Runaway Country with Alex Wagner

Cadence13

Being an American right now is a wild ride. Every day brings a new controversy, breathless media narratives, and the same loud voices rushing in to score political points. Then another Truth Social post drops and the circus moves on. But all that noise is drowning out the actual story. On her new podcast Runaway Country, veteran journalist Alex Wagner talks to the voices at the center of the headlines: from the fringes of the resistance, to the marrow of MAGA, to the many people who’ve found themselves smack-dab in the crosshairs of a fight they never asked for. Because if you want to understand our unreal times, you’ve got to talk to the very real people who are experiencing it all first-hand. Join Alex as she brings together the stories of everyday Americans trapped in our national car with no brakes, alongside conversations with some of the smartest thinkers in politics. Buckle up, this road could lead anywhere. New episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts, and @RunawayCountryWithAlexWagner on YouTube. If you have a story to share, send us an email or one-minute voice note at runawaycountry@crooked.com.

Location:

United States

Genres:

News & Politics Podcasts

History Podcasts

Networks:

Cadence13

Description:

Being an American right now is a wild ride. Every day brings a new controversy, breathless media narratives, and the same loud voices rushing in to score political points. Then another Truth Social post drops and the circus moves on. But all that noise is drowning out the actual story. On her new podcast Runaway Country, veteran journalist Alex Wagner talks to the voices at the center of the headlines: from the fringes of the resistance, to the marrow of MAGA, to the many people who’ve found themselves smack-dab in the crosshairs of a fight they never asked for. Because if you want to understand our unreal times, you’ve got to talk to the very real people who are experiencing it all first-hand. Join Alex as she brings together the stories of everyday Americans trapped in our national car with no brakes, alongside conversations with some of the smartest thinkers in politics. Buckle up, this road could lead anywhere. New episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts, and @RunawayCountryWithAlexWagner on YouTube. If you have a story to share, send us an email or one-minute voice note at runawaycountry@crooked.com.

Language:

English

Episodes

15: Trump Gives DC Architecture A MAGA Facelift (with Heather Cox Richardson)

2/19/2026

President Trump has torn down the East Wing of the White House, re-named the Kennedy Center, and proposed an “Independence Arch”. This week, Alex speaks to architect Neil Flanagan about the damage being done to Washington’s historic buildings, as well as the feasibility of his future projects. Then, she’s joined by Heather Cox Richardson, historian and author of the Substack, “Letters from an American” to analyze how the remaking of America’s capitol lines up with the tried and true methods of authoritarian leaders.

Duration:01:04:07

14: The Epstein Administration

2/12/2026

The latest release of more than three million Epstein files has exposed the vast network of powerful and ultra-rich elites who were part of Jeffrey Epstein’s social and business circle. This week, Alex speaks to journalist Kurt Andersen about the way people at the highest echelons of politics, business, academia, and beyond co-mingle. Then, she’s joined by The Bulwark’s Sarah Longwell to discuss whether or not this issue might finally bring about some political consequences for President Trump and his administration.

Duration:01:03:27

13: Trump Is Getting Scared About the Midterms

2/5/2026

From a raid on an election office in Fulton County, Georgia, to a call to nationalize federal elections…President Trump is making it clear that his next target is our Democracy itself. This week, Alex speaks to Fulton County Commissioner Marvin Arrington about why he’s challenging the FBI’s seizure of voting records. Then, she’s joined by Faiz Shakir, founder of More Perfect Union, to break down the significance of a flipped seat in Texas, and what the Democrats’ prospects are in this fall’s midterm elections.

Duration:01:11:23

On the Ground in Minnesota

1/29/2026

This week Alex travels to Minneapolis to see first hand how the community is responding to the terrorizing presence of ICE and the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti. She shines a light on the grassroots efforts of mothers mobilizing to help both students and teachers who fear being targeted, and speaks to Reverend Dan Johnson about how his congregation has been impacted as well the very un-Christian nature of this administration’s tactics. Then Alex sits down with Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to talk about how President Trump’s rhetoric contributed to the attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar, whether judicial interference can stop the federal government’s overreach, and why access to voter rolls is an issue at the center of this crisis. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:24:50

ICE Arrests Are Only the Beginning

1/22/2026

Even police chiefs in Minnesota are calling out ICE tactics as race-based and out of line. This week, Alex focuses on what comes next — from conditions at ICE detention centers, to the long-term impacts this lawless use of force will have on communities. First Alex speaks to David Wilson, an immigration attorney in Minneapolis about the horrible treatment and lack of medical care his clients are facing. Then she’s joined by MS NOW Political and National Correspondent, Jacob Soboroff, to talk about what he’s seeing on the ground in Minneapolis, how Trump 2.0 immigration enforcement compares to the family separation policy he covered during the first term, and his new book “Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America’s New Age of Disaster”. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:15:43

Trump and MAGA Justify Renee Good’s Death

1/15/2026

Since an ICE agent shot and killed Renee Good in Minneapolis, President Trump and MAGA have labeled her a “domestic terrorist” and come up with one reason after another to justify her death. This week Alex interviews Michel Moore, the former Chief of Police for the Los Angeles Police Department, to hear how law enforcement is interpreting the event. Then she speaks to The Bulwark’s Tim Miller to question the parallel realities Americans seem to be living in, despite ample video footage, and even in cases of life and death. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:06:07

Trump’s Terrifying Imperial Fantasies

1/8/2026

2026 has started off with strikes on Venezuela, the kidnapping of President Nicolas Maduro, and a brazen slew of threats from President Trump against Greenland, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, and Iran. This week, Alex speaks to Venezuelans about what their hopes and fears are for the future of their country. Then she's joined by Pod Save America's Jon Favreau and Pod Save the World's Ben Rhodes to break down the absolute insanity of Trump’s imperial ambitions. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:02:56

Will the Supreme Court Finally Stand Up to Trump in 2026? (with Melissa Murray)

12/18/2025

Are President Trump’s tariffs illegal? Will the independence of federal agencies be a thing of the past? Is birthright citizenship about to be taken away? These are just a few of the consequential questions before a Supreme Court that's hell-bent on destroying obstacles to President Trump's executive power. Alex talks to two plaintiffs at the center of of these cases, Toymaker Rick Woldenberg and former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. Then, she sits down with NYU Professor and Strict Scrutiny host Melissa Murray to put it all into context and talk about what the long term impacts will be of a Supreme Court where corruption and partisanship are now out in the open. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:18:50

What the Hell is Happening at the Pentagon? (with Sen. Elissa Slotkin & Ben Rhodes)

12/11/2025

Under the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the Pentagon is in disarray. From a lack of transparency on extrajudicial strikes in the Caribbean, to the Signalgate scandal, to kicking out the Pentagon press corp – this administration has put a leader at the helm who is both embarrassing and a threat to national security. This week, Alex hears from The Atlantic’s Nancy Youssef about what it’s like covering the defense beat without access to the Pentagon. She also speaks to Senator Elissa Slotkin, who has told service members that they are not obligated to follow unconstitutional orders, and been targeted by President Trump for doing so. Then Alex and Pod Save the World host Ben Rhodes break down what kind of reputational damage Hegseth is doing to America’s image abroad, and what dangerous precedents are being set for authoritarian countries to follow. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:11:43

Making America White Again

12/4/2025

The Trump administration is using the tragic shooting of two National Guard members by an Afghan national as justification to close the door on immigration, refugees, and asylum seekers trying to enter the US. This week, Alex speaks to an Afghan aid worker who now fears for his family's safety, and then is joined by Joy Reid to talk about how this is all part of a larger MAGA plot to Make America White Again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:47:23

Trump Cracks on Epstein Files

11/20/2025

This week, the House and Senate voted nearly unanimously to release all of the files related to the investigation into sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein, after President Trump pulled a complete 180 and signaled his support. So how and why did things change? Alex speaks to Marina Lacerda, a survivor of Epstein’s abuse, about why the release is so important for both a sense of justice and her personal healing. Then, Alex is joined by attorney and political commentator George Conway to talk about what the bill in Congress requires, and how to read into the defections of MAGA politicians like Marjorie Taylor Greene, which catalyzed the party’s great reversal on the issue. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:53:02

Hasan Piker on the Democrats' Bullies and Republican Nazis

11/13/2025

Democrats and Republicans may seem worlds apart politically, but both parties are running into a similar problem – getting pushed into uncomfortable positions. Less than a week after election wins across the country, it only took 7 Democratic Senators and one Independent to wipe away the feeling of victory and instead cave to Trump and the GOP’s bullying on the government shutdown. Republicans, however, have their own problems as exposed by the rift over Tucker Carlson embracing far-right antagonist Nick Fuentes. This week, Alex is joined by Zohran Mamdani’s political strategist, Morris Katz, and twitch streamer and political commentator, Hasan Piker, to break down how politicians can find their backbone again. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:14:13

A Wipeout and a Showdown (with Chris Hayes)

11/6/2025

Tuesday’s elections ushered in big wins for Democrats in the NYC mayoral race, Virginia and New Jersey’s Governors’ races, California’s redistricting measure, and more. Meanwhile, Democrats in Congress are still standing their ground as the government shutdown now becomes the longest in US history. Alex speaks to MSNBC’s Chris Hayes about what Democrats should take away from these two test cases, and how they should inform the party’s politics for the rest of Trump’s Presidency. She also hears from individuals living through the first-hand impacts of rising healthcare premiums and the government’s pause in food stamps. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:52:43

Dems Take the Gloves Off

10/30/2025

Alex talks about the hottest issue leading up to next week’s election….the 2026 election. California’s Proposition 50 is a power play by Governor Newsom and Democrats to fight back against Republican gerrymandering in Texas, in the hopes of saving Democratic seats in Congress in the midterm elections. Now a firestorm has ignited with states across the country launching redistricting efforts, and both parties have come to play. First, Alex hears about grassroots efforts to tackle the issue from Richard von Glahn, the Executive Director of People Not Politicians in Missouri. Then she speaks to democratic strategist David Plouffe about the moral quandary Democrats find themselves in, and why our hyper partisan political environment necessitates a gloves-off approach. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:59:23

Justice Has Left the Building

10/23/2025

Alex digs into the destruction of due process and rule of law under the Trump administration. First, she hears from Judge Anam Petit, a recently fired immigration judge who explains how the legal system is being quietly dismantled to prioritize deportations. Then, Alex speaks to Andrew Weissmann, former lead prosecutor in Robert Mueller’s Special Counsel’s Office, about whether our system is forever changed, and what it’s like to be in President Trump’s crosshairs. Subscribe to Runaway Country on Youtube, and if you have a story to share, send us an email or 1-minute voice note at runawaycountry@crooked.com. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:01:08:44

Introducing Runaway Country with Alex Wagner (Coming October 23rd)

10/16/2025

Being an American right now is a wild ride. Every day brings a new controversy, breathless media narratives, and the same loud voices rushing in to score political points. Then another Truth Social post drops and the circus moves on. But all that noise is drowning out the actual story. On her new podcast Runaway Country, veteran journalist Alex Wagner talks to the voices at the center of the headlines: from the fringes of the resistance, to the marrow of MAGA, to the many people who’ve found themselves smack-dab in the crosshairs of a fight they never asked for. Because if you want to understand our unreal times, you’ve got to talk to the very real people who are experiencing it all first-hand. Join Alex as she brings together the stories of everyday Americans trapped in our national car with no brakes, alongside conversations with some of the smartest thinkers in politics. Buckle up, this road could lead anywhere. New episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts, and @RunawayCountryWithAlexWagner on YouTube. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:01:51

Updates from The Wilderness

10/15/2025

Hey everyone, Jon Favreau here with a special announcement. From now on, new episodes of The Wilderness will appear on the Pod Save America feed, and we’ll have some updates soon about when that’s coming! In the meantime, this feed will now be home to Crooked’s brand new show Runaway Country with Alex Wagner. Think of Runaway Country as a cousin to The Wilderness with Alex talking to voters on the ground and sharing real perspectives of people experiencing this political moment first-hand, paired with conversations with some of the smartest minds in politics to put it all in context. We think you’re going to love it. You can hear the trailer for Runaway Country with Alex Wagner right here tomorrow, with new episodes starting October 23rd. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Duration:00:01:33

How Kamala Beats Trump (Final Ep.)

8/18/2024

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.

Duration:00:55:56

Kamala Harris’s Winning Message (Ep. 7)

8/11/2024

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.

Duration:00:54:19

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

7/28/2024

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.

Duration:00:42:07