The Beat with Ari Melber

Howard Dean, former Vermont governor and DNC chair, offers political analysis on war, economics, and voter reaction. Ty Cobb, former White House attorney, provides legal perspective on DOJ moves and claims about concentrated power. They discuss Iran’s costs, court pushback on DOJ, loyalty tests, and what rhetoric about 'more power' really signals for institutions.

Congressional testimony over Jeffrey Epstein's lawyer and newly unredacted files raises questions about missing evidence and possible recordings. Legal calls surface to void NDAs and force disclosure for victims. A music culture segment explores Bad Bunny's chart dominance, streaming's global impact, and how the streaming economy reshapes winners and losers.

Emily Bazelon, New York Times Magazine writer and legal commentator, brings sharp legal analysis. She breaks down congressional pressure over heavily redacted Epstein files. They probe DOJ explanations, withheld records, and questions about accountability. Conversation also touches on political fallout and related national security hearings.

March 17, 2026; 6pm; The Trump administration’s top counterterrorism official, Joe Kent, has resigned. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the highest-level defection from Trump’s administration over Iran. Plus, Melber reports on how iconic artist Banksy is shaking up politics and art. Rev. Al Sharpton and The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast join. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 16, 2026; 6pm; The war with Iran enters its third week as oil prices spike and the U.S. endgame remains unclear. MS  NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest and delivers a special report on President Trump escalating attacks on the First Amendment, with former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann weighing in. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this podcast extra, Chef Mario Carbone joins Ari Melber for a conversation about restaurants, cooking and his path from shucking shrimp to building the Carbone empire. Then Ari hosts Ish from The Joe Budden Podcast for an extended discussion on rap today, Jay-Z, Jay Electronica, Lyor Cohen, haters, the impact of streaming, music that plays best outside and even the “Verizon Man.” These new interviews are a Beat bonus from our podcast series “The B-Side.” Real talk and Ari’s extended conversations off air. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 13 2026; 6pm; A Federal judge quashes grand jury subpoenas in the DOJ's probe into the Federal Reserve chair. Plus, the latest on the Iran war, with the Pentagon confirming six additional American deaths. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Jelani Cobb and Isiah Thomas. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 10 2026; 6pm; The FBI and local law enforcement agencies give briefings on attacks on Temple Israel in West Boomfield, Michigan and Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Plus, the latest on the Iran war, with mideast strikes threatening economic upheaval. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by Marc Santia, Marq Claxton, Brian Katulis, and Dylan Ratigan. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 11, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber delivers an in-depth special report, presenting a new timeline of Jeffrey Epstein’s death. Julie K. Brown, investigative journalist with the Miami Herald and leading expert on Epstein, joins Melber. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

March 10 2026; 6pm; One company backed by MAGA billionaire Larry Ellison is on track to own Paramount, Warner Bros., CNN, HBO, and CBS, along with a vast array of media properties, if its massive new $100 billion merger goes through. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports and is joined by founding partner of Puck News, Matt Belloni. Plus, Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.