Lovett or Leave It

40 Episodes
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By: Lovett or Leave It

Former Obama speechwriter, self-described comedian and Pod Save America co-host Jon Lovett takes the stage for a new season of the hit show that dared guests from Danny DeVito to Amy Klobuchar to ask “What is this?” and “Where am I?” Each week, Jon breaks down the biggest and dumbest stories in politics to help you keep up with and laugh at the news, with big guests and surprising conversations you won’t find anywhere else. New episodes every Saturday morning on your podcast feed and on YouTube. And if you’re in LA, come to a taping. You’ll be amazed by w...

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Historically Accurate Cyclops
Historically Accurate Cyclops episode artwork
#470
Last Wednesday at 11:30 PM

The right journeys across the woke-dark sea for Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey”; ICE boils over in Maine and Texas, and Trump waters down the death toll in Iran. This week, W. Kamau Bell grills and roasts Lovett, while Patrick Renna has fun in the ‘90s sun. And we play back the tape on our Second Thoughts.

Find Kamau's new show "Who's With Me? with W. Kamau Bell" on YouTube or wherever you get podcasts. Every week, he sits down with someone he admires to give them their flowers, ask his most burning questions, and discuss how to make...


The DraftKing's Speech
The DraftKing's Speech episode artwork
#469
07/17/2026

Daylight Saving Time has us walking on sunshine, the Senate throws Todd Blanche and Jay Clayton on the grill, and we get a little hot under the collar over Trump’s shiny new coin. This week, Des Bishop does stand-up all over the globe, Carmen Christopher passes our Egg of Truth questions without even studying, and we look back at a veritable yearbook full of Second Thoughts, before the final bell rings.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of th...


The Mitch Is Back
The Mitch Is Back episode artwork
#468
07/15/2026

Lindsey Graham leaves in a hurry, Mitch McConnell takes his time, and the Midwest races to the nearest toilet. Plus, we are happy to hang around with the hilarious David Wain, Joe Lo Truglio, and Rachael Harris as we talk when to leave summer camp, how to succeed on Star Trek, and ways to navigate Los Angeles. Plus rants AND second thoughts? What an episode.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.<...


Schrödinger's Mitch McConnell
Schrödinger's Mitch McConnell episode artwork
#467
07/10/2026

We give up the ghost on knowing what’s up with Mitch McConnell, while Thomas Massie brings out the gallows humor, and Trump puts another nail in NATO's coffin. This week, Congressman Maxwell Frost talks zombie congress, Gen Z progressives and (sigh) Alf. Margaret Cho and Langston Kerman know the truth is out there - but in here, it’s mostly jokes about Heated Rivalry and trying to poop. And we pay our last respects with a round of Second Thoughts (and one very special kudos).

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a tran...


Trump Kills the World Cup Vibe
Trump Kills the World Cup Vibe episode artwork
#466
07/08/2026

Belgium throws a red card in Trump’s face and Democrats show Graham Platner the door. Then, Dana Gould and Alanna Ubach take us behind the scenes from “The Brady Bunch Movie” to “The Ben Stiller Show.” Plus, how DO you kill a vampire? The answer may surprise you.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.


Wet Hot American Bummer
Wet Hot American Bummer episode artwork
#465
07/01/2026

America’s 250th birthday is here, and boy, is she pissed you didn’t get her anything. This week, Trump puts the grimace in Great American State Fair; baby eagles put in their ear plugs, and Bush’s Baked Beans single-handedly puts an end to the American experiment. Meanwhile, Mark Duplass helps us cling to reason, while X Mayo brings her X-factor to a little U.S. history quiz. And we go out with a bang, and a round of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please...


New York Sees Red
New York Sees Red episode artwork
#464
06/27/2026

Mamdani's candidates win big in New York. Pesticides win big at the Supreme Court. And we all win when John Stamos stops by to talk Beach Boys, Full House, and why his dad finally let him quit flipping burgers. Then Jodie-Turner Smith waxes philosophical about aliens, accents, Michael Fassbender, and a gripping defense of toe shoes, courtesy of the Egg of Truth. And don’t worry, baby: we have plenty of Second Thoughts to go around.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and in...


The Pool is Always Greener
The Pool is Always Greener episode artwork
#463
06/24/2026

JD Vance treads water on Iran, D.C. swan dives into Reflecting Pool chaos, and Trump lifts a glass to his brand-new Air Force One. This week, Matt Hamilton stops by to discuss local journalism, the L.A. mayoral race, and, of course, a plague of fire rats. Ali Siddiq and Ify Nwadiwe find out if Father really does know best with a round of Would You Rather?, and we have regrets like we’ve never had them before when we share our many, many Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a...


The Pride Will Continue Until Morale Improves
The Pride Will Continue Until Morale Improves episode artwork
#462
06/19/2026

It’s Part 2 of our Lovett or Leave It Pride Show Extravaganza! This week, Lovett celebrates Nuclear Family Month, Cats: The Jellicle Ball, and Rosie O’Donnell’s incredible facelift. Meanwhile, Ashley Ray and Brendan Scannell crown America’s Top Ally. Atsuko Okatsuka joins us as we burn our hands on Hot Takes about polyamory, bitchy gays, and forcing drag queens to do the splits, and the Second Thoughts library is open as we read Lovett to filth.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and...


Scum Like It Hot
Scum Like It Hot episode artwork
#461
06/18/2026

It’s Part 1 of our Lovett or Leave It Pride Show Extravaganza! This week, World Cup fans taste America and demand unlimited refills, Trump wants us to chug his Iran Kool-Aid, and D.C. bellies up to the bar for this summer’s trendiest algae cocktail. Hollywood legend Bruce Vilanch gives a gay side eye to early LGBTQ moments in film, while Myki Meeks decides which 2026 Pride Merch items should sashay away. And we taste the rainbow with a very gay round of I Don’t Care, I Lovett.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here...


A Worm Welcome
A Worm Welcome episode artwork
#460
06/13/2026

Trump loves inflation, Texas hates screwworms, a new book reveals how much the White House was consumed by the Epstein Files. This week, Jerry O’Connell jumps between dimensions to talk Rob Reiner, reality TV and, of course, Sliders. Jay Pharaoh stops by to do some impressions with his good friends, Barack Obama and Denzel Washington. Plus Zach Zucker is down to clown... and play music without headphones.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here . For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and...


Boo York City
Boo York City episode artwork
#459
06/11/2026

The Big Apple spits out a worm, Trump attacks California’s elections, and Spencer Pratt packs up his dreams of mayoral stardom. This week, Michael Urie lies down on Lovett’s couch and analyzes his feelings about Harrison Ford; Kel Cripe lays out a Pride month's worth of regulations in They/Them’s the Rules, and we put the show to rest with a nice warm cup of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episod...


Gone in 60 Minutes
Gone in 60 Minutes episode artwork
#458
06/06/2026

Bill Pulte knocks our National Intelligence down a few IQ points, Scott Pelley runs down the clock at 60 Minutes, and working at the Pentagon is becoming a real riot. This week, Todd Glass thoughtfully considers our LGBTQuestions, while Blair Socci puts on her tinfoil hat to talk aliens, crisis actors, and Bigfoot stealing your car. And finally, we put our anxieties first as we tackle a round of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast...


Maine Character Syndrome
Maine Character Syndrome episode artwork
#457
06/04/2026

Iran leaves the negotiating table, voters enter the polls, and Graham Platner slides into America’s DMs, for better or for worse. Meanwhile, Tig Notaro weighs in on Lovett’s wedding, RFK Jr’s snake handling, and the dawn of Slam Pig Summer. Aparna Nancherla talks anxiety, stand-up and getting your foot in the door at WikiFeet, and we look back (in horror!) with a round of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title...


An In-Studio Spectacular
#456
05/22/2026

Lovett’s getting married, but before he walks down the aisle, he heads into the studio, joining The Bulwark’s Tim Miller to talk ballrooms, breaking news, and Trump’s big, sloppy slush fund. Then Lovett or Leave It writers Halle Kiefer and Sarah Lazarus stop by to share some rehearsal dinner roast jokes, and for a wedding present, they gift Lovett something blue: the coveted Sapphic Token. As his dream foretold! Congrats, boss!

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name o...


AI Monks? What's next, a Bot Mitzvah? Oh Brother
AI Monks? What's next, a Bot Mitzvah? Oh Brother episode artwork
#455
05/21/2026

Rachel Bloom, Ginger Minj, and director Adam Shankman of Stop! That! Train! join to answer life's great questions. Did Charo know she was in a movie? What trends should we stop in their tracks? Can robots pray? And is it the size of the data center that counts, or how you use it? Lots to think about in this banger of an episode.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.


Xi’s Just Not That Into You
Xi’s Just Not That Into You episode artwork
#454
05/16/2026

China blows smoke up Trump’s skirt, Rand Paul’s son gets hot under the collar, and Marco Rubio slips into something a little more comfortable. This week, Outlander star Sam Heughan and Lovett explore online fandom and only one survives. Hacks’ Caitlin Reilly sweeps us off our feet and into the distant past, and we all journey to cloud nine for a hilarious round of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and ep...


Look on Trump's works, ye Mighty, and despair!
Look on Trump's works, ye Mighty, and despair! episode artwork
#453
05/14/2026

The president makes waves with his Reflecting Pool reno, the U.S. treads water on the Iran peace process, and Trump’s crypto golden calf is more than a little fishy. This week, rock legend Melissa Etheridge lets the lesbian good times roll. Speaking of roll, Bosco brings the magic while we rank the sexy monsters of Magic: The Gathering. And to close us out, Lovett serves up a piping hot round of Second Thoughts.


We Bought a Ballroom
We Bought a Ballroom episode artwork
#452
05/08/2026

Trump gives us a billion reasons to hate his ballroom, Kash Patel is drowning in leaks, and RFK Jr. will have to pry our pills from our cold, tan hands. Then Beck Bennett and Kyle Mooney tackle life's big questions and predict the next great Saturday Night Live host. And Lovett is on one when we take a look at our Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.


Spirit Gives Up the Ghost
Spirit Gives Up the Ghost episode artwork
#451
05/06/2026

Trump flies by the seat of his pants, Pete Hegseth tries to land the plane on Iran, and Spirit Airlines touches down on that Great Big Tarmac in the sky. This week, rock legend Ann Wilson from Heart decides which pop singers have the pipes, Yamaneika Saunders shares her romantic gripes, and Lovett and his guests answer the question, “What about love?” And we raise a glass to a round of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of t...


License to Kimmel
License to Kimmel episode artwork
#450
05/02/2026

We’re live from our brand new studio in Hollywood as Republicans take a spin around Trump’s ballroom, Melania goes UFC on ABC, and the Mentalist makes room on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Then Ron Funches joins to talk Traitors, Real Housewives and, of course, autism. Pen15’s Anna Konkle looks back at parenting, embarrassing childhood moments, and one really weird party at Salman Rushdie’s house. Check out the gorgeous new set on YouTube and enjoy as we work out all the gorgeous kinks!

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this...


Kash Patel, Drunk with Power
Kash Patel, Drunk with Power episode artwork
#449
04/25/2026

Lovett or Leave It just flew into Washington, DC and boy is the FBI Director tired! Lovett is joined by Senator Chris Murphy to talk winning the midterms in the face of AI slop and AI SuperPACs. Then MSNow's Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels debate how journalists can stand up to Trump when they share a ballroom this weekend, and we answer a few tough questions facing Democrats. Finally, the rant wheel spins and a sold out crowd at the Lincoln Theatre shares a few second thoughts. What a night.

For a closed-captioned version of this...


Holy See You Next Tuesday
Holy See You Next Tuesday episode artwork
#448
04/18/2026

Trump starts a holy war, Pete Hegseth quotes from the Gospel of Tarantino, and JD Vance teaches the Pope how to be Catholic. This week, Kara Swisher stops by to remind us that time is money, while Kal Penn turns back the clock. And in the end, we sift through the sands of time for some precious, precious Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Strait Privilege
Strait Privilege episode artwork
#447
04/11/2026

Trump walks up to and then back from the brink, the Strait of Hormuz tells America to get bent, and Melania reminds us she definitely, for sure, wasn’t friends with Jeffrey Epstein, even though no one was asking. This week, Joel Kim Booster and Symone pull into Lovett or Leave It station with their arms full of filthy anecdotes and apocalyptic thinking, and we send Lovett home stuffed to the gills with yet another helping of Second Thoughts.


Bye Bye Bondi
Bye Bye Bondi episode artwork
#446
04/04/2026

Pam Bondi slinks off to the private sector, Lindsey Graham escapes to Space Mountain, and Kristi Noem’s husband has something big to get off his chest. This week, Ben Platt answers our burning theater kid questions and does his best to sort the real fools from the April Fool’s. Then Jimmy Tatro joins to put his Passover and/or Rugrats fluency to the test. And of course, we wash down those bitter herbs with a sweet glass of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, plea...


Airport Security on ICE
Airport Security on ICE episode artwork
#445
03/28/2026

ICE chills out at the airport, Trump won't unthaw DHS funding, and hell freezes over before this administration will make sense on Iran. This week, Jorma Taccone stops by to talk Lonely Island, loving movies to death, and playing Pee-wee Herman, while Dylan Adler ponders whether Big Tech needs to know that much about our farts anyway. And we order one more round of Second Thoughts to go, before we turn in for the night.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include...


MAGA’s Uncivil War
MAGA’s Uncivil War episode artwork
#444
03/21/2026

Trump counterterrorism chief Joe Kent abandons ship, Tulsi Gabbard and Markwayne Mullin flounder in front of Congress, and Trump steers the nation straight into disaster. Meanwhile, Republicans are at each other’s throats and hitting below the belt. This week, Maria Bamford riffs on stand-up, mental health, and doing impressions of your dad you know he’ll hate. Utkarsh Ambudkar and Nico Santos give Lovett a taste of his own medicine, the medicine being spooky ghosts. And to close us out, we look back at it, with a juicy round of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of t...


Iran: Oops! All Ayatollahs
Iran: Oops! All Ayatollahs episode artwork
#443
03/14/2026

The excursion/war continues, and no one can explain why. This week, Paul Feig pours us a stiff one (or three) to talk erotic thrillers, political affairs, and Sydney Sweeney, while Monét X Change hits all the right notes chatting about Traitors, Drag Race, and Survivor. And before we end up under the table, we lay our cards on it, with a candid round of Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Noem Wrecker
Noem Wrecker episode artwork
#442
03/07/2026

Kristi Noem gets the boot and Trump gets us into war with Iran. Then Nick Offerman handles wood like a pro, while Milana Vayntrub looks to the future through night-vision contact lenses, and Lovett has some Second Thoughts about revealing his actual, real, we’re not making this up, secret urinal design.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Skate of the Union
Skate of the Union episode artwork
#441
02/28/2026

This week, Trump leaves us in a state of disbelief, while the DOJ tries to paper over gaps in the Epstein files. Meanwhile, Kash Patel puts his FBI duties on ice, and the U.S. men’s hockey team finds itself on the rocks. Plus comedy legends George Wallace and Neal Brennan join to talk about what blocks us, and what doesn’t - from LA to Ibiza.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Happy Valentine's Bidet
#440
02/14/2026

Lovett is in the air for this this Valentine’s Day special episode! Sarah Lazarus and Halle Kiefer join in the studio to take a look at a few absurd stories we missed, and to address your romantic and revealing queries from the Discord. Plus we work through our collective feelings about the Trump administration’s new coal industry mascot, Coalie. Let’s just say, Lovett’s a fan…

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


The Kennedy Center Will Not Hold
The Kennedy Center Will Not Hold episode artwork
#439
02/07/2026

Trump says we should smile more and talk less about the Epstein files, which is not going so well for him. In a barnburner of an episode, Lisa Rinna takes the Lovett or Leave It stage to take us behind the scenes of Traitors - and explain what happens when the inner Housewife is released. Then Rachel Bloom is back and we fall in love all over again. And we wrap it all up with a few second thoughts that are second to none.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of...


Minnesota Breaks the ICE
Minnesota Breaks the ICE episode artwork
#438
01/31/2026

Lovett brings the hot dish straight from Minnesota’s ICE protestors, Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem freeze in place, and the Trump administration is caught off guard by the bravery of nice people. This week, Andy Richter and Vic Michaelis join Lovett for a few rounds of Interview Roulette, and lend some constrictive criticism to Kristi Noem, the Melania movie, and one very fat, damp coyote. And we end with some Second Thoughts for our number one guy.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.co...


Greenland New Deal
Greenland New Deal episode artwork
#437
01/24/2026

This week, Trump plays chicken with Europe and lays a big ol’ goose egg, Minnesotans dish it out hot while ICE agents freeze, and JD Vance brings his trademark mid to the Midwest. Kevin Nealon tells it like it is, and then apologizes immediately after. Frankie Quiñones cracks us up with The Egg of Truth, and Lovett is second to none when it comes to having Second Thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.


Nobel Peace Prize, Gently Used
Nobel Peace Prize, Gently Used episode artwork
#436
01/17/2026

This week, Trump turns up the volume, and America shouts right back. ICE is no match for Minnesota nice. The Federal Reserve chair is forced to get less reserved, and Greenland gives America the red light. Robin Thede picks the ultimate rom-com bestie, while Michael Urie and Ted McGinley of Shrinking talk about acting with animals, babies, and Harrison Ford.  And we end the show with Lovett and our three fabulous guests expressing a few very recent second thoughts.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@c...


Don't Believe Your Lying Eyes
Don't Believe Your Lying Eyes episode artwork
#435
01/10/2026

This week, JD Vance and Kristi Noem lie about a killing in Minneapolis. Donald Trump seizes Venezuela’s oil and Greenland’s attention. George Civeris and Andy Kindler stop by to evaluate upside food pyramids and dictator athleisure, while Jameela Jamil questions our answers about trad wives, TikTok and Heated Rivalry. And we end the show by resolving to get even more annoyed in 2026.

 

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

 


What a Year
#434
12/20/2025

Hey 2025, don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya. We close out the year with a bounty of hilarious segments lovingly hand-selected by the Lovett or Leave It team. FEATURING: Bob the Drag Queen, Jessica Kirson, Andy Richter, Jason Isaacs, Paula Poundstone, Tig Notaro, Stephanie Allyne, Alex English, Punkie Johnson,  River Butcher, Gianmarco Soresi, Roy Wood Jr., Robby Hoffman, Rachel Bloom, David Krumholtz, Ana Gasteyer, and the one and only Henry Winkler.  AND Lovett welcomes his writers Halle Kiefer and Sarah Lazarus to correct an injustice, and leaves you hungry for more. Happy holidays, everyone, an...


Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Holly Madison)
Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Holly Madison) episode artwork
#433
12/16/2025

In our season finale of Bravo, America! Lovett sits down with The Girls Next Door star Holly Madison to discuss the dark side of life in the Playboy mansion on and off screen. Holly opens up about being the main character on the show, but feeling like an object to Hugh Hefner and the Playboy hierarchy. She also speaks about her decision to leave the show and what it’s been like to tell her story on her own terms as public sentiment has evolved pre and post #MeToo movement.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, cl...


Nothin' But Netflix
Nothin' But Netflix episode artwork
#432
12/13/2025

This week, the nation tunes in to find out who will receive Donald Trump’s rose: Paramount’s David Ellison or Netflix’s Ted Sarandos? Meanwhile, Obamacare subsidies are set to expire, Trump’s poll numbers continue to plummet, and Marjorie Taylor Greene remains... on the level? What the hell? Director Cameron Crowe riffs on the gods of rock and the zoos we’ve bought. Tig Notaro brings the hot lesbian action, and we all look forward to the new year, taking stock of what we’d change, and what we hope will stay the same.

For a closed-cap...


Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Bronwyn Newport)
Lovett or Leave It Presents: Bravo, America! (with Bronwyn Newport) episode artwork
#431
12/09/2025

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City star, Bronwyn Newport, is in it for the friendships! Bronwyn opens up about leaving the Mormon church, becoming an American citizen, and striking a balance between vulnerability and self-preservation on the show. She reflects on what she's learned about herself from being on TV and the power of conversations she's had with family members when the cameras are rolling. Lovett also checks in on how Bronwyn is feeling ahead of the upcoming RHOSLC reunion and who her closest friends are going into that almost certainly messy conversation.

For a closed-captioned version...