

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

Aug 13, 2024 • 45min
Episode 86 | Jack Smith Makes THIS New Move In Election Interference Case
Why is Jack Smith asking for more time in the Jan 6th case? Well, it’s complicated.And we have some very exciting news to share. We have recently partnered with Really American Media to take our podcast to the next level. They are going to exponentially speed up our production times and help us deliver more exclusive, hard-hitting content like this. “And what it means is that we're going to have conversations together and you're going to see the results very quickly,” Renato said. “Not only in our regular podcast feed, but you'll actually see the video on the Really American YouTube channel.”In this all new episode, hosts Renato Mariotti and Asha Rangappa move past the sound bites and talking points to discuss the special counsel’s surprising move and its implications for the upcoming election. You can subscribe to our Patreon here, where paid members will get access to exclusive portions of this show. patreon.com/reallyamericanmediaListen in as our leading legal experts give you the latest update on the Jan 6 case and explore the possible strategic considerations that need to be made by Merrick Garland moving forward. They’ll also break down the complexities of the Supreme Court's decision on presidential immunity and take a hard look at how that will impact Trump’s many pending felony charges in the future.We’ll also talk about the many challenges of overcoming Donald Trump’s prevailing narratives and ongoing attacks on Kamala Harris, and share some hilarious personal anecdotes about dealing with household emergencies. The legal landscape surrounding Donald Trump remains fluid and unpredictable. So be sure to stay tuned for the next episode of It’s Complicated as Asha and Renato help us navigate these complex times. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 31, 2024 • 44min
Episode 85 | Save Democracy with this One Weird Trick; Renato Swings
In a bit of a departure from the usual subjects Asha and Renato weigh in on politics. In particular, how the label of “weird” is sticking to JD Vance. Also, what it must be like for Usha to ride along with her husband’s new-found love of Trump.Plus, Renato is a bit of a swinger…on the dance floor.Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 26, 2024 • 48min
Episode 84 | Donald's Docket; Crowdstrike
Asha and Renato go over the current state of Trump’s criminal trials. Renato shares his surprise prediction about the Manhattan conviction.Plus, Asha barely made it home from her vacation!Watch this episode on YouTube:https://youtu.be/ZWzalIusTr0
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 19, 2024 • 43min
Episode 83 | What’s Next; Court Reform; Logistical Nightmares
Dahlia Lithwick joins Renato to discuss what’s next for Jack Smith now that the Florida indictment has been thrown out?President Biden has reportedly said that Court reform is going to be a priority in his re-election campaign. What would that look like?Plus, there were some difficulties getting this episode together!Keep up with our Guest:Dahlia Lithwickhttps://twitter.com/dahlialithwickDahlia LithwickAmicus with Dahlia Lithwick
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 12, 2024 • 52min
Episode 82 | Immunity; Project 2025; Exit Strategy
Norm Eisen joins Renato and Asha to talk about how this shiny new presidential immunity works when applied to Trump’s current prosecutions.Plus, Renato changed firms and Asha is exploring her options.Keep up with our Guest:Norm Eisenhttps://twitter.com/normeisenSate Democracy Defenders ActionQuestions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 4, 2024 • 1h 13min
Episode 81 | Presidential Immunity Ruling; Chevron; 4th of July
Presidential Immunity and Chevron Deference were among two of the most consequential Supreme Court rulings this session.What does Presidential Immunity mean for Biden and for Trump’s criminal trials?Renato and Asha are joined by Kim Wehle to discuss the end of Chevron.Keep up with our Guest:Kim Wehletwitter.com/kimwehleSimple Politics with Kim WehlePre order:Pardon Power: How the System Works – And Why Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 11min
Episode 80 | Cannon is Bad at This, and SCOTUS is Inconsistent
In Mar-a-Lago, Judge Cannon held a 2 day hearing and invited amici to argue whether Special Counsels are Constitutional. Trump responds to Jack Smith’s request to modify Trump’s pretrial release conditions.SCOTUS gets Rahimi right by ignoring its own precedent.Plus, kids behind the wheel.Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 21, 2024 • 56min
Episode 79 | Hunter’s Guilty; Trump is Wilting; Asha Nails It
Hunter Biden was found guilty of a felony. What’s next?How is Trump handling his felony conviction as he awaits sentencing?Plus, Asha really nails it.Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVeTrump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-cheat-sheet?r=3od4c&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 7, 2024 • 53min
Episode 78 | Trump's Guilty; Hunter’s on Trial; Cicadas Gone Wild
Trump has been found guilty on all 24 counts. He’s scheduled to be sentenced on July 11th. What kind of sentence should we expect?Hunter Biden is on trial for a gun charge in Delaware. What is his team’s strategy?Plus. Henry really likes cicada season!Read Renato’s Piece in the NYTOpinion | How Trump’s Team Blew It - The New York TimesQuestions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVe
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 30, 2024 • 40min
Episode 77 | Jury Instructions; Travel Delays
The jury in Trump’s Manhattan trial is deliberating. What do they have to find in order to convict Trump? Did prosecutors do enough to convict?Questions for the pod?https://formfacade.com/sm/euYIPJdVeTrump Court Cases Cheat Sheethttps://asharangappa.substack.com/p/your-trump-court-cases-cheat-sheet?r=3od4c&utm_medium=ios&utm_campaign=post
Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Its.Complicated/ Follow Asha on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AshaRangappa_Asha's Substack: https://asharangappa.substack.com/Follow Renato on Twitter: https://twitter.com/renato_mariottiFollow Asha on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asha.rangappa/Follow Renato on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/renato.mariotti/Follow Renato on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@renato.mariotti Opening Theme and Bumper music provided by eitanepsteinmusic / Pond5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices