Best Tom Goodman Podcasts (2026)

1
Episode #200 Tom Goodman 50:38

Play Pause

25d ago50:38

50:38

In which a pastor tells the story of a bank robber who dressed up as Santa Claus... no, really. Author Tom Goodman shares the true (and fictionlized) story behind his novel Last Man Standing, a Spur Award winner!By Frank Zafiro

1
Trump Wants to Take a Nobel Prize That Isn’t His 11:07

2h ago11:07

11:07

After the dramatic capture of Venezuela’s dictator Nicolás Maduro, Trump publicly suggested he’d be honored to “accept” the Nobel Peace Prize won by Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, as if awards work like trophies, souvenirs, or FIFA medals. Ben Parker and Mona Charen give their takes on the sheer absurdity and Trump’s warped unde…

1
Is the Minneapolis Killing an Inflection Point for Trump? 37:08

6h ago37:08

37:08

Bill and Sam discuss the Minneapolis killing and other items from a very eventful week.By The Bulwark

1
Tim & JVL: America Used to Know This Was Wrong 32:46

20h ago32:46

32:46

Tim Miller and JVL give their takes on the shocking Minneapolis ICE killing of Renee Good, the federal government’s handling of state-sanctioned violence, and what it reveals about America’s culture of death.By The Bulwark

1
The Right is Now AGAINST Free Speech on Campus (w/ Alex Bronzini-Vender) 26:18

1d ago26:18

26:18

Tim Miller talks with Harvard student and New York Times op-ed writer Alex Bronzini-Vender about the new campus speech crackdown and why it’s now being driven by Republicans, not the left. They dig into how anti-woke politics and federal pressure are reshaping campus life and how the right has adopted the same speech-policing tactics it once condem…

1
BREAKING: New Footage in Minneapolis Killing 14:52

2d ago14:52

14:52

Correction, January 9, 2025, 3:35 p.m.: The footage from the perspective of ICE agent Jonathan Ross played in this video appears to have come not from a body camera, as mentioned in the video, but from the phone Ross was holding during the incident. Tim Miller breaks down newly released footage appearing to be from the ICE officer who fatally shot …

1
Trump Is Bleeding Support From Young Men 27:11

2d ago27:11

27:11

Donald Trump’s approval numbers are sinking and the cracks are showing in places that once kept him afloat. Sarah Longwell and Andrew Egger giver their takes on why Trump is bleeding support among young men, struggling far beyond his MAGA base, and facing growing backlash over his unilateral intervention in Venezuela. We texted 1,000 Americans abou…

1
The song Josh Ritter was nervous to share and more stories from his catalog 35:18

1d ago35:18

35:18

The singer-songwriter joins World Cafe for a new installment of Backtracking, where musicians revisit songs from their back catalog that have shaped their careers. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
BREAKING: Vance Says ICE Agent Who Killed Renee Good Deserves Gratitude 33:12

3d ago33:12

33:12

Sam Stein, Tim Miller, and Andrew Egger react live to JD Vance defending the ICE officer who fatally shot Minnesota woman Renee Good.By The Bulwark

1
Jan. 6 Rioter Who Threatened Muslims & Jews Is Running for Senate 12:13

3d ago12:13

12:13

Tim Miller gives his take on the Jan. 6 rioter pardoned by Donald Trump, who has not only avoided accountability, but is now running for Senate. This extremist attacked Capitol police, threatened Muslims and Jews, and continues to spread hate. Show notes: In the New Year, take ownership of your health with ZocDoc, at https://ZocDoc.com/BULWARKTAKES…

1
Invading Greenland Would Be a Disaster (w/ Mark Hertling) | Command Post 26:53

3d ago26:53

26:53

Sam Stein sits down with Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling (Ret.) to break down the recent Maduro operation in Venezuela, the challenges of coordinating military and political strategy, and what the U.S. would actually gain from Greenland. Mark will break down the biggest stories involving the military in a series of chats right here, every Thursday, in a spe…

1
765 Young Goodman Brown by Nathaniel Hawthorne (with Mike Palindrome) 1:09:38

4d ago1:09:38

1:09:38

In Puritan New England, a young man leaves Faith, his wife, to go into the forest to meet the Devil. It's a story "as deep as Dante," said Herman Melville. In this episode, Jacke reads "Young Goodman Brown," by Nathaniel Hawthorne, then Jacke and Mike discuss the story that Stephen King has called "one of the ten best stories written by an American…

1
The Internet is Bullying Sam Stein! 32:09

4d ago32:09

32:09

The trio is back and 2026 is off to a wild start. Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and Will Sommer give their takes on the calls for Nicki Minaj to be deported, the political influencers for sale creating a reality TV show, and former FBI deputy director Dan Bongino blasting Matt Gaetz in a fiery MAGA feud.By The Bulwark

1
ICE Agent Kills U.S. Citizen In Minneapolis 15:32

4d ago15:32

15:32

Sam Stein and Tim Miller break down the shocking video from Minneapolis where an ICE agent fatally shot an American woman in her car. Sam and Tim give their take on the deadly escalation of federal ICE operations, and the dangerous spin already coming out from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.By The Bulwark

1
Forged in isolation, Couch is ready for the big stage on 'Big Talk' 28:42

4d ago28:42

28:42

The 7-piece Boston outfit performs live in the World Cafe studio. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
America’s Wars Shouldn't Be a Casino (w/ Rep. Ritchie Torres) 8:18

4d ago8:18

8:18

Sam Stein talks with Rep. Ritchie Torres about the explosive rise of political prediction markets—and the serious corruption risks we face.By The Bulwark

1
Rioters Return to the Scene and Face Angry Counter-Protesters 15:06

4d ago15:06

15:06

Five years after January 6, the diehards came back to the scene of the crime. Pardoned rioters, conspiracy theories, and a fierce counter-protest collided on the National Mall. Jared Poland gives his take to Sam Stein on what he found from reporting on the ground as Americans argue again over what really happened on Jan. 6.…

1
Interlude 2: Character Spotlight "Beowulf & the Monster Theme - A hero’s memory defines a people" 9:19

4d ago9:19

9:19

What makes a hero endure beyond his age? In this spotlight on Beowulf, we explore how the memory of one warrior became a mirror for a people’s hopes, fears, and moral boundaries. With a monster at the door and legacy on the line, Beowulf’s tale opens our new season with fire and gravity. This episode sets the stage for our two-part premiere—and rem…

1
She Watched January 6 From Trump’s White House (w/ Sarah Matthews) 31:52

5d ago31:52

31:52

Sarah Matthews was inside Trump’s White House on January 6. Matthews, the former deputy press secretary explains to Sarah Longwell what it was like watching the Capitol attack from the West Wing, why Trump refused to meet the moment, and how that day finally pushed her to resign. Five years later, she reflects on Republican accountability, January …

1
Sen. Gallego: Trump Wants Venezuelan Oil and a Place to Deport Migrants 17:45

5d ago17:45

17:45

Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) joins Sam Stein and Lauren Egan to give his take on why Trump’s Venezuela policy risks another disastrous war. A veteran of the Iraq War, Gallego says the administration is lying about its intentions, prioritizing oil interests and deportation deals over stability and democracy. He also discusses his Senate amendment to bl…

1
Tune in to a Sharon Van Etten mini-concert 20:05

5h ago20:05

20:05

Listen to Sharon Van Etten and the Attachment Theory perform at the 2025 XPoNential Music Festival. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
January 6 Was a Dress Rehearsal For Trump, Not a Finale (w/ Tom Joscelyn) 28:05

5d ago28:05

28:05

Description: Five years after January 6, Bill Kristol sits down with Tom Joscelyn, the lead writer of the House January 6 Committee report, to assess where the country stands today. They give their takes on why January 6 was not an endpoint, but the beginning of a new political reality: one defined by a lack of accountability with sweeping pardons,…

1
Rediscover the roots of your joy, by Dr. Kwane Stewart 37:18

5d ago37:18

37:18

CNN’s 2023 Hero of the Year, veterinarian Dr. Kwane Stewart, has long had a passion for helping animals. Yet when a difficult work environment leaves him entirely depleted, he starts to consider walking away from his profession forever. It’s only when an unexpected encounter reminds him to return to the fundamentals, that he rediscovers the magic o…

1
RFK Jr. Cuts America’s Childhood Vaccine Schedule 17:35

6d ago17:35

17:35

JVL and Jonathan Cohn give their take on the shocking changes coming from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Department of Health and Human Services. The federal government is now recommending fewer vaccines for American children, including RSV and Hep B, while flu, COVID-19, and rotavirus vaccines move to “shared clinical decision-making.” What does this mea…

1
Sen. Mark Warner: Trump Owns Venezuela's Broken Government Now 14:59

6d ago14:59

14:59

Senator Mark Warner joins Sam Stein to give his take on the Trump administration’s dramatic actions in Venezuela, congressional oversight, and what comes next. Warner warns that extracting a foreign leader, sidelining Congress, and talking openly about “running” other countries reflects an imperial mindset that America has spent decades trying to m…

1
KIRBY’s Mississippi roots echo through 'Miss Black America' 37:53

6d ago37:53

37:53

Kirby Lauryen Dockery has written for stars like Rihanna and Beyoncé, but her latest album centers her own creative legacy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
BREAKING: Tim Walz Drops Out of MN Governor’s Race 20:25

3h ago20:25

20:25

Sarah Longwell, Lauren Egan, and Jonathan Cohn are going live to discuss the news that Tim Walz, the Governor of Minnesota and former vice-presidential candidate, is leaving the governor’s race.By The Bulwark

1
764 Two Thousand Years of Roman History (with Edward J. Watts) | My Last Book with Nathan Hensley 1:19:13

7d ago1:19:13

1:19:13

What do we talk about when we talk about ancient Romans? For many of us, it's typically a fairly narrow slice of history: the toga-clad figures of Cicero and Caesar, perhaps, as their republic shades into empire before collapsing at the hands of barbarians a few hundred years later. In this episode, Jacke talks to Edward J. Watts, whose book The Ro…

1
Trump’s Venezuela Logic Turned America Into a Villain 8:45

7d ago8:45

8:45

Will Saletan takes on Donald Trump’s post-invasion claims about Venezuela and Maduro, putting Marco Rubio into a series of awkward Sunday show cleanups on war powers, oil, and pardons that exposes just how much of Trump’s story doesn’t add up. Read Will's written piece: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/which-countries-will-trump-invade-next-after-venez…

1
Bill and Sarah Ask: How Bad Can It Get? 53:17

7d ago53:17

53:17

Bill Kristol and Sarah Longwell discuss Bill's thoughts on possible paths 2026 could take—from a democratic rebound to a far darker slide.By The Bulwark

1
The Oldest Elected President in History Is Acting His Age 16:53

8d ago16:53

16:53

Sam Stein and Sonny Bunch take on new reporting on Donald Trump’s health—from repeated cognitive tests and confusing medical disclosures to visible signs of aging and a White House press operation that won’t give straight answers. Read the WSJ article: https://www.wsj.com/us-news/as-signs-of-aging-emerge-trump-responds-with-defiance-769c5dcd…

1
LIVE: Trump Addresses Nation on Venezuela Regime Change Operation 2:13:01

8d ago2:13:01

2:13:01

Please note: The population of Venezuela was incorrectly stated during this conversation as "about 90 million." It is about 30 million. We regret the error. Sam Stein, Mark Hertling, Sarah Longwell, Ben Parker and Joe Perticone cover the breaking news about the Venezuela regime change operation and react to the Trump administration’s press event.…

1
Deftones bet against Y2K nostalgia. The move paid off on 'private music' 29:06

9d ago29:06

29:06

Frontman Chino Moreno says the alternative rock band has defied expectations at every turn. Their Grammy-nominated 10th studio album is no different. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Dark Horse Predictions for 2026! Is Kash Patel on Borrowed Time? 17:57

10d ago17:57

17:57

The Bulwark team makes their predictions for 2026—from MAGA infighting and Trump’s fading grip on power to economic fallout, media chaos, and a midterm backlash.By The Bulwark

1
763 Emily's Desk Drawer 56:18

11d ago56:18

56:18

After the publication of her debut novel Wuthering Heights in December of 1847, Emily Brontë - still writing under her pen name Ellis Bell - joined Currer and Acton Bell (her sisters Charlotte and Anne) as promising and intriguing young writers. Sadly, Emily would die barely a year later. How did the public view her and her writing during this brie…

1
Yes, These Things All Happened in 2025 25:33

11d ago25:33

25:33

From the Trump–Elon Musk Twitter war that briefly melted everyone’s brain, to the election of the Bulwark Pope, and the moments of real tragedy and moral collapse, the year of 2025 delivered a nonstop barrage of chaos, absurdity, and consequence. The Bulwark team looks back at the craziest, most astonishing moments of the year to give their takes o…

1
Interlude 1 - Teaser: “Echoes Across the Sea” 11:48

11d ago11:48

11:48

This episode introduces season 2 by teasing several of the stories that we will tell this coming season. It also begins to explain why season 2 looks even farther into the past - into the misty memories of Albion. Mailing List Patreon __________ **We tell America’s old stories with the warmth of firelight and the weight of unanswered questions.** F…

1
Why Is Mark Cuban Working To Cut Drug Prices? 36:15

12d ago36:15

36:15

Mark Cuban joins Jonathan Cohn to give his take on why America’s healthcare system is broken and what it would take to fix it. Cuban breaks down prescription drug pricing, the role of PBMs, and how his Cost Plus Drug Company is making medications affordable for millions. Cuban also weighs in on system reforms, transparency, and whether U.S. healthc…

1
Tim and Sam Rank Trump’s Cabinet From Hell 30:58

12d ago30:58

30:58

Tim Miller and Sam Stein give their takes on the Trump cabinet after a full year of chaos, incompetence, and outright danger. From “livable” appointments to the "worst of the worst" category, they rank every cabinet member and argue over who did the most damage in 2025. Note: this video was recorded on December 22, 2025. Any horrible acts committed…

1
It's ok to be wrong, by Gretchen Rubin 30:06

12d ago30:06

30:06

Gretchen Rubin is an expert on happiness, and she's spent her career helping people build the habits to achieve it. But she assumed that if something works for her, it should work for just about anyone. A series of chance encounters, and a healthy helping of curiosity, makes Gretchen realize that maybe there isn't one path to happiness after all. T…

1
762 The History of the Sonnet 55:36

14d ago55:36

55:36

“A sonnet,” said the poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti, “is a moment’s monument.” But who invented the sonnet? Who brought it to prominence? How has it changed over the years? And why does this form continue to be so compelling? In this episode of the History of Literature, we take a brief look at one of literature's most enduring forms, from its inventi…

1
Norman Rockwell’s Granddaughter Rips Into DHS for Hijacking His Legacy (w/ Daisy Rockwell) 9:53

14d ago9:53

9:53

DHS is using Norman Rockwell’s art to sell an anti-immigrant message and his family is furious. Catherine Rampell sits down with Daisy Rockwell, Norman Rockwell’s granddaughter and a writer and artist herself, to talk about why these images are being misused, what Rockwell actually believed, and get her take on how nostalgia and Americana are being…

1
Is DOJ Playing Games With the Epstein Investigation? (w/ Ryan Goodman) 41:46

14d ago41:46

41:46

Bill Kristol sits down with Ryan Goodman to discuss new and upcoming Epstein document releases. They’ll cover which records to watch for next, what the disclosures do—and don’t—tell us so far, and whether the U.S. Department of Justice is dragging its feet, playing procedural games, or protecting powerful interests.…

1
Kash Patel Is Dismantling FBI Counterintelligence (w/ Derek Owen & R.M Schneiderman) 30:27

15d ago30:27

30:27

Ben Parker is joined by Derek Owen and R.M Schneiderman to discuss their deeply reported investigation into how the FBI rebuilt its counterintelligence capabilities after decades of failure—and how Trump-world politics, Kash Patel, and shifting priorities could put America at risk. Read more from Owen and Schneiderman here: https://www.thebulwark.c…

1
Does Trump’s Bruised Hand Story Make Sense? 11:36

16d ago11:36

11:36

Sam Stein and Jared Poland give their takes on a curious White House claim. After repeated questions about Donald Trump’s bruised hand, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said it was caused by constant handshaking and aspirin use. So we decided to test it.By The Bulwark

1
The 12 Days of Grift-mas 3:49

17d ago3:49

3:49

A holiday classic, Bulwark-style. From foreign jets to fake honors, we rewrote The 12 Days of Christmas to keep track of Trump’s greatest hits in 2025. The 12 Days of Grift-mas, annotated: 1 giant Qatari jet: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cwy5lp4v594o 2 peace awards: FIFA Peace Prize (https://www.thebulwark.com/p/screw-it-lets-rename-the-moon-t…

1
The Bulwark’s 2025 Predictions Are Put On Trial 16:29

17d ago16:29

16:29

Donald Trump’s first year back in office is in the books, but how accurate were The Bulwark predictions from this past year? Sam Stein is joined by “Judge” Mona Charen to put our 2025 forecasts under the gavel. From Trump’s health and pardons to government shutdowns, MAGA infighting, and political chaos, we revisit what we got right, what we got wr…

1
Happy holidays from Old Crow Medicine Show 35:02

17d ago35:02

35:02

The Americana band join us to talk about their first-ever holiday album, OCMS Xmas. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices NPR Privacy Policy

1
Trump Spent the Holidays Yelling at the TV 13:30

18d ago13:30

13:30

While most Americans were with family, Trump spent the night before Christmas Eve rage-posting threats at TV networks he doesn’t like. Tim Miller was on MS NOW Reports to disuss. Watch MS NOW Reports: https://www.ms.nowBy The Bulwark

1
761 The Story of the Nativity (with Stephen Mitchell) | The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (#4 Greatest Book of All Time) 1:17:45

18d ago1:17:45

1:17:45

Stephen Mitchell has translated or adapted some of the world's most beautiful and spiritually rich texts, including The Gospel According to Jesus, The Book of Job, Gilgamesh, Tao Te Ching, Bhagavad Gita, The Iliad, The Odyssey, Beowulf, The Selected Poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke, Rilke's Letters to a Young Poet, and The Way of Forgiveness. In his la…