The Next Level: Recent Episodes
The Bulwark
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, breakdown campaigns and elections, and wade into pop culture feuds. www.thebulwark.com
You should be alarmed.
The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.
NOTE: There is no Sunday show interview this week because of Labor Day weekend. They will return next week!
One week after the first GOP debate, nothing has changed and Trump is still dominant. Plus, conservative pundits now say Trump will get more Black votes because he has a mugshot, and DeSantis heads to Florida to deal with two tragic events. Sonny Bunch subs in for Sarah to discuss!
View the Biden and DeSantis picture here: https://www.miamiherald.com/latest-news/il47u4/picture266923026/alternates/FREE_1140/AP22278716941078.jpg
ANNOUNCEMENT: The Next Level’s YouTube page will be folded in to the main Bulwark channel starting October 6. Subscribe to watch the gang record each episode going forward here: https://www.youtube.com/@bulwarkmedia
Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez pulled off a surprise win against Republican Joe Kent in the 2022 midterms, and since entering Congress has made a name for herself as a truly moderate Democrat.
Tim asks her about progressives calling her a "Kyrsten Sinema wannabe" for her vote against student loan forgiveness, as well as the Democratic Party's struggles with working class, rural voters, and the congresswoman's prior career in auto repair.
Watch Tim interview Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez here: https://youtu.be/ML2qd-ik3hA
Sarah and JVL catch up on the debate—about Nikki and Ron and Vivek. And about Trump’s mugshot.
Warning: Sarah’s audio is a little wonky.
The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.
Tim and JVL went live with Tom Nichols and Semafor's Ben Smith on The Bulwark's YouTube channel last night immediately after the first GOP debate. Listen to their first take reactions right after closing arguments ended!
Watch the recording and subscribe to the channel to stay up to date on future livestreams here: https://youtube.com/live/MZep4APpcR4?feature=share
The gang talks the stakes for the GOP presidential candidates not named Donald Trump who qualified for the first primary debate on Fox News.
Watch the gang record this episode here: https://youtu.be/V93uXEDayto
Robbie Kaplan, the lawyer who represented E. Jean Carroll in her civil suit against Donald Trump, joins Tim to discuss her win against the former president for sexual abuse. She also gives her opinion on the current indictments against Trump, including which one could go to trial before the 2024 election, and her Supreme Court case that helped pave the way for marriage equality.
Watch Tim interview Robbie on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/atasEPqnzA4
A Very Special Episode.
The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret.
The gang plays a little game: What are the odds Trump a) Becomes president, b) Goes to jail, or c) Neither? Let us know what you think the odds are in the comments! Plus, another ignorant country song storms the charts, and Trump apparently DM'ed a lot of people on the app formerly known as Twitter. Watch the gang record this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/ChWTYpojUsY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ever wonder how homelessness has gotten so bad in America? And why there appears to be no successful efforts to solve it? The Atlantic's Jerusalem Demsas joins Tim and JVL to answer every question they have about this massive problem. It's a truly in-depth discussion you won't want to miss! Watch the Tim and JVL interview Jerusalem on our official YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/qCsd1O4-hdI Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah and JVL talk about the politics of Joe Biden’s Hunter problem and the game theory on whether or not Ron DeSantis should stay in the race. The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tim recounts his trip to Iowa to watch GOP presidential candidates make their weak bids for the nomination over Trump, Including Ron DeSantis, who just replaced his campaign manager. And the so-called "pro-women's sports integrity" conservatives are relishing the U.S. women's soccer team getting knock out of the World Cup. Plus, Ohio shuts down GOP attempts to make constitutional amendments (abortion rights) harder, and Sarah gives updates on what her focus groups think of "on the rise" Tim Scott. Watch the gang record this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/4HnSr4lg1i0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Country artist Amanda Shires joins Tim to discuss Nashville politics, abortion (including her life threatening ectopic pregnancy), being a liberal singer in a conservative genre, starting the all-female country group The Highwomen and more! Plus, Tim gives his thoughts on the latest arraignment of former president Donald Trump. Find Amanda's tour dates here: https://amandashiresmusic.com/ Loving You: https://atorecords-ffm.com/lovingyou Highwomen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D-6nklMMbM Summertime: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aW1a4fM8X0 Watch Tim interview Amanda on our Youtube channel here: https://youtu.be/txZcSgqPLWk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah and JVL talk about the latest arraignment. The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's the latest indictment of former President Donald Trump, this time on the most dangerous charges yet: 2020 election interference. What will this mean for the 2024 race? What are the worst defenses of Trump's actions? Will Trump be put on trial during the general election? The gang breaks down all of this and more on today's The Next Level! Watch the gang record this video on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/wsy1J7RSybY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ron Filipkowski joins Tim to talk his journey form lawyer to never-Trump political commentator. Together, they analyze the MAGA transformation of the party they once called home, lambast Ron DeSantis' attempts to peel off Trump supporters, and how he balances his day job with his constant tweets on conservative crazies. Watch Tim interview Ron here: https://youtu.be/0dLxCE86VuQ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah and JVL talk about Jack Smith’s superseding indictment, Hunter Biden not getting pardoned, Sarah’s new campaign, and Barbenheimer. It’s a pretty good show this week. The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
DeSantis attempts to reboot his campaign with by firing a third of his staff, one of whom apparently made videos with Nazi symbolism. Plus, Kevin McCarthy teases an impeachment inquiry of President Biden, progressives turn on AOC, and a bizarre conservative ad makes it way online. Watch the gang record this episode on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/UIQ-eZtkUxM For a podcast without talks-too-much Tim Miller, subscribe to Bulwark+ and get The Secret Podcast with Sarah and JVL. Here's a link to get 30-days FREE to try it out: thebulwark.com/secret. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ben McKenzie (The O.C., Gotham) joins Tim and JVL to talk his new book, "Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud." They discuss his investigation into cryptocurrency during the COVID-19 pandemic, pushback from supporters of crypto, finding a fulfilling mission later in life, and his lifelong vendetta with Chad Michael Murray! Plus, Tim and JVL talk about the impact of Trump’s trial and potential conviction on the presidential race. You can purchase Ben's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Easy-Money-Cryptocurrency-Casino-Capitalism/dp/1419766392 Watch Tim and JVL interview Ben on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAaIN1KkNbk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah and JVL dig into Ron DeSantis’s awful campaign reset and then try to figure out just what the No Labels people are thinking. Check out all The Secret Podcast episodes here: https://thesecretpodcast.thebulwark.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump and DeSantis had major interviews last night, and both were consumed by the former's third indictment yet. Trump doesn't even need to defend himself with DeSantis repeating all his talking points! Plus, Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin and former Republican Gov. Jon Huntsman tease with forming a "unity" ticket doomed to fail and put Trump back in the White House. And Mike Pence might not even qualify for the first GOP primary debate, proving he really is just a glutton for punishment. DeSantis' South Carolina exchange: https://twitter.com/GiancarloSopo/status/1681083703760506881 Watch the gang record this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWGfpg5y8SM Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jen Psaki joins Tim and Sarah this week to talk what Biden needs to do to win in 2024, whether his age is an issue, her time in the White House, and the transition to hosting her own TV show on MSNBC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Secret Podcast Preview: The weird disconnect between the vibes the actual real state of the economy.
The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at TheBulwark.com/secret Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The key whistleblower the GOP has been touting as a smoking gun against President Biden, along with his son Hunter, has been charged with failing to register as a foreign asset for China. And Tucker Carlson plans to host a forum without Trump. Will it do anything to save DeSantis' floundering campaign? Plus, what do Trump 2016-Biden 2020 voters think of the state of the country? Will they be Trump 2024 voters soon? Sarah gives some Focus Group insight to the gang. Watch the gang record this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkpFXXUSQAk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hot comedian on the rise Alex Edelman joins Tim to discuss his show, Just for Us, and its debut on Broadway, alongside Judaism, white nationalism, comedy itself, and why he's the reverse of JD Vance. Plus, Tim and JVL discuss Hunter Biden's secret child in Arkansas, and what President Joe Biden should do, both politically and morally. Just for Us plays at the Hudson Theatre on Broadway until August 19th. Watch Tim interview Alex here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKgSs916Utk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Secret Show is exclusively for Bulwark+ members. To listen to the rest of this show and gain access to all Bulwark+ member benefits (newsletters, podcasts and more!) sign up today at https://thebulwark.com/secret
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah is back this week to talk all things SCOTUS, as the gang breaks down this year's rulings and what they mean for the country. Plus, Ron DeSantis' campaign tries to out flank Trump to the right by arguing he's a bigger homophobe. And is Vivek Ramaswamy in a race for distant second against him? Watch the gang record this episode on TNL's official YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqCs3ge_vVc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tim sits down with sportswriter and ESPN Daily host Pablo S. Torre to discuss how sports, the last unifying cultural touchstone in America, has started to be corrupted by polarization. They get into the cringy identity politics of both the left and the right when it comes to athletics, along with some NBA commentary and Denver Nuggets debate! Plus, Tim breaks down his thoughts on SCOTUS ruling against Harvard’s and UNC’s affirmative action policies. Watch Tim interview Pablo here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_x50CSNQRw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bill Kristol sits in for Sarah today and we talked about a lot. What the 2024 election looks like from Europe; the war in Ukraine; Mike Pence; the Republican elites; No Labels; and even some Casablanca. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tim and JVL sat down with Lt Col. Alexander Vindman to breakdown the almost civil war in Russia and what it could mean for Vladimir Putin down the line. Check out The Bulwark's YouTube channel to watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vVMS2rgaA0 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Speaker Kevin McCarthy says Trump might not be the strongest candidate in 2024, but immediately walks it back as loyalists rage against him, and DeSantis' poll numbers are pathetic. Plus, Joe Perticone joins Tim and JVL to discuss reporting on the Hill and breakdown new developments with normie Republicans, the Freedom Caucus, and the Squad. Watch the gang record this episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1CLVhcTZ0CU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week's TNL Sunday, Tim and JVL interview Reid Hoffman, a founding member of OpenAI, aka the creators of ChatGPT. Together they discuss how the future of humanity could unfold as artificial intelligence becomes more and more advanced. They also talk Elon Musk's venture into politics and the possible reason why he made such a choice. Plus, Tim and JVL breakdown good Republican Will Hurd becoming the latest not-Trump candidate to enter the 2024 GOP primary. Watch Tim and JVL interview Reid here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0IB2jstIhk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah and JVL talk about the latest 2 percent candidate and the Pew survey on what Democrats and Republicans really want. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Donald Trump and Hunter Biden both admit they broke the law, but under very different circumstances. Plus, the second part of Bret Baier's interview with Trump aired last night, and he really doesn't understand the laws he's proposing. And what's up with RFK Jr.'s poll numbers? Amanda Carpenter joins Tim and JVL to discuss and share some special news! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sen. Tammy Baldwin joins Tim and Sarah to breakdown her lifetime of firsts as an openly gay politician, her coming out story in the 80s, the art of being both progressive and bipartisan, and an assessment of Wisconsin politics heading into 2024. Plus, Tim and Sarah dissect JVL’s Triad … without him present! Watch Tim and Sarah interview Sen. Baldwin here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEitt5qu0sw Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A report from the front line of the GOP primary. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Donald Trump has been arrested for the second time this year, and GOP voters somehow think he's the most electable of all Republican candidates. Plus, Fox News calls Biden a "Wannabe Dictator" and Tim takes a victory lap with the Denver Nuggets' championship win. Sonny Bunch fills in for Sarah on this week's show! Watch the gang record this episode on our official YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSjuNl6Pu4Q Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In the lead up to Father’s Day, author and podcast host Ryan Holiday joins Tim and JVL to talk the rewards and tribulations of being a dad. Ryan also talks to Tim about their similar experiences setting aside their less than moral professional careers to pursue more rewarding livelihoods. Plus, Tim and JVL discuss the second indictment of Trump and the damning evidence against him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah and JVL talk about the big indictment. What it means for the Republican primary. How the Triangle of Doom is operating. And whether there’s any way out of this thing. The Secret pod is almost always locked for Bulwark+ members but this week we’re making the entire thing available to everyone, because it’s an important moment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sonny joins JVL and Sarah to talk the ouster of Chris Licht from CNN after a devastating profile by Tim Alberta. Plus, Chris Christie and Mike Pence official enter the 2024 primary, the Saudis take over pro-golf, and Marjorie Taylor Greene is becoming more mainstream, alienating her from the other fringe members of her party. Watch the gang record this episode our official YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXgljzlXOIE Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump's dinner from hell with anti-semites has more republicans questioning his judgement ... again. Plus, are Never-Trump Republicans obligated to back DeSantis? Sonny Bunch joins Sarah and Tim to discuss! Sonny's awards movie recommendations: TÁR - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Na6gA1RehsU ATHENA - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRunUkdkK8s Top Gun: Maverick - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giXco2jaZ_4 Elvis - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wBDLRvjHVOY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sarah, Tim and JVL unpack the Colorado Springs shooting that killed five people and injured 25 others. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Can Kevin McCarthy muster enough Republican support to become Speaker of the House after a disappointing midterm? Will any GOP leaders be held accountable for the party's losses? Plus, Kari Lake becomes the latest election denier to be rejected by the voters. Will Saletan joins JVL and Tim to discuss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The results are in (mostly) and the red wave didn’t happen! Democracy appears to have prevailed when we most doubted it! JVL, Sarah and Tim breakdown the midterms, giving their thoughts on the results and predictions for the undecided races. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter could lead to its demise, while Republicans use the platform to spread conspiracy theories about Nancy Pelosi's husband after his assault. Plus, the hosts predict the outcomes of close midterm races one week out from election day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Billy Corben joins Tim and JVL on this bonus episode of The Next Level to discuss his new documentary, "God Forbid: The Sex Scandal That Brought Down a Dynasty,” which focuses on the Jerry Falwell Jr. cuckholding scandal with a pool boy. The documentary premieres Nov. 1 on Hulu. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ron DeSantis may be a black hole of charisma, but election denier Kari Lake knows how to run a campaign. Are these two the future of the MAGA movement in 2024? Plus, progressive Dems retracted a letter to Biden calling on a diplomatic solution to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. JVL, Sarah and Tim discuss on this week's The Next Level. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Paul Ryan, who has never been wrong about the direction of his party, says Trump will not be the GOP's 2024 nominee. Plus, contentious debates in pivotal midterm races were held this week. JVL, Sarah, and Tim give their thoughts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JVL, Sarah, and Tim talk Tulsi Gabbard's departure from the Democratic Party, Sen. Tommy Tuberville's racist rally comments, and Rep. Tim Ryan's debate performance against JD Vance. Plus, Tim goes off on Sen. Ben Sasse for resigning from Congress. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JVL, Sarah and Tim discuss bombshell revelations GOP Senate candidates Herschel Walker and Dr. Mehmet Oz. Plus, a takedown of California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the idea he’s the Democrats’ next presidential frontrunner. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JVL, Sarah, and Tim discuss the pathetic populists in the GOP, the odd politicking of Kyrsten Sinema, and the American perception of "furries." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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, breakdown campaigns and elections, and wade into pop culture feuds. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices