The Beat with Ari Melber - podcast cover

The Beat with Ari Melber

Ari Melber, MS NOWwww.ms.now
Ari Melber delivers the biggest political and news stories of the day, with interviews and original reporting from around the nation. An Emmy-winning journalist, attorney and former Senate staffer, Melber cuts through the spin and the noise to tell you what's really happening. Real news, every night.
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Episodes

BONUS: Ari & Rick Ross on BLM, hustle, book & if Drake is "the past"'

In this podcast extra, rapper and entrepreneur Rick Ross shares his business mindset, timeless hustling, and outlook of his new book, "Renaissance of a Boss: Notes from a Creative Reawakening," in this extended interview with Ari Melber. Ross weighs in on Drake's new project and several figures in hip hop. Melber also asks Ross about his "Marathon" lyrics regarding modern protests and BLM video activism -- including critiques about chasing "trends" in the movement. To listen to this show and oth...

May 18, 202619 minEp. 2605186

Trump Approval Crashes as Prices Surge

May 15, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new ethics filings that reveal President Trump's stock trades. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration. Plus, political strategist Chai Komanduri joins to discuss voters turning on Trump amid concerns over the economy, gas prices and the Iran war. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simpleca...

May 16, 202641 minEp. 2605156

Inflation Nears Punishing 4% Under Trump

May 13, 2026; 6pm; Reverend Al Sharpton joins MS NOW's Ari Melber to discuss President Trump's economy, inflation, and rising gas prices. Plus, San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan, a Democrat running for California Governor, joins "The Beat." To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 13, 202641 minEp. 2605135

DOJ Subpoenas WSJ Reporters over Iran Coverage

May 12, 2026; 6pm; The Department of Justice has subpoenaed Wall Street Journal reporters over Iran coverage. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Marty Baron, former executive editor for The Washington Post. Plus, House Democrats ramp up their investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Democratic Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi joins. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz...

May 12, 202642 minEp. 2605126

Nicolle Wallace Discusses Interview with James Comey

May 11, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the clash over President Donald Trump’s DOJ making a second bid to build a case against former FBI Director James Comey. Plus, Nicolle Wallace joins to discuss her recent interview with Comey, marking his first interview since being indicted for a second time. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about o...

May 12, 202640 minEp. 2605116

BONUS: Actor Jeff Goldblum on Film, Music, “Insect Politics” and Being Weird in Ari Melber Intv

Award-winning actor Jeff Goldblum talks to MS NOW’s Ari Melber in this candid, sprawling and sometimes goofy conversation, as the two discuss Goldblum’s work with directors such as Steven Spielberg and Wes Anderson, his many iconic roles, what he loves about jazz, and having his “weirdness” affirmed. This interview aired in 2022. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com fo...

May 11, 202656 minEp. 2605116

Amid War and Gas Crunch, Trump Pushes Vanity Projects

May 7, 2026; 6pm; Donald Trump was confronted about whether he is dangerously pre-occupied with vanity projects and self-glorification at a time of war. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Chai Komanduri, Michelle Goldberg, Joyce Vance and Eugene Robinson. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for ad...

May 11, 202641 minEp. 2605086

Alleged Epstein Suicide Note Released After Seven Years

May 7, 2026; 6pm; Donald Trump is calling for the prosecution of Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries. Also, a handwritten note purportedly written by Jeffrey Epstein in jail shortly before his death has been unsealed by court order after nearly 7 years, raising new questions about his death. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Rev. Al Sharpton, Maya Wiley, Benjamin Weiser and Paul Mecurio. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcas...

May 08, 202641 minEp. 2605076

Epstein Scandal Roars Back on Capitol Hill

May 6, 2026; 6pm; Congress grilled Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick on the Epstein files, in which he is named over 200 times. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Nancy Erika Smith, Emily Bazelon, Ruth Ben-Ghiat and Jason Johnson. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 07, 202641 minEp. 2605066

Trump Echoes Bush's Mideast Blunders

May 5, 2026; 6pm; Donald Trump is struggling to contain the fallout from the war he started in Iran, with reports undercutting his claims about Iran's nuclear timeline. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Mike Barnicle, Molly Jong-Fast, Andrew Weissmann and Fab Five Freddy. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of pe...

May 06, 202641 minEp. 2605056

New Polls Show More Voters Rejecting Trump Policies

May 4, 2026; 6pm; Six months from the midterms, the sputtering economy and an unpopular war are dragging down Donald Trump. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports and is joined by Jelani Cobb, E.J. Dionne, Maya Wiley, Kristen Clarke and Jenn Budd. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 05, 202642 minEp. 2605046

Trump's Iran War Now as Unpopular as Height of Iraq, Vietnam Wars

May 1, 2026; 6pm; President Trump’s war in Iran is facing historic disapproval. MS NOW’s Ayman Mohyeldin reports and is joined by Molly Jong-Fast and Jared Bernstein. Plus, Mohyeldin covers ongoing turmoil inside President Trump’s Justice Department. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

May 01, 202641 minEp. 2605016

New Report: Trump Compares Himself to Past Emperors

April 30, 2026; 6pm; The Atlantic reports that Trump allies say he's "begun thinking about himself less as a peer of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln," and more as an addition to the trifecta of "great men," Alexander the Great, Julius Cesar and Napoleon Bonaparte. MS NOW's Ayman Mohyeldin reports and is joined by The Atlantic's Ashley Parker. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

Apr 30, 202641 minEp. 2604306

Dems Grill Hegseth Over Iran War

April 29, 2026; 6pm; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee, marking his first hearing since the Iran war began. MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports and is joined by Admiral John Kirby. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority struck down a Louisiana voting map as unconstitutional, finding that lawmakers “illegally used race when drawing a new majority-Black district.” To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for M...

Apr 29, 202642 minEp. 2604296

Trump DOJ Indicts Former FBI Director Comey

April 28, 2026; 6pm; The Trump Justice Department has charged former FBI Director James Comey again, following the dismissal of his first indictment. MS NOW’s Antonia Hylton reports, and is joined by Hofstra University’s James Sample and former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance. Plus, the Trump administration is once again targeting Jimmy Kimmel. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswi...

Apr 28, 202642 minEp. 2604286

Alleged WHCD Shooter Charged with Three Federal Counts

April 27, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Antonia Hylton reports on President Trump's attacks on the media following the shooting outside the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Molly Jong-Fast and Robert D'Amico join. Plus, Hylton breaks down new reports of chaos at President Trump's DOJ. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of persona...

Apr 27, 202641 minEp. 2604276

BONUS: Melber & Fukuyama on billionaires, U.S. decline & if public trust is ‘cooked’

BONUS: Acclaimed author and professor Francis Fukuyama discusses his seminal works “Trust” and “The End of History” and how they apply today, and to an era of mounting distrust and conspiracy theories in the new Trump era, in this extended conversation with MS NOW's Ari Melber. Fukuyama also analyzes Elon Musk’s “oligarch” politics, and shares his passions beyond academia - woodworking and drone building. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on App...

Apr 27, 202645 minEp. 2604276

Trump DOJ Backs Down From Failed Probe Into Fed Chair

April 24, 2026; 6pm; The DOJ has closed its probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, clearing the way for Trump's new pick, Kevin Warsh, to lead the bank. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Ty Cobb, former Trump former White House attorney during the first Trump administration. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection a...

Apr 27, 202641 minEp. 2604246

Tucker and Megyn Kelly Reject Trump

April 23, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on how the Iran war and economic fallout are under-cutting President Trump's support on the right. Plus, Warner Bros shareholders have voted to approve the controversial merger with Paramount. Matt Belloni, a founding partner of Puck News, joins to discuss. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our c...

Apr 23, 202641 minEp. 2604236

Tucker Bails on Trump Right as Approval Crashes

April 22, 2026; 6pm; In a striking admission, longtime Trump loyalist Tucker Carlson is apologizing for helping elect Donald Trump. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Will Sommer, senior reporter at The Bulwark. Plus, President Trump’s approval rating plunges to 33%, marking a new low in his second term. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information ab...

Apr 22, 202641 minEp. 2604226

Tucker Shuns Trump, Apologizes for 'Misleading' Voters

April 21, 2026; 6pm; President Trump’s loss of support is becoming visible even on the far right, with Tucker Carlson going further than his past criticism and now apologizing for helping elect Trump. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Alex Wagner and political strategist Morris Katz. Plus, Trump comes under renewed scrutiny over his handling of the economy and the Iran war. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted b...

Apr 21, 202641 minEp. 2604216

Veterans Protest Trump’s Iran War at Capitol

April 20, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and its impact on the economy. Political Strategist Chai Komanduri and Fordham University's Christina Greer join. Plus, music executive Kevin Liles joins to discuss justice reform, creative freedom & rap lyrics in court. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information a...

Apr 20, 202642 minEp. 2604206

BONUS: Jay McInerney & Ari Melber

In this podcast extra, listen to Jay McInerney on The Beat, plus a special digital conversation with Ari Melber in Times Square, where he discusses his new book and his social life in New York City. Plus, revisit McInerney’s past appearances on The Beat. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Apr 20, 202640 minEp. 2604206

U.S. Rocked as Trump Stokes High Prices and Tough Choices Even as Stocks Rebound

April 17, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and its impact on the economy. Political Strategist Chai Komanduri and Fordham University's Christina Greer join. Plus, music executive Kevin Liles joins to discuss justice reform, creative freedom & rap lyrics in court. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information a...

Apr 17, 202641 minEp. 2604176

Trump Plagued by Gas Prices, War in Iran, Clash with Pope

MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump's escalating influence at the Department of Justice, the latest developments in the Iran war, and growing questions surrounding Trump’s mental acuity. Former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb joins the discussion. Plus, author Jay McInerney joins to discuss his new book, "See You on the Other Side." To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm...

Apr 17, 202641 minEp. 2604166

NY AG James on Verdict Against Ticketmaster and Live Nation

April 15, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on mounting challenges facing President Trump, from the Iran war to growing backlash within his MAGA base. Reverend Al Sharpton and The New York Times’ Michelle Goldberg join. Plus, New York Attorney General Letitia James joins to discuss the verdict against Ticketmaster and Live Nation. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz....

Apr 15, 202641 minEp. 2604156

New Scrutiny on Trump's Mental Acuity

April 14, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the fallout over President Trump's feud with the Pope, and his post depicting himself as Jesus. Plus, Trump's behavior is alarming allies and critics who say it's hitting a turning point. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Eugene Robinson joins. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection a...

Apr 14, 202642 minEp. 2601146

Trump Stokes Scandal with Jesus Post, Pope Attack

April 13, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new fractures in President Trump's MAGA base as he feuds with the Pope. Semafor's Margaret Carlson joins. Plus, MS NOW’s Jason Johnson and Middle East Institute senior fellow Brian Katulis break down the latest developments in the Iran war. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and ...

Apr 13, 202641 minEp. 2604136

BONUS: From woke to MAGA to A.I.: Erykah Badu’s entire Ari Melber interview

BONUS: Top Republicans are attacking what they call “woke” politics, and even passing laws designed to “stop” a supposed woke agenda. The singer who first brought that concept to the culture, in “Master Teacher,” Erykah Badu, reflects on social justice, culture and “woke politics” today – one of several topics the four-time Grammy winner tackles in this extended discussion with MSNBC anchor and music obsessive Ari Melber. Badu discusses her singing, deep links to hip hop, personal evolution, spi...

Apr 13, 202650 minEp. 2604136

Key Iran Negotiations About to Begin

April 10, 2026; 6pm; The U.S. is preparing for a new round of peace talks in Pakistan. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and is joined by Max Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council on Foreign Relations. Plus, Melber delivers a special report on AI, labor, and humanity, and is joined by The Atlantic’s Thomas Chatterton Williams and Jelani Cobb, dean of Columbia University’s School of Journalism. To listen to this show and other MS p...

Apr 10, 202640 minEp. 2604106
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