Before his appearance on “Survivor,” Jon Lovett talks about Crooked Media’s new book, his love of cartoons, and his election fatigue

Jon Lovett is a man who has worn many hats: he is a comedian, an experienced screenwriter and producer of television series, a successful podcaster and, quite famously, a former speechwriter for former President Barack Obama.

But soon he will trade all those hats for a bandana when he takes part in the upcoming 47th season of Survivors– a secret that was revealed when he appeared in a teaser for the latest edition of the long-running reality competition show this fall, much to the surprise of even his most avid fans.

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While it’s not yet clear how Lovett will fare on the island, we can at least confirm that he returned alive. That’s because he’s returned to the helm of Crooked Media – the podcast network he founded with former colleagues Jon Favreau and Tommy Vietor – and co-hosts its flagship political series. Pod Save Americaas well as his own weekly comedy and culture podcast Lovett or leave it.

And it is not a moment too soon, because Lovett and his Crooked colleagues are publishing their first book Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps on June 25, a helpful, thorough, and engaging resource that could prove to be essential reading as we find ourselves deep into this year’s election cycle. As the “gay” of this trio, Lovett has made sure the book includes sections that inspire and mobilize the LGBTQ+ community, replete with his signature wit.

In anticipation of Democracy or elsewe have invited Lovett as the latest guest in our fast-paced Q&A series “Dishin’ It” –Before he shipped to Survivors Island! While we couldn’t ask him for spoilers for the upcoming season (we didn’t even know he was going to be in it back then!), we talked to him about the film, which touched on his former “hidden” self, his election season exhaustion, and his love of cartoons that continues to this day.

Is there a piece of media – be it a film, TV series, book, album, play, video game, etc. – that you feel was a big part of your own coming out process or that played an important role in your understanding of queerness? Why does it stand out to you?

The birdcage! I loved The birdcage so much. I loved how silly and dramatic Nathan Lane could be and how much the film refused to take itself seriously. Being a bit of a closet person at the time, I was afraid to watch gay films and books, so what I saw was what I saw by accident, and it was a lot of films with a capital “S” that had a good message but made being gay seem like a job in a mine. The birdcage was awesome.

Your Crooked Media team is releasing a new book called: Democracy or Else: How to Save America in 10 Easy Steps. Since we as queer people often feel that even the politicians “on our side” aren’t fighting for us as loudly as they should, what “simple step” would you give the LGBTQ+ community to take to keep their heads up during this already stressful election cycle?

A big step in the book is the organization and the work we need to do between elections to hold politicians accountable, demand direct action, and persuade more people. Is that easy? No. The name of the book is a trap. But I would also say: Yes, this election is going to be hard. And we’re seeing nonstop attacks from the right on trans kids and gay teachers and books that mention anal sex. Why is that happening? It’s a pushback to visibility, acceptance, and change — both legally and culturally. It’s a pushback to the evidence around us that we can win and are winning.

Everyone knows you as a podcaster and former White House speechwriter, but if you were to write an advice book about any other topic in the world (outside of politics or your day job), what would it be and why?

The Michelin Guide to restaurant chains in the United States.

Many thanks especially to your Lovett or leave it With that in mind, you’ve had the opportunity to work with and meet so many comedy icons, stars and politicians. Which famous person you’ve met has surprised you the most? How did they surprise you and/or how were they different from what you expected?

Hmmm… I’ll go out on a limb and say what I love about the show is surprising combinations of people, like drag superstars Alaska and Willam along with Congresswoman Katie Porter playing a game together. Those moments are the most fun.

What was the first place you remember feeling like part of a queer community?

I didn’t know it was that at the time, but the forensics tournaments in high school were definitely part of it. I did the more political categories like public speaking, but the acting categories? Gay town.

Which fictional character did you have a crush on when you were younger (or maybe you still do!)? What did you love about that person?

Captain Planet. No further questions at this time.

In honor of Pride Month: What makes you most proud about being part of the LGBTQ+ community?

Hearing a gay voice in a room – whether it’s a wedding, a funeral, NASCAR or whatever – and knowing that there’s someone there who can talk shit. Even at musicals.

Which queer or trans artist/performer/creator do you think is doing really cool work right now and why should we all be paying attention?

I love Ethel Cain. I can play a song like “A House In Nebraska” on repeat for days.

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