

It's Complicated
Renato Mariotti & Asha Rangappa
Join former federal prosecutor Renato Mariotti and former FBI Special Agent and Yale Law School lecturer Asha Rangappa as they break down for Legal AF the biggest legal and political stories with sharp insight, real experience, and an unapologetic pro-democracy perspective. No spin, no both-sides nonsense — just the facts, the law, and what it all means for our democracy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 31, 2025 • 56min
Episode 146 | FBI Shocks NBA — Trump Pushes Limits Again
The NBA is reeling after an FBI probe led to the high-profile arrests of Chauncey Billups and Terry Rozier and exposed a widening gambling scandal inside the league. Asha and Renato break down the charges - from game-fixing to insider bets - and what it means for the future of sports betting and league integrity. Plus, Trump’s openly talking about a third term - what the Constitution actually says and how fragile our guardrails might be if he tries to test them. Tune in!Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Cruise with us! https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1
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Oct 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Episode 145 | The GOP’s Endgame: Destroying the Voting Rights Act
The Supreme Court seems poised to gut the Voting Rights Act - a move that could cement Republican power and green-light racial gerrymanders for decades. Rick Hasen joins Asha and Renato to unpack what’s at stake in Louisiana v. Callais and what it means for democracy. Plus, breaking down the unprecedented Espionage Act indictment of John Bolton. Don't miss it!
Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/
Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated
Follow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.social
Follow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.social
Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/
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Cruise with us! https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/
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Oct 17, 2025 • 55min
144 | Trump INDICTMENTS Crumble as WATCH LIST Gets EXPOSED | It’s Complicated
Leticia James has been indicted - the latest target in Trump’s use of the Justice Department against his adversaries. Asha and Renato break down the indictment and what it means for anyone who dares to take Trump on. Then, a look at NSPM-7, Trump’s sweeping memo so vaguely written it could label almost anyone - protester, journalist, or donor - as a “domestic terrorist.” Tune in!
Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Cruise with us! https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalafFollow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.socialFollow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.socialSubscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595
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Oct 10, 2025 • 49min
Episode 143 | Trump’s National Guard Takeover
A judge in Oregon has blocked Trump sending the National Guard for now, but in Illinois, federal troops are already on the ground - over the governor’s objections. Asha and Renato dig into Trump’s escalating use of the Guard in Democratic cities and whether the courts can rein him in. Plus, another strike on a boat off Venezuela - no congressional approval, dubious legal basis and growing fears Trump is pushing the US toward war. Don’t miss it!
Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/
Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated
Follow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.social
Follow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.social
Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/
Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/
Cruise with us! https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1
Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf
Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social
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Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595
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Oct 3, 2025 • 1h 7min
Episode 142 | Gen. Hertling Warns: Trump’s Plan for America’s Military
Trump is openly pushing to use American cities as “training grounds” for the military and targeting “the enemy within.” Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Asha and Renato to break down the unprecedented meeting with top military brass - and what it means for the country and democracy. Plus, the stunning indictment of former FBI Director Jim Comey, a dramatic escalation in Trump’s campaign to weaponize the Justice Department against his enemies - and why it could ultimately backfire. Tune in!
Cruise with us:https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/
Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1
Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf
Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social
Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social
Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595
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Sep 26, 2025 • 59min
Episode141 | Comey Indictment Looms as DOJ Corruption Grows
Trump's pressure on the Justice Department may be coming to fruition with an impending indictment against former FBI Director Jim Comey - while his border czar Tom Homan is facing bribery allegations that the department quietly shut down. Asha and Renato dig into the growing concerns over DOJ independence and the corruption probes vanishing inside the administration. Plus, the $100,000 H-1B visa fee that sent tech firms and immigrant families into chaos - and why it may be a travel ban in disguise. Don’t miss it!
Cruise with us!
https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/
Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/
Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicated
Follow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.social
Follow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.social
Follow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/
Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1
Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf
Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social
Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social
Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595
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Sep 20, 2025 • 54min
Episode 140 | Trump’s Censorship Playbook: Kimmel & Free Speech
Jimmy Kimmel’s suspension is an ominous sign of how far Trump and his allies are willing to push the limits of government power - and how corporations are giving in. But when does state pressure cross the line into unconstitutional censorship? Asha and Renato dig into when the government can be found to coerce private organizations and what it all means for free speech. Plus, an in-depth look at the charges for the man suspected of murdering Charlie Kirk. Tune in!Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/CRUISE WITH US!!!https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/
Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1
Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf
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Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social
Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595
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Sep 12, 2025 • 57min
Episode 139 | Fourth Amendment Under Fire: SCOTUS & ICE
SCOTUS gives the green light for roving ICE patrols to stop people based on race and ethnicity - what does this mean for civil liberties and the Fourth Amendment? Asha and Renato unpack the decision - and why the Court is increasingly relying on the "shadow docket" to hand the Trump administration win after win without scrutiny. Plus, the tariff case that could expand Trump's power over the economy and sideline Congress with billions at stake. Don't miss it.
Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1
Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf
Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social
Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social
Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595
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Sep 5, 2025 • 59min
Episode 138 | Can Trump Use War Powers Anywhere?
Trump is turning to the Texas National Guard to send troops to Chicago - but why Texas? Asha and Renato dig into why state control might give him a way around federal limits and what could happen if Illinois pushes back. And a US strike on alleged cartel ships in Venezuela - what does it mean for how Trump can use his war powers against anyone he deems a ‘threat?’ Tune in, you won't want to miss it!Cruise: https://www.travelstore.com/group-travel/its-complicated-cruise-2026/
Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@LegalAFMTN?sub_confirmation=1
Legal AF Substack: https://substack.com/@legalaf
Follow Legal AF on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/legalafmtn.bsky.social
Follow Michael Popok on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mspopok.bsky.social
Subscribe to the Legal AF by MeidasTouch podcast here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/legal-af-by-meidastouch/id1580828595
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Sep 4, 2025 • 55min
Episode 137 | Trump Targets Fed & Bolton? Supreme Court Showdown Looms
Can Trump actually fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook? It’s something no president has ever tried before – Asha and Renato break down why it’s such a big deal and likely headed to the Supreme Court. Plus, the FBI raid on John Bolton raises serious questions: Is Trump's DOJ crossing the line by targeting political opponents? Tune in and find out!Asha Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Subscribe to our podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/its-complicatedFollow Asha on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/asharangappa.bsky.socialFollow Renato on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/renatomariotti.bsky.socialFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Humphrey's Executor: https://youtu.be/cS_xHqkQ26w?si=p9dvxMreVQs6qZu-
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