Mea Culpa

Michael Cohen sits down with Maria Cardona to break down Donald Trump’s recent 19-minute address to the nation—and why many are questioning what was actually said. From repeated talking points that mirror his Truth Social posts to ongoing confusion surrounding the U.S.–Iran conflict, Cohen and Cardona unpack the messaging, the contradictions, and the bigger picture behind a war that’s becoming increasingly difficult to follow. Is this strategy…or just noise? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Michael Cohen sits down with Richard Ojeda for a no-holds-barred conversation about what it truly means to serve your country. From their shared perspectives on leadership and accountability to the growing frustration with politics as usual in Washington, the two dive deep into the state of the nation and the values they believe are missing from today’s leadership. It’s a candid, unfiltered discussion about patriotism, integrity, and why both men believe Washington is in desperate need of leaders willing to put country over politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Michael Cohen sits down with journalist and bestselling author Michael Wolff for a wide-ranging conversation about the lawsuit involving Melania Trump and the broader dynamics inside Trump world. Wolff breaks down the details of the case, what’s at stake, and how it fits into the larger pattern of legal battles surrounding Donald Trump and his inner circle. The discussion also explores media coverage, political implications, and what these ongoing conflicts reveal about power, influence, and accountability. This is an inside look at one of the latest developments connected to Trump—and the bigger story behind it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the podcast, Michael Cohen and Brian Karem take a hard look at the growing divisions tearing through American politics and society. From escalating global conflicts to deepening partisan warfare at home, the country feels more fractured than ever. Michael and Brian break down the dangerous consequences of a nation increasingly defined by political tribalism, misinformation, and leaders who profit from keeping Americans angry at one another. They ask the big question: when a country stops listening to itself, what happens next? If history tells us anything, it’s that a divided nation is a vulnerable one. Because in moments like this, one thing becomes painfully clear... divided we are doomed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael’s first guest in this new era is Malcolm Nance, a globally recognized intelligence and national security expert, bestselling author, and former U.S. Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer specializing in counterterrorism and intelligence operations. Nance has spent decades analyzing global threats, advising on national security, and providing insight into geopolitical strategy. He is also the author of several influential books on extremism, cybersecurity, and international security. In this powerful conversation, Michael and Malcolm break down the latest political developments, and discuss the rise and fall of Kristi Noem. Happy listening. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, we’re revisiting a conversation from August with Army veteran, former congressional candidate, and democracy advocate Marcus Flowers. Together, we examined Donald Trump’s accelerating authoritarian instincts, from secret meetings with Vladimir Putin and sidelining U.S. allies to weaponizing the Department of Justice against critics. Grounded in Flowers’ military and national security experience, this conversation remains strikingly relevant as we break down how culture wars, fear, and political spectacle are used to consolidate power, erode democratic norms, and normalize retaliation against dissent. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m revisiting a conversation with Ally Sammarco, political strategist, consultant, and content creator, to look back at Trump’s speech before Congress one year ago, and why it offers critical insight into his State of the Union address this week. Together, Ally and I broke down the dangerous patterns in Trump’s rhetoric, governing style, and reliance on fear and spectacle, and it reveals how little has actually changed. This look back puts the current moment in context, showing what Trump signals to his base, how he frames power, and why revisiting these warnings matters now more than ever. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m revisiting a November conversation with journalist and author Vicky Ward, whose reporting on Jeffrey Epstein long predated the current document releases. When we first spoke, the Epstein transparency bill had just passed; now, with portions of the files finally public, this conversation carries new weight. Ward has explained the threats Epstein made against her, her husband, and her unborn children, and explains the intimidation used to silence scrutiny. As more disturbing details emerge from the files, revisiting voices that warned us early, and exposed the government’s repeated failures of accountability, feels not just relevant, but necessary. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I’m revisiting a September conversation with Charlie Sykes, political commentator, author of “How the Right Lost Its Mind,” and MSNBC contributor. While the specific Trump controversies have changed, the nature of his leadership and the damage he causes have not. Then, the First Amendment alarms centered around Jimmy Kimmel; now, it’s Don Lemon and Georgia Fort. We also discussed Trump’s UN speech, a speech Trump once again mentioned at yesterday’s “Board of Peace” event. And the most consistent through line remains the same: the continued lack of transparency around the Epstein files. The names and moments may shift, but the patterns we identify and discuss remain just as relevant today. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today on Mea Culpa, I sit down with Jeffrey Sonnenfeld, senior associate dean at Yale School of Management, founder of the Chief Executive Leadership Institute, and author of the forthcoming book Trump’s Ten Commandments, to examine Donald Trump’s leadership style through the lens of corporate power and institutional behavior. An early critic dating back to The Apprentice, Sonnenfeld draws on decades of research on CEOs and crisis leadership, paired with my firsthand experience with Trump, to break down how he governs through intimidation, retaliation, and has an inability to accept loss. We explore why appeasement by universities, corporations, and civic institutions only accelerates democratic erosion, the risks of normalizing coercion, and whether collective resistance remains one of the most effective counterweights to abuse of power. Subscribe to Michael's Substack: https://therealmichaelcohen.substack.com/ Subscribe to Michael's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices