Best Brendan Dowd Podcasts (2025)

1
Julie Satow Talks When Women Took Over the American Fashion Industry in 1900s New York City 36:37

6d ago36:37

36:37

Send us a text Let's go shopping! Julie Satow joins me to discuss her book When Women Ran Fifth Avenue: Glamour and Power at the Dawn of American Fashion. Buy When Women Ran Fifth Aveune Check out Julie's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Rahm Emanuel: I Warned the White House Biden Couldn't Run 55:25

12d ago55:25

55:25

Tara is joined by Rahm Emanuel to look at what he feels are the past mistakes of the Democratic Party and what needs to change moving forward. They discuss Joe Biden’s decision to not seek reelection, President Trump invoking antisemitism to defund universities, and Emanuel’s own political aspirations. For more of Tara’s independent journalism, sub…

1
Russell Shorto Tells the Story of How New Amsterdam Became New York 31:17

13d ago31:17

31:17

Send us a text Let's do some renaming! Russell Shorto joins me to talk his book Taking Manhattan: The Extraordinary Events That Created New York and Shaped America. Buy Taking Manhattan Check out Russell's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Maureen Dowd on ‘Claudius' Trump, Whitmer’s Wrecking & Clooney for President? 49:20

14d ago49:20

49:20

Tara Palmeri sits down with Maureen Dowd to talk about her latest release, Notorious. Their conversation covers everything from Elon Musk and Donald Trump to the shifting dynamics of American politics. Dowd reflects on her decades in journalism, offering a look at Washington’s current challenges and the media’s complicated relationship with figures…

1
How Long Will Gen Z Stick With Trump? With Rikki Schlott. 34:56

19d ago34:56

34:56

Tara starts the pod with some inside reporting on RFK Jr.’s mismanagement of the Dept. of Health and Human Services. She’s then joined by Rikki Schlott from the New York Post to talk about Donald Trump’s standing with Gen Z. They discuss possible breaking points Trump may be testing with young men, shine a light on the current administration’s war …

1
Hallie Rubenhold Talks the True Crime Case of Dr. Crippen and What History Has Missed 35:03

20d ago35:03

35:03

Send us a text Let's tell the whole story! Hallie Rubenhold, celebrated author of The Five, joins me to talk her true crime book Story of a Murder: The Wives, the Mistress, and Dr. Crippen. Buy Story of a Murder Check out Hallie's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Inside the Biden Campaign: George Clooney's 'Morning Joe' Meltdown 26:49

21d ago26:49

26:49

Tara is joined by author and journalist Chris Whipple to discuss his latest book, 'Uncharted: How Trump Beat Biden, Harris, and the Odds in the Wildest Campaign in History.’ During their conversation, they focus on the passages that talk about the inner workings of Team Biden during Joe's chaotic 2024 campaign and discuss how the influence of a cer…

1
The Inside Story of the Wild Final Days of the Biden Campaign With Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes 37:13

26d ago37:13

37:13

Tara is joined by NBC senior political analyst Jonathan Allen and senior political journalist for The Hill, Amie Parnes, to discuss their latest book, ‘Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House,’ a behind-the-scenes account of the events surrounding Joe Biden stepping down in the presidential race through the end of Kamala Harris’s unpre…

1
Comedian and Writer Mike Drucker Talks His Life in Video Games 38:49

27d ago38:49

38:49

Send us a text Let's boot up! Comedian and Writer (Full Frontal/The Tonight Show) Mike Drucker joins me to talk his book Good Game, No Rematch: A Life Made of Video Games. Buy Good Game, No Rematch Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Mark Cuban Says Elon Musk Would be Fired from Tech Support 1:00:35

29d ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Tara is joined by billionaire entrepreneur and ‘Shark Tank’ co-host Mark Cuban to talk about all the hot political topics currently burning up the Hill. During their wide-ranging conversation, they cover the possible negative effects of Donald Trump’s ambitious tariffs, Elon Musk’s role in the White House, Signalgate, AI, and much more. For more of…

1
Eric Vickrey Discusses Postwar Baseball, the Spokane Indians, and the Deadliest Accident in American Professional Sports 22:19

1M ago22:19

22:19

Send us a text Let's play ball! On this special baseball opening weekend episode, Eric Vickrey joins me to talk his book Season of Shattered Dreams: Postwar Baseball, the Spokane Indians, and a Tragic Bus Crash That Changed Everything. Come listen! Buy Season of Shattered Dreams Check out Eric's website Support the show…

1
How Musk Became Addicted to Trump With Teddy Schleifer 36:04

1M ago36:04

36:04

Tara starts the pod with an update on the Department of Defense text chain scandal currently rocking Capitol Hill. She is then joined by Teddy Schleifer from The New York Times in front of a live audience at the Sine Institute to discuss Elon Musk’s rise to the forefront of the Trump administration and subsequent red-pilling of the tech industry. T…

1
William Geroux Tells the Story of World War II Nazi POWs in America and a Risky Prisoner Swap 35:30

1M ago35:30

35:30

Send us a text Let's make an exchange! Author William Geroux joins me to discuss his book The Fifteen: Murder, Retribution, and the Forgotten Story of Nazi POWs in America. Come listen! Buy The Fifteen Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Texting War Plans & How Democrats Get Their Shit Together with Matt Bennett 37:56

1M ago37:56

37:56

Tara begins the show by discussing Pete Hegseth accidentally sending war plans in a group chat that included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic; a preview of her newsletter, where she has the details to a secret AI conference; and more. Then she welcomes Matthew Bennett, and they discuss Axios’s Alex Thompson’s list on why the De…

1
Alex Isenstadt on Trump's Revenge Tour and Return to the White House 36:44

1M ago36:44

36:44

Tara is joined by political reporter Alex Isenstadt to discuss his new book, ‘Revenge: The Inside Story of Trump’s Return to Power.’ He shares his intel on Trump’s political moves, campaign strategy, and cabinet selections. They go over some of Trump’s quotes in the book, and he shares what the Republican campaign team was planning for after Joe Bi…

1
NPR Correspondent Emily Feng Talks China and its People 35:05

1M ago35:05

35:05

Send us a text Let's bloom! NPR Correspondent Emily Feng joins me to talk her book Let Only Red Flowers Bloom: Identity and Belonging in Xi Jinping's China. I learned a lot and hope you do, too. Come listen! Buy Let Only Red Flowers Bloom Check out Emily's Website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Musk Tea, Schumer Fury, and Tariffs Hit the Heartland With North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrong 35:04

1M ago35:04

35:04

Tara is joined by Gov. Kelly Armstrong to discuss Donald Trump’s tariffs and government cuts. They break down the Republican budget resolution decision that the Democrats passed in December, which is now blindsiding them. She asks Gov. Armstrong about Trump and Musk’s DOGE sledgehammer to government agencies, tariffs and how that affects North Dako…

1
Why Trump Is Toying With the Market, With Marc Caputo and Teddy Schleifer 41:57

2M ago41:57

41:57

Tara is joined by Marc Caputo and Teddy Schleifer to discuss the state of the White House and the economy. Tara gets their perspective on Elon Musk’s power over Trump’s economic decisions and cabinet, as well as what they expect Democratic and Republican responses to the declining stock market will be. Host: Tara Palmeri Guests: Marc Caputo and Ted…

1
Gary Krist Talks San Francisco's Turbulent History and an Unbelievable Gilded-Age Murder 34:26

2M ago34:26

34:26

Send us a text Let's go digging! Author Gary Krist joins me to talk his book Trespassers at the Golden Gate: A True Account of Love, Murder, and Madness in Gilded-Age San Francisco. Come listen! Buy Trespassers at the Golden Gate Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Congressman Jason Crow takes on the Democrats' Authenticity Crisis 44:29

2M ago44:29

44:29

Tara is joined by Colorado Rep. Jason Crow to explain his walkout during Donald Trump’s address to Congress last Tuesday. They discuss the Republican decision to extend Joe Biden’s budget, which was passed in December, in hopes to reroute it toward border control and defense. Additionally, they break down the potential repercussions of freezing gov…

1
Gareth Harney Talks the History of Ancient Rome in Twelve Coins 32:32

2M ago32:32

32:32

Send us a text Toss a coin to your nerd! Author Gareth Harney joins me to talk his book A History of Ancient Rome in Twelve Coins. Come listen! Buy A History of Ancient Rome in Twelve Coins Check out Gareth's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Republicans Twist Their Talking Points After the Zelenskyy Meltdown 46:26

2M ago46:26

46:26

Tara is joined by political adviser Joe Hack to discuss an eventful and fiery past few days on the Hill. They break down the political fallout from Donald Trump’s contentious Oval Office meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy, preview the president’s State of the Union address, and speculate on the future star of the Democratic Party. For more of Tara’s …

1
Biden Insider Michael LaRosa Tells All 21:32

2M ago21:32

21:32

Tara starts the pod by recapping a highly chaotic week for the Trump administration. She’s then joined by Michael LaRosa, former press secretary for Jill Biden, in front of an audience at American University for her Sine Institute seminar on changing media. They discuss and dissect Jake Tapper’s upcoming book about the alleged top-level cover-up of…

1
Nancy Goldstone Talks the Lives of the Rebel Empresses Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France 43:36

2M ago43:36

43:36

Send us a text Let's rebel! Author Nancy Goldstone joins me to talk her new book The Rebel Empresses: Elisabeth of Austria and Eugénie of France, Power and Glamour in the Struggle for Europe. Come listen! Buy The Rebel Empresses Check out Nancy's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
MAGA Senator Jim Banks on Short-Term Tariff "Pain," Trump’s Fullback Elon, and How the Midwest Can Grow With MAHA 45:33

2M ago45:33

45:33

Tara is joined by freshman Senator Jim Banks (R-Indiana) to discuss Trump’s policy decisions in the first month of his second term, including whether he views Elon Musk as a conflict of interest for the Trump administration, his level of concern over potential tariffs hitting his home state, what to make of the MAHA movement, and his thoughts on wh…

1
Richard Goodrich Returns to Talk the First Airshow in American History 35:46

2M ago35:46

35:46

Send us a text Let's take to the skies! Richard Goodrich returns to talk L.A. Birdmen: West Coast Aviators and the First Airshow in America. Come listen! Buy L.A. Birdmen Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Rep. Brendan Boyle on the DOGE-Heads and How the Democrats Lost P.A. 55:18

3M ago55:18

55:18

In this special episode, recorded live in front of a group of students at American University in Washington, D.C., Tara Palmeri talks with Pennsylvania representative Brendan Boyle about what went wrong in the state in the 2024 election, Elon Musk's takeover of Washington, Donald Trump's current approval rating, Chuck Schumer's strategies to counte…

1
Pulitzer Prize Winner Megan Mashall Talks Biography, Japan, Personal Loss, Family, and How the Little Things are What You Remember 43:47

3M ago43:47

43:47

Send us a text Let's talk about everything! Pulitzer Prize Winner Megan Marshall joins me to talk her new book After Lives: On Biography and the Mysteries of the Human Heart. So good. Come listen! Buy After Lives Check out Megan's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Senator John Fetterman on the Latest in Gaza, "Toxic" Democrats, and Why They Can't Win Over White Men 51:24

3M ago51:24

51:24

Host Tara Palmeri welcomes Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) for a wide-ranging conversation about President Trump's plans for Gaza, how he views Trump's flurry of executive orders in the first three weeks of his presidency, Trump's ties to the tech billionaires, Elon Musk's increasing role in the government, why the Democrats can't secure votes from w…

1
Rebecca Bratspies on the New York City Names Like Major Deegan, Outerbridge, and Hutchinson 32:21

3M ago32:21

32:21

Send us a text Let's figure out who we are cursing in traffic! Rebecca Bratspies joins me to talk her book Naming Gotham: The Villains, Rogues, and Heroes Behind New York's Place Names. It's not just for city folk. Come listen! Buy Naming Gotham Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
All the Tea From the DNC Elections With Party Insider Alex Hoffman 39:05

3M ago39:05

39:05

Host Tara Palmeri begins by discussing the latest moves from the Trump administration and the ripple effects they could send throughout the economy. Then, Democratic insider Alex Hoffman tells Tara about what he witnessed at this past weekend’s DNC elections, where the party selected Minnesota’s Ken Martin to help the Democrats rise from the ashes …

1
That Day When Trump Shut Down the Government, With Shanti Stanton 31:32

3M ago31:32

31:32

Tara starts the pod with an update on the fallout from Donald Trump’s federal funding freeze, and Robert Kennedy Jr.’s confirmation hearings. She’s then joined by lobbyist and consultant with Oxford Strategies, Shanti Stanton, to talk about the legalities of Trump’s executive orders, examine Elon Musk’s role in the chaos, and discuss what this mean…

1
Is $TRUMP an Open Wallet for Foreign Actors? With Kevin Cirilli and Natalie Brunell 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

Tara is joined by cryptocurrency industry expert Kevin Cirilli and host of the ‘Coin Stories’ podcast Natalie Brunell to discuss the state of digital currency heading into the new Donald Trump administration. They discuss the viability of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin in the U.S. economy, speculate on Trump’s actual geopolitical vision for digital cur…

1
Buddy Levy Returns Again To Talk Airships in the Arctic, Roald Amundsen, and a Rescue at the Top of the World 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

Send us a text Let's go north! Buddy Levy is back to talk his new book Realm of Ice and Sky: Triumph, Tragedy, and History's Greatest Arctic Rescue. Enough said. Come listen! Buy Realm of Ice and Sky Check out Buddy's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Trump’s D.C. Takeover and Obama Love Queries With Meghan McCain 48:05

3M ago48:05

48:05

Tara joins Meghan McCain on her podcast, ‘Citizen McCain,’ to share her firsthand experiences from Donald Trump’s inauguration proceedings and the accompanying events. They then break down all the rumors surrounding Team Trump, discuss the upcoming confirmation hearings, and even spill some tea on the Obamas. To check out more of Meghan on the ‘Cit…

1
Patrick Winn on Drug Empires, Burma, The Wa State, and the DEA vs. the CIA 39:49

3M ago39:49

39:49

Send us a text Let's investigate a drug empire! Journalist Patrick Winn joins me to discuss Narcotopia: In Search of the Asian Drug Cartel That Survived the CIA. It's as wild as you expect. Come listen! Buy Narcotopia Check out Patrick's website Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Trump’s American Carnage Inauguration Sequel With Marc Caputo 44:58

3M ago44:58

44:58

Tara is joined by Axios’ Marc Caputo from Donald Trump’s inauguration in Washington, D.C., to share their instant reactions to the events of the day and over the preceding weekend. They discuss the highlights of Trump’s speech, differentiate the rhetoric from his actual presidential intentions, and talk about their favorite moments from the event. …

1
Why the Dirt on Trump's Cabinet Picks Won't Stick With Pat Dennis 34:21

3M ago34:21

34:21

Tara is joined by Pat Dennis, president of the Democratic Super PAC American Bridge 21st Century, to discuss the viability of Donald Trump’s cabinet nominees and the media’s role in exposing their inefficiencies to the American public. They shine a light on the dark world of political opposition research, speculate on which of Trump’s controversial…

1
Mark Galeotti Returns to Talk the Wars of Russian History, Putin's Historical Inaccuracy, and the Charm of The Great 39:17

3M ago39:17

39:17

Send us a text Let's jump into the forge! Mark Galeotti returns to talk his newest book, Forged In War: A Military History of Russia From Its Beginnings to Today. We talk wars, Putin, and how much we both enjoyed the Hulu series The Great! Come listen! Buy Forged in War Read his blog and Listen to his podcast In Moscow's Shadow Support the show…

1
Trump’s Ex-Border Chief Ken Cuccinelli on Deporting 20 Million People 51:51

3M ago51:51

51:51

Tara is joined by ex-deputy secretary of Homeland Security Ken Cuccinelli to talk about the viability of Donald Trump’s ambitious immigration reforms on the eve of his inauguration. They discuss the legality of using the military to execute mass deportations, debate the effects they will have on the American people, and break down the national and …

1
Trump Manifests Greenland, Canada, and the Gulf With Matthew Bartlett 35:00

4M ago35:00

35:00

Tara is joined by former Trump administration appointee and political consultant Matthew Bartlett to discuss the viability of Donald Trump’s ambitious legislative agenda as we approach Inauguration Day. They analyze Trump’s provocative Mar-a-Lago press conference from earlier in the week, speculate on what his first days in office will be like, and…

1
Elon Eyes European Domination With Raheem Kassam 49:32

4M ago49:32

49:32

Tara is joined by British political activist and adviser Raheem Kassam to discuss and compare the current states of right-wing populism in England and the United States. They shine a light on the rising influence of the Reform party and its ideological leader (Nigel Farage) in U.K. politics, analyze Elon Musk’s political moves in Europe, and talk a…

1
How History Will Judge Joe Biden with Presidential Historian Doug Brinkley 50:18

4M ago50:18

50:18

As President Biden prepares to leave American politics after 50 years of service, presidential historian Douglas Brinkley joins Tara Palmeri to reflect on Biden’s legacy. Will the history books remember him fondly for his dedication to the American people, or will a controversial final year in office overshadow President Biden's lifetime of work? P…

1
Measuring the Limits of Trump’s Power With Constitutional Scholar John Yoo 50:22

4M ago50:22

50:22

Tara is joined by legal scholar and former political advisor John Yoo to discuss the parameters of Donald Trump’s executive power as we head closer to his upcoming presidency. They examine the myriad ways Trump can manipulate the justice system, talk about the ways he can strengthen his influence further, and shine a light on the viability of some …

1
Trump’s Former Political Director on How He Wields His Political Capital 36:52

4M ago36:52

36:52

Tara is joined by political strategist and Donald Trump’s 2020 campaign manager, Bill Stepien, to dissect Trump’s mindset as he gets his cabinet ready for his upcoming presidency. They examine his current level of power in D.C., break down the paths forward for his legislative agenda, and examine his mercurial relationship with pollsters. For more …

1
Elizabeth Reese talks the Return of American Revolution Hero the Marquis de Lafayette 34:13

4M ago34:13

34:13

Send us a text Let's welcome back the Marquis! Elizabeth Reese joins me to discuss her book Marquis de Lafayette Returns: A Tour of America's National Capital Region. I finally found someone to nerd out with about my favorite Frenchman. Come listen! Buy Marquis de Lafayette Returns Check out Elizabeth's website Support the show…

1
Pete Hegseth's War on the Pentagon 37:34

5M ago37:34

37:34

Tara is joined by writer, Iraq War veteran, and host of the ‘Independent Americans’ podcast Paul Rieckhoff to discuss Pete Hegseth’s bid to be secretary of defense in Donald Trump’s upcoming administration. They break down the tactics MAGA devotees are employing to pressure senators into accepting Pete’s nomination, examine the culture wars develop…

1
April Balascio Talks About Being Raised By Her Father, Serial Killer Edward Wayne Edwards 42:19

5M ago42:19

42:19

Send us a text Let's make the call! April Balascio joins me to talk her book Raised by a Serial Killer: Discovering the Truth About My Father. Enough said. Come listen! Buy Raised by a Serial Killer Support the showBy Brendan Dowd

1
Dylan Byers on How to Cover Trump 2.0 39:09

5M ago39:09

39:09

Tara is joined by Puck’s own Dylan Byers to talk about Donald Trump’s relationship with the media and investigative journalism. They discuss how Trump’s previous administration altered modern political discourse, speculate on the future of big cable news after the last election cycle, and shine a light on how the media has to change the way it cove…

1
What’s Left of Joe Biden’s Legacy? With Michael LaRosa and Chris Cillizza. 1:01:08

5M ago1:01:08

1:01:08

Tara is joined by political commentator Chris Cillizza and former press secretary for Jill Biden Michael LaRosa to analyze Joe Biden’s presidential résumé as we head toward the end of his administration. They speculate on the effect Hunter Biden’s controversial pardon will have on Joe’s legacy, shine a light on Jill Biden’s influence on the preside…

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Brendan Dowd Podcasts

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