Top 100 most popular podcasts
Sam Stein and JVL give their takes on a bombshell new report from the Washington Post showing Trump's White House ballroom project could cost more than $600 million with taxpayers footing half the bill. They break down the ballooning price tag, the demolition of the East Wing, and whether a future president should just tear the whole thing down.
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Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol are going live to cover the week's biggest news.
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Sam Stein and POLITICO?s Chris Cadelago take on reports that the Trump Justice Department is investigating Gavin Newsom and his wife, Jennifer Siebel Newsom. They discuss what's actually known about the probe, the long-running Trump-Newsom rivalry, and whether the investigation is a legitimate corruption case or the latest example of Trump targeting his political opponents.
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Tim Miller is joined by journalist and YouTuber Caolan Robertson, reporting from Kyiv after one of Russia's most devastating attacks on Ukraine in months. Caolan witnessed the aftermath firsthand as Russian missiles and drones struck the Dormition Cathedral, a historic monastery and church complex more than 1,000 years old and one of the most significant sites in Christian history. They discuss Putin's escalating campaign against Ukrainian civilians, the hypocrisy of Russia's self-proclaimed defense of "Christian values," and what life is like in Ukraine as Russia intensifies its terror attacks despite mounting setbacks on the battlefield. Caolan also shares his reporting from Ireland, where critical materials continue flowing into Russia's war machine despite public support for Ukraine.
Watch more from Caolan: https://www.youtube.com/@CaolanReports
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Will Sommer and Sam Stein went live to unpack last night's gross UFC fight at the White House, Eric Trump's alleged betting scandal, MAGA allies unhappy about a proposed Iran deal, James Fishback calling his opponent Byron Donalds a "slave," and Spencer Pratt now becoming the Joker after losing the LA mayor's race.
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Tim Miller and political streamer Destiny take on Bulwark Podcast clip that radicalized an anti-communist, Elon's first trillion, Trump's kakistocracy cabinet, why Democrats keep walking into far-left media ambushes, and whether the rest of us have any idea what to do about any of it.
Tim Miller recaps his appearance on Deadline: White House with Nicole Wallace, then delivers his personal thoughts about Pride.
Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house
Bill Kristol, Sonny Bunch and Brendan Hartnett went live to cover the court ordered removal of Trump's name from the Kennedy Center.
Watch Sonny's conversation with Kennedy Center whistleblower Josef Palermo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rEDNCdqYzg
Read Sonny's piece on the dismantling of the Kennedy Center: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/a-day-and-a-nation-at-the-kennedy-center
Join Catherine and JVL at 12:30pm on Friday to discuss the week's economic and financial news.
Read Catherine's 'Receipts' newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/receipts
Read JVL's 'Triad' newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriad
Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Will Sommer are back and the FBI is coming after Will! How much time is Kash Patel's bureau spending on posting memes than fighting crime? Then, RFK Jr. sits down with a wellness guru whose résumé includes injecting stem cells into his own penis. Naturally, he's now dispensing health advice from the Health and Human Services podcast studio. And finally, the man leading the push to draft former Border Patrol official Greg Bovino for a 2028 presidential run is facing a felony meth charge after a bizarre motel incident. Plus: Candace Owens starts another right-wing influencer war about masculinity.
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Read more from Will?s False Flag newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-dangerous-escalation-losing-war-iran-bombing-kharg-invasion-blanche-epstein
Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker are going live to cover President Trump's post threatening an invasion of Iran's Kharg Island.
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Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Sonny Bunch give their takes on the New York Times bombshell surrounding the Trump White House?s frantic effort to manage the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files. Behind the several meetings in the Situation Room, JD Vance looks ahead to his own 2028 prospects, Dan Bongino screamed at Pam Bondi, and Susie Wiles and Stephen Chung were left trying to contain damage that keeps multiplying. The only consistent goal was protecting Donald Trump from whatever the files might say.
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JVL, Andrew Egger and Ben Parker are going live to discuss Trump's June 10th press event where he said he "loves" inflation and claimed to reveal military secrets about oil in Iran.
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Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) and Ben Parker are discussing the week's major military and foreign policy news.
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Join Sam Stein and Bill Kristol as they cover the evening's primary elections: Maine, South Carolina, and more. Plus, the latest on Iran and Trump digging his heels in on the appointment of Bill Pulte.
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Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol went live to cover Trump falling asleep after getting booed at the NBA Finals, Mike Johnson and the GOP launching back into election-fraud conspiracy theories, and an update to the Pentagon's fighting with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
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Read more from Morning Shots: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/hegseth-loses-his-holy-war-defense-mormonism-lds-christianity-lee
Jonathan Cohn interviewed all three major Democratic candidates in Michigan?s high-stakes Senate race?Abdul El-Sayed, Mallory McMorrow, and Haley Stevens?to compare their views on healthcare, electric vehicles, government spending, and the future of the Democratic Party.
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Read more on the Michigan Senate race: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/issues-that-could-decide-michigan-senate-race-interviews-mcmorrow-stevens-el-sayed
Tim Miller gives his take on Donald Trump's appearance at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where the president was met with a chorus of boos from Knicks fans. Tim breaks down the reaction inside MSG, the even harsher response from fans gathered outside to watch the game, and the attempts by Fox News to spin away what everyone could plainly hear. Why does Trump's movement always seem to need validation and why can't they just admit when the crowd turns against him?
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Sam Stein went on MS Now to give his take on the lawsuit trying to stop Donald Trump?s planned UFC event at the White House, the legal questions surrounding it, and why it?s yet another example of Trump blurring the line between public office and private interests. His longtime ally Dana White is involved, Trump holds a financial stake in UFC?s parent company, it's on federal property, and they're having it be a nationally televised by another Trump ally. Then, Sam dives into a new report on FBI Director Kash Patel?s continuing search for evidence of a supposed ?deep state? conspiracy against Trump. Why are prosecutors leaving? Why do investigations keep coming up empty?
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Andrew Egger is joined by Casey Michel, author of the forthcoming book United States of Oligarchy: How America's Wealthiest Ally with Dictators, Weaken the U.S., and Destroy Democracy, to examine how Jared Kushner became a walking conflict of interest at the center of American foreign policy. From cultivating relationships with Saudi royals and Gulf autocrats while serving in the White House to launching a multibillion-dollar investment fund backed by foreign governments after leaving office, Casey walks through how Kushner went from being a laughingstock in the Middle East to a billionaire. Plus, with all these foreign interest conflicts, why is Congress allowing him to be one of Trump's key players in negotiations on Gaza, Ukraine, and Iran despite having no traditional diplomatic experience.
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Read more from Casey in Mother Jones: https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2026/06/jared-kushner-affinity-partners-fund-saud[?]gaza-peace-deal-diplomat-steve-witkoff-donald-ivanka-trump/
You can pre-order Casey's book here: https://www.amazon.com/United-States-Oligarchy-Wealthiest-Dictators/dp/1250430119/?tag=bulwark08-20
Sam Stein and Will Sommer give their takes on the flurry of stories across the right-wing fever swamp. They discuss: Mike Lee blasting Pete Hegseth for snubbing Mormons, Kash Patel launching attacks against Judicial Watch, Republicans claiming fraud because Spencer Pratt is losing in the LA mayoral race, Lauren Boebert sounding off on a Fox News reporter, and whether Albania?s PM could be ousted over Jared and Ivanka?s luxury resort.
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Sonny Bunch and Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) review Pressure, the new film about the D-Day weather decision that nearly derailed the largest invasion in history. They discuss what Eisenhower was really up against: a catastrophic dress rehearsal, a ghost army commanded by Patton, alliance politics, and a lone British meteorologist telling him the June 5th launch date would be a disaster. Plus: Hertling on getting caught in an Iraqi sandstorm, the Coast Guard's impossible mission in The Perfect Storm, the Eagle Claw debacle in Argo, and the Benghazi chaos of 13 Hours?and what all of these have in common. Also, was Brendan Fraser the right choice to play Ike?
Sam Stein and Brendan Hartnett take on the most important research project in American political journalism: documenting every time Donald Trump has publicly lost his mind over how handsome a man is.
After over 100 documented instances, it's fair to say we have a pattern on our hands. The president cannot stop slow-panning across a room full of guys and narrating what he sees. We're not here to judge. We're here to document
Donald Trump has spent years giving his critics material. Will Saletan brings together some of his favorite Bulwark Takes videos covering Trump's most absurd interviews, bizarre conspiracy theories, embarrassing gaffes, and unforgettable Fox News trainwrecks. From anchors desperately trying to coach him through interviews, to the dumbest lies he's said about elections, to his strange relationship with Vladimir Putin, there is no shortage of moments that go from comical to infuriating.
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Catherine Rampell and Jonathan Cohn give their takes on the return of the flesh-eating parasite screwworm. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has already blamed the Biden's border and immigration policies as a potential cause after saying in November that it was under control. But is that the full story? We examine whether DOGE-related staffing cuts and the broader erosion of international cooperation may have played a role in weakening surveillance and response systems. Plus, beef prices are already at record highs, and ranchers are warning of even more disruption ahead if the outbreak spreads, we explain the economic impacts this could have on farmers and consumers.
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Catherine Rampell and Sam Stein went live to cover the week's financial and economic news.
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Read Catherine Rampell's 'Receipts' newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/receipts
Hunter Biden is back online and he?s not just lurking. He?s posting, replying, and diving headfirst into viral Twitter debates with users big and small. JVL, Sam Stein, and Sonny Bunch give their takes on whether Hunter?s unexpected social media renaissance is just chaos?or something more strategic. Could this be a redemption arc? A political liability? Or even the beginning of a strange new media career?
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Tim Miller takes on the Senate vote that kept Trump?s controversial $1.8 billion fund alive, exposing the Republican lawmakers who condemned it in public and then helped save it behind closed doors. Plus, the growing controversy surrounding Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner, and Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump?s luxury island project in Albania as questions about corruption and self-enrichment continue to mount.
Watch Deadline: White House on MS NOW: https://www.ms.now/deadline-white-house
CNN?s Donie O?Sullivan joins Sam Stein and Will Sommer to discuss his new reporting on the Groypers, the followers of white nationalist streamer Nick Fuentes. Donie spoke to two Groypers who defended Fuentes sexist and racist views. But shortly after they spoke, the two were admonished by Fuentes and faced calls by other supporters to be doxxed because of how they looked. Sam, Will and Donie break down what it actually means to be a Groyper and how online extremism, irony, and nihilism blur together.
Watch more of Donie?s work: https://www.cnn.com/videos/title-2600247
Read Will Sommer's 'False Flag' newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag
As House Democrats look to reclaim the majority in 2026, DCCC Chair Suzan DelBene joins Joe Perticone to unveil four new Democratic target districts and explains why her party believes the political map is expanding. DelBene discusses emerging pickup opportunities in New Jersey, California, Nebraska, and Florida, including the growing controversy surrounding Tom Kean Jr., who has been absent from public view for months. Plus, Joe also asks Florida's newly redrawn congressional map and whether DelBene and the DCCC is supporting Debbie Wasserman Schultz in her controversial new district.
Read Joe Perticone's 'Press Pass' Newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/presspass
Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Will Sommer are back to give their takes on Ivanka and Jared Kushner?s luxury island project in Albania that's sparking mass protests, the candidate in Colorado?s Republican gubernatorial race who claims he performs exorcisms, and the federal insider trading investigation into George Santos. Plus, Will brings the latest update from the increasingly chaotic world of right-wing influencer Elijah Schaefer.
Read Will Sommer's 'False Flag' newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag
Tim Miller takes on the growing controversy surrounding Delaney Hall, the ICE detention facility facing allegations of abusive conditions, blocked inspections, and a detainee hunger strike. He also examines the confrontation outside the facility involving protesters and Senator Andy Kim.
Life inside the Delaney Hall ICE detention camp is a travesty
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/02/ice-detention-camp-delaney-hall
S.O.S: A Second Letter From Delaney Hall: https://www.lahuelga.com/sos
Tim Miller talks with Rufus Gifford?former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark?about Jeff Landry's uninvited, chaotic trip to Greenland as Trump's made-up "special envoy." Spoiler: it did not go well for Landry.
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Sam Stein and Semafor's Max Tani go live to react to CBS firing Scott Pelley from 60 Minutes. Pelley's firing comes after he tore into Bari Weiss and 60 Minutes' new executive producer Nick Bilton, accusing Weiss of "murdering" the venerated newsmagazine.
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Sarah Longwell gives her take on the state of the race in Iowa ahead of Tuesday's primary elections. With Donald Trump's approval numbers slipping, farmers feeling the effects of tariffs, and growing frustration with Republican leadership in the state, Democrats believe they have a real opportunity to compete in races that once seemed out of reach. Sarah breaks down what's driving voter anger and looks at Democratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand, the Democratic Senate primary between Josh Turek and Zach Wahls, and why national political observers are suddenly paying close attention to a state that has trended Republican for years. Is Iowa becoming competitive again? And could it be one of the biggest surprises of the 2026 election cycle?
Text TAKES to 64000 for your 2 free gifts with the purchase of any Pocket Hose Ballistic hose. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket Hose. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply. Text STOP at any time to opt out. Text HELP for additional Information. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at PocketHose.com/terms.
Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol went live to react to Trump?s shocking decision to install housing official Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence, despite having no intelligence background. They discuss what the appointment says about Trump?s priorities, growing concerns about the weaponization of government power, signs of Republican resistance on Capitol Hill, and whether Trump?s increasingly frustrated behavior signals deeper problems ahead for his presidency.
Text TAKES to 64000 for your 2 free gifts with the purchase of any Pocket Hose Ballistic hose. By Texting 64000, you agree to receive recurring automated marketing messages from Pocket Hose. Message frequency varies and data rates may apply. Text STOP at any time to opt out. Text HELP for additional Information. No purchase required. Terms apply, available at https://PocketHose.com/terms.
JVL and Will Sommer give their takes on the explosive showdown inside CBS News after Scott Pelley confronted new 60 Minutes executive producer Nick Bilton during his first meeting with staff. According to reporting from Oliver Darcy's Status newsletter, Pelley blasted CBS leadership and declared that Bari Weiss is "murdering 60 Minutes." JVL and Will break down what happened in the meeting, why Bilton appeared unprepared for the backlash, the firing of key 60 Minutes staffers, and what the corporate overhaul could mean for the future of the iconic broadcast. They also discuss why many journalists believe the changes have little to do with digital growth and everything to do with control over the newsroom.
Read more from Status: https://www.status.news/p/scott-pelley-60-minutes-nick-bilton-bari-weiss
Sam Stein and Andrew Egger give their takes on the breaking news that the Trump administration is reportedly pausing and potentially abandoning the controversial $1.8 billion slush fund for January 6 defendants and other Trump allies. Sam and Andrew walk through how the arrangement came together, why judges are now scrutinizing it, and why even Republican lawmakers are growing uneasy with the implications. But just because they said it's "paused," is it actually over?
Will Sommer and Sam Stein went live on Monday at 10am to cover the outrage from Republicans about artists cancelling on America 250 and Trump making it a rally instead, the Proud Boys bringing cookies to a pro-ICE rally, Trump?s former Border Patrol chief Greg Bovino hanging with white nationalists, and James Fishback?s ex-girlfriend speaking out.
Read more from Will: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/false-flag
Catherine Rampell and Will Sommer take on one of the strangest stories in American politics: a mystery candidate named Dan Sullivan has entered the Alaska Senate race?as a Republican?to run against the incumbent Republican senator also named Dan Sullivan. Who recruited him, why does his photo look AI-generated, and why is a Peltola-aligned strategist's name buried in the press release metadata?
Nathaniel Zelinsky, lead counsel in the Kennedy Center case against Trump, joins Bill Kristol for Bulwark on Sunday to discuss the current situation with Trump and the courts.
Nathaniel Zelinsky is a senior counsel and member of the Washington Litigation Group?s steering committee. He is an appellate lawyer who has handled high stakes cases involving major constitutional questions and multibillion dollar disputes, and has argued at every level of the federal judiciary, including before the Supreme Court.