

Open Book with Anthony Scaramucci
SALT & Goalhanger
You may think you know Anthony Scaramucci: a Harvard Law School graduate who cut his teeth at Goldman Sachs, went on to build two successful businesses and had an 11-day stint in the White House. What people don’t know is he’s an avid reader, endlessly curious, history buff with a restless mind.
On Open Book, listeners will hear and get to know the real Anthony: the proud son of immigrant parents, a long-suffering New York Mets fan, and a father of five. Each week, he’ll invite you into an intimate and open conversation with some of the brightest minds out there, from business, politics, entertainment, and more. Together, they’ll go deep into a piece of work - whether it's a highly anticipated book, an in-depth feature story, or an opinion piece – to dig into why it matters to you, what we can learn from the past, and how their work is shaping our future.
Along the way, you’ll learn more about The Mooch – beyond the headlines – where he came from and how he got here. He’ll turn the pages on his own life lessons from his blue-collar upbringing and career on Wall Street to getting his teeth kicked in the White House and then, coming back stronger. He’ll offer his perspective as a self-made entrepreneur and “open book” with a lot of experience, both good and bad.
Tune in every week to hear fascinating conversations you won’t get anywhere else.
On Open Book, listeners will hear and get to know the real Anthony: the proud son of immigrant parents, a long-suffering New York Mets fan, and a father of five. Each week, he’ll invite you into an intimate and open conversation with some of the brightest minds out there, from business, politics, entertainment, and more. Together, they’ll go deep into a piece of work - whether it's a highly anticipated book, an in-depth feature story, or an opinion piece – to dig into why it matters to you, what we can learn from the past, and how their work is shaping our future.
Along the way, you’ll learn more about The Mooch – beyond the headlines – where he came from and how he got here. He’ll turn the pages on his own life lessons from his blue-collar upbringing and career on Wall Street to getting his teeth kicked in the White House and then, coming back stronger. He’ll offer his perspective as a self-made entrepreneur and “open book” with a lot of experience, both good and bad.
Tune in every week to hear fascinating conversations you won’t get anywhere else.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2025 • 32min
Jake Tapper: The Trial That Exposed the War on Terror
Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and best-selling author, dives into his gripping book, Race Against Terror. He discusses the unique Al-Qaeda case that challenges civil liberties and national security. Jake shares how an unexpected paintball party led him to uncover the story of Ibrahim 'Spin' Ghul, detailing the complexities of building a criminal case amidst political scrutiny. He warns of sidelining experienced prosecutors and reflects on the War on Terror's impact on American safety, emphasizing that fair trials can enhance security.

Oct 8, 2025 • 31min
The Crushing Loneliness of Growing Up With Autism - Leland Vittert
Leland Vittert, Chief Washington Anchor for NewsNation and author of *Born Lucky*, shares his poignant journey growing up with autism. He discusses the early signs of his condition and the impactful moment of diagnosis, highlighting how his father's unique techniques helped him learn social cues. Leland also reflects on the struggle against invisibility and the resilience built through his father's tough love. This heartfelt conversation underscores the importance of hope and high expectations in parenting, aiming to inspire both parents and individuals facing similar challenges.

15 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 28min
October 2025 Q&A: Post-Trump America, Zohran Mamdani as Mayor, and more
Join a spirited discussion about America post-Trump, revealing cautious optimism for recovery. Explore how to sharpen your articulation skills and the importance of traditional Republican values. Delve into the future of New York under a potential mayor Mamdani and the societal shifts driving historical cycles. Unpack the impact of AI on jobs, find book recommendations for avid readers, and discover insights on investment strategies. Plus, reflections on cultural icons like Superman and James Bond enrich the conversation!

19 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 33min
CNN Legal Analyst Elie Honig: Trump’s War on the Rule of Law
Elie Honig, an Emmy-nominated CNN legal analyst and former DOJ prosecutor, dives deep into presidential accountability in his latest conversation. He explores the timely themes of his book, including the implications of Trump's actions and hypothetical scenarios had he won in 2020. The discussion highlights historic moments like the Saturday Night Massacre and critiques both parties for their prosecution strategies. Elie also shares insights on the challenges of independent prosecutors and expresses cautious optimism for holding powerful figures accountable.

9 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 44min
James Holland is Back: The Forgotten Campaign That Shaped the World We Live In
James Holland, an award-winning historian specializing in World War II, shares his insights on the often-overlooked Italian campaign. He discusses his connection to Marzabotto and the human tragedy of civilian suffering. Holland compares the brutality of Italy's battles to Normandy and highlights the strategic dilemmas faced by leaders like Churchill and Roosevelt. He also touches on the significance of his book, Cassino '44, revealing its lessons on leadership and the moral complexities of war, drawing parallels to contemporary political dynamics.

18 snips
Sep 24, 2025 • 38min
Historian James Holland: What World War II Teaches Us About Today
James Holland, a renowned historian and bestselling author specializing in World War II, discusses key themes from his book, 'Victory '45'. He explains the war's conclusion through eight distinct surrenders, highlighting the significance of the USS Missouri. Holland emphasizes the dangers of historical complacency and contrasts democratic coalitions with autocratic leaders. He shares personal connections to veterans and focuses on telling stories through ordinary soldiers, ultimately addressing the implications of the postwar order.

28 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 31min
What Benjamin Franklin Taught Me About Money, Mistakes, and Meaning I Mark Skousen
Mark Skousen, a financial expert and eighth-generation descendant of Benjamin Franklin, delves into his ancestor's incredible legacy. They explore Franklin's multifaceted career as a diplomat and public servant, his revolutionary impact on America's political ideology, and his modern views on self-interest and government. Skousen shares how Franklin's journey from poverty to wealth and his advocacy for civil discourse continue to inspire today. Their discussion highlights the profound influence of Franklin on contemporary society and the importance of legacy.

6 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 25min
This One Decision Stopped Russia From Controlling Everything
Discover the decisive moment that stopped Russia from gaining total control in the geopolitical landscape. This conversation unveils the strategic implications of this pivotal choice, shaping today's power dynamics. The discussion invites listeners to reflect and share their views, making it an engaging experience. Plus, the host sprinkles in a tasty promotional offer that adds a fun twist to the informative dialogue.

Sep 4, 2025 • 34min
September 2025 Q&A - Work-Life Balance, Working in the White House & Biggest Regrets
The discussion dives into the pressures of work-life balance, particularly from a White House perspective. Personal anecdotes illustrate struggles and lessons learned. Listener questions lead to insights on fitness, daily routines, and the importance of a positive mindset. Emphasis is placed on youth accountability and civic responsibilities. Classic literature's influence on leadership is explored, alongside resilience in the face of public failures. The conversation wraps up with reflections on adaptability, teamwork in hiring, and the evolving nature of relationships.

9 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 32min
Why We’re Working Ourselves to Death
Juliet Schor, an economist and sociology professor at Boston College, delves into the pervasive issue of overwork in modern society. She discusses the need for a work-life balance and critiques societal pressures that lead to burnout. Highlights include an exploration of the four-day workweek, contrasting American and Italian work cultures, and the significant productivity and well-being benefits it could bring. Schor also addresses the positive environmental impact of reduced working hours, advocating for innovative workplace strategies and a rethinking of labor in the age of AI.


