Hacks On Tap

The Hacks are back! All three Hackeroos convened this week to discuss the Tennessee Special election, retiring members of congress and upcoming filing deadlines, Hegseth's latest, the tragic national guard shooting, the ongoing Russia/Ukraine negotiations, their shared love of corgis, and so much more. Photo by Win McNamee via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2025

In our final episode of the month, Axe and Heilemann were joined by frequent Hack, former congressman, and author Steve Israel. The Hacks dig into the vote to release the Epstein files, MTG’s latest pivot and what’s driving it, primary filing deadlines, winning issues, the midterms landscape, redistricting, and so much more. Plus, we get a sneak peek at Steve’s new book, The Einstein Conspiracy — based on true events, it follows two FBI agents in a high-stakes race against a ruthless undercover operative determined to abduct Albert Einstein, whom Hitler believes holds the key to building the atomic bomb. Have a great Thanksgiving, Hackeroos! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by their new Vox Media colleague and veteran political reporter Astead Herndon. The Hacks dive into the potential end of the government shutdown, the future of Democratic leadership, coalition-building, Border Patrol’s trip to The Bean, Gavin-mania, and so much more! Special thanks to our veteran Hacks on Tap listeners — we’re grateful for your service. Cheers to you today and always! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 12 November 2025

The results are in! Last night Axe and Murphy were joined by the indefatigable chronicler of American politics, Jonathan Martin of Politico. The bleary-eyed Hacks stayed up to unpack the election results, the story the margins told, voter turnout, indicators for the midterms, redistricting, Dick Cheney’s legacy, and so much more! Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 5 November 2025

This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by the great and effervescent Hack, Paul Begala — veteran strategist and former counselor to President Clinton. The Hacks dive into Ballroomageddon, Trump’s not-so-subtle flirting with a third term, his military moves against Venezuela, Canada’s tariff tit-for-tat, early vote numbers out of New York, the budding 2028 Democratic primary field, Indiana’s redistricting — and can you believe it, so much more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 28 October 2025

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by Bloomberg’s jack-of-all-trades Howard Wolfson. The Hacks took a bite out of the Big Apple with the New York mayor’s debate, checked in on the New Jersey and Virginia governor’s race cross tabs, dug into California’s Prop 50, unpacked the historic “No Kings” protest, Trump’s latest AI video, the Justice Department’s targeting of ActBlue, and so much more. Photo by Angelina Katsanis-Pool via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

This week, Axe and Heilemann were joined by Rahm Emanuel — former White House Chief of Staff, two-term Mayor of Chicago, ex-Ambassador to Japan, and a true Hack’s Hack. The Hacks dive into the new Gaza peace accord, Trump’s shifting attention to the Russia-Ukraine conflict and his curious relationship with Putin, the optics of the ongoing government shutdown, ICE’s brutality in American cities, and so much more. Photo by Evan Vucci via Pool/Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 14 October 2025

This week, all three Hacks convened to break down a whirlwind week in politics — from Trump sending troops to Chicago and ICE’s recruitment and tactics, to the contrasting leadership styles of Newsom and Pritzker heading into 2024. They also discuss the shutdown negotiations, Ghislaine’s pardon request, CBS, Prop 50, and a bit of good old-fashioned pearl-clutching. Buckle up! Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 7 October 2025

This week Murphy and Heilemann were joined by Charlie Sykes — editor-at-large at The Bulwark, and this week’s Bulwark of reason. The Hacks dive into an exhaustingly eventful week: Hegseth’s body-shaming of our troops, Trump declaring a war from within, the chaotic deployment of ICE and the military to U.S. cities, the looming shutdown, Comey’s indictment, and the first crack in Trump’s armor. And so much more! Photo by Alex Wong via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 30 September 2025

This week Axe and Murphy are joined by the formidable Kasie Hunt — anchor of The Arena with Kasie Hunt on CNN, and CNN’s chief national affairs analyst. Together, the Hacks dive into Trump’s UN speech (and his battle with an escalator), the reinstatement of Jimmy Kimmel and Trump’s campaign of fear with the FCC as his megaphone, Charlie Kirk’s memorial service, the looming government shutdown, and so much more! Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 23 September 2025

This week, Axe and Murphy — still a little under the weather but never short on opinions — are joined by Hack regular and ace political analyst Jonathan Martin of Politico. The Hacks take on a turbulent week in American politics: the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Utah Governor Spencer Cox’s leadership, the rise of rage-bait and true believers, skeleton keys and conspiracy theories, attempts to whitewash U.S. history, and Trump’s royal jaunt to meet the king. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 16 September 2025

The Hacks are back — and better than ever. To kick off our brand-new partnership with the Vox Media Podcast Network, Axe and Murphy are joined by none other than political heavyweight Jen Psaki — former White House press secretary, MSNBC host, and one of the most incisive voices in politics today.Together, the Hacks tackle the week’s political circus: the “Department of War”, Trump’s troop talk in Chicago, redistricting battles, the Epstein birthday book, New York’s mayoral drama, RFK Jr.’s latest — and plenty more! Hacks on Tap is proudly a part of the Vox Media Podcast Network.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcribed - Published: 9 September 2025

The Hacks are back! There’s just too much news for us to leave you alone, so we’re pulling up a stool with veteran Hackeroo, Chicago native, former White House chief of staff, and U.S. ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel. The Hacks dive into Trump’s threats to send the National Guard to Chicago, his increasingly loud campaign against mail-in ballots and the 2020 census, the weaponization of the Justice Department, redistricting as a national flashpoint, Big Macs, bridges, and so much more!

Transcribed - Published: 26 August 2025

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by the incomparable Hackeroo Ron Brownstein, senior editor at The Atlantic and CNN’s senior political analyst. Together, they unpack Trump’s sit-downs with Putin, Zelensky, and other foreign leaders; the shifting balance of power at home and abroad; the state of the economy and crime; redistricting battles; the latest culture war skirmishes — and plenty more along the way.

Transcribed - Published: 19 August 2025

This week, Murphy and Heilemann welcome Paul Begala — longtime Democratic strategist and political hand who’s seen just about everything Washington can throw at you. The Hacks break down Trump’s Beltway power grab and what it means for D.C.’s mayor — and mayors nationwide. They dig into Trump’s “flood the zone” strategy to sidestep the Epstein story, the Texas Democrats’ walkout over redistricting, and how it all could shape the midterm elections.

Transcribed - Published: 12 August 2025

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by former Congressman Adam Kinzinger — Air Force veteran, author, and one of the most candid voices in Washington. The guys try to help Axe make sense of the Sydney Sweeney controversy, unpack the latest drama at the Department of Defense, and dive into inflation, job numbers, the Texas redistricting adventure, Trump’s foreign frenemies, and so much more!

Transcribed - Published: 5 August 2025

This week, our two chief windbags, Axe and Murphy, are joined by seasoned Democratic strategist Lis Smith—and author of Any Given Tuesday. The Hacks unpack Trump’s Epstein problem and the surrounding pardon chatter, his scenic detour to Scotland, and the frosty turn in his bromances. They wade into early polling, premature redistricting shenanigans, and take out the crystal ball to scan the House and Senate maps for potential pickup opportunities.

Transcribed - Published: 29 July 2025

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by ink-stained Hackeroo Robert Costa—national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning and chief Washington analyst for CBS News, as well as co-author of Peril. The Hacks break down Hunter Biden’s recent interview—and yes, a certain Hackeroo got name-checked, much to his surprise (and ours). They dig into the weight of Joe Biden’s legacy as the Democratic primary field begins to stir, the voters feeling left behind, and the Trump economy barreling toward a potential recession. Plus: a six-month check-in on Trump’s second term—who’s in, who’s out, and who’s still clinging to relevance in MAGAland.

Transcribed - Published: 22 July 2025

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the great Frank Lavin—former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Reagan’s political director, and a Swiss Army knife of global politics. The Hacks dive into a tidal wave of news: renewed demands for the release of the Epstein list, Trump falling out of vogue with the GOP, Putin calling Trump’s bluff, the political undertones of the World Cup, the New York mayor’s race, and so much more. Plus, don’t miss Frank’s new book, Inside the Reagan White House—a firsthand look at policymaking, politics, and the people behind the scenes of the Reagan Revolution.

Transcribed - Published: 15 July 2025

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by Wall Street Journal political reporter Josh Dawsey, co-author of 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and the Democrats Lost America, just released today. They dig into Dawsey’s reporting, the fallout from Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, the devastating flash floods in Texas, Biden’s cell phone, spaceships, crayons, and what all of it says about where we’re headed.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

All three Hacks together —- a real Fourth of July miracle. They cover Thom Tillis’ resignation, the big, beautiful bill, the New York mayor’s race, Elon’s tweets, kitchen-table economics, rising star Sarah McBride, the Trump monster, the DOGE monster, and more—because nothing says “patriotism” like chaos, crypto, and meat cuts.

Transcribed - Published: 1 July 2025

This week, the Hacks are pulling double duty—two big stories, two top-notch guests. First, Senator Elissa Slotkin—former CIA analyst and Pentagon official—joins to break down U.S. involvement in Iran, Trump’s handling of the strikes, and the rift this is opening inside the Republican Party. Then, the Hacks turn to the city that never sleeps with former U.S. Ambassador to South Africa and longtime New York political heavyweight Patrick Gaspard. They dig into the New York mayor’s race, the ins and outs of ranked choice voting, and how generational divides, political comebacks, and a post-MeToo reckoning are reshaping the city’s politics.

Transcribed - Published: 24 June 2025

This week, the Hacks return amid a whirlwind of headlines and rising tensions. Axe and Murphy are joined by the incomparable Maggie Haberman—Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and one of the most trusted chroniclers of American politics. The Hacks dig into the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Trump’s abrupt departure from the G7, the drama unfolding in the New York races, and the latest on Ukraine. Plus: ICE operations in Los Angeles, the horrific assassinations in Minnesota, rising political polarization and violence, and what 2026, 2028—and yes, even tomorrow—might bring. -- If you want to honor Melissa and Mark Hortman, please read this note from their children on how to honor their parents:  Plant a tree. Visit a local park and make use of their amenities, especially a bike trail. Pet a dog. A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do. Tell your loved ones a cheesy dad joke and laugh about it. Bake something — bread for Mark or a cake for Melissa, and share it with someone. Try a new hobby and enjoy learning something. Stand up for what you believe in, especially if that thing is justice and peace. Hope and resilience are the enemy of fear. Our parents lived their lives with immense dedication to their fellow humans. This tragedy must become a moment for us to come together. Hold your loved ones a little closer. Love your neighbors. Treat each other with kindness and respect. The best way to honor our parents’ memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.

Transcribed - Published: 17 June 2025

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by Marc Short—former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Director of Legislative Affairs under President Trump—for a jam-packed conversation. From his front-row seat in the Trump administration, Short reflects on what feels like a political Groundhog Day: National Guard troops on the ground in California. He opens up about working with Stephen Miller, hints at what Mike Pence might have planned next, and weighs in on the future of the Republican brand in a post-Trump era. Plus, the Hacks take on the national debt, the GOP’s tug-of-war between cultural and economic messaging, Elon Musk’s latest pivots, and peek into the crystal ball for today’s primaries.

Transcribed - Published: 10 June 2025

This week, in honor of Mike Murphy’s 30th birthday (don’t fact-check that), we’re serving up a bonus mini-sode! Mike is joined by longtime pod pal JMart to unpack the latest fallout in the bromance no one asked for — Musk and Trump. The Hacks dissect where the relationship went sour, what comes next for the billionaire and the president, and what this high-profile spat means for the future of American politics.

Transcribed - Published: 6 June 2025

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by Democratic strategist and political firecracker Lis Smith. The Hacks dive into Sen. Ernst’s weird apology, Elon’s pushback on the ‘big, beautiful bill’, Gov. Wes Moore’s future on the national stage, the New York mayoral race, and so much more. Buckle up!

Transcribed - Published: 3 June 2025

The full Hackeroo trio is back in the bunker, wading through a Memorial Day medley of MAGA mayhem. Trump’s at it again — hosting a crypto dinner straight out of “Shark Tank,” taking new aim at Putin, picking trade fights, and going after the Ivy Leagues. Plus, the hacks open up the listener mailbag and dig into your sharpest questions, wildest theories, and most unfiltered takes. Buckle up.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2025

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by their old pal Jonathan Martin to wade through the flotsam and jetsam of another jam-packed political week. They discuss the new book about Biden has everyone talking—about his legacy, his future, and now the tragic cancer diagnosis at the center of it all. Plus: the price of eggs, Trump’s spin on inflation, the SALT fight, and so much more! 

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

This week, the Hacks welcome their old friend Rahm Emanuel —- former Chicago mayor, White House chief of staff, U.S. ambassador to Japan, and now CNN political commentator. They taxi down the runway on jet diplomacy, manufacturing strategy, and the challenge of crafting economic messages that actually land. Plus, a deep dive into the old bait-and-switch (and occasional political backstab), Biden’s comms blitz, and the surprisingly spiritual side of the Windy City.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by their old pal—the former senator and current director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics—for a freewheeling conversation on the philosophy (or lack thereof) of Donald Trump. The Hacks break down the so-called “doll economy,” dig into Trump’s polling, immigration rhetoric, populist messaging, and yes… the cake eaters.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

This week all three Hacks reunited to cover the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. They dig into the “feral animal cunning” behind Trump’s political instincts, the human toll of his immigration and trade policies, and the raw nerves hit by the latest of tariff uncertainty. And so much more — the Hacks are back!

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2025

This week, Murphy is still flying solo—but he's not alone. He's joined by veteran GOP strategist and communications pro Doug Heye, along with Axios senior political reporter Alex Isenstadt, author of the new book Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power. The Hacks dig into Senator Chris Van Hollen’s visit with Kilmar Ábrego García, dissect the evolution from Trump 1.0 to Trump 2.0, and unpack all the political mayhem in between.

Transcribed - Published: 22 April 2025

This week, Mike Murphy is flying solo — but fear not, he’s joined by two heavyweight Hacks: Jonathan Martin, veteran political reporter and senior political columnist for Politico, and Robert Costa, CBS News chief election and campaign correspondent and co-author of Peril with Bob Woodward. Together, they dive into POTUS v. SCOTUS, wrongful deportations, China’s tariff triumphs, Harvard fighting back, deficits, stagflation, strongman stuff, and — naturally — a slew of other uplifting developments in American democracy.

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2025

This week, Axe and Murphy are back together -- proof that political gravity always pulls the Hacks back into orbit. They’re joined by legendary Democratic pollster and savant, John Anzalone. The Hacks dive right into Anzalone’s polling, discussing Trump’s tariffs, the stock market vs. the supermarket, the Democratic need to lay out an economic agenda, angels and demons, melting ice sculptures, and so much more!

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2025

This week, Mike Murphy is hacking—and not in the good, political way, but in the coughing-his-lungs-out way—so the heroic John Heilemann swoops in to save the day and join David! The Hacks are joined by legendary journalist, author, former RFK speechwriter, and all-around wise guy Jeff Greenfield to break down the Wisconsin Supreme Court showdown, Trump’s third-act trolling, RFK Jr. (the bizarro version), authoritarian antics, tariffs, tax cuts, and much more.

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2025

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow for a deep dive into the week’s political mayhem. The Hacks break down war planning via Signal, Trump’s deportations and legal issues, exploding head emojis, going down the rabbit hole, pyrotechnics, nonsense, and so much more. 

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by the coolest cat from Congress, Steve Israel! The Hacks discuss Trump’s immigration war, avoiding the Schumer shutdown, warrior mentality, and more. Plus, stick around ‘til the end for an inspiring message from Steve—you’ll be glad you did!

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

The Hacks are back, and so is the economy’s latest identity crisis. This week, Heilemann and Murphy are joined by veteran political strategist and former Clinton White House advisor Doug Sosnik! The Hacks break down the tariff wars, Wall Street’s reaction to Trump, the Tesla chainsaw massacre, government waste, the art of friendly media, and much more. Buckle up for some classic Hackery!

Transcribed - Published: 11 March 2025

It’s Hack to the future (but worse!) Three bleary-eyed Hacks assemble this morning to break down Trump’s speech—because, apparently, the laws of gravity and politics no longer apply. Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann dissect Democrats’ great appreciation for Musk, debate Elon’s possible motives, unravel a parliament of fluffers, and, of course, gold chainsaws. It’s a total and complete blabfest you won’t want to miss!

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

Heilemann’s flying solo this week, but fear not! In the absence of Axe & Murphy, Heilemann is joined by two Hacks renowned for their razor-sharp analysis and impeccable wit: Sarah Longwell and Ambassador Patrick Gaspard. Together, they break down Trump’s presser with Macron, the latest in the Russia-Ukraine saga, the fine art of hiding behind empathy, Elon’s latest 4D chess move (or tantrum?), playing possum, and much more!

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2025

Hack-a-doodle-doo! This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by a familiar face—former regular and now former Ambassador, the great Rahm Emanuel. The Hacks dive into inflation, Trump’s backchannel talks with Putin, DOGE intrusions, the kitten caucus, Eric Adams’ legal troubles, and much more!

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

Forget the Super Bowl—Trump’s Gulf of America is the real spectacle this week. Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the expert Hackeroo and savant, Jonathan Martin, to break it all down. JMart dives into his latest POLITICO piece on USAID, while the Hacks dissect Trump’s shade-throwing at JD Vance, looming court battles, Elon Musk’s latest rampage, and a whole lot of political mayhem. Buckle up!

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2025

In this completely normal, not-at-all bonkers week, Axe and Murphy were joined by White House expert and CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins—who is making her long-overdue Hacks debut. The Hacks break down Elon Musk’s latest antics, mouse traps for Democrats, tariffs, Trump’s cabinet scorecard, the state of the modern Democratic Party, Canada (yes, really), and the ongoing demolition of political norms.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2025

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the great, pen-stained hack, Robert Costa. The Hacks dive into Trump’s first week in office, his aggressive approach to mass deportations, the political impact of his January 6th pardons, outrage exhaustion, security concerns, upcoming nomination votes, CHIPS, tariffs, and so much more. It’s an open-mic-night presidency, and we’re here to walk you through it!

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

Three bleary eyed, unpardonable Hacks convened this morning to walk you through yesterday’s circus. They discuss Trump overconsumption, Biden’s pardons, Trumps pardons, setting expectations, the atomic clock of grifting, changing the constitution, and so much more.

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by fan favorite and all-around cool guy Jonathan Martin! The Hacks kick things off with a front-line report from Mike Murphy on the LA wildfires, unpacking the implications for the city and the state’s future. They also dive into the status of Trump’s nominees, the business world cozying up to Trump, Biden’s evolving legacy, and the escalating drama within Trump’s inner circle.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

Happy New Year, Hackeroos! Axe and Murphy rang in the new year with a journalism icon, the incomparable Jonathan Alter. Author of His Very Best: Jimmy Carter, A Life, Alter joins the Hacks to reflect on the passing of President Carter and the extraordinary legacy he leaves behind. The Hacks also delve into the Biden transition, Trump’s ongoing legal battles, what to expect from his appointments and campaign promises, and the ever-changing role of social media in our democracy—along with the responsibility social media executives bear in shaping it.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2025

‘Twas a night filled with headlines, and all through the pod, Not a topic was skipped—not even David’s odd plod. Drones in the skies, with surveillance to show, And scandals aplenty that continue to grow. Trump’s lawsuits piled like stockings with care, While inaugural donations danced through the air. Inflation will be “slashed,” or so Trump has claimed, And RFK vowed, with no hint of delay, To make Big Pharma ads completely go away. So gather around for sharp wit and good cheer— It’s the wildest wrap-up, the last pod of the year!

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2024

This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by expert Hack and pollster to the stars, John Anzalone. The Hacks dissect Trump’s Meet the Press interview, defy political gravity to forecast Trump’s future appointments, and ponder the fate of bipartisanship in a second Trump era. Plus, the guys tackle campaign loyalty, the screaming January 6th jail birds, and the state of the Democratic bench.

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2024

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie! The Hacks dive into Christie’s unique insights as Donald Trump’s former Transition Team Chairman to explore what a second Trump term might look like: which cabinet picks are likely to stick, and which ones are simply Trump’s way of flipping the bird. Plus, the guys unpack the Hunter Biden pardon drama and ask Christie for his thoughts on the Kushner ambassadorship—an ironic twist, given their history.

Transcribed - Published: 3 December 2024