David Pakman (born 2 February 1984) is an American-Argentine political commentator, media entrepreneur and author. He is the host of the talk radio program The David Pakman Show. His work focuses on Politics of the United States, democratic institutions, media incentives and political extremism, reaching millions in audience across digital platforms.

Early life and education

David Pakman was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and later immigrated to the United States as a child, where he was raised. At the age of 16, he became a US citizen.

Education

Pakman grew up in Northampton, Massachusetts, and graduated from Northampton High School. He attended the University of Massachusetts Amherst in Amherst, Massachusetts, where he majored in economics and communications. He also earned an MBA degree from Bentley University in Waltham, Massachusetts.

Career

The David Pakman Show

The David Pakman Show is a Progressive political talk program hosted by David Pakman. The show launched in August 2005 as a local radio program in Massachusetts on WXOJ-LP as Midweek Politics with David Pakman and expanded into national syndication, airing on numerous radio and television stations across the United States. As the program expanded, The David Pakman Show became available on radio, television, and online platforms, including YouTube and podcast networks. The show features political commentary, news analysis, and interviews with politicians, journalists, and other public figures.

Development and distribution

It originated as a local radio program in 2005 and later entered national syndication, airing on more than 100 stations. The program subsequently expanded its distribution to television and digital platforms, where full episodes and clips are published online.

The David Pakman Show is distributed across radio, television, and digital platforms, including YouTube. Episodes are also released online and made available as a podcast. The program has been carried on networks such as Free Speech TV and through radio syndication, in addition to its online distribution.

Media appearances and commentary

He has appeared as a guest speaker and commentator in a variety of radio, television and radio programs including on Fox News, CNN, HLN. His HLN credits includes Nancy Grace program, and Dr. Drew on Call. He has also been a guest on podcasts including Lex Fridman Podcast, and The Joe Rogan Experience, and talk show Piers Morgan Uncensored. He has appeared in magazines Mother Jones, the Boston Herald, The New York Times, and Wired.

Writing and publications

Pakman is the author of several non-fiction books. He wrote a series of children’s books including Think Like a Detective, Think Like a Scientist, Think Like a Voter, which are focused on critical thinking, science literacy and civic engagement respectively.

In 2025, Pakman published New York Times Bestseller The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created A Post-Truth America. The book examined the role of media incentives, disinformation and radicalization in contemporary U.S. politics. The book was published by Beacon Press.

In August 2025, a Wired article mentioned Pakman in connection with the Chorus Creator Incubator Program, a dark money initiative funded by the Sixteen Thirty Fund that supports and compensates online influencers who promote Democratic Party messaging.

Bibliography

  • Think Like a Detective: A Kid's Guide to Critical Thinking (2023)
  • Think Like a Scientist: A Kid's Guide to Scientific Thinking (2023)
  • Think Like a Voter: A Kid's Guide to Shaping Our Country's Future (2024)
  • The Echo Machine: How Right-Wing Extremism Created a Post-Truth America (2025)

Personal life

Pakman has stated he is secular and does not believe in God, but would not rule out the possibility.

External links