The Secret Podcast

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL are together again and JVL is raging.* The president of the United States accused the Democratic party plotting to assassinate him and . . . everyone just pretends it didn’t happen.* Diesel prices are going to the moon.* Trump wants to demolish the Kennedy Center.* Joe Manchin came back from the grave to endorse Susan Collins.* And there’s a 90 percent chance that AI doesn’t kill everyone alive.It’s a short show, but a great show.Also: Sarah talks about the book tour and what it’s like to feel the love you guys have shown her. Be careful; it gets a little dusty. How to Eat an Elephant debuted at #2 on the NYT best seller list. We knocked Ted Effing Cruz out of the top spot! Thank you everyone who helped make this possible. OR!show notes:COME HANG WITH THE GANG—Sarah, Tim, JVL, Sam and friends—during our Bulwark LIVE: Good Fight Tour this October 16-20:🎤Friday, October 16 at The Senate in Columbia, S.C.—with special guest Bakari Sellers and our very own MAGA expert Will Sommer. Is Columbia ready for the Trio? 🎤Sunday, October 18 at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, N.C.—special guest Pete Buttigieg joins the gang with Catherine Rampell and Lauren Eagan. 🎤Tuesday, October 20 at The Eastern in Atlanta, Ga.—Gen. Mark Hertling and the Morning Shots duo—Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol—join the gang for this final stop. Tickets are on sale now through the links above or through TheBulwark.com/Events. At Bulwark LIVE we can promise you a night of fellowship and politics with lots of laughs—and maybe a few tears too. We’ll keep you sane.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. Upgrade now to watch (or listen) to this episode and join the Secret community in the comments. New shows drop each Friday. Ride with us!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comIt’s almost Book Week! How to Eat an Elephant drops on Tuesday and the Best Friends really want to get it to #1 on the NYT best seller list. To do that, we have to unseat . . . a biography of Clarence Thomas by Ted Effing Cruz.Don’t let Teddy Cancun and High Life Clarence win. Order a copy of Sarah’s book now. (If you haven’t already, I mean.)OR!If you’ve already pre-ordered (THANK YOU!) and would like to get a signed bookplate for your personal copy, fill out this online form today. St. Martin’s Press will mail a signed bookplate to your address after the book is released on September 8 at no additional cost. Sarah signed each one herself. Supplies are limited. The mission: get the book >> get a signed bookplate from Sarah >> unseat Ted Effing Cruz >> win in November >> eat the elephant >> win in 2028. Today Sarah and JVL try to figure out who’s worse: John Fetterman or Susan Collins. (Give us your answer in the comments.) Also, the Big Orange Arch is coming. And we chew over Doug Sosnik’s recommendations for the Democratic party. It’s a big show.show notes:See Bill Kristol and Doug Sosnik’s conversation here.COME HANG WITH THE GANG—Sarah, Tim, JVL, Sam and friends—during our Bulwark LIVE: Good Fight Tour this October 16-20:🎤Friday, October 16 at The Senate in Columbia, S.C.—Will Sommer joins the gang on stage. Is Columbia ready for the Trio? 🎤Sunday, October 18 at the Carolina Theatre in Charlotte, N.C.—special guest Pete Buttigieg joins the gang with Catherine Rampell and Lauren Eagan. 🎤Tuesday, October 20 at The Eastern in Atlanta, Ga.—Gen. Mark Hertling and the Morning Shots duo—Andrew Egger and Bill Kristol—join the gang for this final stop. Tickets are on sale now through the links above or through TheBulwark.com/Events. At Bulwark LIVE we can promise you a night of fellowship and politics with lots of laughs—and maybe a few tears too. We’ll keep you sane.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. Upgrade now to watch (or listen) to this episode and join the Secret community in the comments. New shows drop each Friday. Ride with us!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL is out this week, so Tim and Sarah discuss Mark Cuban’s comments that he could run for president as a Republican (and why Tim isn’t buying it), and Sarah’s conversation with the New York Times discussing her book, and what Democratic voters REALLY want right now. They also discuss the race Rob Sand is running for governor in Iowa. Behind the paywall: Kamala Harris’s 2028 strategy, Hasan Piker discourse, and a fun mailbag segment.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. Upgrade now to watch (or listen) to this episode and join the Secret community in the comments. New shows drop each Friday. Ride with us!

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL did a BIG show today. Sample awesome:* Sen. Darlene Graham says that voters in South Carolina don’t care about Taiwan—they care about boys playing girls sports.* Spoiler: There are exactly zero (0) boys in South Carolina playing girls sports.* Top CIA analyst Julia Curlee served Trump, Biden, and then Trump again honorably. Then she was fired because some MAGA influencers discovered she was trans.* What duty do civil servants owe the country which elected Trump for the second time?* Is Jon Ossoff the one we’ve been waiting for? Sarah has him in her Big Four. And you’ll never guess who the other three are.* People hate Data Centers. So where is the juice for Democrats?* JVL can’t stop/won’t stop beating on tankies and greens.* And the birth of a new feature: Pickleball talk!We want to hear from you about any/all of this. Let’s ride.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+.Sarah, Tim, Sam and JVL are coming to South Carolina, North Carolina, and Atlanta in October for Bulwark LIVE. We’re bringing lots of friends.Tickets are on sale now!Our shows have a habit of selling out. Don’t wait to grab your seats.Head to TheBulwark.com/Events

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comLots of stuff this week.(1) There are still balcony seats left for the Best Friends Show in NYC on September 8. Come sell out the 92nd Street Y with us! You can get tickets here.If we sell this show out, JVL will do something nuts.(2) Sarah, Tim, Sam and I are coming to South Carolina, North Carolina, and Atlanta in October. We’re bringing friends. Tickets go on sale August 21, but Bulwark+ members get access to an exclusive presale on August 18. Watch your inbox or check Morning Shots on Tuesday for the presale code. More at TheBulwark.com/events.(3) Then there’s the news:* Trump is trying to put his name on the Kennedy Center again. Grandpa is so thirsty.* Karoline Leavitt is taking her talent for baldfaced lying to the private sector. Who will be the lucky news organization to buy the privilege of having her lie to its audience? And what lucky liar will inherit her spot behind the podium?* JVL loses his mind over the revelation that after DHS agents murdered Alex Pretti, the federal government launched far-reaching investigations against . . . liberal activist groups in Minnesota. This story will take your hate-fire to 11.* Sarah was always right about the Wisconsin Democratic primary.* Why don’t progressives say a little prayer of thanksgiving for winning a big race in Minnesota with Peggy Flanagan while not having to defend Francesca Hong? Take the W.* Also: JVL has some nice things to say about Bernie while Sarah is totally getting there on AOC.(4) And then there’s the feelings talk. JVL has a lot of them. About Flash and mortality and his gratitude to all of you guys.(Also: (5) We have news about Rebecca taking us home.)This isn’t an Instant Classic level show, but it’s a good one. Top quintile for sure. Come to the comments and hang with us there all weekend.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. Ride with us.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Tim did a GIANT show this week.* Uncanny Callista Gingrich.* Thom Tillis publishes his burn book.* Tucker’s running for president.* Burrito discourse.* And more!Seriously: Instant classic. This one goes in the vault.Read JVL’s Triad newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriadThe Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. Ride with us.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL have a super-sized, instant classic:* The Trump administration is using ChatGPT for everything.* Why are Cornyn and Tillis even bothering with their fake protest of Todd Blanche?* The Dem Senate map is looking . . . possible?* Trump has raised $800 million from “donors” since coming back to office.* And JVL finally explains why he’s obsessed with 60 Minutes investigative reporter Ross Douthat.Plus: Emo JVL needs your advice in the comments!Show Notes:Sarah Longwell and Alex Seitz-Wald: The Maine ThingThe Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. Ride with us.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comBig show today: It’s the dawn of Streamer JVL? Plus: Some questions for Tom Homan about shooting January 6 insurrectionists; Haley Stevens and authenticity; and the Mitch McConnell conspiracy theory. Also, a conversation about raising good men.But the big topic is the Department of Defense suddenly removing the names of four dead soldiers from the Iran war casualty list because they were killed after Trump declared a ceasefire in April—because there are now apparently two distinct Iran wars. Even though neither of them is, for legal purposes, a “war.”The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah Longwell and Sam Stein (filling in for JVL) discuss Trump’s tedious (and still scary!) election speech, the documents that undercut his election claims, JD Vance’s cringe appearance on Joe Rogan, Trump voters’ brutal reactions to Vance, and Democrats’ missed opportunities at the Todd Blanche hearing.Finally: There are more tickets to see Sarah and JVL on September 8 in NYC! We are about to sell out the orchestra section—but we want to sell out the balcony, too. It’s a point of pride. Come hang with us. Tickets are here.Show notes:The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL are back together, looking at Trump’s NATO disgrace, wondering if Mitch McConnell is really talking to people on the phone about detailed policy questions, and analyzing the factional fight in the Democratic party between the people trying to elect Democrats and the insurgents focused on displacing the establishment.Short version: What if Morris Katz is just the left’s Steve Bannon?Also, there’s some personal stuff at the end.Finally: There are more tickets to see Sarah and JVL on September 8 in NYC! We are about to sell out the orchestra section—but we want to sell out the balcony, too. It’s a point of pride. Come hang with us. Tickets are here.Show notes:* JVL’s Triad: “Progressives Are Mad at the Wrong People”* Sarah is Wyatt Earp; JVL is Doc Holliday, explained.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah Longwell and Bill Kristol (filling in for JVL) take on America’s 250th birthday under Trump—and how far the GOP has fallen from Reagan’s “you can become an American” to 2,000 ICE arrests a day. They break down the right-wing meltdown over the birthright citizenship ruling, Megyn Kelly’s race to the bottom, why the “socialist takeover” panic misses what Democratic voters actually want, and who’s really rising in the 2028 field. Read Sarah’s Triad newsletter.Also: There are more tickets to see Sarah and JVL on September 8 in NYC. We’ve moved to a bigger room at the 92nd Y and we need to sell it out. So come hang with us. Tickets are here. Also, also: If you want JVL to host the Seattle show instead of Tim on September 15, let us know in the comments. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comIt’s a special show this week where JVL gives Sarah a series of impossible choices. Will she choose institutionalism, or Secretary Mayor Pete? Will she endorse the political analysis of [REDACTED]? What will she do when Cletus says that he doesn’t like democracy and wants minority rule?Come find out!Also: There are more tickets to see Sarah and JVL on September 8 in NYC. We’ve moved to a bigger room at the 92nd Y and we need to sell it out. So come hang with us. Tickets are here. Also, also: If you want JVL to host the Seattle show instead of Tim on September 15, let us know in the comments. show notes:Catherine Rampell: The Americans Trump Would Rather Not SeeJVL’s Traid: What Was Cletus Thinks About DemocracyJim Swift: Haitians Prepare for DisasterAgora Institute StudyThe Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comThe Iran war deal is falling apart (already). Israel is turning on Trump. And the two most insipid trad-Cath poasters in America are podcasting together again.Plus: JVL (finally) explains his disdain for the NYT’s DEI Trump apologist.Hit the like button ❤️ and come to the comments so JVL doesn’t get all needy.show notes:The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and Sam take on the Graham Platner mess. Plus: is Susan Collins a fraud? The GOP's slush fund cave explained. And Sarah's past as a Republican operative gets dug up—and she's ready for it.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

Sarah and JVL talk about the ongoing meltdown of Trump’s Freedom 250 event; the inappropriateness of putting a UFC cage fight on the White House lawn; John Cornyn’s sudden understanding of what Trump is; and Bari Weiss’s murder of 60 Minutes. It’s a good show / short show because we’re both playing hurt today, so forgive us if we’re not at our most dazzling.Read JVL’s Triad newsletter about 60 Minutes here.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thebulwark.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah is in the City of Angels; JVL is in the Big Apple;) and they have A LOT to catch up on. Gas is at $4.65. Trump is at -22 in the latest Fox poll. The Senate said no to the billi for his ballroom. Oh, and maybe we’re going to do regime change in Cuba soon?Plus: They recap the California live shows and go deep on Tina Peters.show notesRead JVL’s Triad newsletter: here. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comLast night news broke that President Trump would drop his $10b lawsuit against the IRS if the people who work for him at the Justice Department would create a $1.7b fund out of taxpayer dollars and allow him to appoint five commissioners to run this fund and they would award money to anyone they deemed fit.Oh, and that the list of people given money would be secret. And Trump could replace the commissioners any time he wanted, for no reason.The Trump administration is positioning this as a “truth and reconciliation commission.” Which is amazing.For a decade JVL (and to a lesser extent Sarah) have wanted a truth and reconciliation commission to document accounts of what people did during the Trump era. And now the monkey’s paw has granted their wish.We get a truth and reconciliation commission designed to help the people who did the Trump era.As you can imagine, Sarah and JVL have a lot to say about this. Strap in.show notesICYMI: The gang did a bonus episode this week in meat space. Read JVL’s Triad newsletter: here. ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Just announced! We’re adding some chatty friends to the lineups for both shows. Grab your seats now to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends and keep an eye on TheBulwark.com/Events for more announcements. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL had a big show planned for you. Lots of different subjects. Important news. Funny stories. The whole nine.And then everything derailed as they went SUPER deep on Graham Platner and the meta-debate about him. If you think Platner has electoral upside, you love Nazis. If you have concerns about Platner’s populism, you’re a closet Republican. The internet has spoken!It’s a whole thing.Also: This marks the first time in the history of the show that Sarah read JVL’s piece and JVL . . . didn’t even realize Sarah had written something? The shoe is on the other foot, my pretties!show notesRead JVL’s Triad newsletter: here. Read Sarah’s The Man Behind the Tatoo. ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Just announced! We’re adding some chatty friends to the lineups for both shows. Grab your seats now to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends and keep an eye on TheBulwark.com/Events for more announcements. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the signs that voters are starting to regret their Trump vote—and why that doesn’t mean politics is getting any simpler. Gas prices are rising, a gerrymandering arms race is raging and the Supreme Court reshaped the rules. Plus: the Maine race, the rise of populist candidates like Platner, and what The Bulwark actually stands for.ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Click to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. The only way through is together.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah Longwell talk about the firing of the Navy secretary mid-conflict and the bizarre “Trump-class battleship” saga, exposing a pattern of impossible promises and chaotic leadership. Plus: the Spirit Airlines bailout and what it says about Trump’s commitment to “capitalism.”ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Click to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah Longwell discuss a bizarre week where markets surge amid global chaos, Trump feuds with his own allies, and confusion over Iran keeps escalating. They also break down a blowout Democratic win, surging fundraising, and what it all signals for the midterms—plus a growing fight inside the party over Israel and its future direction.ON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on Mat 21. Click to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah discuss the failed ceasefire, Melania’s bizarre Epstein pre-denial, and the growing rift between Trump and “America First” heavyweights like Tucker, Megyn, Candace, and Alex Jones. Is this just another performative feud, or the start of something real? And as AI muddies reality itself, what happens when nobody believes anything anymore?Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. JVL’s newsletter, The Triad, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Best Email Newsletter: Business, News & Technology category. Even if you don’t read it regularly—like some best friends—you can vote to give our very own JVL the W.Every votes counts: Vote here for Best Email Newsletter

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah discuss Trump’s rambling, unfocused address that failed to clarify any of the war’s goals, even as evidence mounts that the situation is getting worse. They also talk about the Bondi firing, why it may have been timed to shift attention, and what it says about how this White House handles bad news.Plus: rising oil prices, market jitters, and new warning signs from voters who are starting to turn against Trump.Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. JVL’s newsletter, The Triad, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Best Email Newsletter: Business, News & Technology category. Even if you don’t read it regularly—like some best friends—you can vote to give our very own JVL the W.Every votes counts: Vote here for Best Email Newsletter

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Bill Kristol—filling in for Sarah—discuss escalating Iran conflict, the risky push toward a wider war, and why the real damage may outlast the fighting. They also get into the global fallout—from threats to the petrodollar system to the collapse of U.S. alliances—and what a rushed exit might look like.Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the Trump administration’s stumble into an Iranian conflict that betrays its "no more wars" promise. They analyze the sudden resignation of Joe Kent over foreign wars, Tulsi Gabbard’s surreal FBI testimony regarding Fulton County ballots, and the looming "bloodbath" within a fracturing Republican coalition.Watch: Tim interview James Talarico live in DallasPre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in SeptemberThe Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah Longwell and JVL talk about what happens if Trump doesn’t TACO and pull the plug on the Iran war excursion after things go from messy to bad. Not great!Also: What happens if we know how to reform the system, but the system is so ossified that it can’t be reformed? And are The People, in fact, the worst?Order If I Don’t Return by retired Lt. Gen. Mark HertlingPre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September Pre-order Andrew Weissmann’s book, Liar’s Kingdom, coming in MayThe Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the chaotic firing of Kristi Noem after a disastrous hearing, the MAGA infighting that may have taken her down, and what it says about how Trump runs his administration. They also talk about the war with Iran—why the strategy looks confused, how Tehran may be playing the long game, and why the economic fallout is already hitting gas prices, supply chains, and the global economy.Bulwark+ members also get to learn Sarah’s secret…Sarah has written a book! Pre-order How to Eat An Elephant now at: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comThe U.S. government is ordering employees out of Israel and Iraq, the latest signal that war with Iran is approaching. Larry and David Ellison just bought Warner-Discovery and CNN. Sarah and JVL also talk about the new John Fetterman in Maine and the primary in Texas. As well as the Kansas law targeting trans people.Finally, they go deep on DHS, depraved indifference, and accountability. (See the piece JVL talks about here.)Bonus: Pinball discourse. Help decide JVL’s fate in the comments.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comThis week Sarah and JVL did the show with a thousand of their best friends at the Pantages Theater in downtown Minneapolis.You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll never be able to erase the mind picture of Kid Rock and RFK Jr. as Never Nudes. Come and relive the magic with us in the comments. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL discuss the Wall Street Journal exposé on Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and the internal fight over whether ICE raids should be loud and viral or quiet and deniable. They talk about why humiliation has become the price of loyalty in Trump World, why Biden is suddenly polling better than Trump on the economy, and what the backlash in Minneapolis tells us about how this moment could turn.Sam Harris podcast with Tim and SarahThe Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comDonald Trump posts an overtly racist video, Republicans briefly squirm, and the usual defenses start to crack. JVL and Sarah Longwell explain why this moment exposed GOP cowardice, how Trump’s vanity and distractions are starting to cost him politically, and what billionaire media self-destruction says about power, accountability, and the institutions being hollowed out.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah came in hottt today, angry about . . . all of it? Journalists are now being arrested. Masked DHS agents are still terrorizing Minneapolis. The worst “free speech” people you know are building a state media ecosystem. And the Melania movie is here.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or list…

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the latest—from Trump's sinking poll numbers and the Greenland spectacle to escalating ICE actions and local resistance. They also talk about new focus-group findings showing Gen Z Trump voters cooling on JD Vance (and warming to Marco Rubio), react to the White House’s use of AI imagery in political messaging, and critique Jared Kushner’s glossy “Dubai for Gaza” redevelopment pitch, with a look at how Michigan protest politics is landing now.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL discuss the Minneapolis shooting and the growing backlash to ICE tactics, the collapse of public support for Trump across key polls, MAGA’s “comply or die” hypocrisy, a potential split between “MAGA” and “non-MAGA” Republicans, the political damage of masked federal force, and farce surrounding the Trump’s “gift” of a Nobel Peace Prize.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL talk about the new video from the ICE agent as he killed Renee Good. It’s tough and they’re not sure quite where we go from here. Is the rule of law real? Or is everything might makes right?Also: Trump probably gets away with Venezuela, too. Good times.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL talk about Trump’s big renaming spree and how crazily dystopian everything is. Then they dig in to the big question: Is there a crackup happening in MAGA? And if so, is it being driven by a clash of the elites? Or the amorphous coalition drifting apart?The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL talk about the weakness of corporate media, the greatness of Martina Navratilova, and how Donald Trump is slowly morphing into the Crypt Keeper.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today. Also: If you haven’t seen Navratilova’s video for Home of the Brave, treat yourself:

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL are in meat-space talking about the Donald J. Trump buildings coming soon to a town near you. And also why liberalism needs to fight.But the big topic is all of the feelings they’ve got from being at the annual Bulwark all-hands get together. Warning: Emo JVL is a bit much. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL talk about Brazil’s ability to prosecute coup plotters, Trump’s ballroom, mortality, and the glories of the Macy’s Day Parade. It’s a super-sized Thanksgiving show cooked up with loads of love.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comTrump crossed a line, again. JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss Trump’s latest tantrum: calling for Democratic senators to be put to death after they released a video reminding service members they don’t have to follow illegal orders. Yes, really.Then we get into the Epstein-email panic, why Trump suddenly pretended to support releasing documents he fought for years, and what’s really pressuring him behind the scenes, Dick Cheney’s funeral, and the singles vaccine. Don’t worry, Sarah WILL BE GETTING IT!The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah is away, so Catherine Rampell sat down with JVL to talk about the Epstein emails, Trump’s new ways of paying off his friends, and what life is like at The Bulwark. It’s a pretty fun show!The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL is half-delirious from the shingles vaccine and Sarah Longwell is dragging him through one of the wildest weeks in politics. From massive Democratic wins to Jeff Flake’s fantasy-land op-ed, Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar ego trip, and the jaw-dropping humanitarian fallout from dismantling USAID. They break down why Republicans are in full disarray, how Trump’s SNAP showdown is backfiring, and what new polling says about the road ahead.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah talk about Socialism, Jersey, Virginia, MTG, and the Heritage Foundation’s panic that someone might think they don’t approve of white nationalist Nick Fuentes.It’s a whole thing. You’ll love it.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL and Sarah talk about the demolition of the East Wing of the White House, Graham Platner, Canada, and the Reagan Foundation trying to retcon St. Ronnie to fit with Trumpism.Also with a tease of Saturday’s Focus Group and the next Bulwark Movie Club episode on Rounders.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comJVL ambushes Sarah with The Darkness. It’s a fun-filled episode with the indictment of John Bolton, the decimation of the Pentagon press corps, another extra-legal killing off the coast of Venezuela, the resignation of the head of SouthCom, and the weaponization of the IRS.Good times.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comLive from New York, Sarah Longwell, JVL and Tim Miller tear into America’s culture of cowardice—from billionaires hiding in Hawaii to Merrick Garland’s endless hesitation. They discuss into how Trump’s intimidation works, why “lawfare” backfired, and why too many Democrats STILL seem afraid to fight. Note: This bonus edition was recorded on Saturday, October 11, 2025 in front of a live audience in NYC. The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comThis week we did something we haven’t done on this show for a couple of years: We just . . . hung out and asked each other questions. Some stuff about life. Some stuff about The Bulwark. Some stuff about the world.Honestly it was just nice to be together. Hope you enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed visiting with each other.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comThe government is shut down, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. JVL and Sarah Longwell dig into why this is the moment for Democrats to fight, not fold. From Trump’s reckless threats to use the military against American citizens, to his embrace of Project 2025, to the GOP’s sheer incompetence in running the government they control, this episode makes the case that Democrats can’t afford to play “business as usual” politics anymore.They break down how media is failing to confront authoritarian lies, and what leaders like Gavin Newsom are getting right in this fight.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL talk about big-tent liberalism—who’s in and who’s out of the l-word tent. JVL goes on a riff quasi-defending Henry Kissinger, which you are absolutely going to hate.And then we get the main event: JVL doesn’t think [gestures broadly] all this is fixable. Sarah has a plan to fix it. Who’s right? The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.thebulwark.comSarah and JVL talk media consolidation, JVL’s solidarity problems, and Cardinal Dolan’s appearance on Fox.The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for members of Bulwark+. To watch or listen to future episodes and join the Secret community in the comments become a Bulwark+ member today.