Inside Trump's Head
The Daily Beast, Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles
Character is destiny and no character has defined or deformed the 21st century more than Donald Trump. In this new podcast series, the definitive Trump biographer Michael Wolff joins forces with the Daily Beast’s provocateur-in-chief Joanna Coles to crack open the psyche of the man the world can’t stop watching. Coles and Wolff balance candor with curiosity as they dissect Trump’s thoughts and actions and try to answer the ultimate question: what drives the most powerful man alive? This is the analysis no one else has the access, authority, or ambition to deliver. Ignore it at your peril.New episodes every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday; early drops on YouTube.If you’re not already a subscriber to The Daily Beast, it’s easy! Just sign up here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 7, 2026 • 1h 5min
What Being Mocked Really Does to Trump: Wolff
Michael Wolff, an experienced journalist and bestselling author, joins Joanna Coles to delve into Trump's psyche, particularly highlighting how Maduro's mocking dance became a personal humiliation for him. Wolff explains how Trump's foreign policy often serves as a performance to maintain attention rather than a strategic approach. He discusses the MoCA test as a measure of competence and how distraction is a key political tactic. The conversation underscores the interplay between ego, narrative, and domestic issues, revealing the psychological undercurrents driving Trump's actions.
74 snips
Jan 4, 2026 • 43min
Why Melania's Case Terrifies Team Trump: Wolff
Michael Wolff, a journalist known for his insider accounts of the Trump era, digs deep into the enigmatic presence of Melania Trump. He reveals why her apparent distance might be a strategic move, serving as leverage amid looming legal threats. Wolff discusses the implications of discovery for Trump’s team, emphasizing Melania's potential role as a game-changer. The conversation also touches on the intricate connections surrounding her, including her immigration history and ties to Epstein, making her a key figure in the unfolding drama.
27 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 1h
I Know Truth About Why Epstein and Trump Fell Out
Michael Wolff, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his deep dives into Donald Trump and contemporary politics, continues his exploration of the intriguing bond between Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. He reveals their complex friendship, rooted in shared ambitions and social vanity, that eventually soured. Wolff discusses the fallout from their betrayals, Epstein's obsession with Trump, and the unsettling legacy their connection holds for Trump’s presidency. The conversation also raises chilling questions about Epstein's impact both alive and posthumously.
32 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 45min
I Know Why Trump Made Epstein His Best Friend
Dive into the unsettling origins of Donald Trump’s friendship with Jeffrey Epstein from their late-1980s New York connections. Explore their shared ambition and ruthless tactics, along with how Epstein allegedly aided Trump during financial crises. Discover the intertwining of their lives, including mutual relationships and shared secrets. Wolff highlights their outsider status and contrasting views on family life, ultimately setting the stage for Trump's transition to his later years. The revelations provide a thrilling look at power dynamics and hidden influences.
34 snips
Dec 28, 2025 • 55min
Truth About Trump’s Miserable Mar-a-Lago Christmas
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dive into the theatrical Christmas at Mar-a-Lago, portraying a scene heavy on performance and control rather than genuine warmth. They dissect Trump's late-night social media antics and the eerily scripted interactions at a roped-off table. Melania's brief moments of animation become a highlight amidst the hyper-religious messaging surrounding the holiday. The hosts also explore how waning TV ratings and Hollywood dynamics continue to shape Trump's universe, revealing a reality where ceremony and validation dominate.
33 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Real Reason Trump Runs America Like a TV Show
Michael Wolff, a sharp-eyed author and journalist who has extensively covered Donald Trump, dives into the fascinating role of television in shaping Trump's presidency. He reveals how Trump views politics as a performance, treating the White House like a reality show set. Wolff explains Trump’s reluctance to read briefings, using media cues instead. From casting his cabinet like a reality TV show to measuring success by ratings, Wolff illustrates how Trump’s strategies are rooted in spectacle rather than governance.
19 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 1min
How the Epstein Files Backfired on Trump: Wolff
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dive into the chaotic release of the Epstein files, discussing how it has backfired on Trump, obscuring facts while igniting speculation about his knowledge of the situation. They probe the impacts of brand, spectacle, and disorder in Trump's political strategy. The duo also raises concerns about government officials' departure from Congress and the implications of media-driven investigation into Trump’s ties to Epstein. Plus, they touch on the risks of amateur diplomacy, social-media strategy, and Trump's obsession with branding.
27 snips
Dec 21, 2025 • 58min
Trump Aides Are Secretly Prepping for His Downfall
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dive deep into the troubling signs of presidential cognitive decline, examining how Trump's aides normalize alarming behavior. They analyze the GOP's internal power struggles, featuring Susie Wiles' influence on figures like Marco Rubio. As Trump's grandiosity mounts, they question why those around him remain silent. The conversation tackles the political ramifications of these dynamics and reflects on the broader implications for leadership and accountability.
29 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 60min
Why Melania Trump Is Hiding From Me: Wolff
Michael Wolff shares intriguing insights into the complex relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein, revealing their deep bond fueled by shared interests and rivalries. Wolff discusses how Epstein's obsession with Trump persisted even after their fallout, along with the implications of upcoming Epstein files on Trump's political standing. The conversation also touches on Melania Trump's public image strategy, the influence of billionaires in politics, and the rise of extreme MAGA figures, all set against a backdrop of ongoing global tensions.
16 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 47min
Trump's Staff Are Questioning His Mental Stability
Michael Wolff, an insightful author and journalist known for his deep dives into Trump's world, joins Joanna Coles to discuss a controversial Vanity Fair profile that puts Trump's chief of staff, Susie Wiles, in a precarious position. Their conversation takes a darker turn when they analyze Trump's shocking reaction to the Reiner murders, prompting questions about his mental stability. Wolff argues that this isn't just cruelty; it reveals a troubling instinct for self-destruction, leaving one to wonder how long this presidency can survive such an alarming trajectory.
