What if the biggest stories in American history weren't ancient history at all?
Hosted by creator and political storyteller Amanda Nelson (Amanda's Mild Takes), Executive Dysfunction is a narrative podcast exploring the most fascinating chapters of American political history and why they still matter today.
From disputed elections and political corruption to constitutional crises, government overreach, and unexpected heroes, each 30-minute episode blends investigative journalism, archival research, and cinematic storytelling to reveal how yesterday's dysfunction continues to shape today's headlines.
Chart trend
Position in the History chart (US), last 90 days.
#1#96#190JulAugSep
#12
all-time peak
6
days in the top 50 since Jul 2026
Latest episodes
Showing 6 · updated from the feed
Anarchists vs. Cops [ The Haymarket Bombing ]
In the season finale of Executive Dysfunction, Amanda Nelson tells the story of the 1886 Haymarket Affair, when a massive labor movement in Chicago collided with police v
Aug 27 35 min
Hateration in the Democracy [ Hamilton vs. Jefferson ]
In this episode of Executive Dysfunction, Amanda Nelson traces the birth of America's two-party system, from the bitter feud between Alexander Hamilton and Thomas Jeffers
Aug 13 35 min
Woodrow Wilson's (literal) War on Free Speech
Who was America's most anti-First Amendment president? It wasn't Richard Nixon. It wasn't Donald Trump. It was Woodrow Wilson.
In this episode of Executive Dysfunction,
Jul 30 33 min
ABSCAM
What if the FBI invented a fake billionaire just to see which politicians would sell their office?
In this episode of Executive Dysfunction, Amanda Nelson tells the unbe
Jul 16 29 min
Bush v. Gore
Welcome to Season 1, Episode 1 of Executive Dysfunction: a deep dive into the presidential election of 2000, in which a butterfly ballot, a discriminatory voter purge, a
Jul 2 29 min
Executive Dysfunction - Trailer
History doesn't stay in the past—it keeps shaping the present.
Hosted by creator and political storyteller Amanda Nelson (Amanda's Mild Takes), Executive Dysfunction is
Jun 30 1 min
Chart positions
Where Executive Dysfunction ranks today in each Apple Podcasts chart (US, Sep 4, 2026).
A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.
Long time fan of Amanda’s short form content - not only is she razor-sharp intelligent and witty, but her in-depth analysis and understanding provides measured context to sensationalized headlines. And it’s communicated in easily digested & often entertaining chunks with clear takeaways. Looking forward to listening to the episodes to come!
Alceria · Jul 2026
I have learned more about the inner workings of our government from Amanda over this past year, than I ever learned in high school and college. And, Amanda is never boring.
Pet011 · Jul 2026
Amanda Nelson is laser focused, witty, and passionate about history and politics. She cares about factual, correctness and bias and delivers these things no frills, specificity and all. She is a techno mess kind of person and will call you out if you troll her. Beware you will be the one looking stupid every time not her. She exemplifies doing the dirty work, the important work and takes no congratulations for her efforts. Furthermore, she’s not looking for a cheerleaders or fans she’s looking for students and activist to find their issue and blow it up. I am absolutely thrilled that she’s doing this Podcast and look forward to all future episodes.. Somehow this will be a playbook for creating a successful party when that succeeds for its constituents and not the one person.
Generic Reader · Jul 2026
Amanda’s energy is magnetic, and her knowledge invaluable. I am predicting this podcast will be one that rises to the top. She’s unstoppable.
Noneya9182 · Jul 2026
We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.
Here you find the Apple Podcasts chart positions of Executive Dysfunction, its latest episodes to listen to directly, and reviews from listeners. Rankings are updated daily for the United States.
