The Beat with Ari Melber

April 3, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on the latest developments in the Iran war and is joined by retired four-star Army General Barry McCaffrey and Ambassador Dennis Ross. Melber also reports on the firing of Pam Bondi as attorney general after a 14-month tenure leading the Department of Justice. Bondi is the second member of Donald Trump’s Cabinet to be forced out this term. Melber is joined by New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon and Pulitzer Prize–winning columnist Eugene Robinson. 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.

April 2, 2026; 6pm; President Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after just 14 months leading the DOJ. MS NOW’s Melissa Murray reports, joined by The New York Times’ Molly Jong-Fast and former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann. Plus, Trump is facing new heat as the endgame in Iran remains unclear. 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.

April 1, 2026; 6pm; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins MS NOW’s Melissa Murray on "The Beat" to discuss President Trump’s war in Iran, escalating clashes over ICE and more. Plus, NASA’s Artemis II sends astronauts on a historic mission around the moon. Retired NASA astronaut John “Danny” Olivas joins for analysis. 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 31, 2026; 6pm; The Supreme Court will hear arguments on President Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann. Plus, Melber reports on the latest in the Iran war and is joined by Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman for analysis. 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 30, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ayman Mohyeldin reports on the impact of the massive "No Kings" protests. The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and Leah Greenberg, co-executive director of "Indivisible" join. Plus, Mohyeldin reports on the war in Iran and growing questions about President Trump's lack of strategy and growing risk of escalation. Paul Rieckhoff, national security and political analyst, joins. 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, Ari Melber and Dylan Ratigan break down the Iran war and “rigged” Wall Street, while Molly Jong-Fast fact-checks Donald Trump’s biggest campaign promises. 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 27, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on the eve of the nationwide “No Kings” protests, with more than 3,000 demonstrators expected across the country. Plus, Melber is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration, for an extended conversation on the latest developments 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 26, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on President Trump’s plummeting approval ratings amid the Iran war and rising gas prices, and is joined by legendary political strategist James Carville. Plus, iconic director Baz Luhrmann joins Melber to discuss his new project “EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert,” working with Jay-Z on The Great Gatsby soundtrack and more. 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 25, 2026; 6pm; Congress is searching for answers as questions mount surrounding Jeffrey Epstein’s death in jail. It follows a bombshell report revealing that "bags" of documents were shredded and thrown away at the jail just days after Epstein died. The Miami Herald’s Julie K. Brown, the journalist who broke the story, joins MS NOW’s Ari Melber. Plus, a California jury found Google and Meta liable for social media addiction. The companies will have to pay six million dollars in damages. 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 24, 2026; 6pm; A bombshell report from The Miami Herald reveals that "bags" of documents were shredded and thrown away at the New York jail where Epstein died just days after it happened. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports. Plus, Melber breaks down the chaos at airports nationwide as President Trump deploys ICE agents to allegedly "assist" overwhelmed TSA workers amid the ongoing DHS shutdown. 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 23, 2026; 6pm; Confusion is swirling around Donald Trump’s war in Iran, now entering its fourth week, as Trump backs off a potentially illegal threat to “obliterate” civilian power plants. Plus, the NTSB holds a press conference after a regional Air Canada jet collided with a Port Authority airport vehicle at LaGuardia Airport in New York City, killing two people. 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, legendary hip-hop artist, actor and businessman 50 Cent joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber to discuss his new television broadcast deal with Fox and the 2024 election. Plus, 50 Cent celebrates 20 years of “Get Rich or Die Tryin,” and reflects on making music alongside Eminem and Dr. Dre. 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 20, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on President Trump's attempted power grabs and is joined by Ty Cobb, former White House attorney during the first Trump administration. Plus, “Track Star” host Jack Coyne and Rolling Stone veteran Gus Wenner join to discuss how the upstart show has become a destination and what it signals for the future of digital media. Melber also reports on the latest developments in Iran. 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 19, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports on new testimony from Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime lawyer before the House Oversight Committee. Nancy Erika Smith, renowned civil rights attorney, joins to discuss. Plus, Melber reports on the drawbacks and benefits of the music streaming era. Melber also covers Bad Bunny topping both global and U.S. charts, his Super Bowl performance as a ratings hit and why MAGA backlash and online meltdowns failed to resonate with viewers. Neil Shah, longtime music and culture reporter, joins. 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 18, 2026; 6pm; President Trump’s DOJ is being pressed for hiding more Epstein documents. Top House Oversight lawmakers met with embattled Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy AG Todd Blanche over hiding files and alleged abuse of redactions. MS NOW’s Ari Melber reports, joined by New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon. Plus, Melber reports on the latest in Iran. 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 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.

March 9 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Ari Melber is joined by a panel of experts to discuss the latest developments in President Trump’s war with Iran. Guests include former Under Secretary of State Rick Stengel, CNBC senior economics reporter Steve Liesman, and legendary Democratic strategist James Carville. 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, hear MS NOW’s Ari Melber in conversation with Tom Hanks for an in-depth discussion about his novel, "The Making of Another Motion Picture Masterpiece", his iconic films, doing the right thing, and who he thinks should play him in a biopic. This installment is part of The Summit Series with Ari Melber, featuring conversations with leaders at the top of their fields. 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 6 2026; 6pm; MS NOW’s Jason Johnson sits down with economist Justin Wolfers and award-winning author Juanita Tolliver to break down President Trump’s sputtering economy. Plus, Congressman Seth Moulton to discuss the latest on 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.

In this podcast extra, longtime Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein discusses current U.S. policy, inequality, AI, the current risk of a "bubble," criticism of Wall St. and Goldman Sachs, Pres. Trump's trade war and Federal Reserve meddling, and Blankfein's career, in this wide-ranging discussion. Blankfein also outlines how to assess risk, a functioning market, investor discipline, what money is good for and if any amount is "too much" for one person - and his new book, "Streetwise: Getting to and Through Goldman Sachs." This interview is a new installment of 'The Summit Series with Ari Melber,’ featuring discussions with leaders at the summit of their fields 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 5, 2026; 6pm; Kristi Noem has been ousted as secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. MS NOW's Ari Melber reports and is joined by Ty Cobb, who served as a White House lawyer during Trump's first term. 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 4, 2026; 6pm; Former DNC Chair Howard Dean joins MS NOW's Ari Melber on "The Beat" to discuss the latest political developments, including the Iran war, President Trump’s approval rating and the start of the 2026 midterm elections. Plus, the House Oversight Committee has voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi, with five Republicans voting yes. Melber reports on the escalating pressure on President Trump’s DOJ over its handling of the Epstein files. 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 3, 2026; 6pm; The 2026 midterms kick off tonight with primaries in three states, unfolding at a critical moment in the Trump presidency. MS NOW's Ari Melber breaks down the political stakes, from the president’s controversial war with Iran and widespread frustration over the economy to the Epstein scandal looming over the administration. MS NOW Senior Contributing Editor Michele Norris and Reverend Al Sharpton 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 2, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber reports on escalating attacks in the Mideast and more U.S. forces heading to the region. Plus, Donald Trump's war with Iran now creating a rift with his base and to his own campaign promises. 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.

The legal and journalistic scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein's horrific crimes was slow and late - Ari & NYT's Emily Bazelon discuss that problem, dynamics behind the scenes, and how the main story was never a "conspiracy theory." Then Russian-American novelist Gary Shteyngart tackles parallels between Putin and Trump. These NEW interviews are a Beat bonus from our new 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.