The Michael Steele Podcast

Political scientist Francis Fukuyama joins The Michael Steele Podcast to discuss his new book, "Liberalism and Its Discontents." Michael and Professor Fukuyama discuss current manifestations of liberalism— the ideology that government should have limited power— and how liberalism has moved toward neoliberalism. The conversation touches on alternatives to liberalism, how liberalism ties into today's fight for individual autonomy and the ways in which tech platforms have worked to undermine liberalism.Check out the book here:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780374606718/liberalismanditsdiscontents

Michael speaks with musician, activist and writer Andre Henry about his new book, "All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep: Hope--and Hard Pills to Swallow--About Fighting for Black Lives." The pair discuss why previous movements for Black lives worked, the "militant approach to nonviolence," and how today there's a lot of passion, but not enough strategy. Check out Andre's book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673889/all-the-white-friends-i-couldnt-keep-by-andre-henry/

Michael Steele is joined by Lincoln Project Co-Founder Reed Galen to discuss the impact that overturning Roe v. Wade would have on Americans–Democrats and Republicans alike. The pair discuss the surge of people running for office who don't care about governing, the Lincoln Project's strategies for 2022 and how today's billionaires are often helping themselves more than helping others.

Michael speaks with Rick Wilson about the importance of the 2022 midterms and how the culture wars are distracting and polarizing the country from more pressing issues. The pair discuss what the Lincoln Project is doing to help the country, how to pull Republicans back and the impact of January 6th committee.

Michael Steele is joined by Michael Cohen for a Michael Squared Special. The two discuss thoughts on why the Supreme Court decision was leaked and how Roe v. Wade being overturned will impact the midterms and women's rights. The conversation touches on everything from J.D. Vance to Mark Meadows texts, Trump sycophancy, January 6th and the people willing to go to jail for Trump, despite him being "a danger to democracy." If you enjoy this podcast, leave us a review and tell your friends. And check out Michael Cohen's podcast, Mea Culpa, wherever you get your podcast on.

Michael speaks with The Nation’s justice correspondent Elie Mystal about his new book, "Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution." The pair discuss how the meaning behind amendments have evolved, Ketanji Brown Jackson's influence on the court, how cancel culture fits into the First Amendment, and who the constitution benefits today.Check out the book here: https://thenewpress.com/books/allow-me-retort

Michael speaks with Tom Nichols about the Ukraine-Russia war, including what a Ukrainian win would look like, how NATO can save Putin, how the war has impacted the U.S and why Tom describes it as a "forever war." The pair also discuss how all of the "good ones" have left the GOP, J.D Vance's campaign, why the GOP stands for nothing, according to Nichols, and how free speech will be impacted by Elon Musk's takeover of Twitter.

Michael sits down with Malcolm Nance and Dr. Jason Johnson for a barbershop discussion on current events, politics and culture. The trio discuss Ukraine, examining Zelensky's leadership and progress on the ground. Then, a look at last week's Supreme Court hearing and Cory Booker's impassioned speech. And a break-down of "The Slap" from Oscar night.

Michael speaks with musician, activist and writer Andre Henry about his new book, "All the White Friends I Couldn't Keep: Hope--and Hard Pills to Swallow--About Fighting for Black Lives." The pair discuss Andre's bicultural upbringing in the South, the power of nonviolence struggle and how this movement is different than ones we've seen before. Andre describes the moments that led him to stop debating about racism and how this has allowed more space for self-discovery and education.Check out Andre's book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/673889/all-the-white-friends-i-couldnt-keep-by-andre-henry/

Michael speaks with cannabis educator Sara Payan about developing enlightened policies, equity and legislation surrounding cannabis. The pair discuss addressing discrimination, stigma and miseducation of cannabis use, as well as the economic and health benefits that it provides.

Michael speaks with Rick Wilson about the importance of the 2022 midterms and how the culture wars are distracting and polarizing the country from more pressing issues. The pair discuss what the Lincoln Project is doing to help the country, how to pull Republicans back and the impact of January 6th committee.

Michael speaks with former Congressman and CIA officer Will Hurd about his new book, "American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done." The pair discuss restoring the Republican Party, China's long game and how the U.S can compete globally by improving its leadership and preparing for rapid technological advances.Check out Will's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/American-Reboot/Will-Hurd/9781982160708

Michael speaks with The Nation’s justice correspondent Elie Mystal about his new book, "Allow Me to Retort: A Black Guy’s Guide to the Constitution." The pair discuss how the meaning behind amendments have evolved, Ketanji Brown Jackson's influence on the court, how cancel culture fits into the First Amendment, and who the constitution benefits today. Check out the book here: https://thenewpress.com/books/allow-me-retort

Michael speaks with NYT reporter Jeremy Peters about his new book, "Insurgency: How Republicans Lost Their Party and Got Everything They Ever Wanted." The pair contextualize the disintegration of the GOP, whether Trump's Faustian bargain was worth it, how the GOP may shift from Trump's to Marjorie Taylor Greene's party and the role the media played in all of it.Check out Jeremy's book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586398/insurgency-by-jeremy-w-peters/

Michael sits down with Malcolm Nance and Dr. Jason Johnson for a barbershop discussion on current events, politics and culture. The trio discuss Ukraine, examining Zelensky's leadership and progress on the ground. Then, a look at last week's Supreme Court hearing and Cory Booker's impassioned speech. And a break-down of "The Slap" from Oscar night.

Michael speaks with cannabis educator Sara Payan about developing enlightened policies, equity and legislation surrounding cannabis. The pair discuss addressing discrimination, stigma and miseducation of cannabis use, as well as the economic and health benefits that it provides.

Michael sits with former Congressman Ed Towns, Congresswoman Stacey Plaskett and Entrepreneur Lisa Song Sutton for a roundtable discussion on minority business ownership and growth. The group discusses building generational wealth, supporting minority business opportunity and the hurdles businesses faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Michael sits down with Nancy G. Brinker, a leader of the global breast cancer movement and founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation. The pair discuss the war in Ukraine and how Nancy's experience as Chief Protocol and Ambassador to Hungary shaped her views of our current landscape and the influence of the U.S globally. They also talk about LGBTQ rights, enhancing civic education and the values of the Republican Party.

Michael speaks with former Congressman and CIA officer Will Hurd about his new book, "American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done." The pair discuss restoring the Republican Party, China's long game and how the U.S can compete globally by improving its leadership and preparing for rapid technological advances.Check out Will's book here: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/American-Reboot/Will-Hurd/9781982160708

Michael speaks with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II about our current democratic crisis and what we can do about it. The pair discuss the Poor People's Campaign, how the bible informs discussions on poverty, the impact of Build Back Better and how addressing voting rights and economic justice would transform our country.

Michael speaks with NYT reporter Jeremy Peters about his new book, "Insurgency: How Republicans Lost Their Party and Got Everything They Ever Wanted." The pair contextualize the disintegration of the GOP, whether Trump's Faustian bargain was worth it, how the GOP may shift from Trump's to Marjorie Taylor Greene's party and the role the media played in all of it.Check out Jeremy's book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/586398/insurgency-by-jeremy-w-peters/

Michael speaks with Reginald Dwayne Betts about his path to becoming a poet, Yale Law School graduate and MacArthur Fellow after being incarcerated at age sixteen. The pair discuss Dwayne's organization Freedom Reads, the language of poetry, access to books and beauty, and how true change comes from seeing our shared humanity.

Michael sits down with Nancy G. Brinker, a leader of the global breast cancer movement and founder of the Susan G. Komen foundation. The pair discuss the war in Ukraine and how Nancy's experience as Chief Protocol and Ambassador to Hungary shaped her views of our current landscape and the influence of the U.S globally. They also talk about LGBTQ rights, enhancing civic education and the values of the Republican Party.

Michael speaks with Steven Pinker about his book, "Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters." The pair discuss who decides rationality, the prevalence of confirmation bias and tribalism, and the strength in changing one's mind when presented with new evidence.

Michael speaks with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II about our current democratic crisis and what we can do about it. The pair discuss the Poor People's Campaign, how the bible informs discussions on poverty, the impact of Build Back Better and how addressing voting rights and economic justice would transform our country.

Michael speaks with Reverend Al Sharpton about his new book, "Righteous Troublemakers: Untold Stories of the Social Justice Movement in America." The pair discuss the unsung heroes of our country, how activism has evolved, the importance of raising your voice for others and why the Reverend is still an activist today.

Michael speaks with Reginald Dwayne Betts about his path to becoming a poet, Yale Law School graduate and MacArthur Fellow after being incarcerated at age sixteen. The pair discuss Dwayne's organization Freedom Reads, the language of poetry, access to books and beauty, and how true change comes from seeing our shared humanity.

Michael speaks with George Takei about his American journey, from living in a U.S concentration camp as a child, to his interest in democracy as a teenager and his activism as an adult. The pair discuss George Takei's graphic memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," the importance of educating young Japanese-Americans about their history, and how science fiction often reflects our humanity and ability to advance as a society.

Michael speaks with Steven Pinker about his book, "Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters." The pair discuss who decides rationality, the prevalence of confirmation bias and tribalism, and the strength in changing one's mind when presented with new evidence.

Michael speaks with Kimberly Jones about her new book, "How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money Game That's Rigged." The pair discuss legacy wealth, where the U.S education system falls short, Reconstruction 2.0 and how we can begin to repair our unequal system.

Michael speaks with Reverend Al Sharpton about his new book, "Righteous Troublemakers: Untold Stories of the Social Justice Movement in America." The pair discuss the unsung heroes of our country, how activism has evolved, the importance of raising your voice for others and why the Reverend is still an activist today.

Michael speaks with Laura Coates about her work as a civil rights attorney. Coates served as Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and a Trial Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, specializing in the enforcement of voting rights throughout the United States. Her new book is "Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight for Fairness."

Michael speaks with George Takei about his American journey, from living in a U.S concentration camp as a child, to his interest in democracy as a teenager and his activism as an adult. The pair discuss George Takei's graphic memoir, "They Called Us Enemy," the importance of educating young Japanese-Americans about their history, and how science fiction often reflects our humanity and ability to advance as a society.

Michael speaks with Professor Carol Anderson about white rage, where we get it wrong, and how it manifests in our country today. The pair also discuss voter suppression, how the 2nd Amendment is rooted in anti-Blackness and how looking to history shows us how we got here.

Michael speaks with Kimberly Jones about her new book, "How We Can Win: Race, History and Changing the Money Game That's Rigged." The pair discuss legacy wealth, where the U.S education system falls short, Reconstruction 2.0 and how we can begin to repair our unequal system.

Michael speaks with Brian Klaas about his new book, "CORRUPTIBLE: Who Gets Power & How it Changes Us." The pair discuss the psychology behind why we choose the leaders we choose, how power attracts the wrong type of people and why it's relevant to our current political system.

Michael speaks with Laura Coates about her work as a civil rights attorney. Coates served as Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Columbia and a Trial Attorney in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice, specializing in the enforcement of voting rights throughout the United States. Her new book is "Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight for Fairness"

Michael speaks with Former Governor Chris Christie about what the Republican party stands for now that Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz have entered the arena. The pair discuss Trump's hold on the Republican base, why the GOP must not be a party of vendetta politics and who will be running in 2024.

Michael speaks with Professor Carol Anderson about white rage, where we get it wrong, and how it manifests in our country today. The pair also discuss voter suppression, how the 2nd Amendment is rooted in anti-Blackness and how looking to history shows us how we got here.

In part two of this interview, Michael speaks with Former Governor Chris Christie about accountability after January 6th, Liz Cheney's strategy in the GOP and the narratives perpetuated by Fox News.

Michael speaks with Steve Schmidt about Biden's first year in office, and where we are nearly a year since the January 6th, 2021 insurrection. Schmidt reminds us that history always moves forward, not back.

In part one of this interview, Michael speaks with Former Governor Chris Christie about what the Republican party stands for now that Marjorie Taylor Greene and Matt Gaetz have entered the arena. The pair discuss Trump's hold on the Republican base, why the GOP must not be a party of vendetta politics and who will be running in 2024.

Michael speaks with Rick Wilson about how Republicanism has diverged from Conservatism to become a party neither recognize. The pair discuss the lingering impact of Trumpism, future Lincoln Project plans, and how 2022 will decide the fate of 2024.

Michael speaks with Brian Klaas about his new book, "CORRUPTIBLE: Who Gets Power & How it Changes Us." The pair discuss the psychology behind why we choose the leaders we choose, how power attracts the wrong type of people and why it's relevant to our current political system.

Michael speaks with Steve Schmidt about Biden's first year in office, and where we are nearly a year since the January 6th, 2021 insurrection. Schmidt reminds us that history always moves forward, not back.

Michael speaks with Former Congressman Ed Towns about the Sensible Taxation and Equity Promotion (STEP) Act. The pair discuss how the STEP Act would strip away legacy wealth and slow upward mobility for small businesses and Black and Brown communities.

Michael speaks with Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi about the reluctance of US vaccine manufacturers to license their vaccines for manufacture around the world or otherwise make them available for developing nations.

Michael speaks with Rick Wilson about how Republicanism has diverged from Conservatism to become a party neither recognize. The pair discuss the lingering impact of Trumpism, future Lincoln Project plans, and how 2022 will decide the fate of 2024.

Michael talks with Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. The pair discuss Raffensperger's refusal to comply with then President Trump's direction to “find 11,780 votes.”

Michael speaks with Brian Klaas about his new book, "CORRUPTIBLE: Who Gets Power & How it Changes Us." The pair discuss the psychology behind why we choose the leaders we choose, how power attracts the wrong type of people and why it's relevant to our current political system.