Abe Lincoln's Top Hat

3,188

Politics! We know you love them just as much as we do. Join Ben Kissel, Travis Irvine, and Fernando Perez Leon each week as they discuss what's going on in politics and the world of social issues.

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Recent Reviews
  • Minersechs
    I miss this show so much
    This was one of the few non NPR politics shows I could listen to. I hope they can make things right with Ben.
  • YUsucksobad
    Better title: “Ben Kissel never mattered”
    Ben….sweet, soft, simple Ben. You were handed a gift by Henry in the form of a career and/or audience, but as is the case with most grown men who pay their bills via the largesse of better men, you blew it. Your mopey life story as presented is a laughable fabrication. Even now you blame a “traumatic childhood” for your inability to function as a grown man, but being a maleable simpleton with zero initiative or self-control was almost certainly the cause of your perceived trauma…not the result of it. This inane show is a glaring example of what happens when you let a grown child have a platform they didn’t earn. I defy you to find a person less knowledgeable about the subject matter and/or basic concepts relating to their own show’s subject matter. Ben Kissel has as much business hosting a politically-themed podcast as he does a podcast on quantum physics, but I assume Henry just wanted to give him an outlet beyond pout-drinking to dull sadness over his myriad shortcomings. Ben’s lack of basic understanding of rudimentary political and economic concepts is superseded only by his lack of basic historical knowledge and/or grasp of the English language. If Ben misusing a word was a drinking game, I guarantee you we’d see a nationwide spike in alcohol-related deaths. His awe-inspiring stupidity served a purpose on LPOTL (I suppose), but on a podcast about real topics it’s agonizing. No wonder his father is so embarrassed by him. Ben….it was all your fault. When you find yourself at the bottom of the next bottle wondering how it all went wrong, the answer is you. You’re straight out of central casting if the character being portrayed isn’t actually integral to the story. You don’t matter, Ben….you never did. Try not to beat any women in the parking lot on your way to the unemployment line. Sell some plasma for me, hero.
  • Matty J xx
    Political comedy for liberals
    Few intellectual contributions, they mostly just call republicans names for a half hour. You’ll probably like it if you’re subscribed to the narrative of the left and not looking for actual dialogue
  • BrandonB111
    Not bad But…
    If you are a Liberal Democrat you will love this show. Enjoy.
  • Carlyjerome
    Mostly enjoy
    I love LPN, and this show is mostly enjoyable. Lot of dudes. But my biggest gripe is the release schedule - I wish this would drop at the same time each week rather than maybe biweekly sometimes.
  • Phil PhcMil
    Meh
    Meh.
  • projectgirl
    A fantastic podcast
    If this were the ONLY polical media an absorber of news tuned into, I could posit an argument that this would be enough to keep one posted on the importance bullet points as we ride every nutso bananas news cycle. Thank you, Ben, Travis, and Fernando for making me laugh and cry at the same time. The Susan Collin’s imitations are evergreen. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
  • Ajs333
    Informative
    Only place I get my news! I Really put my trust in these guys and know im in good hands!
  • Hazel Bellhop
    TikTok Golden Shares
    Look into the CCP Golden Shares of China’s major businesses.
  • chillwagner
    Three men, one American red solo cup.
    An extremely fun listening experience! Enjoy the banter and is definitely informative if you want a baseline depiction of our current political environment stateside. Thank you for doing the lords work every week. 🙏
  • Angry54321
    Pronunciations
    I love this show! I just wish the host could learn to say Kamala Harris’ name!
  • asewqyyttt
    Sad to go
    Loved the show for a long time but I can’t with Travis and Fernando. They just repeat what Ben says in different words. They provide no analysis or perspective and it’s gotten increasingly annoying imo. I still wish they all the best.
  • x-iled
    Incoherent bias.
    Rag
  • jpwrunyan
    Uninformed snark
    I know it’s hard to find informed, entertaining political commentary these days. If that’s what you’re looking for, keep looking. I’m ok with bias; I’m not ok with stupidity. I expect more effort than just regurgitating MSM content.
  • Dude78176
    Keep It Up!
    The guys do a great job, I love the conversation making it real. So all the nay sayers should look in political mirror and realize how ridiculous their talking (ranting) points are. All things in moderation, and these guys are left moderates at most. Love the idea of progressives and libertarians being the ones to shake hands.
  • JardinCook
    nothing new to add about last week’s news
    the boringest takes on last week’s narratives
  • AriGatz
    Favorite political podcast
    I see negative reviews saying the show is biased, but the truth tends to lean a bit left these days considering the right is actively stripping half of the country of their rights. I appreciate these guys always standing up for minorities, women, LGBTQIA people, and every day Americans. If that makes them “left-wing hacks”, so be it. When human rights are politicized, anyone advocating for people becomes “biased”. Travis is a known libertarian from Ohio, Ben is an independent from Wisconsin and Fernando is a liberal from Texas. These guys DO represent a large portion of the US and give fantastic (and hilarious) insight for the every day American. If you want it dry and hyper informative, the NPR podcast is fantastic. If you want to be brought up to speed on the highlights in a way that doesn’t make you want to jump out a window, Top Hat is the way to go.
  • Critic'sCritic
    Useful Idiots
    I only lasted about 20 minutes in. Derision of Jill Biden for mispronunciation of bodega (yes, she should have prepped better!) from someone who mispronounces NUCLEAR….. someone who mispronounces FERNANDO….. I’m sure I’ll regret making this comment, but “people in glass houses….”?
  • Hammergus
    Unnecessary
    Just as the title says, it’s an unnecessary podcast. The hosts cover news in a joking manner, which very often comes across as making light of tragedies and the like. I don’t disagree with their politics, but it’s not particularly funny, they don’t have any original or insightful takes, and the Donald Trump bits are absolutely cringeworthy. Look elsewhere if you want to stay informed of current events.
  • hly13
    Declining!
    I used to love this show and enjoyed the casual format that was still informative. It has devolved into reactionary rambling from all of the hosts. They wasted ~10min the other day talking about an AG saying “God always has a plan”… who cares?? This isn’t helping me better understand local or national politics, which is why I listen to this podcast. Definitely will be looking for a new political show because I don’t think I can listen to another ‘ladybugs’ joke!
  • ttkk8787
    Terrible Co-host
    This podcast used to be my favorite but is gone through a slow decline into unfactual nonsense mostly coming from Ben’s co-host. Still love Ben though!
  • Hop mane
    Really a big huge letdown
    Man I really love LPTOL but bens politics are just a regurgitation of the same nonsense we get brow beaten with every day. The show is advertised as being unbiased, I guess when you have a political science degree that just means you’re not a Stalin apologist commie.. I just want the news guey!
  • SethKitty23
    Has become Ben’s echo chamber
    I used to love this show and used it to keep informed, but lately it’s become so focused on potty humor and Ben’s opinion that I’ve had to stop. I want to know what’s happening in my world and where my attention should be, not that Biden farted followed by a two minute bit about it. It’s also very frustrating the other hosts let Ben lead the conversations. Speak up if you have a different opinion than he does! I still love LPOTL but I think I need to avoid anything Ben headlines. For such a smart guy he often doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
  • Hepburn84
    Heartfelt and Lighthearted
    Just started LPOTL and decided to listen to Top Hat. Hooked after one episode. I tell my HS and MS students “you’re right send where someone else’s begin” all the time. Loved hearing it from the most recent episode with Puti… I mean Bush! Love it!!
  • Vote2018
    Thank you Lenora
    Thank you telling your story.
  • LECESQ
    Don’t waste your time.
    These dudes don’t invest time in research - Travis just wants his taste of the LPN fame and thinks the way to be popular is to spread ignorant far left rhetoric that he read in an opinion post - so don’t waste your time on them. What used to be an informative, easy listening show has become whiney left propaganda, whose ads say it’s “unbiased.” That ad is the best comedy on the network, considering there’s no way they believe it themselves. There are plenty of echo chambers, and no one needed another. Anti-science, anti-accuracy, and anti-objective. Awful stuff.
  • Pretty useful
    Great listen on politics!
    These guys make listening to anything political fun and entertaining! I can handle mundane shows on finance but could never catch on with political podcast except this one, thanks you guys!
  • JBlakeManor
    Fantastic Podcast for the Political Layman
    Listener day one. Always identified with Ben’s common sense politics in a bizarrely polarized American landscape. Fantastic show. One wish: LPN hire or consult an historian (namely discussing Russia, Ukraine, and 20th century history as a whole). Finger always on the pulse, just excited to see growth. These guys are too brilliant to not hit us with methodology on these hot takes in future!
  • jkloste
    5/5
    Favorite political podcast
  • Hkrem
    Couldn’t be worse
    This show is just terrible & horribly biased/uninformed.
  • Notsoincrediblehulk
    Favorite Political Pod
    10/10
  • zomg93
    Only Political Show You Need
    Keeps it simple, breaks down political issues and news to common sense. Provides facts separate from their opinions, so even if I don’t agree with specific points I’m still learning. Can’t wait for new episodes! Wish it was longer/more often lol
  • saraheight
    Ben Kissel is lovely
    I’ve been listening since 2015. I disagree with Ben’s politics a lot but I almost always agree with his heart. He’s the kind of host who inspires thought, not ire. He really is lovely. Fernando and Travis have been a fun addition. Shout out to Marcus and Travis Morningstar who helped make the show what it is.
  • JesiBe
    Happy to have switched back!
    Top Hat (and that sweet sweet Jackie from Page 7) are the only reason I switched apps back in the day… I am SO HAPPY TO HAVE Y’all back on this one! *issues polite golf clap*
  • ajdaylay
    Bad
    I like LPN and Ben but It is painful to listen to him stumble through the issues of today.
  • SuperCaveman1984
    I miss Travis Morningstar as well.
    But it’s still great!
  • eyeshake
    Has gotten way less interesting post Trump
    I’ve lost a lot of respect for Ben this year. The show is no longer critical of the establishment. It’s been Trump obsessed for far too long. Also Ben claims to be a libertarian, but he’s basically a suburban Bidenite. You can do much better.
  • LauraNSMax
    No good
    Super racist and uneducated
  • Ya Boy Eric
    I miss Travis
    Where my boy Travis
  • idontknowY
    Great!
    Great!
  • FlamingSeaMen
    Non biased?
    I want to start by saying I love the Last Podcast Network and all its shows. But can we at least acknowledge your hate for Trump without pretending you’re giving non biased information? I’m not a Trump defender by any means, I just want to hear political facts without opinions.
  • rhahn7
    Ben should do this solo
    I like hearing bens takes but Travis is brutal. Seems like he’s reading op-eds off buzzfeed.
  • Kejewbixdm
    Partisan Hackery
    Love the guys but this is very biased. Trump isn’t even that bad, the country is doing great in a lot of ways, but all you hear is Trump hating because reasons. As someone said- CNN lite, without owning their political allegiances.
  • VolTune
    Flies buzzing around hot garbage
    Love LPOTL but this podcast is just awful. It’s obvious little is done to research topics and is completely subjective. Ben’s contribution to the podcast is minimal and slightly more than on LPOTL. Definitely does not have the Marcus polish. Also, it’s noticeable that some of the recent reviews written are automated. Talking about how much they love listening to “Marcus and Ben” when Marcus doesn’t even participate in the recent podcasts. Seems like the rating for this podcast is “fluffed”, much like poll numbers. Don’t waste your time.
  • Lucu2000
    Fun and informative, I look forward to it weekly!
    ALTH is my favorite American news pod! It’s funny and informative, Marcus and Ben do a great job, and after so many hours of hearing their voices I can’t help but think of them as my friends. Sometimes I look forward to new episodes SO MUCH that I leave nasty comments on their Instagrams, and then regret it. I hope this nice review makes up for some of those comments. Sorry, I just get SO EXCITED WAITING FOR NEW ‘SODES TO DROP! Anyway, can’t recommend enough. Five stars.
  • Aubrey_Leigh
    Eh.
    I absolutely LOVE LPOTL. I listened to a few episodes of this, knowing the ideologies of both podcasters. What frustrates me about this show is how Ben railroads over Travis almost constantly. Travis will start to say something substantive and try to start talking about facts, and about midway through, Ben will change the subject. I don’t understand why Travis is on the show. Frankly, I wish he would have his own show where I could actually listen to the things he’s trying to say without being constantly interrupted. I love Ben in LPOTL, and his energy in general, and I like what he has to say. I just wish he would let Travis finish a thought before steamrolling over it.🤷🏼‍♀️
  • Shattered627
    Kinda fun
    Some people’s children....
  • Zwzwzw929292
    Love lpotl
    I still love lpotl but I was very disappointed to hear Kissel unironically calling everything racist, and vile, and hate speech, and blah blah blah. I have a poli sci degree space it was pretty easy to identify some of the tricks Kissel was pulling. God bless him. Love my boys but this is a very embarrassing podcast.
  • Kris1792
    I miss Marcus
    I loved listening to top hat when it was Ben and Marcus but recently with Travis, I just have such a hard time listening. The beauty of Abe Lincoln’s top hat was that it was a moderate view of what’s happening in politics and I no longer find that to be true. I think there is definitely room for growth with Travis and generally think he’s a good voice to add to the show but I’m just looking for less bias in his discussions. I used to feel that you guys did a really good job of keeping this show about the facts and little about personal bias and opinions. I think Travis sounds very well educated and I believe he knows what he’s talking about, but there’s already so much tension in our political landscape, I don’t need to hear it in this podcast, I’m looking for actual discourse not people staunchly stating their opinion as fact. I feel there needs to be some personal responsibility for the things you say when you have such an influential platform with thousands of listeners looking to you for reliable political coverage. Quite frankly it’s off-putting. I do still love listening to what Ben has to say and overall am a big fan of the last podcast network. I hope this aspect of the show improves to be at least as good as it once was.
  • Cchhrriisssss85
    Ben Kissel is a centrist grifter.
    Kissel, arguably the most useless member of LPOTL, the “liberal” Fox News trots out to easily own because his knowledge in policy is skin deep at best decided to use the clout of his more talented co-hosts to start a political podcast. My guy was a Libertarian, ran a shockingly humiliating campaign for Brooklyn Burrough president under the Reformist party(got completely destroyed, a distant last) and still regularly talks about running for senate, is now a proud centrist. This my friends is what we call a grift. Don’t listen to this podcast. It brings absolutely nothing new to the table. None of it is insightful in the least. Ben please go on Chapo. I really would love to hear you get completely vaporized. Please do it.
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