Michael Steele speaks with Tina Nguyen, author of The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got Out) , about how the right and left are structured different from the fundamentals, working for Tucker Carlson, and her unique experiences as a conservative woman of color. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/MAGA-Diaries-Surreal-Adventures-Right-Wing/dp/198218969X If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Tina N...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr 2 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Giving Democracy Meaning: With George Takei [Rebroadcast]" Michael speaks with George Takei about his American journey, from living in a U.S concentration camp as a child, to his interest in democracy as a teenager and his activism as an adult. The pair discuss George Takei's graphic memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," the importance of educating young Japanese-Americans about their history, and how science fiction often reflects our humanity and ability to...
Jan 13, 2024•20 min
Michael Steele speaks with Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, his co-hosts of the new MSNBC show, The Weekend, premiering this Saturday, January 13th at 8amET. The trio discuss their reaction to getting the call to host a new weekend show together, how their personalities balance each other's voices and what The Weekend will look like as a show. They also discuss Nikki Haley omitting slavery as the cause of the Civil War, Elise Stefanik calling jailed January 6th rioters “hostages” and...
Jan 10, 2024•49 min
Michael Steele speaks with Steve Schmidt about how the disruptions that occurred in 2023 will shape 2024, the messaging of the Biden Administration and Democratic challengers such as Dean Philips. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Steve Schmidt @SteveSchmidtSES Follow Michael @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast @steele_podcast
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 5 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Evangelicals in the Age of Political Extremism: With Tim Alberta." Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Tim Alberta about his new book, "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." The pair discuss how Christian values in America have become enmeshed in MAGA politics, how the purpose of the church has been misinterpreted, what Tim observed on the American Restoration Tour and what being a Christian mean...
Jan 07, 2024•15 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "America's Descent into Dysfunction: With Adam Kinzinger." Michael speaks with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Adam discusses serving on the January 6th Committee despite initially not wanting to, the leadership he witnessed on both the left and right, putting country over party and the news of Kevin McCarthy leaving office. Check out Adam's book, "Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country," here: https://www.amazon.com/Renegade-...
Dec 30, 2023•16 min
Note: This episode was originally released in January 2022. Michael speaks with George Takei about his American journey, from living in a U.S concentration camp as a child, to his interest in democracy as a teenager and his activism as an adult. The pair discuss George Takei's graphic memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," the importance of educating young Japanese-Americans about their history, and how science fiction often reflects our humanity and ability to advance as a society. Check out the book ...
Dec 27, 2023•47 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode, Why We Did It: With Tim Miller, which originally aired in July 2022. Tim Miller joins The Michael Steele Podcast to discuss his new book, "Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell." The pair discuss what it takes to be a player in "The Game," Tim's time working with Reince Priebus at the RNC and the kinds of Republicans involved in the transition to Trumpism, from "Little Mixers" like Chris Christie, to "Nerd-Revengers" like Sean Spic...
Dec 23, 2023•16 min
Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Tim Alberta about his new book, "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." The pair discuss how Christian values in America have become enmeshed in MAGA politics, how the purpose of the church has been misinterpreted, what Tim observed on the American Restoration Tour and what being a Christian means to him. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Kingdom-Power-Glory-Evangelicals-Extremism/dp/00632...
Dec 21, 2023•1 hr 6 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Protecting What Is Human in Artificial Intelligence: With Dr. Joy Buolamwini." Michael speaks with MIT researcher Dr. Joy Buolamwini about her book, "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." The pair discuss who holds the power within AI and tech and how AI creates algorithmic biases, the impact of AI in elections, the consequences of facial identification and the ousting of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Check out the book her...
Dec 16, 2023•15 min
Michael speaks with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Adam discusses serving on the January 6th Committee despite initially not wanting to, the leadership he witnessed on both the left and right, putting country over party and the news of Kevin McCarthy leaving office. Check out Adam's book, "Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country," here: https://www.amazon.com/Renegade-Defending-Democracy-Liberty-Divided/dp/0593654161 Check out Adam's organization, Country First: http...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 11 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Trump Trial, Supreme Court 'Ethics' & Thanksgiving Table Conversation: With Tom Nichols, Elie Mystal and Glenn Kirschner." Michael is joined by Tom Nichols, Elie Mystal and Glenn Kirschner for a barbershop discussion on current events and politics. They discuss why Democrats are better off without Joe Manchin, how Trump passed the line into fascism and what the Supreme Court "Code of Ethics" really means. If you enjoyed stopping by the barbershop, l...
Dec 09, 2023•20 min
Note: This episode originally aired in July 2022. Tim Miller joins The Michael Steele Podcast to discuss his new book, "Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell." The pair discuss what it takes to be a player in "The Game," Tim's time working with Reince Priebus at the RNC, the struggle of compartmentalizing being a gay man and being a Republican and the kinds of Republicans involved in the transition to Trumpism, from "Messiahs" and "Little Mixers" like Chris Christie, to "N...
Dec 06, 2023•1 hr 7 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "We've Been Here Before– America's Fight Against Fascism: With Rachel Maddow." Michael speaks with Rachel Maddow about her new book, "Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism." The pair discuss how modern-day efforts to undermine democracy have a prequel dating back to before and during World War II when an ultra-right authoritarian movement tried to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis. Rachel describes the unsung heroes of that period– t...
Dec 02, 2023•18 min
Michael speaks with MIT researcher Dr. Joy Buolamwini about her book, "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." The pair discuss who holds the power within AI and tech and how AI creates algorithmic biases, the impact of AI in elections, the consequences of facial identification and the ousting of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Unmasking-AI-Mission-Protect-Machines/dp/0593241835 If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leav...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 7 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "One Year Until the Election: With Jennifer Horn." One year out until the 2024 presidential election, Michael Steele speaks with former New Hampshire GOP chairwoman, Jennifer Horn. The pair discuss the polls showing Biden losing to Trump in swing states and whether his approach to the Israel/Hamas war will cost him Gen Z voters. Check out Jennifer's podcast, "Is It Just Me, or Have We All Lost Our Minds?" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/is-it-just-m...
Nov 25, 2023•11 min
Michael is joined by Tom Nichols, Elie Mystal and Glenn Kirschner for a barbershop discussion on current events and politics. They discuss the Trump trial and why he's gotten away with as much as he has, how Trump passed the line into fascism, what the Supreme Court "Code of Ethics" really means and how to reason and converse with family members this Thanksgiving. If you enjoyed stopping by the barbershop, leave a review or share this episode with a friend! Tom Nichols is a staff writer at The A...
Nov 22, 2023•1 hr 18 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "The Future Is Unwritten: With Heather Cox Richardson." Michael speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about her new book, "Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America." The pair discuss Christian conservatism, how the culture wars of the '90s set the tone for today and the role Biden's presidency has played in awakening democracy. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Awakening-Notes-State-America-ebook/dp/B0BT4QFZRC And ...
Nov 18, 2023•16 min
Michael speaks with Rachel Maddow about her new book, "Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism." The pair discuss how modern-day efforts to undermine democracy have a prequel dating back to before and during World War II when an ultra-right authoritarian movement tried to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis. Rachel describes how members of congress got involved in spreading Nazi propaganda, how Henry Ford spread anti-Semitism throughout the U.S and Germany and the figures who m...
Nov 15, 2023•59 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Finding A Different Angle: With Roy Wood Jr." Comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins The Michael Steele Podcast. Roy talks about how he approached the roast at the 2023 White House Correspondents' Dinner and what it's like doing stand up in the age of cancel culture. Roy Wood Jr.'s live standup tour, “Happy to Be Here” is happening now across the U.S and Canada. Check out the full list of dates here: https://www.roywoodjr.com/ Follow Roy Wood Jr. @roywoodjr Follow ...
Nov 11, 2023•19 min
One year out until the 2024 presidential election, Michael Steele speaks with former New Hampshire GOP chairwoman, Jennifer Horn. The pair discuss the polls showing Biden losing to Trump in swing states and whether his approach to the Israel/Hamas war will cost him Gen Z voters, Nikki Haley's approach at the third GOP debates, the cost of abandoning Ukraine and what Mike Johnson being elected Speaker of the House means for the future of our country and white Christian nationalism. Check out Jenn...
Nov 09, 2023•59 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Disrupting the Status Quo: With Marianne Williamson." Michael speaks with 2024 Democratic candidate for president, Marianne Williamson. The pair discuss the importance of revisiting the Declaration of Independence and Marianne's Economic Bill of Rights, which includes the right to a cost-free higher education. Check out Marianne's campaign: https://marianne2024.com/ If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow ...
Nov 04, 2023•20 min
Michael speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about her new book, "Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America." The pair discuss Lincoln Republicanism, how the culture wars of the '90s set the tone for today and the role Biden's presidency has played in awakening democracy. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Awakening-Notes-State-America-ebook/dp/B0BT4QFZRC And her Substack newsletter here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/ If you enjoyed this podca...
Nov 01, 2023•1 hr 12 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Palestine, Israel, and Politics vs. War: With Rick Ungar." Michael Steele speaks with Rick Ungar, former co-host of SiriusXM's Steele & Ungar, about choosing a new Speaker of the House, whether or not Michael would accept the role if offered and how the No Labels and Bobby F. Kennedy Jr. campaigns will impact the 2024 election.
Oct 28, 2023•17 min
This episode was originally published in May of 2023. Comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins The Michael Steele Podcast. Roy talks about how he approaches a roast, what being considered as the next host of The Daily Show means to him and what it's like doing stand up in the age of cancel culture. Roy also discusses hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the jokes that didn't make it, and what he was up against performing for the audience. Roy Wood Jr.'s live standup tour, “Happy to Be Here” is hap...
Oct 25, 2023•59 min
Michael is joined by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky, professors of government at Harvard University and the authors of "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point." They discuss reforming the electoral college and what it means to be a party committed to democracy. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Tyranny-Minority-American-Democracy-Breaking/dp/0593443071 If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Da...
Oct 21, 2023•17 min
Michael speaks with 2024 Democratic candidate for president, Marianne Williamson. The pair discuss the mindset of the average American, the role the DNC should be playing in the 2024 election, how she's rising in the polls with the Gen Z voters she's reached through TikTok, how her campaign has changed since 2020 and the tragedies occurring in Israel and Palestine. Check out Marianne's campaign: https://marianne2024.com/ If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a f...
Oct 18, 2023•1 hr 17 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Inside the Voter's Mind: With Sarah Longwell." Michael Steele is joined by Sarah Longwell, President of Longwell Partners & Republican Accountability PAC, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group Podcast. The pair discuss the mindset of the current voter and Sarah gives her advice to Democrats, including how they should be campaigning and changing their narrative. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a f...
Oct 15, 2023•15 min
Michael Steele is joined by Rick Ungar, former host of the Rick Ungar show and former co-host of Steele & Ungar, to discuss current events in Israel and Palestine, how they compare to the war in Ukraine, actions from politicians such as Biden, and then shift to discussing the new Speaker of the House. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Rick Ungar @rickungar Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast @steele_podcast...
Oct 13, 2023•47 min
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Laughing at Politics: With Al Franken." Michael Steele is joined by bestselling author, comedian and former Minnesota Senator, Al Franken. The pair discuss how our current politics has brought out the worst in people, the various ways "fake news" permeates our culture, the current state of the Senate and the "alternative facts" of the Trump administration. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or tell a friend! Follow Al Franken @alfrank...
Oct 07, 2023•15 min