Best Political Drama Podcasts (2025)

1
Bob Roberts (with Adam Scott) 57:04

3M ago57:04

57:04

We've got a bonus installment of the Film Fest—with special guest Adam Scott! In addition to his work on Severance, Parks & Recreation, Party Down, and so much more, he's just a genuinely thoughtful and kind person, so we are thrilled to have him back on the podcast. We're discussing the 1992 film Bob Roberts, a satirical mockumentary by Tim Robbin…

1
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington 50:33

5M ago50:33

50:33

We're trying to savor the Capra-esque quality of this experience by wrapping up with Mr. Smith. Supplemental materials: James Taylor - You've Got a Friend Mr Deeds Goes to Town trailer Sokovia Accords debate from Captain America: Civil War Thank you so much for joining us again for this series! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choic…

1
Dave 49:33

5M ago49:33

49:33

Starring Kevin Kline, Sigourney Weaver, and Kevin Kline. This one was a Patreon subscriber pick! Additional materials: an article about the making of Dave Kevin Kline plays Mr. Fischoeder in Bob's Burgers "clever" as an insult in Fight Club Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choicesBy Joshua Malina & Hrishikesh Hirway

1
The Candidate 53:23

5M ago53:23

53:23

Is The Candidate, in fact, the anti-West Wing? A political story that ends not with a bang, but with a question of existential dread. Interview with screenwriter Jeremy Larner in Brooklyn Magazine The trailer for Downhill Racer (1969) Jerry Seinfeld on Letterman: "You're rooting for clothes." Let us know what you thought of the film! Learn about yo…

1
A Face In The Crowd 51:45

6M ago51:45

51:45

Did this movie predict Trump back in 1957? We discuss the film debut of Andy Griffith in a role so dark, anyone who knows the Andy Griffith show might experience some uncomfortable dissonance. Some goodies that came up in our conversation: The dance of joy from "Perfect Strangers" This essay about the film on the Criterion website Albert Brooks and…

1
Network 59:33

6M ago59:33

59:33

This week, we dive deeper into the role of the fourth estate, as we discuss Network, the Oscar-winning film that was meant to be a wild satire at the time it was released, but ended up uncannily predicting the future. Some additional reading material: Mad As Hell, Dave Itzkoff's book about Network Directors' Guild of America post about Sidney Lumet…

1
Bulworth 1:00:36

6M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

This week, we're discussing the 1998 film Bulworth, which features a rapping Warren Beatty, a young Josh Malina, a few problematic moments, and some wonderful and strange ones, too. For a real treat, watch the music video for Ghetto Supastar, which also features a young Josh Malina! What did you think of Bulworth? Join the conversation over on our …

1
Judas and the Black Messiah 50:40

6M ago50:40

50:40

What's more terrifying in Martin Sheen's depiction of J. Edgar Hoover—the racism, or the makeup?! We discuss ALL the important aspects of this cat-and-mouse thriller, which was nominated for six Oscars, including Best Picture, and won two: Best Screenplay and Best Supporting Actor for Daniel Kaluuya. For additional viewing: The Lucas Brothers Willi…

1
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb 48:43

6M ago48:43

48:43

This week, we're discussing the hilarious — and terrifying—Dr Strangelove. A few goodies: An interview with title designer Pablo Ferro "Are We the Baddies?" from That Mitchell and Webb Look George C Scott side-by-side with Tim Robinson (from I Think You Should Leave) Let us know what you thought of the film, on a scale of 1–10 precious bodily fluid…

1
In the Loop 47:12

7M ago47:12

47:12

This week, we're discussing the razor-sharp dialogue and side-splitting comedy of In the Loop (2009), one the greatest political satires. Here are footnotes for some of the stuff outside of the film that came up in the conversation: A tiny clip from the unaired pilot of "Legally Mad" The stateroom scene from the Marx Brothers' "A Night at the Opera…

1
The American President 1:02:36

7M ago1:02:36

1:02:36

It's the first installment of the Political Film Fest, and we've got: Martin Sheen in the oval office! "What is the virtue of a proportional response?" The GDC! There are so many familiar elements in The American President, and yet, the film feels dramatically different from The West Wing (and at times, comedically different). It's our first episod…

1
Introducing: The West Wing Weekly Political Film Fest! 4:25

8M ago4:25

4:25

After four years away, we're bringing back The West Wing Weekly in a new form. As this election season heats up, we're taking a weekly respite from the stress of reality, and turning towards political cinema instead. We're watching and discussing some of our favorite films. It's the same mix of analysis and nonsense that you’ve come to expect from …

1
0.21: Celebrating the new West Wing book "What's Next?" (live with Mary McCormack, Melissa Fitzgerald, Aaron Sorkin, and more) 1:06:59

8M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

On Saturday, August 10, we celebrated the publication of the new book "What's Next: A Backstage Pass to the West Wing, Its Cast and Crew, and Its Enduring Legacy of Service" by Melissa Fitzgerald and Mary McCormack. Josh and Hrishi moderated a discussion with them, along with special guests Aaron Sorkin, Dulé Hill, Janel Moloney, and Richard Schiff…

1
Ep. 184 - The World Is Burning 1:32:04

2y ago1:32:04

1:32:04

This week we are getting into the latest Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy episodes. Plus, our reason for being, thoughtful listener feedback. To leave us your thoughts, please email us at [email protected] Intro & Things (0:00 – 1:05) S06 E15: Station 19 (4:28 – 1:03:15) S19 E16: Grey’s Anatomy (1:03:17 – END) Follow Talking Shondaland: Twit…

1
Ep. 183 - Maggie’s Goodbye 1:57:26

2y ago1:57:26

1:57:26

This week we are back after an unexpected break due to Karly working on her mental health. We talk about Theo's attitude and how he’s treating Vic, is Eli hooking up with Travis THAT bad?, Andy's unexpected reaction to finding out about Sully & Chief Ross, we’re pleasantly surprised at the conclusion of Maggie & Winston’s relationship, we say goodb…

1
Ep. 182 - Two Sassy Biddies 1:28:51

2y ago1:28:51

1:28:51

This week Nicole is finally on board the Andy & Eli ship, we want Natasha to be a better girlfriend, we’re impressed by Kevin McKidd’s directing, our disappointment in Maggie is real, we're amused by the most recent gonorrhea storyline, and so much more. Plus, our reason for being, thoughtful listener feedback. To leave us your thoughts, please ema…

1
Ep. 181 - Two of the Best So Far 1:22:23

2y ago1:22:23

1:22:23

This week we contemplate going to The Queen’s Ball: A Bridgerton Experience. Also, we discuss Beckett’s rock bottom, still no respect for Sully, Maya getting off the hook way too easily, another wonderfully simple abortion story, Bailey’s sing-along, Winton’s future, and so much more. Plus, our reason for being, thoughtful listener feedback. To lea…

1
Ep. 180 - The Beginning of the Ships 1:34:24

2y ago1:34:24

1:34:24

This week we are back together to discuss Beckett’s drinking problem getting someone hurt, Theo the hot-head, Andy & Eli’s budding relationship, Jack Gibson & Lucas Adams's messy hair, Kelly McCreary leaving Grey’s, Teddy & Owen finally apologizing to one another, the lack of chemistry between Simone & Lucas, and so much more. Plus, thoughtful list…

1
Ep. 179 - Karly's Alone & Hopeful 1:02:36

2y ago1:02:36

1:02:36

This week Karly is all alone and discussing Chief Ross’s continuing “Boss Bitch” arc, Vic being triggered, Sully being boyfriend goals, Teddy & Richard’s negotiations shenanigans, how the interns are growing on us, Maggie & Winston's relationship troubles, and so much more. Plus, thoughtful listener feedback. To leave us feedback, please email us a…

1
Ep. 178 - Meredith’s Tepid Goodbye 1:34:29

2y ago1:34:29

1:34:29

After a crazy-long winter hiatus, Station 19 and Grey’s Anatomy are back! We continue to fall in love with Chief Ross, we’re 100% behind Carina’s big decision, we cannot get over how cold Meredith was about Nick’s big love declaration, we pick which of the new intern love pairings we like, and so much more. Plus, thoughtful listener feedback. To le…

1
Ep. 177 - Is It Fall, Winter or Mid Season Finales 2022? 2:03:52

2+ y ago2:03:52

2:03:52

It's the 2022 fall/winter finale episode! This week we discuss mentorship with Vic & Ross, Andy's captain confidence, Maya's possible rock bottom, the probability of a Griffith/Adam relationship, Teddy as the would-be new chief of surgery, Meredith's house burning down, and so much more. Plus, thoughtful listener feedback. To leave us feedback, ple…

1
Ep. 176: They Have The Power, Not The Right 1:33:25

2+ y ago1:33:25

1:33:25

This week we discuss an action-packed Station 19, an impactful Grey’s Anatomy, and speculate which one of “our own” we’ll lose on next week’s mid-season finale. We really get into Jack finally taking a shower, Carina fighting for her love/relationship while Maya pretends, if the new campaign manager, Eli, is there for Travis or Andy, Meredith’s Bos…

1
Ep. 175: We Clearly Have Trust Issues 1:57:06

2+ y ago1:57:06

1:57:06

This week some deeply thoughtful feedback helps us cheer on Theo for calling out Maya and Beckett, distrust the new, cute, British guy, and hope for the best for Sully & Natasha on Station 19. And on Grey’s, we get to know the new interns a little better, are still amused by Teddy & Owen’s crumbling relationship, praise Webber and Bailey as usual, …

1
Ep. 174: Paging Dr. Diane Lewis 2:22:31

2+ y ago2:22:31

2:22:31

This week with the help of some awesome feedback, we dig into Maya’s character flaws, and Andy’s leadership on full display on Station 19. We also talk about how well Grey’s tackled the real-life war on women’s bodies which leads us to a conversation on the importance of voting, Zola’s genius finally being canon, and so much more. Intro & Things (0…

1
Ep. 173: Ring Ding Ding Vernoff 1:53:36

2+ y ago1:53:36

1:53:36

This week we discuss Maya’s new low, Andy being the BFF & leadership the station needs right now, Carina and Jack’s reunion, Teddy & Owen’s fighting upsetting everyone, all the old school Grey’s callbacks, our personal experiences with interns at a hospital and so much more. Plus, insightful listener feedback. Intro & Things (0:00 – 3:24) S06 E02: …

1
Come listen to The Audit 0:42

2+ y ago0:42

0:42

The West Wing Thing is finished! Come check out our new thing, The Audit! https://the.levernews.com/podcasts/#the-audit

1
Ep. 172: It Rebooted Itself 2:06:58

2+ y ago2:06:58

2:06:58

It’s a new season for Station 19 & Grey’s Anatomy and we’re back talking about all the drama a tornado and a new class of surgical interns brought to these premieres. Plus, thoughtful listener feedback. Intro & Things (0:00 – 8:53) S06 E01: Station 19 (8:55 – 1:09:51) S19 E01: Grey’s Anatomy (1:09:53 – END) Please VOTE VOTE VOTE this November 8th, …

1
Special Appendix Episode - What's the deal with Louise Mensch? w/Special Guest Arthur Tiersky 1:03:15

2+ y ago1:03:15

1:03:15

Enough people asked us for the whole story, so here it is - Josh & Dave's full history with Vladimir Putin's most fearsome foe.

1
THE GRAND FINALE w/Very Special Guest Briahna Joy Gray 2:44:13

2+ y ago2:44:13

2:44:13

We did it. We finished it, and we're not dead.

1
It's finally here! 3:19

2+ y ago3:19

3:19

The one you've been waiting for! Will it live up to your expectations?

1
Institutional Memory w/Special Guests Nima Shirazi & Adam Johnson from Citations Needed 1:41:55

2+ y ago1:41:55

1:41:55

With only one episode left to go, the boys are joined by the hosts of one of the very great Citations Needed to enjoy the cast's bout with senior-itis. Will CJ stay on at the White House or go on to make a fortune helping a billionaire whitewash his reputation? And will he or won't he? Time is running out for Bartlett to pardon Toby. Plus - Havinq …

1
The Last Hurrah w/Special Guests Pete D'Alesandro & David Sirota 1:40:35

2+ y ago1:40:35

1:40:35

Pete & Dave team up to join Josh & Dave as they marvel at one of the most West Wingy moments in the history of The West Wing. Plus - Is there life after Wang? All is revealed!

1
A Very Special Thing w/Very Special Wil Anderson 1:59:33

2+ y ago1:59:33

1:59:33

They did it. Those crazy bastards. They went and did it. One time and one time only... The Newsroom

1
Transition w/Special Guest Wil Anderson 1:55:55

2+ y ago1:55:55

1:55:55

Wil Anderson comes back to wish us well, only to discover America has rendered all of his jokes moot.

1
Requiem w/Special Guests Vida & Trevor from Champagne Sharks 2:40:19

2+ y ago2:40:19

2:40:19

It's the beginning of the new Santos administration, and being a good Democrat, he's lining his administration with Republicans. Our friends T&V make swing by to tell Josh & Dave how much they'll miss them, and we force them to stay and watch an episode of The West Wing. We are bad people.

1
Election Day Parts 1&2 w/Special Guest Katie Halper 1:34:31

3y ago1:34:31

1:34:31

Katie Halper returns to say adios to Josh and Dave and endure not just one but TWO godawful seventh season episodes. Josh & Donna finally do the deed, Leo croaks, and Santos wins the presidential election, and it's STILL awful.

1
Welcome To Wherever You Are w/Special Guest Luke Savage & a cameo from Blaire Erskine 2:20:53

3y ago2:20:53

2:20:53

We continue to wind down with one more visit from our old friend Luke Savage to discuss the dumbest scene ever on The West Wing and to say goodbye to us forever. Also, our NEW friend Blaire Erskine stops by to tell us about her experience discovering the most wonderful people on social media, the K-Hive!…

1
Two Weeks Out w/Special Guest Jared Yates Sexton 2:16:31

3y ago2:16:31

2:16:31

Not sure if you heard, but the Supreme Court shot down Roe last week, so we asked our friend Jared to drop by and talk about whether or not that will have any meaningful impact. And since we're awful, we made him watch another episode of The West Wing. Who's got the briefcase?

1
The Cold w/Special Guest Tom Sexton 1:46:31

3y ago1:46:31

1:46:31

Our old pal Tom Sexton stops by to say a find farewell, and we force him to watch another episode of the fucking West Wing. This is the one where Donna finallty acts on all those years of abuse and misogyny and.... for fuck's sake, are you kidding? Hey, did you hear about Roe? That happened after we recorded this. Sorry.…

1
Duck and Cover w/Special Guest Gareth Reynolds 1:28:21

3y ago1:28:21

1:28:21

Will the California nuclear power plant blow up, taking most of Southern California with it? Or will the problem just go away? Who could possibly guess? Also, Josh challenges Dan Pfeiffer to a steel cage wrestling match.

1
Ep. 171: Grey's Anatomy, Season 18 Finale 1:23:18

3y ago1:23:18

1:23:18

This week we’re in our feelings talking about the season 18 finale which also happens to be the show’s big 400th episode. All the highlights and beautifully emotional moments. Plus we have some terrific listener feedback. Thank you so much for joining us this season. Have a marvelous & safe summer, and we’ll catch you in the Fall for season 19 of G…

1
Internal Displacement w/Special Guest Ashley Stevens 2:10:27

3y ago2:10:27

2:10:27

Someone or other is having an affair or something, and there's a nuclear war brewing between China and Russia or somesuch shit... Also, even after all those farewell tears AND a new Diesel Boots song... we have a brand new Psaki Bomb. How is this even possible!

1
Ep. 170: Station 19, Season 5 Finale 2:03:38

3y ago2:03:38

2:03:38

This week we discuss the season 5 finale of ‘Station 19’, and the penultimate episode of season 18 of ‘Grey’s Anatomy. Maya’s sour patch kid moments, Jack leaving, the anticlimactic ending of Andy’s storyline, Travis’s decision to run for Mayor, the horrific hate crime against an Asian American woman, Nick charming everyone, Winston & Maggie gettin…

1
Running Mates w/Special Guest Lisa Curry 2:13:19

3y ago2:13:19

2:13:19

Lisa Curry joins Josh and Dave to bag on Bill Maher, say goodbye to Jen Psaki, and watch an episode of The West Wing with Josh. BECAUSE DAVE FUCKING FORGOT TO DO HIS HOMEWORK!

1
Ep. 169: The World Is Hard 1:57:57

3y ago1:57:57

1:57:57

This week we let the feedback lead our conversation about unexpected family reunions, the beautiful mess that is the Maya/Carina/Jack situations, Travis’s possible run for Mayor, Owen being cool, Linc & Jo’s relationship, loving our kids no matter what and much more. Intro & Things (0:00 – 3:06) S05 E16 & 17: Station 19 (3:08 – 1:19:08) S18 E16 & 1…

1
The Wedding w/Special Guest Will Menaker 1:32:11

3y ago1:32:11

1:32:11

The West Wing finally steps up and challenges Seinfeld - this week's episode is a show about nothing. But don't worry - Will Menaker is here to help us fill the void.

1
Undecideds w/Special Guests Trevor & Vida from Champagne Sharks 2:47:53

3y ago2:47:53

2:47:53

After six and a half seasons, the entirely white writers of the West Wing FINALLY do an episode that touches on racial issues, and it ROCKS even harder than you'd expect it to.

1
The Debate w/Special Guest Matt Christman 1:25:21

3y ago1:25:21

1:25:21

It's the most incredible hour of television you've ever seen! This week.... the legendary LIVE DEBATE. We hate to break it to you... it's not good.

1
Trial of the Chicago 7 w/Special Guest Bilge Ebiri 2:50:05

3y ago2:50:05

2:50:05

It's our special Trial of the Chicago 7 episode, in whichthe great film critic Bilge Ebiri joins us to battle for the streets of Chicago and the hearts and minds of liberals. Plus, Danny Bessner stops by to talk about being an eyewitness to history.

1
The Al Smith Dinner w/Special Guest Lisa Curry 1:38:43

3y ago1:38:43

1:38:43

It's All Abortion All The Time! as the West Wing gang takes on America's ickiest issue. The suspense is killing us! Who will win the election? The vaguely pro-choice Democrat, or the vaguely pro-choice Republican?

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