Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia and Justice Matters host Glenn Kirschner for a hard-hitting look at Donald Trump’s latest authoritarian power grabs. From his federal takeover of the D.C. police to his secretive meeting with Vladimir Putin, we break down how Trump is abusing power, undermining the Constitution, and putting national security at risk. We also unpack how the Supreme Court’s sweeping immunity ruling will shape American democracy for decades, and why independent media must step up where traditional outlets continue to fall short. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Marcus Flowers, Army veteran, former congressional candidate, and outspoken defender of democracy, for a no-holds-barred conversation on the stakes in 2025. We dig into Trump’s escalating authoritarianism, the GOP’s abandonment of democratic norms, and how MAGA’s culture wars are fueling division across the country. Flowers shares his take on the renewed focus on Jeffrey Epstein, Trump’s upcoming meeting with Putin, and the controversy surrounding the BLS. We also unpack Trump’s push to take over the D.C. police force, contrasting his heavy-handed tactics with the values service members swear to uphold. From ICE roundups to global instability, this episode is a call to stand up, speak out, and fight back before it’s too late. Thanks to our sponsor: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg for a deep dive into Donald Trump’s mounting legal troubles. While Dave oversaw the county after Jeffrey Epstein committed his crimes, I wanted his take on the Epstein files and the latest developments with Ghislaine Maxwell. We also break down the gerrymandering fight in Texas that escalated after Gov. Greg Abbott called on Illinois to help arrest Texas Democrats. Plus, we discuss Trump’s push to increase federal law enforcement presence in D.C., the grift happening inside the Oval Office, and ICE’s alarming decision to lower its recruiting age. Thanks to our sponsor: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I am joined by comedian, content creator, and political commentator Maggie Reed for a no-holds-barred conversation on the chaos unfolding behind the scenes of American power. We dive deep into the Epstein files cover-up, Trump's shifting story and secret strategy meetings, and the explosive implications of a weaponized redistricting map in Texas. Plus, we tackle RFK Jr.’s anti-vaccine crusade, the mysterious destruction of a weather satellite, and Trump’s immigration stunts in California. As the MAGA machine ramps up disinformation and authoritarian tactics, Maggie explains how comedy can be a tool for truth and survival. Thanks to our sponsor: Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Norm Eisen, a CNN Legal Analyst and the founder and executive chair of “States United Democracy Center”, a nonpartisan organization advancing free, fair, and secure elections. We break down the implosion at Trump's Department of Justice over his continued Epstein Files cover up, and look ahead to the midterm elections as the stakes are higher than ever. Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: https://shopify.com/COHEN Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow⁠ Join us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown⁠ Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: ⁠https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen⁠ Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: ⁠https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by former FBI counterintelligence special agent, legal analyst, and Yale University lecturer Asha Rangappa for an honest conversation on the Epstein files, corruption inside Trump’s DOJ, and the systematic dismantling of American democracy. We break down the shocking meetings between Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche and Ghislaine Maxwell, what immunity deals really mean, and why Trump’s team is working to control the Epstein narrative as it spirals. We expose how this case ties into broader efforts to weaponize the justice system, rig elections through gerrymandering, and silence institutions that should hold power accountable. Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Subscribe to Michael's Substack: ⁠https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/⁠ Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by fellow MeidasTouch host Adam Mockler for a cross-generational conversation on power, corruption, and truth. Mockler is a Gen Z political commentator with over one million subscribers on YouTube, known for his sharp analysis, fearless critiques of authoritarianism, and ability to connect complex issues to a younger audience. We dive into the continued secrecy around the Epstein files, what their cover-up reveals about who really pulls the strings, and how Trump’s broken promises on transparency are eroding even his own base. Mockler shares how Gen Z views this scandal, demanding accountability while growing increasingly disillusioned with institutions that protect the powerful. We also tackle Trump’s authoritarian wins, the costs of mass deportations, the weaponization of the courts, and why misinformation and culture wars are threatening social cohesion. Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by legal scholar, author of "Big Dirty Money," and podcast host Jennifer Taub for a powerful conversation about the law, accountability, and the dark truths the DOJ keeps dodging. We dig into the renewed focus on Jeffrey Epstein, why the files remain sealed, what the courts are trying to hide, and how power continues to shield predators. We also unpack Trump’s immunity ruling, the danger of politicized courts, and how MAGA is rewriting the rules in real time. With the ghost of Epstein haunting Trump, this episode confronts the legal rot protecting the powerful, and what we can do about it. Thanks to our sponsors: Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com and use code COHEN to get $50 off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by former Montana Senator Jon Tester, a third-generation farmer, former school teacher, and current co-host of Grounded, as well as a political analyst for MSNBC. From his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee and as Chair of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, Tester built a reputation for cutting through the noise and fighting for working people. We unpack how Trump’s authoritarian rhetoric is deepening political divisions, the economic fallout from his tariffs, and why rising inflation continues to hammer working families. Tester weighs in on military weapons deals, the fragility of American institutions, and why Democrats must stop playing defense. We also discuss the renewed focus on Jeffrey Epstein, what it reveals about elite power structures, and why truth still matters in an age of disinformation. Thanks to our sponsors: Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com and use code COHEN to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Wolff, journalist, columnist, and bestselling author of Fire and Fury, Siege, and Landslide, for a chilling deep dive into the disturbing relationship between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff is the only journalist to have conducted over 100 hours of interviews with Epstein before his death, and what he reveals is explosive. We discuss Trump and Epstein’s twisted friendship (which ended before my time with Trump), why Epstein is suddenly back in the headlines, and how Trump is working overtime to distract from the files. From Polaroids of Trump at Epstein’s house to Steve Bannon’s involvement, we expose the secrets MAGA wants buried. Thanks to our sponsors: IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 25% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN! #indacloudpod Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Vicky Ward, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, documentary host and producer, and former CNN Senior Reporter, for an unfiltered conversation on Trump’s authoritarian grip, Elon Musk’s chaotic political ambitions, and the terrifying consequences of unchecked power. We unpack how Trump has surrounded himself with unqualified loyalists, and why Musk’s third-party movement could merge tech oligarchy with MAGA populism. From the deadly floods in Texas to America’s collapsing global credibility, we expose the cost of cruelty, the silence of Democrats, and what happens when spectacle replaces substance. Plus, Vicky discusses her new book, “The Idaho Four: An American Tragedy,” co-authored with James Patterson. Thanks to our sponsor: IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 25% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN! #indacloudpod Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Lincoln Project co-founder Rick Wilson for a scathing conversation on the cruelty, chaos, and corruption driving Trump’s America. Rick is a political strategist, writer, speaker, and commentator, best known for his cutting political ads and no-nonsense takes. From the devastating floods in Texas, made worse by MAGA-led budget cuts, to the GOP’s obsession with Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill,” we expose how ideology has replaced governance. We also break down the collapse of the Trump–Musk alliance, the rise of spectacle politics, and whether a third party could ever challenge America’s broken two-party system. Thanks to our sponsor: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Jennifer Welch and Angie “Pumps” Sullivan from the I’ve Had It podcast. Jenn and Pumps are known for speaking honestly about politics and calling out what they’ve had it with, and after the last few months of the Trump administration, we had plenty to discuss. From the cruelty baked into the so-called “big, beautiful bill” to the dystopian horror of “Alligator Alcatraz,” we break down how Trumpism has normalized authoritarian tactics, demonized immigrants, and turned suffering into spectacle. With sharp wit and unfiltered insight, we expose the MAGA movement’s hypocrisy, the media’s complicity, and what happens when cruelty becomes campaign strategy. Thanks to our sponsor: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by veteran political journalist and analyst Tom LoBianco for a blistering deep dive into the unraveling bromance between Trump and Elon Musk and what it reveals about raw power, ego, and political survival in MAGA world. Tom has covered Trump’s allies for years, reporting on Mike Pence for the Associated Press, CNN, and other outlets, and is the author of Piety & Power: Mike Pence and the Taking of the White House. From the weaponization of ICE to whisper campaigns about Musk’s immigration status, we unpack how Trump uses fear and retaliation as tools of control. We also explore the rise of extremist religious ideology inside the GOP, the chaos around “Alligator Alcatraz,” and whether Musk’s third-party ambitions pose a real threat or are just another tech billionaire delusion. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m replaying an episode from last July featuring my conversation with Norm Eisen, attorney, author, legal analyst, Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, founder of Democracy Defenders Action, and co-founder of The Contrarian. While chaos rains down on America and the world because of Donald Trump, I thought it was worth doing a temperature check on where we were just one year ago. At the time, Trump was still fighting it out on the campaign trail, and the biggest outrage was Judge Eileen Cannon’s dismissal of the Mar-a-Lago documents case. Fast forward to now, and we’re facing far more dangerous threats: ICE rounding people up in the streets, Trump’s effort to shred the Constitution, and the looming threat of new wars. This conversation is a stark reminder of how far we’ve fallen, what’s still at stake, and what we can do to save our country. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my good friend Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born businessman and former associate of Rudy Giuliani, who has also chosen to speak out against Donald Trump. In this explosive episode, Lev lays out a jaw-dropping theory: Trump, Putin, and Netanyahu may be coordinating a global power play with devastating consequences. We discuss the confusing conflict in Iran, Trump’s manipulation of foreign policy for personal gain, his grip on the National Guard, the weaponization of ICE, and a disturbing network of loyalists tied to Russia. This episode is a warning about the erasure of truth and who profits when democracy breaks down. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Deja Foxx, the 25-year-old Gen Z activist now running for Congress in Arizona’s 7th district. Deja began her political journey a decade ago after a viral moment confronting Senator Jeff Flake about access to Planned Parenthood. Since then, she’s devoted herself to organizing and advocating for her community. In this episode, we have a powerful conversation about Gen Z resistance, political survival, and what it means to fight for the future in the face of rising authoritarianism. Alongside her personal story, we unpack Trump’s disastrous policy decisions, the weaponization of ICE, and the growing disconnect between political institutions and the people they claim to represent. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Maria Cardona, Democratic strategist, CNN commentator, Principal at the Dewey Square Group, and founder of Latinovations, for a critical look at Trump’s chaotic foreign policy as the Middle East teeters on the brink of war. With his isolationist rhetoric unraveling into global instability, we unpack the fallout from Trump’s withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, the GOP’s civil war over war powers, and the terrifying implications of a nuclearized Iran. Cardona also addresses the ICE detention of elected officials, including Senator Alex Padilla, as a political warning shot. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Ally Sammarco, political strategist, consultant, and content creator, to break down Trump’s accelerating authoritarianism. After staging a flop of a multi-million-dollar birthday parade and threatening protesters with “massive force,” we examine the chilling implications for democracy, free speech, and the rule of law. We dive into the forcible removal of Senator Alex Padilla from a press conference, the weaponization of law enforcement, and Trump’s hollow, performative foreign policy. From dystopian political theater to the rising suppression of journalists and dissenters, this episode is a warning shot for anyone who still believes it can’t happen here. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back fellow Meidas Mighty member Michael Popok, host of MeidasTouch’s Legal AF podcast and YouTube channel, and founder of The Popok Firm. Together, we do a deep dive into Trump’s authoritarian power grab as he falsely brands peaceful protesters in California as “insurrectionists.” With Trump mobilizing the National Guard, deploying Marines, and pushing the limits of executive authority, Popok explains how Trump is testing constitutional boundaries and using manufactured crises to silence dissent. From violations of the Posse Comitatus Act to plans for military parades on Trump’s birthday, Cohen and Popok expose how MAGA is hijacking patriotism, crushing civil liberties, and laying the legal groundwork for a dictatorship in plain sight. Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount and your bonus gift. Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices