Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist, CNN commentator, Principal at the Dewey Square Group, and founder of Latinovations. We unpack the chaos surrounding Trump’s administration this week. From mass deportations, including U.S. citizens and children, to the administration’s open defiance of the Supreme Court, we examine how due process is being shredded in real time. We also break down the economic fallout of Trump’s reckless tariffs, his crumbling international ...
May 02, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Ali Velshi, MSNBC anchor and senior economic analyst known for his fearless reporting on politics, global affairs, and social justice. Together, we break down the growing assault on truth, education, and democracy. We unpack Harvard’s stand against the attack on higher education, the broader war on elites, and Elon Musk’s quiet retreat from the political spotlight. We expose the White House lies from tariffs crippling the economy to immigration crackdowns rooted...
Apr 28, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Dr. Steven Hassan, mental health expert, founder of the Freedom of Mind Resource Center, and author of several books, including The Cult of Trump . A former cult member turned leading authority on cults and authoritarian control, Dr. Hassan, walks us through how these tactics are being used to manipulate the American public and consolidate Trump’s power. From Supreme Court justices acting as ideological enforcers to mass deportations under the Alien Enemies Act,...
Apr 25, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my friend Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and host of Talking Feds, to break down the constitutional crisis unfolding before our eyes. From the government’s refusal to comply with a Supreme Court order in the Abrego Garcia deportation case to Trump’s threats to dismantle independent institutions, Harry warns we’re entering dangerous, uncharted territory. Together, we expose how Trump’s enablers are weaponizin...
Apr 21, 2025•1 hr 10 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Brooklyn Dad Defiant, an outspoken political commentator known for his sharp wit, relentless criticism of Trump, and humorous takes on today’s political chaos. BDD is the author of “The Bigliest Loser” and publishes the popular Substack “DEFIANT Dispatches.” Today, we break down the constitutional crisis unfolding as the government defies a Supreme Court order to return a wrongfully deported immigrant, threatening the very foundation of due process. From the fa...
Apr 18, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Popok, host of MeidasTouch’s Legal AF podcast and YouTube channel, and founder of The Popok Firm. Popok breaks down everything from potential stock market manipulation and insider trading allegations to sweeping purges of the federal workforce. We dive into Trump’s erratic tariff policies, the collapse of institutional checks, and how Project 2025 is weaponizing government agencies for political revenge. As Trump consolidates power and targets judges, jo...
Apr 14, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Fanone, former Metropolitan D.C. police officer, January 6 hero, author, and political activist. After being brutally injured during the Capitol insurrection, Fanone has become a leading voice for accountability, speaking out on behalf of the officers betrayed that day. In this episode, we explore how Trump’s second term is shaping up to be a full-scale assault on democracy, due process, and basic decency. We also break down the week’s tariff chaos, the ...
Apr 11, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I am joined by Tara Palmeri, an investigative political journalist who has worked for publications like Puck and Politico. Now she is the author of “The Red Letter” on Substack and hosts her own YouTube channel. We discuss a rather turbulent week of news from the Trump administration about Trump’s new tariffs to Signal-Gate. Using Tara’s experience as a global journalist and my deep knowledge of Trump, we predict how the world will react to Trump’s new policies and what is in...
Apr 07, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Steele, former RNC chairman, former lieutenant governor of Maryland, political analyst, and outspoken Trump critic. We break down the impact of the Wisconsin Supreme Court race after a Democratic victory, Trump’s reckless tariff policies and their economic fallout, and Senator Cory Booker’s record-breaking 25-hour speech on the Senate floor. Steele and I also discuss the state of the Republican Party, from its deep internal fractures to its ongoing strug...
Apr 04, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Walter Masterson, comedian, political satirist, and social media provocateur known for infiltrating MAGA rallies and exposing hypocrisy with humor. We break down the fallout from Signal-Gate and how Trump’s allies are spinning the controversy, Chuck Schumer’s latest moves in the Senate and whether Democratic leadership is doing enough to counter Republican extremism, and Trump’s ever-evolving disinformation machine. Walter and I also examine the role of social m...
Mar 31, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I am joined by Anthony Scaramucci, a fellow Trump confidant turned critic. While he is known for his brief tenure as White House Communications Director under Trump in 2017 - a role he held for just 11 days before being fired - he is also the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, host of "The Rest Is Politics US," and an author. Using The Mooch’s experience, we break down Signal-Gate, which has overtaken the news cycle this week. We also discuss Trump’s legal troubles, t...
Mar 28, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Today on Mea Culpa, Michael Cohen is joined by Reed Galen, co-founder of The Lincoln Project and president of The Union, a pro-democracy coalition of grassroots supporters and organizations committed to protecting democracy from the threat of Trump’s authoritarian agenda. Reed and I discuss the state of American democracy, the failures of Democratic leadership, and the emboldened GOP under Trump. We talk about Chuck Schumer’s controversial spending bill decision and the dangerous trajectory of T...
Mar 24, 2025•1 hr 18 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor, Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, and the Assistant United States Attorney in the SDNY, where he specialized in white-collar crime. We break down Trump’s escalating attacks on the judiciary, including his push to impeach Judge James Boasberg and Chief Justice Roberts’ rare public rebuke. Nick explains how Trump’s efforts to undermine judicial independence mirror authoritarian regimes and what legal safeguards remai...
Mar 21, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Alex Isenstadt, Axios’ senior political reporter and author of Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump's Return to Power , which hits shelves this week. Alex gives an inside look at Trump’s political comeback, how he weaponized January 6th to strengthen his grip on the GOP, and the key figures shaping his campaign. We discuss Trump’s media strategy, his influence over Republican leadership, and the sweeping government cuts his administration is planning. Thanks to ou...
Mar 17, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Today on Mea Culpa, my friend Tara Setmayer is back. Tara is a prominent political commentator and the co-founder and CEO of The Seneca Project, a bipartisan super PAC led by women that uses rapid-response videos and impactful ads to inspire change through action. We break down the looming government shutdown and the devastating impact of Trump and Elon Musk’s extreme budget cuts, including mass firings at the VA, IRS, and other critical federal agencies. Tara exposes the GOP’s coordinated messa...
Mar 14, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my good friend Joe Walsh, former Republican Congressman, host of The Social Contract with Joe Walsh, and fierce Trump critic. We break down Trump’s chaotic economic policies, including his flip-flopping on tariffs, extreme government cuts, and the dangerous grip he has on the GOP. Joe and I discuss how Trump's mass layoffs at the VA and other federal agencies are devastating American workers and veterans, the GOP’s fear-driven politics, and the growing authorita...
Mar 10, 2025•1 hr 16 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by political strategist, consultant, and content creator Ally Sammarco to break down the latest chaos in Trump’s presidency following his joint address to Congress this week. With Gen Z increasingly influenced by right-wing propaganda, Ally lays out what Democrats must do to combat disinformation and engage younger voters before it’s too late. We discuss Trump’s recent policy changes, including tariffs and mass firings, and their impact on the economy. We also exa...
Mar 07, 2025•1 hr 17 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Don Lemon, award-winning journalist, former CNN anchor, and current host of The Don Lemon Show. Known for his fearless approach to the truth, Don and I break down the latest chaos in Trump’s presidency, including his ties to Putin and Russia, Elon Musk’s growing influence in his administration, and the extreme lengths the DOJ has gone to dismantle our current government. Don also analyzes Trump’s authoritarian tactics from the perspective of a media veteran, hig...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 15 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Anna Delvey, the subject of Netflix’s “Inventing Anna,” which dramatized claims that she convinced New York’s elite she was a German heiress. Eager to reclaim her own narrative, Anna sets the record straight, discussing the real events behind the headlines, the media’s portrayal of her, and the vision behind the Anna Delvey Foundation. We explore her legal battles, time in prison, ongoing immigration issues, and her latest projects, including a new media venture...
Feb 28, 2025•1 hr 5 min
In today’s episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by former Palm Beach State Attorney Dave Aronberg, a frequent legal analyst on major news networks. He recently launched his own law firm, Dave Aronberg Law, P.A., and is the host of Court Authorities, a MeidasTouch-affiliated YouTube channel. Given Dave’s past experience working alongside Pam Bondi, we dive into the Justice Department’s controversial decision to drop corruption charges against NYC Mayor Eric Adams. We break down the resignations of ke...
Feb 24, 2025•1 hr 8 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Adam Parkhomenko, Democratic strategist, former DNC National Field Director, and advisor to Hillary Clinton. We discuss the new leadership at the DNC under Ken Martin and the urgent need for a stronger Democratic messaging strategy to counter Trump. Adam explains how Democrats can push back against right-wing media dominance, connect with rural voters, and energize young people ahead of the 2026 midterms. We also break down Trump’s escalating mass deportations, ...
Feb 21, 2025•1 hr 11 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Jim Acosta, former CNN anchor and chief White House correspondent, who made headlines for his heated clashes with Donald Trump during press briefings. After recently departing CNN following a proposed shift change, Jim left with a powerful message: "It is never a good time to bow down to a tyrant. Don’t give in to the lies. Don’t give in to the fear." Today, we break down the latest chaos in Trump’s presidency, including his secretive prisoner exchange with Russ...
Feb 17, 2025•1 hr 20 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Leigh McGowan, also known as PoliticsGirl . Leigh launched her platform to make politics accessible and inspire civic engagement. She gained popularity with her no-nonsense, kitchen-table rants, breaking down complex political issues in a digestible way. Now, she is a widely recognized political commentator, activist, and host of The PoliticsGirl Podcast . On today’s episode, we dive into Trump’s latest power grabs, including his administration’s dismantling of...
Feb 14, 2025•1 hr 22 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I welcome back Joe Trippi, veteran Democratic strategist, senior advisor at The Lincoln Project, host of That Trippi Show podcast, and founder of Sez , a pro-democracy social network. We break down Trump’s chaotic first weeks back in office, including his bizarre claim that the U.S. should 'own' Gaza, his mass federal employee buyouts, and his economic policies that could destabilize the economy. We also discuss how Democrats can effectively push back against Trump’s agenda ...
Feb 10, 2025•1 hr 19 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Jill Wine-Banks, former Watergate prosecutor, legal analyst, author of The Watergate Girl , former U.S. General Counsel of the Army, and host of multiple podcasts. With her deep expertise in law and presidential power, we break down Trump’s alarming early actions in his new term. Following this week’s news of Trump claiming the U.S. should 'own' Gaza and offering CIA employees buyouts, there’s no shortage of critical developments to discuss. Jill and I analyze ...
Feb 07, 2025•1 hr 20 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Pamela Hemphill, known as “MAGA Granny,” who attended the January 6th riot, served 60 days in prison, and is now finishing probation. Despite Trump’s mass pardons for Jan 6 rioters, Pam has been outspoken in rejecting his clemency, arguing it dishonors the Capitol Police and undermines accountability. We discuss the dangers of rewriting history, the radicalization of Trump’s supporters, and the role of media in spreading propaganda. Pam also shares her journey ...
Feb 03, 2025•1 hr 14 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Rick Wilson, political strategist, co-founder of The Lincoln Project, and outspoken critic of Donald Trump. 12 days after Trump took power, Rick and I break down his latest authoritarian moves, including the purge of DOJ prosecutors investigating him and the Senate’s confirmation hearings of his unqualified cabinet picks like Pete Hegseth, Kash Patel, RFK Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. We also discuss the GOP’s submission to Trump out of fear of political retaliation ...
Jan 31, 2025•1 hr 9 min
On this episode of Mea Culpa , I’m joined by Jesse Jackson Jr., former Congressman, son of civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Jackson, and author of “A More Perfect Union: Advancing New American Rights” and “The Finger of God.” In 2013, Jesse was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for violating campaign finance laws, and like me, he hoped for a pardon from President Biden. Jesse reflects on his father’s legacy and his own efforts to uphold those values in Congress. We discuss the challenge...
Jan 27, 2025•1 hr 24 min
Today on Mea Culpa, I welcomed back Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and host of Talking Feds, to discuss Trump’s first week in office. We critique Trump’s authoritarian agenda, including mass deportation plans, the creation of controversial new departments, and executive orders that undermine democratic institutions. Harry emphasizes the dangers of Trump’s disregard for constitutional norms and explores legal avenues to challenge these action...
Jan 24, 2025•1 hr 25 min
Today on Mea Culpa , I welcome back Malcolm Nance, retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, New York Times bestselling author, and leading expert on terrorism, extremism, and insurgency. With Donald Trump’s inauguration taking place today, Malcolm and I delve into what lies ahead for our nation. Drawing from his extensive experience in the Middle East, Malcolm offers insights into the ceasefire between Israel and Gaza. We also analyze Trump’s cabinet picks and their confirmation hearings, focusing on the...
Jan 20, 2025•1 hr 30 min
