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The Al Franken Podcast

The Al Franken Podcast

By: The Al Franken Podcast
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About this listen

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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Episodes
  • Molly Jong-Fast on her Bestselling Memoir!

    Molly Jong-Fast on her Bestselling Memoir!
    Jun 22 2025
    We are joined by Molly Jong-Fast this week to discuss her new book, “How to Lose Your Mother: A Daughter's Memoir.” We've had Molly on the podcast many times, but you've never heard her like this! She discusses growing up in the shadow of her mother, feminist icon Erica Jong, and their relationship over the years. Molly shares stories of her mother's affairs, alcoholism, and addiction to fame.

    We also discuss the latest news out of Washington and how the "Big, Beautiful, Bullshit Bill" will bring pain to so many Americans. Plus, with tensions rising in The Middle East, should America get involved? Does anyone have faith in Donald Trump to guide us through this delicate conflict?

    READ Molly's new book:
    https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/738849/how-to-lose-your-mother-by-molly-jong-fast/

    READ Molly’s column in Vanity Fair: https://www.vanityfair.com/contributor/molly-jong-fast

    LISTEN to Molly's podcast, Fast Politics: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/fast-politics-with-molly-jong-fast/id1645614328

    In the monologue, Al discusses the recent political violence in Minnesota and how you can contribute.

    Here is the GoFundMe to support the children of Mark and Melissa Hortman:
    https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-colin-and-sophie-after-their-tragic-loss

    Here is the GoFundMe to support Yvette and John Hoffman while they recover from their attempted assassinations:
    https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-yvette-and-john-hoffmans-recovery
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    47 mins
  • Heather McGhee on Trump’s Wars on DEI and Immigration

    Heather McGhee on Trump’s Wars on DEI and Immigration
    Jun 15 2025
    The Trump administration is waging war on DEI. But what does that mean? We ask one of our favorite guests, Heather McGhee, to break down how and why DEI has become such a focus for Trump and his allies. Heather wrote the groundbreaking book “The Sum of Us” and is an expert in economic and social policy. She explains that diversity is the backbone of America and that it’s unquestionably better for everyone when we embrace more diverse voices.

    We also discuss the appalling ICE raids in Los Angeles and around the country and the economic and moral impact of the war on immigrants. Heather sees many parallels between this and the disgusting actions of segregationists, who chose to fill in and close public pools rather than let everybody have access to them.

    Read more about Heather: https://heathermcghee.com/
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    48 mins
  • YouTube Sensation David Pakman on The Big, Beautiful Bill and More!

    YouTube Sensation David Pakman on The Big, Beautiful Bill and More!
    Jun 8 2025
    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
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    40 mins
All stars
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Great, fun, but kinda scary conversation between Al, Harry, George and Mitch. You know, the usual.

Mitch McConnell

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One of my favorite podcasts. Always interesting guests and topics. And great discussion of current events. Franken for President!

Al Franken

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Al and Dahlia shared a warm chemistry, which, added to the gentle method used to introduce each topic, was soothing to the listener. The recounting of the number of overturned precedents was impressive. They knew their facts, but it was no recitation. This was truly a worthwhile way to spend my time and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Well Done and Informative.

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Very entertaining and poignant subjects discussed intelligently and with Al's terrific humor. Excellent choice of interesting guests.

Simply fantastic

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i love Chris Rock. it was an excellent podcast as usual. i an a hige Al fan. loved him on the Daily show.

Chris Rock

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