of Trump’s mental illness and deterioration. I wish more commentators would shine a light on the sociopathic personality at work in the malignant narcissist. A man with his sickness should never be granted this much power especially without any checks or guardrails. Damage and suffering is always the result.
Cuban Drones

Mar 8

WilderLander

Couldn’t this be a False Flag by Trump forces, to launch drones from Cuba at America or American assets?

A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.