Top 100 most popular podcasts
Being an American right now is a wild ride. Every day brings a new controversy, with breathless media narratives and the same loud voices rushing in to score political points. Then another Truth Social post drops and the circus moves on. But all that noise is drowning out the actual story. On her new podcast Runaway Country, veteran journalist Alex Wagner talks to the voices at the center of the headlines: from the fringes of the resistance, to the marrow of MAGA, to the many people who?ve found themselves smack-dab in the crosshairs of a fight they never asked for. Because if you want to understand our unreal times, you?ve got to talk to the very real people who are experiencing it all first-hand. Join Alex as she brings together the stories of everyday Americans trapped in our national car with no brakes, alongside conversations with some of the smartest thinkers in politics. Buckle up, this road could lead anywhere.
New episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts, and @RunawayCountryWithAlexWagner on YouTube. Friends of the Pod subscribers can access ad-free episodes of Runaway Country by subscribing through Apple Podcasts, Supercast, Crooked Media on Substack, or the Pod Save America YouTube channel.
ICE agents have killed two men in the last 10 days. Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was fatally shot in Houston, Texas on July 7th, as was Joan Sebastian Guerrero on July 13th in Biddeford, Maine. On this week?s show, Alex looks at the lawless and race based nature of the Trump administration?s immigration policies, and how Americans are reacting to them. She?s first joined by Juan Proaño, CEO of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), to talk about the Araujo family?s tragic loss and how Latino communities across the country are feeling. Then Alex speaks to Sarah Longwell, publisher of The Bulwark, who gives insight into where voters stand on ICE?s campaign of terror.
For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
The Maine Senate race has been thrown into complete disarray after serious allegations of sexual assault emerged against Graham Platner. This week Alex speaks to Dan Kleban, U.S. Senate candidate and co-founder of the Maine Beer Company, about how Democratic voters in Maine are feeling in the wake of Platner?s campaign implosion, and why they don?t want Washington meddling in their elections. Then she?s joined by democratic strategist Adam Jentleson to talk about what comes next, how this scandal impacts Democrats? chances to take over the Senate, and how to read into wins by both Democratic Socialist candidates and moderates.
For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
This week we bring you an episode from Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams. Stacey Abrams has committed her career to bold political advocacy and voting rights. In this episode, Stacey opens the show by answering audience questions about the Supreme Court?s recent ruling on the Voting Rights Act, and what it means for our democracy. Then she?s joined by Jane Fonda, who explains why she?s revived the Committee for the First Amendment, a group originally supported by her father in the 1940?s. Stacey and Jane also talk about the Trump administration?s attacks against Jimmy Kimmel, why the Warner Bros. and Paramount merger is so dangerous, and what Jane has learned after decades of activism, including her actions during the Vietnam War. Catch Assembly Required with Stacey Abrams, every Tuesday, on YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts.
For a transcript of this episode, please email [email protected].
The levels of corruption Americans are witnessing are both historic and astounding. This week, Alex speaks to ProPublica reporter Robert Faturechi, who broke the story that the Department of Defense gave a $620,000,000 loan to a company affiliated with Donald Trump Jr. Then she?s joined by Pod Save the World host Ben Rhodes to talk about how everything from the UFC cage match on the White House lawn, to Ivanka Trump?s island development in Albania are indicative of the unprecedented grift, and limitless appetite for self enrichment of the Trump family.
Be sure to pick up a copy of Ben?s new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History of the United States in 15 Speeches.
Leave it to travel delays during Spring Break to turn America?s focus to immigration again. This week, as Congress debates over funding and reforms to ICE, and Markwayne Mullin is sworn in as new Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Alex brings our attention back to the ongoing tactics the Trump administration is using to target immigrants and tear families apart. First she speaks to Stephanie Villarreal, whose husband has been detained despite being a DACA recipient. Then Alex speaks to Jonathan V. Last, editor of The Bulwark, about how to keep a spotlight on immigration, especially when they employ bureaucratic tactics to change someone's status, and why Trump is trying to force a voting rights bill into the debate.
To support Stephanie and her family: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-keep-baby-and-father-together
Rightwing billionaire takeovers, journalists getting arrested, and endless misinformation. Welcome to the current state of American journalism. This week, Alex speaks to former CNN correspondent Jim Acosta about how legacy news organizations caved to President Trump and the critical role of independent media.
She?s also joined by Jason Zengerle, author of ?Hated By All the Right People: Tucker Carlson and the Unraveling of the Conservative Mind?, to analyze how Carlson brought fringe ideas into mainstream discourse.
Order Jason Zengerle's book here and use the code ALEX.
This week Alex travels to Minneapolis to see first hand how the community is responding to the terrorizing presence of ICE and the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. She shines a light on the grassroots efforts of mothers mobilizing to help both students and teachers who fear being targeted, and speaks to Reverend Dan Johnson about how his congregation has been impacted as well the very un-Christian nature of this administration?s tactics. Then Alex sits down with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to talk about how President Trump?s rhetoric contributed to the attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar, whether judicial interference can stop the federal government?s overreach, and why access to voter rolls is an issue at the center of this crisis.
Even police chiefs in Minnesota are calling out ICE tactics as race-based and out of line. This week, Alex focuses on what comes next ? from conditions at ICE detention centers, to the long-term impacts this lawless use of force will have on communities. First Alex speaks to David Wilson, an immigration attorney in Minneapolis about the horrible treatment and lack of medical care his clients are facing. Then she?s joined by MS NOW Political and National Correspondent, Jacob Soboroff, to talk about what he?s seeing on the ground in Minneapolis, how Trump 2.0 immigration enforcement compares to the family separation policy he covered during the first term, and his new book ?Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America?s New Age of Disaster?.
Since an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, President Trump and MAGA have labeled her a ?domestic terrorist? and come up with one reason after another to justify her death. This week Alex interviews Michel Moore, the former Chief of Police for the Los Angeles Police Department, to hear how law enforcement is interpreting the event. Then she speaks to The Bulwark?s Tim Miller to question the parallel realities Americans seem to be living in, despite ample video footage, and even in cases of life and death.
2026 has started off with strikes on Venezuela, the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro, and a brazen slew of threats from President Trump against Greenland, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Iran. This week, Alex speaks to Venezuelans about what their hopes and fears are for the future of their country. Then she's joined by Pod Save America's Jon Favreau and Pod Save the World's Ben Rhodes to break down the absolute insanity of Trump?s imperial ambitions.
Are President Trump?s tariffs illegal? Will the independence of federal agencies be a thing of the past? Is birthright citizenship about to be taken away? These are just a few of the consequential questions before a Supreme Court that's hell-bent on destroying obstacles to President Trump's executive power. Alex talks to two plaintiffs at the center of of these cases, Toymaker Rick Woldenberg and former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. Then, she sits down with NYU Professor and Strict Scrutiny host Melissa Murray to put it all into context and talk about what the long term impacts will be of a Supreme Court where corruption and partisanship are now out in the open.
Under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon is in disarray. From a lack of transparency on extrajudicial strikes in the Caribbean, to the Signalgate scandal, to kicking out the Pentagon press corp ? this administration has put a leader at the helm who is both embarrassing and a threat to national security. This week, Alex hears from The Atlantic?s Nancy Youssef about what it?s like covering the defense beat without access to the Pentagon. She also speaks to Senator Elissa Slotkin, who has told service members that they are not obligated to follow unconstitutional orders, and been targeted by President Trump for doing so. Then Alex and Pod Save the World host Ben Rhodes break down what kind of reputational damage Hegseth is doing to America?s image abroad, and what dangerous precedents are being set for authoritarian countries to follow.
The Trump administration is using the tragic shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national as justification to close the door on immigration, refugees, and asylum seekers trying to enter the US. This week, Alex speaks to an Afghan aid worker who now fears for his family's safety, and then is joined by Joy Reid to talk about how this is all part of a larger MAGA plot to Make America White Again.
This week, the House and Senate voted nearly unanimously to release all of the files related to the investigation into sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, after President Trump pulled a complete 180 and signaled his support. So how and why did things change? Alex speaks to Marina Lacerda, a survivor of Epstein?s abuse, about why the release is so important for both a sense of justice and her personal healing. Then, Alex is joined by attorney and political commentator George Conway to talk about what the bill in Congress requires, and how to read into the defections of MAGA politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene, which catalyzed the party?s great reversal on the issue.
Democrats and Republicans may seem worlds apart politically, but both parties are running into a similar problem ? getting pushed into uncomfortable positions. Less than a week after election wins across the country, it only took 7 Democratic Senators and one Independent to wipe away the feeling of victory and instead cave to Trump and the GOP?s bullying on the government shutdown. Republicans, however, have their own problems as exposed by the rift over Tucker Carlson embracing far-right antagonist Nick Fuentes. This week, Alex is joined by Zohran Mamdani?s political strategist, Morris Katz, and twitch streamer and political commentator, Hasan Piker, to break down how politicians can find their backbone again.
Tuesday?s elections ushered in big wins for Democrats in the NYC mayoral race, Virginia and New Jersey?s Governors? races, California?s redistricting measure, and more. Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress are still standing their ground as the government shutdown now becomes the longest in US history. Alex speaks to MSNBC?s Chris Hayes about what Democrats should take away from these two test cases, and how they should inform the party?s politics for the rest of Trump?s Presidency. She also hears from individuals living through the first-hand impacts of rising healthcare premiums and the government?s pause in food stamps.
Alex talks about the hottest issue leading up to next week?s election?.the 2026 election. California?s Proposition 50 is a power play by Governor Newsom and Democrats to fight back against Republican gerrymandering in Texas, in the hopes of saving Democratic seats in Congress in the midterm elections. Now a firestorm has ignited with states across the country launching redistricting efforts, and both parties have come to play. First, Alex hears about grassroots efforts to tackle the issue from Richard von Glahn, the Executive Director of People Not Politicians in Missouri. Then she speaks to democratic strategist David Plouffe about the moral quandary Democrats find themselves in, and why our hyper partisan political environment necessitates a gloves-off approach.
On the final episode of this season of The Wilderness, Jon is joined by UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck and senior Harris campaign advisor David Plouffe. Lynn and Jon discuss why, despite all of this election's wild changes, Lynn is still expecting a close outcome in November and then David Plouffe sits down with Jon to talk about what we can do to help Kamala beat Trump.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold.
Jon is joined Democratic message guru Anat Shenker-Osorio and longtime political strategist Michael Podhorzer to talk about how swing voters are reacting to a Harris-Walz ticket and what message the campaign will need to win them over in November. They break down why Tim Walz has been a uniquely effective messenger, how Kamala Harris is reclaiming freedom from Republicans, and how Minnesota?s 2018 ?Greater than Fear? campaign set the stage for this moment.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold.
Jon is joined by longtime pollster Sarah Longwell to discuss how swing voters are reacting to Kamala Harris? unexpected campaign for president. How did they react to Biden?s decision to withdraw? What concerns do they have about Kamala Harris? chances against Trump? And is her candidacy reigniting their capacity for hope? Sarah shares new focus group tape from Kamala Harris? first week on the campaign trail to find the answers and talks to Jon about the Vice President?s path to the White House.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold.
Jon is joined by youth polling experts John Della Volpe and Kristen Soltis Anderson to talk about apathy among young voters this election cycle. Why are they so disengaged? Are some truly defecting to Trump? And what message, if any, can get them out for the polls? Jon, John, and Kristen dive into the focus group tape to unpack Gen Z?s opinions of our octogenarian presidential candidates, their top economic issues, and the war in Gaza. And Anderson Clayton, the 26-year-old Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joins to talk about Gen Z?s faith in their own ability to improve democracy.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold.
Jon is joined by Carlos Odio and Stephanie Valencia, founders of Equis Research, the nation?s leading polling and research firm focused on the Latino electorate, to talk about what Democrats can do to win back the Latino voters who left the party for Trump in 2016 and 2020. Why are some of them leaning towards Trump? How did they react to Biden?s border actions? And what issues are they most focused on in 2024? Jon, Carlos, and Stephanie dive into the focus groups to answer these questions and Leo Murrieta, Director of Make the Road Nevada, joins to talk about his trip to the White House and offer his advice for the Biden campaign.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th.
Jon is joined by pollster Terrance Woodbury and Lavora Barnes, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, to talk about the black voters who may cast their ballots for Trump this November. Who are they? Why are they leaving the Democratic Party? And how can we bring them back into the fold? Jon, Terrance, and Lavora dive into focus group tape, the Trump campaign?s strategy, and Biden?s recent speeches to find a message that works for these voters and then John Taylor, co-founder of Black Male Initiative Georgia, reminds us that the work of organizing should always begin with love.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th.
Jon is joined by longtime pollster Sarah Longwell and former Republican strategist Tim Miller to get inside the minds of two-time Trump voters who are no longer sure if they?ll vote for him again. What?s changed? Well, January 6th, a few criminal trials, and some obviously bogus claims that the election was stolen. But is that enough to get them over the line for Joe Biden? Jon, Tim, and Sarah listen to a focus group tape of these voters to figure out how they?re leaning in 2024 and then Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, joins to help teach you how to persuade the Biden-curious Trump voter in your life.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th.
Welcome back to The Wilderness. Jon talks about what it will take to rebuild 2020?s anti-Trump coalition with political analyst Ron Brownstein, political scientist Lynn Vavreck, Democratic strategist Addisu Demissie, Democratic strategist Jen Palmieri, and Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg. They?ll talk about the risks of a second Trump term and how you can help prevent it. It may be a challenging road ahead, but by taking the time to persuade the persuadables in your life it?s possible to finally break Trump?s stranglehold on our politics.
Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024
Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th.
If you?re reading this, chances are you?re not an undecided voter. But if you don?t want Donald Trump to become president again, between now and November you?ll need to convince as many as you can to cast their ballot for Joe Biden.
With the help of some of the smartest strategists, pollsters, and organizers in politics today, host Jon Favreau explores the minds of voters who will decide the 2024 election, and gives you everything you need to persuade the persuadables in your life.
Episodes 1 & 2 premiere May 26. New episodes every other Sunday.
Can Democrats keep Georgia blue? We hear from young Black voters in Atlanta about Stacey Abrams, Raphael Warnock, Joe Biden, voting rights, and the future of democracy. Organizer Nsé Ufot, political commentator and strategist Symone Sanders, and pollster Terrance Woodbury join Jon to discuss what they had to say.
New episodes of The Wilderness drop every Monday. Subscribe to The Wilderness wherever you get your podcasts.
Apple: apple.co/thewilderness
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6JfsJlD5sBhVpEQEALNw4U
Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-wilderness
If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and New Georgia Project: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/
https://newgeorgiaproject.org/
Are demographics destiny? We talk to working-class Latino voters in Las Vegas about what issues matter most to them and whether they?ll vote for Democrats this fall. Political scientist Ruy Teixeira, former Bernie Sanders presidential campaign manager Faiz Shakir, and Carlos Odio of EquisLabs join to discuss.
If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and Culinary Union 226: