The Al Franken Podcast

4.6 (7.9K)
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.

4D AGO

CNN’s Kasie Hunt on Her Career & Trump II

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

51 min
JUN 22

Molly Jong-Fast on her Bestselling Memoir!

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, B******t 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

47 min
JUN 15

Heather McGhee on Trump’s Wars on DEI and Immigration

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/

48 min
JUN 8

YouTube Sensation David Pakman on The Big, Beautiful Bill and More!

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

40 min
JUN 1

George Packer on Vice President 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 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/

33 min
MAY 25

BEST OF: Ed Shelleby on Being My Senate Communications Director

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.

50 min
MAY 18

Michael Lewis on Amazing Government Workers

From the start of Donald Trump's second term, he's been eager to cut the federal workforce. So, Elon Musk headed the newly minted DOGE to begin slashing tens of thousands of jobs. Our friend, Michael Lewis, author of "The Big Short" and, most recently, "Who is Government?," joins us to share stories of public servants who not only improved this country but have saved countless lives. Those improvements and breakthroughs could only have happened through the power and effectiveness of a strong government. Lewis warns of the long-term consequences of dismantling agencies like USAID and removing oversight mechanisms. The public might not immediately feel these impacts, but the results will eventually be catastrophic, particularly for vulnerable populations worldwide. Lewis explains that DOGE was never about fraud, waste, and abuse. It's always been about ideology, power, and money. Visit Michael's website to learn more: https://www.michaellewiswrites.com/

32 min
MAY 11

Dahlia Lithwick on the Courts vs. Trump

We're joined by Dahlia Lithwick, award-winning journalist, author, and host of the Amicus podcast. Dahlia looks at the judicial pushback against the Trump administration, as the Courts have stood up to Trump's policies on birthright citizenship and deportation. We also discuss Trump’s targeting of law firms. The Supreme Court notably ruled 9-0 that the administration must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, which it has ignored. Is this the Constitutional crisis we've been anticipating? Will Trump pay a price for ignoring The Supreme Court? Plus, Dahlia breaks down why a fetal personhood bill will inevitably be brought before The Supreme Court. Listen to Dahlia's Amicus podcast: 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

44 min

See All (338)

Al Franken

Host
Molly Jong-Fast

Guest
Heather McGhee

Guest
David Pakman

Guest
Atul Gawande

Guest
Catherine Rampell

Guest
Trae Crowder

Guest
Mark Leibovich

Guest
Tim Mak

Guest
Sarah Longwell

Guest

4.6

out of 5

7,863 Ratings

Kassie Hunt

1d ago

mike raphone hog

This is a go to pod, Al is presents an intelligent argument, even when I disagree with his point of view.so nice to have a calm and reasonable (and occasionally humorous) ta ke on some very serious issues, very rare in today’s media landscape which brings me to the Kassie Hunt episode. Obviously a smart woman, but totally CYA answers to every topic. Couldn’t even condemn Jan. 6, which she witnessed. Another “legacy” “ so called journalist so cowed and fearful of saying anything that could cause repercussions to her and her corporate station. This is why cable “news” is dying there are no more BilMoyers or Edward R Murrows to be found. Tell Kassie to get an am radio gig where she will be right at home
My Go To Saturday Morning Podcast

Jun 15

Avocado57

There has not been one time that I’ve listened to Al’s podcast and not come away enlightened Al is a terrifically intelligent host, asking meaningful questions and he has access to truly exceptional guests. The only thorn in my side is the sponsorship/advertising for Christian companies. Really Al? I thought it was a parody at first, like an old SNL skit. It’s a real turn off - hoping your team gets rid of those sponsors. Other than that - it’s a chef’s kiss of a podcast!
Unsubscribing today, after listening for years

3d ago

Lumpy NYC

I’ve subscribed on iTunes for years but at this point it seems like a very low-effort podcast that doesn’t have much to contribute, considering all the other available sources of news and analysis. Al seems to rely very heavily on his old Rolodex of contacts (a lot of repeat guest appearances) and the shows generally lack depth. This would be a good podcast to recommend to your Grandma who doesn’t follow politics very closely. I understand that there are plenty of people in this demographic who are being served by the show, but it’s not for me. I like Al Franken and I wish he was still in the Senate, but he either needs to work harder on this podcast or give up. Also, the new commercial breaks that interrupt the show now are absolutely horrendous.
UGH!

Jun 22

80221

Molly Jong-Fast A very, very, very rich & privileged woman, known because of a famous alcoholic parent who didn’t give her the attention she wanted & so she became a teen alcoholic herself. She had a parent who was diagnosed with dementia & died. A husband diagnosed with cancer who didn’t die. Stressful, yes, but a story many of us regular folk have experienced in recent times, in spades, without the financial support & notoriety she has. I won’t read her book but wonder if ‘Chasing Fame Is Hereditary’ was considered as an alternate title.

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.