Mea Culpa

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Wolff, journalist, columnist, and bestselling author of Fire and Fury, Siege, and Landslide, for a chilling deep dive into the disturbing relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff is the only journalist to have conducted over 100 hours of interviews with Epstein before his death, and what he reveals is explosive. We discuss Trump and Epstein’s twisted friendship (which ended before my time with Trump), why Epstein is suddenly back in the headlines, and how Trump is working overtime to distract from the files. From Polaroids of Trump at Epstein’s house to Steve Bannon’s involvement, we expose the secrets MAGA wants buried. Thanks to our sponsors: 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 Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 Vicky Ward, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, documentary host and producer, and former CNN Senior Reporter, for an unfiltered conversation on Trump’s authoritarian grip, Elon Musk’s chaotic political ambitions, and the terrifying consequences of unchecked power. We unpack how Trump has surrounded himself with unqualified loyalists, and why Musk’s third-party movement could merge tech oligarchy with MAGA populism. From the deadly floods in Texas to America’s collapsing global credibility, we expose the cost of cruelty, the silence of Democrats, and what happens when spectacle replaces substance. Plus, Vicky discusses her new book, “The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy,” co-authored with James Patterson. Thanks to our sponsor: 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 Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson for a scathing conversation on the cruelty, chaos, and corruption driving Trump’s America. Rick is a political strategist, writer, speaker, and commentator, best known for his cutting political ads and no-nonsense takes. From the devastating floods in Texas, made worse by MAGA-led budget cuts, to the GOP’s obsession with Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” we expose how ideology has replaced governance. We also break down the collapse of the Trump–Musk alliance, the rise of spectacle politics, and whether a third party could ever challenge America’s broken two-party system. Thanks to our sponsor: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan from the I’ve Had It podcast. Jenn and Pumps are known for speaking honestly about politics and calling out what they’ve had it with, and after the last few months of the Trump administration, we had plenty to discuss. From the cruelty baked into the so-called “big, beautiful bill” to the dystopian horror of “Alligator Alcatraz,” we break down how Trumpism has normalized authoritarian tactics, demonized immigrants, and turned suffering into spectacle. With sharp wit and unfiltered insight, we expose the MAGA movement’s hypocrisy, the media’s complicity, and what happens when cruelty becomes campaign strategy. Thanks to our sponsor: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 veteran political journalist and analyst Tom LoBianco for a blistering deep dive into the unraveling bromance between Trump and Elon Musk and what it reveals about raw power, ego, and political survival in MAGA world. Tom has covered Trump’s allies for years, reporting on Mike Pence for the Associated Press, CNN, and other outlets, and is the author of Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House. From the weaponization of ICE to whisper campaigns about Musk’s immigration status, we unpack how Trump uses fear and retaliation as tools of control. We also explore the rise of extremist religious ideology inside the GOP, the chaos around “Alligator Alcatraz,” and whether Musk’s third-party ambitions pose a real threat or are just another tech billionaire delusion. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 replaying an episode from last July featuring my conversation with Norm Eisen, attorney, author, legal analyst, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, founder of Democracy Defenders Action, and co-founder of The Contrarian. While chaos rains down on America and the world because of Donald Trump, I thought it was worth doing a temperature check on where we were just one year ago. At the time, Trump was still fighting it out on the campaign trail, and the biggest outrage was Judge Eileen Cannon’s dismissal of the Mar-a-Lago documents case. Fast forward to now, and we’re facing far more dangerous threats: ICE rounding people up in the streets, Trump’s effort to shred the Constitution, and the looming threat of new wars. This conversation is a stark reminder of how far we’ve fallen, what’s still at stake, and what we can do to save our country. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 my good friend Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born businessman and former associate of Rudy Giuliani, who has also chosen to speak out against Donald Trump. In this explosive episode, Lev lays out a jaw-dropping theory: Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu may be coordinating a global power play with devastating consequences. We discuss the confusing conflict in Iran, Trump’s manipulation of foreign policy for personal gain, his grip on the National Guard, the weaponization of ICE, and a disturbing network of loyalists tied to Russia. This episode is a warning about the erasure of truth and who profits when democracy breaks down. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 Deja Foxx, the 25-year-old Gen Z activist now running for Congress in Arizona’s 7th district. Deja began her political journey a decade ago after a viral moment confronting Senator Jeff Flake about access to Planned Parenthood. Since then, she’s devoted herself to organizing and advocating for her community. In this episode, we have a powerful conversation about Gen Z resistance, political survival, and what it means to fight for the future in the face of rising authoritarianism. Alongside her personal story, we unpack Trump’s disastrous policy decisions, the weaponization of ICE, and the growing disconnect between political institutions and the people they claim to represent. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist, CNN commentator, Principal at the Dewey Square Group, and founder of Latinovations, for a critical look at Trump’s chaotic foreign policy as the Middle East teeters on the brink of war. With his isolationist rhetoric unraveling into global instability, we unpack the fallout from Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, the GOP’s civil war over war powers, and the terrifying implications of a nuclearized Iran. Cardona also addresses the ICE detention of elected officials, including Senator Alex Padilla, as a political warning shot. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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 Ally Sammarco, political strategist, consultant, and content creator, to break down Trump’s accelerating authoritarianism. After staging a flop of a multi-million-dollar birthday parade and threatening protesters with “massive force,” we examine the chilling implications for democracy, free speech, and the rule of law. We dive into the forcible removal of Senator Alex Padilla from a press conference, the weaponization of law enforcement, and Trump’s hollow, performative foreign policy. From dystopian political theater to the rising suppression of journalists and dissenters, this episode is a warning shot for anyone who still believes it can’t happen here. Subscribe to Michael's NEW 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