I love Heilemann (it’s even a crush), but the interview he had with Mark Whitaker was especially wonderful because it tackled areas I’d never heard John speak much about and gave a well-deserved platform to the very impressive Mark Whitaker. More such reach out would be much appreciated!

Just listened to John, Jake, Alex…most of the interview felt right to me. I have lived with liars and know that addiction and family trauma often results in lies and digging deeper holes psychologically. I also picked up towards the end some reactions by Jake about if they asked the Biden’s for feedback on the facts they had gleaned. I don’t understand why Jake didn’t immediately say clearly “ Yes”. And the comment about a “bomb” going off if the interview didn’t end—— it seemed like Jake was upset and emotional. I can kind of understand given being out in the open to attacks on his character. Still, I think I trust what he and Alex are saying more than the Biden’s or anyone else refuting the facts. I hope I’m not wrong. I’m a Dem that accepts responsibility for emotionality wanting Joe to have run again while my daughter held him up accountable for saying he was a transitional president from the start of the 2024 campaign. I was wrong. She was right. I think we Dems need to own up to not being truthful to ourselves and each other. It was an emotionally charged situation bc we knew Trump was the worst that could happen. Now we are living the worst. Ultimately, the book had to be written and I hope we as a party can come to acknowledging the truth that we made very serious mistakes, we need to own up and do the repair internally and externally in order to dig ourselves out of the hole we made. We cannot lie like Trump does in any way, shape, or form.

First, Jake and Alex apparently don’t know the difference between the language symbolism of “coverup” and let’s say “hiding” info., which is journalism malpractice. In our day and age, and particularly in politics which just happens to be the realm we’re talking about, the word coverup asserts a crime is/was committed. There is/was no crime here. Sure a lot of Dem political stupidity and folly were committed but no crime, therefore, no coverup, by definition in any U.S. Federal Courtroom. Only in Alex’s head is/was there a coverup. If Trump walks around upstairs at the WH late at night chatting he hates black people, and his cronies hide this fact…. It’s still not a coverup. It’s not a crime to hate people, nor is faking/ hiding one’s cognitive ability. Now, the Biden(s) are going to get everything they have coming to them and more for leaving us with the Dumpster, but this book is a bit of a joke with its righteousness. I’m sure the book is very truthful, but at the end of the day, it’s still just telling us water is wet. Biden is/was a political Chernobyl who continues to off gas radioactive material. The entire World knows this, nonetheless, Joe Biden compared toTrump is Lincoln. I suggest Jakie and Alex spend their time going after Trump’s crimes, lies, and corruption…..but of course Biden is a much easier and pretty defensive target than the Dumpster. Joe Biden is low hanging fruit and super safe to attack. Gentlemen, the Dumpster is now beginning his move on the media with the maniacs he’s appointed on the FCC………. If Jake and Alex want to hand-wring about something, the FCC’s upcoming actions would be a good place to start, but of course Jake may lose his overpaid position at CNN.

Why did Hellmann need to bring up the accusations of Hunter Biden against Tapper, when it had nothing to do with Tapper’s book?

I hope all the best to Joe Biden and his family he’s a great patriot and America is better because of him. I don’t want to read Tappers’ book because I am a Biden loyalist and not ready for their story. I might never be ready. This podcast interview is hard enough,

I didn’t listen to your interview with Jake and Alex. We all saw in vivo that Biden wasn’t up to the task of a second term. Tapper’s job was to do the digging and reporting as 2024 unfolded. He’s a day late and a dollar short and it’s shameful how he has constantly been promoting his book on CNN. News flash! He’s pandering.

Stop beating this man up. I am done with all of you!

Loved Pablo Episode. Two of my favorite people to spend time with.

Loved all of John Heilemann’s work, but the “Deaf President Now” episode is exceptional. Can’t wait to see the movie after the insightful commentary. Thanks so much for this!

I lived next door to you and your parents in Bethesda in the mid 60’s… you and my daughter were a year apart. Your parents were great! Congratulations on all your success. Your dad would be so proud! Enjoyed this interview, it took me back in time.

I really enjoy John’s take on politics and the quality of his guests. However, I keep waiting for John to realize that when he refers to the show as a Puck and Odessy joint he sounds like Michael Scott (“The Office”) not Spike Lee. Other than that this is a fantastic listen.

I like you guys but you’re getting boring ..gossiping about gossip related to Trump. The terrible it’s just really old. Act like a journalist instead of an infotainment go find something that’s actually new and interesting that could be relevant to evolving political discourse when I look at institutional media like CNN MSNBC I feel like a resident of Pompeii 300 miles of dirt on top of anything interesting it’s impossible for a new and interesting ideas to breakthrough your brain dead oligopoly

Excellent interview with Anthony Scaramucci! I feel much better about this country after listening to this podcast. Thanks!

Something in the tone of when you mentioned her sounded snide. Other than that, I think you’re brilliant and I love your podcast. However I hate republicans.

Loved this interview, would sign up in a second if Steve started an economic focused podcast.

Thanks for that. He has an amazing ability to explain the crazy, complex and complicated world of finance...and a great dry humor!

The hair on fire topic was broken down perfectly. John consistently asks the questions I want asked. All his guests, Elias being no exception, have valuable insights and the pod flows so well. Enjoyable to listen to and keeps me well informed.

Interesting guests. I like the long form interviews if you can put up with the host ramblings. (Get to the question!) Also someone needs to tell Heilemann to stop eating and drinking on tape or get his mic away from his mouth when he’s not actually asking a question. Yikes! So annoying.

The podcast is very good; however, the responses from Senator Mark Warner were critically weak and lacked a show of strength and accountability. Good grief, Democrats. Get it together.

Loving this show, love John Heilman and so glad I found your podcast. Miss the Circus and hope you resurrect it at some point. Love the guests and extended interview format where you can get to details on issues.

Great podcast. Love Heileman’s questions

Also can I just state that the trans debate about men playing sports is such a dumb problem with a simple solution. All sports should rank skill, strength and ability based on a class system. Basically, you test your abilities in a series of matches and you get assigned a class ranking. Then the groups within a rank can compete. Simply being trans does not automatically make abilities better. Many men who compete against men have to be ranked into a class because some men are vastly larger and stronger than some other men. The same principle should be applied across all athletics.

I am always worried that John will get worn out by all the hard work and the darkness. But he keeps paying attention and trying to air important news and ideas. It’s a lot and I’m very grateful.

Thank you John for this conversation, I needed this sliver of hope

please for the love of God get a less sensitive mic, or maybe it was Preet’s, but every swallow and lip lick was picked up . Extraordinarily annoying and distracting

Why I hate to listen to Oreet. He sounds like he has loose false teeth. The background noises just are revolting .

I have been a follower of John Heilemann since the Circus, which I miss immensely. This podcast though showcases John’s unique ability to analyze current affairs using his broad and deep knowledge of not just politics but music and culture and so many other things. I always learn something new, even from the sports-focused episodes. John’s wit and sharp observations are a cherry on top. Chef’s kiss!

The Adrian Wojnarowski pod was a breath of fresh cool air. I love the pod and I love John’s take on a life, but I need less orange in my ear buds.

John Heilemann gets long and insightful answers from a string of interesting guests. In this particularly troubling time it’s nice to hear timely responses to events that speak from experience and wisdom. John does a good job combining sound clips and probing questions to make for an interesting and edifying show. It’s become my priority podcast since November 2024.

John, you ask why so many support the current regime? Ignorance. The fact that the average American reads at a sixth grade level—and most of those are in the red zones—is the explanation. Willful stupidity is what got us here.

Why do I have to fast forward five minutes into the beginning of episode every time. Drawn out and monologue intro that delivers no value. Go right to interview.

From the first day I saw him and Mark Halpern (sp?) so many years ago on MSNBC, I have found him so compelling. The more he talked, the more I wanted to hear him talk. I found him so erudite and yet, compassionate. John Hellmann seems to be a man of great intellect, integrity and conviction. I am very glad to have him help guide us through this very dark time.

Thanks for getting the great JVL on your pod! He speaks for me. Also very funny!!

Look forward to this Pod! Great guests. Always entertaining. Love John Heileman

John, loving your content and your guests but speaking for those of us who listen with headphones and as one of the 1 in 5 adults with misophonia, I would definitely listen longer into each podcast episodeor listen to more episodes if your microphone wasn’t picking up every mouth sound and nose breathing sound from you. No offense, it seems like a simple fix maybe?

Nope, can’t do it. Cannot sit here and listen to Joe Scarborough gaslight us about trump, who he is, what he’s said, none of it! People aren’t tuning joe and mika out for the bent knee- its the follow up that is disgusting. GFY Joe- you’re done! Off to Fox or Oan or wherever. Maybe you can pair up with Gaetz.

Listening to Joe/Mika is now like taking a slug of sour milk. Joe keeps telling us how all his friends say what a smart move it was to visit Trump. Couldn’t finish this podcast. Hellmann must really need that gig at MSNBC.

Even though too much of an institutionalist for our current political environment I still like John. But putting on anti democratic appeasers like morning coward/joe is too much and had to unsubscribe.

You have the absolute best podcast that there is I wouldn’t miss an episode. I love the one today with David Romick thank you so much. Susan G. John and Scott- that was a terrific conversation!

Loved this episode..

The perfect duo as we prepare for what's to come. Thank you!

While I love your work, please stop interrupting your guests. It really makes the whole interview difficult to follow.

Love listening, love the interviews, love the guests, but for the love of everything — pleaseeeee stop sighing and breathing right into the microphone.

John, listen more, talk less. Stop interrupting your guests. All easy steps to better podcasts.

I love you John you keep it real, thank god you’re back love the 2 shows a week yay I do miss the circus though ugh

I really enjoyed your interview with Hakeem Jeffries. Kudos for a job well done. Loved the way you hit various topics and covered a lot of fascinating ground with Hakeem. I knew Hakeem was brilliant but had no idea he was so culturally cool. I will definitely be gifting his book to some of my family members for X-mas.

Love this podcast, it gets me to and from work. After listening to Tina Brown, I remembered why I canceled my New Yorker subscription when she was the editor.

Agree with you on almost everything and look forward to each episode. BUT you are just wrong about the pardon. The same people who are handwringing about the pardon are the same people who don’t understand how voters could choose Trump. They don’t give an F about norms and the justice department. Frank had the most pertinent thing to say. If you have an adult son, or care about someone who does, given the changed circumstances which you John acknowledge, there is no other choice here. Democrats can handwring over this into further oblivion. I don’t think Biden ever considered that Trump would win again. Delusional maybe, but….

Great interviews and fantastic range of guests. Would be even better if Heilman, could get out of his own way and shorten his commentary. It gets pretty windy and over the top sometimes. At one point during the episode with David Remnick, Remnick was talking and was about to say something kind of personal, and Heilman cut him off! Never let him finish the sentence. I could also do without having to hear Hielman reference “this woman that I’m dating..”, a phrase he manages to work into every other episode or so. He does it on another political podcast that he’s on with 2 other people, and it’s cringe every time. I’m giving 4 stars for the quality of guests, but would give a 2 for the host who has trouble relinquishing the spotlight.

Almost every interview is 5 star!