The Al Franken Podcast

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127.0K - 211.7K listeners Female 4.6 rating 8466 reviews 335 episodes USA

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A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.

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Recent Hosts, Guests & Topics

Here's a quick summary of the last 5 episodes on The Al Franken Podcast.

Hosts

Al Franken

Previous Guests

David Pakman

David Pakman is a political commentator and host of one of the most watched independent progressive programs in the country, with over 3 million YouTube subscribers. He spreads truth and commentary on political issues, including the impact of Donald Trump and other current events.

George Packer

George Packer is a staff writer at The Atlantic, known for his in-depth political and cultural analysis. His recent work includes 'The Talented Mr. Vance,' exploring JD Vance's political evolution.

Ed Shelleby

Ed Shelleby is a former Senate Communications Director who worked closely with Al Franken. He has extensive experience managing political communications and has shared behind-the-scenes stories of his time working in the Senate, including managing Al Franken's comedic impulses in serious situations, and coining the term 'The Dehumorizer.' His insights provide a unique perspective on political communication and the inner workings of Senate office management.

Michael Lewis

Michael Lewis is an acclaimed American author and financial journalist known for his best-selling books that explore complex subjects in an engaging and accessible manner. He gained widespread recognition for 'The Big Short,' which details the 2008 financial crisis, and has authored several other notable works, including 'Moneyball' and 'Flash Boys.' His most recent book, 'Who is Government?' examines the role of government workers and the importance of effective governance. Lewis's writing often highlights the intersection of finance, politics, and social issues, making him a prominent voice in contemporary discussions about economic and governmental systems.

Dahlia Lithwick

Dahlia Lithwick is an award-winning journalist, author, and the host of the Amicus podcast. She is known for her insightful commentary on legal issues and the judiciary, particularly in relation to the Trump administration's policies. Lithwick writes for Slate, where she covers law and justice, and has gained recognition for her analysis of Supreme Court decisions and their implications.

Topics Discussed

YouTube David Pakman political commentary Big Beautiful Bill Trump travel ban Democrats American voters JD Vance George Packer U.S. Senate political transformation The Atlantic public policy political comedy Senate communications media management Al Franken pivoting in interviews The Dehumorizer Senate effectiveness staff treatment federal workforce public servants government effectiveness USAID oversight mechanisms ideology power money Dahlia Lithwick courts Trump administration birthright citizenship deportation Supreme Court Kilmar Abrego Garcia fetal personhood bill

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Episodes

Here's the recent few episodes on The Al Franken Podcast.

0:00 40:06

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

June 08, 2025

Al Franken

David Pakman

YouTube David Pakman political commentary Big Beautiful Bill Trump travel ban Democrats American voters

First time guest David Pakman joins us for this week's show! David is a political commentator and hosts one of the most watched independent progressive programs in the country. With over 3 million YouTube subscribers, David spreads truth and commentary on the devastating impact Donald Trump is having on our country.

Al and David kick around news out of Washington including the "Big, Beautiful Bill" and its chances of survival now that some Republicans have expressed their opposition (and Elon Musk has torn it apart). Plus, we take a look at the new "travel ban" and how Trump's arguments for it make no sense.

David also shares what has shocked him the most about Trump’s second term and discusses what Democrats should do to win more seats and help improve their standing with American voters.

WATCH David's videos on his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/thedavidpakmanshow

LISTEN to David's podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-david-pakman-show/id402050558

0:00 33:17

George Packer on Vice President JD Vance

June 01, 2025

Al Franken

George Packer

JD Vance George Packer U.S. Senate Trump political transformation The Atlantic

JD Vance has had an unorthodox rise to power. After a troubled childhood, he joined the Marines, graduated from Yale Law School, became a best-selling author, and then won a seat in the U.S. Senate. And now, at only 40, he is Vice President to Donald Trump, a man who Vance once described as "America's Hitler" and "cultural heroin."

We’re joined by The Atlantic’s George Packer. His most recent piece, “The Talented Mr. Vance,” explores Vance's political transformation and whether or not he genuinely evolved his political views or cynically abandoned his principles for ambition.

We also take a look at the Democrats' path forward. Packer shares how they can respond to Trump's appeal to disengaged voters.

Read Packer’s writing in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/george-packer/

0:00 49:30

225: BEST OF: Ed Shelleby on Being My Senate Communications Director

May 25, 2025

Al Franken

Ed Shelleby

public policy political comedy Senate communications media management Al Franken pivoting in interviews The Dehumorizer Senate effectiveness staff treatment

In this Best Of episode, we revisit our conversation with Al’s former Senate Communications Director, Ed Shelleby, to relive their time working together. Ed tells tales of him TRYING to manage Al's comedic impulses in serious situations, but also talks about the great work they accomplished together.

Ed shares several behind-the-scenes stories including how Al, as a newly elected official, had to learn to "pivot" in interviews and explains how the office coined a brand new term: The Dehumorizer.

But also, we cover the effectiveness of Al's time in the Senate. And they share many stories of how Al treated his staff like family.

It's a different kind of show this week, but one we KNOW you will enjoy.

Ed shares several behind-the-scenes stories including how Al, as a newly elected official, had to learn to "pivot" in interviews and explains how the office coined a brand new term: The Dehumorizer.

But also, we cover the effectiveness of Al's time in the Senate. And they share many stories of how Al treated his staff like family.

It's a different kind of show this week, but one we KNOW you will enjoy.

0:00 32:10

224: Michael Lewis on Amazing Government Workers

May 18, 2025

Al Franken

Michael Lewis

federal workforce public servants government effectiveness USAID oversight mechanisms ideology power money

From the start of Donald Trump's second term, he's been eager to cut the federal workforce. So, Elon Musk headed the newly minted DOGE to begin slashing tens of thousands of jobs.

Our friend, Michael Lewis, author of "The Big Short" and, most recently, "Who is Government?," joins us to share stories of public servants who not only improved this country but have saved countless lives. Those improvements and breakthroughs could only have happened through the power and effectiveness of a strong government.

Lewis warns of the long-term consequences of dismantling agencies like USAID and removing oversight mechanisms. The public might not immediately feel these impacts, but the results will eventually be catastrophic, particularly for vulnerable populations worldwide. Lewis explains that DOGE was never about fraud, waste, and abuse. It's always been about ideology, power, and money.

Visit Michael's website to learn more: https://www.michaellewiswrites.com/

From the start of Donald Trump's second term, he's been eager to cut the federal workforce. So, Elon Musk headed the newly minted DOGE to begin slashing tens of thousands of jobs.

Visit Michael's website to learn more: https://www.michaellewiswrites.com/

0:00 44:13

223: Dahlia Lithwick on the Courts vs. Trump

May 11, 2025

Al Franken

Dahlia Lithwick

Dahlia Lithwick courts Trump administration birthright citizenship deportation Supreme Court Kilmar Abrego Garcia fetal personhood bill

We're joined by Dahlia Lithwick, award-winning journalist, author, and host of the Amicus podcast. Dahlia looks at the judicial pushback against the Trump administration, as the Courts have stood up to Trump's policies on birthright citizenship and deportation. We also discuss Trump’s targeting of law firms.

The Supreme Court notably ruled 9-0 that the administration must facilitate the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia from El Salvador, which it has ignored. Is this the Constitutional crisis we've been anticipating? Will Trump pay a price for ignoring The Supreme Court?

Plus, Dahlia breaks down why a fetal personhood bill will inevitably be brought before The Supreme Court.

Listen to Dahlia's Amicus podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amicus-with-dahlia-lithwick-law-justice-and-the-courts/id928790786

Read Dahlia in Slate: https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwick

Plus, Dahlia breaks down why a fetal personhood bill will inevitably be brought before The Supreme Court.

Listen to Dahlia's Amicus podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/amicus-with-dahlia-lithwick-law-justice-and-the-courts/id928790786

Read Dahlia in Slate: https://slate.com/author/dahlia-lithwick