Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes

Follow Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

Every week Chris Hayes asks the big questions that keep him up at night. How do we make sense of this unprecedented moment in world history? Why is this (all) happening? This podcast starts to answer these questions. Writers, experts, and thinkers who are also trying to get to the bottom of them j…

Chris Hayes, MSNBC & NBCNews THINK


    • Apr 30, 2026 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 49m AVG DURATION
    • 485 EPISODES

    4.6 from 8,467 ratings Listeners of Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes that love the show mention: school segregation, anti semitism, mark galli, ezra klein, rev barber, show chris, moyer, stop saying like, chris hayes is one, hayes', john mcwhorter, nightly show, show on msnbc, chris and his wife, william barber, mehta, uncle chris, nobles, goods and services, bezos.


    Ivy Insights

    The Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes podcast is an incredible source of informative and thought-provoking content. Hosted by Chris Hayes, the podcast covers a wide range of topics and features interviews with experts, activists, and community leaders who provide insightful perspectives on current events and important issues. It is a must-listen for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of the world around them.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is its ability to dive deep into complex topics. Chris Hayes does an excellent job of asking probing questions and allowing his guests to fully explain their ideas and viewpoints. The interviews are thorough and engaging, providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter at hand. The guests are always well-informed and offer unique insights that challenge preconceived notions and encourage critical thinking.

    Another standout aspect of this podcast is the diversity of voices represented. Chris Hayes makes a concerted effort to feature a wide range of perspectives, ensuring that the conversations are inclusive and representative. This allows for a more nuanced discussion that takes into account various experiences and viewpoints. It also helps to expose listeners to new ideas and perspectives that they may not have encountered before.

    While there are many positive aspects to The Why Is This Happening? podcast, one potential downside is its occasionally partisan nature. As a host on MSNBC, Chris Hayes has a known liberal bias, which can come through in some episodes. While it is important to have diverse voices represented, it would be beneficial if there were more conservative or centrist guests included in the discussions to provide balance.

    In conclusion, The Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes podcast is an enlightening and educational resource for anyone interested in delving deeper into current events and important issues. It offers in-depth interviews with knowledgeable guests who provide diverse perspectives on a variety of topics. While there could be more ideological balance in some episodes, overall, it provides valuable insight into the complexities of the world we live in.



    Search for episodes from Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes

    Introducing WITHpod: The AI End Game

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 1:16


    We're excited to announce a new special WITHpod series, "The AI End Game: Power, Profit, and Progress." AI – and coverage of it – is everywhere. But what is artificial intelligence, really, beyond the buzzword? Each week, we'll be joined by preeminent experts on AI and its effects to help make sense of this revolutionary time in history. The series will feature in-depth conversations with experts, including: The Atlantic journalist Derek Thompson; professor at Wharton and New York Times bestselling author Ethan Mollick, professor of psychology at UC Berkeley and member of the Berkeley AI Research Group Alison Gopnik; former co-lead of the Ethical Artificial Intelligence Team at Google and co-founder of Black in AI Timnit Gebru; philosopher and cognitive scientist David Chalmers; author, host of the “Better Offline” podcast and writer of the “Where's Your Ed At” newsletter, Ed Zitron; The New York Times journalist and author, Michael Pollan, and more.    Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    'Here Where We Live is Our Country' with Molly Crabapple

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2026 58:04


    The Jewish Bund was one of the most revolutionary political parties of the twentieth century. It aimed to build a socialist alternative to Zionism. Molly Crabapple is an artist and the author of the New York Times Bestseller “Here Where We Live is Our Country: The Story of the Jewish Bund,” which tells the story of the movement. She joins WITHpod to discuss how she found her way to this story, the rise and fall of the Jewish Labor Bund and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    All In America with NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2026 43:56


    We're sharing a bonus episode of Chris' sit-down with New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for a special edition of “All In.” In this town hall special, held at the Bronx Children's Museum, they discuss how Mamdani has been able to speak to people on both sides politically, his vision for the city and what it could mean for bigger national ideas. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Crypto and The Golden Age of Scams with Ben McKenzie

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2026 51:18


    We're in an era where it seems like get rich quick schemes, quick money, and scams of all kinds are all around. It's become a dominant feature and cultural force in American politics and American life more broadly. And cryptocurrency is the vector by which the Trump family is making vast sums of money. The rise of crypto and the harsh truth about this is the subject of a new documentary called “Everyone is Lying to You for Money.” Ben McKenzie is an actor and made his directorial debut with this film. He joins WITHpod to discuss why so much of life on the internet feels very scammy, his critique of crypto and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Will Trump & Co. Go After Cuba Next? with Jon Lee Anderson

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 51:00


    Things are pretty dire in Cuba right now as issues have ratcheted up to an almost unprecedented degree in the last few months. This is happening as President Trump says the U.S. may “stop by” Cuba after it finishes the war in Iran. Meanwhile, Cuba's president says they ‘would die' to defend against a U.S. invasion. Jon Lee Anderson is a staff writer at The New Yorker. He joins WITHpod to discuss the Trump administration's threats to Cuba, how the current U.S. relationship with Cuba compares to the past and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Fossil Fuels: A ‘Weapon of War' with Antonia Juhasz

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2026 54:27


    There's a lot to unpack about the risk of a historic global oil supply shock amid the U.S. war with Iran. Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz and other regions continues to drive fuel hoarding, panic buying and a marked rise in costs. Meanwhile, significant hurdles continue to impede efforts to transition to more green energy. Antonia Juhasz is an investigative journalist specializing in energy, author and politics reporter for Rolling Stone. She joins WITHpod to discuss the impact the war in Iran is having on oil, why she says fossil fuels are being used as weapons of war and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The WNBA's "BIG Deal" with Tamika Tremaglio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 51:32


    The WNBA and its players union recently reached a historic collective bargaining agreement. And the league will have its first million-dollar players as a result. There's a lot to discuss about what this moment means. Tamika Tremaglio is the former executive director of the National Basketball Players Association. She's currently the managing director at Secretariat, a consulting firm where she leads global sports consulting. She joins WITHpod to discuss WNBA labor negotiations, why she says revenue sharing based on gross matters more than net, mental health pressures in the league and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    'Longterm Disaster' in Iran with Robert Pape

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2026 54:35


    There's a lot of questions about the war in Iran. And it's a bit unclear what exactly Trump's strategy is. Will ground troops be deployed? Could all operations focus solely on air war? Robert Pape is a professor of political science at the University of Chicago where he specializes in international security affairs. He also writes The Escalation Trap newsletter on Substack. He joins WITHpod to discuss the war in Iran, the lack of logistical consideration on the U.S. part and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    What Trump's Immigration Policy is Really Doing with David Bier

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2026 56:45


    For decades, the Republican party and the.conservative movement coalition have been cross pressured on immigration, which has been the source of immense tension. With so many changes happening, we thought it would be a good time to unpack the wave of immigration reform in Trump 2.0 and what the implications are. David Bier is the director of immigration studies and the Selz Foundation chair in immigration policy at the Cato Institute. He joins Chris Hayes to discuss the ways in which legal paths to immigration have been interrupted and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How to Stop Dictators with Zack Beauchamp

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2026 66:10


    We're now in the second year of Donald Trump's second term. And there's a lot to be concerned about as it relates to the future of American democracy. How can everyday people push back against authoritarianism and antidemocratic forces? Zack Beauchamp is a senior correspondent at Vox. He's also the author of “The Reactionary Spirit,” a book about this topic. Beauchamp joins WITHpod to discuss Democratic backsliding, the role of protests in stopping dictators and lessons that can be learned from Brazil, South Korea and Poland. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Demystifying Anthropic and ClaudeAI with Gideon Lewis-Kraus

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2026 61:04


    There's no question that we're in the midst of one of the most intense periods of AI focus and hype. A lot of key players exist in the space and one of the biggest is Anthropic, an artificial intelligence company known for Claude, its collection of large language models. And the company's recent feud with the Pentagon has created even more buzz. But what exactly is Claude and why is it often seen as so difficult to understand that question? Gideon Lewis-Kraus is a staff writer at The New Yorker. He joins WITHpod to discuss how Claude works, automation's threat to knowledge work and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    "America, América" with Greg Grandin

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 59:01


    The United States is pretty intertwined with Latin America. So why has it historically been seen as more of a European outpost than a nation in the Western hemisphere that is part of the broader Americas? Our guest this week points out that there are other ways to understand the history and identity of the U.S. aside from the narrative that is so often a part of contemporary discourse. Greg Grandin is the C. Vann Woodard Professor of History at Yale and the author of “America, América: A New History of the New World.” He joins WITHpod to discuss a revolutionary concept of the “New World,” democratic backsliding in the U.S., why he says we should rethink hemispheric history, and more.  Note: this episode was recorded on 4/17/25.  Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Is This MeToo 2.0? with Rebecca Traister

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2026 53:04


    We are years into uncovering new details about Jeffrey Epstein. And now we're making sense of all of the files that have been disclosed and grappling with the fact that there are tons of redactions. Does this moment represent a MeToo 2.0? Rebecca Traister is writer at large for New York magazine.  She is the author of numerous books including “Good and Mad” and “All the Single Ladies,” both New York Times best-sellers. She joins WITHpod to discuss the trajectory of MeToo, how this moment represents a recapitulation of the first MeToo movement and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Check Out a Preview for “Clock It”

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2026 5:35


    “MS NOW Presents: Clock It” is an invitation to the liveliest and most informed groupchat in your feed. Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels are long-time political powerhouses. And they understand more than most how culture influences politics, and the role politics plays in culture. On “Clock It,” they're helping you put your finger on the pulse of the hottest political gossip and their off-air conversations too colorful for TV.In the first episode of their new show, “Clock It,” they're joined by actors Tony Goldwyn and Myles Frost for a conversation about making thought-provoking art when political tensions are at their highest. And they dig in on the Super Bowl halftime show, why cuts to The Washington Post matter for democracy, and the race to the Senate in Texas.Stay here to get a sneak peek. Then search and follow the show to get new episodes every Thursday. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Chris Hayes in Conversation with Jonathan Haidt about ‘The Sirens' Call'

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2026 44:19


    Chris' book, “The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource” is out in paperback now. As part of the release of the paperback, Chris sat down with author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt to discuss the attention economy in this moment. We're thrilled to share the event, which was held at The Strand bookstore in NYC, with you.   Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    MS NOW Presents: Clock It with Symone and Eugene

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2026 2:27


    Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels were once at odds as White House staffer and White House reporter. Now they're friends and colleagues—each co-hosting their own shows at MS NOW. But their off-air conversations are where the real action is. Their new show, “MS NOW Presents: Clock It” is an invitation to their groupchat, the liveliest—and most informative—in news. Whether it's ICE getting dispatched to the Super Bowl because Bad Bunny's doing the halftime show, or Nicolás Maduro's Nike Tech fit, or Michael B. Jordan's sole Oscar nomination despite playing three roles in Sinners, there is no collision between culture and politics that this show won't document and decipher. Symone and Eugene see exactly what's going on—and they want you to clock it, too. New episodes drop every Thursday, starting February 12th. Search for “MS NOW Presents: Clock It” and hit “follow” so you don't miss an episode. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Reporting in Minneapolis with Alex Wagner and Jacob Soboroff

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 3, 2026 57:32


    So much has unfolded in Minneapolis over the past few weeks following the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti. There's a lot to unpack in the aftermath. Jacob Soboroff, MS NOW senior political and national reporter and Alex Wagner, MS NOW senior political analyst, discuss on the ground reporting in Minneapolis, the implications of what has happened and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Gamification of Our World with C. Thi Nguyen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2026 59:19


    Almost every aspect of our life from the likes we get on social media to the professional metrics we receive have been in some ways gamified. Games are basically everywhere. What impact does this gamification have on our lives? C. Thi Nguyen is a philosophy professor at the University of Utah and the author of “The Score: How to Stop Playing Somebody Else's Game.” He joins WITHpod to discuss why we've gamified so many things, why we are so drawn to keeping score, recapturing value that can't be obtained from data and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    'Firestorm' with Jacob Soboroff

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2026 48:29


    It was only a year ago that Los Angeles was devastated by some of the worst wildfires in recent recorded history. Jacob Soboroff is the Senior Political and National Reporter for MS NOW and the New York Times best-selling author of "Firestorm: The Great Los Angeles Fires and America's New Age of Disaster.” He joins WITHpod to discuss his own personal connection and story with his childhood home burning down, the politics of rebuilding and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    New Energy, Venezuela and Trump's Imperial Ambitions with Senator Ruben Gallego

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 13, 2026 43:52


    It's been a little more than a week since the United States invaded Venezuela and abducted its president Nicolás Maduro. Trump has contended that Venezuela, which reportedly has the world's largest known oil reserves, has "unilaterally seized and sold American oil." There's a lot to discuss about the geopolitical context and how it intersects with new energy developments. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is the creator of a new energy plan and joins Chris Hayes to talk about that plan, his reaction to Venezuela and more.   Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Get Insider Access to MS NOW Podcasts

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2026 1:42


    Listen to this special invitation from Rachel Maddow and sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to take advantage of a 3-month free trial!With MS NOW Premium, you can get our entire suite of podcasts – everything from “The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell” to “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace” – all ad-free. As a subscriber, you also get early access to select shows, plus exclusive bonus content – like a new episode of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order,” out Friday. Sign up right here, then search “Burn Order” to listen to that Premium episode.There's a lot in store for 2026. So to celebrate the new year, we're giving away 3 months free if you sign up by the end of January! It's just $2.99/month or $29.99/year after that. Thanks for listening! Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Self-Driving Car Revolution with Tim Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2026 53:39


    Autonomous vehicle technology and safety has changed drastically recently. Once thought of as a far off goal, we're now at a point where self-driving cars have begun operating at quite a sophisticated and high level. But there's still a lot of work to be done before these vehicles become more mainstream. Tim Lee is a journalist and the founder of UnderstandingAI. He joins WITHpod to discuss advancements in autonomous tech, the impact on jobs, safety concerns and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    “My Brain Finally Broke” with Jia Tolentino

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2025 57:00


    Happy New Year! Given the holidays, we're re-sharing one of our most memorable conversations. You've probably come across content online that seems real but is actually fake. And that experience is becoming more common with the proliferation of AI generated content. Our guest this week points out that the mental gymnastics of this starts to take a toll. Jia Tolentino, a staff writer at The New Yorker, wrote a piece all about this aptly titled, “My Brain Finally Broke.”  She joins WITHpod to discuss how AI is changing our perception of the world, how online content can make us more likely to detach from reality and more. Note: this episode was recorded on 6/11/25.  Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Life in Ukraine with Tim Mak

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 47:02


    We're approaching the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2026. There's been a few inflection points recently, including talks of a peace deal amidst the gruesome conflict. Tim Mak is a journalist and the founder of The Counteroffensive, which covers the war in Ukraine from a human interest perspective. He joins WITHpod to discuss what life has been like for him living in Kyiv, what he sees as a possible way forward politically and more.   Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Saudi Arabia's Surge in Executions with Ebtihal Mubarak

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 49:28


    Saudi Arabia has executed more than 335 people this year, according to a tally by international news agency AFP. It's something that hasn't gotten much coverage in the U.S. What's behind this killing spree? Ebtihal Mubarak is a journalist from Saudi Arabia, who now lives in the U.S. She joins WITHpod to discuss what's been driving this trend, relations with the U.S., the role that Saudi Arabia's entertainment industry plays in perceptions of the country and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Political Violence Getting Worse in the U.S. with Benjamin Wallace-Wells

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 49:01


    Political violence has become an increasingly urgent issue in Trump 2.0. Elected officials continue to grapple with What's driving this and why does it flummox officials from both parties so much? That's the subject of a recent piece, “In The Line of Fire,” written by Benjamin Wallace-Wells, a staff writer at The New Yorker. He joins WITHpod to discuss the marked rise of political violence in the U.S., what it means and how we might envision a less bleak future.   Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Hidden Plot to Legalize Corruption with David Sirota

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2025 58:43


    Senator Chuck Schumer posted this week in part, “Trump's only principles are hypocrisy and corruption. Bombing unmarked boats in the Caribbean one day, pardoning notorious drug traffickers the next.” How can such high levels of corruption happen and what has led us to this point? Journalist and author David Sirota points out that the staggering levels of corruption that we're seeing within U.S. politics right now is the result of a decades long agenda to essentially make anti-bribery laws unenforceable. Sirota is a co-author of “Master Plan: The Hidden Plot To Legalize Corruption In America” and the founder and editor-in-chief of The Lever. He joins WITHpod to discuss historical parallels to the present moment, corruption being normalized and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Preview of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order”

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2025 9:33


    Rachel Maddow's new series lays bare one of the most shocking decisions in American history. It's story that reveals how an executive order authorizing the mass roundup of innocent Japanese Americans came to be, the powerful players who engineered it, and the burn order that tried to erase it from history.Stay right here to listen to a special preview of “Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order.” And for the full episode, search for “Burn Order” and follow the show. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Healthcare Costs Are Rising So Much with Jonathan Cohn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2025 56:03


    Well, the government shutdown is over, but if you ask most Democrats about the unresolved challenge that the shutdown was about, the answer would be healthcare. This week the White House postponed its planned rollout of a new proposal to address health care costs. And with open enrollment season upon us, millions of Americans are already seeing higher health insurance costs as subsidies are set to expire. Jonathan Cohn is a senior national correspondent at The Bulwark and the author of “Sick: The Untold Story of America's Health Care Crisis— and the People Who Pay the Price” and “The Ten Year War: Obamacare and the Unfinished Crusade for Universal Coverage.” He joins WITHpod to discuss what's driving higher prices, biggest inflection points since the Affordable Care Act was passed and what he sees as the most viable next steps. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Introducing "Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order"

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2025 2:05


    "Rachel Maddow Presents: Burn Order" is the story of one of the most shocking decisions in American history: the executive order to target and round up innocent citizens, Japanese Americans, at the outbreak of World War II. This six-episode narrative podcast will examine and shed new light on how that policy came to be, who was behind it, who attempted to stop it, and the heroism needed to end the policy for good. Listen to the trailer here and search for “Burn Order” to follow the show. The first two episodes drop December 1st.  Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Immigration Raids in LA and Nationwide with Memo Torres

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2025 49:39


    Since this summer, we've seen a massive deployment of federal agents deployed for the purposes of aggressive- and often violent- immigration enforcement. And what happened in Los Angeles has represented a turning point of sorts for the U.S. Memo Torres is a multimedia journalist and the director of engagement at LA TACO. He joins WITHpod to discuss immigration raids consistently ramping up in Los Angeles and beyond, the impact of civilian intervention, how enforcement strategy has changed and more. This conversation was recorded on November 12th, 2025. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Why Is The U.S. Striking Venezuela? with Benjamin Gedan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2025 53:08


    The U.S. has carried out multiple strikes on boats in the Caribbean off of Venezuela, killing dozens of people. And yet there's very little legal rationale for the military action we've seen. Benjamin Gedan is a senior fellow and director of the Latin America Program at the Stimson Center and Adjunct Lecturer and Fellow at Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies. He also served as the South America director on the National Security Council staff in the Obama administration. Gedan joins WITHpod to discuss the U.S.' relationship with Venezuela, thoughts on regime changes, military pressure ratcheting up and more.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Reality of Life in the West Bank with Jasper Nathaniel

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2025 53:53


    The UN has warned of an alarming rise in violence and restrictions by Israeli settlers and security forces in the West Bank. American journalist Jasper Nathaniel has spent time in the region and captured a recent brutal attack on a Palestinian woman- one incident among a growing number of violent acts. He joins WITHpod to discuss key inflection points, his thoughts on formal annexation, observations of the response from Israel Defense Forces troops and more. We should note that the Israel Defense Forces has released a statement that addresses the ambush Jasper Nathaniel recounts, saying the confrontation was dispersed after its forces arrived, and that it "strongly condemns any form of violence" by settlers. This conversation was recorded on October 29th, 2025.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Right-Wing Radicalization in a Fractured America with Beth Macy

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 28, 2025 49:45


    We've seen a growing political and ideological divide between urban and rural populations in America. What has happened in Urbana, Ohio is a case study in how politics can shake a town to its core. Beth Macy is the author of “Paper Girl: A Memoir of Home and Family in a Fractured America.” She joins WITHpod to discuss how Urbana has changed from the time she grew up there, themes that connect other rural American cities, thoughts on having civil discussions despite political differences, the nationalization of politics and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    ‘Life After Cars' with Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 21, 2025 65:21


    Cars play such a big part in contemporary life. But why? And to what effect? Our guests this week point out that it's an incredible moment to rethink our relationship to cars. Sarah Goodyear and Doug Gordon are the co-hosts of the “War on Cars” podcast and the authors, along with Aaron Naparstek, of “Life After Cars: Freeing Ourselves from the Tyranny of the Automobile.” They join WITHpod to discuss the politics of cars, the impact cars have on children, the planet and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Preview of “The Blueprint” Season 2

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 6:51


    Jen Psaki is on a mission to show us how the Democratic party can use this political moment to fight and win again. On Season 2 of her podcast, “The Blueprint,” she interviews the people reshaping the party, starting with Texas Congressman Greg Casar, Chair of the Progressive Caucus. The first two episodes of “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki” are available now, and will continue to drop every Wednesday, from now through mid-November.   Stay right here to listen to a special preview. And for the full episode, search for “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki” and follow the show. Plus, subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Militarization of American Cities Under Trump with Mary McCord

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 14, 2025 58:45


    On October 8, 2025, President Trump deployed the Texas National Guard to the Chicago area – marking yet another instance of military force being used domestically under his leadership. This follows earlier deployments of federal troops to states like California and Oregon. These actions point to a deeply troubling pattern: the use of U.S. military forces – trained to defend the nation from foreign threats – against its own citizens. Mary McCord, Executive Director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection and a Visiting Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center, joins WITHpod to discuss the legal and ethical implications of this alarming trend – and what it means for democracy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Introducing Season 2 of “The Blueprint”

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2025 1:28


    Democrats are looking to regain power, and there is a whole lot of warranted debate about what a winning formula looks like. “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki” is a forum where those discussions take place. On season two of her podcast, Jen sits down with some of the biggest names on the left side of the political spectrum to talk about confronting Trump 2.0 and how the Democratic party can shape the future they'd like to see. New episodes drop October 15th. Search for “The Blueprint with Jen Psaki” to follow the show. And subscribe to MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts for ad-free listening. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    How Autism Became Political with Richard Grinker

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2025 55:17


    In the Trump-era, and within the public health narrative shaped by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a debunked but persistent myth has taken hold: that infant vaccinations cause autism. Despite overwhelming scientific evidence disproving this claim, the narrative remains central to anti-vaccine rhetoric. Professor Richard Rinker, a cultural anthropologist and director of The George Washington University Institute for Ethnographic Research, joins Chris Hayes to examine how autism has become a political obsession, recent inflection points, what the research says about autism being underdiagnosed or overdiagnosed and more. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America with Trymaine Lee

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 30, 2025 57:19


    A few years ago, MSNBC contributor and Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Trymaine Lee, though healthy and only 38, nearly died of a heart attack. That experience forced him to confront the multitude of factors that almost killed him. In his new book, “A Thousand Ways to Die: The True Cost of Violence on Black Life in America,” he discusses the weight of being a Black man in America, of bearing witness, as a journalist, to relentless Black death, the toll of intergenerational oppression and more. Lee joins WITHpod to discuss three themes in the book: the long and bloody history of African Americans and guns; his work as a chronicler of gun violence and his own life story. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Electricity Crisis with Costa Samaras

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2025 56:13


    The rise of AI and the development of more data centers continues to increase the need for more electricity. The electrical grid in the United States is subject to more demands than ever before. At the same time, electricity costs are not decreasing. Climate, energy and emerging tech expert Costa Samaras points out that all of this is rapidly leading to an electricity crisis. He joins Chris Hayes to discuss what's happening now, the future outlook and what can be done. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    "Tomorrow Is Yesterday" with Robert Malley and Hussein Agha

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 16, 2025 57:42


    On September 9, 2025, Israel Defense Forces struck inside Doha targeting members of the Hamas negotiating team. With the Israeli government appearing to reject any ceasefire despite the remaining hostages in Gaza, urgent questions emerge about the future of millions of Palestinians. Amid the crisis, a new book offers some clarity and context: "Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine" by Rob Malley and Hussein Agha. Drawing on decades of negotiations between the US, the Israeli government, and the representatives of the Palestinian people, the authors explore how we got here and what it could portend for the future. This conversation was recorded on September 10, 2025. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    From Oyster Farming to Running for Senate with Graham Platner

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2025 50:55


    Campaigns for the 2026 midterm elections are officially kicking off and candidates are starting to roll out their intro bios and platforms. One ad in particular, went viral online. It featured Graham Platner, a marine and army veteran and oyster farmer. He's running for U.S. Senate in Maine to unseat five-term Republican Senator Susan Collins. He joins WITHpod to talk about his working class background, fault lines within the Democratic Party and more. This episode was recorded on 8/27/25.

    Protests, Political Violence and Its Alternatives with Erica Chenoweth

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2025 57:59


    We are resharing this episode, which originally published on May 6th, 2025. You've probably seen footage or photos of people protesting the Trump regime. Some data suggests that the volume of protestors is higher than in Trump's first term. But at the same time, you might be wondering if we're seeing enough civil resistance to preserve American democracy. Our guest this week is one of the authors of a study that found that just 3.5% of the population taking to the streets is enough to block authoritarian takeover. Erica Chenoweth is a political scientist at Harvard. They join to discuss historical and contemporary strategies for protesting, democratic backsliding, global comparisons and more. 

    'Here Comes The Sun' with Bill McKibben

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 54:17


    Amid all of the political turmoil and global crises, one source of hope stands out: our ability to power modern life with zero emissions. Scientists warn that to limit global warming, emissions need to be cut significantly in the coming years to reach net-zero by mid-century. Bill McKibben, founder of climate justice organization 350.org and Third Act, joins WITHpod to discuss his new book "Here Comes the Sun: A Last Chance for the Climate and a Fresh Chance for Civilization," reasons he's optimistic and more. 

    Unpacking the US-China Trade War with Bill Bishop

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 19, 2025 57:29


    When President Trump announced sweeping tariffs on all Chinese imports, China retaliated back with tariffs of its own. Since February 2025, the US and China have engaged in a renewed trade war – and to this day, no agreement is in sight. Bill Bishop, a China expert and former media executive with more than a decade experience living and working in China, joins Chris Hayes to unpack the state of US-China trade relations under Trump 2.0. This conversation was recorded on July 29, 2025.Tickets are on sale now for MSNBC Live – our second live community event featuring more than a dozen MSNBC hosts. The day-long event will be held on October 11th at Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan. To buy tickets visit msnbc.com/live25. 

    Baltimore's Violent Crime Perception vs. Reality with Mayor Scott

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 12, 2025 51:10


    This week, President Trump called Baltimore “so far gone” amid the deployment of the National Guard in DC. In reality, Baltimore has seen record low rates of violent crime the past few years. Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott joins WITHpod to talk about the perception versus reality for crime stats in in Baltimore, the city's Comprehensive Violence Prevention Plan and more.

    'Not My Type' with E. Jean Carroll

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025 50:51


    Author and journalist E. Jean Carroll successfully sued Donald Trump in two civil suits, one for sexual abuse and another for defamation. The two suits resulted in a total of $88.3 million in damages awarded to Carroll, both of which are under appeal. She has written five books including her latest, “Not My Type: One Woman vs. a President." She joins WITHpod to discuss suing Trump, advice she has for young women and more. 

    The United States' Standing in the Global Economy with Aya Ibrahim

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 56:07


    The state of the U.S. economy will come into full view this week as a wave of crucial economic data is set for release, including the jobs report, inflation, consumer confidence and corporate earnings. Where is the U.S. in terms of the global economic order? And how did we get to this point? Aya Ibrahim served as senior advisor on the Secretary of State's Policy Planning Staff in the Biden-Harris administration, led President Biden's Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights and Digital Assets Executive Order. She is also a former senior policy advisor at the National Economic Council. Ibrahim joins WITHpod to talk about her view on what Democrats need to do now, the United States' standing in terms of technology, finance and more.

    The Resistance vs. Trump 2.0 with Omar Wasow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 52:57


    We've seen a good number of protests during Trump 2.0. What role does our ability to organize and protest play in this moment as we see the erosion of democracy right in front of us? Omar Wasow, associate professor of political science at UC Berkley, joins to discuss how he's making sense of American politics at this moment, protests in this era and more.  

    The Supreme Court's Power Grab Under Trump

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 59:35


    Well, it was another consequential Supreme Court term. So, we had to have Chris's wife Kate Shaw, along with the other co-hosts of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, Melissa Murray and Leah Litman back to break down some of the biggest SCOTUS decisions including Medina v. Planned Parenthood, U.S. v. Skrmetti, and Trump v. CASA. There's a lot to discuss about the Court's evolving ideology under Trump 2.0. This conversation was recorded on July 1, 2025. 

    Claim Why Is This Happening? with Chris Hayes

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel