The Daily Beast Podcast

Tina Brown, co-founder of The Daily Beast and former editor of Vanity Fair, dives into her groundbreaking investigations on Jeffrey Epstein. She recounts chilling instances of Epstein’s intimidation tactics and how he manipulated power dynamics to protect himself. Brown discusses Ghislaine Maxwell’s prominence over Epstein in the '90s and their intertwined connections with elite figures. The conversation unveils the ongoing ramifications for Trump, suggesting that this scandal could fracture his base amid rising tensions in the political landscape.

Michael Wolff, an author known for his biographies of Donald Trump, discusses the chaos surrounding the MAGA movement, linked to Jeffrey Epstein. He reveals the tangled relationships between Trump, Steve Bannon, and Epstein, exposing how Bannon promoted conspiracy theories he's now caught in. Wolff shares that Trump once considered pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell, hinting at his long-standing ties with Epstein. As Trump grows more desperate on social media, Wolff speculates that this scandal may finally shake him more than usual.

David Litt, a former speechwriter for President Obama and author of "It's Only Drowning," discusses his journey from political despair to surfing as a coping mechanism. He shares insights on how international leaders like Putin view Trump and critiques the Democrats' communication strategies. Litt reflects on the importance of engaging with diverse platforms and how personal connections can bridge political divides, all while navigating his mental health struggles through the unique lens of his experiences.

Michael Wolff, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insights on Donald Trump, delves into the controversial world of Jeffrey Epstein. He discusses Epstein's influential connections with figures like Trump and Bannon while unearthing the bizarre final message Epstein sent him before his death. Wolff challenges both the suicide narrative and murder theories, critiques governmental responses, and exposes the hypocrisy of certain right-wing figures. He also examines the unsettling dynamics of Epstein's elite gatherings and the hidden complexities of his financial empire.

Anthony Scaramucci, known as 'The Mooch' and former White House Communications Director, joins to dissect the suspicious circumstances surrounding Jeffrey Epstein's death and the ongoing connection to Donald Trump. He dismisses the idea of a client list while hinting at powerful figures potentially being compromised. Scaramucci also discusses Elon Musk's new America Party, its implications for upcoming elections, and the necessity for fresh political engagement in a polarized landscape. He emphasizes that Musk should not be underestimated.

Tara Palmeri, an independent journalist known for her deep dive into the Jeffrey Epstein saga, shares her insights on the financier’s murky connections to high society and law enforcement. She reveals Epstein's potential role as a government informant and discusses troubling evidence that remains sealed. Palmeri offers poignant stories from survivors like Virginia Giuffre, emphasizing the haunting reality that the true horror lies in how victims are often forgotten. She also speculates on Ghislaine Maxwell’s possible cooperation with authorities, hinting at further revelations.

Michael Ian Black, a comedian and Daily Beast columnist, humorously shares his surprising shift towards conservatism influenced by Donald Trump. He recounts how defending public services at a dinner with Trump supporters made him feel like 'the man.' Black argues that empathy and public service shouldn't be seen as radical, and he critiques Trump's impact on comedy and American values. His transformation from punk rocker to champion of bureaucracy sparks a light-hearted yet thoughtful discussion on political identity and the absurdities of modern politics.

Michael Wolff, an author and journalist renowned for his insights into the Trump administration, joins the discussion on the fierce rivalry between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Wolff reveals how Musk, having been alienated by Trump, is poised to challenge GOP dominance with his financial power. They dive into Trump's outrageous attacks on Musk and speculate on the political fallout from their conflict. Wolff emphasizes that this feud goes beyond mere theatrics—it's a struggle for influence that could reshape the political landscape.

John Della Volpe, a pollster at Harvard, dives into the shifting political landscape among young voters, particularly economically insecure young men who initially supported Trump. He reveals how chaos and instability have led to disillusionment. Della Volpe emphasizes the need for Democrats to genuinely listen rather than lecture, showcasing Zohran Mamdani's authentic grassroots approach as a model. He also discusses the impact of economic pressures on modern masculinity, highlighting the necessity for empathy in political engagement.

Liz Plank, author of 'Feminist Stabulous' and humorist, joins to dissect Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's extravagant wedding in Venice. She highlights the stark contrast between such opulence and everyday struggles faced by ordinary Americans. Plank argues this lavish display exemplifies 'confetti capitalism' amidst political apathy. From a viral Substack column to the call for real political engagement, she connects wealth, celebrity culture, and societal inequality, urging everyone to advocate for change in a world dominated by tech billionaires.