Off the Cupp with S.E. Cupp

On this week's Talkin' Politics, SE untangles the news of one of the more bizarre and alarming weeks we’ve had in a string of bizarre and alarming weeks. After President Trump threatened that “a whole civilization will die tonight” in Iran, he pulled his finger off the button and claimed victory. Global energy prices are still up, our allies are still rattled, the Gulf states are still being bombed, and some are calling for the 25th amendment to remove the president from office, a proposition that SE unpacks with her guest Dr. Rebecca Lubot.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, S.E. continues her guest-related Sorkin-issance with Josh Malina! Malina, who has been described as Sorkin's good luck charm, takes listeners behind the scenes of his roles and shows, including Sports Night and The West Wing. He also shares stories about mooching off the screenwriter in his early days of acting. The pair talk about their shared love of theater, why listening to music brings up all the feels, and what we all find so comforting about 90s TV. There's so much good stuff here, from parenting, to navigating self-doubt in Hollywood, to the reboot everyone needs. And stay tuned for some very controversial hot takes in the lighting round!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Talkin' Politics, SE breaks down the news of the week, from above where the Artemis II is headed on a historic trip around the moon, to (far) below, where President Trump finally delivered his first national address on the Iran war, more than a month after it began. The speech may have been meant to quell the concerns of a skeptical public, but instead, it exposed just how poorly this incursion was thought out. In the second block, SE is joined to unpack all of it with historian and fellow space enthusiast Douglas Brinkley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why, in this day and age, is there still such a shroud over women's health? It's wild that half of the planet experiences perimenopause (and its varied symptoms) and yet there's very little public and private discussions about it! If you're a close listener of the show, you'll know perimenopause has come up in conversations with Sherry Shepherd and Heather Dubrow, among others. There’s obviously a need. Because saying the quiet things out loud is what SE loves to do, she's dedicating a whole episode of Off the Cupp to perimenopause, the myths, the honest truths, and what can help! Joining S.E. is resident expert Dr. Mary Clair Haver, a board certified OBGYN and founder of Mary Claire Wellness, which focuses on women's health in midlife. She also has several books out on the subject, including The New Menopause and The New Perimenopause. So, let's get comfy — while we get uncomfortable — and dive in!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Talkin' Politics, we return to Trump's favorite topic — the Iran war. It's not that he's NOT talking about the war. Trump talks about it all the time! It's just that what he says doesn't make any sense. One day he screams, "The war is practically won!" The next moment it's, "The war needs winning! Another day he claims the war is practically over! The next moment he warns it could go on for a while. He practically rolls his eyes at the suggestion that this war would require boots on the ground. And the next moment, it's (you guessed it) we'll probably have boots on the ground. So ... what's really going on? S.E. has a professional Trump translator in her friend, CNN colleague and lead global security analyst at the Washington Post, Josh Rogin. Rogin tells us what we're not being told about the Iran war. And more from S.E.'s hot take on the week! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, S.E. continues her streak of broadcast-legend guests (see: Sally Jessy Raphael, Ricky Lake, Josh Mankiewicz, Andy Cohen, & more!) with Craig Kilborn! Craig talks about being the original Daily Show host, his dream-job late night spot, and how, after a career getting to do a little bit of everything, Craig is finally doing something he's really pinned for — and he breaks that news right here on Off the Cupp!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Talkin' Politics, S.E. wonders, what is Tulsi Gabbard's end game? The Director of National Intelligence embarrassed herself during a hearing on the Hill this week defending Trump's decision to go to war with Iran and that's after spending her political career fighting the very existence of endless wars. Confusing! But also, did you know there's STILL a government shutdown going on? If you've traveled lately, you've probably felt the sting. If you haven't yet, just you wait because if Congress can't right this ship, airports are going to shut down just in time for spring break. What a thrill to be an American! S.E. gets into all of it with her CNN colleague and host of the TrailBlaze podcast, Jamal Simmons. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, S.E. chats with Barstool Sports’ Kevin Clancy (KFC) about social media, his decision to end his popular podcast, and how he navigates internet fame, virality (not the good kind), and staying authentic. They talk controversies, share strong opinions, and offer advice for aspiring content creators (advice that S.E. isn’t taking personally). And stay tuned for a very fresh lightning round and everybody’s favorite subject … pizza.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S.E. is back with her producers Lauren and Derrick to discuss all the news that's fit to sip, including an alarming attack by the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services on S.E. spiritual home, Dunkin’ Donuts. Plus, Lauren reports on the “damn fine cups of coffee” she had on a recent visit to a Twin Peaks gathering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Talkin’ Politics, S.E. lays out the many baffling statements President Trump has made regarding the war in Iran, its progress, and its objectives. He doesn’t sound like a president talking about war. Then, S.E. dives further into the week’s news with former Pennsylvania representative Charlie Dent.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh this is fun! This week, S.E. gets to spend an hour with the hilarious and delightful Phil Rosenthal, TV writer, producer and host, best known for the long-running sitcom Everybody Loves Raymond and his Netflix food/travel series, Somebody Feed Phil. S.E. and Phil get into his early acting desires, how 'Raymond' came to be, and how he manages the rejection inherent in the business (not to mention the business's rocky evolution). He shares some of the real-life stories that made his beloved sitcom so relatable and talks about his love of diners (and why he recently opened his own.). Also, Phil and his daughter, Lily, just released their second children's book, Just Try It! Someplace New (available now), a picture book about anxiety and change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a week (de ja vu) and S.E. attempts to tackle it all on this week's episode of Talkin' Politics. Where to begin. There's the Texas primaries and what the results mean for the midterms. There's the war with Iran that we are now engaged in. And the week capped off with the Department of Homeland Security Secretary, Kristi Noem getting unceremoniously fired. And S.E. gets into all of it with her friend and former Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Buckle up!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you're a close listener of Off the Cupp, you will have picked up on one of the themes running through a lot of S.E.'s conversations — midlife. S.E. has talked with guests from Wings' Steven Weber to comedian Sherri Shepherd, to The West Wing's Janel Maloney about this moment in life where you start to take stock of your life and career, often fighting or leaning into this feeling of upheaval. But why is this period so tumultuous and how can we make it work for us? On this episode of Off the Cupp, S.E. dives into these questions with someone exploring them and this topic deeply. Author and journalist Stacey Lindsay shares the insights she learned writing her forthcoming book, Being 40: The Decade of Letting Go — and Embracing Who We Are (pre-order now). There's lots to learn about the emotional, physical, and sometimes existential tenor of this decade — whether you’re past it, in it, or looking down the 40s pipeline. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Talkin' Politics, S.E. tackles Trump's grand delusions from his State of the Union speech and the very real disaster ahead for Republicans who are trying to get reelected in Trump's dismal economy. What are Republicans to do? How about cook up a national emergency that will give Trump extraordinary power over voting? That’s what a 17-page draft executive order suggests — that Republicans are out of policy ideas and their only solution for staying in power is to rig the election to win it. S.E. is joined by The Bulwark's Tim Miller to talk about it all!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S.E. gets candid this week with her friend and CNN colleague, Dana Bash on the challenges of journalism, the impact of politics on their personal lives, and the ways they find escape in pop culture. They dive into Dana's career, the sisterhood she found in media and her dream job (if she's being totally honest). Dana also reveals the thing that she's done that's scarier than moderating a presidential debate (because of course she's done that, too).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, S.E. sits down with her producers Lauren and Derrick to taste-test the I.P.-branded coffee creamers she mentioned in her last T.C. episode: creamers based on Harry Potter and Paris Hilton. Is the taste magical? Or do you need to be born with glitter in your veins to think so? Come for our answers to those questions, stay for all the news that’s fit to sip.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S.E. sits down with ICON Sally Jessy Raphael to talk about her incredible career in journalism and as a talk show host. Sally takes us back to her days on the radio, reporting in the field, and famous glasses. Sally, who spent more than 40 years in Puerto Rico, talks Bad Bunny and the island that she loves. Stay tuned for Sally's very strong feelings about France and why she's actually an introvert. It's an unforgettable conversation and S.E. gets to share why Sally is such an icon and influence for her.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Talkin' Politics, S.E. takes a look at Trump’s latest poll numbers, which show cratering support on even his signature issues of immigration and the economy. Trump roundly defeated Biden in 2024, but voters are now saying they prefer his job performance to Trump’s. Then, she looks ahead to the Democratic Party’s plans for the midterms with her guest, Pennsylvania Congressman Brendan Boyle.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, S.E. invites back her first repeat guest! Andy Ostroy is a writer, producer, director, podcast host, nonprofit founder, and a candy store owner. In his first interview, Andy shared the tragic story of his late wife — the actress, director, and screenwriter Adrienne Shelley — her brutal murder in 2006, and Andy's fight for justice. If you haven't listened to that, start there. This time, S.E. and Andy explore mental health in this age of political and just general news coverage. They talk about the ever-evolving media landscape, the surprising therapeutic benefits of Substack and they dive into some news, including the Epstein files, the 2028 presidential election and Trump's health.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's Talkin' Politics ... where to begin. How about Trump's proposal that we nationalize elections?! This, of course, is despite the Constitution's insistence they be decentralized. But when has the Constitution ever stopped Trump from dreaming big. S.E. unpacks the dangers of this, the very real preparations some states are taking in the event of a 'federal intervention' in our midterm elections, and more.  She's joined by CNN legal analyst Elie Honig who weighs in on the threat to the midterms and several other big stories, including Epstein. He also brings a fantastic Clinton story. Stay tuned!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the thrills of having this podcast is that S.E. gets to sit down for a luxurious amount of time with her friends. And this episode is a special one for that reason. S.E. brings on her friend and fellow journalist Alisyn Camerota. They talk about Alisyn's nostalgia for the 'unpainted' punk 80s, why she was an "impatient and problematic employee" in her early days, their shared experiences at Fox News and carving out a life and a career in an unstable industry. They also dig into family life, relationships, and grief, which is still fresh for Alisyn who lost her husband to cancer in 2024. It's an emotional conversation but a fun one, too. Alisyn Camerota is an award-winning journalist and author of Combat Love. Find out more about her retreat here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Talkin' Politics, S.E. talks shifting vibes and rhetoric around the ICE presence in Minneapolis, the continued verbal hypocrisies of the Trump administration and the tension between an inner circle that doesn't really want to change tactics and Republican lawmakers who can see the writing on the wall for 2026. Speaking of which, S.E. gives her hot, hot take on the midterms and brings on journalist and friend, Jamal Simmons to help suss out 2028 (yes) and the Democratic contenders. Get more of Jamal at his Kill the Spider Substack and Trailblazer, his 2028 presidential campaign podcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you are a Bravo fan, this is a very special episode for you (and S.E.). S.E. get's to dish with one of her favorite Bravolebrities, Heather Dubrow, from the Real Housewives of Orange County, Malibu Country, Hot in Cleveland, and so many more. And it's a very full conversation about anxiety, parenthood, the joy — and chaos — of reality TV and finding yourself despite the pressure of it all. If you're looking from some relief from the news, you're in the right place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Trump continues to saber-rattle through Davos, threatening to take Greenland, a sovereign Danish territory, S.E. wonders on today's Talkin' Politics, what do the Danes think of all this? At home, the Greenland grab seems to be popular with no one outside of Trump's inner circle. And Trump's increasingly unhinged, "mine, mine, mine" global political strategy is not only unsettling American markets, but potentially severing America from its longstanding allies. And for what? S.E gives you her hot take and talks to someone living through the other side of this — Danish journalist, Niels Overgaard.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

OK, get excited musical fans because this is the theatrical deep dive of S.E.'s dreams. S.E. sits down with Marisha Wallace, who has starred in so many fantastic shows in the West End, London, including Dreamgirls, Hairspray, Guys and Dolls and most recently as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway. Marisha talks about what it was like finding her way from a country hog farm to the stage, how the roles for her were extremely limited as a Black woman and what — or who — changed that. Marisha also gives S.E. a peek into her life in London, her connection to the Royal Family, her stint on the UK-loved reality show, Big Brother, and the roles she's dying to play. Stay tuned for a very theatrical lightning round! And check out Marisha's album, Live in London, out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, S.E. shares with her producers Lauren and Derrick a disturbing revelation that may explain why airplane coffee tastes the way it does. Then, is going for coffee a sensible first date option or a red flag? Plus, S.E. makes good on her promise to reveal her extensive Aladdin memorabilia collection.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to another jam-packed week in Trump's America. S.E. shares her hot take on the deep irony of Trump's pro-Democracy message to Iranian protestors while federal agents continue to use violent force against protesters right here at home. There's a lot to unpack. And stay tuned for S.E.'s interview with Philip Mudd, someone S.E. goes to for the real inside scoop on national security issues. The former counterterrorism expert who worked both the CIA and the FBI, weighs in on Greenland, Trump's new regime-change hobby, and whether the rule of law will survive, even if we do.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, our resident reality TV obsessive gets to sit down with realty TV OG star, Nicole Polizzi, or Snooki, from Jersey Shore. S.E. and Nicole dive into the behind-the-scenes of the making of that early reality TV series, her thoughts on her cast mates — then and now — and what she thinks about reality TV now. Nicole talks about how she was able to transform her reality TV career into a Jessica-Simpson-like empire and if she'll continue doing the spin-offs. Stay Tuned for a very GTL lightning round! If you want more Snooki, keep an eye out for a new ghost-hunting series called Snooki: Paranormal Rookie and show Snooki'e closet at The Snooki Shop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Talkin' Politics is back and barely a week into this new year there's already so much to talk about, including Trump's abrupt pivot to nation building? While Trump and his surrogates decide why they bombed Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, S.E. ruminates on Trump's signature policy: America First. Since the height of that isolationist marketing pitch, something's changed. S.E. gives her hot take on it all and asks her guest, former New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman, is there a line in the sand for Trump's MAGA followers? Also, S.E.'s checks in with Larry Beinhart, author of the 1993 novel American Hero, which became the basis for the movie Wag the Dog, about a politically cooked-up, made-for-TV war to benefit a sitting president. Fitting?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The first episode of 2026 and it’s a big one! S.E. sits down with fellow M***hole, Denis Leary in a super fun and hilarious conversation about Denis’ childhood, his path to acting and his favorite early work. The two also can’t help but dive into all things Boston and S.E. forced Denis to reveal some of his favorite spots in the area. Denis shares his thoughts on humor, some hilarious stories about his family, and sports is the thing that truly drives him. Stay tuned for a very Boston lightning round and — prepare yourselves! — the accents come out! Catch Denis Leary in Oh. What. Fun, streaming now on Amazon Prime. And the second season of Going Dutch starts January 15th on Hulu.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy New Year’s Eve! If you’re an avid listener, you know how S.E. likes to end her interviews, with her favorite question: When is iced coffee season? And if you’re an avid listener, you’ll know there’s a right and wrong answer. What better way to recap the year — and look back a the fantastic slew of guests S.E. had — than by remembering who’s on the right side of this all important question, and who we’ll still love anyway.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, we're sharing a favorite Off the Cupp episode from 2024: a conversation with Larry Wilmore. In it, S.E. and Larry talked about Rob Reiner and his dad, Carl Reiner. It was a really good conversation about so many things, from parenting to comedy, but it just so happened that the Reiners' figured prominently. And since, surely, S.E. isn't alone in thinking a lot about Rob Reiner and his movies, we thought this episode would be a nice replay episode this Christmas Eve if you didn't get a chance to hear it the first time. S.E. shares one of her favorite Rob Reiner movies. If you want to share your favorite Rob Reiner movie with S.E. email us at [email protected] and we may revisit the subject in a future episode.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tis the season to reflect back on a year that, more than anything else, was marked by intra-party fights. S.E. recaps the many ways the Democrats and Republicans — and MAGA — are their own worst enemies. Has fighting just become the point? S.E. also singles out Ben Shapiro’s Talking Points USA speech. Shapiro has been called courageous for condemning his own people — some of whom were speaking on the very same stage — for poisoning the conservative movement from within. But S.E. thinks Shapiro didn’t go far enough. (and you can read more on her Substack). And S.E.'s guest, former New York representative, Biden White House adviser, and current senior adviser to Vote Vets, Max Rose, also weighs in on the battle inside of MAGA and what Democrats should really be focusing on.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the holiday season, and that can often mean a mixed bag for mental health. Between all the joy and merriment (and Hallmark movies), there’s often also the extra burden of shorter days, familial complications, the pressure of expectations, and loneliness. Luckily for all of us who experience that full holiday cheer-to-anxiety spectrum, S.E.’s guest this week is comedian Aparna Nancherla. Aparna has a new special out on Dropout, Hopeful Potato, and she (like so many comedians, it seems) has particularly keen insights about dealing with mental health challenges. She sat down with S.E. to talk about why she is holding the holidays more lightly and why comedy is so great at exploring, as she put it, “the smallness of life that can end up feeling so big.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

S.E. is back with her producers Lauren and Derrick to discuss all the news that's fit to sip, including an in-flight coffee controversy, celebrity coffee brands, how coffee can help blueberries last longer in the fridge, and the personality traits associated with French press coffee drinkers. But first, a mug triggers the realization of an important shared connection among the three pour-over pundits: a shared obsession with Disney's Aladdin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Talkin' Politics, Trump finally returns to the issue his voters care about — affordability. But instead of outlining all the ways he intends to improve the economy, Trump this week gaslit voters, telling them the economy is great and their feelings on the matter don't matter. Well, S.E. has some thoughts. And stay tuned for a chat with Steve Israel, former longtime New York congressman who knows a little something about midterm elections. Also, S.E. and Steve talk about his new book that’s out now, called The Einstein Conspiracy — a historical thriller about a Nazi plot to abduct Albert Einstein.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, S.E. talks to Chris Noth, known for his memorable roles on Sex and the City and Law and Order. Chris talks about those iconic projects, but SE and Chris go deep on childhood and the loss of his father, how a boarding school in upstate New York saved him, what he's learned about mental health and men, acting regrets, and what Me Too taught him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's Talkin' Politics, S.E. sits down with Emmy-nominated producer and writer Scott Stenholm. Scott comes with some really important insights into the role Hollywood should and shouldn't play in our lives. He's also thinking a lot about our collective, social-media-related mental-health crisis and how Hollywood — and the narrative storytelling it excels at — can help. If, that is, Hollywood can get it together.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Technically yes, S.E. is sitting down with a politician this week, and keen listeners know that Off the Cupp is S.E.'s break from all that. But Andrew Yang is an exception to the rule. He's also a dad, ice cream addict, entrepreneur, and consistent risk taker who ran for president in 2020 despite having no previous political experience. Today, Andrew is once again trying to shake up the political system with his centrist political party, Forward Party. Andrew's also thinking a lot about our tech additions and, through his new company Noble Mobil, is trying to improve our mental health when it comes to our screens. Stay tuned for a very surprising lightning round — you'll never guess which reality shows Andrew has been asked to join!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week, S.E. gets to talk shop with one of the greatest writers working today, Susan Orlean. Susan Orlean is known for her long-form, immersive profiles that take readers into seemingly ordinary but absolutely extraordinary worlds, from orchid collecting, to competitive surfing, and teenage suburban life. And now, she's turning that keen eye for detail on herself. S.E. and Susan talk about the pressure and privilege of writing, the pain of writing about yourself, and the changing journalism landscape. Susan takes us down some of her craziest reporting rabbit holes and behind the scenes of Adaptation, the wild award winning movie based on her book, The Orchid Thief. And stay tuned for a very writerly lightning round. Susan's memoir, Joy Ride, is out know.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is it that two of the biggest stories in politics today are that MAGA influencers with massive platforms are whitewashing neo-Nazis and pedophilia? Hear S.E.'s take on just how low MAGA will sink to twist reality to defend MAGA's a-moral faction (that Trump opened the door for in 2016, by the way) or help launder Jeffrey Epstein's posthumous reputation. To what end? Also, S.E. gets NewsNation anchor Leland Vittert's take on some of stories of the week. Leland Vittert's new memoir, Born Lucky: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism, is out now.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rahm Emanuel has many former big titles attached to his name: President Obama's chief of staff, mayor of Chicago, ambassador to Japan. He also has a pretty hefty — potential — future title (*cough* 2028 presidential contender) attached to his name as of late. But that's not what S.E. and Rahm are here to talk about. In this episode, the two dig into Rahm's past, his family, his pivots and passions, and maybe a little bit of politics sprinkled in. The two also get to nerd out on a surprising number of parallel paths and hobbies, from ballet to fly fishing. And if you're feeling a little lost in the murky language of fly fishing, check out S.E.'s very alluring fly fishing vocab break down bonus episode. It might just make you want to wade into the hobby.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.