A Farewell to The Michael Steele Podcast
The Michael Steele Podcast (in its current form) is going on hiatus, so Michael is bringing together some favorite podcast guests from past episodes for a big, live streamed barbershop on politics, culture and current events. (https://www.youtube.com/live/v1S3qlQMWrw) Join Michael Steele, Rick Wilson, Eugene Daniels, Tara Setmayer, Dr. Jason Johnson and April Ryan on Tuesday, June 3rd at 10 a.m...
1m Jun 02, 2025
1m
Taking Heat for Standing Up to Elected Officials (Quick Take)
Jonathan Capehart discusses his extremely awkward first encounter with Rev. Al Sharpton and the nature of their contentious relationship. Plus, Jonathan talks about his work to save the NY Apollo Theater and the importance of holding elected officials accountable. Check out Jonathan Capehart's memoir here: https://www.amazon.com/Yet-Here-Am-Lessons-Search/dp/1538767066
18m May 30, 2025
18m
Bridging the Political Divide (Quick Take)
David French (political commentator) and Michael Steele explore into the intricacies of political discourse and how human connection bridges partisan divides. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Go to https://surfshark.com/steele or use code STEELE at checkout to get four extra months of Surfshark VPN! Follow David French @DavidAFrench Follow Mic...
10m May 30, 2025
10m
A Moment Of Clarity: "Speaking of chickening out!"
Michael Steele doesn't hold back, sharply criticizing President Trump's recent comments on Vladimir Putin and the war in Ukraine. Steele zeroes in on Trump's apparent disappointment over the violence amid ongoing negotiations, then directly challenges him to take responsibility for the deteriorating situation. Catch Michael Steele on The Weeknight Mondays - Fridays at 7pm EST on MSNBC: https:/...
2m May 29, 2025
2m
How Jonathan Capehart Almost Sabotaged His Career
Jonathan Capehart made Michael Steele put on a button-down for this interview, so you know it got real, fast. Jonathan joins the podcast to discuss his extremely awkward first encounter with Rev. Al Sharpton and the nature of their contentious relationship, Jonathan's work to save the NY Apollo Theater that led to his Pulitzer win and the time he self-sabotaged so badly that he ran out of a job...
1hr 7m May 29, 2025
1hr 7m
The Politics of Rest and Self-Preservation (Quick Take)
Alencia Johnson (presidential adviser and cultural commentator) speaks with Michael Steele about how rest and self-preservation can be an act of resistance in today's political climate. Check out Alencia's book, "Flip the Tables: The Everyday Disruptor’s Guide to Finding Courage and Making Change," here: https://www.amazon.com/Flip-Tables-Everyday-Disruptors-Finding/dp/1546007601
11m May 26, 2025
11m
David French’s Stark Warning for Evangelicals
Michael Steele speaks with David French about what the election of an American Pope means for the U.S (and the world). Plus, how politics is beginning to replace religion, the way to actually engage with hyper political people with differing views, Kristi Noem's Habeas Corpus comments and the world's lack of bible literacy. Go to https://surfshark.com/steele or use code STEELE at checkout to g...
58m May 24, 2025
58m
A Moment Of Clarity: Toy Trade War
Michael Steele unpacks the absurdity of trade tariffs, focusing on their real-world impact, especially on the toy industry. He challenges Donald Trump's claims about children's access to dolls, revealing how tariffs limit family options and inflate prices on everything from toys to coffee and lumber. Catch Michael Steele on The Weeknight Mondays - Fridays at 7pm EST on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc...
2m May 23, 2025
2m
A Moment Of Clarity: Oversight Committee
Michael Steele addresses the critical issues of government accountability and the emoluments clause, emphasizing the crucial need for transparency and a decisive congressional stance against corruption. Catch Michael Steele on The Weeknight Mondays - Fridays at 7pm EST on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcas...
1m May 23, 2025
1m
A Moment Of Clarity: Medicaid Funding
Michael Steele explores the precarious future of Indiana Medicaid, on which 1.8 million depend. He analyzes the impact of potential cuts, benefit definition shifts, legislative debates, and executive orders shaping healthcare affordability and transparency. Catch Michael Steele on The Weeknight Mondays - Fridays at 7pm EST on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https...
4m May 23, 2025
4m
A Moment Of Clarity: Church & State
Michael Steele analyzes the complexities of the Constitution and the implications of Donald Trump's recent remarks on the separation of church and state. Catch Michael Steele on The Weeknight Mondays - Fridays at 7pm EST on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTk...
2m May 23, 2025
2m
Creating Change Right Where You Are (with Alencia Johnson)
How can we begin to disrupt our community to make change? Michael Steele speaks with Alencia Johnson, presidential adviser and cultural commentator. The pair discuss creating impact in one's community, the importance of self-preservation and rest in today's political landscape, Alencia's journey working with Planned Parenthood as a Christian woman and the power of telling our stories. If you e...
1hr 12m May 22, 2025
1hr 12m
A Moment Of Clarity: Got Habeas Corpus?
Michael Steele discusses what habeas corpus REALLY means, despite Kristi Noem's inaccurate and ignorant definition of habeas corpus as the "right the president has to remove people from this country." Catch Michael Steele on The Weeknight Mondays - Fridays at 7pm EST on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcast:...
3m May 21, 2025
3m
If the Supreme Court Wanted to Change, It Would (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Leah Litman about how Congress could reform the Supreme Court if it wanted to. Plus, how Mitch Mconnell's blockade after Justice Scalia's death impacted our current composition of the Supreme Court. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Lawless-Supreme-Conservative-Grievance-Theories/dp/1668054620 If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or s...
19m May 20, 2025
19m
Trump's Self-Inflicted Economic Failures (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Sam Stein, Managing Editor at The Bulwark, about Trump's self-inflicted economic failures and what Democrats should do right now. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Sam Stein @samstein Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast @steele_podcast Follow The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline
12m May 19, 2025
12m
The Supreme Court's Conservative Agenda (with Leah Litman)
Michael Steele speaks with Leah Litman about her new book, "Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes." The pair discuss the influence of money on the Supreme Court, how conservative justices use originalism to advance their ideological agenda and how the Supreme Court has evolved since Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito were appointed. Plus, Leah...
1hr 2m May 17, 2025
1hr 2m
Trump's Corrupt "Gift" from Qatar (with Sam Stein)
Michael Steele speaks with Sam Stein, Managing Editor at The Bulwark. The pair discuss Sam's approach to covering politics at the Bulwark, Trump's corrupt plane "gift" from Qatar, where the Supreme Court is headed, what Dems need to do and Sam's interaction with Laura Loomer on X. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Go to https://surfshark.com/ste...
43m May 15, 2025
43m
Can We Get Our Government to Listen to Us? (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with journalist Miranda Spivack about her new book, "Backroom Deals in Our Backyards: How Government Secrecy Harms Our Communities and the Local Heroes Fighting Back." They discuss what goes into getting the local government to help people and what local activists have done to be heard by their government. Check out Miranda's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Backroom-Dea...
17m May 10, 2025
17m
Pete Hegseth Proudly Ends "Woke" Program Trump Signed (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz about Pete Hegseth proudly ending the "woke" Women, Peace and Security program that Trump himself signed. Plus, what tools Democrats can use to expose the incompetency of the Trump Administration. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz @DWSt...
8m May 09, 2025
8m
Uncovering Government Secrets Is Not for the Weak (with Miranda Spivack)
Michael Steele speaks with Miranda Spivack, a veteran journalist who specializes in stories about government accountability and secrecy. The pair discuss her new book, "Backroom Deals in Our Backyards: How Government Secrecy Harms Our Communities and the Local Heroes Fighting Back." Plus, how federal budget cuts will impact government support and transparency and what people can do if they're f...
55m May 08, 2025
55m
Why Michael Steele Won't Leave the Republican Party (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Oren Cass about what drew him to the Republican party as a 17-year-old, the three elements that define what Republicanism means to him and why he refuses to leave the party today, even after it's changed. The pair also discuss DEI and the stereotyping Donald Trump used to target young male Black voters. Check out Oren Cass' new book here: https://www.amazon.com/New-C...
23m May 05, 2025
23m
Trump's Disastrous First 100 Days (with Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz)
Michael Steele speaks with Florida Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz about Trump's First 100 Days of his second term. They discuss the economic impact Americans are facing, the deporations occurring without due process and what Democrats can do to expose the incompetency of the current administration. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follo...
42m May 03, 2025
42m
The New Conservative: Tariffs, Trade and Why Michael Steele Is Still a Republican (with Oren Cass)
Michael Steele speaks with Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass, about who the "New Conservative" is, the case for tariffs, and how to build a trading system that actually works for Americans. Plus, what made Michael join the Republican Party nearly 50 years ago and the stereotypes and misconceptions about young Black men joining MAGA. Check out Oren Cass' new book here: https://www....
1hr 12m May 01, 2025
1hr 12m
A Moment Of Clarity: "They absolutely don't care! They're tanking the economy!"
"Would ya'll please start acting like damn voters, and vote!" Michael Steele discusses Trump's hefty tariffs that shook business and consumer confidence. Then delves into the importance of active participation in elections and the need for voters to hold their representatives accountable. Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-...
2m Apr 29, 2025
2m
A Moment Of Clarity: "That's amusingly stupid! Putting an election denier in charge of dismantling the VOA."
The Trump administration recently reassigned Kari Lake to dismantle Voice Of America, a government funded broadcaster. Michael Steeles delves into the motivations behind these actions, the impact on global soft power, and the broader quest to rebuild trust in government institutions. Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weeke...
5m Apr 28, 2025
5m
Michael Fanone Didn't Ask to Be Pardoned (Quick Take)
Michael Fanone didn't ask for a preemptive pardon from Biden, but he got one anyway. He speaks with Michael Steele about this, as well as how learning about the dark history of American law enforcement helped him to understand why there's so much resentment towards cops today. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Michael Fanone on Substack @...
13m Apr 26, 2025
13m
A Moment Of Clarity: "Are you high?!?" Michelle Obama doesn't have to defend herself!
Michelle Obama breaks the silence regarding her absence from Trump's inauguration. Michael Steele reacts and suggests Republicans could learn a thing or two from Michelle Obama about breaking away from stupid. Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcast:...
4m Apr 24, 2025
4m
Policing the Constitution (with Michael Fanone)
Michael Steele is joined by Michael Fanone. The pair discuss the January 6th pardons, how Trump is bypassing the constitution to target immigrants and the role law enforcement is playing in this process. Plus, the time Mike convinced Nancy Pelosi to let him drink beers on the lawn of the Capitol. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Michael ...
1hr 2m Apr 24, 2025
1hr 2m
Trump's Policies Hurt MAGA, Too (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Congressman Suhas Subramanyam about how MAGA supporters are beginning to see the impact of DOGE in their own communities. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Rep. Suhas Subramanyam @RepSuhas Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast @steele_podcast Follow The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline
16m Apr 22, 2025
16m
How DOGE Cuts Are Reshaping America's Future (with Rep. Suhas Subramanyam)
Michael Steele is joined by Congressman Suhas Subramanyam. The pair discuss what DOGE cuts will mean for America’s future, and how even MAGA supporters are beginning to see the impact in their own communities. Plus, how these cuts are hurting America’s ability to be a global leader in tech, science, and innovation. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a frien...
1hr Apr 17, 2025
1hr
How Obama and Pelosi Betrayed Biden in 2024 (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, authors of the new book "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House." They discuss why Democratic leadership didn't tell Biden not to run in 2024, how Obama and Nancy Pelosi tried to get Biden to drop out of the race and Biden's refusal to endorse Kamala Harris. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share ...
23m Apr 12, 2025
23m
A Moment Of Clarity: "Fears of a global recession are rising!"
Michael Steele dissects the looming fears of a recession echoed by Wall Street's elite, the tensions between Trump and prominent figures over trade policies, and the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on deportations. Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Mic...
11m Apr 11, 2025
11m
Did Kamala Ever Stand a Chance? Inside the Battle for the White House (with Jonathan Allen & Amie Parnes)
What exactly happened during Kamala Harris’ short-lived 107-day presidential campaign that made her lose the election? Michael Steele speaks with Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, authors of the new book "Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House." They discuss how a single Trump ad helped sink Kamala’s chances, Biden’s refusal to endorse her, and the private efforts by Obama and Pelos...
1hr 12m Apr 10, 2025
1hr 12m
How the Hell Is It Legal for Elon to Buy an Election? (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Jim Acosta about Elon Musk's attempt to win the Supreme Court Wisconsin election and the terrible consequences we must face if Ukraine falls. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Jim Acosta @Acosta Follow Michael Steele @MichaelSteele Follow the podcast @steele_podcast Follow The Bulwark @BulwarkOnline
22m Apr 05, 2025
22m
There's Gotta Be More to Us Than Giving Up (with Jim Acosta)
Michael Steele speaks with Jim Acosta about how Trump's out of touch tariffs will impact Americans and how journalists should approach reporting the second Trump term. Plus, Elon Musk's attempt to win the Supreme Court Wisconsin election and the terrible consequences we must face if Ukraine falls. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Jim Aco...
57m Apr 03, 2025
57m
A Moment Of Clarity: "​Do ​you ​really ​think ​Pete ​Hegseth cares?"
Michael Steele discusses Pete Hegseth's recklessness with sensitive national secrets and the importance of holding officials accountable. Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6...
6m Apr 02, 2025
6m
The  Hyper Political Pastors Radicalizing America (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Katherine Stewart, an expert on religious nationalism, about the roles of wealthy funders and Christian nationalist movement leaders to subvert democracy. Check out her latest book, Money, Lies and God here: https://www.amazon.com/Money-Lies-God-Movement-Democracy/dp/163557854X If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow...
22m Mar 29, 2025
22m
Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy (with Katherine Stewart)
Michael Steele speaks with Katherine Stewart, an expert on religious nationalism and the assault on American democracy, about her book, "Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy." The pair discuss the roles of various groups, such as wealthy funders and Christian nationalist movement leaders to subvert democracy. They also discuss Pete Hegseth's Signal group chat,...
54m Mar 27, 2025
54m
Confronting Religious Blocks (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with New York Times opinion columnist and author Ross Douthat about his new book, "Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious." The pair discuss the biggest stumbling blocks for religious belief in America today. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Believe-Why-Everyone-Should-Religious/dp/0310367581 If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or sha...
16m Mar 22, 2025
16m
A Moment Of Clarity: "Put the popcorn down, D*MN IT, and unelect their you-know-what!"
Michael Steele breaks down how President Trump could transform the United States, how he's distracting the country with his melodrama, and the reality of the consequences of electing an outright liar. Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podca...
9m Mar 20, 2025
9m
Is Our Political Identity Now Stronger Than Our Religious Identity? (with Ross Douthat)
Michael Steele speaks with New York Times opinion columnist and author Ross Douthat about his new book, "Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious." The pair discuss  how political identity now overshadows religious identity, the decline of religion in the U.S and how we can begin to reconcile science and faith. Check out the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Believe-Why-Everyone-Should-Religi...
53m Mar 20, 2025
53m
A Moment Of Clarity: "Deporting child with brain cancer?! The inhumanity of it all..."
Michael Steele discusses the deportation of a U.S. citizen child recovering from brain cancer and how President Trump was blocked from using the Alien Enemies Act for mass deportations. Catch Michael Steele on The Weekend Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 10am on MSNBC: https://www.msnbc.com/the-weekend Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www...
5m Mar 19, 2025
5m
Are Democrats Beginning to Take a Page Out of the Republican Playbook? (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Republican strategist, Lincoln Project co-founder and NYT best-selling author, Rick Wilson. The pair discuss the importance of everyday people speaking out against the current administration, how power-hungry Marco Rubio is being humiliated by Trump and what needs to happen in order to prepare for the 2026 midterms. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a rev...
22m Mar 15, 2025
22m
No More Nice- We Must Hold Trump and Musk Accountable (with Rick Wilson)
Michael Steele speaks with Republican strategist, Lincoln Project co-founder and NYT best-selling author, Rick Wilson. The pair discuss the havoc Elon Musk and Donald Trump have wreaked on national and global stability. Plus, the importance of outspoken opposition, how power-hungry Marco Rubio is being humiliated by Trump and what needs to happen in order to prepare for the 2026 midterms. If y...
52m Mar 13, 2025
52m
A Moment of Clarity: "Tired of being told to shut up and take it yet?"
Michael Steele details the groundswell movement happening across the country in protest of the Trump administration as well as Trump's ultimate endgame in Ukraine. Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Follow Michael on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/michaelsteele.bsky.social Follow Michael on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chairman_steele/ Follow Michael on Threads: htt...
7m Mar 12, 2025
7m
King Donald the First (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Sophia A. Nelson about Trump's joint address on Tuesday, including his rhetoric on DEI.  Plus, Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy, America's relationship with Russia and how Donald Trump is similar to King George the Third. If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend! Follow Sophia A. Nelson @IAmSophiaNelson Follow Michael Steele @Mi...
21m Mar 08, 2025
21m
What the Hell Was That Trump Speech? DEI, Culture Wars & "Meritocracy" (with Sophia A. Nelson)
Michael Steele speaks with Sophia A. Nelson, scholar, author, and DEI facilitator, about Trump's joint address on Tuesday, including his rhetoric on DEI, meritocracy and the culture wars. Michael and Sophia also discuss our current era of Post Reconstruction 2.0, white folks' misinterpretation of 'wokeness,' Trump's meeting with Zelenskyy and America's relationship with Russia. If you enjoyed ...
1hr 9m Mar 06, 2025
1hr 9m
A Moment Of Clarity: "Well that was rich!" Trump's Joint Address to Congress
Michael Steele reacts to Trump's Joint Address to Congress on March 5, 2025. Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend!
9m Mar 06, 2025
9m
A Moment Of Clarity: I cannot believe the sheer stupidity of what we witnessed between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Michael Steele breaks down President Trump's poor reaction to the release of the Epstein Files and further explains America's embarrassing moment in the White House with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Follow Michael on X: https://x.com/MichaelSteele Watch The Michael Steele Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJNKzTkCZE9uNqPiKYw5eU5YkS_mMsr6o If you enjoyed this podcast...
9m Mar 05, 2025
9m
How Kash Patel and Dan Bongino Are Changing the FBI (Quick Take)
Michael Steele speaks with Ryan J. Reilly, justice reporter for NBC News, about what Kash Patel and Dan Bongino joining the FBI means for America. Check out Ryan's book, “Sedition Hunters: How January 6th Broke the Justice System,” here: https://www.amazon.com/Sedition-Hunters-January-Justice-System/dp/1541701801 If you enjoyed this podcast, be sure to leave a review or share it with a friend...
15m Mar 03, 2025
15m