Stay Tuned with Preet

This week on Stay Tuned, we’re revisiting an episode from April of this year. Author Michael Pollan joins Preet to discuss his new book, A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness, the “problem” of studying consciousness, psychedelics in therapy, and whether plants are sentient. They also break down whether artificial intelligence can be conscious and why we shouldn’t want it to be. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Visit staytuned.substack.com to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Photo by J. Countess via Getty Images. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. Watch this episode on our Youtube channel. Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured books by our guests in our Amazon storefront. Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. Stay…

On this week’s episode of the Insider podcast, Deputy Director of the ACLU Immigrants’ Rights Project Lee Gelernt joins Joyce Vance, while Preet is out. In a free excerpt from the show, Joyce and Gelernt break down the latest developments in J.G.G. v. Trump, a case challenging President Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members. Gelernt, the lead attorney in the case, recently argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit in support of a federal judge’s authority to investigate whether Trump administration officials deliberately defied his order blocking the deportations. To listen to the full conversation, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to complete episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. In the full episode, Gelernt explains the history of the Alien Enemies Act and the legal merits of President Trump’s invocation of the statute to carry out deportations. Plus, he previews the immigration cases before…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, organizational psychologist, Wharton professor, and New York Times best-selling author Adam Grant joins Preet to discuss his new book, Vibe: The Secrets of Strong Connections in a Lonely World. Preet and Grant discuss why understanding the psychology of human connection is essential to addressing some of society’s biggest challenges, including war, violence, inequality, and political division. Drawing on research and personal anecdotes, Grant explains how political differences affect much more than just friendships and why it’s important to engage with people we disagree with. Grant also shares his thoughts on making friends in adulthood. Finally, they discuss a surprising experiment that helped Palestinian and Israeli children build lasting bonds. At the end of the episode, Preet answers listener questions about the appointment of NY Attorney General Letitia James as special prosecutor in the Cornell fraternity rape investigation and the Justice Department’s…

On this week’s episode of the Insider podcast, former Westchester County District Attorney and experienced sex crimes prosecutor Mimi Rocah joins Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance for a conversation about the Cornell rape investigation. In a free excerpt from the show, Rocah explains how New York law treats voluntary and involuntary intoxication differently in sexual assault cases and how the distinctions come into play in the Cornell case. To listen to the full conversation, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to complete episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. In the full episode, they discuss the challenges of investigating and prosecuting sexual assault allegations, the district attorney’s missteps in the Cornell case, and the appointment of New York Attorney General Letitia James to take over the case. Insiders, click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Photo by Ryan Murphy via Getty Images This podcast is brought to you…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, financial journalist and New York Times This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, financial journalist and New York Times best-selling author Michael Lewis joins Preet to discuss the unraveling of the Department of Government Efficiency, chronicled in Lewis’s new book, Blockers: Rebels in the Deep State. Preet and Lewis make sense of what went wrong with DOGE, discussing some of the influential figures who shaped the department’s decisions, both in front of the cameras and behind the scenes. They delve into how ideology drove DOGE’s mass firings and why the resulting suffering was not a coincidence, but part of the design. Finally, they examine the qualities that make some people more susceptible to corruption. At the end of the episode, Preet answers listener questions about Senator Eric Schmitt’s viral mistake during a hearing with former special counsel Jack Smith. Plus, how civic awareness and engagement is on the rise during the Trump era. In an…

On this week’s episode of the Insider podcast, veteran Supreme Court litigator Pam Karlan joins Joyce Vance, while Preet Bharara is out. Karlan served as principal deputy assistant attorney general in the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division and as counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. Today, she is a Stanford Law professor and leads the school’s Supreme Court litigation clinic. In a free excerpt from the show, Karlan takes listeners inside the Supreme Court, sharing what she’s learned from arguing before the justices and reflecting on how the Court has changed over the past half-century. To listen to the full conversation, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to complete episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. In the full episode, they preview the major cases the Supreme Court will hear this term: – Viramontes v. Cook County & Grant v. Higgins, whether the 2nd and 14th Amendments guarantee the right to possess semiautomatic rifles such as the…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, Anand Giridharadas, writer, political analyst, and author of the popular Substack newsletter The Ink, joins Preet to discuss his new book, Man in the Mirror: Hope, Struggle, and Belonging in an American City, about the NYC subway chokehold case of Daniel Penny and Jordan Neely. Preet and Giridharadas examine how this case encapsulates many of the biggest problems American society faces today: homelessness, racism, mental illness, and distrust in institutions. Then, they break down why the criminal justice system is only a small fraction of the solution to these many crises. Finally, they explain how the public both humanize and dehumanize these men, and why Penny’s dehumanization of Neely was central to the criminal trial. At the end of the episode, Preet answers a listener question about the legal challenge to President Trump’s White House press ban. Plus, Preet shares his thoughts about one of his favorite musical performances that took place at the Kennedy…

In a free excerpt from this week’s Insider podcast episode, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance discuss a federal judge’s order directing the Trump administration to restore press passes for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico journalists after the administration revoked them. Plus, Attorney General Todd Blanche’s comments that press access to the White House is a “privilege.” To listen to the full conversation, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to complete episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. In the full episode, Preet and Joyce break down: – The Supreme Court decision that blocked Missouri Republicans from using a gerrymandered map for the midterm elections; and – The Supreme Court ruling that the Trump administration can use a Department of Homeland Security database to identify noncitizens on state voter rolls. Insiders, click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Photo by Chip…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, Danny Meyer, renowned restaurateur and founder of Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, joins Preet to discuss his new book, What Could Possibly Go Right? The Essential Journey to Scale an Enduring Culture. Through personal stories and many metaphors, Meyer shares the most important lessons he’s learned from opening, closing, and reopening restaurants across New York City, including why it’s so important not to fear failure. Meyer also explains what drew him to hospitality in the first place and why fomenting the culture of his restaurants matters just as much, if not more, than the food being served. Finally, Meyer shares why he believes “no tax on tips” will actually widen the wage gap, and why the United States is unlikely to ever do away with tipping at restaurants. At the end of the episode, Preet answers listener questions about the Justice Department’s efforts to revive its criminal case against former FBI Director Jim Comey. Plus, Preet’s…

In a free excerpt from this week’s Insider podcast episode, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance discuss President Trump’s decision to bar CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House, and the lawsuit challenging the ban. To listen to the full conversation, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to complete episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. In the full episode, Preet and Joyce break down: – The legal battle over President Trump’s efforts to reshape and rename the Kennedy Center, including a judge’s recent order requiring advance notice of any renovations; and – A Wall Street Journal report on Trump Housing Director Bill Pulte’s scrutiny of mortgages belonging to Trump rivals like Adam Schiff, as well as one key Trump ally, Todd Blanche. Insiders, click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Photo by Brendan SMIALOWSKI / AFP via Getty Images This podcast is brought to you by CAFE…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, Jessica Tarlov, co-host of Fox News’s The Five and Vox Media’s Raging Moderates podcast, joins Preet to discuss her new book, I Disagree: Winning Arguments Without Losing Friends. Drawing on her experience as the lone liberal on The Five, Tarlov shares best practices for debating people on the opposite side of the political spectrum and why the initial goal shouldn’t be to change their mind. Tarlov also discusses how “data-based storytelling” became her argument strategy and how she determines when it’s best to stop talking and just listen. Finally, they delve into her theory that Trump supporters don’t take politics that seriously and why liberals could benefit from understanding that. At the end of the episode, Preet answers listener questions about Trump’s promise to send $5,000 checks to all American adults if Republicans keep control of Congress. Plus, what it means when a government agency asks for public comments about a new rule. In the bonus for…

In an excerpt from this week’s episode of the Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance discuss the Supreme Court’s decision blocking President Trump’s executive order restricting mail voting. To listen to the full episode, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to complete episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. In the full episode, Preet and Joyce break down: – Trump’s proposal to send $5,000 checks to American citizens if Republicans keep control of Congress after the midterm elections; and – The resignation of Joe diGenova, the Justice Department prosecutor leading the probe into investigations targeting President Trump. Insiders, click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Photo by Alex Wong via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, former Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco and former Homeland Security Advisor Ken Wainstein join Preet to reflect on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. The pair also previously co-hosted the CAFE podcast, United Security. On today’s episode, they discuss the lessons learned from the government’s response to 9/11 and how President George W. Bush’s comments condemning Islamophobia demonstrated the importance of moral leadership in the aftermath of a national tragedy. They also delve into the prosecution of Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, one of the architects of the attacks, and why maintaining strong international relationships is critical to combating terrorism. Finally, they examine why there is still no federal domestic terrorism statute. At the end of the episode, Preet shares his own reflections on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. In the bonus for Insiders, they discuss how 9/11 sparked the creation of government entities such as the Office of the Director of…

On this week’s episode of the Insider podcast, constitutional scholar and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast Kate Shaw joins Joyce Vance, while Preet is out. In an excerpt from the conversation, they discuss a lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order directing USPS to limit transmission of mail-in ballots. Plus, how this dispute may play out at the Supreme Court. In the full episode, they break down the Supreme Court’s decision allowing construction on a new White House ballroom to continue. Plus, a recent report about the rise of threats against judges. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Insiders, click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, renowned mediator Ken Feinberg, known for his role as Special Master of the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, joins Preet to discuss the new edition of his book, What is Life Worth? Reflections 25 Years After 9/11. Feinberg breaks down the central question in his new edition, whether the United States could deal with a catastrophe so effectively today, as he compares the country’s political climate in 2001 to today’s. Preet and Feinberg then discuss the moral dilemma that comes with deciding what someone’s life is worth and whether there are other tragedies that merit taxpayer funded victim compensation funds, like gun violence. Throughout their conversation, Feinberg shares some of the stories he heard from victims and why the emotional aspect of his job was the hardest part of it. Finally, they talk about their careers and why Feinberg believes planning ahead doesn’t always work. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Feinberg discuss Congress’s response to the…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, renowned attorney and politician Ken Salazar joins Preet to discuss his new book, Borderlands: My Fight for an Inclusive America. Salazar served as US ambassador to Mexico under Biden, Obama’s secretary of the interior, a U.S. senator, and Colorado’s attorney general. They discuss the Trump administration’s relationship with Mexico, why Republicans would rather keep the border “broken,” and Salazar’s tenure as US Ambassador to Mexico, which ended with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum calling him a liar. Then, they turn to what Salazar calls President Trump’s “project of erasure” and why the opposite of diversity is not exclusion, but erasure. After the interview, Preet answers listener questions about the reflecting pool vandalism case and DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s decision to dismiss the charges. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Salazar discuss the 2028 Democratic presidential field. Plus, whether Salazar has considered running himself. Join the…

ABC is suing the Federal Communications Commission, arguing that the agency is using its regulatory power to punish the network for its journalism and programming. Former FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel joins Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance to break down the lawsuit and what it could mean for the FCC’s power over broadcasters. In the full episode, Rosenworcel discusses the FCC’s mission and its role in elections. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Insiders, click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Photo by Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Neuroscientist, philosopher, and Making Sense podcast host Sam Harris joins Preet Bharara to examine why good-faith debate has become so difficult—and what that breakdown has done to American politics. They discuss social media’s fragmentation of the information landscape and declining trust in the press and public institutions. They also consider Donald Trump’s resilience in the face of scandal, the different standards applied to the political left and right, the Democratic Party’s relationship with its activist wing, and whether Trumpism can survive Trump. Then, Preet and Sam turn to the rule of law: the growing impulse to prosecute political opponents, the limits of relying on norms, the difference between accountability and retribution, and what it would take to restore a measure of normalcy to American political life. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Sam draw on philosopher Harry Frankfurt’s essay, On Bullshit, to distinguish the liar from the bullshitter—and consider why Trump’s shamelessness can…

Luigi Mangione has pled guilty to federal stalking charges in connection with his killing of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, setting up a fight over whether New York can still prosecute him for murder. Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance break down the double jeopardy questions raised by Mangione’s plea and the complications of bringing both federal and state charges. In the full episode, they discuss why they are troubled by the public reaction to Thompson’s killing. Plus, they react to Attorney General Todd Blanche’s recent comments about DOJ independence and the news that DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro has impaneled a special grand jury. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Insiders, click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Photo by David Dee…

This week on the Stay Tuned with Preet podcast, Nobel Prize-winning economist Daron Acemoglu joins Preet to discuss his latest book, What Happened to Liberal Democracy? Remaking a Politics of Shared Prosperity. Acemoglu explains why he thinks American politics is in crisis and why a return to the foundational principles of liberalism—with shared prosperity at the forefront—is the best solution. They also discuss the Democratic socialist movement, the reasons for its rise, and whether “socialism” is even the right term to describe it. Then, Preet and Acemoglu turn to AI and its potential to become a pro-worker tool. After the interview, Preet answers listener questions about FEMA emergency funding and whether the attorney general should be an elected position. In the bonus for Insiders, Acemoglu defines some of the key terms from his book and explains how concepts like liberalism can have different meanings. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the…

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former Chief Medical Advisor to the President, could face criminal charges for refusing to testify before Congress. Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance discuss the Senate committee hearing where Fauci invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times. Plus, the subsequent vote in which Republicans held him in contempt of Congress and referred the matter to the Justice Department. In the full episode, they dive deeper into the proceedings against Dr. Fauci. Then, they break down the dismissal of January 6 seditious conspiracy charges against members of the Oath Keepers. Plus, an appeals court ruling that could block President Trump from building a new White House ballroom without congressional approval. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Insiders click HERE to listen to the…

As President Trump’s popularity has declined, Democratic socialists have gained prominence. Are voters looking for significant change? And what could that mean for the midterm elections? This week, David Axelrod, a former Obama advisor, a CNN commentator, and co-host of the Hacks on Tap podcast, joins Preet to unpack Trump’s political tactics, whether we’re underestimating his ability to rebound in the polls, and how it all could play out come November. Then, Preet answers listener questions about Dr. Anthony Fauci and D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Axelrod discuss how Trump would have handled the Watergate scandal differently from President Nixon. Plus, what was it about President Trump’s upbringing that shaped his character? Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Visit staytuned.substack.com to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a…

As Republicans push the SAVE Act and President Trump continues to cast doubt on the integrity of elections, the debate over election security and voter confidence has become more polarized than ever. Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance are joined by veteran Republican election lawyer Ben Ginsberg to discuss the state of voting rights and what can be done to strengthen confidence in American elections. This is an excerpt from the conversation. In the full episode, they dive deeper into election issues, including President Trump’s efforts to nationalize voting, his continued fight against mail-in ballots, and whether the proposed changes will impact this year’s midterm elections. Plus: D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s decision to drop the criminal case against a 67-year-old Olympian accused of vandalizing the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to…

Are President Trump’s advisors lying to him about what’s happening with the Iran war? This week, Ian Bremmer, a political scientist and the President and founder of Eurasia Group, joins Preet to unpack the latest in Trump’s war with Iran. They discuss a potential ceasefire, whether Trump’s strategy to not back down will work, and how moral restraint comes into play on both sides…if at all. Then, Preet answers listener questions about journalist Katie Phang’s lawsuit seeking the release of the Epstein files and the legal challenges against Trump administration initiatives that Preet would like to take on. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Bremmer discuss Trump’s White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Plus, Bremmer’s take on the future of artificial intelligence. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Visit staytuned.substack.com to sign up. Thank you for supporting our…

Manhattan prosecutors withdrew subpoenas issued to New York Times reporters that compelled them to reveal their sources for leaks about President Trump’s Qatari jet. Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance are joined by their friend and former DOJ colleague Mimi Rocah to discuss. This is an excerpt from the conversation. In the full episode, they cover: – Representative Jim Jordan’s criminal referral of former special counsel Jack Smith to the Justice Department over alleged false statements; and – Todd Blanche’s upcoming Senate confirmation vote for his nomination for attorney general. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rose Horowitch, staff writer for The Atlantic, joins Preet to unpack her recent article, “The End of Reading is Here.” They break down the data behind reading trends, how new technologies like generative AI have affected our reading comprehension and attention spans, and what it means to live in a post-literate world. Then, Preet pays tribute to someone who did as much for justice as anyone he’s ever known, and he answers a listener question about the recent arrests of Andrew Tate and his brother and explains how the extradition process works. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Horowitch discuss her senior thesis on German-American philosopher Hannah Arendt. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Visit staytuned.substack.com to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. Watch this episode on our Youtube channel. Shop Stay Tuned…

On this week’s Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance are joined by lawyer and legal analyst Katie Phang. They discuss Phang’s lawsuit against acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, which seeks to force the Justice Department to comply with the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Listen to an excerpt from the conversation. In the full episode, they cover Blanche’s confirmation hearing before the Senate. Plus, Joyce and Katie discuss the fallout from President Trump’s speech about alleged fraud in the 2020 election and Katie’s approach to journalism in the Trump era. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to staytuned.substack.com. Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s going on in Washington? Mark Leibovich, politics writer for The Atlantic, joins Preet to reflect on the sudden passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, who will replace him, and why politicians might value relevance over loyalty. Plus, they look ahead at the 2026 midterm elections and what the winning presidential candidate could look like in 2028. Then, Preet answers listener questions about Lindsey Graham’s legacy and Jared Kushner’s negotiations on behalf of the United States. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Leibovich unpack the idea that Donald Trump is an “unthoughtful” president. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Visit staytuned.substack.com to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. Watch this episode on our Youtube channel. Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured books by our guests in our Amazon storefront. Have…

On this week’s Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance discuss a federal judge’s ruling that criticized President Donald Trump and the Justice Department for colluding over the $1.776 billion slush fund and the underlying lawsuit. The judge also referred the lawyers involved to state bars for potential disciplinary action. Listen to an excerpt from the conversation. In the full episode, Preet and Joyce discuss: – The passing of Senator Lindsey Graham, his legacy, and the legal process to replace him in the Senate and committees; – E. Jean Carroll’s receipt of her $5 million sexual abuse and defamation judgment in her civil case against Trump; and – Trump’s anticipated petition asking the Supreme Court to reconsider the birthright citizenship decision. Not an Insider? Now more than ever, it’s critical to stay tuned. To join a community of reasoned voices in unreasonable times, become an Insider today. You’ll get access to full episodes of the podcast and other exclusive content. Head to…

This week, Stay Tuned listeners can hear a full episode of Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance’s weekly Insider podcast. While Insider episodes are typically available only to subscribers, we’re unlocking this one for everyone. To listen to future episodes, and get 25% off the Insider membership in honor of America’s 250th anniversary, head to staytuned.substack.com/250. In this episode, Preet and Joyce are joined by NYU Law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast Melissa Murray to break down some of the Supreme Court’s most consequential decisions from their latest term: – Trump v. Barbara, where the Court struck down President Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship; – National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, where the Court struck down a federal law limiting the amount of money political parties can spend on a political candidate; – Trump v. Cook, where the Court prevented Trump from firing Fed Chair Lisa Cook; – Trump v. Slaughter, where the Court…

On this week’s Insider podcast, Joyce Vance speaks with Leah Litman while Preet is out. Litman is a professor at the University of Michigan Law School and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast. In this excerpt from the show, they discuss the central theme of this Supreme Court term: how the Court’s conservative majority is reshaping the balance of power between the branches of government, away from Congress and towards the judiciary and the executive. In the full episode, they cover the Court’s major decisions on guns, immigration, and E. Jean Carroll’s defamation case against President Trump. To support the show and gain access to full Insider episodes, become a member. For a limited time, get 25% off an annual membership on Substack: staytuned.substack.com/250. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Supervising Producer: Jake Kaplan; Associate…

What is the relevance of the Declaration of Independence today? Danielle Allen is a political philosopher and a professor at Harvard University. Mary Bilder is a historian of the American Founding Era and a professor at Boston College Law School. They join Preet for a conversation about America’s 250th anniversary and to reflect on the Declaration of Independence: what it really said, what it left out, and why we continue to debate its words so many years later. Then, Preet answers listener questions about a swatting incident targeting Pete Buttigieg and his family. Plus, the latest on President Trump’s efforts to curb mail-in voting. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet, Allen, and Bilder discuss the Trump administration’s impact on civic education. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. For a limited time, we’re offering 25% off the Insider membership, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. To claim…

Joanne Freeman is a historian, author, and renowned professor at Yale, where she specializes in early American politics and political culture. She joins Preet ahead of the 250th anniversary of America’s founding to discuss the continued relevance of the Declaration of Independence, the fragility of democracy, and why the Founders were so worried about demagogues, civic virtue, and the peaceful transfer of power. Then, Preet answers listener questions about whether states can require ICE agents to identify themselves, and the recent court decision requiring that Trump’s name be removed from the Kennedy Center. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Freeman discuss President George Washington’s remarkable and prescient decision to relinquish power. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. For a limited time, we’re offering 25% off the Insider membership, in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. To claim the…

As the Supreme Court term nears its end, the justices are releasing some of the most highly anticipated decisions. In this excerpt from the Insider podcast, Supreme Court expert Steve Vladeck joins Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance to discuss Landor v. Louisiana Department of Corrections, a case with implications for religious freedoms and the ability of ordinary Americans to vindicate their rights in court. Vladeck is also a professor at Georgetown University Law School and the author of the Substack newsletter One First. In the full episode, they cover U.S. v. Hemani, a gun possession case, and Kian v. Florida, a case about six-person juries. Plus, which upcoming decisions should we be paying the most attention to? To support the show and gain access to full Insider episodes, become a member. For a limited time, get 25% off an annual membership on Substack: staytuned.substack.com/250. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by…

Devlin Barrett is a reporter for The New York Times, where he has covered the Justice Department and the FBI for over 20 years. He joins Preet to discuss his new book, The Department of Revenge: How Trump Took Control of American Justice. Barrett takes us inside the DOJ, where morale remains strained, and concerns are growing about the influence of Trump loyalists. He also unpacks Trump’s long-running fixation on former FBI Director Jim Comey and assesses Todd Blanche’s chances at being confirmed by the Senate as the permanent Attorney General. Then, Preet shares his thoughts on Hunter Biden’s emergence as a prolific and unusually candid public voice. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Barrett discuss why so many Justice Department employees are willing to risk their careers to uphold ethical standards and resist pressure from Trump. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Head to cafe.com/insider or…

President Trump nominated Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to be the new Director of National Intelligence after facing bipartisan backlash over his initial pick of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte. In this excerpt from the Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance discuss Clayton’s nomination, his qualifications, and how lawmakers have responded to Trump’s pivot. In the full episode, they cover the latest legal challenges to Trump’s $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund. Plus, the Supreme Court decision ruling federal prosecutors can only try a defendant in the district where the alleged offense occurred. To support the show and gain access to full Insider episodes, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Supervising Producer: Jake Kaplan; Associate…

Atul Gawande is a surgeon, a best-selling author, and a longtime contributor to The New Yorker. He also served as the Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID under President Biden. He joins Preet to discuss new medical breakthroughs from cancer to GLP-1s, and the crisis of faith in our healthcare establishment. Then, Preet answers listener questions about whether Trump’s DOJ Anti-Weaponization Fund is really dead. He also shares his thoughts on President Trump’s acting Director of National Intelligence Bill Pulte and Hunter Biden’s newly revived X account. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Gawande discuss affordability and the original sin of our healthcare system. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. You can now watch this episode! Head to…

The House of Representatives passed a bipartisan resolution halting U.S. military action against Iran. In this excerpt from the Insider podcast, Ben Wittes joins Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance to discuss its legal and political significance. Wittes is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Lawfare and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. In the full episode, they cover: – A reported plea deal between the Justice Department and President Trump’s former national security advisor John Bolton; – Trump’s appointment of Bill Pulte as Acting Director of National Intelligence; and – Trump’s appointment of Todd Blanche as Attorney General. To support the show and gain access to full Insider episodes, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Supervising Producer: Jake Kaplan; Associate…

Barb McQuade is a former U.S. Attorney, MS NOW legal analyst, law professor, and author of The Fix: Saving America from the Corruption of a Mob-Style Government. In this live episode taped at the 92NY in New York City, Barb joins Preet to discuss President Trump’s mob-style tactics, the $1.8 billion “slush fund” for January 6 defendants, threats to the rule of law, and how Americans can reclaim democratic accountability. Then, Preet answers listener questions about lawsuits challenging President Trump’s slush fund, whether acting officials can be impeached, and a court ruling barring arrests from being made in New York City immigration courts. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and McQuade discuss restoring public faith in the Justice Department, the most important lesson for law students, and whether RICO is a viable legal tool for holding the Trump administration accountable. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and…

A federal judge has blocked Trump’s efforts to add his own name to the Kennedy Center, a performing arts institution that honors the legacy of President John F. Kennedy. In this excerpt from the Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance break down the court’s legal reasoning and larger takeaways from this development. In the full Insider episode, they cover: – Trump’s “anti-weaponization” fund, and a federal court decision that effectively reopens Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS; and – Reports that the Justice Department is investigating E. Jean Carroll, who accused Trump of sexual assault and won two defamation lawsuits against him, for allegedly committing perjury. To support the show and gain access to full Insider episodes, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Supervising…

Rep. Dan Goldman is a Democratic congressman from New York and a former federal prosecutor. He joins Preet to discuss Trump’s $1.776 billion “weaponization” fund, the future of Democratic oversight in Congress, his primary race, and the politics of Israel and Gaza. Then, Preet answers listener questions about the sentence commutation of Tina Peters, the former Colorado county clerk convicted of breaching election equipment, and about the original meaning of Memorial Day. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Goldman take on the impossible challenge of choosing DOJ’s worst offense yet. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE’s Youtube channel and subscribe. Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured books by our guests in our…

On this week’s Insider podcast, Doug Jones, former Senator from Alabama and current candidate for the state’s governor, joins Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance to break down redistricting efforts across the country, and the major recent Supreme Court decisions on gerrymandering and the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act. Doug also served as the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. In the full episode, they discuss a federal judge’s decision to dismiss the criminal charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia on grounds of vindictive prosecution and what it means for similar cases involving famous defendants like former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James. This segment is available for free to listeners of Stay Tuned. To hear the full episode, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. You’ll also get access to other exclusive content. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Join Preet Bharara and Barb McQuade live at the…

What did the Trump-Xi summit reveal about the future of global power? On a new episode of Stay Tuned, New Yorker staff writer Evan Osnos joins Preet Bharara just after returning from Beijing, where he covered the Trump-Xi summit and the rapidly evolving relationship between the United States and China. They discuss Trump and Xi’s contrasting leadership styles, Taiwan, NATO, America’s standing in the world, and the growing race between the U.S. and China to shape the future of artificial intelligence. The conversation also explores what AI could mean for journalism, creativity, and human originality itself. Then, Preet shares some reflections from the Bruce Springsteen Tour. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Evan continue their conversation with a discussion about billionaires, political power, and why Americans remain both skeptical of wealth and deeply aspirational about success. Join the CAFE Insider community to stay informed without the hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Head to…

Will taxpayers be forced to fund President Trump’s “revenge tour”? On this week’s Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance break down the legality of the Trump administration’s $1.776 billion DOJ settlement fund to compensate January 6 defendants and allies the administration claims were victims of “weaponization.” In the full episode, Preet and Joyce discuss: – Allegations that Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was asked to recuse from Trump matters at the Justice Department; – A DOJ lawsuit seeking to block a D.C. Bar ethics investigation into Jeffrey Clark and other Trump administration lawyers; and – A federal judge’s criticism of the Justice Department for allegedly lying to the court. This segment is available for free to listeners of Stay Tuned. To hear the full episode, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. You’ll also get access to other exclusive content. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Join Preet Bharara and Barb McQuade live at…

George Packer is a staff writer at The Atlantic, where he covers politics, foreign affairs, and culture. He joins Preet to discuss President Trump’s enduring effect on the American mind, the future of the Democratic Party, and why Congress has become more performance than politics. Then, Preet answers listener questions about malicious prosecution and the meaning of the phrase “eighty-six.” In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Packer examine the prevailing personality trait among members of Congress, the public’s role in shaping our political environment, and why we’re experiencing national cognitive decline. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE’s Youtube channel and subscribe. Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured…

Will the Supreme Court restrict access to abortion pills nationwide? On this week’s Insider podcast, UC Davis law professor and reproductive rights expert Mary Ziegler joins Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance to break down the case challenging telehealth access to Mifepristone, and what it means for the future of abortion care in the United States. In the full episode, Preet and Joyce discuss the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals’ recent ruling preventing ICE from detaining undocumented immigrants without bond hearings. This segment is available for free to listeners of Stay Tuned. To hear the full episode, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. You’ll also get access to other exclusive content. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Join Preet Bharara and Barb McQuade live at the 92NY on May 31st: cafe.com/barb Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Supervising…

Jodi Kantor, the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times investigative journalist, joins Preet to discuss her recent expose on the Supreme Court’s “shadow docket,” documenting its origin story, dynamics among the justices, and the implications of Court secrecy on democracy. They also discuss the legacy of her seminal reporting on the #MeToo Movement and the future of work. Then, Preet answers a listener question about “8647” products on Amazon and shares his thoughts on Aziz Ansari’s Kash Patel impression on SNL. In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Kantor discuss how to build a fulfilling career, the importance of teachers, and why a good boss can make all the difference. Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website. You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE’s…

Is the Voting Rights Act dead? On this week’s Insider podcast, Joyce Vance speaks with President and Director-Counsel of the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, Janai Nelson, while Preet is out. They break down the Supreme Court’s decision in a major voting rights case, Louisiana v. Callais, which Nelson argued before the Court, and what the ruling means for the future of the Voting Rights Act. This segment is available for free to listeners of Stay Tuned. To hear the full episode, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. You’ll also get access to other exclusive content. In the full episode, Joyce and Janai delve into the preparation and process of arguing a case before the Supreme Court. Plus, what Supreme Court reform could look like and whether Congress will help reestablish the Voting Rights Act. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Join Preet Bharara and Barb McQuade live at the 92NY on May 31st: cafe.com/barb Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is…

Ben Smith, the former editor-in-chief of BuzzFeed News and co-founder of Semafor, joins Preet to discuss today’s media industry, covering the news, and his latest venture.Then, Preet answers listener questions on preemptive pardons, paternity leave for the Vice President, and…his favorite potatoes.In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Smith discuss the decline of thoughtfulness, parent-child competition, and the trouble with wanting to be liked.Join the Insider community for access to bonus content from Stay Tuned and weekly episodes of the Insider podcast hosted by Preet and Joyce Vance. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work.Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE’s Youtube channel and subscribe.Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured books by our guests in our Amazon storefront.Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com,…

Why is a civil rights organization being accused of funding white supremacist groups? On this week’s Insider podcast, Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance break down the Justice Department’s 11-count indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center. This segment is available for free to listeners of Stay Tuned. To hear the full episode, become a member at cafe.com/insider or staytuned.substack.com/subscribe. You’ll also get access to other exclusive content. Topics covered in the full episode include: – The apparent attempted assassination of President Trump at the White House Correspondents Dinner and the charges filed; and – DOJ’s decision to drop the investigation into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. CAFE Insiders click HERE to listen to the full analysis. Join Preet and Barb McQuade live at the 92NY on May 31st: cafe.com/barb Subscribe to our YouTube channel. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE and Vox Media Podcast Network. Executive Producer: Tamara Sepper; Supervising Producer: Jake Kaplan;…