Episodios

  • Dahlia Lithwick on The Godawful SCOTUS Term

    Dahlia Lithwick on The Godawful SCOTUS Term
    Jul 13 2025
    Another devastating term of Trump's Supreme Court has come to a close. There's a lot to be angry about, so we're joined by Dahlia Lithwick, our authority on all things SCOTUS and host of Slate’s podcast, Amicus.

    Dahlia explains how this Supreme Court is using the "shadow docket" to advance bad policy without full briefings or arguments and how the results of these decisions can lead to judicial chaos.

    We also discuss many of the awful decisions handed down by The Court, including those on birthright citizenship, healthcare for trans children, and religious exemptions for parents who don’t want their kids reading books that feature LGBTQ+ characters. (YIKES!)

    All in all, The Court is strengthening executive authority under Trump, which is leading us towards full-blown authoritarianism.

    LISTEN to Dahlia's podcast, Amicus:
    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amicus-with-dahlia-lithwick-law-justice-and-the-courts/id928790786

    READ Dahlia in Slate:
    https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwick
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    49 m
  • Marc Elias on Trump’s Authoritarian Second Term

    Marc Elias on Trump’s Authoritarian Second Term
    Jul 6 2025
    One of Donald Trump's priorities when he returned to the White House was to target law firms that he felt had wronged him. While some immediately caved to his demands, others fought back... and won. We're joined by Marc Elias, preeminent election lawyer and founder of Democracy Docket, to discuss Trump using his second term to settle personal scores, abuse his power, and put a strain on the judicial system in America.

    Marc and Al discuss the growing authoritarianism and how the recent Supreme Court decisions won't slow it down. But with the unpopularity of Trump's disgusting immigration policy to his handling of the economy to The Big Beautiful Bill, we look with hope towards the midterms.

    Check out Democracy Docket for the most important news on voting rights and election litigation:
    https://www.democracydocket.com

    Learn about my work with Midwest Values PAC: https://www.midwestvaluespac.org/
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    46 m
  • CNN’s Kasie Hunt on Her Career & Trump II

    CNN’s Kasie Hunt on Her Career & Trump II
    Jun 29 2025

    We are joined by CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst Kasie Hunt for her first time on the podcast! It's a very fun conversation covering her work and what inspired her to follow her passion for journalism.

    She discusses the early days of her career covering Obama, Congress, and the passage of the Affordable Care Act. We also talk about how much Congress and the information ecosystem has changed over the years. And Kasie shares her thoughts about watching Donald Trump pardon the rioters on his first day back in office after being present in the Capitol that day.

    Plus, immigration raids, tariffs and the Big, Beautiful, Bill. Trump and the Republicans might actually pass the BBB, but at what cost to working Americans?

    WATCH Kasie on CNN, weekdays at 4pm ET: https://www.cnn.com/profiles/kasie-hunt
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    51 m
  • Molly Jong-Fast on her Bestselling Memoir!

    Molly Jong-Fast on her Bestselling Memoir!
    Jun 22 2025
    We are joined by Molly Jong-Fast this week to discuss her new book, “How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir.” We've had Molly on the podcast many times, but you've never heard her like this! She discusses growing up in the shadow of her mother, feminist icon Erica Jong, and their relationship over the years. Molly shares stories of her mother's affairs, alcoholism, and addiction to fame.

    We also discuss the latest news out of Washington and how the "Big, Beautiful, Bullshit Bill" will bring pain to so many Americans. Plus, with tensions rising in The Middle East, should America get involved? Does anyone have faith in Donald Trump to guide us through this delicate conflict?

    READ Molly's new book:
    https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738849/how-to-lose-your-mother-by-molly-jong-fast/

    READ Molly’s column in Vanity Fair: https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/molly-jong-fast

    LISTEN to Molly's podcast, Fast Politics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-politics-with-molly-jong-fast/id1645614328

    In the monologue, Al discusses the recent political violence in Minnesota and how you can contribute.

    Here is the GoFundMe to support the children of Mark and Melissa Hortman:
    https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-colin-and-sophie-after-their-tragic-loss

    Here is the GoFundMe to support Yvette and John Hoffman while they recover from their attempted assassinations:
    https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-yvette-and-john-hoffmans-recovery
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    47 m
  • Heather McGhee on Trump’s Wars on DEI and Immigration

    Heather McGhee on Trump’s Wars on DEI and Immigration
    Jun 15 2025
    The Trump administration is waging war on DEI. But what does that mean? We ask one of our favorite guests, Heather McGhee, to break down how and why DEI has become such a focus for Trump and his allies. Heather wrote the groundbreaking book “The Sum of Us” and is an expert in economic and social policy. She explains that diversity is the backbone of America and that it’s unquestionably better for everyone when we embrace more diverse voices.

    We also discuss the appalling ICE raids in Los Angeles and around the country and the economic and moral impact of the war on immigrants. Heather sees many parallels between this and the disgusting actions of segregationists, who chose to fill in and close public pools rather than let everybody have access to them.

    Read more about Heather: https://heathermcghee.com/
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    48 m
  • YouTube Sensation David Pakman on The Big, Beautiful Bill and More!

    YouTube Sensation David Pakman on The Big, Beautiful Bill and More!
    Jun 8 2025
    First time guest David Pakman joins us for this week's show! David is a political commentator and hosts one of the most watched independent progressive programs in the country. With over 3 million YouTube subscribers, David spreads truth and commentary on the devastating impact Donald Trump is having on our country.

    Al and David kick around news out of Washington including the "Big, Beautiful Bill" and its chances of survival now that some Republicans have expressed their opposition (and Elon Musk has torn it apart). Plus, we take a look at the new "travel ban" and how Trump's arguments for it make no sense.

    David also shares what has shocked him the most about Trump’s second term and discusses what Democrats should do to win more seats and help improve their standing with American voters.

    WATCH David's videos on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thedavidpakmanshow

    LISTEN to David's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-pakman-show/id402050558
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    40 m
  • George Packer on Vice President JD Vance

    George Packer on Vice President JD Vance
    Jun 1 2025
    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 40, he is Vice President to Donald Trump, a man who Vance once described as "America's Hitler" and "cultural heroin."

    We’re joined by The Atlantic’s George Packer. His most recent piece, “The Talented Mr. Vance,” explores Vance's political transformation and whether or not he genuinely evolved his political views or cynically abandoned his principles for ambition.

    We also take a 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/
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    33 m
  • 225: BEST OF: Ed Shelleby on Being My Senate Communications Director

    225: BEST OF: Ed Shelleby on Being My Senate Communications Director
    May 25 2025

    In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Al’s former Senate Communications Director, Ed Shelleby, to relive their time working together. Ed tells tales of him TRYING to manage Al's comedic impulses in serious situations, but also talks about the great work they accomplished together.


    Ed shares several behind-the-scenes stories including how Al, as a newly elected official, had to learn to "pivot" in interviews and explains how the office coined a brand new term: The Dehumorizer.


    But also, we cover the effectiveness of Al's time in the Senate. And they share many stories of how Al treated his staff like family.


    It's a different kind of show this week, but one we KNOW you will enjoy.


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    50 m