The Daily Beast Podcast
The Daily Beast, Joanna Coles
The Daily Beast Podcast is as wildly exciting, energizing, and entertaining as the topics it covers. Hosted by Joanna Coles, Chief Content Officer of the Daily Beast, each episode delivers the people and politics coverage you need—straight from the Daily Beast newsroom.
Conversations have featured voices like John Oliver, Mary Trump, and Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside sharp, incisive takes each week from show regular David Rothkopf.
It’s like the best dinner party you’ve ever been to, just without the food.
New episodes every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; early drops on YouTube.
If you’re not already a subscriber to The Daily Beast, it’s easy! Just go to thedailybeast.com to sign up.
Conversations have featured voices like John Oliver, Mary Trump, and Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside sharp, incisive takes each week from show regular David Rothkopf.
It’s like the best dinner party you’ve ever been to, just without the food.
New episodes every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday; early drops on YouTube.
If you’re not already a subscriber to The Daily Beast, it’s easy! Just go to thedailybeast.com to sign up.
Episodes
Mentioned books
10 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 45min
Why World Leaders Think Trump's an Idiot: Rothkopf
David Rothkopf, a prominent columnist and CEO of Deep State Radio, joins the discussion to analyze Donald Trump's erratic return to Davos. He emphasizes how this year’s summit shifted from prestige to fear, particularly among European leaders impacted by Trump’s bullying and erratic remarks. Rothkopf highlights the immediate fallout, including frozen EU trade talks and market jitters. He warns of a historic rupture in transatlantic relations and critiques Trump’s impact on alliances, leaving listeners with a provocative look at international dynamics.
18 snips
Jan 21, 2026 • 1h 1min
These Are Trump's Biggest Achilles' Heels: Wolff
Michael Wolff, a seasoned journalist known for his insider insights into the Trump presidency, dissects the pervasive myth of Trump as a mastermind strategist. He argues that Trump's dominance stems from a performance-driven persona rather than calculated strategy. They explore key vulnerabilities, including the economy and immigration issues, while also highlighting how Trump's impulsive social media posts often shape policy. Wolff also critiques the transactional nature of Trump's diplomacy, exposing a potential grift tied to family profits.
18 snips
Jan 20, 2026 • 60min
Why Trump's Crimes Require Punishment: Candidate
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Maine and an oyster farmer, discusses accountability and the need for investigations into Trump’s crimes. He tackles controversial topics like the Epstein files and the weaponization of ICE, asserting that even Trump supporters feel betrayed. Platner shares his journey from oyster farming to politics, critiques local politicians, and advocates for universal health care. He emphasizes the importance of grassroots representation and the necessity of punishing abuses of power.
17 snips
Jan 19, 2026 • 59min
I Know What Trump's Cover-Up Is Really About
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a Texas representative and rising Senate candidate, dives into the chaotic climate of Capitol Hill amidst intense pressures from MAGA loyalty and intimidation tactics. She discusses the fight for transparency with the Epstein files and the eroding influence of Congress over foreign policy decisions. Crockett also shares her motivations for running for Senate, emphasizing the importance of protecting voting rights and expanding the electorate, while drawing inspiration from mentors like Kamala Harris and Stacey Abrams.
Jan 18, 2026 • 47min
How Trump’s Insurrection Act Threat is Backfiring
Michael Wolff, an insightful author and commentator known for his sharp political analyses, joins Joanna Coles to delve into Trump's provocative use of the Insurrection Act. They explore how Trump's strategy of chaos may backfire, particularly in light of public outrage and armed policing issues. Wolff questions the Democratic response and the silence of past presidents like Obama and Bush. He highlights the critical role of Minneapolis as a turning point for resistance, while dismantling the mismatch between Trump's rhetoric and global realities.
12 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 1h 3min
Trump Knows Epstein Could Be His Mortal Threat
Michael Wolff, an insightful author and media commentator, joins to dissect Donald Trump's chaotic presidency. They explore Trump's obsession with controlling media narratives and the implications of CBS's transformation under corporate influence. Wolff touches on Trump's territorial fantasies about places like Greenland as distractions from deeper issues, and unpacks how ongoing Epstein revelations present a real political threat. The discussion also highlights Trump's tactics of targeting elite cities to energize his base.
16 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 1h 7min
How Desperate Trump Could Kill Democracy: Toobin
Jeffrey Toobin, a legal analyst and New York Times contributor, dives deep into the current threats to democracy posed by Donald Trump. He discusses how Trump has tightened control over the Justice Department and the uneasy alignment of Congressional Republicans. Toobin highlights the Supreme Court's shift from a check on presidential power to an enabler, with potential implications for controversial rulings on tariffs and birthright citizenship. He also explores the challenges of restoring integrity amidst politicization in federal agencies.
17 snips
Jan 14, 2026 • 1h 6min
This Proves Trump Knows He's In Big Trouble: Wolff
Journalist Michael Wolff, known for his incisive takes on American politics, delves into Donald Trump's troubling mindset as midterms approach. He reveals how Trump uses headline-grabbing foreign policies like Venezuela and Greenland as distractions. The conversation also highlights Trump’s inability to accept blame, resulting in chaos among his staff. Wolff describes the strain on allies and how Trump's actions are driven by what 'plays' in public, showcasing a presidency that prioritizes spectacle over stability.
18 snips
Jan 13, 2026 • 56min
This Is How Trump Goons Exploit His Mental Decline
David Rothkopf, a former Clinton administration official and foreign-policy commentator, joins Joanna Coles to dissect Trump's cognitive decline and how aides like Stephen Miller exploit it for extreme policies. They highlight the shifting political landscape, where immigration is becoming a liability, and GOP distancing is evident. The conversation ventures into 2026 insanity, the cultural significance of the Melania movie, and the dangers posed by Trump’s authoritarian tendencies. It’s a sharp, insightful look at today's turbulent political climate.
24 snips
Jan 12, 2026 • 41min
This Is What Greedy Trump's Really Up To With Oil
Anthony Scaramucci, the former White House Communications Director and a keen political commentator, joins Joanna Coles for an insightful discussion on Trump's maneuvers regarding Venezuela. He delves into the motivations behind the chaos, citing oil and self-enrichment as core drivers. Scaramucci also critiques Trump's penchant for cruelty and spectacle, examines the unsettling rise of ICE violence, and discusses why Republican allies like Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance have been sidelined. He paints a picture of a focused and transactional Trump, raising alarms about the implications for American democracy.
