On this episode of Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Brian Karem, journalist, political commentator, White House correspondent, and host of the Just Ask The Question podcast. After a whirlwind week in politics, there’s no shortage of critical topics to tackle. With Trump’s controversial cabinet picks beginning their confirmation hearings, Brian and I delve into nominees like Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Pam Bondi. We also break down Volume 1 of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s involvem...
Jan 17, 2025•1 hr 23 min
In this episode of Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Karen Friedman Agnifilo, co-host of LegalAF and MissTrial , lawyer for Luigi Mangione, and former Chief Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan DA’s office. KFA shares her legal insights on Judge Merchan’s decision in the Manhattan DA hush-money case, unpacking its impact on Trump’s narrative and his status as a convicted felon. We discuss Trump’s alarming promises to pardon January 6th rioters, his ongoing assaults on democratic norms, and the e...
Jan 13, 2025•56 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Harry Dunn, former Capitol Police officer who bravely defended the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, and later testified before Congress alongside his colleagues. Harry is also the author of a powerful book and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden. Together, we reflect on the four-year anniversary of January 6th, examining the lingering trauma and challenges stemming from that day. Harry shares his frustration with the lack of acc...
Jan 10, 2025•1 hr 20 min
On this episode of Mea Culpa, Michael is joined by Michael Smerconish, the host of a daily radio program heard nationwide on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel. Michael is also the host of CNN’s “Smerconish”, which airs Saturdays, and the author of seven books including his latest book titled: Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right: American Life in Columns. The two discuss Trump’s election win and both their individual experiences with the previous Trump campaign, while giving insight into the thr...
Jan 06, 2025•1 hr 26 min
On this episode of Mea Culpa, I welcome back Glenn Kirschner, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, NBC and MSNBC legal analyst, and host of the podcast Justice Matters . We reflect on the humanitarian legacy of Jimmy Carter, contrasting it with Trump’s authoritarian agenda. Glenn and I discuss the ethical decisions President Biden faces as his term concludes, particularly regarding presidential pardons. We also examine the role of Senate Republicans in confirming Trump’s ...
Jan 03, 2025•1 hr 23 min
As we approach the new year, I want to replay a Best of Mea Culpa episode. On January 7th, 2021—the day after the insurrection—I sat down with the incredible actor Ben Stiller. At the time, Biden was about to take office, but with a new Trump term on the horizon, many of the topics we discussed remain strikingly relevant. We delved into conspiracy theories, the regulation of misinformation on social media, Trump’s divisiveness, and my personal insights from working with him. Of course, having a ...
Dec 30, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my friend George Conway, a lawyer, activist, founding member of the Lincoln Project, and one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics. Drawing on our deep insights into Trump’s behavior, we analyze his narcissistic and impulsive tactics that continue to shape his political strategy. With less than a month until Trump takes office, George and I discuss President Biden’s recent pardons and how they compare historically. We also examine the Matt Gaetz ethics report...
Dec 27, 2024•1 hr 18 min
Anand Giridharadas joins me today on Mea Culpa to discuss the threats to democracy posed by Trump’s authoritarian agenda and the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. Anand, a bestselling author of Winners Take All and The Persuaders , is also an MSNBC analyst and a former foreign correspondent and columnist for The New York Times . Following last week’s scare of a government shutdown, we examine how figures like Musk use their power to shape public discourse and policy, often undermining de...
Dec 23, 2024•1 hr 19 min
On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the SDNY, where he specialized in white-collar crime. Akerman, also renowned for his role as Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, shares his expertise as we discuss Judge Merchan’s decision to deny Trump’s motion to dismiss in the Manhattan DA case. We delve into the implications of Trump’s promise to pardon January 6th insurrectionists and the erosion of democratic guar...
Dec 20, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Popok, host of MeidasTouch’s Legal AF, and the Executive Managing Partner of the New York City office of Zumpano Patricios & Popok. Utilizing Popok’s expertise in the intersection of law and politics, we explore how the legal system can act as a safeguard against the incoming presidency of Donald Trump. We discuss Trump’s troubling promise to pardon January 6th rioters, whom he refers to as 'hostages.' Popok and I also examine Trump’s plans for mass ...
Dec 16, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by David Pepper, political strategist, former Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, and author of several books on preserving democracy in America. David provides insights into the Democratic Party’s shortcomings that contributed to Trump’s victory, including ineffective messaging and the failure to hold him accountable after January 6th. We also discuss recent events, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dining at Mar-a-Lago and Luigi Mangione’s alleged...
Dec 13, 2024•1 hr 27 min
On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my friend David Corn, Washington, DC bureau chief of Mother Jones and New York Times bestselling author of “American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy.” David shares his perspective on what Trump’s win means for our country, particularly its impact on democracy and foreign relations. We discuss the dangers of Trump’s foreign policy stance on NATO, Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. I also get David’s take on T...
Dec 09, 2024•1 hr 26 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Brooklyn Dad Defiant, a left-wing political commentator with over 1 million Twitter followers, known for his outspoken defiance and humorous take on today’s political climate. Author of The Bigliest Loser , BDD and I dive into Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, and the alarming implications of his plans to dismantle key federal agencies like the EPA and Department of Education. We also critique Trump’s divi...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 27 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by 21-year-old Gen Z political influencer Harry Sisson, known for his over one million TikTok followers and interviews with figures like President Biden. While we discuss topics I’ve explored with other guests like Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, mass deportation plans, and how misinformation played a significant role in his recent campaign success, I value Harry’s insight as a representative of the younger generation. Harry offers a unique perspective on the ...
Dec 02, 2024•1 hr 22 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m replaying an important episode from November 2021 with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Given RFK’s involvement in Trump’s transition team and his nomination as Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this conversation remains as relevant as ever. In a striking twist, RFK discusses how he once sued the very agency he is now set to lead. Our conversation delves into science, misinformation, his controversial views on vaccines, and the dangerous narratives he has...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 21 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Tristan Snell, former Assistant NY Attorney General, legal commentator, and author of Taking Down Trump , to discuss Trump’s unprecedented return to the presidency and its implications for the rule of law. We explore the fate of Trump’s legal troubles due to presidential immunity, which undermines public trust in the justice system. Tristan unpacks Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, chosen for loyalty over qualifications, and how his authoritarian agenda threa...
Nov 25, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and host of Talking Feds, to discuss the dire implications of a second Trump term. We explore Trump’s alarming cabinet picks, whose lack of qualifications and controversial histories could destabilize federal agencies and undermine public trust. Harry and I also examine Trump’s authoritarian plans for mass deportations and militarized enforcement, highlighting the profound cons...
Nov 22, 2024•1 hr 30 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Fred Wellman, veteran, pro-democracy advocate, political strategist, and host of On Democracy , to discuss Trump’s authoritarian agenda and its impact on veterans. We explore the growing disillusionment among veterans with Trump, fueled by his disrespectful comments toward the military and his proposals to politicize the armed forces. Fred highlights how conservative media has fostered loyalty among some veteran communities despite Trump’s rhetoric. Together, we...
Nov 18, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my good friend Joe Walsh, former Congressman, host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh, and a Republican commentator who spoke out against the MAGA movement after running for president. Joe and I discuss the factors behind Trump’s unexpected victory, including his campaign's relentless focus on issues like immigration, crime, and the economy. We also examine the Democratic Party’s shortcomings, particularly in failing to connect with working-class voters. Fina...
Nov 15, 2024•1 hr 31 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my good friend JoJo From Jerz, a popular Twitter personality known for her smart, hilarious, and sarcastic political commentary, and host of Are You F'ing Kidding Me? With JoJoFromJerz. JoJo and I dive into the impact of the recent election, focusing on how Trump’s campaign used grievance-driven messaging and conservative media to sway swing voters, particularly young men. JoJo critiques Democrats for avoiding these media spaces, which allowed influencers like J...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 24 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Wajahat Ali, columnist, public speaker, author of Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American , and co-host of the Democracy-Ish podcast, to discuss the recent Presidential election results. We examine the factors behind Trump’s unexpected victory, from the GOP’s powerful media network to grievance-based messaging. Ali critiques Democrats’ coordinated strategy, while figures like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk rallied yo...
Nov 08, 2024•1 hr 32 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my good friend Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born businessman and former associate of Rudy Giuliani who, like me, is determined to speak out against Trump and warn of the threat he poses to our country. With only one day until the election, we expose Trump’s tactics and cover the Republican Party’s reliance on conspiracies, the dangers of billionaire apathy, and the potential consequences for democracy if Trump wins in 2024. We delve into Trump’s authoritarian approach, ...
Nov 04, 2024•1 hr 27 min
Join me and Harry Litman on today’s episode of Mea Culpa . Litman, a former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and legal commentator, is also the creator and host of the Talking Feds podcast. We dive into Trump’s authoritarian tactics, his divisive rhetoric, and how these influence public opinion leading up to the election. Litman highlights Trump’s appeal to the religious right and his strategy of framing the election as a loyalty test for groups like Jews and evan...
Nov 01, 2024•1 hr 20 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian, educator, and commentator who specializes in fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and the defense of democracy—topics that are, unfortunately, central to this presidential election. Ruth draws striking parallels between Trump and other authoritarian leaders, explaining how his increasingly erratic and offensive statements reflect a desperation to maintain influence. She highlights Trump’s use of dehumanizing language, misinformati...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 23 min
In this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Joe Trippi, American political Democratic strategist, senior advisor at The Lincoln Project, the host of That Trippi Show podcast, and the founder of https://sez.us - a pro-democracy social network. We discuss the upcoming election, focusing on Trump’s erratic rallies, which only appeal to his MAGA base and fail to grow his support. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s policy-driven rallies are energizing key groups like suburban women and young voters. We also ...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 23 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Tom Carle, who’s running for Congress in New York’s 23rd District. Carle is focused on integrity and stewardship, viewing this election as one of the most important of our lifetime. He aims to protect his constituents from Donald Trump, who has endorsed his opponent, current congressman Nick Langworthy, who is known for prioritizing party loyalty over district needs. Carle outlines his plans to revitalize rural communities through economic development, job creat...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 25 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Grant Stern—author, journalist, radio host, and Executive Director of Occupy Democrats, a leading social media outlet for Democratic news. With the election less than three weeks away, we dive into Trump’s eroding support among key demographics, especially women, and the inconsistencies in public polling. We also contrast VP Kamala Harris’s energizing rallies with Trump’s lackluster events, where attendees leave mid-speech. Grant further highlights Trump’s lack ...
Oct 18, 2024•1 hr 28 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by an exciting guest - journalist and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman. His new film The Apprentice , released on Friday, examines Donald Trump’s rise and his relationship with mentor Roy Cohn. I had the privilege of attending the premiere and wanted to unpack the film with Gabriel. We explore how Roy Cohn’s ruthless strategies shaped Trump’s approach to business and politics, and how his overambitious deals led to financial disaster. Gabriel also reveals Trump’s shock...
Oct 14, 2024•1 hr 24 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Maria Cardona, a Colombian-American political strategist and Principal at the Dewey Square Group. With the election less than a month away, we dive into the challenges facing VP Kamala Harris's campaign as it aims to connect with key demographics like Latino voters. Maria emphasizes the urgency of countering Trump’s divisive rhetoric, particularly its harmful impact on immigrant communities, and the dangers of his policies like mass deportation. We also cover pr...
Oct 11, 2024•1 hr 28 min
Joining me today on Mea Culpa is David Corn, Washington, DC bureau chief of Mother Jones and a New York Times bestselling author. His latest book, “American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy,” is essential for understanding the current state of our republic. David and I explore the chaos surrounding Donald Trump, discussing Jack Smith's recent filings in Trump's DC case and their potential impact on the upcoming election. We delve into Trump's narcissis...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 27 min
