The Next Level

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, break down campaigns and elections, and wade into pop culture feuds. www.thebulwark.com

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378 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes378

Newest first

March 10 · 1 hr 9 min
1062: LIVE REACTION: Trump Doesn’t Understand His Own War | The Next Level
Sarah, Tim and JVL are going LIVE to talk about the escalating air war with Iran and the chaos and dishonesty of Trump’s shifting explanations for it. Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off your first box - PLUS free croissants for life - when you go to https://Wildgrain.com/THENEXTLEVEL to start your subscription today. Go to https://Leesa.com for an extra $50 off with promo code THENEXTLEVEL—exclusive for TNL fans. Go to https://Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping and 365-day returns.
March 6 · 32 min
1061: Secret Podcast: Did Stephen Miller Just Pull Off a Palace Coup?
JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the chaotic firing of Kristi Noem after a disastrous hearing, the MAGA infighting that may have taken her down, and what it says about how Trump runs his administration. They also talk about the war with Iran—why the strategy looks confused, how Tehran may be playing the long game, and why the economic fallout is already hitting gas prices, supply chains, and the global economy.
March 3 · 1 hr 10 min
1060: TNL Live! Iran War Nukes MAGA
Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller are going live to talk about the shifting mood around the Iran strikes—how casualties could change the politics, whether 2026 is starting to feel like 2006, and if Trump’s “just do stuff” approach has hit a wall (with JD already hedging). Also: the latest Democratic freakout over Graham Platner’s campaign. Head to https://Greenchef.com/50nextlevel and use code 50nextlevel to get fifty percent off your first month, then twenty percent off for two months with free shipping. Visit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpod
February 28 · 26 min
1059: Secret Podcast: War with Iran and the Takeover of CNN
To get the full episode, become a paid member of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube or Apple Podcasts. The U.S. government is ordering employees out of Israel and Iraq, the latest signal that war with Iran is approaching. Larry and David Ellison just bought Warner-Discovery and CNN. Sarah and JVL also talk about the new John Fetterman in Maine and the primary in Texas. As well as the Kansas law targeting trans people. Finally, they go deep on DHS, depraved indifference, and accountability. (See the piece JVL talks about here.) Bonus: Pinball discourse.
February 25 · 1 hr 1 min
1058: They’re Hiding the Epstein Files to Protect Trump
Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL run through a packed episode: explosive new questions about the Epstein files and whether Trump’s DOJ is shielding him, the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling (and the three justices who would green-light almost anything), and what it means for the midterms. They also discuss Kristi Noem’s completely fabricated “cannibal” story, Laura Loomer pressuring Trump to go after Netflix, Make-a-Wish kid Kash Patel, and the messy Senate primary in Texas. Get 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel with code NEXTLEVEL. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL.
February 21 · 55 min
1057: Trump Wants to Be King of the World (Live from Minneapolis)
JVL, Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Sam Stein team up, live in Minneapolis, to dish on how Donald Trump kicked off his new Board of Peace by threatening to go to war with Iran and why other countries are holding people accountable in Epstein-related cases while elites in the United States have dealt with few consequences. Plus, Bill Kristol crashes the party to sling some takes about the potential field of Democratic presidential candidates in 2028. Make laundry day the best day of the week! Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code THENEXTLEVEL at https://laundrysauce.com/THENEXTLEVEL #laundrysaucepod To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD. For a limited time, because you are a Next Level listener, you can get a Tovala smart oven for just $49, PLUS free shipping, when you order meals 6+ times. Just go to Tovala.com/NEXTLEVEL and use my code NEXTLEVEL.
February 14 · 26 min
1056: Secret Podcast: Trump’s DHS Is Eating Itself Alive
Sarah and JVL discuss the Wall Street Journal exposé on Kristi Noem, Corey Lewandowski, and the internal fight over whether ICE raids should be loud and viral or quiet and deniable. They talk about why humiliation has become the price of loyalty in Trump World, why Biden is suddenly polling better than Trump on the economy, and what the backlash in Minneapolis tells us about how this moment could turn. To get access to the full episode, become a paid member of The Bulwark on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube!
February 11 · 1 hr 1 min
1055: Trump is Crashing Out And We're LOVING It
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller relish Trump’s losing streak—from +6 approval to –14—and why slipping GOP support could signal a Bush-style collapse. They also get into inflation backlash, the White House’s “Don’t Be a Panican” spin, and the early cracks forming inside MAGA. Is this the start of a 2006-level wave? Get $30 off your first box and free Croissants for life when you visit https://Wildgrain.com/THENEXTLEVEL. Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THENEXTLEVEL Visit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!
February 7 · 23 min
1054: Secret Podcast: Divorced Guy Energy Is Ruining America
Donald Trump posts an overtly racist video, Republicans briefly squirm, and the usual defenses start to crack. JVL and Sarah Longwell explain why this moment exposed GOP cowardice, how Trump’s vanity and distractions are starting to cost him politically, and what billionaire media self-destruction says about power, accountability, and the institutions being hollowed out. Paid members of The Bulwark get access to FULL episodes of Secret Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Substack.
February 4 · 1 hr 10 min
1053: The Georgia FBI Raid Was Just a Dry Run
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller talk about the new Epstein file releases and what they reveal about elite weakness, Peter Attia’s emails, the effort to rehabilitate Epstein after prison, and why this isn’t “cancel culture.” They also discuss what the FBI's raid of an election center in Georgia and Donald Trump's talk about nationalizing elections means for the midterms and beyond. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL. Get 30% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA.
January 30 · 18 min
1052: Secret Podcast: Trump Begins Arresting Journalists
JVL and Sarah came in hottt today, angry about . . . all of it? Journalists are now being arrested. Masked DHS agents are still terrorizing Minneapolis. The worst “free speech” people you know are building a state media ecosystem. And the Melania movie is here. Paid members of The Bulwark get access to the FULL episode of The Secret Podcast. Join today on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube.
January 27 · 1 hr 12 min
1051: LIVE REACTION: Lil’ Greg Bovino Sent Home; Tom Homan In
Sarah, Tim and JVL join to talk about the fallout in Minnesota after Trump pulls Greg Bovino and installs Tom Homan, how voters are reacting, global blowback on Greenland, and what's next. For a limited time, save up to $300 on the Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times, by visiting https://Tovala.com/NEXTLEVEL and using code NEXTLEVEL.
January 23 · 28 min
1050: Secret Podcast: Trump Is Now Deeply Unpopular
JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the latest—from Trump's sinking poll numbers and the Greenland spectacle to escalating ICE actions and local resistance. They also talk about new focus-group findings showing Gen Z Trump voters cooling on JD Vance (and warming to Marco Rubio), react to the White House’s use of AI imagery in political messaging, and critique Jared Kushner’s glossy “Dubai for Gaza” redevelopment pitch, with a look at how Michigan protest politics is landing now. Full episodes of the The Secret Podcast are available to paid supporters of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube and Apple Podcasts.
January 20 · 1 hr 46 min
1049: LIVE REACTION: Sundowning Trump Stumbles Through Press Event
Sarah, JVL and Tim discuss the low-energy, never-ending Trump event and the end of their will to live. They also go deep on how Trump’s obsession with Greenland is threatening to torch America’s relationships with its allies and completely realign the world order. To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to https://NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD. Get 15% off your first order PLUS free shipping at https://BollandBranch.com/NEXTLEVEL and use code NEXTLEVEL. Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA.
January 17 · 23 min
1048: The New Rule is "Comply or Die" | Secret Podcast
Sarah and JVL discuss the Minneapolis shooting and the growing backlash to ICE tactics, the collapse of public support for Trump across key polls, MAGA’s “comply or die” hypocrisy, a potential split between “MAGA” and “non-MAGA” Republicans, the political damage of masked federal force, and farce surrounding the Trump’s “gift” of a Nobel Peace Prize.
January 14 · 1 hr 13 min
1047: JD Vance Picked the Ugliest Fight on Purpose
Sarah, Tim and JVL discuss the ICE killing in Minneapolis and the escalation that followed, including DOJ prosecutors resigning rather than smearing the victim’s family. They also talk about JD Vance’s eagerness to defend state violence, Trump’s pressure campaign against Jerome Powell, the broader pattern of unchecked power, and why Democratic candidates like Mary Peltola fit their states while others don’t. Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THENEXTLEVEL Get $30 off your first box and free Croissants for life when you visit https://Wildgrain.com/THENEXTLEVEL, or you can use promo code THENEXTLEVEL at checkout. During Tovala's New Year Sale, you can get a FREE Tovala smart oven when you order meals 6+ times by heading to https://Tovala.com/NEXTLEVEL using the code NEXTLEVEL!
January 10 · 25 min
1046: Secret Podcast: The Government Keeps Shooting Civilians
Sarah and JVL talk about the new video from the ICE agent as he killed Renee Good. It’s tough and they’re not sure quite where we go from here. Is the rule of law real? Or is everything might makes right? Also: Trump probably gets away with Venezuela, too. Good times. Paid members of the Bulwark get access to full episodes of the Secret show.
January 7 · 1 hr 10 min
1045: Venezuela Exposes the Lie of America First
Sarah, Tim and JVL discuss the legality and consequences of the Venezuela operation, the emerging split between “America First” and “Trump First,” Stephen Miller’s grotesque worldview, and why Greenland suddenly feels less hypothetical. They also debate the legacy of neoconservatism and Iraq, MAGA influencer drama, and GOP dysfunction in Congress. Get up to 30% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpod #ad Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off. Go to https://greenchef.com/nextlevelgraza and use code NEXTLEVELGRAZA to get started with 50% off Green Chef + FREE Graza Olive Oil Set in your 2nd and 3rd boxes.
Dec 31, 2025 · 37 min
1044: When Fox News Starts Saying "Trump is Bad" (and Other Wild Predictions)
JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller look ahead to what’s next—and it (mostly) isn't pretty. From Trump’s plans for the Fed and crypto chaos, to billionaire media consolidation, and some truly unhinged foreign policy ideas, they game out what could break, what might finally collapse Trump’s support, and why things probably have to get worse before they get better. Go to https://Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too.
Dec 24, 2025 · 50 min
1043: Trump's DOJ Utterly Bungled the Latest Epstein Release
New Epstein files have dropped, and the fallout is growing. Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL discuss what’s new in the latest release, why the DOJ’s clumsy redactions and selective disclosures made things worse, and how the accumulating evidence and hypocrisy are starting to break through to voters. They also talk about Trump’s distraction tactics, JD Vance’s political viability, and why the old Trump bargain isn’t holding anymore. NOTE: The Justice Department in a tweet later on Tuesday, after the episode was taped, said that the alleged letter from Jeffrey Epstein to Larry Nassar was determined by the FBI to be fake.

The Next Level

1062: LIVE REACTION: Trump Doesn’t Understand His Own War | The Next Level

1061: Secret Podcast: Did Stephen Miller Just Pull Off a Palace Coup?

1060: TNL Live! Iran War Nukes MAGA

1059: Secret Podcast: War with Iran and the Takeover of CNN

1058: They’re Hiding the Epstein Files to Protect Trump

1057: Trump Wants to Be King of the World (Live from Minneapolis)

1056: Secret Podcast: Trump’s DHS Is Eating Itself Alive

1055: Trump is Crashing Out And We're LOVING It

1054: Secret Podcast: Divorced Guy Energy Is Ruining America

1053: The Georgia FBI Raid Was Just a Dry Run

1052: Secret Podcast: Trump Begins Arresting Journalists

1051: LIVE REACTION: Lil’ Greg Bovino Sent Home; Tom Homan In

1050: Secret Podcast: Trump Is Now Deeply Unpopular

1049: LIVE REACTION: Sundowning Trump Stumbles Through Press Event

1048: The New Rule is "Comply or Die" | Secret Podcast

1047: JD Vance Picked the Ugliest Fight on Purpose

1046: Secret Podcast: The Government Keeps Shooting Civilians

1045: Venezuela Exposes the Lie of America First

1044: When Fox News Starts Saying "Trump is Bad" (and Other Wild Predictions)

1043: Trump's DOJ Utterly Bungled the Latest Epstein Release