The Daily Beast Podcast
The Daily Beast, Joanna Coles
The Daily Beast Podcast is as wildly exciting, energizing, and entertaining as the topics it covers. Hosted by Joanna Coles, Chief Content Officer of the Daily Beast, every episode brings you more of the people, politics, and pop culture coverage you need straight from the Daily Beast newsroom. Amazing conversations have included Amber Ruffin, Tiffany Haddish, Mika Brzezinski, Don Lemon, John Oliver and more!New episodes every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday; early drops on YouTube.If you’re not already a subscriber to The Daily Beast, it’s easy! Just go to thedailybeast.com to sign up. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
12 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 58min
Trump Knows Epstein Could Be His Mortal Threat
Michael Wolff, an insightful author and media commentator, joins to dissect Donald Trump's chaotic presidency. They explore Trump's obsession with controlling media narratives and the implications of CBS's transformation under corporate influence. Wolff touches on Trump's territorial fantasies about places like Greenland as distractions from deeper issues, and unpacks how ongoing Epstein revelations present a real political threat. The discussion also highlights Trump's tactics of targeting elite cities to energize his base.
16 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 2min
How Desperate Trump Could Kill Democracy: Toobin
Jeffrey Toobin, a legal analyst and New York Times contributor, dives deep into the current threats to democracy posed by Donald Trump. He discusses how Trump has tightened control over the Justice Department and the uneasy alignment of Congressional Republicans. Toobin highlights the Supreme Court's shift from a check on presidential power to an enabler, with potential implications for controversial rulings on tariffs and birthright citizenship. He also explores the challenges of restoring integrity amidst politicization in federal agencies.
18 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 2min
This Proves Trump Knows He's In Big Trouble: Wolff
Journalist Michael Wolff, known for his incisive takes on American politics, delves into Donald Trump's troubling mindset as midterms approach. He reveals how Trump uses headline-grabbing foreign policies like Venezuela and Greenland as distractions. The conversation also highlights Trump’s inability to accept blame, resulting in chaos among his staff. Wolff describes the strain on allies and how Trump's actions are driven by what 'plays' in public, showcasing a presidency that prioritizes spectacle over stability.
18 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 51min
This Is How Trump Goons Exploit His Mental Decline
David Rothkopf, a former Clinton administration official and foreign-policy commentator, joins Joanna Coles to dissect Trump's cognitive decline and how aides like Stephen Miller exploit it for extreme policies. They highlight the shifting political landscape, where immigration is becoming a liability, and GOP distancing is evident. The conversation ventures into 2026 insanity, the cultural significance of the Melania movie, and the dangers posed by Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. It’s a sharp, insightful look at today's turbulent political climate.
24 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 37min
This Is What Greedy Trump's Really Up To With Oil
Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House Communications Director and a keen political commentator, joins Joanna Coles for an insightful discussion on Trump's maneuvers regarding Venezuela. He delves into the motivations behind the chaos, citing oil and self-enrichment as core drivers. Scaramucci also critiques Trump's penchant for cruelty and spectacle, examines the unsettling rise of ICE violence, and discusses why Republican allies like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance have been sidelined. He paints a picture of a focused and transactional Trump, raising alarms about the implications for American democracy.
28 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 59min
The One Thing That Truly Terrifies Trump: Wolff
Michael Wolff, a prominent author and journalist known for his insights into Donald Trump, delves into the chaos of Trump's presidency with Joanna Coles. They unpack how Trump thrives on uncertainty, creating distractions like his theater around Venezuela. Wolff examines Trump's compulsive storytelling, the dynamics of loyalty in his circle, and the real dangers of his manufactured crises colliding with actual global threats. The conversation highlights Trump's grandiosity and dubious morals while raising pressing questions about governance and accountability.
13 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 55min
Why Trump Can't Escape Epstein Forever: Wolff
Michael Wolff, a notable journalist and author renowned for his insights into the Trump era, joins Joanna Coles to delve into the perplexing dynamics of power and deception in modern politics. They explore how lying has transformed into a tool for strength rather than a liability. Wolff critiques the media's struggle to confront the audacity of falsehoods and examines the rise of extreme figures in key positions. The discussion also touches on the distractions created by political narratives, including the Epstein files and Trump's controversial decisions.
30 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 56min
Why Trump Isn't Joking About Canceling Midterms
Congressman Seth Moulton, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and Senate candidate from Massachusetts, dives into the Venezuela crisis, accusing the administration of deception and presenting no clear strategy. He shares concerns about chaotic congressional briefings and how political cowardice weakens Congress. Moulton discusses the need for generational change, criticizing Democratic leadership for failing to connect with voters. He warns about potential threats to midterm elections linked to Trump's actions and emphasizes the urgency of addressing foreign policy challenges, particularly regarding China and Taiwan.
25 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 5min
What Being Mocked Really Does to Trump: Wolff
Michael Wolff, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insightful analysis of media and politics, joins to discuss the striking impact of Nicolás Maduro's mocking dance on Trump’s psyche. Wolff elaborates on how Trump's foreign policy often morphs into personal vendettas, influenced by figures like Stephen Miller. The conversation highlights how distraction techniques overshadow actual governance, while dissecting Trump’s cognitive tactics, all stirred by the poignant theme of humiliation, which resonates deeply in the political landscape.
20 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 42min
How Trump's Big Moment Left Him Exposed: Rothkopf
David Rothkopf, a columnist and founder of the Deep State Radio Network, discusses Trump's chaotic attempt to navigate Venezuela’s political turmoil. He highlights the lack of a post-Maduro plan, calling the strategy a 'mafia doctrine' rooted in theft and coercion. Rothkopf critiques this business-first approach to foreign policy, warning of its consequences for both Venezuela and the U.S. He raises concerns about Trump’s disregard for Congress and the broader implications of his decisions, comparing them to Putin's influence tactics.
