Mea Culpa

As we approach the new year, I want to replay a Best of Mea Culpa episode. On January 7th, 2021—the day after the insurrection—I sat down with the incredible actor Ben Stiller. At the time, Biden was about to take office, but with a new Trump term on the horizon, many of the topics we discussed remain strikingly relevant. We delved into conspiracy theories, the regulation of misinformation on social media, Trump’s divisiveness, and my personal insights from working with him. Of course, having a comedic legend on the podcast, we also touched on lighter topics like Stiller portraying me on SNL, his love for The Beatles, and the art of ad-libbing in films.Thanks to our sponsor:Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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 friend George Conway, a lawyer, activist, founding member of the Lincoln Project, and one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics. Drawing on our deep insights into Trump’s behavior, we analyze his narcissistic and impulsive tactics that continue to shape his political strategy. With less than a month until Trump takes office, George and I discuss President Biden’s recent pardons and how they compare historically. We also examine the Matt Gaetz ethics report, the far-reaching impacts of Trump’s authoritarian policies on countries like Panama and Greenland, and Elon Musk’s growing influence on the next administration.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anand Giridharadas joins me today on Mea Culpa to discuss the threats to democracy posed by Trump’s authoritarian agenda and the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. Anand, a bestselling author of Winners Take All and The Persuaders, is also an MSNBC analyst and a former foreign correspondent and columnist for The New York Times. Following last week’s scare of a government shutdown, we examine how figures like Musk use their power to shape public discourse and policy, often undermining democratic norms. Anand underscores the urgent need for a pro-democracy movement that fosters connection, inclusion, and hope to reclaim the American democratic experiment.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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’m joined by Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the SDNY, where he specialized in white-collar crime. Akerman, also renowned for his role as Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, shares his expertise as we discuss Judge Merchan’s decision to deny Trump’s motion to dismiss in the Manhattan DA case. We delve into the implications of Trump’s promise to pardon January 6th insurrectionists and the erosion of democratic guardrails under his authoritarian agenda. Akerman highlights Trump’s ability to exploit the legal system, particularly leveraging recent Supreme Court rulings that could shield him from accountability. Together, we explore the chilling impact of Trump’s litigation strategies and his disregard for constitutional norms.Thanks to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Head to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to get 50% off any new system with a select professional monitoring plan.Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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, and the Executive Managing Partner of the New York City office of Zumpano Patricios & Popok. Utilizing Popok’s expertise in the intersection of law and politics, we explore how the legal system can act as a safeguard against the incoming presidency of Donald Trump. We discuss Trump’s troubling promise to pardon January 6th rioters, whom he refers to as 'hostages.' Popok and I also examine Trump’s plans for mass deportations, executive orders that threaten democratic norms, and the critical legal battles Democrats must prepare for to protect the Constitution and uphold democratic values.Thanks to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Go to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to get 50% off a select professional monitoring plan!Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHENSubscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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 David Pepper, political strategist, former Chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party, and author of several books on preserving democracy in America. David provides insights into the Democratic Party’s shortcomings that contributed to Trump’s victory, including ineffective messaging and the failure to hold him accountable after January 6th. We also discuss recent events, such as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau dining at Mar-a-Lago and Luigi Mangione’s alleged murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and their impact on public perception of Trump’s policies and actions. Finally, we address Trump’s promises of retribution and the need to protect those, like me, who speak out against his authoritarian agenda.Thanks to our sponsors:Simplisafe: Go to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to get 50% off a select professional monitoring plan!Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHENSubscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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’m joined by my friend David Corn, Washington, DC bureau chief of Mother Jones and New York Times bestselling author of “American Psychosis: A Historical Investigation of How the Republican Party Went Crazy.” David shares his perspective on what Trump’s win means for our country, particularly its impact on democracy and foreign relations. We discuss the dangers of Trump’s foreign policy stance on NATO, Ukraine, and the Israel-Hamas war. I also get David’s take on Trump’s controversial cabinet picks and how they could undermine key federal agencies and pose significant risks to public safety.Thanks to our sponsors:Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHENOllie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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 Brooklyn Dad Defiant, a left-wing political commentator with over 1 million Twitter followers, known for his outspoken defiance and humorous take on today’s political climate. Author of The Bigliest Loser, BDD and I dive into Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, including figures like Vivek Ramaswamy and Elon Musk, and the alarming implications of his plans to dismantle key federal agencies like the EPA and Department of Education. We also critique Trump’s divisive rhetoric and discuss the Democratic Party’s ongoing struggle to counter the GOP’s powerful messaging machine.Thanks to our sponsor:Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment options.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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 21-year-old Gen Z political influencer Harry Sisson, known for his over one million TikTok followers and interviews with figures like President Biden. While we discuss topics I’ve explored with other guests like Trump’s controversial cabinet picks, mass deportation plans, and how misinformation played a significant role in his recent campaign success, I value Harry’s insight as a representative of the younger generation. Harry offers a unique perspective on the Democrats' messaging failures and the critical need to engage younger voters through independent media. Together, we highlight the importance of clear communication to counter Trump’s authoritarian agenda and protect democracy.Thanks to our sponsor:Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 70% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today!Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd 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 important episode from November 2021 with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Given RFK’s involvement in Trump’s transition team and his nomination as Director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, this conversation remains as relevant as ever. In a striking twist, RFK discusses how he once sued the very agency he is now set to lead. Our conversation delves into science, misinformation, his controversial views on vaccines, and the dangerous narratives he has fostered around public health.Thanks to our sponsor:Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment options.Subscribe to Michael's NEW Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShowJoin us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdownAdd the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohenAdd the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices