The Next Level
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and Jonathan V. Last bring their signature political insight and banter to the masses in The Next Level podcast. Tune in to hear them discuss the news of the week, break down campaigns and elections, and wade into pop culture feuds.
Episodes
1125: Trump Insiders Are Already Trashing the New Press Secretary
Note: We're doing something a little different today. Paid members of the Bulwark get exclusive access to a extra, super, jumbo-sized TNL with a play-by-play breakdown of Katie Zacharia's disastrous press conference. It's a lot of fun, and you should definitely join to see it. You can join on Apple Podcast, Substack and YouTube.Tim, Sarah, and JVL are back together for a super-sized, off-the-rail
1124: Secret Podcast: Elon Musk Came Crawling Back to Trump. JVL Explains Why.
The Secret Podcast is available exclusively to paid members of The Bulwark on Apple Podcasts, Substack and YouTube.Elon Musk threatened to destroy Trump’s Republican allies. Now he’s spending hundreds of millions to keep them in power. Sarah Longwell and JVL discuss Musk’s humiliating surrender, the billionaires lining up behind Trump, the MAGA smear campaign against James Talarico, and why Trump
1123: Secret Podcast: Is He the One We’ve Been Waiting For?
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available exclusively to paid members of The Bulwark. You can join on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and at https://thebulwark.com. If you want to join, you're in luck: We’re running a 30% off October Surprise sale, so it’s a great time to get the full Secret Podcast and all of our members-only reporting.Sarah and JVL break down Jon Ossoff’s Terminator-style destr
1122: MAGA’s Racism is Blowing Up Its Own Coalition
Will Sommer joins Sarah and JVL for a wild, wild show. They congratulate Kash Patel on his engagement, discuss JVL's Triad on the White House reporter-turned-press staffer from Real America's Voice. Then: Megyn Kelly's ghoulish rant against Cornell's Jane Doe, and whether we're happy to see John Roberts experiencing public shame. Finally: Two VERY weird campaign ads, one filled with weird innuend
1121: Secret Podcast: Tale of Two Interviews
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available exclusively to paid members of the Bulwark. Join on Substack, YouTube or Apple Podcast. Sarah and JVL are back apart, as God intended. And there’s lots happening:- The new jobs report is bad!- Should Democrats try to impeach Pete Hegseth?- Trump is sending a third aircraft carrier to the Middle East.- And then there are the two interviews. JD Vanc
1120: Things Are Going So Badly for Trump, Even JVL Has Hope
Tim, Sarah, and JVL are all together in-studio. It turns out things are so bad for the GOP, even JVL is hopeful. They discuss Marjorie Taylor Greene calling BS on the GOP's 'caravan' tactic, whether Pete Hegseth could be the administration's fall guy for the Iran war, and a new Marist poll showing Democrats with an almost-too-good-to-be-true lead on the generic congressional ballot.Later: Did Sco
1119: Suddenly, Democrats Have a Path to a HUGE Senate Majority
Live from benefit supporting the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio, Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and JVL dig into the quieter tactics behind Trump’s deportation crackdown, what Sarah’s Ohio focus groups are saying about Vivek Ramaswamy, Sherrod Brown, John Husted, and Amy Acton, and just how big the 2026 Senate map could get. Plus, as conservative media struggles to defend Trump, the trio hol
1118: Secret Podcast: Ten Lesbians Walk Into a Bar...
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available exclusively to paid members of the Bulwark on Apple Podcasts, Substack and YouTube.JVL is already in Ohio. Sarah is about to run to the airport. It’s a wheels-off kind of show. This week:- The government seems to have lied to a court again.- JD Vance was the leaker who threatened national security.- Mary Peltola gets caught in context collapse.- T
1117: Furious Republicans are Finally Breaking with a Weakened Trump
Sarah's back from the book tour! The gang discusses Sarah's Focus Group Newsletter, George W. Bush's fundraiser for Republican Senate candidates (we thought he was staying out of politics?) Then they get into Trump's ban on CNN, MSNOW, and POLITICO from the White House press pool, and whether we still care. Sarah also has some words about Zohran Mamdani sharing a podium with Donald Trump.Then, th
1116: Secret Podcast: We’re Living in an Insane Asylum
Sarah 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
1115: JVL Has an Idea for How Democrats Can Make MAGA’s Life Hell
JVL's on the west coast for Sarah's book event, and he, Tim, and Andrew Egger discuss Mitch McConnell's triumphant (?) return to the Senate, Donald Trump casually floating conspiracy theories over the Butler, PA assassination attempt, and Thomas Massie's articles of impeachment against Pete Hegseth. Then, they turn their attention to a New York Times poll with some GREAT news for Democrats in the
1114: Secret Podcast: Trump's 2026 Message: Everything's Fine!
The Secret Podcast is a special bonus just for paid members of The Bulwark. If you like this preview, become a member at thebulwark.com, on YouTube, or through Apple Podcasts.JVL and Bill Kristol look at the increasingly messy fight to succeed Trump, from JD Vance and Don Jr. to Tucker Carlson, as Trump keeps the possibility of a third term hanging over the party. Plus, the war with Iran is getti
1113: Trump’s Imaginary Presidency Is Going Just Great
Tim, Sarah, and JVL discuss Trump's Labor Day Weekend with his favorite person, Corey Lewandowski's possible ‘light extortion,’ and whether Trumpworld will circle the wagons around him. Plus: why the GOP's midterm convention shows Trump losing his fastball, ABC News's bizarre framing of Rudy Giuliani's Islamophobic comments about Zohran Mamdani, and John Fetterman's total lack of interest in doin
1112: Secret Podcast: The Senators Who Suck
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.Weight Loss by Hims offers access to affordable FDA-approved GLP-1 medications, including the Wegovy® pill and Wegovy® pen, with personalized treatmen
1111: Ken Paxton Is Running One of the Worst Campaigns in America
Tim, Sarah, and JVL discuss the U.S. Supreme Court letting Trump’s ballroom go ahead (for now), why JVL thinks John Roberts is the Susan Collins of the Supreme Court, and whether Sarah is warming up to tearing down the ballroom in 2029. Plus: Trump says Kristen Welker should be punished for pointing out that his endorsed candidates are losing more often, and JVL wonders whether Republicans will h
1110: Secret Podcast: Mark Cuban Thinks He Could Run as a Republican. Tim Has Some Bad News.
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are a special perk just for paid members of the Bulwark. We put almost every video out for free, because we don't think you can save the country from behind a paywall. This is one of the rare things we do reserve just for members. Come ride with us.- Full episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/py-SBnizZ3U- Full episode on Substack: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/ma
1109: All MAGA Media Can Talk About Now is Trans Sports
Tim, Sarah, and JVL are back together for a JAM-PACKED show. They discuss:-Dolly Parton's passing and her legacy.-America's war (not the Iran war, our trade war with Canada), and why the rest of the world can't count on American anymore--even if Democrats win in 2028.-Sarah's Focus Group Podcast episode from Georgia--which Tim found pleasant (for once).-The South Carolina primary runoff, and whet
1108: Secret Podcast: Is Jon Ossoff the One We’ve Been Waiting For?
The Secret Podcast with JVL and Sarah is exclusively for paid members of the Bulwark on YouTube, Substack and Apple Podcasts.---Sarah 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 Jul
1107: Melania May Be Behind MAGA’s Natalie Harp Freakout
Tim, JVL, and Andrew Egger discuss:-(Yet another) story of a former Trump voter seeing a loved one run into the immigration policies he voted for.-The faux outrage from MAGA-world at Sen. Jon Ossoff pointing out that Donald Trump and Natalie Harp travel together a lot.-Karoline Leavitt leaving the White House, and who might come next.-The Florida primary, and how Trump's hand-picked candidate MIG
1106: Secret Podcast: American Stasi
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available only to paid members of The Bulwark. You can join on Substack, YouTube or Apple Podcasts!Lots 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
1105: Tucker Carlson Learned the Most Dangerous Lesson From Donald Trump
Tim, Sarah, and JVL are BACK TOGETHER after a month apart. They discuss:-Bill Cassidy’s pathetic, weepy floor speech before casting the deciding vote to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General.-What Tucker Carlson is up to these days…from interviewing Hunter Biden, to a monologue that sounds a LOT like the prelude to a presidential campaign.-DSA-aligned Wisconsin gubernatorial candidate Francesc
1104: Secret Podcast: The GOAT Episode
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available exclusively to paid members of The Bulwark. Join on Substack, Apple Podcast or YouTube!JVL 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.
1103: Michigan Senate Primary Becomes a Late-Night Nail-Biter
Sam joins Tim and JVL to discuss:-Live results from the (unexpectedly close) Michigan Senate primary, and discuss what an Abdul El-Sayed or Haley Stevens win would mean for November.-The horrifying child abuse allegations against Rep. Max Miller, and his disastrous CNN interview.-Trump's anger at Jeanine Pirro after she dropped vandalism charges related to the reflecting pool.-Todd Blanche advanc
1102: Secret Podcast: You Can See the Bush Line from Your House
Sarah and JVL have a It’s 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
1101: The WHCD Walked Straight Into Trump’s Trap
Sarah, JVL, and Catherine Rampell discuss:- Mitch McConnell's SECOND proof of life photo, and what's really going on with him.- The White House Correspondents' Dinner do-over, Trump's comments about Kaitlan Collins, why anyone goes to it anymore, and how the whole thing seems to be playing into Trump's hands.- The drama inside the Democratic National Committee, and how (and whether) having a stro
1100: Secret Podcast: The Second Iran War?
Paid members of the Bulwark get access to FULL episodes of the Secret Podcast. You can join via Apple Podcasts, Substack and YouTube.Big 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 t
1099: This Deranged New Campaign Ad Creeped Us Out!
Sarah, JVL, and Will Sommer (sitting in for Tim) discuss:
Whether Laura Loomer is one of the adults in MAGA-land? I'm Ron Burgundy?
The state of the Iran War.
The ridiculous AI advertisement being run by a Ted Cruz-aligned outside group in Florida (and the whacky candidates in the ad).
The unfolding special Republican primary for Senate in South Carolina
The Michigan Senate race...and how all of t
1098: Secret Podcast: Trump Voters Say JD Vance Gives Them the Willies
Sarah 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
1097: Sarah’s Latest Focus Group Almost Broke JVL’s Brain
The whole gang is back together, for the last time until August. Tim, Sarah, and JVL discuss:- Two more killings by ICE officers. JVL asks whether we're getting numb to this. No one on this show is numb.- Trump's aborted plan to toll the Strait of Hormuz--and whether it was an act of war.- Sarah lets Todd Blanche (and Republican senators) have it.- After JVL's wifi goes bad, Tim and Sarah discuss
1096: Secret Podcast: Republicans Screamed About Socialism. Then Trump Did This.
Sarah 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?
1095: Even Marjorie Taylor Greene Doesn’t Buy the McConnell Story
Tim, Sarah, and Sam Stein (filling in for JVL) take on the political stories dominating the headlines:• Mitch McConnell is alive and taking calls (maybe, probably?)—despite Laura Loomer’s reports to the contrary..• Platnerdämmerung; the enormous irresponsibility of the Platner candidacy will have real consequences for his movement and for the country; and the messy road ahead in Maine (even if Pl
1094: Secret Preview: It's 100x Worse Than Watergate—and Republicans Still Won't Quit
Full episodes of the Bulwark Podcast are available to paid members of The Bulwark via YouTube, Substack, and Apple Podcasts.Sarah 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 rul
1093: Trump Will Put a PSYCHO on the Court—If He Gets a Chance
Sarah, Tim, and Andrew Egger (filling in for JVL) discuss:-The Supreme Court's ruling upholding birthright citizenship.-NPR's retracted report that Justice Alito was retiring.-The DSA-aligned Democratic candidates winning primaries in New York City, and whether Democrats are headed for a giant fight over socialism in 2027.-Rep. Tom Kean's return to Congress after his depression diagnosis.-The gan
1092: Secret Podcast: The Last Temptation of Sarah Longwell
The full episode of Secret Podcast is available to paid members of the Bulwark on YouTube, Substack and Apple Podcasts.It’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 minorit
1091: JD Vance Called His OWN Iran Policy “Complete Idiocy”
Tim is sick, but he's strapping on his football helmet. Tim, Sarah, and JVL cover:-The mysterious 79 year-old receiving non-public weight loss drugs (and if not Trump, who?)-The latest revelations from Jonathan Swan and Maggie Haberman's new book.-Tucker Carlson supposedly leaving the Republican Party...or is it all a long game to help JD Vance?-The Trump administration's ongoing capitulation to
1090: Secret Podcast: JD Vance. Ross Douthat. 'Nuff Said.
The 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.Read JVL's Triad newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trumps-iran-hawks-found-a-way-to-love-surrender
1089: Ben Shapiro's Tears Aren't Enough. The Iran War Hawks Owe Us More.
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller discuss the Iran "deal" that isn't really a deal—a memorandum of understanding that lifts sanctions immediately and hands Iran $300 billion while punting everything else down the road. Then: the war hawks who drummed up the Iran war—Thiessen, Graham, Levin, the WSJ editorial board — are repositioning and refusing to say they were wrong. Plus: Trump's accelerati
1088: Secret Podcast: We've Got a Situation
A super-sized Secret this week:
Sarah and JVL are coming to the legendary 92nd Street Y in New York on September 8. Come and hang out with them in JVL’s back yard! It’s possible he’ll have the championship belt! (Tickets on sale here.)
JVL actually thinks the Iran deal might be real this time. He’s got a theory.
Sarah has a theory of her own about who leaked to Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan a
1087: LIVE: Booed at the NBA Finals, Stormed Off NBC—Trump Is DOWN BAD
The gang is back together, and the U.S. and Iran are back at war...maybe? Tim, Sarah, and JVL discuss the latest in Iran, Donald Trump storming off of Meet the Press, the 'stolen election' freakout in Los Angeles, Todd Blanche's nomination as Attorney General, and JVL's Triad about former DHS commander Greg Bovino (kinda sorta maybe) eyeing a presidential run.Plus: Graham Platner, Lindsey Graham'
1086: Even TRUMP Thinks Netanyahu Went Too Far? | The Next Level
Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and JVL talk about the week's biggest stories: Trump installs a meme stock grifter as acting Director of National Intelligence, the $1.8 billion weaponization slush fund may be dying (or just hibernating), Tina Peters walks free and heads straight to Steve Bannon, Scott Pelley goes out swinging at 60 Minutes, and the leaked Trump-Netanyahu call reveals a president trapped b
1085: Secret Podcast: A Cage Fight for America's Soul
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark, on Apple Podcasts, Substack and YouTube.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 becau
1084: Texas Primary Results! Megyn Kelly Turns on Trump?!
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL went live to cover the Texas primary runoff election, Megyn Kelly (maybe?) turning against Trump, and much more.Visit http://upwork.com/THENEXTLEVEL right now and post your job for free.
1083: Secret Podcast: The Walls Are Closing In
Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available to paid members of The Bulwark via Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Substack.Sarah 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 t
1082: Trump Could Tarnish the GOP for YEARS to Come
Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Sam Stein debate whether Democrats should just “let Trump cook” as his approval numbers crater, Republicans start breaking ranks, and the MAGA coalition begins to fracture. Plus: Rubio takes heat over Iran, the gang ranks Trump’s worst cabinet members, and they roast Trump’s gaudy gold makeover of Washington.Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping during t
1081: Secret Podcast: Trump's $1.7b Friends and Family Fund
The Secret Podcast is available exclusively to paid subscribers of The Bulwark. You can join on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube!Last 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 wou
1080: Should the Next Democrat Punish Red States? JVL Says... Maybe
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller discuss the Virginia redistricting ruling, what it means for elections this November, and whether Democrats need to start playing as dirty as their opponents. Plus: the Iran war is a strategic catastrophe that most Americans don't understand yet, and what Bob Kagan—the man who cheered on every Middle East intervention—now thinks about where this is all heading.
1079: Secret Podcast Preview: The Primary Was Over Before It Started
The full episode is available exclusively to paid members of The Bulwark. You can join on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube.Sarah 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
1078: This is The Stupidest War You Can Possibly Imagine
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Sam Stein (filling in for JVL) discuss the Trump administration’s assertion that the effort to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz is "separate and distinct" from the larger war effort in Iran. Plus, they get into the drama over Ken Martin’s time as DNC chair, the effect the Supreme Court’s recent voting rights ruling might have on the midterms, the wisdom of Sena
1077: Secret Podcast: JVL Wants Every Trump Voter to Know, THIS IS YOUR FAULT!
Full episodes of the Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.JVL 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, t
1076: Trump Indicts Comey—AGAIN
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL are going LIVE to cover yet another indictment of Jim Comey by the Trump administration.NOTE: If you're getting this late—we apologize! Something went wrong and some of you may not have received this episode on the day that it was originally released (Tuesday, April 29). We will try to track down and punish the gremlins responsible.Make today a good day, and get
1075: Secret Podcast: Trump’s War Runs on Pure Make-Believe
JVL 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.”Full episodes of the Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube, and Apple P
1074: Tucker Carlson’s “Regret” Is Just Another Scam
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL celebrate JVL’s Webby win (sort of), and cover Tucker Carlson’s sudden “regret” turn and what it means about MAGA, Donald Trump Jr. as a 2028 front-runner, and the continued disaster in Iran. Plus: the ongoing dysfunction inside the administration, including the latest turmoil surrounding Kash Patel.Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://SH
1073: Secret Podcast: Republicans Are Walking Into a Buzzsaw
JVL 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.
1072: Did JD Vance Tell the Pope to Shut Up?
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL cover a rough week for Trump, from failed talks with Iran that turned into a naval blockade, to strong signs of real cracks inside his coalition as allies and right-wing media begin to push back against his idiocy. They also talk about what Orbán’s defeat in Hungary means for Trump-style politics, and discuss the lightning-fast downfall of Eric Swalwell.Go to ht
1071: Secret Podcast: The Podcast Wars
JVL 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?Paid members of the Bulwark get exclusive acces
1070: LIVE: Trump Extends Civilian Annihilation Threat For Two Weeks
Sarah, Tim and JVL g to cover Trump's Iran ultimatum and other news.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL.Head to https://Greenchef.com/50nextlevel and use code 50nextlevel to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months.Visit https://Upwork.com right no
1069: Secret Podcast: Every Single Person Around Trump Is Expendable
JVL 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 sta
1068: Kristi Noem’s Husband Isn’t the Problem
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL get into the wild new scandal involving Kristi Noem’s husband—and why the story isn’t what people think it is.They also discuss Trump’s chaotic handling of the Iran conflict, the political fallout at home, and whether his support is starting to crack. Plus: Lindsey Graham’s surreal Disney detour, protests across the country, CPAC’s decline, and JD Vance’s lates
1067: Secret Podcast: Trump Won’t Stop—Because He Can’t Look Weak
JVL 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.
1066: How Much Pain Before MAGA Turns on Trump?
Tim Miller, JVL and Sam Stein (filling in for Sarah) discuss Trump’s shambolic approach to the Iran war—no clear objective, mixed signals, and rising economic fallout. As gas prices climb and markets wobble, they ask whether the political damage has already begun, even if the polls haven’t fully caught up.Plus: signs of a potential MAGA fracture, ICE at airports, a look inside the grift behind Pr
1065: Even Trump’s Cheerleaders Are Saying “Oops”
Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and JVL were live in Austin talking about Trump’s Iran war, the cascading economic fallout, and growing global instability. As gas prices spike and allies react, the conversation turns darker: how bad could this get—and what it says about America right now.Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code THENEXTLEVEL at h
1064: Trump Is About to Own a Disastrous Middle East War | Secret Podcast
Paid members of The Bulwark can watch the FULL episode of The Secret Podcast.JVL 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 Repu
1063: Secret Podcast: Would You Trust These Idiots With a War?
Sarah 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?Pre-order Sarah's book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in Septemberhttps://static.macmill
1062: LIVE REACTION: Trump Doesn’t Understand His Own War | The Next Level
Sarah, Tim and JVL are going LIVE to talk about the escalating air war with Iran and the chaos and dishonesty of Trump’s shifting explanations for it.Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box - PLUS free croissants for life - when you go to https://Wildgrain.com/THENEXTLEVEL to start your subscription today.Go to https://Leesa.com for an extra $50 off with promo code THENEXTLEVEL
1061: Secret Podcast: Did Stephen Miller Just Pull Off a Palace Coup?
JVL 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 glo
1060: TNL Live! Iran War Nukes MAGA
Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller are going live to talk about the shifting mood around the Iran strikes—how casualties could change the politics, whether 2026 is starting to feel like 2006, and if Trump’s “just do stuff” approach has hit a wall (with JD already hedging). Also: the latest Democratic freakout over Graham Platner’s campaign.Head to https://Greenchef.com/50nextlevel and use code 5
1059: Secret Podcast: War with Iran and the Takeover of CNN
To get the full episode, become a paid member of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.The 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 targ
1058: They’re Hiding the Epstein Files to Protect Trump
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL run through a packed episode: explosive new questions about the Epstein files and whether Trump’s DOJ is shielding him, the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling (and the three justices who would green-light almost anything), and what it means for the midterms. They also discuss Kristi Noem’s completely fabricated “cannibal” story, Laura Loomer pressuring Trump to go a
1057: Trump Wants to Be King of the World (Live from Minneapolis)
JVL, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Sam Stein team up, live in Minneapolis, to dish on how Donald Trump kicked off his new Board of Peace by threatening to go to war with Iran and why other countries are holding people accountable in Epstein-related cases while elites in the United States have dealt with few consequences. Plus, Bill Kristol crashes the party to sling some takes about the potentia
1056: Secret Podcast: Trump’s DHS Is Eating Itself Alive
Sarah 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
1055: Trump is Crashing Out And We're LOVING It
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller relish Trump’s losing streak—from +6 approval to –14—and why slipping GOP support could signal a Bush-style collapse. They also get into inflation backlash, the White House’s “Don’t Be a Panican” spin, and the early cracks forming inside MAGA. Is this the start of a 2006-level wave?Get $30 off your first box and free Croissants for life when you visit https://W
1054: Secret Podcast: Divorced Guy Energy Is Ruining America
Donald 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.Paid members of The Bulwar
1053: The Georgia FBI Raid Was Just a Dry Run
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller talk about the new Epstein file releases and what they reveal about elite weakness, Peter Attia’s emails, the effort to rehabilitate Epstein after prison, and why this isn’t “cancel culture.” They also discuss what the FBI's raid of an election center in Georgia and Donald Trump's talk about nationalizing elections means for the midterms and beyond.Right now, S
1052: Secret Podcast: Trump Begins Arresting Journalists
JVL 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.Paid members of The Bulwark get access to the FULL episode of The Secret Podcast. Join today on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube.
1051: LIVE REACTION: Lil’ Greg Bovino Sent Home; Tom Homan In
Sarah, Tim and JVL join to talk about the fallout in Minnesota after Trump pulls Greg Bovino and installs Tom Homan, how voters are reacting, global blowback on Greenland, and what's next.For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting https://Tovala.com/NEXTLEVEL and using code NEXTLEVEL.
1050: Secret Podcast: Trump Is Now Deeply Unpopular
JVL 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” re
1049: LIVE REACTION: Sundowning Trump Stumbles Through Press Event
Sarah, JVL and Tim discuss the low-energy, never-ending Trump event and the end of their will to live. They also go deep on how Trump’s obsession with Greenland is threatening to torch America’s relationships with its allies and completely realign the world order.To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to https://NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWO
1048: The New Rule is "Comply or Die" | Secret Podcast
Sarah 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.
1047: JD Vance Picked the Ugliest Fight on Purpose
Sarah, Tim and JVL discuss the ICE killing in Minneapolis and the escalation that followed, including DOJ prosecutors resigning rather than smearing the victim’s family. They also talk about JD Vance’s eagerness to defend state violence, Trump’s pressure campaign against Jerome Powell, the broader pattern of unchecked power, and why Democratic candidates like Mary Peltola fit their states while o
1046: Secret Podcast: The Government Keeps Shooting Civilians
Sarah 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.Paid members of the Bulwark get access to full episodes of the Secret show.
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