What are the differences between Supercast, Substack, YouTube, and Apple paid subscriptions? 

All paid subscriptions come with ad-free episodes (of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Offline With Jon Favreau, and Lovett or Leave It), a subscriber-exclusive podcast feed, and early access to live-event tickets. Supercast, Substack, and YouTube paid subscribers also get ad-free video episodes of the podcasts mentioned above. 

Additionally, Supercast and Substack paid subscribers will get Crooked store discounts, while only Supercast subscribers receive our ad-free limited series feed, can upgrade to our Best Friends tier, and perhaps most significantly, get access to the Friends of the Pod server on Discord.

What are the differences between a paid subscriber and a Friend of the Pod?

A Crooked paid subscriber and Friend of the Pod are the same thing — just different terminologies on different platforms. So, if you’re a paid subscriber on, say, Substack, we still consider you a Friend of the Pod.

Can I donate to Vote Save America (VSA) through Substack, YouTube, or Apple?

No, the VSA donation* option is only available on Supercast to Best Friends tier subscribers who live in the United States.

How does my contribution through Supercast’s Best Friends subscription differ from Vote Save America’s Anxiety Relief Program?

Both Vote Save America’s Anxiety Relief Program and our Friends of the Pod Best Friends subscription are excellent ways to support Vote Save America* and, you know, democracy. 

Here’s a breakdown of their differences: Your recurring donations through Vote Save America’s Anxiety Relief Program goes directly to grassroots organizations and down-ballot candidates who need it the most. (These recipients change each month, and Vote Save America will keep you updated on where your donation is going with monthly receipts.) Meanwhile, a Best Friends tier subscription to Friends of the Pod keeps the lights on at Vote Save America and powers their ongoing efforts to mobilize across all 50 states.

Is there a discount for monthly vs. yearly paid subscriptions?

Yes, when offered (on Supercast, Substack, and Apple), the yearly subscription comes with a discount. 

Why is my What A Day newsletter coming from Substack? Is this the same newsletter as before?

Yes, this is the same newsletter as before. It may look a bit different, but we simply moved platforms.

If I’m a Supercast, Apple, or YouTube paid subscriber, is it better to switch over to Substack?

If you’re already a paid subscriber through Supercast, YouTube, or Apple, you don’t need to change anything. You’ll still get access to all your ad-free shows and exclusive content on the platform where you originally subscribed. 

So, although Substack offers folks a new way to become a paid subscriber, there’s no need to move your subscription. In fact, if you’re a Supercast subscriber, you’ll actually lose your Friends of the Pod server access on Discord if you leave Supercast.

How do I change my payment method for my subscription?

• In Supercast: Click on the profile icon. Select “Manage Subscription.” Go to “Plan and billing,” then choose “Manage Subscription.”
• In Substack: Go to your profile. Select “Settings.” Go to “ Subscriptions, then select “Crooked on Substack.” 
• In YouTube: Go to your profile. Select “Purchases and Memberships” from the drop-down menu. Go to “Memberships,” then select “Manage Memberships.”
• In Apple: Open the Apple Podcast app. Click on the profile icon, and then select “Manage Subscriptions.” From there, click on “Friends of the Pod.”

Can I get ad-free video if I’m a Supercast, Substack, or Apple paid subscriber?

Yes, you can! Supercast paid subscribers get ad-free YouTube links in the Friends of the Pod server on Discord, as well as in their ad-free and exclusive content feeds. Substack paid subscribers can view ad-free video using the Substack app. Unfortunately, Apple paid subscribers cannot access ad-free video.

When I open Pod Save America on Apple Podcasts, it says I’m not subscribed. Do I have to resubscribe?

Nope, you do not need to resubscribe. As a Friend of the Pod who subscribed through Supercast or Substack, your content will appear as a separate feed in your Apple Podcasts library. There is no need for you to click the subscribe button again — just make sure to double check which feed you’re using.

How do I tell if I’m a paid subscriber on Supercast, Substack, YouTube, or Apple?

• In Supercast: log into your subscription through crooked.supercast.com, and your preferred podcast player will show unlocked, separate feeds for exclusive Friends of the Pod content.
• In Substack: Log in (via desktop or app), and click your profile icon. Go to “Subscriptions” in the drop-down menu there, and you’ll see if you’re a paid Friend of the Pod.
• In YouTube: Make sure you’re logged in. Then, in the drop-down menu under your profile icon, click on “Purchases and Memberships.”
• In Apple: Go to Apple Podcasts. Check the “Manager Subscriptions” section in your Apple Podcasts profile. Apple’s Pod Save America feeds will also contain a small “Subscriber Edition” banner at the bottom of the show page.

Are ad-free shows included in the Supercast, Substack, YouTube, and Apple paid subscriptions?

Yes, all our paid subscribers have access to ad-free episodes of Pod Save America, Pod Save the World, Offline With Jon Favreau, and Lovett or Leave It. They also get access to exclusive series such as Pollercoaster, Terminally Online, and Inside 2025.

If I switch my subscription to Substack, YouTube, or Apple, can I still use the Discord server?

No, unfortunately the Friends of the Pod server on Discord is exclusive to Supercast subscribers. Members who switch from Supercast to Substack, YouTube, or Apple will lose access to the Friends of the Pod server.

Can I still access events such as AMAs and group threads through Substack, YouTube, or Apple paid subscriptions?

Unfortunately, you will lose access to AMAs and group threads, because only Supercast subscribers can access our Friends of the Pod server on Discord. This means if you are not a paid subscriber on Supercast, you will not be able to participate in or view AMAs, group threads, or other activities in our Discord community. If you would like to participate in these conversations and events, we recommend keeping your Supercast subscription.

Why do the Apple and YouTube paid subscriptions offer less benefits, but cost the same as Supercast and Substack paid subscriptions?

Because they take more money than Supercast and Substack do. Gotta pay the Apple/YouTube taxes.

How do I get a paid subscription?

You can get a paid Crooked subscription — and all the perks that come with it — by going to crooked.com/friends and signing up with your preferred platform (Supercast, Substack, Apple, or YouTube) there.

Can I pay for a subscription through Spotify?

No, Spotify does not offer paid subscriptions. However, if you prefer to listen to your podcasts there — or on platforms such as Overcast, Pocketcast, Castro, and more — become a Friend of the Pod on Supercast or Substack, which can connect to your Spotify account (as well as to Overcast, Pocketcast, Castro, and more) and offer you all your paid-subscription perks there.

I subscribe to Friends of the Pod (through Supercast, Substack, YouTube, or Apple), and I’m experiencing technical or payment difficulties. Whom do I reach out to?

• Supercast and Substack: Email us at friends@crooked.com.
• Apple: For billing questions, go to support.apple.com/billing. For tech issues, head to support.apple.com/en-us/106932.
• YouTube: Visit their Help Center at support.google.com/youtube.

By subscribing at the Best Friends tier, you are confirming that you are at least eighteen years old, not a federal contractor, a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident (i.e., green card holder). Your contribution to Vote Save America is made from your own personal funds, and funds are not being provided to you by another person or entity for the purpose of making this contribution.

*Contributions or gifts to Vote Save America PAC are not tax deductible. Vote Save America PAC is a federal political committee and a distinct entity from Crooked Media. All electoral work and fundraising for the program, including through Crooked Media services, is conducted and paid for by Vote Save America PAC. Your contribution will be deposited in Vote Save America PAC’s Contribution Account. Individuals and federal PACs may contribute up to $5,000 per calendar year to Vote Save America PAC’s Contribution Account. Corporations, labor organizations, and other federally prohibited sources may not contribute to Vote Save America PAC’s Contribution Account. Federal law permits individuals, federal PACs, corporations, and labor unions to make unlimited contributions to Vote Save America PAC’s NonContribution Account. If you are interested in making a contribution to Vote Save America PAC’s NonContribution Account, please contact us at info@votesaveamerica.com. Contributions to Vote Save America PAC will be used at the sole discretion of Vote Save America PAC to support its programs and activities.