Best Democracy Docket Podcasts (2025)

1
We Need To Talk About Trump’s Maritime Murders 1:08:00

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5d ago1:08:00

1:08:00

Kate, Melissa, and Leah are joined by Professor Rebecca Ingber of Cardozo Law to break down the blatant illegality of the administration’s murders of alleged “narcoterrorists” in the waters off South America. Then they dive into last week’s oral arguments, which featured cases involving “crisis pregnancy centers,” asylum claims, and whether interne…

1
SCOTUS Greenlights Racial Gerrymandering in Texas 36:20

8d ago36:20

36:20

In this emergency episode, Leah, Melissa and Kate break down the Supreme Court’s shadow docket order allowing Texas to use racist and Republican-skewed district maps in next year’s midterms. Get tickets for STRICT SCRUTINY LIVE – The Bad Decisions Tour 2025! 3/6/26 – San Francisco 3/7/26 – Los Angeles Learn more: http://crooked.com/events Order you…

1
John Lennon's lawyer explains how the musician's deportation case changed immigration law | Rebroadcast 16:00

2d ago16:00

16:00

December 8th marks the 45th anniversary of John Lennon's death in 1980. In this special rebroadcast of Modern Law Library, we're looking back at how his immigration helped expose corruption within the Nixon administration and rewrote the immigration process. His attorney, Leon Wildes, sat down with Lee Rawles and his son Michael Wildes to discuss w…

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December Preview: SCOTUS Doubles Down on Its BS 1:10:19

13d ago1:10:19

1:10:19

Kate, Leah, and Melissa kick off the show by speaking with New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin about First Choice Women’s Resource Centers v. Platkin, whose wonky exterior masks an under-the-radar abortion case. Then they preview the rest of December’s oral arguments, which include cases about the future of the administrative state as we kn…

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George Conway Hints at Congressional Run: ‘Time to Undo Trump’s Damage’ 51:33

19d ago51:33

51:33

Never-Trumper and former Republican George Conway joins Marc Elias to unpack why Donald Trump is both an “addled old man” and a dangerous threat to democracy. They also break down Democratic momentum in key elections — and Conway reveals whether he’s considering running for Congress.Support independent journalism:https://newsletters.democracydocket…

1
Boy Math, Boy Law, Man Problems 1:46:18

20d ago1:46:18

1:46:18

Leah, Melissa, and Kate dive into the raging legal battles over redistricting ahead of next year’s midterms, Interim U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan’s massive oopsies in her prosecution of James Comey, developments with L’Affaire Epstein, and other assorted legal quagmires and outrages from the Trump administration. Then, Kate chats with University …

1
‘The Shadow Docket’ shines light on an increasingly uncommunicative Supreme Court | Rebroadcast 47:06

24d ago47:06

47:06

If you’re dreading your family’s lack of communication this Thanksgiving, here’s a conversation about another group that’s saying less and less with real consequences. In this rebroadcast, University of Texas law professor Stephen Vladeck joins The Modern Law Library to discuss The Shadow Docket and how the Supreme Court’s growing use of secretive,…

1
Who Will Save Our Democracy? | Brian Tyler Cohen 43:34

18d ago43:34

43:34

Brian Tyler Cohen joins Marc Elias to highlight the Democrats in who are fighting back against Trump’s attacks on democracy, from the battle in Congress over the Epstein files to the frontline legal and political fights of Trump’s second term. This conversation breaks down the leaders, strategies, and momentum driving Democrats forward in 2026 and …

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The Agonies of Brett Kavanaugh 1:16:44

27d ago1:16:44

1:16:44

Kate and Leah run through the latest legal news, including updates on the SNAP benefits case, the email dump that revealed Jeffrey Epstein's deep ties to the establishment, and the political persecution of Representative LaMonica McIver. Then they catch up on the past couple weeks of oral arguments at the Supreme Court, which featured bad signs for…

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Did Trump's Epstein Fears Trigger HISTORIC Shutdown? 37:20

29d ago37:20

37:20

Donald Trump has repeatedly tried to keep the Epstein files out of the spotlight — but could his fear of their release be influencing far more than we realize? In this episode, Marc Elias breaks down the strange behavior of Rep. Mike Johnson and Congress, what the recently released emails bring to light, and how the political gridlock may have all …

1
Will SCOTUS Say No to Trump’s Tariffs? 1:31:20

1M ago1:31:20

1:31:20

Live from Crooked Con in Washington, Leah, Kate, and Melissa unpack the surprisingly not-awful oral arguments for Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump, which put the president's tariffs in the hot seat. Then the hosts are joined by Representative LaMonica McIver of New Jersey to discuss the bogus charges against her for “assaulting” federal agents whi…

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What Congress's Top Fighter Sees Coming in 2026 | Rep. Jasmine Crockett 43:17

27d ago43:17

43:17

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett joins Marc Elias to break down the GOP’s chaos in the House, the fight over redistricting in Texas, and what these battles reveal about the road to 2026. From Republican infighting to the next wave of voting rights fights, Crockett shares her unfiltered view of where American democracy is headed.Support independent jo…

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8 Alarming Ways Trump and Republicans Plan to Undermine 2026 Elections 47:08

1M ago47:08

47:08

Despite major pro-democracy wins in 2025, the fight is far from over. This video exposes the next phase of Trump and the Republicans' playbook — and what voters, lawyers, and journalists must do now to defend democracy before it’s too late. Marc Elias of Democracy Docket gives his expert take on politics, news, and current events.Support independen…

1
Yale Law’s Owen Fiss talks about threats to democracy and ‘Why We Vote’ | Rebroadcast 40:59

1M ago40:59

40:59

It’s election week in the U.S., and while many eyes are on the polls, we’re revisiting a conversation that reminds us why voting matters in the first place. In this rebroadcast, Yale Law professor Owen Fiss reflects on his work enforcing the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, the courts’ role in protecting democracy, and why casting a ballot rema…

1
Trump's Power Grab: Epstein Files, Redistricting, Intimidation | Rep. Dan Goldman 46:42

1M ago46:42

46:42

Rep. Dan Goldman joins Marc Elias and Democracy Docket to expose how Donald Trump is weaponizing the DOJ, threatening Republicans, and covering up the Epstein files. They discuss the dangers of mid-decade redistricting, election denial, and what Democrats are doing to defend democracy and protect the rule of law.Support independent journalism:https…

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Republicans Enabling Authoritarian Takeover of DOJ | Sen. Richard Blumenthal 46:03

1M ago46:03

46:03

Donald Trump is dismantling American democracy through corruption, pay-to-play schemes, and the politicization of the courts and Department of Justice. Sen. Richard Blumenthal joins Marc Elias & Democracy Docket to discuss Republicans enabling an authoritarian takeover, turning justice into revenge, and destroying institutional integrity.Support in…

1
The Legal Battles Over Trump’s War on Blue Cities 1:17:21

1M ago1:17:21

1:17:21

Kate, Leah, and Melissa dive into the legal pushback over ICE and the National Guard in Chicago and Portland, anti-marriage equality goblin Kim Davis’s unwelcome return to the courts, the administration’s lawless strikes on boats in the waters around South America, and the specter of Trump 3.0. Then, they preview November’s SCOTUS cases, including …

1
Every Gerrymandering Case, Explained 54:08

1M ago54:08

54:08

Donald Trump and the Republican Party are leading a coordinated redistricting and gerrymandering campaign to rig upcoming elections and weaken democracy. Marc Elias exposes how these maps threaten fair representation, expand voter suppression, and test the limits of election law. Through bold litigation, public activism, and sustained political eng…

1
Trump’s DOJ Shakedown 1:20:19

2M ago1:20:19

1:20:19

Kate and Leah dig into a very busy week of legal news as Trump wields his SCOTUS-enabled executive power in increasingly unhinged ways. They also discuss continuing challenges to the president’s deployment of the National Guard in blue cities, ProPublica’s reporting on “Kavanaugh stops,” and, for dessert, the bonkers text exchange between Trump lac…

1
Will the Voting Rights Act Survive SCOTUS? 1:45:57

2M ago1:45:57

1:45:57

Leah, Kate, and Melissa break down last week’s agonizing two-and-a-half-hour oral argument in Louisiana v. Callais, a case that could see the already weakened Voting Rights Act gutted even further. They highlight the themes that emerged and dig into the case’s broader context with Sam Spital, Associate Director-Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund, th…

1
Users keepers: Pirates, zombies and adverse possession | Rebroadcast 33:00

2M ago33:00

33:00

As Halloween swiftly approaches, we’ve conjured up a classic from the Modern Law Library crypt. What do zombies and pirates have to do with the law? Grab your candy and find out as host Lee Rawles is joined by Paul Golden, author of Litigating Adverse Possession Cases: Pirates v. Zombies. —---- “Trespassing plus time equals adverse possession,” Pau…

1
Will SCOTUS Allow Conversion Therapy for Minors? 1:49:09

2M ago1:49:09

1:49:09

Leah, Melissa, and Kate are back in business, breaking down this term’s first week of arguments at SCOTUS, including a challenge to Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for minors. Also covered: the indictment of New York’s Attorney General Letitia James, the continuing legal fights against Trump’s efforts to send the National Guard into Portland a…

1
Something Wicked This Way Comes: A SCOTUS Term Preview 1:33:15

2M ago1:33:15

1:33:15

Kate, Leah, and Melissa preview what fresh hell SCOTUS has in store for us this term, including challenges to the Fourteenth Amendment and the Court’s continued obsession with fighting the culture wars. Then, after breaking down the latest legal news, the hosts welcome Lieutenant Governor of Illinois–and Senate candidate–Juliana Stratton to discuss…

1
Why "Good Republicans" Don't Exist 47:49

2M ago47:49

47:49

Stop grading Republicans on a curve. There are no Republican heroes in the fight for democracy. Staying grounded in the truth is essential — our democracy depends on it.Support independent journalism:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtubeJoin our free newsletter:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/youtubeCan We Actually Save Ame…

1
The Supreme Court’s colorful history with alcohol gets a look in ‘Glass and Gavel’ | Rebroadcast 33:59

2M ago33:59

33:59

As the Supreme Court returns to the bench, we’re raising a glass to a favorite from our archives. In this episode, Nancy Maveety shares stories from Glass and Gavel, where cocktails meet constitutional law. ----- From the earliest days of the U.S. Supreme Court, alcohol has been part of the work lives and social lives of the justices. In the book “…

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The Trump Administration's SCOTUS Winning Streak 1:59:19

3M ago1:59:19

1:59:19

Leah and Kate dive into the week’s legal news, explaining how SCOTUS continues to carry water for the Trump administration. They also cover an epic slapdown of the Roberts Court out of Hawaii, Sam Alito’s Italian sojourn, and the DOJ’s refusal to investigate the wads of cash lining border czar Tom Homan’s pockets. Then all three hosts are joined by…

1
Can We Fix Our Broken Constitution? | Rep Jamie Raskin 54:40

3M ago54:40

54:40

American democracy is under attack, and the courts are at the center of the fight. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Mary McCord, and Harvard’s Nikolas Bowie expose how Trump’s legal tactics and a partisan Supreme Court are undermining the Constitution, and what Congress, the courts, and citizens must do to defend it.Support independent journalism by becoming a D…

1
Looking for Bright Spots in the Courts 1:44:38

3M ago1:44:38

1:44:38

Leah is joined by guest co-host Skye Perryman, president & CEO of Democracy Forward, to discuss the week’s news, including the continued pushback on the shadow docket from the lower courts and Trump’s boundless abuse of Article II. Then Kate, Melissa, and Leah — along with special guest Sherrilyn Ifill — take a look at the impact of Justice Ketanji…

1
David Grann uncovers the deadly conspiracy behind murders of oil-rich Osage tribe members | Rebroadcast 23:18

3M ago23:18

23:18

As Native American Day approaches on September 25, we’re revisiting a story that still resonates today. Author David Grann takes us inside the Osage murders—a chilling chapter in U.S. history where oil wealth brought tragedy, corruption, and the rise of the FBI. ----- Although the Osage tribe had been forced from their ancestral lands by the U.S. g…

1
Is Justice In America Broken? | Sen. Raphael Warnock 36:04

3M ago36:04

36:04

Sen. Raphael Warnock joins us to expose Trump’s plan to use the military against Democratic states, explain why moral leadership matters now more than ever, and break down the political battles that will shape the 2026 elections.Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/memb…

1
How SCOTUS is Making Project 2025 a Reality 1:39:55

3M ago1:39:55

1:39:55

Our fearless hosts continue to slog through this sh*tty shadow docket summer, covering an order from the Court okaying racial profiling by ICE officers, some ominous administrative stays, Amy Coney Barrett’s ongoing press tour through right wing media, and the lower courts’ continuing frustrations with this Supreme Court. Then, Leah and Kate speak …

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Stop Pretending Like Trump Is Normal | Brian Tyler Cohen 48:11

3M ago48:11

48:11

Brian Tyler Cohen joins us to reveal why the right-wing media machine is so effective, what Democrats still don’t understand about influencers, and how social media will decide the 2028 elections.Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtubeStay up to date on the …

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Republicans Are Killing Democracy | Heather Cox Richardson 43:13

3M ago43:13

43:13

Historian Heather Cox Richardson joins us today to explain how fascism is on the rise in America. As one of the country’s foremost experts on the Civil War, she’ll reveal how the GOP went from the party of Lincoln to the party of Trump.Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket.c…

1
The Lower Courts Punch Up 1:42:06

3M ago1:42:06

1:42:06

Kate, Leah, and Melissa break down how the lower courts are challenging the Trump administration and expressing their frustration with SCOTUS. Then, they check in with two members of the supermajority: Brett Kavanaugh, who’s touting a shiny new shadow docket rebrand, and Amy Coney Barrett as she commences her cursèd book tour. Finally, the hosts sp…

1
Nicolle Wallace Calls Trump A "WEAK" Man 53:18

3M ago53:18

53:18

The Republican Party has been co-opted by the far-right to enact their radical agenda. Nicolle Wallace joins Marc Elias to discuss the devolution of the GOP, Trump’s weaknesses, and the media‘s role in preventing a fascist takeover.Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/m…

1
How to be (sort of) happy in law school | Rebroadcast 31:34

3M ago31:34

31:34

As summer winds down and school beckons, we’re looking back in our archives and assigning some back-to-school reading—grown-up style. In this episode, Professor Kathryne M. Young shares advice from her book How to Be Sort of Happy in Law School—from tackling imposter syndrome to finding your own path through law school’s pressures. —-- Law school c…

1
Trump’s Military Invasion Is Coming | Rep. Jamie Raskin 45:06

4M ago45:06

45:06

Trump is throwing the Constitution out the window and Rep. Jamie Raskin is calling him out. He joined Marc Elias to discuss restoring American democracy, the administration’s overreach into elections, and Trump’s desire to be a dictator. Support independent journalism by becoming a Democracy Docket premium member:https://newsletters.democracydocket…

1
The Shadow Docket Just Won’t Quit 1:54:45

4M ago1:54:45

1:54:45

The gang is back together as Melissa, Kate, and Leah break down this week’s mountain of legal news, including the Court’s greenlighting of Trump’s anti-DEI National Institutes of Health cuts, the president’s war on mail-in ballots, and a batshit missive from Solicitor General John Sauer. Then, Leah speaks with candidate for Michigan attorney genera…

1
Michael Steele Calls White House A “Clown Show” 51:02

4M ago51:02

51:02

Michael Steele went from Republican Lieutenant Gov. to RNC Chair to MSNBC analyst. He sits down with Marc to discuss his journey, the federal takeover of Washington, D.C., and his recommendations for the Democratic Party. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube-Sign up for our free newslette…

1
This is Some Serious BS | Rep. LaMonica McIver 46:40

4M ago46:40

46:40

New Jersey Congresswoman LaMonica McIver was targeted by the Trump administration for simply doing her job. She sits down with Marc to talk about the weaponization of government, the importance of oversight at immigration facilities, and her unbelievable first year in Congress. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democrac…

1
Need to sharpen your legal writing? 10th Circuit Court judge shares his tips | Rebroadcast 33:59

4M ago33:59

33:59

As summer winds down and school beckons, we’re looking back in our archives and assigning some back-to-school reading—grown-up style. In this episode, Judge Robert Bacharach shares insights from his book on the science of persuasive legal writing and why judges love to talk about language. —-- There’s plenty of conventional wisdom about what makes …

1
Why Can't Democrats Reach Southern Voters? 47:57

4M ago47:57

47:57

Former Rep. Joe Kennedy III isn’t walking away from rural America. He launched the Groundwork Project to listen to voters and invest in states that shouldn’t be forgotten. Rep. Kennedy joined the podcast to discuss the origins of the organization, his experience as Special Envoy to Northern Ireland, and the future of the Democratic Party. -Become a…