
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

Feb 22, 2024 • 59min
The Power of Poor Voters: With Bishop William J. Barber II
Michael Steele speaks with Bishop William J. Barber II, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival. The pair discuss the moral failing of poverty— how it's the fourth leading cause of death in America and how mobilizing poor voters could transform elections in America.
Check out The Poor People's Campaign here:
https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
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Feb 17, 2024 • 15min
Quick Take: AOC and the New American Politics
This is an excerpt from the full episode "How Populist Rebels Changed Politics: With Joshua Green."
Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Joshua Green about his new book, "The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics." The pair discuss how the populist movement emerged from the 2008 financial crisis and led to the rise of Warren, Bernie and AOC. They also discuss how the populist movement helped get Trump elected in 2016 and what it might mean for 2024.
Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Rebels-Elizabeth-Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez-Struggle-ebook/dp/B082H2KYG3
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
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Feb 15, 2024 • 53min
Hope Needs Help: With Tavis Smiley
Michael Steele speaks with Tavis Smiley, entrepreneur, broadcaster, best-selling author, and host of Tavis Smiley, airing weekdays from 9am-12pmPT on KBLA Talk 1580. The pair discuss the impact of talk radio on politics and the importance of Black and independent radio. Plus, what listeners care about leading up to 2024, how Black men view the election and becoming a nation as good as its promise.
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
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Feb 10, 2024 • 15min
Quick Take: America Needs a Tough Mom
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "America Is Not What It Promised to Be: With Politics Girl."
Michael Steele is joined by Leigh McGowan, also known as PoliticsGirl. They discuss the American Dream and framing politics in a way that everyone can understand.
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
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8 snips
Feb 8, 2024 • 59min
Beating Republicans at Their Own Game: With Rachel Bitecofer
Rachel Bitecofer, author of "HIT ‘EM WHERE IT HURTS," talks with Michael Steele about Democratic strategies, communication challenges, and the need for revenge through success in the upcoming elections. They discuss the importance of strong messaging, building a Democratic infrastructure, and shaping the narrative to prevent Republican control.

4 snips
Feb 3, 2024 • 17min
Quick Take: Messaging on the Right vs. Messaging on the Left
Tina Nguyen, conservative woman of color and author of The MAGA Diaries, talks with Michael Steele about the differences in messaging and organization between the right and left. They discuss the clash between the MAGA movement and traditional conservatives, the rise of fringe voices in the Republican Party, and the negative consequences of the internet's incentive structure. They also briefly mention the convenience and benefits of ordering gourmet meals.

Jan 31, 2024 • 1h 5min
How Populist Rebels Changed Politics: With Joshua Green
Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Joshua Green about his new book, "The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics." The pair discuss how the populist movement emerged from the 2008 financial crisis and led to the rise of Warren, Bernie and AOC. They also discuss how the populist movement helped get Trump elected in 2016 and what it might mean for 2024.
Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Rebels-Elizabeth-Alexandria-Ocasio-Cortez-Struggle-ebook/dp/B082H2KYG3
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
Follow Joshua Greene @JoshuaGreen
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Follow the podcast @steele_podcast

Jan 27, 2024 • 13min
Quick Take: The Nikki Haley of 2010 vs. The Nikki Haley of Today
This is an excerpt from the full episode "The Weekend on MSNBC: With Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend."
Michael Steele speaks with Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, his co-hosts of the new MSNBC show, The Weekend, premiering Saturday, January 13th at 8amET.
The trio discuss Nikki Haley omitting slavery as the cause of the Civil War and the minds of voters heading into 2024
The Weekend, hosted by Alicia Menendez, Symone Sanders-Townsend and Michael Steele, premieres Saturday, January 13, just two days before the consequential Iowa caucuses. The new program will air 8am to 10am ET on Saturdays and Sundays.
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
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Jan 21, 2024 • 21min
Quick Take: What Beats Trumpism
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Who's On America's Side?: With Steve Schmidt"
Michael Steele speaks with Steve Schmidt about how the disruptions that occurred in 2023 will shape 2024, the messaging of the Biden Administration and Democratic challengers such as Dean Philips.
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
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Jan 19, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Right Has Drastically Changed Over Time: With Tina Nguyen
Michael Steele speaks with Tina Nguyen, author of The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got Out), about how the right and left are structured different from the fundamentals, working for Tucker Carlson, and her unique experiences as a conservative woman of color.
Check out the book here:https://www.amazon.com/MAGA-Diaries-Surreal-Adventures-Right-Wing/dp/198218969X
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
Follow Tina Nguyen @tina_nguyen
Follow Michael @MichaelSteele
Follow the podcast @steele_podcast