Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci
SALT & Goalhanger
You may think you know Anthony Scaramucci: a Harvard Law School graduate who cut his teeth at Goldman Sachs, went on to build two successful businesses and had an 11-day stint in the White House. What people don’t know is he’s an avid reader, endlessly curious, history buff with a restless mind.
In his new podcast, Open Book, listeners will hear and get to know the real Anthony: the proud son of immigrant parents, a long-suffering New York Mets fan and a father of five. Each week, he’ll invite you into an intimate and open conversation with some of the brightest minds out there, from business, politics, entertainment, and more. Together, they’ll go deep into a piece of work - whether it's a highly anticipated book, an in-depth feature story, or an opinion piece – to dig into why it matters to you, what we can learn from the past, and how their work is shaping our future.
Along the way, you’ll learn more about The Mooch – beyond the headlines – where he came from and how he got here. He’ll turn the pages on his own life lessons from his blue-collar upbringing and career on Wall Street to getting his teeth kicked in the White House and then, coming back stronger. He’ll offer his perspective as a self-made entrepreneur and “open book” with a lot of experience, both good and bad.
Tune in every week to hear fascinating conversations you won’t get anywhere else.
In his new podcast, Open Book, listeners will hear and get to know the real Anthony: the proud son of immigrant parents, a long-suffering New York Mets fan and a father of five. Each week, he’ll invite you into an intimate and open conversation with some of the brightest minds out there, from business, politics, entertainment, and more. Together, they’ll go deep into a piece of work - whether it's a highly anticipated book, an in-depth feature story, or an opinion piece – to dig into why it matters to you, what we can learn from the past, and how their work is shaping our future.
Along the way, you’ll learn more about The Mooch – beyond the headlines – where he came from and how he got here. He’ll turn the pages on his own life lessons from his blue-collar upbringing and career on Wall Street to getting his teeth kicked in the White House and then, coming back stronger. He’ll offer his perspective as a self-made entrepreneur and “open book” with a lot of experience, both good and bad.
Tune in every week to hear fascinating conversations you won’t get anywhere else.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 41min
Why America Is Losing — And How We Fix It - Andrew Liveris
In this conversation, Andrew Liveris, former CEO of The Dow Chemical Company and leadership expert, shares insightful perspectives on U.S. manufacturing's decline due to globalization and trade policies with China. He advocates for a new trade paradigm based on regional alliances. Liveris highlights the importance of serving frontline employees and leading with patience and simplicity. He also reflects on his journey from Darwin to Dow and discusses how mentorship shapes future leaders. His vision for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics embodies global unity and equality.
Oct 23, 2025 • 27min
The Formula That Made Donald Trump Unstoppable - Ian Reifowitz
Ian Reifowitz, a SUNY Distinguished Professor and co-author of "Riling Up the Base," dives deep into Trump’s unique political communication. He reveals how Trump's 'truth-bringing' persona resonates despite factual inaccuracies, driven by audience intuition and feedback. The conversation highlights how stereotype-driven populism triumphed over policy in Republican primaries. Ian also discusses the media's struggle against Trump’s relentless rhetoric and explores resentment over political correctness, comparing Trump to shock jocks like Rush Limbaugh.
Oct 22, 2025 • 30min
The Secret History of How Big Money Took Over Washington - Brody Mullins
Brody Mullins, a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter and author of The Wolves of K Street, joins to delve into the murky world of lobbying in Washington. He reveals how disclosed lobbying figures are misleading and shares insights on the growing power of lobbyists since the 1970s. Mullins offers vivid character sketches of key Washington players and discusses the impact of the Abramoff scandal. He also explores the current political backlash against big companies and the evolving antitrust debates intended to restore competition.
Oct 16, 2025 • 34min
The Psychic Who Solved Murders The FBI Couldn’t - John Edward & Robert Hilland
Join psychic medium John Edward, known for his TV shows and bestselling books, and former FBI agent Robert Hilland, who has three decades in law enforcement, as they discuss their groundbreaking collaboration on cold cases. They share gripping stories about solving the murders that baffled the FBI, using John’s unique abilities in psychometry. Discover how their unusual bond transformed Bob's spirituality and trust in the supernatural, and hear about surreal moments they experienced together while seeking justice.
Oct 15, 2025 • 37min
How China Captured Apple - Patrick McGee
Join journalist Patrick McGee, author of *Apple in China*, as he delves into Apple's intricate supply chain and its profound impact on the tech giant's history. He shares insights from interviewing factory workers, revealing how Foxconn's logistics innovations restored Apple's confidence. Patrick critiques the U.S. manufacturing decline and discusses Apple's precarious relationship with Chinese authorities. Explore Tim Cook's operational mastery, the 'Apple squeeze,' and why he believes the company may be losing its innovation edge.
Oct 9, 2025 • 32min
Jake Tapper: The Trial That Exposed the War on Terror
Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and best-selling author, dives into his gripping book, Race Against Terror. He discusses the unique Al-Qaeda case that challenges civil liberties and national security. Jake shares how an unexpected paintball party led him to uncover the story of Ibrahim 'Spin' Ghul, detailing the complexities of building a criminal case amidst political scrutiny. He warns of sidelining experienced prosecutors and reflects on the War on Terror's impact on American safety, emphasizing that fair trials can enhance security.
Oct 8, 2025 • 31min
The Crushing Loneliness of Growing Up With Autism - Leland Vittert
Leland Vittert, Chief Washington Anchor for NewsNation and author of *Born Lucky*, shares his poignant journey growing up with autism. He discusses the early signs of his condition and the impactful moment of diagnosis, highlighting how his father's unique techniques helped him learn social cues. Leland also reflects on the struggle against invisibility and the resilience built through his father's tough love. This heartfelt conversation underscores the importance of hope and high expectations in parenting, aiming to inspire both parents and individuals facing similar challenges.
15 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 28min
October 2025 Q&A: Post-Trump America, Zohran Mamdani as Mayor, and more
Join a spirited discussion about America post-Trump, revealing cautious optimism for recovery. Explore how to sharpen your articulation skills and the importance of traditional Republican values. Delve into the future of New York under a potential mayor Mamdani and the societal shifts driving historical cycles. Unpack the impact of AI on jobs, find book recommendations for avid readers, and discover insights on investment strategies. Plus, reflections on cultural icons like Superman and James Bond enrich the conversation!
19 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 33min
CNN Legal Analyst Elie Honig: Trump’s War on the Rule of Law
Elie Honig, an Emmy-nominated CNN legal analyst and former DOJ prosecutor, dives deep into presidential accountability in his latest conversation. He explores the timely themes of his book, including the implications of Trump's actions and hypothetical scenarios had he won in 2020. The discussion highlights historic moments like the Saturday Night Massacre and critiques both parties for their prosecution strategies. Elie also shares insights on the challenges of independent prosecutors and expresses cautious optimism for holding powerful figures accountable.
9 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 44min
James Holland is Back: The Forgotten Campaign That Shaped the World We Live In
James Holland, an award-winning historian specializing in World War II, shares his insights on the often-overlooked Italian campaign. He discusses his connection to Marzabotto and the human tragedy of civilian suffering. Holland compares the brutality of Italy's battles to Normandy and highlights the strategic dilemmas faced by leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt. He also touches on the significance of his book, Cassino '44, revealing its lessons on leadership and the moral complexities of war, drawing parallels to contemporary political dynamics.
