The best pod on Earth

I've been an avid and loyal listener to this podcast for years. This used to be my favorite podcast but I've been having a hard time wanting to go back since early January after Mike's uninformed and insensitive comments around the Los Angeles fires. Mike, your shots at Mayor Bass at a time when many of us were down and out (and lost our homes - myself included) were beyond disappointing. Rick Caruso saw and continues to see a political opportunity to take advantage of and to take shots at the Mayor and you sadly jumped right on that bandwagon and let your alliance to Caruso cloud your judgement. We expected and have grown acustomed to cheap shots from Caruso but I thought you had integrity. There's no denying the Mayor lacked leadership skills at the beginning of the fire aftermath but she quietly has been getting a lot done like streamlining building codes for rebuilding (implemented less than a week after the fire), making sure the debris removal goes smoothly (it's on a record pace), etc. We were (and still are to some degree) in crisis and we don't need the tragedy politicized. We need stuffed suits like Rick Caruso busy taking cheap shots to score political points. We needed (and still need) help. We also don't need Hacks on Tap getting sucked into this politicization. In addition your comments Mike, implying those of us who lost our homes kind of had it coming to us (because the homes were built too close to the brush) is correct for some new developments but not in the case of the village of the Palisades. Your comments showed a sad ignorance and tone-deaf insensitivity. Most of the homes lost in the Palisades were tightly condensed miles away from brush. It's even more disappointing because you live in the area. You should know better. You owe our community an apology and please learn to set politics aside when a community is desperate for help and is devastated. Also, think twice before you join the Rick Caruso campaign for Mayor or Governor. You always talk about the importance of authenticity. Rick Caruso is about as authentic as a 1980's used car salesman. If he genuinely cared about the community, why did he make sure his real estate development was virtually unscathed from the fire by his private firefighters while 100% of the rest of the community literally around his development burned to the ground? If he really cared about the community why would he take shots at leaders in the midst of crisis instead of taking the high road to find ways to help? Because he doesn't really care about the community, he cares about Rick Caruso. He's a phony. I have my criticism of Karen Bass (poor leadership skills at the beginning and not so great more recently) but she's the current Mayor and we need to unite and try to rebuild our community and lives. Several weeks ago I watched an entire Zoom with Rick Caruso. Did you watch it? What a disappointing and insincere opportunist. He offered very few solutions and no unconditional help. Instead he largely focused on criticisizing a variety of efforts and put the city government down saying nothing could get done quickly without his "partnership" between private industry and government. Notice he didn't offer a straight-forward unconditional fundraising campaign. Translation; I'll help bring in some private funding in exchange for more political power. Notice he doesn't know how to give unconditionally. There's always an agenda w Caruso; Fake philanthropy and continuously angling for his political ambitions and power. The Pacific Palisades community raised millions of dollars the past 30 years to build Rec Center, re-do all the ball fields, build a new library, etc long before he barged in 6 years ago. Coincidentally the very next night after the aforementioned Caruso zoom, there was a different zoom chaired by Karen Bass. She opened the zoom with a general greeting and then stepped aside and let the experts from the Army Corps of Engineers speak, the State Insurance Commissioner's office speak about pressing matters to all of us displace residents. Real issues and real solutions. No politicking or hidden agendas. The contrast the Caruso zoom and the Bass zooms were stark. My home is gone. My neighbors' homes are gone. Our entire community is gone. We need help, not political agendas on Hacks On Tap. If you want to jump into the fray Mike, we welcome your help in our community but please do a better job educating yourself about the local issues first - and please don't hitch your wagon to that phony Slick Rick Caruso. You can do better Mike, much better.

Why is he here?! Kompromat? He drones on and on and says absolutely nothing. All the reviews complain about him for a reason —> skip ahead for 2 mins every time he starts up, and miss nothing. What a joke.

As soon as I heard Heilman’s voice I switched Podcasts. If you need to buy him out of a contract please do so. You guys will be ahead.

PSA tests are usually not done after 70 or 75!

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

Appreciate the Hacks’ insights each week but the volume of ads & ad breaks each episode truly disrupt the flow and continuity.

Axe - 5 stars. Murphy -5 stars. Bless you for two (Heilemann-free) podcasts I was actually able to listen to. MHGA = Make Hacks Great Again. Ditch windbag Heilemann!

Have Chuck Todd on 🤙

Over 5 million Americans marched to protest Trumusk last Saturday, with support from crowds across the globe. I tuned in to hear what you guys had to say about it. What did we get? Crickets. Instead: tariffs, tariffs, tariffs and stock market market market. Nothing about innocent people being dragged to detention camps with no word to their family or friends (aka “disappearing” them). Barely anything about Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or *housing.* You talk vaguely about “prices” and, a tiny bit, food prices. People are already furious and terrified of these emperor-wannabes, and you guys make sports metaphors and talk about political strategy like it’s a football game, and not life-or-death for real people, many of whom can’t afford to see a decent dentist or eye doctor. Get a friggin’ clue. Unfollowing.

It's a pay to play scheme. If a country lines Trump's pockets the tariffs will disappear. Trump could care less about tariffs except to use them as a hammer.

Why don’t you talk about the reason Musk is trying to buy this supreme court seat? His law suit!

I am so tired of listening to this guy drone on and on and on and on. In today’s pot, he said I have a question and then he did a two minute speech. What is the matter with him and what is the matter with you that you have him on your podcast?

Murphy, which one of the following podcasters/journalists will be the first to be hauled off to some detention center or camp and never heard from again for something they said or wrote? Rachael Maddow James Carville Keith Olbermann Tim Miller Steve Schmidt Rick Wilson Nicole Wallace George Conway Chris Hayes Jeff Goldberg That’s my question Don’t be naïve…..my money is on Wilson, with Olbermann a close second, Schmidt shows

The Democrats are committed to losing elections as long as they keep with their trans ideology. For the first time ever, I refused to continue to listen to a Hacks on Tap Podcast. I am very disappointed that they can not see the unfairness of biological males with their superior upper body strength competing with females. I disagree with both election deniers on the right and biology deniers on the left.

I hear your commentary about “…he’s fighting the courts…” and “…the next president…”, and I feel like you’re missing a very pertinent detail about this administration. It is not functioning as a typical administration. 47 does not want a “next president”. Before he got in office, he stated: "…in four years, you don't have to vote again. We'll have it fixed so good, you're not gonna have to vote." So why are you all pontificating as if there is not an effort underway to make sure there is not another presidential election in 2028? 👀

So glad axe is back. It’s not the same without you

I look forward to this show every week. I’ve also really disliked the choice of Heilemann as a replacement for the great Admiral Gibbs (an opinion many reviewers seem to share). That said, I gave him the benefit of the doubt — until his little anti-millennial screed this week. Don’t trash your credibility, especially for someone who doesn’t seem to know how to read a room. Axe and Murphy, both clearly dedicated to instilling a passion for politics in future generations, can do better for a co-host.

Heilman is better guest than rotating hack. As a recovering Republican (of sorts) love Murphy. Shameful what the Trump hacks have done to the Oval Office and our country. And sadly the Dems appear to be lacking. Just beware of “the bubble” — seems podcasters are not immune.

It’s a shame. Hacks On Tap used to be a wonderful bipartisan podcast to give you both sides of the political perspectives. Now it is solidly left of center and essentially a liberal podcast. It is 100% negative towards Trump and the Republicans and not helpful for those of us who want a middle of the road analysis.

Good political discussion and interviews but Heilemann says UHH every 3rd word and is very distracting

If heilman is the succession plan then Murphy and Axelrod are better off killing this thing when they hang it up.

These guys are from a political era that has passed. This is not a question of age but of temperament. They cannot fully see the scale of the crisis caused by Trump, or the urgency of the moment.

I‘ve been a regular listener to Hacks for years. I enjoyed the humor and get that the whole premise is that politics needs to be pragmatic in order to be successful. But this week’s discussion of the fate of USAID was too cynical for me and no longer meets the mark of addressing what’s happening to our country under Trump. I will not be listening in the future.

Love Murphy, Axelrod, and Heilman. But y’all may want to tell Apple Podcasts this is Heilman’s gig now. He’s nowhere to be found on the masthead. Give the man some respect. 🤣

Axelrod needs to allow others to speak. His questions are rambling and to show his knowledge. He interrupts everyone else. The guests don’t have much opportunity to speak. Collins was silenced again and again. I listen to learn from Murphy. Unfortunately, Murphy is usually shut down by Axelrod.

Spouse and I really enjoy Hacks esp when Heilemann is cohosting. We like his breezy ‘style’ - he usually cuts to the chase and more importantly helps the guests get there as well. And frankly, he seems like he gives honest answers when he’s questioned which is rare in our opinion. Also he’s a dog guy- ‘nuf said

Lord knows I love a bloviator, but please show Heilemann the door. His “jokes” are so annoyingly bad and his mile-long interview/discussion style is grating. This show is the only political commentary I can take in these days but he makes me consider leaving my hacks!

It occurs to me that since Jan. 20, these guys are a pride of elderly lions yapping at the hyenas suddenly overrunning the veldt. Block that metaphor. I’m an (R ) in Cali and listen mostly to conservative pods, but this one keeps me honest.

Show was great with Murphy and Axe. Heilemann is turning the show into an msnbc panel.

Congrats on 300 episodes guys! Former R here with TDS, so Mike speaks to my soul but also appreciate David and his takes and great insights. HOWEVER, adding JHeil was the masterstroke for the pod. Have always enjoyed his reporting, tv hits and The Circus. For me, JHeil is like “More Cowbell!”

These guys are great at what they do. Tough information delivered with humor. I can’t wait to hear what they recommend for developing the next administration. What will it take to win in 2026 and 2028? How much will losers have to imitate winners? Will it always be voter manipulation instead of voter education?Certainly more pandering and less policy is needed for turnout. Every action needs to be a spectacle. How can anyone accomplish this while keeping a foot in reality? Who’s charismatic enough to win and motivated to want the job? I hope we can get some answers. Keep up the great work!

Hi. Julie Anne Robinson here. I love the show and in particular the great Mike Murphy. But I feel compelled to say I’m frustrated by the characterization of the fires as Palisades and Malibu. I write from the fringe of the massive Eaton Canyon fire which has decimated one of the most beautiful parts of LA - Altadena with its rich heritage. Please share widely. It’s tragic.

Could someone tell Jonathon Martin to stop screaming when he talks? Yes, the audience is listening. Just make your point without the metaphoric volume, please.

Loved Hacks, until they got a non-Hack as their third leg. I wish JH the best of luck, but it’s ruining the show. I can listen to a reporter run his yap on many other podcasts. I miss the good old days.

Heilemann is a bloviator extraordinaire— thank god for the fast forward button

I really enjoyed this podcast when it was Gibbs instead of Heilemann. I just don’t think Heilemann is a good fit. He goes on too long, doesn’t know when to let others jump in; doesn’t let conversations advance or jokes end; his questions take longer to ask than the answer to give. Ultimately it feels like his goal is to hear his own voice as much as possible versus to facilitate a conversation that is interesting for the listener. I had hoped this would resolve itself and Heilemann would be coached over time but it’s been a few months and still the same. I hope something changes before I give up on listening .

Very annoying

Unfortunate that you were too busy sucking up to Christy to ask him why he didn’t come out and announced Donald Trump during the election. You guys lost all credibility with me. You just want guests and based on your failure to do that I don’t think any of you guys actually care about the outcome. You should all be ashamed of yourselves.

Hacks is legend as a podcast, and as a podcast junkie it’s one of my favorites. But sadly, JH is no Robert Gibbs. Heileman talks too much on his own podcast, and now he’s brought that skill to the Hacks pod. Please strap JH into a chair, tape his mouth, and make him listen to himself. And for the love of all that is holy, nobody wants to keep hearing him work in the phrase, “this woman that I’m dating right now…” Seriously, JH has a lot to offer and is a great reporter, but can he offer it with fewer words? This can still be a great fit, but JH needs to get out of his own way and learn how to listen. Loyal subscriber here, just offering some tough love.

Once upon a time I used to listen to this podcast religiously until I realized the uniparty actually existed. How many times did Murphy complain about the radical policies Biden was implementing? Probably none. He makes his money as a Democrat now and like Liz Cheney has no place to go home to so he shills for the Dems. Very sad indeed.

Listening while I do my prep for the big day of food and football. Love you guys, but this liberal of 52+ years of voting for Dems has a secret crush on Murph. I thinks it’s all the historical and hysterical references to the furors of the past when discussing DJT. Thanks, guys. You’re keeping me sane.

Axe and Murphy are my sanity coaches - SO grateful for this essential, amazing podcast!!!

I love Hellman! Yes, he takes a while to bring the plane in for a landing but he is smart, funny and insightful! I appreciate his take on everything. Give him a break! BTW Tulsi is the most frightening pick! B NC

Love the free wheeling collegiality and respect between Axe and Murphy but H has totally changed the tone from thoughtful conversation to a self-righteous screed. Not fun.

The smugness the hosts show towards Trump, and by extension his supporters, is amazing but not surprising. Good news for Republicans if these guys are a reflection of Dem strategists moving forward

I have listened every week for years and love the show, until now. I stopped listening to a couple recent episodes because John H. interrupts constantly and takes wayyyy too long making a point or asking a question. I stopped listening to his own podcast for those same reasons. I find his information and questions interesting but the delivery has become unbearable. I live in Kenosha, WI and drove over the border to vote a few extra times in Cook County but it wasn’t enough -sorry.

This is a wonderful podcast. But: John H, who is a journalist and not a political professional, talks way too much. It’s sort of cringey. If they need a third, I think they should find a hack, an insider. There’s plenty of political podcasts. The reason for Hacks is the insider pov presented in a collegial tone. We can get strident talking points and insult comedy from other outlets. Maybe the show should go back to just Murphy and Axelrod?

Long time listener . Much better podcast without John Heilman. He’s condescending and interrupts too much. Adds nothing to the podcast and makes the conversation chaotic at times.

Hacks is one of my favorite podcasts. Lately I have found myself yelling at my phone because everyone is talking over each other. Just getting louder to get their points in. Let each other finish. Thank you!