Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett

High-profile White House alums typically take on consulting work, join the boards of large companies, or become talking heads when they graduate from public service. Jon Favreau and Jon Lovett, along with partner Tommy Vietor (who turned 40 on Aug. 31), had a loftier vision: They wouldn’t join a media empire—they’d create one of their own. Since its launch in 2017, Crooked Media has produced nearly 20 podcasts, launched nationwide tours, and produced films like Running With Beto. And with one of the most listened-to podcasts in the country, Pod Save America, Favreau and Lovett have become the gatekeepers for any major Democratic politician looking to launch a campaign, including Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Bernie Sanders, and their former boss Barack Obama. Joining the Crooked Media team for an extended interview has become a rite of passage for the left.