Mea Culpa

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Malcolm Nance, a retired U.S. Navy Senior Chief, New York Times bestselling author, and a leading expert on terrorism, extremism, and insurgency. We break down Trump’s accelerating slide into authoritarianism, from demanding social-media history from tourists to judges blocking his attempts to federalize the National Guard. Malcolm and I dig into Trump’s racist immigration strategy, the growing shift toward a surveillance state, and the intelligence fallout from his Venezuela “drug-boat” strikes and dangerous flirtations with war. We also examine the stakes behind the Epstein grand jury file release, the Russia-Ukraine peace-talk leaks, and why Trump’s foreign policy increasingly mirrors Putin’s worldview. Thanks to our sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: https://shopify.com/COHEN True Classics: Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/COHEN! #trueclassicpod Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back my longtime friend, Anthony Scaramucci, for a blistering, unfiltered breakdown of the chaos coming from our old boss. We dig into Trump’s deadly “drug boat” strikes, the horrific National Guard shooting, and the growing pattern of violence fueled by political lies. Scaramucci and I expose how Trump’s impulsive decision-making, collapsing inner circle, and obsession with ego over governance are destabilizing everything from foreign to domestic policy. We also unpack Trump’s bizarre branding spree, from slapping his name on the U.S. Institute of Peace to chasing billions through global deals, and why the military, Congress, and even Republicans are reaching a breaking point. Thanks to our sponsors: Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: https://shopify.com/COHEN Aura Frames: Exclusive $35 off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/COHEN Promo Code COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Congressman and hopefully future California Governor, Eric Swalwell, to cut through the chaos of Trump’s America. We break down Trump’s potentially illegal attacks on so-called “drug boats” and how Congress is finally pushing back. We also unpack the explosive Russia–Ukraine peace-talk leaks, Trump’s escalating attacks on immigrants, and the cracks forming inside the MAGA movement. I also ask Swalwell about his decision to leave the House to run for Governor, and how he plans to keep holding Trump accountable from a new seat of power. Thanks to our sponsors: Leesa: Go to https://Leesa.com for 30% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code COHEN, exclusive for my listeners. Soul: Go to https://GetSoul.com, promo code COHEN for 40% off. Don’t miss their best deal of the year! Superpower: This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to https://superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor, Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. We dig into last week’s National Guard shooting and Trump’s potential overreaction, then break down the legality of Trump’s so-called “drug boat” attacks in Venezuela. Nick and I also examine how Trump is using these crises to divert attention from the Epstein files, and we unpack the latest in the Russia/Ukraine peace talks, including the controversy surrounding leaked recordings of Steve Witkoff offering advice to the Russians. Thanks to our sponsors: PDS Debt: Start planning today. Get a free debt analysis right now at https://PDSDEBT.com/COHEN It only takes 30 seconds. IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 25% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN! #indacloudpod Superpower: This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to https://superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m revisiting a powerful conversation with author Michael Wolff, the only journalist who spent more than 100 hours interviewing Jeffrey Epstein before his death. With the newly passed transparency bill and fresh batches of Epstein emails released, including correspondence involving Wolff himself, this interview hits differently. We dig into the dark, transactional relationship between Donald Trump and Epstein, what Wolff learned firsthand, and why Trump has fought so aggressively to keep these files buried. Thanks to our sponsor: True Classics: You can find them at Amazon, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club, or head to https://TrueClassic.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back journalist and author Vicky Ward to break down the drama surrounding the Epstein transparency bill and how Mike Johnson and MAGA got outmaneuvered in broad daylight. With an investigative journalist’s perspective, we dig into why Republicans suddenly backed full release of the files, plus Vicky’s insight into what Epstein believed he had on Donald Trump. We also get into Trump’s bizarre outbursts at reporters and what his deferential treatment of Mohammed bin Salman reveals about his ambitions in the Middle East. Thanks to our sponsors: IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 40% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN #indacloudpod True Classics: You can find them at Amazon, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club, or head to https://TrueClassic.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Noelle Dunphy, the whistleblower whose lawsuit exposed shocking allegations of abuse, coercion, and corruption inside Rudy Giuliani’s inner circle. Noelle details the drinking, threats, sexual misconduct, and political power plays she says Giuliani used to control and intimidate those around him. Together, we break down how Giuliani leveraged Trump for protection, the “insurance files” he claimed to hold, and the culture of impunity that shielded him for years. This is a raw, revealing conversation about power, manipulation, and what really went on behind the scenes with “America’s Mayor.” Check out “The Noelle Dunphy Show: The Noelle Dunphy Files” here: https://noelledunphy.substack.com/ Thanks to our sponsors: iRestore: Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and unlock HUGE savings on the iRestore Elite with the code COHEN at https://www.irestore.com/COHEN IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 40% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN #indacloudpod Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN PDS Debt: Start planning today. Get a free debt analysis right now at https://PDSDEBT.com/COHEN It only takes 30 seconds. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Popok, host of MeidasTouch’s Legal AF podcast and YouTube channel, and founder of The Popok Firm, for a breakdown of the political earthquake shaking Washington as the Epstein files explode back into the spotlight. We dig into Trump’s desperate attempts to control the scandal while most GOP leaders now demand the full release of the files. We unpack the legal chaos surrounding Trump’s illegally appointed prosecutors, the GOP’s internal rebellion, the weaponization of the DOJ, and the Supreme Court’s role in enabling Trump’s power grabs. From the shutdown fallout to Trump’s lavish self-enrichment, we expose a presidency running out of control. Thanks to our sponsors: iRestore: Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and unlock HUGE savings on the iRestore Elite with the code COHEN at https://www.irestore.com/COHEN! Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod PDS Debt: Start planning today. Get a free debt analysis right now at https://PDSDEBT.com/COHEN It only takes 30 seconds. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Rick Wilson, Lincoln Project co-founder, political strategist, and author, to break down the fallout from the government shutdown. Rick and I dissect the disastrous shutdown “deal” Democratic senators voted for on Sunday, how Trump continues to fool average Americans, and what the discharge petition means for the release of the Epstein files. We dig into the GOP’s accelerating slide into authoritarianism and the weaponization of power against ordinary Americans through frozen SNAP benefits and soaring healthcare premiums. This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, November 11th, prior to the government reopening. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Soul: Go to https://GetSoul.com and use code: COHEN to get 40% OFF your order! Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Mea Culpa, I turn to someone experiencing the chaos of Trump’s America from inside the halls of Congress, Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee. Together, we break down the fallout from the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, including devastating SNAP cuts, rising job losses, and how Trump’s so-called “booming economy” is built on cruelty and corruption. From unapproved military strikes to the weaponization of power, Rep. Cohen offers an insider’s account of the humanitarian and political toll of Trump’s reckless governance. As Democrats fight to sustain momentum after major election wins, Rep. Cohen pledges to keep holding his colleagues in Congress accountable. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices