The Daily Beast Podcast

The New Abnormal hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moodie are not surprised at Trump’s war of words with an American ally just one week into his presidency. Then, Trevor Timm, co-founder and the executive director of Freedom of the Press Foundation, joins the show to talk about Joe Biden's press freedom legacy and the threats to those freedoms we face under a second Trump administration. Plus! Journalist and author Jacob Silverman explores the growing influence of Saudi investments in U.S. tech and their ties to the likes of Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde rattles President Donald Trump during his big inauguration week by asking for “mercy.” During an inaugural prayer service on Wednesday at Washington National Cathedral, Budde addressed Trump in her sermon. “Mr. President, millions have put their trust in you, and as you told the nation yesterday, you have felt the providential hand of a loving God in the name of our God. I ask you to have mercy upon the people in our country. We're scared.” The New Abnormal co-host Danielle Moodie called the address to the president Trump an “absolute profile in courage.” She added, “I know that MAGA loves to feed off people's fear and that's what gets them excited, but it is people like her that are modeling how you stand up to these people.” Plus! Political scientist Jules Boykoff, author of What Are the Olympics For?, explores the intersection between sports and politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Labor reporter Hamilton Nolan joins the latest episode of The New Abnormal to discuss Trump’s cryptocurrency venture—and what it portends for the future of his presidency. Plus! A conversation with New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin, whose office filed a challenge to Trump’s executive order that would get rid of birthright citizenship in the United States. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Abnormal hosts Andy Levy and Danielle Moodie look back on Donald’s Trump’s inauguration and the long list of executive orders he signed hours later. Then, Melissa Gira Grant, journalist, author, and senior editor at The New Republic, joins us to discuss the Laken Riley Act, a harsh immigration bill that could jail undocumented immigrants for minor arrests, even without charges. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Billionaire CEO, DOGE co-director and “first buddy” Elon Musk’s surprise visit to California’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood didn’t seem to go as planned. Musk attempted to affirm an incendiary rumor about the area’s wildfires spreading because the city had a shortage of water, but a fire commander threw cold water on the claim. “You hear him go from his normal, ‘Oh, I’m so bright. I’m asking questions.’ To timid and realizing that he is a fucking jack—,” said The New Abnormal co-host Andy Levy. Plus! Author Bennett Parten joins the podcast to discuss his new book, Somewhere Toward Freedom: Sherman's March and the Story of America's Largest Emancipation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hawaii Senator Brian Schatz, vice chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee and Chief Deputy Whip, joins The New Abnormal to talk about Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including who he thinks won’t make the cut. Then, New York Times bestselling author Adrienne Maree Brown talks about Octavia Butler's prophetic book, “Parable of the Sower” and how its themes eerily resonate today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Juanita Tolliver, an MSNBC political analyst and author, as she discusses her book on the groundbreaking impact of Shirley Chisholm and Diahann Carroll in politics. The conversation dives into the current turmoil in the MAGA movement, highlighting the rivalry between Steve Bannon and Elon Musk, and the rise of misinformation. Cara Kelly also weighs in on the dire consequences of Texas' abortion bans, revealing how these laws affect maternal health and access to care. It's a thought-provoking exploration of politics, representation, and public health.

Senator Ron Wyden from Oregon, chair of the Senate Finance Committee and author of "It Takes Chutzpah," discusses the alarming collusion between tech giants and politicians. He reveals Mark Zuckerberg's strategic meeting with Donald Trump, coinciding with Meta's controversial policy changes. Wyden stresses the critical need for privacy rights and advocates for bold political actions. The conversation also dives into the significance of artificial intelligence and the fight for equity in internet access, showcasing the power of advocacy in shaping our future.

Mike Isaac, a New York Times tech correspondent specializing in Meta, and Adrian Carrasquillo, author of Huddled Masses, join the discussion. They dive into how GOP figures exploit the L.A. wildfires to politically divide. Isaac reveals Zuckerberg's shift in Meta's fact-checking approach, provoking debates about free speech and tech ideologies. Carrasquillo critiques media coverage of immigration, especially in light of proposed mass deportations, emphasizing the need for nuanced reporting. The conversation navigates the intersections of climate change, misinformation, and immigration policy.

Glenn Kirschner, an MSNBC legal analyst, explores the troubling state of law and order in America, revealing how political figures like Elon Musk are impacting democracy. Chris Geidner, a legal affairs deputy editor, dives into significant legal battles, including the consequences stemming from the January 6th insurrection. Together, they discuss the urgent need for political accountability, public education on these issues, and the rising threat of authoritarianism as America faces a pivotal moment.