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
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.
1045: Venezuela Exposes the Lie of America First
Sarah, Tim and JVL discuss the legality and consequences of the Venezuela operation, the emerging split between “America First” and “Trump First,” Stephen Miller’s grotesque worldview, and why Greenland suddenly feels less hypothetical. They also debate the legacy of neoconservatism and Iraq, MAGA influencer drama, and GOP dysfunction in Congress.Get up to 30% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEV
1044: When Fox News Starts Saying "Trump is Bad" (and Other Wild Predictions)
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller look ahead to what’s next—and it (mostly) isn't pretty. From Trump’s plans for the Fed and crypto chaos, to billionaire media consolidation, and some truly unhinged foreign policy ideas, they game out what could break, what might finally collapse Trump’s support, and why things probably have to get worse before they get better.Go to https://Quince.com/thenextlev
1043: Trump's DOJ Utterly Bungled the Latest Epstein Release
New Epstein files have dropped, and the fallout is growing. Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL discuss what’s new in the latest release, why the DOJ’s clumsy redactions and selective disclosures made things worse, and how the accumulating evidence and hypocrisy are starting to break through to voters. They also talk about Trump’s distraction tactics, JD Vance’s political viability, and why the ol
1042: Why Did Susie Wiles Do These Interviews?
Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller discuss the jaw-dropping Vanity Fair interviews Susie Wiles gave to Vanity Fair and what they reveal about how Trumpworld actually operates, the Epstein and Maxwell fallout, the backlash to Trump’s remarks about Rob Reiner, MAGA’s internal fractures, Elon Musk’s role in dismantling USAID, and why this moment feels different from past Trump controversies.Susie Wi
1041: Fear the Reaper | The Secret Podcast
Donald Trump isn’t just attacking the press, he’s trying to own it. JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss how Trump is using merger approvals, billionaire allies, and corporate pressure to bend major media companies to his will, from CNN and CBS to the broader tech and news ecosystem. They explain why media consolidation creates a dangerous opening for political intimidation, how this power play has noth
1040: Republicans Can Smell Trump’s Weakness
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1039: The Feelings Show | The Secret Podcast
This a preview of The Secret Podcast, where Sarah and JVL go off-leash and uncensored in an intimate conversation. The full episode is available for paid Bulwark members on Apple Podcasts, Substack and YouTube!Sarah 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 th
1038: Mike Johnson’s Speakership Is Hanging by Dental Floss | The Next Level
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL get through a chaotic week in Trump’s Washington: Elise Stefanik and Mike Johnson tearing each other apart, Hegseth’s shifting alibis for a possible war crime, Trump nodding off while his cabinet members freelance policy, and a fresh round of immigration extremism that targets even legal residents. They also discuss population-collapse warnings, the “narco-terro
1037: The Most Dangerous Part of Trump's Second Term | The Secret Podcast
Note: Sarah and JVL recorded this episode on Wednesday, November 26.JVL and Sarah Longwell break down why pardoning January 6 felons might be the most dangerous move of his presidency yet. By promising protection to anyone who commits crimes on his behalf, Trump is building a loyalty pipeline straight out of a mob movie… and the Supreme Court is giving him the cover he needs.
1036: Why Trump’s “Enemies” Keep Winning
Trump’s revenge crusade is collapsing in real time. Botched prosecutions, clown-car legal teams, foreign bot armies propping up MAGA influencers, and a GOP in full-blown identity crisis. JVL, Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller talk about Trump’s latest humiliations, the Marjorie Taylor Greene detonation, the Mamdani Oval Office shocker, and the wild bot-farm revelations shaking the right. Oh and Trump
1035: Legal Orders | The Secret Podcast
Trump 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 b
1034: Has Epstein Stopped the Trump 2028 Train?
Trump’s awful month keeps getting worse: the botched Comey indictment, the Epstein files exploding, Trump snapping at reporters, and signs that the MAGA machine isn’t running like it used to. JVL, Sarah, and Tim talk about the panic inside Trumpworld, the fallout from his dictator cosplay with MBS, and why the movement suddenly looks shakier than it has in years.Remember to head to https://ZBiotic
1033: Incentives Matter | Secret Podcast Preview
JVL and Catherine Rampell (filling in for Sarah) dig into the latest Epstein revelations and what they expose about the darker, unsteady corners of the GOP. The conversation traces how a party already splintering under internal contradictions keeps getting dragged into fresh scandals, bad actors, and self-inflicted wounds.
1032: The New Epstein Emails Are UGLY
Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller take on the explosive Epstein emails tying Trump to victims, the shutdown fight and ACA fallout, and the MAGA civil war erupting around Tucker Carlson, Ben Shapiro, Candace Owens, and Nick Fuentes.Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THENEXTLEVELGet $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to y
1031: Secret Podcast: JD Vance Can’t Control What He Unleashed
JVL 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 wha
1030: Voters Everywhere Strike Back Against Trumpism
In the first major set of elections of Donald Trump’s second term, voters deliver a rebuke to Trumpism. Democrats win gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia, and Zohran Mamdani wins the mayoral race in New York City after Trump endorses Andrew Cuomo. JVL, Sarah Longwell and Tim Miller react on Election Night to what these results mean in the fight against MAGA, assess the leverage Democrat
1029: Heritage Foundation Americans | Secret Podcast
JVL 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.
1028: MAGA’s Tough-Guy Civil War
JVL, Sarah, and Tim talk about the intra-MAGA war inside immigration enforcement, the bizarre fall of Tom Homan, Stephen Miller’s power games, RFK Jr.’s unhinged HHS drama, Trump teasing war in Venezuela, and the new Democratic memo that’s tearing the party apart.Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com and use code THENEXTLEVEL at checkout.Cancel your unwanted subscriptions
1027: Trump Starts the Dumbest International Incident… Ever?
Trump’s obsession with tearing up the East Wing turns into a fight over symbolism, willpower, and what it really takes to undo his damage. JVL and Sarah Longwell go back and forth over what matters, what’s just noise, and why elites still won’t stand up to him. Plus: Trump’s love for dictators, Reagan on tariffs, and Canada making him mad again.
1026: Raze the White House Ballroom?
JVL, Sarah, and Tim discuss the drama over Democrat Graham Platner’s “Nazi tattoo,” the Maine Senate race, and the left’s weird obsession with finding their own Trump-style outsider. Plus: Trump’s corrupt White House ballroom, the “No Kings” protests, and just how far America’s slipped into banana-republic territory.Listen to "The Bulwark's Seven-Year War" from Puck: https://puck.news/podcast_epis
1025: Bleak House – Reflections on a Quietly Depressing Week
JVL 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.
Propaganda With OUR Money! Young SICKOS in the Chat! GOP Is SCARED of No Kings!
This week on The Next Level Jonathan V. Last, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller discuss the GOP’s accelerating moral collapse. MAGA wants to discredit No Kings protests as “Hate America” rallies, and a racist Young Republicans group chat leak shows how deep the rot goes. They explore how Kristi Noem’s taxpayer-funded ad blitz crosses every ethical line and what it says about ICE’s power in the admini
1024: BONUS Secret: Why Are America’s Billionaires So PATHETIC?!
Live 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 was recorded on Saturday, October 11, 2025.
1023: Secret Podcast: Success in a Failing Country
This week Sarah and JVL did something they haven’t done for a couple of years: they just . . . hung out and asked each other questions. Some stuff about life. Some stuff about The Bulwark. Some stuff about the world.Hope you enjoy listening as much as they enjoyed visiting with each other.
1022: MTG's SHOCK Revolt! Dems Grow a SPINE? Tim's TWINK Strike Force?!
The crew is back together, live in D.C. and fired up. From wild personal stories to real talk about how we face this moment as a country, this episode is all about connection, community, and not giving in to the chaos. When things get dark, we stick together.
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