Quick Take: All Politics Is Local
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Hope Needs Help: With Tavis Smiley." Michael Steele speaks with Tavis Smiley, entrepreneur, broadcaster, best-selling author, and host of Tavis Smiley, airing weekdays from 9am-12pmPT on KBLA Talk 1580. The pair discuss the impact of talk radio on politics and the importance of Black and independent radio. Plus, what listeners care about leading up to ...
16m Mar 02, 2024
16m
The Truth Doesn't Please Everybody, and That's Okay: With Larry Wilmore
Michael Steele speaks with Larry Wilmore, Emmy Award winner and television producer, comedian and writer. The pair discuss Trump's sneakers and relationship with the Black community, how our culture is reflected in music, television and film, discussing uncomfortable topics about race, Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show and the importance of showing vulnerability amidst facing fears. Check...
1hr 3m Feb 29, 2024
1hr 3m
Quick Take: The F Words of Politics: Fascism and Freedom
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Beating Republicans at Their Own Game: With Rachel Bitecofer." Michael Steele speaks with Rachel Bitecofer, author of "HIT ‘EM WHERE IT HURTS: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game." The pair discuss what helped Democrats in the midterms in 2022, the art of branding "freedom" and how Dems can incorporate stronger, emotional mes...
17m Feb 24, 2024
17m
The Power of Poor Voters: With Bishop William J. Barber II
Michael Steele speaks with Bishop William J. Barber II, Co-Chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival. The pair discuss the moral failing of poverty— how it's the fourth leading cause of death in America and how mobilizing poor voters could transform elections in America. Check out The Poor People's Campaign here: https://www.poorpeoplescampaign.org/ If you enjoyed...
59m Feb 22, 2024
59m
Quick Take: AOC and the New American Politics
This is an excerpt from the full episode "How Populist Rebels Changed Politics: With Joshua Green." Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Joshua Green about his new book, "The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics." The pair discuss how the populist movement emerged from the 2008 financial crisis and led to the...
15m Feb 17, 2024
15m
Hope Needs Help: With Tavis Smiley
Michael Steele speaks with Tavis Smiley, entrepreneur, broadcaster, best-selling author, and host of Tavis Smiley, airing weekdays from 9am-12pmPT on KBLA Talk 1580. The pair discuss the impact of talk radio on politics and the importance of Black and independent radio. Plus, what listeners care about leading up to 2024, how Black men view the election and becoming a nation as good as its promi...
53m Feb 15, 2024
53m
Quick Take: America Needs a Tough Mom
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "America Is Not What It Promised to Be: With Politics Girl." Michael Steele is joined by Leigh McGowan, also known as PoliticsGirl. They discuss the American Dream and framing politics in a way that everyone can understand. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Politics Girl @IAmPoliticsGirl Follow M...
15m Feb 10, 2024
15m
Beating Republicans at Their Own Game: With Rachel Bitecofer
Michael Steele speaks with Rachel Bitecofer, author of "HIT ‘EM WHERE IT HURTS: How to Save Democracy by Beating Republicans at Their Own Game." The pair discuss what helped Democrats in the midterms in 2022, the art of branding "freedom" and how Dems can incorporate stronger, emotional messaging to win in 2024. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Hit-Where-Hurts-Democracy-Republic...
59m Feb 08, 2024
59m
Quick Take: Messaging on the Right vs. Messaging on the Left
This is an excerpt from the full episode "The Right Has Drastically Changed Over Time: With Tina Nguyen." Michael Steele speaks with Tina Nguyen, author of The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got Out) (https://www.amazon.com/MAGA-Diaries-Surreal-Adventures-Right-Wing/dp/198218969X) , about how the right and left are structured different from the fundamental...
17m Feb 03, 2024
17m
How Populist Rebels Changed Politics: With Joshua Green
Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Joshua Green about his new book, "The Rebels: Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and the Struggle for a New American Politics." The pair discuss how the populist movement emerged from the 2008 financial crisis and led to the rise of Warren, Bernie and AOC. They also discuss how the populist movement helped get Trump elected...
1hr 4m Jan 31, 2024
1hr 4m
Quick Take: The Nikki Haley of 2010 vs. The Nikki Haley of Today
This is an excerpt from the full episode "The Weekend on MSNBC: With Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend." Michael Steele speaks with Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, his co-hosts of the new MSNBC show, The Weekend, premiering Saturday, January 13th at 8amET. The trio discuss Nikki Haley omitting slavery as the cause of the Civil War and the minds of voters heading into 20...
13m Jan 27, 2024
13m
Quick Take: What Beats Trumpism
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Who's On America's Side?: With Steve Schmidt" Michael Steele speaks with Steve Schmidt about how the disruptions that occurred in 2023 will shape 2024, the messaging of the Biden Administration and Democratic challengers such as Dean Philips. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Steve Schmidt @Steve...
21m Jan 21, 2024
21m
The Right Has Drastically Changed Over Time: With Tina Nguyen
Michael Steele speaks with Tina Nguyen, author of The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got Out) (https://www.amazon.com/MAGA-Diaries-Surreal-Adventures-Right-Wing/dp/198218969X) , about how the right and left are structured different from the fundamentals, working for Tucker Carlson, and her unique experiences as a conservative woman of color. Check out the ...
1hr 2m Jan 19, 2024
1hr 2m
Quick Take: Life as a Japanese-American
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Giving Democracy Meaning: With George Takei [Rebroadcast]" Michael speaks with George Takei about his American journey, from living in a U.S concentration camp as a child, to his interest in democracy as a teenager and his activism as an adult. The pair discuss George Takei's graphic memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," the importance of educating young Ja...
20m Jan 13, 2024
20m
The Weekend on MSNBC: With Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend
Michael Steele speaks with Alicia Menendez and Symone Sanders-Townsend, his co-hosts of the new MSNBC show, The Weekend, premiering this Saturday, January 13th at 8amET. The trio discuss their reaction to getting the call to host a new weekend show together, how their personalities balance each other's voices and what The Weekend will look like as a show. They also discuss Nikki Haley omitting...
49m Jan 10, 2024
49m
Who's On America's Side?: With Steve Schmidt
Michael Steele speaks with Steve Schmidt about how the disruptions that occurred in 2023 will shape 2024, the messaging of the Biden Administration and Democratic challengers such as Dean Philips. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Steve Schmidt @SteveSchmidtSES Follow Michael @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast @steele_podcast
1hr 4m Jan 08, 2024
1hr 4m
Quick Take: Read What Jesus Said
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Evangelicals in the Age of Political Extremism: With Tim Alberta." Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Tim Alberta about his new book, "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." The pair discuss how Christian values in America have become enmeshed in MAGA politics, how the purpose of the church has...
15m Jan 07, 2024
15m
Quick Take: Taking an Oath to the Constitution
This is an excerpt from the full episode "America's Descent into Dysfunction: With Adam Kinzinger." Michael speaks with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Adam discusses serving on the January 6th Committee despite initially not wanting to, the leadership he witnessed on both the left and right, putting country over party and the news of Kevin McCarthy leaving office. Check out Adam's book, "...
16m Dec 30, 2023
16m
Giving Democracy Meaning: With George Takei [Rebroadcast]
Note: This episode was originally released in January 2022. Michael speaks with George Takei about his American journey, from living in a U.S concentration camp as a child, to his interest in democracy as a teenager and his activism as an adult. The pair discuss George Takei's graphic memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," the importance of educating young Japanese-Americans about their history, and ...
47m Dec 27, 2023
47m
Quick Take: The Addictive Rush of Politics
This is an excerpt from the full episode, Why We Did It: With Tim Miller, which originally aired in July 2022. Tim Miller joins The Michael Steele Podcast to discuss his new book, "Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell." The pair discuss what it takes to be a player in "The Game," Tim's time working with Reince Priebus at the RNC and the kinds of Republicans involved in ...
16m Dec 23, 2023
16m
Evangelicals in the Age of Political Extremism: With Tim Alberta
Michael Steele speaks with best-selling author Tim Alberta about his new book, "The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism." The pair discuss how Christian values in America have become enmeshed in MAGA politics, how the purpose of the church has been misinterpreted, what Tim observed on the American Restoration Tour and what being a Christian means to h...
1hr 6m Dec 21, 2023
1hr 6m
Quick Take: Artificial Intelligence in Politics, Elections and Voting
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Protecting What Is Human in Artificial Intelligence: With Dr. Joy Buolamwini." Michael speaks with MIT researcher Dr. Joy Buolamwini about her book, "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." The pair discuss who holds the power within AI and tech and how AI creates algorithmic biases, the impact of AI in elections, th...
15m Dec 16, 2023
15m
America's Descent into Dysfunction: With Adam Kinzinger
Michael speaks with former Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Adam discusses serving on the January 6th Committee despite initially not wanting to, the leadership he witnessed on both the left and right, putting country over party and the news of Kevin McCarthy leaving office. Check out Adam's book, "Renegade: Defending Democracy and Liberty in Our Divided Country," here: https://www.amazon.com/Reneg...
1hr 11m Dec 13, 2023
1hr 11m
Quick Take: Just How Ethical Is the Supreme Court?
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Trump Trial, Supreme Court 'Ethics' & Thanksgiving Table Conversation: With Tom Nichols, Elie Mystal and Glenn Kirschner." Michael is joined by Tom Nichols, Elie Mystal and Glenn Kirschner for a barbershop discussion on current events and politics. They discuss why Democrats are better off without Joe Manchin, how Trump passed the line into fascism an...
20m Dec 09, 2023
20m
Why We Did It: With Tim Miller [Rebroadcast]
Note: This episode originally aired in July 2022. Tim Miller joins The Michael Steele Podcast to discuss his new book, "Why We Did It: A Travelogue from the Republican Road to Hell." The pair discuss what it takes to be a player in "The Game," Tim's time working with Reince Priebus at the RNC, the struggle of compartmentalizing being a gay man and being a Republican and the kinds of Republican...
1hr 6m Dec 06, 2023
1hr 6m
Quick Take: The Unsung Heroes
This is an excerpt from the full episode "We've Been Here Before– America's Fight Against Fascism: With Rachel Maddow." Michael speaks with Rachel Maddow about her new book, "Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism." The pair discuss how modern-day efforts to undermine democracy have a prequel dating back to before and during World War II when an ultra-right authoritarian movement tried to ...
18m Dec 02, 2023
18m
Protecting What Is Human in Artificial Intelligence: With Dr. Joy Buolamwini
Michael speaks with MIT researcher Dr. Joy Buolamwini about her book, "Unmasking AI: My Mission to Protect What Is Human in a World of Machines." The pair discuss who holds the power within AI and tech and how AI creates algorithmic biases, the impact of AI in elections, the consequences of facial identification and the ousting of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. Check out the book here: https://www.ama...
1hr 6m Nov 29, 2023
1hr 6m
Quick Take: It's Still The Same Party
This is an excerpt from the full episode "One Year Until the Election: With Jennifer Horn." One year out until the 2024 presidential election, Michael Steele speaks with former New Hampshire GOP chairwoman, Jennifer Horn. The pair discuss the polls showing Biden losing to Trump in swing states and whether his approach to the Israel/Hamas war will cost him Gen Z voters. Check out Jennifer's po...
11m Nov 25, 2023
11m
Trump Trial, Supreme Court "Ethics" & Thanksgiving Table Conversation: With Tom Nichols, Elie Mystal and Glenn Kirschner
Michael is joined by Tom Nichols, Elie Mystal and Glenn Kirschner for a barbershop discussion on current events and politics. They discuss the Trump trial and why he's gotten away with as much as he has, how Trump passed the line into fascism, what the Supreme Court "Code of Ethics" really means and how to reason and converse with family members this Thanksgiving. If you enjoyed stopping by th...
1hr 18m Nov 22, 2023
1hr 18m
Quick Take: Christian Conservatism
This is an excerpt from the full episode "The Future Is Unwritten: With Heather Cox Richardson." Michael speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about her new book, "Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America." The pair discuss Christian conservatism, how the culture wars of the '90s set the tone for today and the role Biden's presidency has played in awakening democracy. Check o...
16m Nov 18, 2023
16m
We've Been Here Before– America's Fight Against Fascism: With Rachel Maddow
Michael speaks with Rachel Maddow about her new book, "Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism." The pair discuss how modern-day efforts to undermine democracy have a prequel dating back to before and during World War II when an ultra-right authoritarian movement tried to steer our nation toward an alliance with the Nazis. Rachel describes how members of congress got involved in spreading Na...
59m Nov 15, 2023
59m
Quick Take: Stand-Up Comedy in the Age of Cancel Culture
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Finding A Different Angle: With Roy Wood Jr." Comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins The Michael Steele Podcast. Roy talks about how he approached the roast at the 2023 White House Correspondents' Dinner and what it's like doing stand up in the age of cancel culture. Roy Wood Jr.'s live standup tour, “Happy to Be Here” is happening now across the U.S and Canada. ...
19m Nov 11, 2023
19m
One Year Until the Election: With Jennifer Horn
One year out until the 2024 presidential election, Michael Steele speaks with former New Hampshire GOP chairwoman, Jennifer Horn. The pair discuss the polls showing Biden losing to Trump in swing states and whether his approach to the Israel/Hamas war will cost him Gen Z voters, Nikki Haley's approach at the third GOP debates, the cost of abandoning Ukraine and what Mike Johnson being elected S...
59m Nov 09, 2023
59m
Quick Take: Cost-Free Higher Education
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Disrupting the Status Quo: With Marianne Williamson." Michael speaks with 2024 Democratic candidate for president, Marianne Williamson. The pair discuss the importance of revisiting the Declaration of Independence and Marianne's Economic Bill of Rights, which includes the right to a cost-free higher education. Check out Marianne's campaign: https://ma...
20m Nov 04, 2023
20m
The Future Is Unwritten: With Heather Cox Richardson
Michael speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about her new book, "Democracy Awakening: Notes on the State of America." The pair discuss Lincoln Republicanism, how the culture wars of the '90s set the tone for today and the role Biden's presidency has played in awakening democracy. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Democracy-Awakening-Notes-State-America-ebook/dp/B0BT4QFZR...
1hr 11m Nov 01, 2023
1hr 11m
Quick Take: Choosing a New Speaker of the House
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "Palestine, Israel, and Politics vs. War: With Rick Ungar." Michael Steele speaks with Rick Ungar, former co-host of SiriusXM's Steele & Ungar, about choosing a new Speaker of the House, whether or not Michael would accept the role if offered and how the No Labels and Bobby F. Kennedy Jr. campaigns will impact the 2024 election.
17m Oct 28, 2023
17m
Finding A Different Angle: With Roy Wood Jr. [Rebroadcast]
This episode was originally published in May of 2023. Comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins The Michael Steele Podcast. Roy talks about how he approaches a roast, what being considered as the next host of The Daily Show means to him and what it's like doing stand up in the age of cancel culture. Roy also discusses hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner, the jokes that didn't make it, and what he...
59m Oct 25, 2023
59m
Quick Take: Abolishing the Electoral College
Michael is joined by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky, professors of government at Harvard University and the authors of "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point." They discuss reforming the electoral college and what it means to be a party committed to democracy. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Tyranny-Minority-American-Democracy-Breaking/d...
17m Oct 21, 2023
17m
Disrupting the Status Quo: With Marianne Williamson
Michael speaks with 2024 Democratic candidate for president, Marianne Williamson. The pair discuss the mindset of the average American, the role the DNC should be playing in the 2024 election, how she's rising in the polls with the Gen Z voters she's reached through TikTok, how her campaign has changed since 2020 and the tragedies occurring in Israel and Palestine. Check out Marianne's campaig...
1hr 17m Oct 18, 2023
1hr 17m
Quick Take: A Republican's Advice for Democrats
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Inside the Voter's Mind: With Sarah Longwell." Michael Steele is joined by Sarah Longwell, President of Longwell Partners & Republican Accountability PAC, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group Podcast. The pair discuss the mindset of the current voter and Sarah gives her advice to Democrats, including how they should be campaigning and c...
15m Oct 15, 2023
15m
Palestine, Israel, and Politics vs. War: With Rick Ungar
Michael Steele is joined by Rick Ungar, former host of the Rick Ungar show and former co-host of Steele & Ungar, to discuss current events in Israel and Palestine, how they compare to the war in Ukraine, actions from politicians such as Biden, and then shift to discussing the new Speaker of the House. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Ric...
47m Oct 13, 2023
47m
Quick Take: The Disintegration of the Senate
This is an excerpt from the full episode "Laughing at Politics: With Al Franken." Michael Steele is joined by bestselling author, comedian and former Minnesota Senator, Al Franken. The pair discuss how our current politics has brought out the worst in people, the various ways "fake news" permeates our culture, the current state of the Senate and the "alternative facts" of the Trump administrat...
15m Oct 07, 2023
15m
Tyranny of the Minority: With Professors Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky
Michael is joined by Daniel Ziblatt and Steven Levitsky, professors of government at Harvard University and the authors of "Tyranny of the Minority: Why American Democracy Reached the Breaking Point." They discuss what it means to be a party committed to democracy, how our constitution makes us vulnerable to minority rule, reforming the electoral college and the "semi-loyalists" who play a role...
1hr 2m Oct 04, 2023
1hr 2m
Make Mine a Double: Don't Blame Democrats for McCarthy's Ousting
Welcome to Make Mine a Double, a segment where Michael responds to today's news and political crazy. Michael discusses Kevin McCarthy's ousting, what the Democrats should do with this moment and how damn good Republicans are at taking out their Republican Speakers. Follow Michael on Twitter @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast Twitter @steele_podcast
11m Oct 04, 2023
11m
Quick Take: Trump Delivers on His Promises
This is an excerpt from the full episode, "When Democracy Falls: With Tom Nichols" Michael Steele is joined by Atlantic writer and national-security affairs professor emeritus, Tom Nichols to discuss what the fall of democracy will look like and how Trump delivers on his promises. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or tell a friend! Follow Tom @RadioFreeTom Follow Michael...
15m Sep 30, 2023
15m
Inside the Voter's Mind: With Sarah Longwell
Michael Steele is joined by Sarah Longwell, President of Longwell Partners & Republican Accountability PAC, publisher of The Bulwark and host of The Focus Group Podcast. The pair discuss the mindset of the current voter, how third parties will hurt the next election, the cesspool that was the second GOP debate, who Trump would pick as VP and how the government shutdown will impact both Republic...
47m Sep 28, 2023
47m
Quick Take: Seeing the Human in One Another
This is an excerpt from the episode "Turning Toward Each Other, Not On Each Other: With Karen Hunter." Karen Hunter speaks with Michael Steele about seeing the human in each other, how the word "woke" has evolved and Michael's time as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Karen Hunter is a best-selling author, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and the host of The Karen Hunter Show on...
14m Sep 23, 2023
14m
Laughing at Politics: With Al Franken
Michael Steele is joined by bestselling author, comedian and former Minnesota Senator, Al Franken. The pair discuss how our current politics has brought out the worst in people, the various ways "fake news" permeates our culture, the current state of the Senate, the role of satire in politics, the WGA strikes and Lauren Boebert's infamous theatre date. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to l...
58m Sep 20, 2023
58m
When Democracy Falls: With Tom Nichols
Michael Steele is joined by Atlantic writer and national-security affairs professor emeritus, Tom Nichols. The pair discuss what the fall of democracy will look like, Kevin McCarthy's impeachment inquiry into Biden, what Mitt Romney's retirement means for the state of the GOP and the continued significance of Ukraine. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or tell a friend! Fo...
1hr 8m Sep 18, 2023
1hr 8m
Quick Take: Appealing to the GOP's White Voters
This is an excerpt from the episode "The Pepperoni Pizza Of Politics: With Jen Psaki, Don Calloway, and Tim Miller" pod.fo/e/1e9c1e The GOP Debate has left a lot of unsolved questions about the 2024 election, Trump's future, and what it all means for the Republican party. We're joined by Jen Psaki, political analyst and former government official, Don Calloway, attorney and politician, and Tim...
18m Sep 17, 2023
18m