The Al Franken Podcast

Al and Norm Ornstein on The Blueprint for Trump's Cruelty 07.06.2026 59p

What's actually driving the Trump administration? Our good friend and emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Norm Ornstein, joins Al to follow the blueprint laid out by Project 2025.The chief architect of Project 2025, Russell Vought, now runs the Office of Management and Budget, the perfect position to carry out The Project’s agenda. Norm and Al cover the human cost of gutting USAID, DOGE’s chaotic assault on the federal workforce, an immigration crackdown that's begun alienating the Hispanic voters who swung to Trump in 2024, and a cabinet culture so consumed with flattery that Ornstein calls it the "Lickspittle Olympics."Plus, Trump promised to keep us out of wars, but with the ongoing conflict with Iran, the Venezuela invasion, preparations around Cuba, and a growing rift with NATO, it seems like he might not have been fully honest with the American people.Norm discusses how this administration's corruption dwarfs every previous White House scandal combined. And what should Democrats actually do if they retake Congress? Is impeachment smart politics or a distraction? And what does a credible "Project 2029" look like?LISTEN to Norm's podcast "Words Matter" with fellow friend of the show David Rothkopf: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dsrs-words-matter/id1420216970SUPPORT THE PODCAST BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS:Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Get free shipping and 365-Day returns at https://www.quince.com/frankenSave money on your insurance bills with SelectQuote! Visit https://www.selectquote.com/franken

BEST OF: Kevin Nealon on His Career in Comedy! 31.05.2026 1ó 2p

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our July 2025 conversation with an old friend from Al’s SNL days, comedian Kevin Nealon! Kevin and Al trade stories from working together on Saturday Night Live and discuss how the show has changed over the years. Kevin shares how he created several trademark bits, including Mr. Subliminal and Hans and Franz. Plus, we get backstories on some sketches that Al and Kevin worked on together.We also get into Kevin's post-SNL life, including his role on the hit TV show “Weeds,” his standup, and his hiking podcast! WATCH Kevin's latest standup special, Loose in the Crotch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LamkJ2iq2sGo see Kevin on tour! https://kevinnealon.com/

Catherine Rampell and Scott Lincicome on Trump's Tariffs 24.05.2026 52p

It’s been over a year since Trump’s “Liberation Day” when he rolled out his global tariffs, but the Supreme Court struck those down resulting in chaos and confusion about what happens next. Guest Host Catherine Rampell, of The Bulwark and MSNOW, welcomes Scott Lincicome, VP of economics at the Cato Institute, to try to make sense of how the 166 billion dollars in tariffs will be refunded to businesses that were impacted. Catherine and Scott break down the bureaucratic red tape of the refund process, why small businesses are once again getting left behind, and the valid fears of political retaliation that are keeping major corporations silent.And with the U.S. government taking multi-billion-dollar equity stakes in everything from steel mills to quantum computing, we discuss the rise of “state capitalism.” It’s not exactly the free market that Republicans have been cheering for generations. Plus, after Trump’s landmark trip to China, many Americans are experiencing what Scott calls “China envy.”READ Catherine’s writing in The Bulwark: https://substack.com/@catherinerampell/postsREAD Scott’s writing: https://www.cato.org/people/scott-lincicome

BEST OF: Kasie Hunt on Her Career & Trump 17.05.2026 55p

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our June 2025 conversation with CNN Anchor and Chief National Affairs Analyst Kasie Hunt! 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-huntSUPPORT 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/frankenSave money on your insurance bills with SelectQuote! Visit https://www.selectquote.com/franken today!

Rep. Rosa DeLauro on Congressional Chaos 10.05.2026 53p

Guest Host Norm Ornstein welcomes Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) to cover all the news happening in Congress. We cover the war in Iran and how it’s driving prices up across the country and the world, consequently having a major impact on Americans' wallets. DeLauro calls this a "war of choice" and discusses what Congress can realistically do to invoke the War Powers Act and reclaim its constitutional authority.DeLauro is the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Committee and reveals how the Trump administration is taking the power of the purse away from Congress. Plus, the midterms are rapidly approaching. Can Democrats make enough gains to slow down the Trump administration?SUPPORT THE SHOW BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS:Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Get free shipping and 365-Day returns at https://www.quince.com/franken

BEST OF: David Kirkpatrick on Trump’s Shameless Profiteering 03.05.2026 45p

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

Trae Crowder and Geoffrey Asmus on Comedy and Politics 26.04.2026 47p

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!

BEST OF: Al on SNL’s 50th Anniversary 19.04.2026 1ó 6p

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

Heather McGhee and Adam Serwer on the Power of Protest 12.04.2026 48p

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.comRefresh your wardrobe with Quince! Get free shipping and 365-Day returns at https://www.quince.com/franken

Best Of: John Fugelsang on Jesus and Politics 05.04.2026 38p

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/9781668066898LISTEN to The John Fugelsang Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-fugelsang-podcast/id1464094232SUPPORT 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

Rep. Madeleine Dean on POTUS Pardon Corruption 29.03.2026 37p

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/biographyLISTEN to Norm's podcast "Words Matter" with fellow friend of the show David Rothkopf: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dsrs-words-matter/id1420216970

BEST OF: George Packer on JD Vance 22.03.2026 33p

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/

Brian Tyler Cohen on The Unpopular Iran War 15.03.2026 52p

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/briantylercohenLISTEN to Brian’s podcast, “No Lie with Brian Tyler Cohen”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-lie-with-brian-tyler-cohen/id1515399733SUPPORT 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

2: David Rothkopf and Paul Rieckhoff on The Iran War 08.03.2026 48p

America is at war with Iran. It's the eighth time that Donald Trump has attacked another country since he began his second term (despite pledging "no new wars" during his campaign). To break it all down, we're joined by foreign affairs expert David Rothkopf and Paul Rieckhoff, Iraq War vet and CEO of the Independent Veterans of America.We take a look at the difficult history between America and Iran along with the current military campaign Trump has started in the region. Trump and his administration have yet to outline exactly WHY we are fighting, and with Americans already dying, it's no surprise that this war is extremely unpopular. Not to mention, this is costing our country a billion dollars a day and will only become more expensive as the war expands. David and Paul discuss the long term impact this might have for America and the Middle East and how it may escalate in the region and could signal a scary moment for the global nuclear arms race.READ David Rothkopf in The Daily Beast: https://www.thedailybeast.com/author/david-rothkopf/SUBSCRIBE to David's Substack "Need to Know": https://davidrothkopf.substack.com/LISTEN to David’s podcast "Words Matter" with fellow friend of the show Norm Ornstein:https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/dsrs-words-matter/id1420216970LEARN more about Paul's organization, Independent Veterans of America: https://independentveteransofamerica.org/LISTEN to Paul's podcast, Independent Americans: https://podcasts.apple.com/sg/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667SUPPORT THE AL FRANKEN PODCAST BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS:Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Get free shipping and 365-Day returns at https://www.quince.com/franken

1: Ari Berman on Trump’s Plans to Steal the Midterms 01.03.2026 48p

We're joined by our friend and National Voting Rights Correspondent for Mother Jones, Ari Berman! Ari is here to break down the alarming ways the Trump administration is laying the groundwork to cheat and interfere in the 2026 midterms and what is standing in their way.The seizure of ballots from Fulton County, GA is a remarkable escalation of Trump's war against democracy. What could he, Tulsi Gabbard, and the rest of his goons be up to?We also do a deep dive on the SAVE America Act and all the ways it would disenfranchise voters. But Ari suggests that it might not have the intended outcome that Trump and the Republicans are hoping for. Plus, we get analysis of all of the redistricting happening around the country and how some of Trump's demands could backfire. READ Ari’s work in Mother Jones: https://www.motherjones.com/author/ari-berman/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

Molly Jong-Fast on Another Week in Trump’s America 22.02.2026 47p

Our good friend and host of The Fast Politics Podcast, Molly Jong-Fast, returns to the show! Molly’s recent writing in the New York Times has covered the Epstein files and why only a fraction of them have been made public. We tackle the Prince Andrew arrest, Howard Lutnick's lies, and the DOJ’s blatant attempt to scrub the files that have been made public.We also get into the SAVE Act and how this is just another attempt by Republicans to subvert democracy. Republican Senators know that the midterms spell trouble for them, so suppressing votes is their best strategy. Will the GOP blow up the filibuster? Does John Thune care more about democracy than Mike Johnson?Plus, we get Molly's thoughts on the latest CBS vs. Stephen Colbert saga, Trump's EPA destroying climate progress, ICE crackdowns around the country, and MUCH more.LISTEN to Molly's podcast, Fast Politics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-politics-with-molly-jong-fast/id1645614328READ Molly's writing in the New York Times: https://www.nytimes.com/by/molly-jong-fast

Mark Leibovich on Trump’s Chaos! 15.02.2026 1ó

We're joined by our good friend, Mark Leibovich from The Atlantic, to go through a laundry list of current Trump controversies, including his immigration enforcement, blatant corruption, and focus on retribution. Not to mention, Attorney General Pam Bondi's complete meltdown over the Epstein files in Congress this week. We also look at how Trump's new management style involves humiliation rather than firing. So far, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem has managed to keep her job, but Mark explains how Trump still made her pay. Plus, we look at Mark's most recent piece about the Democratic Party and its future. With a large majority of the party unhappy with Democratic leadership, how can the party rally to be successful in the midterms and find the right candidate to take back the Presidency in 2028?READ Mark's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/mark-leibovich/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.

Dahlia Lithwick on Defending Our Constitution 08.02.2026 42p

We're joined by our good friend, Dahlia Lithwick, Senior Editor at Slate and host of the Amicus podcast, to cover a wide range of topics, including the courts and their role during this difficult time in American history. We start with Minnesota and the disturbing actions of ICE that have rattled the nation. From the ICE abduction of 5-year-old Liam Ramos to the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, Dahlia connects the dots between eroding civil liberties and a Supreme Court that has systematically dismantled accountability. We also discuss Trump's recent FBI seizure of ballots in Georgia and what that could mean for our democracy. Dahlia issues a strong warning about where all of this could be heading and how we need to be prepared for it.Plus, Dahlia walks us through some of the cases currently before the Supreme Court: the further gutting of the Voting Rights Act, controversial redistricting, Trump's retribution, and tariffs.READ Dahlia in Slate: https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwickLISTEN to Dahlia's podcast, Amicus: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amicus-with-dahlia-lithwick-law-justice-and-the-courts/id928790786SUPPORT THE SHOW BY VISITING OUR SPONSORS:Refresh your wardrobe with Quince! Get free shipping and 365-Day returns at https://www.quince.com/franken

Norm Ornstein on ICE Terrorizing Minnesota 01.02.2026 58p

After another horrifying murder and ICE’s continued unwelcome presence in Minnesota, Al is joined by friend of the show, political scientist, and emeritus scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, Norm Ornstein, to discuss what is happening in their home state.After widespread reports of American citizens being detained, ICE using children as "bait," and the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, the Trump administration seems open to drawing back the ICE presence in Minnesota. Al and Norm discuss what a possible deal could look like to get them out of the state. Will Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem face any consequences for their lies and aggression? After spending time meeting with organizers in the Twin Cities, Al shares what he learned from constitutional observers and others making their community safer and caring for each other. We also discuss the danger of the federal government getting its hands on state voter rolls. Was Trump's invasion ever about enforcing immigration laws? Or was it more about retribution? LISTEN to Norm's podcast "Words Matter" with fellow friend of the show David Rothkopf: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dsrs-words-matter/id1420216970SUPPORT 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

Wendell Potter on The Healthcare Crisis 25.01.2026 48p

In a major blow to American healthcare, Congress has let the ACA subsidies expire. This means higher premiums and, as a result, fewer Americans enrolling. We are joined by Wendell Potter, former VP of Corporate Communications for Cigna turned whistleblower and healthcare reform advocate. Since 2009, Wendell has pulled back the curtain on how insurance giants game the system to prioritize profits over patients.Wendell shares the two stories demonstrating the inhumanity of the American healthcare system that pushed him to speak out. He also talks about the impact of the expiring subsidies and why it could be what he calls a "death spiral." But don't worry! Donald Trump has a plan... or at least concepts of a plan.Al and Wendell talk about the accomplishments of the ACA, while also acknowledging that Democrats should have done more to strengthen it during the Biden administration. Now with Trump and the Republicans in charge, any chance at meaningful reform is out the window.Plus, we revisit the December 2024 murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and why that struck a nerve with so many Americans.READ Wendell's substack, HEALTH CARE un-covered: https://healthcareuncovered.substack.com/SUPPORT THE SHOW BY VISITING OUR SPONSORA smarter way to handle your shipping needs! Try ShipStation free for 60 days at https://www.shipstation.com and enter the code FRANKEN.