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 30, 2026 • 54min
What Trump Aides Whisper About His Cabinet: Wolff
Michael Wolff, bestselling author and presidential chronicler, offers an insider’s take on Trump’s chaotic White House. He dissects Melania’s high-profile movie flop and $40 million deal. They explore Minneapolis’ paramilitary response, cabinet infighting, resignations, lawsuits, and the political theater around midterm distractions.
11 snips
Jan 28, 2026 • 46min
How Melania’s ‘Doc’ Made Trump’s Chaos Even Worse
Michael Wolff, veteran journalist known for insider books on Trump, offers a no-nonsense look at last week's White House chaos. He dissects how the Minneapolis ICE shootings triggered factional blame, why untrained agents and quota-driven policy mattered, and how Melania’s sidelined film rollout reshaped internal power dynamics. Short, sharp scenes of infighting and fragile loyalty emerge throughout.
25 snips
Jan 25, 2026 • 53min
Ailing Trump Knows His Reign Is Nearly Over: Wolff
A winter blizzard becomes backdrop to White House turmoil, bad polls, and a presidency in drift. Davos fallout and international pushback, including Mark Carney and European leaders, challenge the strongman image. Legal fights, judicial appointments, and concerns about health and public collapses surface. Business leaders worry about continuity while questions swirl about waning interest in governing.
20 snips
Jan 23, 2026 • 56min
The Real Reason Trump Backed Off Greenland: Wolff
Michael Wolff, an acclaimed author and journalist known for his insights on Trump and his presidency, dives deep into the theatrics of Donald Trump. He reveals that the Greenland takeover was merely attention-grabbing drama rather than a serious plan. Wolff discusses how Trump uses crises to distract, highlighting a metaphor about setting fires for attention. They also explore the questionable motivations behind Trump’s billion-dollar 'Peace Board' and shed light on his foreign policy ignorance, all while reflecting on Trump's craving for the spotlight.
6 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 56min
These Are Trump's Biggest Achilles' Heels: Wolff
Michael Wolff and Joanna Coles dissect Trump's strategies—or lack thereof. They argue that his endurance lies not in a grand plan but in a reality TV-like performance of dominance. The duo examines how impulsive decisions, like late-night posts, shape policy and complicate international relations. They identify key vulnerabilities, including ties to Epstein and immigration raids, that could trouble his support. Economic grandiosity clashes with harsh realities, while Trump's admiration for strongmen reflects his leadership style. It’s a revealing look at the chaos of his presidency.
22 snips
Jan 18, 2026 • 43min
How Trump’s Insurrection Act Threat is Backfiring
Michael Wolff, an astute author and political commentator, joins Joanna Coles to dissect Trump’s provocative use of the Insurrection Act and its implications. They explore Minneapolis as a focal point for conflict, critique the administration's use of ICE, and question the effectiveness of the Democratic response. Wolff argues Trump thrives on drama and distraction, while discussing the absence of leaders like Obama and Bush during this crisis. Their conversation unveils the strategic chaos shaping Trump’s presidency and its impact on American governance.
32 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 58min
Trump Knows Epstein Could Be His Mortal Threat
Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles to explore how Trump navigates crises, from legal troubles to media manipulation. They discuss the shifting landscape of CBS News and the right-leaning agenda emerging within mainstream media. Trump's obsession with Greenland and Venezuela serves as a distraction from mounting pressures, including the looming threat of Epstein. The conversation delves into the darker side of media control, the implications of recent press raids, and the intertwining of political and personal lives in the Trump world.
17 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 2min
This Proves Trump Knows He's In Big Trouble: Wolff
Michael Wolff, a renowned author and journalist known for his insights into Donald Trump's world, shares fascinating perspectives on Trump's psyche and leadership. Wolff explores Trump's anxiety over the upcoming midterms and discusses his theatrical foreign policy moves, including the attention-seeking antics surrounding Greenland and Venezuela. He highlights Trump's refusal to accept blame, emphasizing loyalty that often leads to blame-shifting. The conversation reveals how Trump's decisions are driven by a need for headlines that 'play' well with the public.
13 snips
Jan 11, 2026 • 59min
The One Thing That Truly Terrifies Trump: Wolff
Michael Wolff, an astute author and political journalist known for his insider insights, dives deep into the psyche of Donald Trump. He reveals how Trump thrives on uncertainty, using manufactured conflicts like Venezuela to distract while avoiding real risks. The conversation flows from Trump's chaotic communication style to how he dominates attention with endless talk. Wolff also questions Trump's moral claims, critiques the loyalty overshadowing truth in politics, and warns about the dangers of Trump's reaction to genuine global crises.
29 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 55min
Why Trump Can't Escape Epstein Forever: Wolff
Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles to discuss how lying transformed from a political liability to a power tool during Trump’s presidency. They explore the paradox of Trump’s weakened credibility paradoxically strengthening his influence. The conversation touches on media normalization of absurdities, the rise of figures like RFK Jr., and the institutional decay within the Democratic Party. They also delve into the politicization of education and foreign policy performances. Finally, the status of the Epstein files highlights distractions within the current political landscape.
