The Wilderness

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Can the Democrats save America? This is the story of a party’s journey through the wilderness after the most crushing defeat in history. In a documentary that spans two centuries of American politics, Pod Save America's Jon Favreau talks to more than 100 strategists, historians, activists, and voter…

Crooked Media, Two-Up


    • Aug 18, 2024 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 48m AVG DURATION
    • 41 EPISODES
    • 4 SEASONS

    Ivy Insights

    The Wilderness podcast is an excellent show that provides a unique and informative perspective on American politics. Hosted by Jon Favreau, the podcast features conversations with voters, activists, and political experts, giving listeners a deep understanding of the current political landscape. As someone in the middle of the political spectrum, I appreciate that the show leans left but still presents a balanced discussion of issues.

    One of the best aspects of The Wilderness is its ability to connect with actual voters and young activists who are passionate about creating change. Hearing their stories and ideas is both inspiring and eye-opening. The podcast effectively highlights the issues that many citizens care about, such as housing, healthcare, education, and job wages. It gives a platform to those who are fighting for these causes and shows why it is important to give them power within the Democratic Party.

    Another positive aspect of this podcast is its high-quality production value. The episodes are well-researched and thoughtfully put together. Jon's ability to think out loud in response to undecided voters makes for an entertaining listen. The show also does a great job of fixing media messaging by focusing on meeting people where they are and providing essential information for everyone.

    Unfortunately, one of the drawbacks of The Wilderness is that it could benefit from including updates that reflect recent events such as Covid-19, BLM protests, and events in Portland. While it provides valuable insight into how people think about politics, an update on these topics would make it even more relevant and timely.

    In conclusion, The Wilderness is an essential podcast for anyone interested in American politics. It offers a deep dive into how voters think across the political spectrum, educates listeners about important issues, and provides hope for positive change. Jon Favreau's hosting skills shine through as he navigates conversations with sensitivity and knowledge. Overall, this podcast is highly recommended for its thoughtful approach, balance of voices, and insightful analysis.



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    Latest episodes from The Wilderness

    How Kamala Beats Trump (Final Ep.)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2024 55:56


    On the final episode of this season of The Wilderness, Jon is joined by UCLA political scientist Lynn Vavreck and senior Harris campaign advisor David Plouffe. Lynn and Jon discuss why, despite all of this election's wild changes, Lynn is still expecting a close outcome in November and then David Plouffe sits down with Jon to talk about what we can do to help Kamala beat Trump.Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. 

    Kamala Harris's Winning Message (Ep. 7)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2024 54:19


    Jon is joined Democratic message guru Anat Shenker-Osorio and longtime political strategist Michael Podhorzer to talk about how swing voters are reacting to a Harris-Walz ticket and what message the campaign will need to win them over in November. They break down why Tim Walz has been a uniquely effective messenger, how Kamala Harris is reclaiming freedom from Republicans, and how Minnesota's 2018 “Greater than Fear” campaign set the stage for this moment.Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. 

    What Undecided Voters Think of Kamala Harris (Ep. 6)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2024 42:07


    Jon is joined by longtime pollster Sarah Longwell to discuss how swing voters are reacting to Kamala Harris' unexpected campaign for president. How did they react to Biden's decision to withdraw? What concerns do they have about Kamala Harris' chances against Trump? And is her candidacy reigniting their capacity for hope? Sarah shares new focus group tape from Kamala Harris' first week on the campaign trail to find the answers and talks to Jon about the Vice President's path to the White House. Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. 

    Why No One's Winning Young Voters (Ep. 5)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2024 72:32


    Jon is joined by youth polling experts John Della Volpe and Kristen Soltis Anderson to talk about apathy among young voters this election cycle. Why are they so disengaged? Are some truly defecting to Trump? And what message, if any, can get them out for the polls? Jon, John, and Kristen dive into the focus group tape to unpack Gen Z's opinions of our octogenarian presidential candidates, their top economic issues, and the war in Gaza. And Anderson Clayton, the 26-year-old Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party, joins to talk about Gen Z's faith in their own ability to improve democracy.Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold.  

    How Democrats Can Win Latinos Back (Ep. 4)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2024 63:53


    Jon is joined by Carlos Odio and Stephanie Valencia, founders of Equis Research, the nation's leading polling and research firm focused on the Latino electorate, to talk about what Democrats can do to win back the Latino voters who left the party for Trump in 2016 and 2020. Why are some of them leaning towards Trump? How did they react to Biden's border actions? And what issues are they most focused on in 2024? Jon, Carlos, and Stephanie dive into the focus groups to answer these questions and Leo Murrieta, Director of Make the Road Nevada, joins to talk about his trip to the White House and offer his advice for the Biden campaign.Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th.

    Could Trump-Curious Black Voters Swing the Election? (Ep. 3)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2024 60:08


    Jon is joined by pollster Terrance Woodbury and Lavora Barnes, Chair of the Michigan Democratic Party, to talk about the black voters who may cast their ballots for Trump this November. Who are they? Why are they leaving the Democratic Party? And how can we bring them back into the fold? Jon, Terrance, and Lavora dive into focus group tape, the Trump campaign's strategy, and Biden's recent speeches to find a message that works for these voters and then John Taylor, co-founder of Black Male Initiative Georgia, reminds us that the work of organizing should always begin with love. Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th.

    The Trump Voters Who Are Sick of Trump (Ep. 2)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 55:17


    Jon is joined by longtime pollster Sarah Longwell and former Republican strategist Tim Miller to get inside the minds of two-time Trump voters who are no longer sure if they'll vote for him again. What's changed? Well, January 6th, a few criminal trials, and some obviously bogus claims that the election was stolen. But is that enough to get them over the line for Joe Biden? Jon, Tim, and Sarah listen to a focus group tape of these voters to figure out how they're leaning in 2024 and then Ben Wikler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, joins to help teach you how to persuade the Biden-curious Trump voter in your life.Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th. 

    The Path to Defeat Donald Trump (Ep. 1)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2024 38:07


    Welcome back to The Wilderness. Jon talks about what it will take to rebuild 2020's anti-Trump coalition with political analyst Ron Brownstein, political scientist Lynn Vavreck, Biden SuperPAC strategist Addisu Demissie, Democratic strategist Jen Palmieri, and Democratic strategist Simon Rosenberg. They'll talk about the  risks of a second Trump term and how you can help prevent it.  It may be a challenging road ahead, but by taking the time to persuade the persuadables in your life it's possible to finally break Trump's stranglehold on our politics.Take action with Vote Save America: Visit votesaveamerica.com/2024  Pre-order Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps at crooked.com/books or wherever books are sold. Out June 25th.

    The Wilderness, Season 4 (coming May 26th)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2024 3:36


    If you're reading this, chances are you're not an undecided voter. But if you don't want Donald Trump to become president again, between now and November you'll need to convince as many as you can to cast their ballot for Joe Biden. With the help of some of the smartest strategists, pollsters, and organizers in politics today, host Jon Favreau explores the minds of voters who will decide the 2024 election, and gives you everything you need to persuade the persuadables in your life.Episodes 1 &  2 premiere May 26. New episodes every other Sunday.

    Introducing Pod Save the UK: Protest, Eurovision and Showgirls

    Play Episode Listen Later May 11, 2023 51:20


    While we were busy being dazzled by glittery crowns and golden coaches…did the authorities sneak in and steal away our rights? New laws have given the police wide ranging powers to arrest protestors - scuppering the plans of anti-monarchy protestors to demonstrate against the Coronation. Instead they were arrested, detained and then released without charge - after the event was safely over. Nish and Coco ask barrister and activist Paul Powlesland  and ask what happened to the British love of freedom?Plus find out why a PSUK listener spent 15 hours outside his local polling station; why the Coronation gave Coco ‘Showgirls' vibes; why Coco can't wait for Eurovision; and why Labour and the Lib Dems are in danger of being ‘vagina adjacent'.Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media. 

    The Wilderness Chapter 6: Young Black Voters in Atlanta

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 17, 2022 63:43


    Can Democrats keep Georgia blue? We hear from young Black voters in Atlanta about Stacey Abrams, Raphael Warnock, Joe Biden, voting rights, and the future of democracy. Organizer Nsé Ufot, political commentator and strategist Symone Sanders, and pollster Terrance Woodbury join Jon to discuss what they had to say. New episodes of The Wilderness drop every Monday. Subscribe to The Wilderness wherever you get your podcasts.Apple: apple.co/thewildernessSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6JfsJlD5sBhVpEQEALNw4UStitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/the-wildernessIf you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and New Georgia Project: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/https://newgeorgiaproject.org/

    Chapter 5: Working-Class Latinos in Las Vegas

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 55:14


    Are demographics destiny? We talk to working-class Latino voters in Las Vegas about what issues matter most to them and whether they'll vote for Democrats this fall. Political scientist Ruy Teixeira, former Bernie Sanders presidential campaign manager Faiz Shakir, and Carlos Odio of EquisLabs join to discuss. If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and Culinary Union 226: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/https://www.culinaryunion226.org/

    Chapter 4: Gen-Z Voters in Orange County

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2022 52:14


    Are young voters the key to the midterms? We hear from disillusioned Gen-Z voters in Orange County, California as well as their Member of Congress, Katie Porter. Then Data For Progress' Evangel Penumaka, organizer and former Texas Democratic Senate candidate Cristina Tzintzún-Ramirez, and John Della Volpe of Harvard Kennedy School join Jon to dig into what the voters had to say. If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and Next Gen America: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/https://nextgenamerica.org/

    Chapter 3: Disconnected Democrats in Pittsburgh

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 59:13


    How can Democrats reach disconnected voters? We talk to Biden voters in Pittsburgh who are fed up with national politics. Jon breaks down their responses with Pennsylvania Representative Malcolm Kenyatta, data expert Dan Wagner, and John Fetterman senior campaign strategist Rebecca Katz.If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to Vote Save America and Pennsylvania United: https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/https://www.mobilize.us/paunited/event/493306/

    Chapter 2: Party Switchers in Virginia

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 19, 2022 53:41


    Why would Biden voters support Republicans? We hear from party switchers in Loudoun County who turned Virginia red in 2021 by voting for Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin. Communications expert Anat Shenker Osorio, organizer Tram Nguyen, and Sarah Longwell of The Bulwark join Jon to discuss.If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/

    Chapter 1: The Divide

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 12, 2022 44:25


    If you want to learn more about how you can take action in the fight for our democracy, head over to https://votesaveamerica.com/midterm-madness/

    The Wilderness, Season 3 (coming September 12th)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 8, 2022 3:44


    In season 3 of The Wilderness, Jon Favreau talks to voters in the midterm battleground regions who will determine the future of democracy. With the help of grassroots organizers and strategists, Favreau will unpack what it will take for Democrats to reach these voters, who turned out to help defeat Trumpism in the last election, but aren't entirely sure if they'll do it again.

    Introducing: Offline with Jon Favreau

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2021 57:02


    Wilderness fans! Jon Favreau has a new weekly podcast called Offline. In this episode: Snapchat's Peter Hamby talks to Jon Favreau about why Twitter has ruined political journalism, how the internet transformed the media business, and what a healthy, sustainable model of journalism might look like. New episodes of Offline with Jon Favreau drop every Sunday on the Pod Save America feed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    Chapter 6: The Path

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2020 45:51


    What’s the winning message in 2020? We talk about how to overcome Trump’s massive media advantage and deliver a message that resonates everywhere with the smartest people we know. Jon Favreau sits down to answer some of questions about The Wilderness Season 2, the democratic primary, and what democrats need to do to win the general election. You can subscribe to Crooked's YouTube channel and watch it here: https://youtu.be/2kbOgJvznUU 

    Chapter 5: The Midwest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2020 49:16


    How can Democrats beat Trump’s divisive politics? We spend time with Obama-Trump voters in Milwaukee, and sit down with political leaders and strategists who know how to win in the Midwest.

    Chapter 3: The Southwest

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020 45:29


    Are the Sunbelt’s suburbs key to victory in November? We talk to Romney-Clinton voters in Arizona and follow a candidate who’s trying to flip her changing district.

    Chapter 4: The Southeast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2020 47:30


    How can Democrats turn out new voters? We talk about expanding the electorate with Stacey Abrams and spend time with organizers and occasional voters in Florida.

    Chapter 2: The Northeast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 51:02


    How can grassroots organizers flip a red state? We talk to women who are trying to turn Pennsylvania blue and defeat Susan Collins, and sit down with a focus group of disaffected Democrats outside of Philadelphia.

    Chapter 1: The Stakes

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2020 43:19


    What can the 2018 midterms teach us about 2020? A deep dive into how the Blue Wave shapes the race against Donald Trump and the path to 270.

    The Wilderness, Season 2 (coming January 13, 2020)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2020 3:41


    Jon Favreau looks for the path to victory in 2020 by talking to voters, strategists, organizers, and candidates in the battleground states that will decide the election.

    Chapter Fifteen: The Story (with Barack Obama)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2018 57:44


    In the series finale, Barack Obama and Jon Favreau have a conversation on the story we need to tell about America. What should the Democratic Party’s message be in 2018? Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Fourteen: The Ceiling

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 17, 2018 61:54


    What are the unique challenges facing women in politics? A first-time candidate who’s running to be a state legislator tells her story. Learn more:www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Thirteen: The Bench

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2018 46:06


    How can we recruit a new generation of winning candidates? Three young, recently-elected Democrats talk about what it’s like to run for office. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Twelve: The Party

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 3, 2018 59:18


    How democratic should the Democratic Party be? The evolving relationship between party leaders and grassroots organizers. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Eleven: The Filter

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 27, 2018 66:51


    How can Democrats break through in today’s media environment? A strategy for rethinking the way we communicate with the public. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Ten: The Blob

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 20, 2018 52:28


    How can Democrats avoid conventional thinking on foreign policy? A discussion about what a new era of American leadership might look like. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Nine: The Second Bill of Rights

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2018 57:01


    What does a bold, progressive economic agenda look like? Policy experts talk about the big ideas that can shape the Democratic Party’s platform. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Eight: The 1%

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 13, 2018 41:08


    Why do we have an historic level of inequality in this country? The economic transformations and political decisions that have diminished the American Dream. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Seven: The Newcomers

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2018 61:48


    What’s the best way to fight for a humane immigration policy? Immigration advocates talk about the decisions that shaped the debate and where we go from here. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Six: The Big We

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2018 41:55


    How can Democrats build a multiracial coalition that adds up to an electoral majority? A discussion about whether it’s necessary or possible to win back voters we’ve lost. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Five: The Backlash

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2018 51:15


    How do we fight for justice and equality in the face of racism? The struggle to break the cycle of progress and backlash that defines race and politics in America. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Four: The Voters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2018 52:21


    How do we fix what’s wrong with the Democratic Party? Focus groups of Democratic voters in Texas and Michigan, along with thousands of callers, offer their views.  Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Three: The Nightmare

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2018 54:34


    Why did Democrats lose the 2016 election? The candidates, campaigns, and conditions that led to America’s worst person becoming president.  Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter Two: The Change

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2018 40:39


    What is Barack Obama’s legacy? A closer look at how an historic presidency shaped the party and the country. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    Chapter One: The Democracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 16, 2018 47:24


    How did we get here? The history of the Democratic Party, from its birth in the 1820s through the election of Barack Obama. Learn more: www.thewildernesspodcast.com The Wilderness with Jon Favreau is presented by Honey. Join for free at www.joinhoney.com/wilderness

    The Wilderness, Season 1 Trailer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 6, 2018 3:29


    The Wilderness is a documentary from Crooked Media and Two-Up Productions about the history and future of the Democratic Party. Pod Save America’s Jon Favreau tells the story of a party finding its way out of the political wilderness through conversations with strategists, historians, policy experts, organizers, and voters. In fifteen chapters, the series explores issues like inequality, race, immigration, sexism, foreign policy, media strategy, and how Democrats can build a winning majority that lasts. Coming July 16th.

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