The Next Level

Tim Miller, Sam Stein, and JVL talk about the week's biggest stories: Trump installs a meme stock grifter as acting Director of National Intelligence, the $1.8 billion weaponization slush fund may be dying (or just hibernating), Tina Peters walks free and heads straight to Steve Bannon, Scott Pelley goes out swinging at 60 Minutes, and the leaked Trump-Netanyahu call reveals a president trapped by his own unworkable coalition of MAGA, Iran hawks, and Mark Levin all turning at once.Get 25% off select mattresses PLUS an extra $50 off during Leesa’s extended Memorial Day sale. Go to https://Leesa.com, promo code THENEXTLEVEL.Go to https://GreenChef.com/50NEXTLEVEL and use code 50NEXTLEVEL for 50% off your first month, then 20% off for your next two months.Read JVL’s Triad, here: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriad

Transcribed - Published: 2 June 2026

Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark, on Apple Podcasts, Substack and YouTube.Sarah and JVL talk about the ongoing meltdown of Trump’s Freedom 250 event; the inappropriateness of putting a UFC cage fight on the White House lawn; John Cornyn’s sudden understanding of what Trump is; and Bari Weiss’s murder of 60 Minutes. It’s a good show / short show because we’re both playing hurt today, so forgive us if we’re not at our most dazzling.

Transcribed - Published: 29 May 2026

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL went live to cover the Texas primary runoff election, Megyn Kelly (maybe?) turning against Trump, and much more.Visit http://upwork.com/THENEXTLEVEL right now and post your job for free.

Transcribed - Published: 27 May 2026

Full episodes of The Secret Podcast are available to paid members of The Bulwark via Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Substack.Sarah is in the City of Angels; JVL is in the Big Apple;) and they have A LOT to catch up on. Gas is at $4.65. Trump is at -22 in the latest Fox poll. The Senate said no to the billi for his ballroom.Oh, and maybe we’re going to do regime change in Cuba soon?Plus: They recap the California live shows and go deep on Tina Peters.Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use. Head to https://quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. 

Transcribed - Published: 23 May 2026

Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Sam Stein debate whether Democrats should just “let Trump cook” as his approval numbers crater, Republicans start breaking ranks, and the MAGA coalition begins to fracture. Plus: Rubio takes heat over Iran, the gang ranks Trump’s worst cabinet members, and they roast Trump’s gaudy gold makeover of Washington.Get 20% off your first order, plus free shipping during the Memorial Day Sale at https://BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel with code nextlevel. Ready to reach your goals? Visit https://hims.com/THENEXTLEVEL to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is TNL fans 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpod

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2026

The Secret Podcast is available exclusively to paid subscribers of The Bulwark. You can join on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube!Last night news broke that President Trump would drop his $10b lawsuit against the IRS if the people who work for him at the Justice Department would create a $1.7b fund out of taxpayer dollars and allow him to appoint five commissioners to run this fund and they would award money to anyone they deemed fit.Oh, and that the list of people given money would be secret. And Trump could replace the commissioners any time he wanted, for no reason.The Trump administration is positioning this as a “truth and reconciliation commission.” Which is amazing.For a decade JVL (and to a lesser extent Sarah) have wanted a truth and reconciliation commission to document accounts of what people did during the Trump era. And now the monkey’s paw has granted their wish.We get a truth and reconciliation commission designed to help the people who did the Trump era.As you can imagine, Sarah and JVL have a lot to say about this. Strap in.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2026

JVL, Sarah Longwell, and Tim Miller discuss the Virginia redistricting ruling, what it means for elections this November, and whether Democrats need to start playing as dirty as their opponents. Plus: the Iran war is a strategic catastrophe that most Americans don't understand yet, and what Bob Kagan—the man who cheered on every Middle East intervention—now thinks about where this is all heading. And Marjorie Taylor Greene has moved to Costa Rica. Seriously.Refresh your everyday with luxury you'll actually use. Head to https://Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too. For a limited time, 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.JOIN US! We’ll have some chatty friends joining us on stage for Bulwark Live in San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. For details or to grab your seats today head to https://TheBulwark.com/Events.

Transcribed - Published: 13 May 2026

The full episode is available exclusively to paid members of The Bulwark. You can join on Apple Podcasts, Substack or YouTube.Sarah and JVL had a big show planned for you. Lots of different subjects. Important news. Funny stories. The whole nine.And then everything derailed as they went SUPER deep on Graham Platner and the meta-debate about him. If you think Platner has electoral upside, you love Nazis. If you have concerns about Platner’s populism, you’re a closet Republican. The internet has spoken!It’s a whole thing.Also: This marks the first time in the history of the show that Sarah read JVL’s piece and JVL . . . didn’t even realize Sarah had written something? The shoe is on the other foot, my pretties!Read JVL’s Triad newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriadRead Sarah’s 'The Man Behind the Tatoo': https://www.thebulwark.com/p/the-man-behind-the-tattoo-graham-platner-maine-democrat-focus-groupON SALE NOW: Bulwark Live is coming to San Diego on May 20 and Los Angeles on May 21. Just announced! We’re adding some chatty friends to the lineups for both shows. Grab your seats now to join Sarah, Tim and Sam for an evening of politics among friends and keep an eye on https://TheBulwark.com/Events for more announcements.

Transcribed - Published: 9 May 2026

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and Sam Stein (filling in for JVL) discuss the Trump administration’s assertion that the effort to protect ships in the Strait of Hormuz is "separate and distinct" from the larger war effort in Iran. Plus, they get into the drama over Ken Martin’s time as DNC chair, the effect the Supreme Court’s recent voting rights ruling might have on the midterms, the wisdom of Senate Republicans allocating $1 billion for the ballroom Trump promised would be completed without public money and how the Senate battleground his shaping up for Democrats this fall. Bonus: Tim coins a new term for presidents hitting historically bad polling numbers.Visit https://Upwork.com/THENEXTLEVEL right now and post your job for free.Head to https://Greenchef.com/50nextlevel and use code 50nextlevel to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months.Read "The YOLO Presidency" by Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer: https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/2026/04/donald-trump-legacy-history/686817/Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego on 5/20 and in LA on 5/21: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/bulwark-events

Transcribed - Published: 5 May 2026

Full episodes of the Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the signs that voters are starting to regret their Trump vote—and why that doesn’t mean politics is getting any simpler. Gas prices are rising, a gerrymandering arms race is raging and the Supreme Court reshaped the rules. Plus: the Maine race, the rise of populist candidates like Platner, and what The Bulwark actually stands for.

Transcribed - Published: 1 May 2026

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL are going LIVE to cover yet another indictment of Jim Comey by the Trump administration.NOTE: If you're getting this late—we apologize! Something went wrong and some of you may not have received this episode on the day that it was originally released (Tuesday, April 29). We will try to track down and punish the gremlins responsible.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order. Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVELHead to https://Brodo.com/THENEXTLEVEL for 20% off your first subscription order and use code THENEXTLEVEL for an additional $10 off.Read Ben Parker’s exclusive reporting on Trump’s plan to put his own face on US passports: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/exclusive-state-dept-finalizing-planRead JVL’s Triad newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriad

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

JVL and Sarah Longwell talk about the firing of the Navy secretary mid-conflict and the bizarre “Trump-class battleship” saga, exposing a pattern of impossible promises and chaotic leadership. Plus: the Spirit Airlines bailout and what it says about Trump’s commitment to “capitalism.”Full episodes of the Secret Podcast are available to paid members of the Bulwark on Substack, YouTube, and Apple Podcasts.

Transcribed - Published: 24 April 2026

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL celebrate JVL’s Webby win (sort of), and cover Tucker Carlson’s sudden “regret” turn and what it means about MAGA, Donald Trump Jr. as a 2028 front-runner, and the continued disaster in Iran. Plus: the ongoing dysfunction inside the administration, including the latest turmoil surrounding Kash Patel.Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://SHOPIFY.com/ thenextlevel.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpodGet 15% off your first order plus free shipping at https://BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel with code nextlevel.Don't miss the Triad this Friday when JVL will answer all your pressing questions on the news of the day. Leave your questions here: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/triad-mailbag-april-25-2026

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss a bizarre week where markets surge amid global chaos, Trump feuds with his own allies, and confusion over Iran keeps escalating. They also break down a blowout Democratic win, surging fundraising, and what it all signals for the midterms—plus a growing fight inside the party over Israel and its future direction.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2026

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller and JVL cover a rough week for Trump, from failed talks with Iran that turned into a naval blockade, to strong signs of real cracks inside his coalition as allies and right-wing media begin to push back against his idiocy. They also talk about what Orbán’s defeat in Hungary means for Trump-style politics, and discuss the lightning-fast downfall of Eric Swalwell.Go to https://Leesa.com for 20% off select mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code THENEXTLEVEL, exclusive for TNL fans.For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering $30 off your first box—PLUS free Croissants for life—when you go to https://Wildgrain.com/THENEXTLEVEL and start your subscription.Refresh your spring wardrobe with Quince. Go to https://Quince.com/thenextlevel for free shipping and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too!

Transcribed - Published: 15 April 2026

JVL and Sarah discuss the failed ceasefire, Melania’s bizarre Epstein pre-denial, and the growing rift between Trump and "America First" heavyweights like Tucker, Megyn, Candace, and Alex Jones. Is this just another performative feud, or the start of something real? And as AI muddies reality itself, what happens when nobody believes anything anymore?Paid members of the Bulwark get exclusive access to the FULL episode on Apple Podcast, Substack or YouTube.

Transcribed - Published: 11 April 2026

Sarah, Tim and JVL g to cover Trump's Iran ultimatum and other news.Make today a good day, and get yourself some Soul gummies. Right now, Soul is offering 30% off your entire order! Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL.Head to https://Greenchef.com/50nextlevel and use code 50nextlevel to get 50% off your first month, then 20% off for two months.Visit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free and to connect with top talent ready to help your business grow.

Transcribed - Published: 8 April 2026

JVL and Sarah discuss Trump’s rambling, unfocused address that failed to clarify any of the war’s goals, even as evidence mounts that the situation is getting worse. They also talk about the Bondi firing, why it may have been timed to shift attention, and what it says about how this White House handles bad news.Plus: rising oil prices, market jitters, and new warning signs from voters who are starting to turn against Trump.

Transcribed - Published: 3 April 2026

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL get into the wild new scandal involving Kristi Noem’s husband—and why the story isn’t what people think it is.They also discuss Trump’s chaotic handling of the Iran conflict, the political fallout at home, and whether his support is starting to crack. Plus: Lindsey Graham’s surreal Disney detour, protests across the country, CPAC’s decline, and JD Vance’s latest reinvention.Head to https://Brodo.com/THENEXTLEVEL for 20% off your first subscription order and use code THENEXTLEVEL for an additional $10 off.JVL’s newsletter, The Triad, has been nominated for a Webby Award in the Best Email Newsletter: Business, News & Technology category. Even if you don’t read it regularly—like some best friends—you can vote to give our very own JVL the W. Every votes counts! Vote here for Best Email Newsletter: https://wbby.co/57608N

Transcribed - Published: 1 April 2026

JVL and Bill Kristol—filling in for Sarah—discuss escalating Iran conflict, the risky push toward a wider war, and why the real damage may outlast the fighting. They also get into the global fallout—from threats to the petrodollar system to the collapse of U.S. alliances—and what a rushed exit might look like.

Transcribed - Published: 27 March 2026

Tim Miller, JVL and Sam Stein (filling in for Sarah) discuss Trump’s shambolic approach to the Iran war—no clear objective, mixed signals, and rising economic fallout. As gas prices climb and markets wobble, they ask whether the political damage has already begun, even if the polls haven’t fully caught up.Plus: signs of a potential MAGA fracture, ICE at airports, a look inside the grift behind Project 2025, and a disturbing interview with Greg Bovino.Visit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free.It’s time to turn those “What Ifs” into  CHA CHING with Shopify today. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/thenextlevel. Upgrade your sleep during Boll & Branch’s Annual Spring Event. Take off 20% sitewide plus free shipping at https://BollAndBranch.com/nextlevel with code nextlevel.

Transcribed - Published: 24 March 2026

Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and JVL were live in Austin talking about Trump’s Iran war, the cascading economic fallout, and growing global instability. As gas prices spike and allies react, the conversation turns darker: how bad could this get—and what it says about America right now.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 https://NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD.Go to https://GetSoul.com and use the code THENEXTLEVEL for 30% off.

Transcribed - Published: 20 March 2026

Paid members of The Bulwark can watch the FULL episode of The Secret Podcast.JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss the Trump administration’s stumble into an Iranian conflict that betrays its "no more wars" promise. They analyze the sudden resignation of Joe Kent over foreign wars, Tulsi Gabbard’s surreal FBI testimony regarding Fulton County ballots, and the looming "bloodbath" within a fracturing Republican coalition.Pre-order Sarah’s book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September: https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2026

Sarah Longwell and JVL talk about what happens if Trump doesn't TACO and pull the plug on the Iran war excursion after things go from messy to bad. Not great!Also: What happens if we know how to reform the system, but the system is so ossified that it can't be reformed? And are The People, in fact, the worst?Pre-order Sarah's book, How to Eat an Elephant, coming in September https://static.macmillan.com/static/smp/how-to-eat-an-elephant-9781250464170/

Transcribed - Published: 13 March 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 March 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 February 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 25 February 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 February 2026

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!

Transcribed - Published: 14 February 2026

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/THENEXTLEVELVisit https://Upwork.com right now and post your job for free!

Transcribed - Published: 11 February 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2026

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/ #oneskinpodGet 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA.

Transcribed - Published: 4 February 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 January 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 27 January 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 January 2026

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/THENEXTLEVELGet $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!

Transcribed - Published: 14 January 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 10 January 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 December 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 December 2025

Sarah Longwell, JVL, and Tim Miller discuss the jaw-dropping Vanity Fair interviews Susie Wiles gave to Vanity Fair and what they reveal about how Trumpworld actually operates, the Epstein and Maxwell fallout, the backlash to Trump’s remarks about Rob Reiner, MAGA’s internal fractures, Elon Musk’s role in dismantling USAID, and why this moment feels different from past Trump controversies. Susie Wiles, JD Vance, and the “Junkyard Dogs”: The White House Chief of Staff on Trump’s Second Term (Part 1 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-1 Susie Wiles Talks Epstein Files, Pete Hegseth’s War Tactics, Retribution, and More (Part 2 of 2) https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/trump-susie-wiles-interview-exclusive-part-2 Get 50% off your first order with Green Chef and a FREE Graza Olive Oil set at https://GreenChef.com/NEXTLEVELGRAZA. Get 30% off your entire order with Soul at https://GetSoul.com, promo code THENEXTLEVEL. Remember to head to https://ZBiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use the code NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off. To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/THENEXTLEVEL and use code THENEXTLEVEL for both the code AND PASSWORD.  

Transcribed - Published: 17 December 2025

Donald Trump isn’t just attacking the press, he’s trying to own it. JVL and Sarah Longwell discuss how Trump is using merger approvals, billionaire allies, and corporate pressure to bend major media companies to his will, from CNN and CBS to the broader tech and news ecosystem. They explain why media consolidation creates a dangerous opening for political intimidation, how this power play has nothing to do with conservatism and everything to do with control, and why independent outlets like The Bulwark matter more than ever in an era where money, media, and government are colliding.

Transcribed - Published: 12 December 2025

Get 20% off your entire order @LaundrySauce with code THENEXTLEVEL at https://laundrysauce.com/THENEXTLEVEL #laundrysaucepod This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to https://Superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership. Get free shipping and 365 day returns with Quince at https://Quince.com/THENEXTLEVEL

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

This a preview of The Secret Podcast, where Sarah and JVL go off-leash and uncensored in an intimate conversation. The full episode is available for paid Bulwark members on Apple Podcasts, Substack and YouTube! Sarah and JVL are in meat-space talking about the Donald J. Trump buildings coming soon to a town near you. And also why liberalism needs to fight. But the big topic is all of the feelings they’ve got from being at the annual Bulwark all-hands get together. Warning: Emo JVL is a bit much.

Transcribed - Published: 5 December 2025

Sarah Longwell, Tim Miller, and JVL get through a chaotic week in Trump’s Washington: Elise Stefanik and Mike Johnson tearing each other apart, Hegseth’s shifting alibis for a possible war crime, Trump nodding off while his cabinet members freelance policy, and a fresh round of immigration extremism that targets even legal residents. They also discuss population-collapse warnings, the “narco-terror” fantasy, JD Vance’s pathetic theatrics, and Tim’s interview with Olivia Nuzzi. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code THENEXTLEVEL at https://www.oneskin.co/THENEXTLEVEL #oneskinpod Go to https://zbiotics.com/NEXTLEVEL and use NEXTLEVEL at checkout for 15% off any first time orders of ZBiotics probiotics. Get $35 off your first box of wild-caught, sustainable seafood—delivered right to your door. Go to: https://www.wildalaskan.com/NEXTLEVEL. Get 40% off your entire order during Soul’s Black Friday-Cyber Monday sale at https://GetSoul.com, promo code THENEXTLEVEL.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2025

Note: Sarah and JVL recorded this episode on Wednesday, November 26. JVL and Sarah Longwell break down why pardoning January 6 felons might be the most dangerous move of his presidency yet. By promising protection to anyone who commits crimes on his behalf, Trump is building a loyalty pipeline straight out of a mob movie… and the Supreme Court is giving him the cover he needs.

Transcribed - Published: 28 November 2025