Best Ali Velshi Podcasts (2024)

1
Star-Crossed Lovers 42:23

27m ago42:23

42:23

At first glance, the two books that make-up this episode of the Velshi Banned Book Club have very little similarities. Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” is a critical keystone to both the English language and the art of storytelling. Everyone knows Romeo and Juliet’s tragic love story. Dorit Rabinyan’s “All The Rivers” is a semi-autobiographic love …

1
Project 2025 and Trans People 1:04:00

28m ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Project 2025 has become a surprising focal point of the U.S. presidential race. But who exactly is behind it, and why are they targeting trans rights? To help break down this radical plan for reshaping American life, Imara talks with two experts who have been tracking the policy and politics of Project 2025. First, she’s joined by ProPublica invest…

1
One Year of War in the Middle East 1:32:57

1h ago1:32:57

1:32:57

Tommy and Ben discuss the anniversary of the October 7th attack in Israel and how the war has expanded across the Middle East in the year since, they play reflections from a Palestinian journalist in Gaza and an Israeli woman whose relatives were taken hostage, and discuss the heavy fighting this week in both Northern Gaza and Lebanon. Then they ta…

1
HIGH-STAKES FINAL PUSH OF THE 2024 CAMPAIGN CYCLE 1:20:48

3d ago1:20:48

1:20:48

Ali Velshi reports the latest updates from the Harris and Trump campaigns, the Middle East, a new hurricane bound for Florida, and Project 2025’s plan to undermine our ability to measure climate risksBy Ali Velshi, Rep. Jamie Raskin, Elie Mystal, Melissa Murray, Gov. Jay Inslee, W. Kamau Bell, Susanne Craig

1
ONE MONTH UNTIL ELECTION DAY 1:23:18

4d ago1:23:18

1:23:18

Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns battle for union support, more on why abortion is healthcare, and a deeper dive inside Project 2025’s plans to change our democracy into a monarchyBy Ali Velshi, Jennifer Rubin, Dr. Matthew Seligman, Jessica Valenti, Kimberly Wehle, Dr. Tom Nichols, Lisa Rubin, Professor Michael Mann, Shawn Fain

1
Election 2024: What are the Stakes for Global Democracy? 49:36

4d ago49:36

49:36

In this special episode of Pod Save the World, Ben looks at how this November’s election will impact global democracy. From the rise of autocracy and the far right, to U.S. efforts to support (or undermine) democratic values around the world, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump represent a stark choice. He’s joined by Senator Chris Murphy, USAID adminis…

1
Memoir as a Medium 32:40

6d ago32:40

32:40

What is braver than sharing your own story with the world? Nothing. This episode of the Velshi Banned Book Club will examine two true stories: “Hunger” by Roxane Gay and “The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls. While these two memoirs are windows into two vastly different worlds, they are both masterclasses in the age-old tradition of storytelling as…

1
Gaza and the 2024 Elections 57:19

6d ago57:19

57:19

As we near the one year anniversary of October 7th, Imara reflects on how the war in Gaza has impacted election politics in the United States. First, she’s joined by a spokesperson for the Uncommitted National Movement, June Rose, who shares their experience as an uncommitted DNC delegate, how their Jewish identity shapes their commitment to Palest…

1
Israel Invades Lebanon, Iran Attacks Israel 1:14:56

7d ago1:14:56

1:14:56

Tommy and Ben discuss the escalating war between Israel, Hezbollah and Iran after Iran launched 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for the Israeli strike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. They also talk about Nasrallah’s importance and the prospects for his replacement, the Israeli ground invasion into Leba…

1
Introducing The Anti-Trans Hate Machine: Paramilitary Groups Stoke Political Violence 3:29

8d ago3:29

3:29

In this gripping season of the Anti-Trans Hate Machine, host Imara Jones examines the disturbing links between the rise of political violence in America, far-right paramilitary groups, and anti-trans hate. Join us as we show how far-right militias, by redirecting their focus after the January 6 insurrection to attacking drag shows and LGBTQ events,…

1
Trump’s Tariff Threat 1:23:30

11d ago1:23:30

1:23:30

Trump’s misguided tariff Policy, Project 2025’s plan to expand the death penalty, the battle for swing states, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Governor Jennifer Granholm, Katherine Tai, Paul Butler, Max Boot, Norman Ornstein, Jennifer Rubin, Melissa Murray, Matt Bradley

1
HEZBOLLAH LEADER KILLED 1:23:46

12d ago1:23:46

1:23:46

Israel kills leader of Hezbollah, Harris campaign focuses on immigration, Project 2025’s plan to Politicize USAID, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Dr. Jason Stanley, McKay Coppins, Sarah Elaine Harrison, Jeremy Konyndyk, Arlie Russell Hochschild, Alon Pinkas, George M. Johnson

101
Mental Health and the 2024 Elections 50:22

14d ago50:22

50:22

As the countdown to Election Day continues, the stress and uncertainty of U.S. politics can impact our wellbeing in some major ways. So how do we manage our own mental health and support others until November 5 and beyond? Imara asks two mental health professionals about their favorite strategies and frameworks for building emotional resilience and…

1
War in Literature 37:00

13d ago37:00

37:00

Heralded as one of the most enduring and salient novels in American history, “The Things They Carried”, written by Tim O’Brien, is a fictionalized account of O’Brien’s very real time as an infantry soldier in the Vietnam War. While, at its core, it is a Vietnam War novel, “The Things They Carried” explores the futility of all war, the power of frie…

1
Israel Bombards Hezbollah in Lebanon 1:24:12

14d ago1:24:12

1:24:12

Tommy and Ben discuss the escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah into all-out war, the shuttering of Al Jazeera in the West Bank, the importance and futility of the United Nations General Assembly, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s trip to the US with a “victory plan” and a swing state ammunition plant visit. Then they discu…

1
State of Play with 44 Days to Go 1:23:31

18d ago1:23:31

1:23:31

Ali Velshi reports on the subversive intent behind Donald Trump’s campaign rhetoric, the underlying racism within the anti-abortion movement, and growing tensions in the Middle EastBy Ali Velshi, Akbar Shahid Ahmed, Thom Hartmann, Ken Burns, Dr. Michele Goodwin, Jenice Fountain, Dr. Timothy Snyder, Peter Beinart, Dean Obeidallah

1
Playbooks 1:24:06

19d ago1:24:06

1:24:06

Conservative strategy to scapegoat and divide voters ahead of the 2024 election, Project 2025’s plan to politicize the U.S Census, tensions escalate in the Middle East, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Scott Westerfeld, Dr. Joia Crear-Perry, David Pepper, Maya Wiley, Bobby Ghosh, Shikha Dalmia, Ruth Ben-Ghiat

1
Coming to America 38:08

20d ago38:08

38:08

The story of this country is told through the eyes of immigrants. This episode of the Velshi Banned Book Club will explore two critically acclaimed additions to the American immigration literary canon: “How the García Girls Lost Their Accents” by Julia Alvarez and “American Street” by Ibi Zoboi. Both novels examine what becomes of identity, religio…

1
Israel Sends Exploding Pagers to Hezbollah 1:13:34

22d ago1:13:34

1:13:34

Tommy and Ben discuss reports that Israel sent thousands of explosive pagers to members of Hezbollah and whether this signals the beginning of a larger Israeli military operation in Lebanon, what people who have been in national security meetings with Kamala Harris say about her leadership style and new polling about the politics of foreign policy …

1
The Company You Keep 1:25:03

25d ago1:25:03

1:25:03

Ali Velshi reports on far-right figure Laura Loomer’s connections to the Trump campaign, the latest conservative lies about immigration and abortion, Project 2025’s threat to agriculture, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Dr. Jason Stanley, Dean Obeidallah, Michael Steele, Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D- Michigan), Zack Beauchamp, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Dr. Spencer Glendon, Dr. Leah Torres, Dr. Leslie Reagan

1
Policy vs. Propaganda 1:23:00

26d ago1:23:00

1:23:00

Ali Velshi reports on Kamala Harris’ post-debate strategy, Project 2025 seeks to ban medication abortion, conservative lies about abortion, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Mary Trump, Secretary Jocelyn Benson, Leah Litman, Michael Cohen, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Laurie Halse Anderson

1
Trans People Fighting Back 1:03:08

28d ago1:03:08

1:03:08

As attacks on trans people continue to escalate across the country, standing up for our rights is more important than ever. This week, Imara talks with two people who are fighting back in two states with some of the harshest anti-trans laws. First, she’s joined by Executive Director of the Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT), Emmett Schel…

1
The Power of Dystopian Literature 44:39

27d ago44:39

44:39

Good dystopian literature forces its readers to confront ideas of government, culture, community, and identity. This episode of the "Velshi Banned Book Club" will examine two of the most celebrated works of dystopian literature of all time: “The Giver” by Lois Lowry and “1984” by George Orwell. Both novels are staples in the American public educati…

1
A Legacy of Advocacy 38:20

27d ago38:20

38:20

We are starting Season 2 of the "Velshi Banned Book Club" with a very special featured book: Ali Velshi’s own “Small Acts of Courage: A Legacy of Endurance and the Fight for Democracy.” Exploring more than a century of his family's history, the book illustrates Ali’s worldview, including his dedication to public service and his unwavering belief in…

1
Republicans Blame Kamala Harris for Afghanistan Collapse 1:30:16

29d ago1:30:16

1:30:16

Tommy is joined by Colin Kahl, Biden’s former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy, to discuss multiple conflicts and hot spots around the world including the ongoing efforts against ISIS in Iraq, the hard lessons being learned in the war in Ukraine, Republican attempts to blame Kamala Harris for the Afghanistan withdrawal, extremist attacks in we…

1
Countdown to the Harris-Trump Debate 1:22:43

1M ago1:22:43

1:22:43

Harris & Trump prepare for their first meeting on the debate stage, Inside Project 2025’s assault on LGBTQ+ Rights, Kentucky highway shooter remains at large, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Fmr. Sen. Doug Jones, Fmr. Gov. Steve Bullock, Kaitlyn Kash, Jennifer Rubin, Leah Litman, Rohit Chopra, David Rohde, Molly Jong-Fast, Steve Benen, Melissa Murray

1
The Final Sprint 1:23:26

1M ago1:23:26

1:23:26

Project 2025’s take on gun laws, why Abortion is Healthcare, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Maya Rupert, Dean Obeidallah, Latorya Beasely, Kris Brown, Kimberly Atkins Stohr, Fmr. Rep. Joe Walsh, Kenneth Rogoff, Mindy McGinnis

1
Introducing: Season 2 of “Velshi Banned Book Club” 1:56

1M ago1:56

1:56

MSNBC's Ali Velshi brings you a second season of the “Velshi Banned Book Club.” Book banning is happening more and more. Removing literature from library shelves, school syllabi, and summer reading lists isn’t just blatant censorship; it is the tip of the sword that threatens American democracy itself. Featuring critically acclaimed and culturally …

1
Hamas Executes Hostages, Israelis Protest Netanyahu 1:22:32

1M ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Tommy and Ben discuss the discovery of six Israeli hostages killed by Hamas, protests in Israel demanding Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agree to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, how Biden’s rhetoric about Gaza gives Netanyahu political cover, and the challenges of the UN’s Polio vaccination rollout in Gaza. They also talk about what an elec…

1
A Tale of Two Campaigns 1:25:14

1M ago1:25:14

1:25:14

6 Hostages found dead in Gaza, Harris’ Normal Campaign vs. Trump’s Weird one, Project 2025’s Plan to Dismantle Housing PolicyBy Ali Velshi, Noga Tarnopolsky, Thom Hartmann, Dr. Christina Greer, Peter Beinart, Errin Haines, Dr. Andre Perry, Kait Wyatt, Stuart Stevens, Roland Martin

1
Ali Velshi and Ian Hanomansing in Conversation 1:21:32

1M ago1:21:32

1:21:32

Ali Velshi—Chief Correspondent for MSNBC, a weekly economics contributor to NPR, and host of his own news show, “Velshi”—joins us to discuss his new book Small Acts of Courage, a captivating family history that illustrates how small actions can have an outsized political impact. He speaks with Ian Hanomansing, host of CBC’s The National from Vancou…

1
GEORGIA BACK IN PLAY 1:24:17

1M ago1:24:17

1:24:17

Both campaigns hone in on Georgia, Inside Project 2025’s plans on extremism, extreme climate change, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Mini Timmaraju, Kathy Spillar, Dr. Ala Stanford, Dr. Eddie Glaude, Barbara McQuade, Monica Medina, Judith Browne Dianis

1
Replay: Trans Family Child Separation 52:48

1M ago52:48

52:48

Over the past couple of years, Republicans in Texas and Florida have pursued a devastating new line of attack against trans youth: separating them from their supportive parents. In this episode replay from last spring, Imara discusses the politics and consequences of these family separation efforts with two people working on the frontlines. First, …

1
Telegram Founder Arrested in France 1:30:47

1M ago1:30:47

1:30:47

Tommy and Ben discuss Telegram founder Pavel Durov’s arrest in France, the debate over free speech, social media, and CEO accountability, as well as why the Russian government finds the app so useful. They also talk about strikes between Hezbollah and Israel and the lonely optimism of the US on a ceasefire deal, a change in US nuclear strategy that…

1
Contrasts Coming out of the Conventions 1:25:25

2M ago1:25:25

1:25:25

Ali Velshi reports the latest on Decision 2024, the Middle East, Project 2025, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Sheelah Kolhatkar, Paola Ramos, Kathleen Sebelius, Rick Perlstein, Mallory McMorrow, Malcolm Kenyatta

1
Big Tent vs Small Tent 1:25:26

2M ago1:25:26

1:25:26

Ali Velshi reports the latest on Decision 2024, post-Roe America, the Foam Pillow Salesman, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Dean Obeidallah, Mehdi Hasan, Michele Goodwin, Seth Harris, Olivia Troye, Ruwa Romman, Chris Crutcher, Roe v Wade

1
DNC Roundup with Ali Velshi 43:13

2M ago43:13

43:13

It’s the final day of the Democratic National Convention, and Imara has been on the ground in Chicago reporting on this historic event. As Kamala Harris accepts the party’s nomination, Imara takes a close look at what we’ve learned about her campaign this week. She’s joined by Chief Correspondent for MSNBC, Ali Velshi, who breaks down Kamala Harris…

1
Gaza Protests and the DNC 1:07:01

2M ago1:07:01

1:07:01

Tommy and Ben discuss the lack of foreign policy discussion in speeches at the DNC in Chicago, protests over Gaza happening outside of the convention, and reports that Trump could be influencing Netanyahu’s decision to hold off on agreeing to a ceasefire deal. They also talk about Ukraine’s incursion into Russia causing a pause in negotiations to s…

1
Unpacking the DNC: Day 1 19:02

2M ago19:02

19:02

After an unprecedented shake up in the presidential race, the Democratic National Convention begins today in Chicago. To kick off TransLash Media’s on-the-ground, daily coverage of this historic occasion, we’re sharing an episode of our premium, political show The Mess: Imara’s Guide to Our Political Hellscape. It features an insightful conversatio…

1
79 DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY 1:22:32

2M ago1:22:32

1:22:32

Ali Velshi reports the latest on Decision 2024, DNC preparations, the War in Ukraine, and moreBy Ali Velshi, Andre Perry, Anne Applebaum, Randi Weingarten, Jocelyn Benson, Adrian Fontes, Mike Memoli, Tom Perez, Rev. Dr. William Barber

1
NEW PATHS TO VICTORY 1:21:37

2M ago1:21:37

1:21:37

The Swing State Landscape. the Dangerous Consequences of Abortion Bans, Project 2025’s Plan for the Federal Trade CommissionBy Ali Velshi, Steve Benen, Amanda Zurawski, Nancy Northup, Roger McNamee, Rep. Katie Porter, Rep. Summer Lee, Robin Benway

1
Replay: Traveling While Trans 53:21

2M ago53:21

53:21

Imara takes a look at the joys and complications of travel for the trans community in this fan favorite episode from last summer. First, she’s joined by Nala Touissant, founder of Reuniting of African Descendants (ROAD), who discusses her work facilitating healing and connection between trans and queer people across the African Diaspora, and the ma…

1
Ukraine Invades Russia 1:22:23

2M ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Tommy and Ben discuss the impact of Ukraine’s shocking military incursion into Russian territory, how the US and Israel are preparing for a possible retaliatory military strike by Iran and Hezbollah, how activists are trying to influence Kamala Harris’s position on Gaza, and the latest details on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and ceasefire neg…

1
POLITICS VS. POLICY 1:21:15

2M ago1:21:15

1:21:15

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz tour of swing states in first campaign blitz, Project 2025’s impact on the American family, migrants’ treacherous journey from South America to the U.S., and moreBy Ali Velshi, Sen. Bernie Sanders, Mike Hixenbaugh, Zachary D. Carter, Bobby Ghosh, Caitlin Dickerson, Lynsey Addario

1
DEMOCRATIC UNITY 1:25:59

2M ago1:25:59

1:25:59

The Democratic Party continues to rally behind the Harris-Walz ticket, Inside Project 2025’s plans for the tax code, Donald Trump’s tax agenda for Project 2025, and How Georgia’s new state rule will impact the 2024 electionBy Ali Velshi, Fmr. Gov. Steve Bullock, Keith Ellison, Sara Tindall Ghazal, Dorothy Brown, Thom Hartmann, Molly Jong-Fast, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Anthony Doerr

1
Harris-Walz Ticket, A Russian Prisoner Exchange 1:19:27

2M ago1:19:27

1:19:27

Ben and guest host Alyona Minkovski discuss how Harris’s pick of Tim Walz as a running mate represents a new generation of US foreign policy, the anticipation of an attack from Iran and Hezbollah in retaliation for the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, and a historic prisoner exchange between the US and Russia that included journalists, dissidents, and an…

1
92 DAYS UNTIL ELECTION DAY 1:22:19

2M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

Donald Trump’s policy agenda, the late great Shirley Chisholm, and Kamala Harris’ VeepstakesBy Ali Velshi, Chris Van Hollen, Steve Benen, Olivia Troye, Ambassador Patrick Gaspard, Errin Haines, Timothy Snyder, Juanita Tolliver, Jasmine Crockett

1
SYMBOLS ARE IMPORTANT 1:23:32

2M ago1:23:32

1:23:32

Ali Velshi reports the latest on Decision 2024, Harris’ running mate decision, the historic prisoner swap, and moreBy Molly Jong-Fast, Ali Velshi, Michael Steele, William Browder, Mark Zaid, Zerlina Maxwell, Mark McKinnon, Jon Allen, John Brennan, David Noriega, Mohsin Hamid

1
Andrey Kurkov: Diary of an Invasion 1:00:18

2M ago1:00:18

1:00:18

The Vancouver Writers Fest and Upstart & Crow Literary Arts Studio welcomed Ukraine’s most celebrated writer, Andrey Kurkov, to discuss his work with international correspondent for The Globe and Mail, Nathan VanderKlippe. Kurkov will be back at the Vancouver Writers Fest with his International Booker Prize-longlisted novel, The Silver Bone. Diary …

1
How to Vote as a Trans Person 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

The 2024 elections are only three months away, and turning up at the polls is critical. But the complex landscape of voter ID laws across the U.S. can make voting a challenge. This week, Imara takes a look at the proliferation of these laws, and the potential disenfranchisement of trans voters whose name, gender markers, and appearance may not matc…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Ali Velshi Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide