Podcast Summary: "This is Gavin Newsom" Featuring Jon Favreau & Tommy Vietor

Podcast Information:

• Title: This is Gavin Newsom
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: And, This is Pod Save America's Jon Favreau & Tommy Vietor
• Release Date: July 16, 2025

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of Gavin Newsom's podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom," the Governor of California engages in a candid conversation with Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor, prominent figures from the progressive media landscape. The discussion delves into the origins of their media venture, the evolution of their podcasting efforts, the current political climate, and the challenges facing the Democratic Party.

Origins and Evolution of Crooked Media

[02:45] Gavin Newsom:
Gavin kicks off the conversation by addressing the name "Crooked Media," questioning its implications and origins.

[02:56] Tommy Vietor:
"We were always crooked."

[03:01] Vietor explains:
The name was coined in 2017 as a playful jab at the then-President Trump's term, particularly his frequent references to "crooked media." Initially, the name "Pod Save America" was more recognized, but "Crooked Media" became entrenched over time.

[03:25] Gavin Newsom:
Highlights the unexpected trajectory of Crooked Media, expanding beyond a single podcast to encompass multiple platforms, books, and tours.

[03:49] Tommy Vietor:
"We had no money... We had to go crooked.com, our website."

Insights:
The founders started with minimal resources, relying on grassroots support and sheer determination. Early struggles included securing a suitable domain name and funding, leading them to adopt a "fake it till you make it" approach.

Building the Media Company

[05:11] Gavin Newsom:
Inquires about the personal sacrifices and uncertainties faced by Favreau and Vietor during the early stages of Crooked Media.

[05:18] Dan Pfeiffer:
Recounts the challenges, including living arrangements and securing their first bank account with a mere $25 deposit.

[05:51] Tommy Vietor:
Describes the pivotal moment when Bill Simmons invited them to join The Ringer, merging sports, culture, and politics into their podcasting endeavor.

[06:21] Gavin Newsom:
Acknowledges the multifaceted growth of Crooked Media, emphasizing that the exponential expansion was unforeseen.

Insights:
The transition from side gigs and consulting (including speechwriting) to a full-fledged media company was marked by strategic partnerships and a clear vision to provide progressive narratives.

Media Consumption Habits of Hosts

[09:06] Tommy Vietor:
Shares his daily routine: reading Playbook, Axios AM, and engaging with company Slack feeds for the latest news.

[09:38] Dan Pfeiffer:
Adds that they avoid traditional cable news, instead favoring diverse online sources, including both liberal and conservative perspectives to stay well-rounded.

[10:04] Dan Pfeiffer:
Mentions listening to a variety of conservative media like Tucker Carlson and even controversial sources like Infowars to understand differing viewpoints.

[10:25] Gavin Newsom:
Emphasizes the importance of critically engaging with all forms of media to better understand and counteract misinformation.

Insights:
Favreau and Vietor adopt a comprehensive media diet, ensuring they are informed from multiple angles to foster balanced and insightful conversations on their podcast.

Challenges in Interviewing and Content Creation

[16:12] Gavin Newsom:
Asks about the evolution of their interviewing techniques and how they manage depth in conversations.

[17:40] Tommy Vietor:
Describes a shift towards asking guests what they genuinely want to discuss, rather than tailoring questions solely to audience expectations. This approach leads to more authentic and engaging dialogues.

[18:54] Gavin Newsom:
Touches on the balance between entertaining the audience and providing substantive content, ensuring discussions remain meaningful without descending into mere talking points.

Insights:
The hosts prioritize depth and authenticity, aiming to extract nuanced insights from their guests, thereby setting their podcast apart from more superficial media formats.

The Manosphere and Its Impact on Politics

[39:37] Dan Pfeiffer:
Addresses the pervasive influence of the manosphere and algorithms in shaping political discourse and societal norms.

[40:10] Tommy Vietor:
Explores the crisis of masculinity, emphasizing how unrealistic standards are causing loneliness and decreased confidence among young men.

[41:52] Tommy Vietor:
Discusses Ruth Whitman's "Boy Mom," highlighting the detrimental effects of impossible masculine standards on boys' emotional well-being.

[42:25] Gavin Newsom:
Connects the masculinity crisis to broader political implications, noting its weaponization against the Democratic Party and the rise of harmful rhetoric stemming from movements like #MeToo.

Insights:
The conversation underscores the urgent need for the Democratic Party to address issues of masculinity and mental health, recognizing their impact on societal stability and political engagement.

Redistricting and Election Concerns

[58:10] Gavin Newsom:
Raises concerns about gerrymandering and the potential manipulation of electoral districts by Republicans to secure more seats.

[59:05] Tommy Vietor:
Affirms the appropriateness of exploring legal avenues for independent redistricting, advocating for state-level initiatives given the stagnation at the national level.

[60:12] Dan Pfeiffer:
Highlights the necessity of a comprehensive reform agenda, emphasizing the importance of Democratic leaders presenting clear, actionable policies to win back trust and seats.

[62:13] Tommy Vietor:
Expresses optimism for future elections, citing strategic impressions like the popularity of ACA credits and the potential backlash against Republican strategies like tariffs.

[63:19] Dan Pfeiffer:
Critiques the Democratic Party's focus on introspection over proactive branding and policy promotion, suggesting a need for more dynamic engagement akin to Republican media strategies.

Insights:
There is a consensus on the imperative to tackle systemic issues like redistricting and to adopt a more assertive, policy-driven approach to regain political ground.

Closing Thoughts on Democratic Strategy

[78:00] Dan Pfeiffer:
Encourages continuous engagement and building media presence, drawing parallels to how Donald Trump maintained constant relevance through media.

[80:05] Tommy Vietor:
Advocates for setting broad, aspirational goals to inspire voters, rather than getting bogged down in policy minutiae. Suggests focusing on impactful objectives like affordable healthcare and homelessness prevention.

[82:53] Gavin Newsom:
Summarizes the urgency of implementing independent redistricting and enacting crucial policies to combat economic and social challenges, stressing the moral obligation to preserve democratic principles.

[85:05] Tommy Vietor:
Supports the idea of California leading by example in progressive reforms, positioning the state as a laboratory for wider national change.

Insights:
The hosts emphasize the need for the Democratic Party to adopt a forward-thinking, solution-oriented strategy that inspires and mobilizes voters through clear, achievable goals and proactive policies.

Notable Quotes

• Tommy Vietor [02:56]: "We were always crooked."

• Gavin Newsom [05:11]: "As a parent, you wear many hats. At dinner, you're the chef... And let's face it, you're basically a full time chauffeur."

• Tommy Vietor [18:05]: "I think that, you know, I sort of automatically fell into when we first started doing it... they're more likely to just give you the talking point stuff."

• Dan Pfeiffer [39:37]: "I think they're really serious. I mean, like there's schools and school districts and I think the UK and Australia that developed entire curriculums to combat Andrew Tate. Like, it's a real crisis in a lot of places."

• Tommy Vietor [40:11]: "There's not that wellness. I know you talked a lot about RFK and sort of your relationship with him."

• Gavin Newsom [43:32]: "What do you see our party, the Democratic Party, in relationship? That conversation, it doesn't seem to me an easy conversation for a lot of Democrats because they still see men in disproportionate positions of power and influence."

Conclusion

In this comprehensive discussion, Gavin Newsom, Jon Favreau, and Tommy Vietor navigate the complexities of progressive media, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and the societal issues impacting political dynamics today. They emphasize the importance of authentic dialogue, proactive policy engagement, and strategic media presence to foster a more inclusive and effective political landscape. The conversation underscores the necessity for continuous adaptation and unwavering commitment to democratic principles amidst evolving challenges.