Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back Nick Akerman, former federal prosecutor, Assistant Special Watergate Prosecutor, and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. We dig into last week’s National Guard shooting and Trump’s potential overreaction, then break down the legality of Trump’s so-called “drug boat” attacks in Venezuela. Nick and I also examine how Trump is using these crises to divert attention from the Epstein files, and we unpack the latest in the Russia/Ukraine peace talks, including the controversy surrounding leaked recordings of Steve Witkoff offering advice to the Russians. Thanks to our sponsors: PDS Debt: Start planning today. Get a free debt analysis right now at https://PDSDEBT.com/COHEN It only takes 30 seconds. 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 Superpower: This holiday, give your loved ones the only gift that keeps on giving — health. Go to https://superpower.com/gift to get a free $49 gift box with your gifted membership. 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

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m revisiting a powerful conversation with author Michael Wolff, the only journalist who spent more than 100 hours interviewing Jeffrey Epstein before his death. With the newly passed transparency bill and fresh batches of Epstein emails released, including correspondence involving Wolff himself, this interview hits differently. We dig into the dark, transactional relationship between Donald Trump and Epstein, what Wolff learned firsthand, and why Trump has fought so aggressively to keep these files buried. Thanks to our sponsor: True Classics: You can find them at Amazon, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club, or head to https://TrueClassic.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

Today on Mea Culpa, I welcome back journalist and author Vicky Ward to break down the drama surrounding the Epstein transparency bill and how Mike Johnson and MAGA got outmaneuvered in broad daylight. With an investigative journalist’s perspective, we dig into why Republicans suddenly backed full release of the files, plus Vicky’s insight into what Epstein believed he had on Donald Trump. We also get into Trump’s bizarre outbursts at reporters and what his deferential treatment of Mohammed bin Salman reveals about his ambitions in the Middle East. Thanks to our sponsors: IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 40% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN #indacloudpod True Classics: You can find them at Amazon, Target, Costco, and Sam’s Club, or head to https://TrueClassic.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

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Noelle Dunphy, the whistleblower whose lawsuit exposed shocking allegations of abuse, coercion, and corruption inside Rudy Giuliani’s inner circle. Noelle details the drinking, threats, sexual misconduct, and political power plays she says Giuliani used to control and intimidate those around him. Together, we break down how Giuliani leveraged Trump for protection, the “insurance files” he claimed to hold, and the culture of impunity that shielded him for years. This is a raw, revealing conversation about power, manipulation, and what really went on behind the scenes with “America’s Mayor.” Check out “The Noelle Dunphy Show: The Noelle Dunphy Files” here: https://noelledunphy.substack.com/ Thanks to our sponsors: iRestore: Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and unlock HUGE savings on the iRestore Elite with the code COHEN at https://www.irestore.com/COHEN IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 40% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN #indacloudpod Ethos: Get your FREE quote at https://ethos.com/COHEN PDS Debt: Start planning today. Get a free debt analysis right now at https://PDSDEBT.com/COHEN It only takes 30 seconds. 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

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Popok, host of MeidasTouch’s Legal AF podcast and YouTube channel, and founder of The Popok Firm, for a breakdown of the political earthquake shaking Washington as the Epstein files explode back into the spotlight. We dig into Trump’s desperate attempts to control the scandal while most GOP leaders now demand the full release of the files. We unpack the legal chaos surrounding Trump’s illegally appointed prosecutors, the GOP’s internal rebellion, the weaponization of the DOJ, and the Supreme Court’s role in enabling Trump’s power grabs. From the shutdown fallout to Trump’s lavish self-enrichment, we expose a presidency running out of control. Thanks to our sponsors: iRestore: Reverse hair loss with @iRestorelaser and unlock HUGE savings on the iRestore Elite with the code COHEN at https://www.irestore.com/COHEN! Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod PDS Debt: Start planning today. Get a free debt analysis right now at https://PDSDEBT.com/COHEN It only takes 30 seconds. 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

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Rick Wilson, Lincoln Project co-founder, political strategist, and author, to break down the fallout from the government shutdown. Rick and I dissect the disastrous shutdown “deal” Democratic senators voted for on Sunday, how Trump continues to fool average Americans, and what the discharge petition means for the release of the Epstein files. We dig into the GOP’s accelerating slide into authoritarianism and the weaponization of power against ordinary Americans through frozen SNAP benefits and soaring healthcare premiums. This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, November 11th, prior to the government reopening. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 bonus gift. Shopify: Sign up for a $1 per month trial period at: shopify.com/COHEN Soul: Go to https://GetSoul.com and use code: COHEN to get 40% OFF your order! 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

On this episode of Mea Culpa, I turn to someone experiencing the chaos of Trump’s America from inside the halls of Congress, Representative Steve Cohen of Tennessee. Together, we break down the fallout from the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, including devastating SNAP cuts, rising job losses, and how Trump’s so-called “booming economy” is built on cruelty and corruption. From unapproved military strikes to the weaponization of power, Rep. Cohen offers an insider’s account of the humanitarian and political toll of Trump’s reckless governance. As Democrats fight to sustain momentum after major election wins, Rep. Cohen pledges to keep holding his colleagues in Congress accountable. Thanks to our sponsors: L-Nutra: Just visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEACULPA to claim your 15% discount plus a $40 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

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Cenk Uygur, founder and CEO of online news network TYT and host of The Young Turks. One of the most fearless voices in progressive media, Cenk joins me to unpack America’s political free fall under Trump. We dig into the weaponization of government power and the absurd contrast between Trump’s lavish Gatsby-style parties and the millions left hungry as SNAP funding remains frozen. Cenk breaks down what Democrats must do after Tuesday’s wins to sustain momentum, and why it’s too soon to write off MAGA voters entirely. From Venezuelan “drug boat” attacks to calls to end the filibuster, we expose how, in politics, you must always follow the money. Thanks to our sponsors: Found: Open your FREE Found account now at https://Found.com Leesa: Go to https://Leesa.com for 25% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code COHEN IndaCloud: If you’re 21 or older, get 40% OFF your first order + free shipping @IndaCloud with code COHEN at https://inda.shop/COHEN! #indacloudpod 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

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Michael Steele, former RNC Chair, MSNBC analyst, and host of The Michael Steele Podcast, for a blistering breakdown of Trump’s latest authoritarian moves. We dig into his push to end the Senate filibuster, the demolition of the White House’s East Wing to build his ballroom, and the GOP’s complicity in his escalating power grab. Steele explains how the Supreme Court has become a political enforcement arm under Trump’s shadow and how his own party has lost its moral compass. From the potential rollback of marriage equality to the normalization of authoritarian control, this episode sounds the alarm on the collapse of Republican restraint and the rise of a Trump America. Thanks to our sponsors: Leesa: Go to https://Leesa.com for 25% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code COHEN Soul: Go to https://GetSoul.com and use code: COHEN to get 40% OFF your order! Found: Open your FREE Found account now at https://Found.com 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

On this episode of Mea Culpa, I’m joined by Harry Litman, former U.S. Attorney, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, law professor, and host of “Talking Feds” to break down the unprecedented chaos unfolding in Washington. From the near record-breaking government shutdown, with millions of Americans losing their benefits, to Trump’s demolition of the East Wing and privatization of the White House Ballroom, we unpack the legal, political, and constitutional implications of a presidency running amok. Harry and I discuss the limits of executive power, the GOP’s paralysis, pay-to-play schemes, and the terrifying precedent being set for future presidents. Thanks to our sponsor: True Classics: Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/COHEN! #trueclassicpod 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