The Next Level

Latest Episodes:

1077: Secret Podcast: JVL Wants Every Trump Voter to Know, THIS IS YOUR FAULT! May 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

1076: Trump Indicts Comey—AGAIN Apr 29, 2026

Show notes

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.

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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-plan

Read JVL’s Triad newsletter: https://www.thebulwark.com/s/thetriad

1075: Secret Podcast: Trump’s War Runs on Pure Make-Believe Apr 24, 2026

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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.

1074: Tucker Carlson’s “Regret” Is Just Another Scam Apr 21, 2026

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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.

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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

1073: Secret Podcast: Republicans Are Walking Into a Buzzsaw Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

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.

1072: Did JD Vance Tell the Pope to Shut Up? Apr 15, 2026

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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.

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1071: Secret Podcast: The Podcast Wars Apr 11, 2026

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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.

1070: LIVE: Trump Extends Civilian Annihilation Threat For Two Weeks Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Sarah, Tim and JVL g to cover Trump's Iran ultimatum and other news.

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1069: Secret Podcast: Every Single Person Around Trump Is Expendable Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

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.

1068: Kristi Noem’s Husband Isn’t the Problem Apr 01, 2026

Show notes

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.

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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

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