Kal Penn to Host New History Podcast Here We Go Again from iHeartPodcasts and SNAFU Media

iHeartPodcasts and SNAFU Media, the podcast studio partnership between Ed Helms’ Pacific Electric Picture Company and FilmNation Entertainment, have announced a new original series titled Here We Go Again, hosted by actor, writer, and producer Kal Penn.

Premiering October 21, Here We Go Again marks Penn’s podcasting debut. Known for his acclaimed film and television work as well as his time serving in the White House, Penn brings curiosity, humor, and insight to an exploration of one central question: why does history keep repeating itself?

Each episode of the weekly series takes a current trend or headline and traces its roots through history with the help of expert guests. Topics include the New Space Race, secession movements, infrastructure failures, policing fashion, and even Hollywood’s obsession with remakes—all approached with Penn’s trademark wit and optimism.

Penn, who also exec produces the pod, explained, “From serious things (like financial collapse) to ludicrous pet peeves (like why there’s never a gate agent ready when your plane lands), I wanted to combine institutional knowledge with uplifting, calm conversation that can help us all sort through the chaos of this planet we share. In each episode, we’ll have hopeful conversations with people who understand things best, before looking ahead at what the future might hold and what our place in it could be.”

Guests joining Penn across the season include Bill Nye, Ed Helms, Michael Lewis, Stacey Abrams, Pete Buttigieg, Lilly Singh, Jana Schmieding, Jon Favreau, Karina Longworth, and Alok Vaid-Menon, among others.

The podcast continues the successful collaboration between iHeartPodcasts and SNAFU Media, following three award-winning seasons of SNAFU with Ed Helms—the hit series exploring history’s greatest blunders, which earned 2024 Signal Awards for Best Writing and Best Host.

"We’re thrilled to be working with SNAFU Media again as listeners’ appetite for fresh perspectives on history continues to grow,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Kal brings both genuine curiosity and a unique viewpoint to every story he tells. His engaging storytelling makes history feel personal and relevant, and we’re excited to have him join iHeartPodcasts where he can reach and inspire an even wider audience."

Reads the whole article on Deadline.