

The Daily Beast Podcast
The Daily Beast
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 Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday.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

6 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 27min
Paranoid Trump's Vile Racial Slur for Cuffed Sen.
Michael Wolff, an author and seasoned commentator on Donald Trump, delves into Trump’s controversial remarks following Senator Padilla's arrest and how these outbursts reflect his psyche. He highlights the rise of Gavin Newsom as a surprising symbol of Democratic leadership amidst chaos. Wolff also discusses the alarming role of Steve Witkoff in U.S. diplomacy and the bizarre nature of Trump’s communication style, describing his infamous 'phone monologues' as both captivating and unsettling.

8 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 30min
The Sinister Source of Trump's Autocracy Playbook
In this engaging discussion, M. Gessen, a Russian and American journalist known for their incisive reporting on autocracy, shares insights on the alarming parallels between Putin's regime and Trump's governance. They argue that the real danger lies in Americans adapting to a crumbling democracy, as Trump challenges every institution with relentless attacks. Gessen highlights the importance of visionary leadership to combat growing complacency and emphasizes that public engagement is vital for safeguarding democracy in these turbulent times.

Jun 11, 2025 • 18min
This Is How We Beat Musk And Miller’s Cruel Plans
California Governor Gavin Newsom tackles the political chaos caused by Donald Trump and Stephen Miller in a candid discussion. He doesn't hold back on his views of Trump, calling him a 'carny bulls**t artist.' Newsom addresses the challenges of enforcing law and order amidst civil unrest and criticizes authoritarian tactics affecting civil liberties. He reflects on his interactions with controversial figures like Steve Bannon and emphasizes the importance of accountability in political messaging while highlighting the vital role of immigrant workers in the economy.

40 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 35min
Elon Was Right: Trump is Compromised and Knows It
Joanna Coles talks with Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House Communications Director who transitioned from Trump insider to critic. Scaramucci candidly discusses the effects of being close to Trump, using Elon Musk as a cautionary tale. He analyzes how Trump’s influence damages relationships and the psyche of those around him. Scaramucci also dissects the possibility of a Musk-backed third party shaking up the political scene and why loyalty often falters in the relentless world of politics.

Jun 9, 2025 • 29min
Why Musk Just Made Trump Really Paranoid about JD
Michael Wolff, bestselling author and Trump biographer, dives deep into the escalating feud between Trump and Elon Musk. He discusses how this rivalry jeopardizes JD Vance's standing in the tech community, emphasizing Vance's reliance on Musk's support. Wolff also highlights the lingering shadows of Trump’s connections to Epstein. Additionally, he notes reactions within the White House, with some relief over mass protests distracting from other issues, showcasing the volatile intertwining of politics and social movements.

15 snips
Jun 8, 2025 • 33min
Why Trump Ignored Musk's Drug Spiral: Prof G
Scott Galloway, a marketing professor at NYU Stern, tech entrepreneur, and author, dives deep into the complex relationship between Donald Trump and Elon Musk. He likens Musk to a 'rabid addict with a checkbook,' analyzing Tesla's brand collapse and boardroom hesitancy. Galloway critiques the Democratic Party's leadership, likening the resistance to a 'rebel force without Luke Skywalker.' The conversation touches on urgent themes of corporate accountability, ethical leadership, and the challenges in navigating political dynamics amidst societal issues.

Jun 6, 2025 • 21min
Wolff: Bannon is Tearing off Musk's Face for Trump
Joanna Coles is back with an emergency podcast to reveal just what is going on with the Trump–Elon Musk blow-up—and who better to explain it than Michael Wolff, Trump’s biographer and longtime chaos whisperer. Wolff explains why Musk is “Elon Bannon," revealing how he’s stolen Bannon’s role as Trump’s dark twin. And he unpacks why both men are deploying Trump’s ultimate fear: Jeffrey Epstein. From Epstein’s Manhattan mansion, where Bannon coached the disgraced financier on media comebacks, to Elon’s furious tweets, Wolff traces a toxic triangle of power, revenge and secrets. And he explains why Musk may be the first man rich and ruthless enough to truly go to war with Trump—and win. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 6, 2025 • 15min
Why Elon Threw The Epstein Bomb at Trump
Joanna Coles calls an emergency podcast for the biggest fall-out in political history: Donald Trump and Elon Musk. And it's the perfect guest to explain EVERYTHING: Michael Wolff, the Trump biographer—who already predicted what would happen. He unpacks a "nuclear" break-up and why Musk has used the weapon Trump fears most: Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff reveals his own extraordinary moment of interviewing Trump and what happened when he raised the pedophile financier. He talks about the predator and the president's long friendship. And he explains why Musk is now Trump's perfect enemy—bigger than Harvard and of course the Democrats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 5, 2025 • 20min
The Real Story Behind Elon And Trump
Joanna Coles sits down with Michael Wolff, the best-selling biographer of Donald Trump who has become his definitive chronicler. Wolff reveals Trump's the real reason for the president's pick-me-energy hair. He tells how Trump has been making an extraordinary racially charged observation to West Wing visitors about modern college students—and Wolff reacts to Trump going after him for saying that the war on Harvard was a revenge attack because 18-year-old Donald didn't get in. Wolff reveals what's really being said inside the president's inner circle about the Lucifer-like fall of Elon Musk and explains what it really means about the prospects for anyone who put themselves in Trump's orbit. And he resurfaces Stormy Daniels' very telling anecdote about who blew up Trump's phone when the two were engaged in their tryst—which of course, Trump still denies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 3, 2025 • 30min
This Trump Lackey Knows He Isn't Telling the Truth
Joanna Coles sits down with MSNBC’s own Stephanie Ruhle—seasoned financial journalist and host of The 11th Hour—for a sharply insightful breakdown of the economic theater inside Trumpworld. Ruhle dissects the tensions between truth and loyalty for financiers like Scott Bessent, who finds himself defending Trump-era trade policies he once publicly opposed, and contrasts him with Trump loyalists like Howard Lutnick, ever willing to sell the show. With a signature mix of Wall Street fluency and media savvy, Ruhle unpacks the deeper motivations behind Elon Musk’s quiet exit from Washington, the strategic silence of major investors, and how grift has gone from subtle to spectacular in the Trump era. Follow @SRuhle for her razor-sharp takes on money, power, and the political theater that binds them. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.