The New Abnormal

Trump chronicler Michael Wolff and the Beast's Joanna Coles unearth Donald Trump's bizarre entanglements with Jeffrey Epstein. From a birthday book signed by Trump to a shady mansion deal, to an $83 million judgment and claims of FBI informants, the hosts unpack the evidence, denials, and contradictions. They explore how Trump's excuses collapse under scrutiny and why his ties to Epstein keep resurfacing. With Epstein's letters and Trump's own words raising fresh questions, the story only grows darker. And our hosts ask whether Trump's connection to Epstein is a liability he can ever escape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Independent journalist Don Lemon joins the Beast's Joanna Coles for a wide-ranging conversation unpacking Trump's health issues, the MAGA movement's big problem, and the night RFK Jr. had dinner with Don Lemon. The two dive into Trump's public appearance at the U.S. Open and ask what the mysterious blue object clenched in his mouth, seen in a candid photo, is. The two also take apart JD Vance's rise, calling him the kind of “DEI hire” conservatives pretend to hate. They dig into the contradictions of his wife Usha's background, the role Black Americans played in securing rights for immigrant communities, and why Trump still manages to suck all the oxygen out of every room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Australian model Cleo Glyde sits down with the Beast's Joanna Coles to share her extraordinary, unsettling memories of New York in the late 1980s and early 1990s. At just 22, she was living the height of the fashion world, signed to Ford Models, immersed in the club scene, and swept into the orbit of Jeffrey Epstein. She recalls meeting him through a fellow model, their early friendship, his Great Gatsby–like allure, and how he used wealth and connections to project power. Cleo also opens up about her introduction to Donald Trump through Epstein, visiting Trump Tower, and witnessing the bizarre mix of glamor, neediness, and showmanship inside his gilded world. She reflects on the dangerous charm Epstein wielded, her shocking encounter with him on a private plane, and how hindsight reveals the darker truth behind the high-society facade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump chronicler Michael Wolff joins the Beast's Joanna Coles to go inside the rage-filled White House where Trump is reacting to blows from judges—including to his tariffs. They explore what happens when judges say no to Trump. And they examine how tariffs have become a unilateral tool of punishment and power, why the courts are pushing back, and how Trump reacts with rage when confronted by these limits. From attempts to deploy the National Guard in Los Angeles to efforts to expand emergency powers, this episode examines what it looks like when one President attempts to circumvent a republic's rules and insists that no one can oppose him. At stake are the checks and balances of American democracy and the question of whether the system can withstand Trump's defiance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Daily Beast's brilliant columnist David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles to examine Donald Trump's disastrous week on the world stage. From being overheard on a hot mic talking about deals with Vladimir Putin, to Modi undercutting his peacemaker myth, to world leaders gathering in China without him, Trump finds himself without a seat on the world stage. They explore how his failed military parade compares to China's massive display of power, how his fixation on the Rose Garden reveals his petty interests, and how his “Gaza Riviera” plan turns tragedy into a dark and twisted real estate play. The conversation shows how China and others are moving forward while Trump obsesses over himself and the past. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump's health is suddenly the biggest mystery in politics. After disappearing for more than three days, whispers about his wobbly legs and his puffy presentation have swept through The President's inner circle. Hosts Joanna Coles and Michael Wolff pull apart the rumors and ask whether Trump's latest health scare is just another online chattering class's obsession or something far more serious. They dig into why the White House is keeping so quiet and how the imagery of Trump's decline is fueling speculation. Plus, they explore what his health means for his future and the people still betting on his power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian and actor Matt Friend joins Joanna Coles for a sharp, funny look at Donald Trump's complicated relationship with comedy. Friend shares his spot-on impressions of Trump, Obama, Bernie Sanders, Mitch McConnell and more. From his early obsession with comedy to performing at the White House Correspondents Dinner, Friend shares the secrets behind his political impressions and how he turns real-life absurdities into comedy gold. They dive into the process of mimicking Trump's voice, the challenges of doing other politicians, and how current events feed his stage material—all while keeping audiences laughing across the political spectrum. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Coles and Michael Wolff jump in for an emergency podcast to unpack the twisted story of how Donald Trump brought Robert F. Kennedy Jr. into his administration, despite his history of drug abuse, womanizing, and a long career of anti-vaccine activism. They explore how Trump's desperation to shore up his MAGA base on vaccines led to RFK Jr. running the nation's public health system, with devastating consequences. From collapsing expert panels and vaccine shortages to Trump's fleeting fantasy of a “Trump Kennedy 2024” ticket, the conversation reveals a dangerous bargain. Wolff recalls his decades of encounters with RFK Jr., from his days as a campus drug dealer to his ambitions for the presidency, painting a portrait of a broken man now wielding immense power. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Long-time British Royals Journalist and Author Tom Sykes, and Joanna Coles, revisit Princess Diana's death and why he believes there was foul play. From her troubled marriage and rivalry with Camilla to the tainted blood samples, the missing Fiat Uno, and Diana's own letter predicting an “accident,” they dig into the questions that still haunt the monarchy. They also explore Mohammed Al-Fayed's lifelong suspicions, the British inquiry known as Operation Paget, and Prince Harry's account in ‘Spare'. Diana's global power, her challenge to the royal establishment, and her complicated relationship with the press all come under the spotlight. This is the story of how the world's most famous woman became too threatening for the monarchy to ignore. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Coles and Michael Wolff dig into Ghislaine Maxwell's prison interviews with Trump's DOJ, Epstein's lingering influence on Trump, and Trump's presidential culture of copious pardons for nefarious American characters. They examine how rich criminals and political allies maneuvered for Trump's favor, and how loyalty, leverage, and money shaped decisions inside the Oval Office. From secret phone calls to private doubts, Wolff unpacks what drives Trump's unusual sympathy Trump reportedly felt for Maxwell and the political pressures he's facing in deciding whether to pardon her. And Wolff highlights how Epstein's social connections, including Fergie and Prince Andrew, intersected with Trump, showing the unexpected ways their worlds became connected. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MSNBC's Stephanie Ruhle joins Joanna Coles to unpack Donald Trump's power moves against the Federal Reserve's governors. From his campaign against Fed chairman Jerome Powell to saying he has fired Black governor Lisa Cook, the conversation reveals a president at war with the independent central bank. The two explore how Trump leans on Wall Street CEOs, demands loyalty over judgment, and pulls business leaders like Jeff Bezos and Tim Cook into his orbit as props in his economic battles. And Ruhle spells out why Wall Street's hair is on fire about New York socialist Zohran Mamdami but it should be ablaze about Trump. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna Coles and Michael Wolff dig into the explosive Trump DOJ transcripts of Ghislaine Maxwell's meeting with Todd Blanche and what they reveal about Jeffrey Epstein's finances, Donald Trump's anxieties, and more. From the talk in the White House of Trump “keeling over” and the President's obsession with Ghislaine Maxwell, the conversation unpacks Trump's paranoia, monied moves, and lingering ties to Epstein's world. They also examine the mounting worries over Trump's physical decline, from swollen ankles to his unsteady gait, that fueled private panic among his aides. With fresh Epstein details overlooked by the mainstream media found within Maxwell's proffer, Wolff explains how Trump's past scandals keep colliding with his present. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Mahler, author of 'The Gods of New York', joins Joanna Coles to explore Donald Trump's tabloid-fueled rise in the 1980s. From his feud with the Koch brothers over Wollman Rink to the Marla Maples scandal in Aspen and his explosive Central Park Five ad, Mahler reveals how Trump mastered gossip and scandal to build a myth that would carry him into politics. They trace how Trump's obsession with media attention turned Page Six into his personal stage. And they uncover how the tabloid era's culture wars laid the foundation for Trump's future in the White House. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff, author of four bestselling books on Donald Trump, joins the Daily Beast's executive editor, Hugh Doherty, to dissect the former president's expanding enemies list. From the FBI raid on John Bolton's home to Trump's fixation on Black female prosecutors and judges, Wolff lays bare how Trump's hostility toward Black women has become a defining and pathological theme of his politics. They also dig into the newly released Jeffrey Epstein files—what's inside, what's missing, and why Trump's allies are scrambling to contain the fallout. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump doesn't listen. He doesn't read. He just talks. On ‘Inside Trump's Head', Joanna Coles and Michael Wolff explore why Trump embarks on endless monologues, his Oval Office turned into a bus station, and the “wall of sound” that keeps people out. Wolff shares surreal White House moments, from generals with PowerPoints Trump ignored to phone calls that lasted for hours. The episode also delves into Trump's unusual routines, Melania's cryptic note to Putin, and why the mainstream media still struggles to cover the 47th President of the United States competently. What emerges is a portrait of a man stuck in 1965 Rat Pack Vegas, yet still dominating the digital age in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Monica Lewinsky joins Joanna Coles for an unflinching look at the new Hulu limited series 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox'—and why the story we think we know is nothing like the truth. From Knox's wrongful conviction and years in an Italian prison, to the media's obsession with “Foxy Knoxy” and the anatomy of bias that fueled it, Lewinsky reveals how her own experience being dissected by the press helped her connect with Knox and bring her story to the screen. With behind-the-scenes details on persuading Amanda to say yes, building a powerhouse creative team, and the haunting parallels between two women thrust into the global spotlight, this episode uncovers how narratives are twisted, who benefits, and what gets lost along the way.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really happened when Donald Trump met Vladimir Putin behind closed doors? In this episode of 'Inside Trump's Head', cohosts Joanna Coles and Trump biographer Michael Wolff unravel Trump's odd displays of loyalty to Putin and the secretive negotiations over Ukraine that alarmed U.S. allies. They examine Trump's fixation on flattery, his pursuit of a Nobel Peace Prize, and the way Putin's KGB-honed tactics played against Trump's insecurities. From the bizarre secrecy surrounding their one-on-one sessions to the global risks of Trump's concessions, this is a revealing look at how the Trump–Putin relationship reshaped world politics and exposed the vulnerabilities inside Trump's head. And Wolff drops an extraordinary new revelation about a meeting Jeffrey Epstein had with Vladimir Putin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Bolton, Donald Trump's National Security Advisor who witnessed up close why he is so bad at making deals, joins Joanna Coles for an inside look at what it's really like being in the room with Donald Trump. Looking at Trump's first term Putin meeting in Helsinki, where briefing papers went unread as soccer played in the background, Bolton reveals a portrait of a president who prizes optics over substance, public relations over policy. With Vladimir Putin exploiting every opening, Xi Jinping taking notes, and Trump's envoy stumbling into Russian disinformation, Bolton exposes the dangerous mix of ego, improvisation, and manipulation at the heart of America's foreign policy.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump biographer Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles for a scathing examination of Donald Trump's summit with Vladimir Putin—and the shadow of Jeffrey Epstein that's cast over the entire affair. From Trump's failed promises to release Epstein's files, to his floundering attempts at deal-making in Ukraine, Wolff reveals how distraction, denial, and deference to Putin define Trump's playbook. With insider texts, sharp analysis, and vivid accounts of the theatrics on the world stage, this episode unpacks the haunting ties between Trump, Russia, and Epstein—and what it all means for America's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What really connects Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and Prince Andrew? In this explosive episode of Inside Trump's Head cohosts Joanna Coles and Trump biographer Michael Wolff dive deep into royal biographer Andrew Lownie's explosive new book, 'Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York'. They unpack the scandals, secrets, and political games linking Donald Trump, Jeffrey Epstein, and Prince Andrew. From private rivalries over Princess Diana to Epstein's chilling social manipulations—and Trump's quiet moves to rewrite his past—this is the untold story of how money, sex, and influence brought down a royal and shook the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Foreign policy insider David Rothkopf joins Joanna Coles for a blistering deep-dive into Donald Trump's high-stakes summit with Vladimir Putin in Alaska—and the dangerous implications for Ukraine, Europe, and global security. From Trump's flattery-fueled diplomacy and one-on-one meetings with no note takers, to Putin's KGB-honed manipulation tactics, Rothkopf exposes a portrait of ego, opportunism, and geopolitical risk. With insider accounts, sharp analysis, and startling parallels to past encounters, this episode unpacks how one man's insecurities and ambitions could shape the fate of nations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to the premiere of 'Inside Trump's Head', a new twice-weekly deep dive from The Daily Beast into the most unpredictable, unsettling, and endlessly fascinating mind in modern politics. Host Joanna Coles teams up with best-selling Trump biographer Michael Wolff to explore what's really driving Donald Trump.In this inaugural episode, Wolff shares exclusive White House conversations suggesting Trump may be ready to give up large parts of Ukraine in a high-stakes meeting with Vladimir Putin — all to distract from the ceaseless Jeffrey Epstein scandal threatening his grip on the MAGA base. From the hidden hand of Jared Kushner to Steve Bannon's private doubts, from Putin's possible kompromat to the Epstein “drumbeat” that won't fade, Coles and Wolff go spelunking into the dark, dank cavern where all of Trump's decisions begin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bestselling royal biographer Andrew Lownie joins Joanna Coles for a blistering deep-dive into Prince Andrew's life, scandals, and the shadowy alliances that brought him down. From explosive allegations of financial corruption at the heart of the monarchy, to his entanglements with Jeffrey Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and Donald Trump, Lownie exposes a portrait of greed, privilege, and impunity. With insider accounts, never-before-revealed details, and jaw-dropping stories—from secret business deals to sordid weekends in Thailand—this episode unpacks how the Queen's favorite son became the royal family's greatest liability. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff, the best-selling author who was tapped by Jeffrey Epstein to write his biography spills the secrets of the pedophile—and of Donald Trump. Wolff reveals the twisted reality of life inside Epstein's New York mansion, where he had a chess set made with himself as king, then spills who the other pieces were carved to represent—as well as his bizarre encounter with Epstein's last girlfriend. He and Joanna Coles also analyze exactly what Trump means by building a new ballroom at the White House and what it says about the man in the Oval Office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Best-selling author Michael Wolff tells Joanna Coles what he saw inside Jeffrey Epstein's infamous Manhattan townhouse and his lavish Paris apartment. From bizarre sights including a stuffed tiger and a stuffed baby elephant to a horrific fake corpse in the lobby, this is at home with a monster. On the sideboard, Epstein flaunted his easy access to the rich and powerful with pictures with princes—not just Andrew but Mohamed bin Salman—prime ministers and even a pope. Wolff and Coles unpack new pictures uncovered by the New York Times and Wolff's own unparalleled access to Epstein's homes and unravel how and why Epstein escaped attention for too long. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stacey Williams, a Sports Illustrated model who briefly dated Jeffrey Epstein in the early 1990s tells Joanna Coles her story—and her astonishing encounters not just with the pedophile, but through him with Donald Trump. Williams reveals how a much older Epstein made a twisted boast that he had "prized" videos of her naked which she had no idea he had made. And she tells how he took her to Trump's Fifth Avenue office where a "brazen" Trump groped her. Trump's campaign denied her allegation when it was first made. But she tells Coles, "I know there are women who have interacted with them, who haven't come forward, who have anecdotes to share that confirm their behavior and their friendship." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ghislaine Maxwell is moving jails, the President's wagging the dog and Trump biographer Michael Wolff joins The Daily Beast's Joanna Coles to explain the ongoing Epstein scandal and why it matters. Also on the table, Laura Loomer's inexplicable rise to power and her claims she's now had 16 people fired. With a potential Maxwell pardon in play and Trump's lawyers blurring the line between personal fixers and public officials, what's going on inside the MAGA machine?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author Amy Odell joins host Joanna Coles for a sharp, funny, and deeply revealing conversation about the woman who launched a thousand jade eggs—Gwyneth Paltrow. Odell spent three years interviewing over 220 sources for her new biography 'Gwyneth', in which she's spills everything: from Goop's rise and questionable wellness claims to Paltrow's high-profile love life, accidental class war commentary, and surprisingly savvy business instincts. Is Gwyneth Paltrow the original influencer? What does she really believe? And how did a candle turn her into a meme? Coles and Odell unpack the cultural power—and cringe—of a woman who shaped what it means to be a modern celebrity, whether we like it or not. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Julie K. Brown joins Joanna Coles to unpack the latest twist in the Epstein saga—why Trump's former personal lawyer, Todd Blanch, now number two at the Justice Department, personally visited Ghislaine Maxwell in prison. What did she tell him, and who is on the rumored list of 100 names possibly connected to Jeffrey Epstein's sex crime activities? As Epstein's victims speak out in anger and fear, Brown reveals why Maxwell could now be in danger too—and why the Epstein cover-up still haunts the White House. Coles and Brown also dig into Florida's ex-AG Pam Bondi, the deleted Elon Musk tweet, and why Epstein may have believed he'd never done anything wrong. With new subpoenas looming and Congress demanding answers, the question remains: what's in the Epstein files—and who doesn't want them released?Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Julie K. Brown joins Joanna Coles to unpack the latest twist in the Epstein saga—why Trump's former personal lawyer, Todd Blanch, now number two at the Justice Department, personally visited Ghislaine Maxwell in prison. What did she tell him, and who is on the rumored list of 100 names possibly connected to Jeffrey Epstein's sex crime activities? As Epstein's victims speak out in anger and fear, Brown reveals why Maxwell could now be in danger too—and why the Epstein cover-up still haunts the White House. Coles and Brown also dig into Florida's ex-AG Pam Bondi, the deleted Elon Musk tweet, and why Epstein may have believed he'd never done anything wrong. With new subpoenas looming and Congress demanding answers, the question remains: what's in the Epstein files—and who doesn't want them released? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles to reveal the rising panic inside Trump's inner circle as the Epstein scandal metastasizes. With Ghislaine Maxwell serving 20 years in prison, Wolff outlines how a meeting between her and Trump's former lawyer—now the No. 2 at the DOJ—Todd Blanche, is raising serious questions about a possible deal. Wolff details Trump's decade-long friendship with Epstein, the infamous 50th birthday letter, and how they shared a girlfriend who moved between the two men. He describes a White House gripped by fear as “Epstein intelligence” emerges—emails, photos, and files that could expose just how “bad” Trump's “bad boy years” really were. MAGA world, Wolff warns, may not survive what Maxwell has to say. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Investigative reporter Tara Palmeri joins Joanna Coles to dig into the twisted saga of Ghislaine Maxwell—her crimes, her secrets, and why the Trump's Justice Department is knocking at her door. As Maxwell serves 20 years in a Florida prison, new signs point to a potential deal with Trump-era officials. Why now—and what does she know? Palmeri shares chilling victim accounts, unsealed evidence Maxwell wants buried, and fresh questions about whether or not she could still reveal long held details to authorities. From Prince Andrew to Alan Dershowitz, the web of powerful men around Maxwell remains tangled. And around MAGA world, a shocking new chant is gaining steam: “Free Ghislaine.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Frum joins Joanna Coles to unpack the jaw-dropping scale of Donald Trump's presidential profiteering—from the $400 million Qatari plane to his so-called ‘presidential library' money funnel. Frum, Senior Editor of The Atlantic and host of the new podcast The David Frum Show, explains how Trump turned the presidential office into a personal ATM—and why the Republican party let him. He breaks down why Trump's grift dwarfs anything in U.S. history, how social media fuels both the scam and the silence, and why the real question isn't what Trump will do next, but what we'll tolerate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles to unpack Donald Trump's ever-expanding harem of lookalike aides, surrogates, and “comfort blanket” women inside the presidential bubble. With Melania absent, Trump has surrounded himself with younger clones — from Natalie Harp, the so-called “human printer,” to bikini-clad attorney Alina Habba, to Melania doppelgänger Margo Martin. Wolff, an accomplished Trump biographer who has observed this dynamic firsthand in the West Wing and beyond, explains how Trump's obsession with appearance, loyalty, and media control manifests in the women around him — many of whom are fighting viciously for his attention. Wolff also reveals how one of these Melania clones controls most of the information that reaches the president and why jurors in Trump's criminal trial were “creeped out” by his Stepford-like entourage. Wolff explains how Trump's fixation on TV-ready staff masks a deeper insecurity and clear isolation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff joins Daily Beast Executive Editor Hugh Dougherty to unpack a new Wall Street Journal report that could spell real trouble for Donald Trump: a 2003 birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein alongside a nude sketch. Wolff clarifies Trump's deep and well documented relationship with Jeffrey Epstein—and why MAGA media, led by Bannon and Tucker Carlson, won't let it go. As Trump scrambles to distract with bizarre stunts and conspiracy bait, even his allies are rattled. This time, Wolff warns, denial might not save him. Wolff, who's chronicled Trump's rise in four bestsellers, describes a man entering his “lame duck phase,” besieged by rivals and a serious newly revealed medical condition. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tina Brown joins Daily Beast Executive Editor Hugh Dougherty to revisit the scandal she helped break wide open—Jeffrey Epstein—and how it now threatens to fracture MAGA from within. Brown, co-founder of The Daily Beast and former editor of Vanity Fair and The New Yorker, reflects on commissioning the explosive 2010 Epstein exposé that first named names like Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew, and Larry Summers. She recalls Epstein's chilling intimidation tactics—including showing up uninvited to her office—and explains how he leveraged social status, political donations, and kompromat to shield himself for decades. Brown also reveals that Ghislaine Maxwell was more socially visible than Epstein in the 1990s and how her husband exposed Robert Maxwell as a crooked businessman years earlier. As new revelations emerge—including that an FBI source warned Epstein “would never make it to trial”—Brown unpacks why this scandal still haunts Trump, whose bond with Epstein spanned 15 years. She describes how Trump's recent meltdown on Truth Social, dismissing his base as “weak” and “stupid,” signals a dangerous rupture. And with MAGA obsessed with pedophilia conspiracies, Brown warns: this may be the one scandal Trump can't shake—because for once, his base might not let him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff joins Daily Beast Executive Editor Hugh Dougherty to unpack the chaos of what may be the first lasting MAGA civil war—and why it centers on Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff, who's authored 4 biographies on Trump, was present when Steve Bannon met Epstein. Wolff exposes the bizarre triangle between Trump, Bannon, and Epstein, including how Bannon became a key promoter of the very conspiracy he's entangled in. Wolff describes how MAGA influencers are now caught between defending Trump and pursuing the elite-exposing narrative they helped create. He also reveals that Trump once considered pardoning Ghislaine Maxwell and had known her since the early days of his deep friendship with Epstein. As Trump lashes out on Truth Social and desperately struggles to change the subject, Wolff suggests this scandal might finally stick—or at least rattle him more than most. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Obama White House veteran David Litt joins Joanna Coles to talk about his new book about surviving the age of Trump—and what America's rivals really think about the current president. He explains what is going through Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping's head as they watch Trump from afar and what Trump saw in America that powered him to victory twice. Litt talks about his new book "It's Only Drowning" which he wrote after turning to surfing when the first Trump presidency plunged him into depression. He became hooked on the sport with his Joe Rogan-listening, Trump-voting, brother-in-law, finding a bond with someone he admits he has "nothing in common with." But it led to him realizing what had gone wrong for Democrats and why his party needs to engage with, not retreat from, platforms like Rogan's. Litt explains how the MAGA coalition's anti-authority ethos—rooted not just in politics but in personal psychology—has outpaced the left's ability to tell its story. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles to unpack the surreal world of Jeffrey Epstein—from the salons of Manhattan's elite to the shadowy corners of MAGA conspiracy. Wolff, who cultivated Epstein as a source and planned to have breakfast with him the morning after his arrest, reveals the financier's deep ties to figures like Donald Trump, Steve Bannon, and Bill Gates. He shares the eerie final message Epstein sent Wolff before his death—and challenges both the suicide narrative and the murder theory. Wolff debunks the myth of a “client list,” critiques the DOJ's recent denial of foul play, and exposes the hypocrisy of right-wing figures like Kash Patel and Dan Bongino, who once demanded answers and now run the very agency saying there's “nothing to see.” He also examines Epstein's enigmatic financial empire, his influence over powerful men, and the unspoken role Trump's inner circle may play in concealing the case. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anthony Scaramucci joins Joanna Coles to unpack the official story behind Jeffrey Epstein's death and why Elon Musk has renewed his trolling of Donald Trump. Scaramucci rejects the idea of a "client list" but says Epstein kept kompromat on powerful friends. He points to Epstein's ties to Les Wexner, hints at Trump's entanglement, and suggests the real cover-up is about protecting elite reputations, not uncovering a conspiracy. The Mooch also explains what may come of Elon Musk's America Party, how it may affect the coming elections, and what Musk's fundamental objective is with his new third party. He warns that Musk is not to be underestimated and calls for Elon to respond to the X DMs he has sent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tara Palmeri joins Joanna Coles to unravel the dark machinery behind Jeffrey Epstein's rise—from math teacher to multimillionaire mogul with ties to the FBI, CIA, and America's elite. Palmeri, who spent two years investigating Epstein, claims the financier acted as an informant for the feds, traded in secrets, and used kompromat to build both his fortune and his immunity. She debunks the myth of a client “list,” but reports that prosecutors hold photos and video evidence too explosive to release. Ghislaine Maxwell, she believes, may have some further cards to play that are related to her case. Palmeri also shares heartbreaking insights from survivors like Virginia Giuffre, and why the story's true horror isn't in the conspiracies—but in how the victims were forgotten. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Ian Black celebrates July 4th with Joanna Coles and explains his reluctant transformation into what he jokingly calls “a conservative”—thanks to Donald Trump. The comedian and Daily Beast columnist describes how defending the IRS, foreign aid, and the post office over dinner with a Trump voter made him feel like he'd become “the man.” But it's not age that's made him more conservative—it's Trump's destruction of public service, empathy, and the common good. Black traces his unlikely journey from straight-edge punk rocker to champion of bureaucracy, arguing that helping people shouldn't be a radical act. He calls Trump “the worst thing for comedy” and slams the administration's cruelty as both unfunny and un-American. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles to dissect the explosive feud between Elon Musk and Donald Trump—two billionaires with their own media platforms and no off switch. Wolff recounts how Musk, cast out by Trump, has resurfaced with threats to bankroll a third party and destabilize GOP control. Trump, ever theatrical, responds by smearing Musk as a drug-addled foreigner, even suggesting deportation. But beneath the chaos lies a real threat: Musk's billions could tip the Senate and House, risking everything for Trump. Wolff warns this isn't just noise—it's a blood feud. And in Trump's world, dominance matters more than governance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

John Della Volpe joins Joanna Coles to unpack why young voters—especially anxious, economically insecure young men—helped put Trump in office. Drawing on Harvard polling and his SAM Project, Della Volpe explains how Trump's internet swagger and outsider energy appealed to a generation feeling betrayed by institutions. But the mood is shifting. Young voters are turning on Trump, frustrated by chaos and instability. Della Volpe warns Democrats: stop lecturing, start listening. He points to Zohran Mamdani's surprise win as proof that authenticity, optimism, and showing up matter more than ideology. To win Gen Z, Democrats need less tightly scripted cable TV appearances—and more courage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liz Plank joins Joanna Coles for a scorching postmortem on the Venice wedding of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez—a $50 million display of “confetti capitalism” that collided head-on with a collapsing middle class. Plank, whose viral Substack column captured the online fury, recounts watching the foam-drenched bacchanal while her paper straw dissolved in her mouth and seniors were zip-tied at the Capitol protesting Medicaid cuts. She argues the grotesque contrast isn't just offensive—it's politically clarifying. As celebrities scrambled for camera time and Vogue's fawning coverage backfired, Plank points to a growing revolt: from Zohran's shock primary win in New York to Hungary's defiant pride march. She connects the dots from Bezos's billionaire cosplay to the Democratic Party's disconnect with working people—and calls for all to use their voice, both online and off, to advocate for real political change.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brian Tyler Cohen joins Joanna Coles for a dissection of the digital age's political battleground. Cohen—solo creator of one of the largest progressive platforms in America—reveals how he turned a dead-end acting career into a media empire with 4.5 million subscribers and zero writers. Cohen explains that Trump's chaos isn't incompetence—it's a strategy: flooding the zone, exploiting the slow reflexes of legacy media, and redefining the presidency as a form of cultural warfare. He blasts the Democratic Party's gerontocracy, their obsession with MSNBC over TikTok, and their chronic failure to meet the moment. As Trump installs loyalists like Pete Hegseth and Dan Bongino into key roles, Cohen warns the real danger isn't just Trump—it's the bootlickers willing to weaponize law enforcement on command. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Wolff joins Joanna Coles's to unpack the latest twist in Trump's Iran debacle—a truth bomb dropped by U.S. intelligence. Wolff, Trump biographer and author of 'All Or Nothing' explains how Trump, obsessed with showbiz and "bragging rights," staged a “perfect war” for TV that is now unraveling in real time. The leaked intelligence contradicts Trump's declaration of a triumphant mission, showing Iran's nuclear capabilities remain largely intact—sending the West Wing into a tailspin of blame and recrimination. Susie Wiles launches a frantic leak hunt. Tulsi Gabbard is thrown under the bus. Pete Hegseth scrambles to avoid Trump's wrath, which Wolff describes as “frightening,” and akin to being “treated like dogs.” Wolff uncovers Trump's sugary mood swings to his government-by-whim—“a reality TV presidency with nuclear stakes.” Coles and Wolff reflect on how the U.S. went from a system of institutions to one man's ego show, powered by candy, rage, and a desperate fear of losing the narrative. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.