Episodes

  • What’s Next Might Shock You + A Conversation With Wajahat Ali

    What’s Next Might Shock You + A Conversation With Wajahat Ali
    Nov 8 2024
    Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Wajahat Ali, columnist, public speaker, author of Go Back to Where You Came From: And Other Helpful Recommendations on How to Become American, and co-host of the Democracy-Ish podcast, to discuss the recent Presidential election results. We examine the factors behind Trump’s unexpected victory, from the GOP’s powerful media network to grievance-based messaging. Ali critiques Democrats’ coordinated strategy, while figures like Joe Rogan and Elon Musk rallied young people, fostering an 'us vs. them' culture. Together, we dissect Trump’s lasting appeal despite his divisive, authoritarian tactics and warn of the dangers his consolidation of power poses for free speech, minority rights, and judicial independence. We stress the urgent need for resistance and the media’s role in safeguarding democratic values. Thanks to our sponsors: ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout. Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment options Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! 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
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    1 hr and 32 mins
  • The Calm Before The Blue Storm + A Conversation With Lev Parnas

    The Calm Before The Blue Storm + A Conversation With Lev Parnas
    Nov 4 2024
    Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my good friend Lev Parnas, a Soviet-born businessman and former associate of Rudy Giuliani who, like me, is determined to speak out against Trump and warn of the threat he poses to our country. With only one day until the election, we expose Trump’s tactics and cover the Republican Party’s reliance on conspiracies, the dangers of billionaire apathy, and the potential consequences for democracy if Trump wins in 2024. We delve into Trump’s authoritarian approach, from his violent, divisive rhetoric aimed at opponents like Liz Cheney and General Mark Milley to his cult-like influence, especially over young followers. Lev draws connections between Trump’s behavior and that of historical authoritarian figures, stressing the urgency of safeguarding our democracy. Thanks to our sponsors: Tommy John: Save 25% on your first order when you go to https://TommyJohn.com/COHEN Lumen: Take the next step in improving your health, go to https://lumen.me/COHEN to get 15% off your Lumen. Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! 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
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    1 hr and 27 mins
  • King Donald Is Going Down + A Conversation With Harry Litman

    King Donald Is Going Down + A Conversation With Harry Litman
    Nov 1 2024
    Join me and Harry Litman on today’s episode of Mea Culpa. Litman, a former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and legal commentator, is also the creator and host of the Talking Feds podcast. We dive into Trump’s authoritarian tactics, his divisive rhetoric, and how these influence public opinion leading up to the election. Litman highlights Trump’s appeal to the religious right and his strategy of framing the election as a loyalty test for groups like Jews and evangelicals. Together, we examine Trump’s use of dehumanizing language, conspiracy theories, and inflammatory remarks on mass deportations to mobilize his base. With only five days until the election, we discuss the risks of potential violence and emphasize the critical importance of strong voter turnout to protect democratic values. Thanks to our sponsors: Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout. 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
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    1 hr and 20 mins
  • How To Stop The Authoritarian Playbook + A Conversation With Ruth Ben-Ghiat

    How To Stop The Authoritarian Playbook + A Conversation With Ruth Ben-Ghiat
    Oct 28 2024
    Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Ruth Ben-Ghiat, a historian, educator, and commentator who specializes in fascism, authoritarianism, propaganda, and the defense of democracy—topics that are, unfortunately, central to this presidential election. Ruth draws striking parallels between Trump and other authoritarian leaders, explaining how his increasingly erratic and offensive statements reflect a desperation to maintain influence. She highlights Trump’s use of dehumanizing language, misinformation, and divisive narratives to build a personality cult and deflect from his own failings. Ruth warns that Trump’s polarizing 'us vs. them' rhetoric poses a serious threat to democracy, especially to younger generations who are becoming desensitized to rising political violence and intolerance. Thanks to our sponsors: ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout. HumanN: Give your cholesterol health advanced support with a free month’s supply of SuperBerine™ plus 15% off. Go to https://superberine.com and enter promo code COHEN. 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
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Best Seat At Trump Rally Is the One Closest to the Door! + A Conversation With Joe Trippi

    Best Seat At Trump Rally Is the One Closest to the Door! + A Conversation With Joe Trippi
    Oct 25 2024
    In this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Joe Trippi, American political Democratic strategist, senior advisor at The Lincoln Project, the host of That Trippi Show podcast, and the founder of https://sez.us - a pro-democracy social network. We discuss the upcoming election, focusing on Trump’s erratic rallies, which only appeal to his MAGA base and fail to grow his support. Meanwhile, Kamala Harris’s policy-driven rallies are energizing key groups like suburban women and young voters. We also cover Trump’s voter suppression tactics, disinformation, and skewed polling aimed at claiming an early victory on election night. Trippi highlights the importance of mobilizing voters, especially in battleground states, to defeat Trumpism and protect democracy. Thanks to our sponsors: Simplisafe: Go to https://SIMPLISAFE.com/meaculpa to protect your home with 50% off any new SimpliSafe system when you sign up for Fast Protect Monitoring, plus a FREE Indoor security camera. ZBiotics: Go to https://zbiotics.com/MEACULPA to get 15% off any ZBiotics probiotic when you use code: MEACULPA at checkout. 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
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    1 hr and 23 mins
  • Vote GOP Representatives Out Of Office + A Conversation With Tom Carle

    Vote GOP Representatives Out Of Office + A Conversation With Tom Carle
    Oct 21 2024
    Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Tom Carle, who’s running for Congress in New York’s 23rd District. Carle is focused on integrity and stewardship, viewing this election as one of the most important of our lifetime. He aims to protect his constituents from Donald Trump, who has endorsed his opponent, current congressman Nick Langworthy, who is known for prioritizing party loyalty over district needs. Carle outlines his plans to revitalize rural communities through economic development, job creation, and support for small farms. We also tackle key issues like healthcare access, the opioid crisis, and sensible gun legislation, while highlighting the broader impact of economic inequality and rural infrastructure neglect. Thanks to our sponsors: Lumen: Take the next step in improving your health, go to https://lumen.me/COHEN to get 15% off your Lumen. Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! 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
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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • Trump Attempts to Hide His Records, We Expose Them + A Conversation with Grant Stern

    Trump Attempts to Hide His Records, We Expose Them + A Conversation with Grant Stern
    Oct 18 2024
    Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Grant Stern—author, journalist, radio host, and Executive Director of Occupy Democrats, a leading social media outlet for Democratic news. With the election less than three weeks away, we dive into Trump’s eroding support among key demographics, especially women, and the inconsistencies in public polling. We also contrast VP Kamala Harris’s energizing rallies with Trump’s lackluster events, where attendees leave mid-speech. Grant further highlights Trump’s lack of transparency, including his refusal to release medical records, and breaks down the numerous legal battles he faces. Finally, we discuss the upcoming grassroots effort, Disrupt Project 2025, aimed at mobilizing Gen Z voters to stand against Trump’s agenda. Thanks to our sponsors: Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! Hims: Start your free online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN for your personalized ED treatment options 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
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    1 hr and 28 mins
  • The Movie Donald Doesn’t Want You to See + A Conversation with Gabriel Sherman

    The Movie Donald Doesn’t Want You to See + A Conversation with Gabriel Sherman
    Oct 14 2024
    Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by an exciting guest - journalist and screenwriter Gabriel Sherman. His new film The Apprentice, released on Friday, examines Donald Trump’s rise and his relationship with mentor Roy Cohn. I had the privilege of attending the premiere and wanted to unpack the film with Gabriel. We explore how Roy Cohn’s ruthless strategies shaped Trump’s approach to business and politics, and how his overambitious deals led to financial disaster. Gabriel also reveals Trump’s shocking abandonment of Cohn and the media’s role in building Trump’s public image, which eventually fueled his political ascent. Plus, we discuss scenes in the movie that are eerily similar to my own experiences - you don’t want to miss this episode! Thanks to our sponsors: Hims: Start your FREE online visit today at https://Hims.com/COHEN. Ollie: Head to https://ollie.com and use code: COHEN to receive 60% off your first box of meals when you subscribe today! 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
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    1 hr and 24 mins