The Al Franken Podcast cover art

The Al Franken Podcast

The Al Franken Podcast

By: The Al Franken Podcast
Listen for free

About this listen

A five-time Emmy winning SNL comedy writer/producer, joins a four-time #1 NYT bestselling author, a three-time highest-rated national progressive radio host, a two-time Grammy winning artist, and a former US Senator. So, it gets a little crowded in the booth when Al talks public policy and sometimes political comedy with notable guests. Think “The Daily” without the resources of the NYTimes.

© 2019 Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott on Reducing Violent Crime

    Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott on Reducing Violent Crime
    Sep 14 2025
    Baltimore, Maryland is one of Donald Trump's most frequent targets when talking about crime in America. As the President continues to threaten to send troops into American cities, we wanted to hear from Baltimore's mayor, Brandon Scott.

    Since Mayor Scott took office, the city has seen a dramatic drop in violent crime. He explains his policies and how investing in the community has helped calm the violence in Baltimore. So it's no surprise that he does NOT want Trump sending troops to his city.

    Mayor Scott shares how growing up in Baltimore impacted his political ideology. He also discusses some of the major victories he's had, including lawsuits against a major gun dealer AND opioid manufacturers and distributors. Those lawsuits have brought hundreds of millions into the city and are being reinvested directly into the community.

    LEARN more about the Mayor of Baltimore’s work: https://mayor.baltimorecity.gov/

    Get 60% off of your first box of meals for your dog with our newest sponsor, Ollie! https://www.ollie.com/franken
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • War Correspondent Tim Mak on the War in Ukraine

    War Correspondent Tim Mak on the War in Ukraine
    Sep 7 2025
    Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet for Vladimir Putin in Alaska last month and came up empty handed... No ceasefire, no concessions, nothing. So what does the future of the war in Ukraine look like? We turn to journalist Tim Mak who has been based in Kiev since the start of the war. Tim is the founder of The Counteroffensive, a Substack that chronicles life in Ukraine and the agony of this war.

    Tim breaks down the current state of the war, and he’s not too optimistic about the possibility of peace anytime soon. 70% of Ukrainians believe the war will still be going on a year from now. And if a deal is struck, how does the world make sure that Russia doesn't just attack again?

    READ Tim’s work in The Counteroffensive: https://www.counteroffensive.news/

    Get 15% off your skin care with our new sponsor, OneSkin, using code FRANKEN! https://www.oneskin.co
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • BEST OF: Bob Odenkirk on Comedy (and Drama)!

    BEST OF: Bob Odenkirk on Comedy (and Drama)!
    Aug 31 2025
    In this Best Of episode, we revisit our 2022 conversation with comedian and actor Bob Odenkirk! We got to hear from him about his memoir “Comedy, Comedy, Comedy, Drama” and his early beginnings writing comedy in grade school. We reminisce about our days together at Saturday Night Live and discuss some of our favorite sketches. We also talk about his sketch series, “Mr. Show with Bob and David.”

    Bob also shares about his 13 years playing Saul Goodman on Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul and how he nearly died of a heart attack on set.

    You'll also hear Bob discuss his then-new movie, Nobody, which was so successful, it got a sequel. Go see Nobody 2 in theatres now! https://www.fandango.com/nobody-2-2025-240144/movie-overview

    For information on our newest sponsor, Mint Mobile: www.mintmobile.com/franken
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
No reviews yet
In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.