
The Michael Steele Podcast
The Michael Steele Podcast is a podcast hosted by former Republican National Committee Chairman and Maryland Lt. Governor Michael Steele. Each week, Michael moderates a barbershop style discussion about the key political and cultural issues of the day. Michael brings his experience as an MSNBC political analyst and from a lifetime in politics to a podcast which transcends traditional political boundaries in order to dig deep and find real solutions.
Latest episodes

Jun 25, 2025 • 2min
A Moment Of Clarity: Iran's nuclear program is only set back about three to six months.
The discussion revolves around the implications of military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and how they are likely to only delay Iran's progress by three to six months. It delves into Iran's resilient geopolitical stance amid international pressure. The critique on the U.S. administration's handling of intelligence leaks adds depth, raising questions about effectiveness and strategy. Overall, the conversation sheds light on the complexity of Iran's nuclear ambitions in the face of global political maneuvers.

6 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 25min
Surviving the Current Moment (Quick Take)
Elie Mystal, a political commentator and legal analyst known for his bold views on law and race, joins a lively discussion with fellow thinkers. They delve into survival strategies for marginalized communities within today's political landscape. Mystal critiques the Democratic Party's identity crisis and emphasizes the need for grassroots engagement to connect with voters. The conversation also touches on proactive empowerment, the hypocrisy of immigration policies, and innovative paths to political relevance. This insightful exchange is a must-listen!

Jun 15, 2025 • 55min
What Will Happen to the Republican Party Post-Trump? (with Chris Vance, Barbara Comstock & Charlie Dent)
Barbara Comstock, a former Congresswoman from Virginia, Charlie Dent, a political commentator and former Congressman from Pennsylvania, and Chris Vance, a former state party chairman, engage in a candid discussion about the Republican Party's future post-Trump. They explore the deep fractures within the party, the influence of MAGA, and the urgent need to return to core Republican values. The guests advocate for grassroots initiatives to unify support and emphasize adapting messaging to resonate with changing demographics, particularly among working-class voters.

Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 25min
Trump Deploys the National Guard, ABC News Suspends Terry Moran & the Trump-Elon Spat Continues
Michael Steele is joined by some of his favorite past guests for a special live stream barbershop episode to wrap up the podcast before it goes on hiatus.
Elie Mystal, John Fugelsang, Karen Hunter, Lucy Caldwell and Molly Jong-Fast join the podcast to discuss current events and politics. Plus, Michael and his guests take questions from the live audience.

Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 4min
What Are Democrats Doing? (with Rep. Stacey Plaskett)
Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett joins Michael Steele on the podcast. She describes the frustration of hearing people say that Democrats aren't doing anything, despite their efforts in the House and the Senate. Rep. Plaskett also discusses not being allowed to vote for Speaker as a representative for the Virgin Islands, how Medicaid cuts would hurt Americans, Senator Joni Ernst's bizarre comments about people dying and David Hogg's disruption of the DNC.
Join Michael Steele, Molly Jong-Fast, Elie Mystal, Lucy Caldwell, John Fugelsang and Karen Hunter for Part II of our barbershop livestream on Tuesday, June 10th at 10am ET on The Bulwark's YouTube page.

Jun 6, 2025 • 14min
The Drama of Elon Musk (Quick Take)
Eugene Daniels, Rick Wilson, April Ryan, and Jason Johnson join Michael Steele to discuss whether Elon Musk is ACTUALLY leaving the White House.
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Jun 5, 2025 • 2min
A Moment Of Clarity: Weaponized Justice - Poisoned Roots, Bitter Harvest
Michael Steele rips into the weaponization of federal power under the Trump administration, exposing how the Department of Justice became a tool for political retribution and fertile ground for corruption in law enforcement.
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Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 31min
Turning Democrats Into Fighters (with Eugene Daniels, Rick Wilson, April Ryan & Jason Johnson)
Michael Steele is joined by some of his favorite past guests for a special live stream barbershop episode to wrap up the podcast before it goes on hiatus.
Eugene Daniels, Rick Wilson, April Ryan and Jason Johnson join Michael to discuss whether Elon Musk is ACTUALLY leaving the White House, the coverups to keep Biden in the 2024 race, how to turn Democrats into fighters and what kind of Democratic leadership we need right now. Plus, Michael and his guests take questions from the live audience.
Catch Michael and a new roundup of guests for a final part II of the barbershop livestream next Tuesday, June 10th at 10amET on The Bulwark's YouTube page.

Jun 2, 2025 • 1min
A Farewell to The Michael Steele Podcast
The Michael Steele Podcast (in its current form) is going on hiatus, so Michael is bringing together some favorite podcast guests from past episodes for a big, live streamed barbershop on politics, culture and current events. Join Michael Steele, Rick Wilson, Eugene Daniels, Tara Setmayer, Dr. Jason Johnson and April Ryan on Tuesday, June 3rd at 10 a.m. ET. (They will be taking audience questions at the end of the podcast!)

May 30, 2025 • 18min
Taking Heat for Standing Up to Elected Officials (Quick Take)
Jonathan Capehart discusses his extremely awkward first encounter with Rev. Al Sharpton and the nature of their contentious relationship. Plus, Jonathan talks about his work to save the NY Apollo Theater and the importance of holding elected officials accountable.
Check out Jonathan Capehart's memoir here: https://www.amazon.com/Yet-Here-Am-Lessons-Search/dp/1538767066