On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Brian Karem, journalist, political commentator, White House correspondent, and host of the Just Ask The Question podcast. After a whirlwind week in politics, there’s no shortage of critical topics to tackle. With Trump’s controversial cabinet picks beginning their confirmation hearings, Brian and I delve into nominees like Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, and Pam Bondi. We also break down Volume 1 of Special Counsel Jack Smith’s report on Trump’s involvement in January 6th. Drawing from Brian’s extensive experience as a White House correspondent, we analyze the media’s role in enabling Trump’s narrative and discuss the challenges facing the press as we prepare for Trump’s return to office on Monday.

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In this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Karen Friedman Agnifilo, co-host of LegalAF and MissTrial, lawyer for Luigi Mangione, and former Chief Assistant District Attorney at the Manhattan DA’s office. KFA shares her legal insights on Judge Merchan’s decision in the Manhattan DA hush-money case, unpacking its impact on Trump’s narrative and his status as a convicted felon. We discuss Trump’s alarming promises to pardon January 6th rioters, his ongoing assaults on democratic norms, and the erosion of trust in institutions under his influence. As wildfires rage in Los Angeles, we also delve into how Trump’s rhetoric continues to fuel division and mistrust, further destabilizing public discourse.

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Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Harry Dunn, former Capitol Police officer who bravely defended the Capitol on January 6th, 2021, and later testified before Congress alongside his colleagues. Harry is also the author of a powerful book and a recipient of the Presidential Citizens Medal from President Joe Biden. Together, we reflect on the four-year anniversary of January 6th, examining the lingering trauma and challenges stemming from that day. Harry shares his frustration with the lack of accountability for those responsible, including Donald Trump, who continues to downplay the attack and pledges to pardon the January 6th insurrectionists. We underscore the urgent need to combat misinformation, resist historical revisionism, and push for systemic reforms in policing and governance.

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On this episode of Mea Culpa, Michael is joined by Michael Smerconish, the host of a daily radio program heard nationwide on SiriusXM’s POTUS channel. Michael is also the host of CNN’s “Smerconish”, which airs Saturdays, and the author of seven books including his latest book titled: Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right: American Life in Columns. The two discuss Trump’s election win and both their individual experiences with the previous Trump campaign, while giving insight into the threats we face with the incoming Trump administration. This and more on a new episode of Mea Culpa.

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On this episode of Mea Culpa, I welcome back Glenn Kirschner, former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, NBC and MSNBC legal analyst, and host of the podcast Justice Matters. We reflect on the humanitarian legacy of Jimmy Carter, contrasting it with Trump’s authoritarian agenda. Glenn and I discuss the ethical decisions President Biden faces as his term concludes, particularly regarding presidential pardons. We also examine the role of Senate Republicans in confirming Trump’s controversial cabinet picks and their potential—or failure—to act as a moderating influence. Glenn powerfully warns of Trump’s intent to erode public confidence in American institutions and emphasizes the urgent need to fight for our democracy.

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As we approach the new year, I want to replay a Best of Mea Culpa episode. On January 7th, 2021—the day after the insurrection—I sat down with the incredible actor Ben Stiller. At the time, Biden was about to take office, but with a new Trump term on the horizon, many of the topics we discussed remain strikingly relevant. We delved into conspiracy theories, the regulation of misinformation on social media, Trump’s divisiveness, and my personal insights from working with him. Of course, having a comedic legend on the podcast, we also touched on lighter topics like Stiller portraying me on SNL, his love for The Beatles, and the art of ad-libbing in films.

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Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by my friend George Conway, a lawyer, activist, founding member of the Lincoln Project, and one of Donald Trump’s most outspoken critics. Drawing on our deep insights into Trump’s behavior, we analyze his narcissistic and impulsive tactics that continue to shape his political strategy. With less than a month until Trump takes office, George and I discuss President Biden’s recent pardons and how they compare historically. We also examine the Matt Gaetz ethics report, the far-reaching impacts of Trump’s authoritarian policies on countries like Panama and Greenland, and Elon Musk’s growing influence on the next administration.

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Anand Giridharadas joins me today on Mea Culpa to discuss the threats to democracy posed by Trump’s authoritarian agenda and the influence of billionaires like Elon Musk. Anand, a bestselling author of Winners Take All and The Persuaders, is also an MSNBC analyst and a former foreign correspondent and columnist for The New York Times. Following last week’s scare of a government shutdown, we examine how figures like Musk use their power to shape public discourse and policy, often undermining democratic norms. Anand underscores the urgent need for a pro-democracy movement that fosters connection, inclusion, and hope to reclaim the American democratic experiment.

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On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor and Assistant United States Attorney in the SDNY, where he specialized in white-collar crime. Akerman, also renowned for his role as Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, shares his expertise as we discuss Judge Merchan’s decision to deny Trump’s motion to dismiss in the Manhattan DA case. We delve into the implications of Trump’s promise to pardon January 6th insurrectionists and the erosion of democratic guardrails under his authoritarian agenda. Akerman highlights Trump’s ability to exploit the legal system, particularly leveraging recent Supreme Court rulings that could shield him from accountability. Together, we explore the chilling impact of Trump’s litigation strategies and his disregard for constitutional norms.

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Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Popok, host of MeidasTouch’s Legal AF, and the Executive Managing Partner of the New York City office of Zumpano Patricios & Popok. Utilizing Popok’s expertise in the intersection of law and politics, we explore how the legal system can act as a safeguard against the incoming presidency of Donald Trump. We discuss Trump’s troubling promise to pardon January 6th rioters, whom he refers to as 'hostages.' Popok and I also examine Trump’s plans for mass deportations, executive orders that threaten democratic norms, and the critical legal battles Democrats must prepare for to protect the Constitution and uphold democratic values.

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