
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 5, 2025 • 9min
A Moment Of Clarity: Blaming DEI?! Trump's cold, insensitive response to an American tragedy
Michael Steele reacts to Trump's statement that DEI was a contributing factor to the tragic plane crash on January 30, 2025. Steele also reacts to Trump's tariff rollout and Kash Patel's comments about turning the FBI building into a museum.
Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend
Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele
Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!

Feb 1, 2025 • 19min
How Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump Profit Off Our Attention (Quick Take)
In this discussion, Chris Hayes, a political analyst and author of "The Sirens' Call," reveals how tech giants like Apple and Amazon monetize our attention. He explores the shift from information to an attention economy, emphasizing branding over product quality, especially with figures like Jeff Bezos and Donald Trump at the forefront. The dialogue also critiques the political landscape, where attention-seeking tactics overshadow substantive debate, and examines the mental health implications of our quest for genuine recognition in a digital world.

Jan 31, 2025 • 9min
A Moment Of Clarity: "Trump doesn't give a damn about civil rights!"
Michael Steele reacts to Trump's recent actions against DEI and his seemingly deliberate dismantling of civil rights in America.
Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend
Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele
Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!

Jan 30, 2025 • 9min
A Moment Of Clarity: "Trump's nominees are a threat to national security!"
Michael Steele encourages Democrats to stop the confirmation of Gabbard, RFK Jr. & Patel at all costs.
Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend
Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele
Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!

Jan 30, 2025 • 55min
You Have My Attention... For Now (with Chris Hayes)
Michael Steele speaks with Chris Hayes about his new book, “The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource.” Chris talks about sticking to his morals while simultaneously trying to capture the attention of millions every night on MSNBC. He and Michael discuss attention- how tech companies monetize it and how Donald Trump used it to seek political office. Plus, how we can begin to regain our own attention and minds in the internet age.
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
Check out Chris' book, The Sirens' Call, here: https://www.amazon.com/Sirens-Call-Attention-Endangered-Resource/dp/0593653114
Follow Chris Hayes @chrislhayes
Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele
Follow the podcast @steele_podcast
Follow The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline

Jan 25, 2025 • 10min
Why Historically Black Colleges Matter in 2025 (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Birmingham Alabama Mayor, Randall Woodfin about the importance of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
Check out Randall Woodfin's book, "Son of Birmingham," here:
https://www.amazon.com/Son-Birmingham-Memoir-Randall-Woodfin/dp/B0DDVDV8VS
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
Follow Mayor Randall Goodfin @randallwoodfin
Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele
Follow the podcast @steele_podcast
Follow The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline

Jan 23, 2025 • 9min
A Moment Of Clarity: "That's asinine ass-backwards stuff. Inviting pardoned rioters to the Capitol."
Michael Steele responds to Congresswoman Lauren Boebart's inviting pardoned rioters for a capitol tour, the increase in presidential pardoning, and Trump's order that all federal DEI workers be put on leave.
Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend
Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele
Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!

Jan 23, 2025 • 45min
Start Putting People First (with Mayor Randall Woodfin)
Michael Steele speaks with Birmingham Alabama Mayor, Randall Woodfin. The pair discuss the injustice of Trump pardoning January 6th insurrectionists, Mayor Woodfin's journey from grocery bagger to city Mayor, the importance of HBCUs and the kind of leadership needed in the 21st century.
Check out Randall Woodfin's book, "Son of Birmingham," here:
https://www.amazon.com/Son-Birmingham-Memoir-Randall-Woodfin/dp/B0DDVDV8VS
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
Follow Mayor Randall Goodfin @randallwoodfin
Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele
Follow the podcast @steele_podcast
Follow The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline

Jan 22, 2025 • 8min
A Moment Of Clarity: Trump is batsh** crazy for giving all these pardons!
Michael Steele weighs in on President Trump's executive orders, why he thinks Elon Musk is really getting a West Wing office, and why pardoning the convicts who stormed the Capitol breaks the rule of law.
Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend
Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele
Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o
If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!

Jan 21, 2025 • 7min
A Moment of Clarity: Trump's Inauguration
Michael Steele discusses Trump's inauguration, his executive power and his cabinet nominees.