
The Next Level
398 episodes — Page 5 of 8
Stormy with a Chance of Guilty (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
bonusSarah and JVL talk about the cross examination of Stormy Daniels, Biden’s move to deny Israel heavy ordinance, Marco Rubio’s VP quest, and all of the anti-anti-Trumpers getting ready to jump back on side. It’s a big episode.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
You Don't Want to Hear All the Stormy Details
Stormy Daniels takes the stand in one of Trump's trials, while Judge Aileen Cannon indefinitely delays another! Plus, what's the difference between former Georgia Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan and former Speaker Paul Ryan? One will does the right thing and vote for Joe Biden, while the other can only bring himself to write-in another conservative.Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50 and use code thenextlevel50 to get 50% off your first box plus 20% off your next month!Head to ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off.
Why Kim Jong-Un Underestimated Kristi Noem (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Also: Trump's first criminal trial is going great.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
It's Always Dark in Trump's America (Live from Philadelphia)
The gang went to Philly and hosted a live event where they discussed the terrifying new Time magazine interview with Donald Trump, and why everyone is talking about college protests instead! Plus, a dark deep dive into how Americans can still choose to elect Trump and a debate on which Republican has embarrassed themselves the most auditioning to be his veep.
The Supreme Court Won't Save Us (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
And it's not clear that the SCOTUS would want to, even if it could.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
The Tabloid Candidate
David Pecker’s testimony in Trump's trial highlights how his lies and misinformation dominated his 2016 campaign. And Marco Rubio's pathetic attempt to become Trump's veep has led him to vote against funding for Ukraine, but the gang is pretty sure conservative "normies" will eat the selection up. Plus, the potential for RFK Jr. to hurt Trump, rather than Biden, the reason why foreign aid finally got done, and protests at Columbia University.Head to rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use promo code THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% off your entire order!Join Sarah, Tim and JVL for a Bulwark Live event in Philly on May 1 and May 15 in D.C. with the George Conway. For information and tickets head to TheBulwark.com/events
Catch Up: Sununu, Johnson, and DJT (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Sarah was out of pocket and off the grid all week. JVL was doing his best work in Overtime. So they play a rapid-fire game of catch up on everything Sarah missed.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
The Trial of Donald J. Trump
Speaker Mike Johnson is battling Marjorie Taylor Greene's attempt to oust him while also crafting legislation to give foreign allies aid, a tall task given how continually chaotic his slim majority has been. Plus, jurors are selected for Donald Trump's trial, while JVL and A.B., subbing in for Sarah, give their thoughts on Tim's interview with Ross Douthat.Get tickets to see Sarah, Tim & JVL in person at TWO upcoming Bulwark Live events— Philadelphia (May 1) and D.C. (May 15) with the George Conway here: TheBulwark.com/eventsGo to greenchef.com/nextlevel50 and use code nextlevel50 to get 50% off, plus 20% off your next two months!
What Trump Did to Pro-Life Inc. (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
And cancer finally catches up with O.J. Simpson.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
The 1860s are Back!
The OG trio is back to discuss the Arizona Supreme Court's upholding of an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions in the state. What does this mean for Kari Lake and Donald Trump's campaigns in the crucial swing state?Get tickets to see Sarah, Tim & JVL live at TWO upcoming events in Philadelphia (May 1) and D.C. (May 15) here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events
The Economy Keeps Getting Better (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Tim subs in for Sarah to talk new economic data that hopefully starts to make Americans feel good enough to vote for President Biden!Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
Enemies and Traitors Working Together
Nikki Haley pulled a decent chunk of the Wisconsin primary vote, despite being out of the race for weeks, while the Governor of Nebraska is taking the lead of Charlie Kirk when it comes to changing their electoral college system. Plus, while JVL is out on Spring Break, Andrew Eggers joins Tim and Sarah to discuss their absent colleague's piece about Donald Trump running for a third term!Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout!
Cable News Is Kabuki Theater (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Ronna McDaniel wasn't hired to analyze the news. She was hired to play a part.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
The Big Lie is Hiring Up!
The RNC, now under Lara Trump, is asking candidates if they believe the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump, creating a new litmus test for Republicans who want to work in politics. Plus, Republicans politicize the tragic Baltimore bridge collapse, Candace Owens is out at the Daily Wire, and Donald Trump grifts off selling bibles! Will Saletan subs in for Sarah on this week's episode!Head to FACTORMEALS.com/thenextlevel50 and use code thenextlevel50 to get 50% off!Head to rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use promo code THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% off your entire order.
Ohio Says Goodbye to Anything Other Than MAGA
Trump-endorsed businessman Bernie Moreno easily won the GOP senate primary in Ohio on Tuesday, and will face off against Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in November. Dems are thrilled, because they think the MAGA candidate and his scandals give them their best shot at keeping the seat. And how many votes is Nikki Haley getting after dropping out? What does it mean for the general election?Plus, the debate over Donald Trump's "bloodbath" comments continues to rage, and not all our hosts agree the coverage has been fair. At the same time, Trump has threatened to prosecute Cassidy Hutchinson and the Jan. 6 committee as part of his latest authoritarian promises.
The Trumps Welcome the RNC into the Family
Lara Trump's takeover of the RNC has led to massive lay offs and looks to be steering the political organization towards paying off Trump's legal bills. Essentially, get ready for the RNC to be just another limb of the Trump campaign. Plus, Robert Hur testifies before Congress, defending his controversial report where he made a low assessment of President Biden's mental faculties. And Rep. Nancy Mace is feuding with George Stephanopoulos after being questioned about supporting Trump, even though he was found liable of sexual abuse.
Biden's State of the Union Masterclass (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
May we interest you in a t-shirt?Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
This is the End, Our Primary Friends
Super Tuesday has come to the close, and so has the entire 2024 primary season. Nikki Haley has dropped out, essentially sealing to deal on another Trump vs. Biden rematch. How are the hosts feeling now that the GOP is sprinting towards November with an aspiring dictator at the top of their ticket? Listen to find out!Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.
Trump and Biden Went to Texas (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
We finally got the Trump-Biden split-screen. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
Biden Goes on Offense
Both President Joe Biden and Donald Trump scored big victories in their respective Michigan primaries, but what do the numbers tell us about the general election? Regardless, Biden is finally speaking in public more, and taking shots at both Trump and the GOP while he's at it.Senate Republicans are also on the verge of killing a bill to protect IVF, with Senator J.D. Vance calling the Democratic legislation "bait." Plus, Hunter Biden testifies before Congress and Rep. Lauren Boebert's son is arrested.
Live from Principles First!
Listen to Sarah Longwell, Jonathan V. Last and A.B. Stoddard live on stage at the 2024 Principles First Summit!
Together. Again. (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Everything, everywhere, all at once.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/s/thesecretpodcast
The Dying Star Witness
The House GOP's key informant for their impeachment efforts against President Joe Biden has charged with lying about his the Biden family's business dealings in Ukraine. How is this not a bigger deal! Plus, the gang discuss Nikki Haley's vow to stay in the race as the South Carolina primary approaches, as well as the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 proposals for Donald Trump if he wins another term in the White House.Upgrade your closet with Rhone and use THENEXTLEVEL to save 20% at https://www.rhone.com/THENEXTLEVEL.This show is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/thenextlevel today to get 10% off your first month.
Genuine Patriots and Useful Idiots (The Secret Podcast Preview)
A study in contrast.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/it-follows
Dems Took All the Reliable Voters
Dems continue their special election winning streak by flipping expelled Congressman George Santos' seat. Is it reason to be optimistic for November? And did the GOP sinking the border deal contribute? Plus, Sarah is back and responds to opinions President Joe Biden is too old and needs to step aside, and the gang debate whether Nikki Haley will ultimately endorse Donald Trump. Learn more about the Principles First Summit and get your tickets here: https://www.principlesfirst.us Start the Good Habit at https://tryfum.com/LEVEL to save 10% off the Journey Pack today.
It Follows (The Secret Podcast Preview)
Once authoritarianism enters the political realm, it distorts everything. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/it-follows
Mike Makes a Mess & Ronna Romney Runs Away
It's been a mess of a week for the GOP. Senate Republicans tanked their own bipartisan border bill, while House Republicans failed to deliver the votes to impeach Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Homeland Security, and provide aid to Israel. The DC Court of Appeals also ruled that former President Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution, just as RNC chair Ronna McDaniel steps down to make way for a Trump loyalist. A.B. Stoddard subs in for Sarah in this week's packed episode!Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout. ZBiotics is backed with 100% money back guarantee so if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, they’ll refund your money, no questions asked.
Here's Why Trump is Beatable (with Tristan Snell)
Tim is joined by attorney Tristan Snell, who helped lead the prosecution of Trump University. They discuss the case and delve into the best legal strategies to take on Donald Trump with, so that the tyrant can finally be held accountable for his crimes.Buy Tristan's book, "Taking Down Trump: 12 Rules For Prosecuting Donald Trump By Someone Who Did It Successfully," here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/756546/taking-down-trump-by-tristan-snell/
Joe Tells Us What He Really Thinks About Trump (The Secret Podcast Preview)
Also: How not to live and/or die with the polls over the next 9 months.
MAGA Loses Their Minds Over Taylor Swift
Biden is still down in the polls, but is it still too soon to take them seriously? Sarah has thoughts on which of the swing states Biden has to win, and she disagrees with JVL's thoughts on Nikki Haley finally going after Trump. Plus, the Trump endorsements are really starting to get to Tim, and MAGA rages against Taylor Swift for being a successful, popular liberal.Go to greenchef.com/60nextlevel and use code 60nextlevel to get 60% off, plus 20% off your next two months.Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to TryMiracle.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF.

Taylor Swift's MAGA Meltdown! | Ballot Box with Bill & Tim
If you want more Ballot Box with Bill and Tim, check out The Bulwark's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@bulwarkmediaBill and Tim are live every Tuesday night at 9pm Eastern.
The "Good Guy with a Gun" Myth (with Fred Guttenberg)
Tim is joined by Fred Guttenberg, whose daughter, Jaime, perished in 2018's Parkland school shooting. He's since dedicated his life to advocating for gun control measures and taking on the NRA. In a heart-wrenching episode, Fred describes the day of the shooting and how his daughter still motivates him to make change.
Democrats Need to Play Hardball with Crazy House Republicans (with Rep. Jake Auchincloss)
Tim Miller speaks with Democratic Rep. Jake Auchincloss on the status of the Ukraine/border deal negotiations, as well as the prospect of Donald Trump sinking it for political purposes.
Get Ready for the Longest General Election Ever
New Hampshire's come and gone, and while Nikki Haley hasn't dropped out of the primary, the overwhelming consensus is that the general election between Donald Trump and President Joe Biden has begun. The gang breaks down the implications of Tuesday's results, including Trump's angry reaction to Haley staying in the race. Plus, they react to Tim Scott's sad endorsement of Trump and the current state of Dean Phillips' primary challenge to Biden. This episode is sponsored by by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/THENEXTLEVEL and get on your way to being your best self.
How Long Does the Planet Earth Have? (with David Wallace-Wells)
In a special climate episode of TNL Sunday, David Wallace-Wells, author of The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming, joins Tim to discuss the current state of climate change and efforts to reverse the damage that's been done.
George Conway Explains E. Jean Carroll’s Lawsuit Against Donald Trump
In this third edition of “George Conway Explains it All,” George explains to Sarah Longwell how he gave legal advice to E. Jean Carroll and helped connect her with her lawyer, Trump’s many, many other trials, and Trump’s big mad TruthSocial bleats directed at George.
The Submission to Trump is Insane (Ballot Box with Bill Kristol)
In a special recording of their YouTube show, "Ballot Box," Bill and Tim recap the Iowa Caucus, discuss strategies for New Hampshire and where Democrats could be doing better.
The GOP Chose Not to Stop Trump
The gang breaks down Donald Trump’s big win in Iowa, as well as what comes next for the other candidates in the primary. One thing’s for sure, Republicans in the Senate had their chance to convict Trump and destroy his chances at a comeback, but here we are.Go to tryfum.com/LEVEL to save 10% off Fum’s Journey Pack today. Start the New Year off right with a delicious bowl of high-protein cereal at MagicSpoon.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL to save five dollars off.
Jeffrey Epstein's Secrets (with Julie K. Brown) | The Next Level Sunday
ETim speaks with Polk Award winning author Julie K. Brown about the recent batch of documents released regarding the Epstein case as well as her book 'Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story’. Julie K Brown is an investigative reporter for the Miami Herald.Buy Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story here: https://www.amazon.com/Perversion-Justice-Jeffrey-Epstein-Story/dp/006300058XWant to listen without ads?
Pour One Out for the Good Guy: Chris Christie leaves; Nikki Haley prepares to get smoked (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
bonusNo Labels Is Big Mad, Chris Christie is good and Nikki Haley is toast. JVL and Sarah are giving you a free sneak peek at this week's Secret Podcast. Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/its-not-that-hard-nikki
Is Trump Going to Jail? (George Conway Explains it All)
In this second edition of "George Conway Explains it All," Sarah Longwell and George discuss the possibility of Donald Trump going to jail and the likelihood of such a glorious outcome coming to fruition.
Yes, Presidents Can Commit Crimes
The Iowa caucus, and potentially the end to the entire 2024 primary season, is almost here. What are the campaigns doing in the final days? Plus, Donald Trump says he wants the economy to crash while Joe Biden is president. He also claims a president has complete immunity from all crimes.Go to zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL to get 15% off your first order when you use NEXTLEVEL at checkout.
Special Edition: George Conway Explains It All (w/ George Conway)
George Conway joins Sarah Longwell in this special edition of The Next Level to give his legal expertise on how SCOTUS will approach states kicking Donald Trump off the 2024 ballot.
What's Next for the Populists? (with Josh Green)
NYT bestselling author Josh Green joins Tim to discuss his new book, The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics. They go over Josh's hypothesis as to why a progressive didn't get the Democratic nomination in 2020, how the movement pushed Biden's agenda to the left, what the future holds for the party after Trump and Biden are gone, and why populism on the right has taken over the GOP in a way it hasn't for Democrats. Pre-order Josh's book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586025/the-rebels-by-joshua-green/
Rating the News (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
The media is killing it right now.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/its-not-that-hard-nikki
Hello Iowa, Goodbye Primary
The gang is back to kick off 2024 by delving into the Iowa primary, where GOP primary voters seem poised to give aspiring dictator Donald Trump a landslide victory. Plus, the gang has differing thoughts on the president of Harvard University stepping down, as well as whether Nikki Haley has any shot of becoming Trump's VP. Buy tickets to our live show, AN EVENING WITH THE BULWARK, in San Francisco on January 18th here: https://www.commonwealthclub.org/events/2024-01-18/election-2024-evening-bulwark
It's Not That Hard Nikki (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
On the last Secret Podcast of 2023, Sarah and Tim talk Nikki Haley failing to mention slavery when asked about the cause of the Civil War.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/its-not-that-hard-nikki
Let's Brace for 2024 Together!
The gang break down their predictions for 2024, including how the GOP primary will end, who will be Trump's VP pick, and the craziest development that could happen between now and election day.
Little Steven Unplugged: Music, Politics, and Sopranos (with Steven Van Zandt)
On this special Saturday edition of TNL Sunday, Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band joins Tim and JVL to cover everything from politics and apartheid to the '80s, the politics of the 2020s, and his ever evolving career. Get the scoop on his music journey, genre-blending tricks, and thoughts on race in the industry. Plus, he spills the beans on acting, 'The Sopranos,' and how TV shows mix with his tunes. Don't miss the stories and laughs in this killer interview!"
Monsters Behind Every Door (The Secret Podcast PREVIEW)
Least bad options are the only options we've got.Become a Bulwark+ member to listen to the full episode: https://plus.thebulwark.com/p/what-if-good-things-happen