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: 50 Cent on New TV Deals, Classics, Nas - and Why He Told Ari Melber ‘You're #1'

In this podcast extra, legendary hip-hop artist, actor and businessman 50 Cent joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber to discuss his new television broadcast deal with Fox and the 2024 election. Plus, 50 Cent celebrates 20 years of “Get Rich or Die Tryin,” and reflects on making music alongside Eminem and Dr. Dre. 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 collec...

Mar 23, 202643 minEp. 2603236

Trump Claims He Has "Much More Power" in Second Term

March 20, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on President Trump's attempted power grabs and is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration. Plus, “Track Star” host Jack Coyne and Rolling Stone veteran Gus Wenner join to discuss how the upstart show has become a destination and what it signals for the future of digital media. Melber also reports on the latest developments in Iran. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS...

Mar 20, 202641 minEp. 2603206

Congress Grills Top Epstein Lawyer

March 19, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on new testimony from Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime lawyer before the House Oversight Committee. Nancy Erika Smith, renowned civil rights attorney, joins to discuss. Plus, Melber reports on the drawbacks and benefits of the music streaming era. Melber also covers Bad Bunny topping both global and U.S. charts, his Super Bowl performance as a ratings hit and why MAGA backlash and online meltdowns failed to resonate with viewers. Neil Shah, longtime mus...

Mar 19, 202641 minEp. 2603196

Congress Presses DOJ on Epstein Files

March 18, 2026; 6pm; President Trump’s DOJ is being pressed for hiding more Epstein documents. Top House Oversight lawmakers met with embattled Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche over hiding files and alleged abuse of redactions. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports, joined by New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon. Plus, Melber reports on the latest in Iran. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simpleca...

Mar 18, 202642 minEp. 2602186

Top Trump Official Resigns Over War

March 17, 2026; 6pm; The Trump administration’s top counterterrorism official, Joe Kent, has resigned. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the highest-level defection from Trump’s administration over Iran. Plus, Melber reports on how iconic artist Banksy is shaking up politics and art. Rev. Al Sharpton and The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast join. 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.a...

Mar 17, 202642 minEp. 2603176

Oil Prices Spike as Iran War Hits Third Week

March 16, 2026; 6pm; The war with Iran enters its third week as oil prices spike and the U.S. endgame remains unclear. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest and delivers a special report on President Trump escalating attacks on the First Amendment, with former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann weighing in. 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 abo...

Mar 16, 202641 minEp. 2603166

BONUS POD: Ari Talks to Chef Carbone About Cooking, Pasta, NY Pizza, Plus Old School Music with Ish From Joe Budden Pod

In this podcast extra, Chef Mario Carbone joins Ari Melber for a conversation about restaurants, cooking and his path from shucking shrimp to building the Carbone empire. Then Ari hosts Ish from The Joe Budden Podcast for an extended discussion on rap today, Jay-Z, Jay Electronica, Lyor Cohen, haters, the impact of streaming, music that plays best outside and even the “Verizon Man.” These new interviews are a Beat bonus from our podcast series “The B-Side.” Real talk and Ari’s extended conversat...

Mar 16, 202632 minEp. 2603166

Judge blocks Federal Reserve subpoenas in Trump loss

March 13 2026; 6pm; A Federal judge quashes grand jury subpoenas in the DOJ's probe into the Federal Reserve chair. Plus, the latest on the Iran war, with the Pentagon confirming six additional American deaths. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Jelani Cobb and Isiah Thomas. 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 ...

Mar 16, 202642 minEp. 2603136

Residents on edge after attacks on MI Synagogue, VA college

March 10 2026; 6pm; The FBI and local law enforcement agencies give briefings on attacks on Temple Israel in West Boomfield, Michigan and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Plus, the latest on the Iran war, with mideast strikes threatening economic upheaval. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Marc Santia, Marq Claxton, Brian Katulis, and Dylan Ratigan. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast...

Mar 13, 202646 minEp. 2603126

NEW Epstein Death Timeline (Special Report)

March 11, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers an in-depth special report, presenting a new timeline of Jeffrey Epstein’s death. Julie K. Brown, investigative journalist with the Miami Herald and leading expert on Epstein, joins Melber. 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....

Mar 12, 202642 minEp. 2603116

Paramount-Warner Merger Sends Industry Shockwaves

March 10 2026; 6pm; One company backed by MAGA billionaire Larry Ellison is on track to own Paramount, Warner Bros., CNN, HBO, and CBS, along with a vast array of media properties, if its massive new $100 billion merger goes through. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by founding partner of Puck News, Matt Belloni. Plus, Melber reports on 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 ...

Mar 10, 202641 minEp. 2603106

Oil Prices Surge as Iran War Expands

March 9 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the latest developments in President Trump’s war with Iran. Guests include former Under Secretary of State Rick Stengel, CNBC senior economics reporter Steve Liesman, and legendary Democratic strategist James Carville. 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 collect...

Mar 09, 202624 minEp. 2603096

BONUS: Tom Hanks on ‘Progress’ and Characters Who Do What’s Right

In this podcast extra, hear MS NOW’s Ari Melber in conversation with Tom Hanks for an in-depth discussion about his novel, "The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece", his iconic films, doing the right thing, and who he thinks should play him in a biopic. This installment is part of The Summit Series with Ari Melber, featuring conversations with leaders at the top of their fields. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hoste...

Mar 09, 202644 minEp. 2603096

Trump's Iran War Threatens Global Economy

March 6 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Jason Johnson sits down with economist Justin Wolfers and award-winning author Juanita Tolliver to break down President Trump’s sputtering economy. Plus, Congressman Seth Moulton to discuss the latest on 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 use of personal data for advertising....

Mar 07, 202641 minEp. 2603066

BONUS POD: Ari Talks Trump Tariffs, Fed, Bubble with Goldman Sachs' Lloyd Blankfein

In this podcast extra, longtime Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein discusses current U.S. policy, inequality, AI, the current risk of a "bubble," criticism of Wall St. and Goldman Sachs, Pres. Trump's trade war and Federal Reserve meddling, and Blankfein's career, in this wide-ranging discussion. Blankfein also outlines how to assess risk, a functioning market, investor discipline, what money is good for and if any amount is "too much" for one person - and his new book, "Streetwise: Getting to an...

Mar 06, 202652 minEp. 2603066

Trump Fires DHS Secretary Kristi Noem

March 5, 2026; 6pm; Kristi Noem has been ousted as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during Trump's first 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 about our collection and use of personal data for advertising....

Mar 06, 202631 minEp. 2603056

AG Bondi Hit with Epstein Subpoena

March 4, 2026; 6pm; Former DNC Chair Howard Dean joins MS NOW's Ari Melber on "The Beat" to discuss the latest political developments, including the Iran war, President Trump’s approval rating and the start of the 2026 midterm elections. Plus, the House Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, with five Republicans voting yes. Melber reports on the escalating pressure on President Trump’s DOJ over its handling of the Epstein files. To listen to this show and other MS...

Mar 05, 202642 minEp. 2603046

2026 Midterms Begin Amid Iran War, Economic Woes, Epstein Scandal

March 3, 2026; 6pm; The 2026 midterms kick off tonight with primaries in three states, unfolding at a critical moment in the Trump presidency. MS NOW's Ari Melber breaks down the political stakes, from the president’s controversial war with Iran and widespread frustration over the economy to the Epstein scandal looming over the administration. MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor Michele Norris and Reverend Al Sharpton join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS N...

Mar 04, 202641 minEp. 2603036

Strikes Escalate Across Mideast

March 2, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on escalating attacks in the Mideast and more U.S. forces heading to the region. Plus, Donald Trump's war with Iran now creating a rift with his base and to his own campaign promises. 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....

Mar 03, 202641 minEp. 2603026

BONUS B-Side Pod: Epstein a Mystery, Not a Conspiracy; Trump FASTER than Putin: Ari x Bazelon, Shteyngart in Pod Chat

The legal and journalistic scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crimes was slow and late - Ari & NYT's Emily Bazelon discuss that problem, dynamics behind the scenes, and how the main story was never a "conspiracy theory." Then Russian-American novelist Gary Shteyngart tackles parallels between Putin and Trump. These NEW interviews are a Beat bonus from our new podcast series "The B-Side": Real talk and Ari's extended conversations off air. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts with...

Mar 02, 202628 minEp. 2602026

Hillary Clinton Testifies Before House Committee on Epstein

February 26, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s closed-door deposition on Jeffrey Epstein before the House Oversight Committee. Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Eugene Robinson and veteran journalist Gretchen Carlson join. Plus, the Trump-allied billionaire owners of Paramount have won the bid for Warner Brothers Discovery, beating out Netflix. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts...

Feb 27, 202640 minEp. 260226

Epstein Bombshells Rock Elites from White House to England

February 25, 2026; 6pm; President Trump is facing heat over an Epstein cover-up, as NPR reports that the DOJ “withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump.” MS NOW reports that three of those files involve accusations against Trump, who has denied wrongdoing in connection with Epstein. Emily Bazelon, legal writer with The New York Times Magazine, and Nancy Erika Smith, renowned civil rights attorney join MS NOW's Ari Melber. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, s...

Feb 26, 202641 minEp. 2602256

Trump to Address Nation Amid Sinking Job Approval

February 24, 2026; 6pm; NPR reports that the DOJ “withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump.” MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. Plus, Senator Amy Klobuchar and Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear join ahead of President Trump's State of the Union. 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....

Feb 25, 202641 minEp. 2602246

Trump sinks in polls ahead of State of the Union

February 23, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber examines President Trump’s plummeting approval rating in a special "Beat" report. The latest Washington Post–ABC–Ipsos poll shows 60% of Americans disapprove of the president ahead of the State of the Union address. Another poll from Economist/YouGov finds Trump’s support among independent voters has dropped to a new low across both terms in office. Political strategist Chai Komanduri joins. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sig...

Feb 24, 202640 minEp. 2602236

SCOTUS Rejects Trump Tariffs

February 20, 2026; 6pm; In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that President Trump cannot unilaterally impose tariffs. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal. 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....

Feb 21, 202642 minEp. 25111481

Former Prince Andrew Arrested After Epstein Files Revelations

February 19, 2026; 6pm; British authorities have arrested former Prince Andrew and are investigating him on suspicion of misconduct in public office. He has faced public accusations of sexual misconduct from Epstein survivors. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports. Plus, economist Paul Krugman joins to discuss billionaire influence in America. 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.co...

Feb 20, 202641 minEp. 25111480

Billionaire Les Wexner Testifies About Epstein Ties

February 18, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on new testimony from billionaire Les Wexner in the House Epstein investigation. Plus, Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during Trump’s first term, joins "The Beat" for a wide-ranging discussion. 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 advertisin...

Feb 19, 202641 minEp. 2602186

State Probe Begins Into Epstein’s New Mexico Ranch

February 17, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on new accountability surrounding the Epstein files, as billionaire Les Wexner is set to testify before Congress about his decades-long ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Plus, The Trump administration allegedly tried to block Texas Dem James Talarico from appearing on Stephen Colbert’s show. CBS, now owned by the MAGA-allied Ellison family, is facing scrutiny over efforts to censor the interview from airing. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. To listen to thi...

Feb 18, 202641 minEp. 2602176

Lawmakers Say New DOJ Filing Suggests Epstein “Cover-Up”

February 16, 2026; 6pm; MSNOW’s Ari Melber reports on the Trump DOJ’s handling of the Epstein files, as lawmakers criticize the department over a lack of transparency. Former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann and The New York Times' Michelle Goldberg join. Plus, Melber is joined by progressive host Brian Tyler Cohen to discuss his recent interview with former President Barack Obama. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted ...

Feb 17, 202642 minEp. 2602166

Trump WH Vet Sees Impeachment for Trump & Bondi Amid "Bribe," Epstein & 'Illegal' Revenge cases

February 13, 2026; 6pm; MSNOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s unlawful targeting of his critics and the deepening fallout from the Epstein files. Former Trump White House attorney Ty Cobb joins. Plus, Melber reports on on a new Wall Street Journal story detailing the “constant chaos” inside Donald Trump’s Homeland Security Department under Chief Kristi Noem. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an ...

Feb 14, 202641 minEp. 2602136
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