Hacks On Tap

Tired of Being Tired (with John King)

28 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by one of the all-time greats, John King of CNN. The Hacks dive into the White House Correspondents’ Dinner sh...

The Liquor Cabinet (with Jonathan Martin)

21 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by frequent Hacks flyer and host of On the Road, Politico’s Jonathan Martin! The Hacks dive into U.S./Ir...

It’s the Theology, Stupid (with Doug Sosnik)

14 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann welcome policy Hackeroo and Clintonworld veteran Doug Sosnik. The Hacks dive into Trump’s Twitter feud with Chicago’...

Gravity of the Situation (with Rahm Emanuel)

07 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined live and in person by Hack regular, former U.S. Ambassador, and former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel. The Hacks brea...

TACO Tuesday (with Morris Katz)

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann dive into Trump’s Oval Office presser on the state of the war with Iran—and, of course, his ballroom. The Hacks also ...

Mad King Politics (with David Plouffe)

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Murphy are joined by Campaign Manager Hackeroo David Plouffe — who ran Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, later served as a senior Wh...

The Luck of the Midterms (with Amy Walter)

17 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Hackeroos! This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by one of the greatest Hacks in all the land, Amy Walter—publisher and...

On the Road (with Jonathan Martin)

10 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by frequent flier in the Hackeroo Lounge, Jonathan Martin. JMart gives the Hacks a preview of his new Politico sh...

Midterm Crossfire (with Mark McKinnon and Billy Begala)

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This tumultuous week in the news, the Hacks are joined by not one but two expert Hackeroos. First up, Mark McKinnon — former adviser to George W. Bu...

SOTU Special

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Murphy burned the midnight oil to break down Trump’s State of the Union with Hackeroo extraordinaire Jonathan Martin. No spoilers ...

Map-a-Lago (with Dave Wasserman)

17 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week Murphy and Heilemann were joined by the one and only Dave Wasserman of the Cook Political Report. The Hacks dive into Trump’s polling, the...

A Bigger Bowl (with Lis Smith)

10 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann were joined by Lis Smith, veteran Democratic strategist and political advisor. The Hacks dive into the Super Bowl and Ba...

Reading the Map (with Jonathan Martin)

03 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Tuesday, Hackeroos! This week Axe and Murphy are joined by repeat guest and all-around savant Jonathan Martin of Politico. The Hacks dive into t...

Intentional Mayhem (with John Avlon)

27 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Heilemann are joined by former Chief Beast, current journalist, and author John Avlon. The Hacks dig into the aftermath of a tumultu...

The Ugliest American

20 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

This week all three Hackeroos (or Quackeroos) convened to take on a full fire hose of breaking news. The Hacks dive into Trump’s Nobel Piece Prize...

Flood the Zone, Lose the Plot (with Mark McKinnon)

13 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

It’s only the second week of the year, and the news cycle is already moving fast. Luckily, Axe and Heilemann are joined by legendary political strat...

Iraqozuela (with Ron Brownstein)

06 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year, Hackeroos — did we miss anything over the break? Luckily, Axe and Murphy reconvened bright and early with veteran journalist, column...

New Year's Special: On with Kara Swisher

30 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year, Hackeroos! While the guys are taking a well-earned break with family, we’re bringing you a great conversation from our friend Kara S...

End of Year Show

16 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Hacks convene to sum up a year of very normal politics. The guys dive into Indiana Republicans’ rebuke of Trump’s redistricting plan, the tr...

The Canary in the Keystone Mine (with Bob Shrum)

09 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Murphy and Heilemann were joined by a true political legend — a man who’s been Hacking up and down the ballot for more than sixty years ...

Wag the Dog

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Hacks are back! All three Hackeroos convened this week to discuss the Tennessee Special election, retiring members of congress and upcoming filing...

Irrational exuberance (with Steve Israel)

18 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In our final episode of the month, Axe and Heilemann were joined by frequent Hack, former congressman, and author Steve Israel. The Hacks dig into the...

Trumplated Age (with Astead Herndon)

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by their new Vox Media colleague and veteran political reporter Astead Herndon. The Hacks dive into the potenti...

Post-Election Hack-a-Thon (with Jonathan Martin)

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The results are in! Last night Axe and Murphy were joined by the indefatigable chronicler of American politics, Jonathan Martin of Politico. The blear...

The Wreckening (with Paul Begala)

28 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by the great and effervescent Hack, Paul Begala — veteran strategist and former counselor to President C...

No Sleep Till City Hall (with Howard Wolfson)

21 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by Bloomberg’s jack-of-all-trades Howard Wolfson. The Hacks took a bite out of the Big Apple with the New York...

Ceasefire Abroad, Crossfire at Home (with Rahm Emanuel)

14 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann were joined by Rahm Emanuel — former White House Chief of Staff, two-term Mayor of Chicago, ex-Ambassador to Japan, and...

Orbánized Crime

07 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, all three Hacks convened to break down a whirlwind week in politics — from Trump sending troops to Chicago and ICE’s recruitment and ta...

From Watergate to Water-Weight (with Charlie Sykes)

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Murphy and Heilemann were joined by the sharp-witted Charlie Sykes — author of How the Right Lost Its Mind and host of the Substack newsle...

Unindefinetly (with Kasie Hunt)

23 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Murphy are joined by the formidable Kasie Hunt — anchor of The Arena with Kasie Hunt on CNN, and CNN’s chief national affairs an...

I’m right, you’re wrong (with Jonathan Martin)

16 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy — still a little under the weather but never short on opinions — are joined by Hack regular and ace political analyst Jo...

Uninviting Mr. Rogers (with Jen Psaki)

09 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Hacks are back — and better than ever. To kick off our brand-new partnership with the Vox Media Podcast Network, Axe and Murphy are joined by no...

Soldiers Field (with Rahm Emanuel)

26 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Hacks are back! There’s just too much news for us to leave you alone, so we’re pulling up a stool with veteran Hackeroo, Chicago native, forme...

Strongmen, Weak Deals (with Ron Brownstein)

19 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by the incomparable Hackeroo Ron Brownstein, senior editor at The Atlantic and CNN’s senior political analyst. ...

Monumental Power Grab (with Paul Begala)

12 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann welcome Paul Begala — longtime Democratic strategist and political hand who’s seen just about everything Washingto...

Drawn Out Democracy (with Adam Kinzinger)

05 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by former Congressman Adam Kinzinger — Air Force veteran, author, and one of the most candid voices in Washi...

From Glasgow With Grift (with Lis Smith)

29 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, our two chief windbags, Axe and Murphy, are joined by seasoned Democratic strategist Lis Smith—and author of Any Given Tuesday. The Hacks...

Red Hats and Red Flags (with Robert Costa)

22 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by ink-stained Hackeroo Robert Costa—national correspondent for CBS News Sunday Morning and chief Washing...

List and Found (with Frank Lavin)

15 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the great Frank Lavin—former U.S. Ambassador to Singapore, Reagan’s political director, and a Swiss ...

A Big, Beautiful Mess (with Josh Dawsey)

08 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by Wall Street Journal political reporter Josh Dawsey, co-author of 2024: How Trump Retook the White House and ...

Burgers, Bills & Billionaires

01 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

All three Hacks together —- a real Fourth of July miracle. They cover Thom Tillis’ resignation, the big, beautiful bill, the New York mayor’s ra...

Diplomacy & Dem Primaries (with Senator Elissa Slotkin and Fmr. Amb. Patrick Gaspard)

24 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Hacks are pulling double duty—two big stories, two top-notch guests. First, Senator Elissa Slotkin—former CIA analyst and Pentagon ...

Chain Reactionaries (with Maggie Haberman)

17 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Hacks return amid a whirlwind of headlines and rising tensions. Axe and Murphy are joined by the incomparable Maggie Haberman—Pulitze...

Executive Disorder (with Marc Short)

10 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by Marc Short—former Chief of Staff to Vice President Mike Pence and Director of Legislative Affairs under P...

X Marks the Feud (with Jonathan Martin)

06 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, in honor of Mike Murphy’s 30th birthday (don’t fact-check that), we’re serving up a bonus mini-sode! Mike is joined by longtime pod p...

Musk, Mayors, and Moore (with Lis Smith)

03 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by Democratic strategist and political firecracker Lis Smith. The Hacks dive into Sen. Ernst’s weird apology, E...

Vladdy Issues

27 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The full Hackeroo trio is back in the bunker, wading through a Memorial Day medley of MAGA mayhem. Trump’s at it again — hosting a crypto dinner s...

Bivalves & Bipartisanship (with JMart)

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by their old pal Jonathan Martin to wade through the flotsam and jetsam of another jam-packed political wee...

Planes, Popes & PR (with Rahm Emanuel)

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Hacks welcome their old friend Rahm Emanuel —- former Chicago mayor, White House chief of staff, U.S. ambassador to Japan, and now CN...

Dolls, Tariffs & Polls

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by their old pal—the former senator and current director of the University of Chicago’s Institute of Polit...

The 100th Day Special

29 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week all three Hacks reunited to cover the first 100 days of the Trump presidency. They dig into the “feral animal cunning” behind Trump’s ...

Maximum Don (with Alex Isenstadt & Doug Heye)

22 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy is still flying solo—but he's not alone. He's joined by veteran GOP strategist and communications pro Doug Heye, along with Axios ...

Veritas v. Vendetta (with Jonathan Martin and Robert Costa)

15 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Mike Murphy is flying solo — but fear not, he’s joined by two heavyweight Hacks: Jonathan Martin, veteran political reporter and senior...

Polls, Trolls, and Dinner Rolls (with John Anzalone)

08 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are back together -- proof that political gravity always pulls the Hacks back into orbit. They’re joined by legendary Demo...

Calling a Wolf a Wolf (with Jeff Greenfield)

01 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Mike Murphy is hacking—and not in the good, political way, but in the coughing-his-lungs-out way—so the heroic John Heilemann swoops in...

End to End Incompetence (with Mallory McMorrow)

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by Michigan State Senator Mallory McMorrow for a deep dive into the week’s political mayhem. The Hacks break...

Groundwork & Gruntwork (with Steve Israel)

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by the coolest cat from Congress, Steve Israel! The Hacks discuss Trump’s immigration war, avoiding the Schume...

The Recession Will Be Televised (with Doug Sosnik)

11 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Hacks are back, and so is the economy’s latest identity crisis. This week, Heilemann and Murphy are joined by veteran political strategist and f...

Blitzkrieg of Bullsh*t

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Hack to the future (but worse!) Three bleary-eyed Hacks assemble this morning to break down Trump’s speech—because, apparently, the laws of...

Russian Roulette (with Sarah Longwell & Patrick Gaspard)

25 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Heilemann’s flying solo this week, but fear not! In the absence of Axe & Murphy, Heilemann is joined by two Hacks renowned for their razor-sharp ana...

Vladdy Knows Best (with Rahm Emanuel)

19 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hack-a-doodle-doo! This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by a familiar face—former regular and now former Ambassador, the great Rahm Emanuel. The Hac...

Make America Gulf Again (with Jonathan Martin)

11 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Forget the Super Bowl—Trump’s Gulf of America is the real spectacle this week. Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the expert Hackeroo and savant, ...

Elon and Order (with Kaitlan Collins)

04 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In this completely normal, not-at-all bonkers week, Axe and Murphy were joined by White House expert and CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins—who is making he...

The Death of Norms (with Robert Costa)

29 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann are joined by the great, pen-stained hack, Robert Costa. The Hacks dive into Trump’s first week in office, his aggre...

A Tale of Two Speeches

22 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Three bleary eyed, unpardonable Hacks convened this morning to walk you through yesterday’s circus. They discuss Trump overconsumption, Biden’s pa...

Trending Right (with Jonathan Martin)

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by fan favorite and all-around cool guy Jonathan Martin! The Hacks kick things off with a front-line report fr...

Hackzpah (with Jonathan Alter)

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Happy New Year, Hackeroos! Axe and Murphy rang in the new year with a journalism icon, the incomparable Jonathan Alter. Author of His Very Best: Jimmy...

End of Year Hack Fest

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

‘Twas a night filled with headlines, and all through the pod, Not a topic was skipped—not even David’s odd plod. Drones in the skies, with surve...

The Ol' Razzle Dazzle (with John Anzalone)

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy and Heilemann were joined by expert Hack and pollster to the stars, John Anzalone. The Hacks dissect Trump’s Meet the Press interv...

Pardon Politics (with Chris Christie)

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Heilemann are joined by former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie! The Hacks dive into Christie’s unique insights as Donald Trump...

Hacksgiving Minnesode (Dontcha Know)

26 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Hacksgiving, Hackeroos! As Axe bastes his turkey to perfection, Murphy and Heilemann carved out time this morning to talk about the true meaning...

The New Non-Normal (with Jonathan Martin)

19 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by international Hack savant Jonathan Martin. The trio dives into Trump’s nomination circus, ranking his picks ...

Picking Through the Rubble

12 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, the Hacks report from the esteemed Institute of Politics at the University of Chicago. They sift through the aftermath of the election to a...

Election Post-Mortem

07 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Well folks, we have our results. Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann dive into the numbers and break down what this means for the next four years. They also ex...

Landing the Plane

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

On the eve of the election, the excitement is palpable as voters get ready to cast their ballots. The Hacks gather for one last huddle, dissecting the...

Girls v. Boys

02 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy Saturday, Hackeroos! This morning, the Hacks gathered for a pre-Election spectacular you won’t want to miss! They recorded a double minisode, ...

Crazier & Crazier

29 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the election just a week away, the political landscape is like a reality show finale—full of drama, plot twists, and a few surprise guest stars...

The Sprint

22 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Well, Hackeroos, we’re just two weeks away from the big showdown! Axe, Murphy, and Heilemann are really getting to the shaft of things as they discu...

Margin of Effort (with Ron Brownstein)

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hack-A-Doodle-Doo! We are three weeks out from election day, so Axe & Murphy have enlisted their favorite political whiz, Ron Brownstein, the human en...

Murder Genes & Media Gymnastics (with Mike Bender)

08 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Heilemann and Murphy were joined by the esteemed and remarkably flexible Mike Bender, NYT political correspondent and author of Frankly, We...

VP Debate

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Three bleary-eyed, bloviating Hacks convened this morning to dissect the VP debate. The Hacks leave no stone unturned, exploring everything from elect...

Poller Coaster (with Alyssa Farah Griffin)

24 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Murphy were joined Alyssa Farah Griffin, host of The View and former Trump White House communications staffer. The Hacks dive into p...

It’s the Economy, Stupid (with James Carville)

17 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by The Ragin' Cajun himself. They explored the latest political developments, including another assassination at...

Debate Post Mortem

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a caffeine-fueled fever dream, three overworked faux doctors gathered this morning to dissect last night’s presidential debate. Join us as our "m...

Debate Preview

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This morning the Hacks gathered bright and early just for you, to dish out a can’t-miss debate preview. As the post-convention sugar high fades and ...

Fuster Cluck

03 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Happy post-Labor Day campaign sprint to all who celebrate! The Hacks gathered this morning to dissect the Harris & Walz interview, figure out who's ta...

Mainstream v. Extreme

23 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This bleary-eyed morning, the Hacks gathered to dish out their final takes on the Democratic National Convention. They tackled Kamala’s speech, Trum...

Overtime Oration

20 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Hacks are LIVE from the iconic Chicago institution, Manny’s Deli! Join Axe, Heilemann, and Murphy as they dig into Biden’s speeches—yes, bot...

The Rule of Three

13 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Axe and Murphy kick off this week's episode with an exciting announcement that’s sure to shake things up! After the big reveal, they dive into Trump...

Ope There It Is (with John Anzalone)

06 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

*Disclaimer: The Executive Producer of this podcast is from the great state of Minnesota.* This oh for cute week Axe and Murphy were joined by the gr...

The Veepstakes (with Jonathan Martin and Bob Costa)

30 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Murphy was joined by Mr. Politics, Bob Costa, and Politico reporter and current flâneur in Paris, Jonathan Martin. The Hacks dive into the...

Kamalat (with John Heilemann)

23 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy were joined by expert Hackeroo and high-velocity pundit, John Heilemann. Because clearly, there's just not enough breaking n...

The Fight (with Tim Alberta)

16 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by esteemed journalist, Republican chronicler, and author Tim Alberta. Together, they dive into an incredibly sig...

Press Panic (with Bill Kristol)

09 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, famous elitists Axe Murphy donned their velvet suits to catch up with fellow elite Hack and friend of the pod, Bill Kristol. The Hacks dive...

Tick Tock, Tick Tock (with Jonathan Martin)

02 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Murphy were joined by provocateur, world traveler, food & wine expert, and nationally ranked ballroom dancer, Jonathan Martin. The g...

The Political Fairway (with David Plouffe)

28 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Axe and Murphy teed off bright and early this morning to putt heads with David Plouffe. We had a pre-debate chat with him and wanted to regroup to com...

The Trap (with David Plouffe)

25 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by the legendary Hack and campaign maestro, David Plouffe. The Davids and Mike delve deep into the upcoming debat...

Naked On A Rock (with Jonathan Freedland)

18 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Axe and Murphy are joined by Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland, who also hosts the Guardian's "Politics Weekly America" podcast and co-...

Double Haters (with Sarah Longwell)

11 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Axe and Gibbs were joined by focus group guru and Bulwark legend, Sarah Longwell. Trump is out of the courtroom and back on the trail, the H...

The Guilties (with Mark McKinnon & Steve Israel)

04 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

This week Murphy is flying solo, so he brought in A-team Hackeroos and frequent guests Mark McKinnon and Steve Israel. The Hacks discuss Trump’s 34 ...