Best Michael Cowen Podcasts (2025)

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Populism, Power, and the Enduring Global Disorder 1:04:35

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20h ago1:04:35

1:04:35

Mike talks with Jason Pack, host of the Disorder podcast, in this crossover episode. In addition to hosting the Disorder podcast, Jason is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), a Senior Analyst for Emerging Challenges at the NATO Defense College Foundation, and the author of Libya & the Global Enduring Disorder. Topics …

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FBI in Crisis, Venezuelan Strikes, Listener Questions 19:01

2d ago19:01

19:01

Mike and Michael open with the turmoil inside the FBI under Director Kash Patel, highlighting Patel’s public clashes with Congress, mass agent departures, and lawsuits alleging unlawful firings. Michael argues that Patel is dangerously unqualified and politicizing the Bureau, while Mike stresses the long-term damage caused by the loss of experience…

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ReThinking: Matthew McConaughey on avoiding cynicism and finding gratitude 34:41

1d ago34:41

34:41

Matthew McConaughey is the Academy Award-winning star of Dallas Buyers Club, Dazed and Confused, or Interstellar. But he’s not just an actor—he’s also an entrepreneur, philanthropist, teacher, and prolific writer. His second book, Poems and Prayers, was built on decades of his journal entries, poems, and life lessons learned. In this episode, Matth…

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Steven Pinker on Common Knowledge 1:23:20

2d ago1:23:20

1:23:20

Why are Super Bowl ads so good for launching certain kinds of new products? Why do we all drive on the same side of the road? And why, despite laughing and crying together, do we often misread what others think? According to bestselling author and Harvard psychologist Steven Pinker, it all comes down to common knowledge, or the phenomenon that happ…

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Charlie Kirk Reactions, Trump and Crime, Government Funding 58:12

4d ago58:12

58:12

Mike is joined by a new host, political scientist Michael Levy. They open with the political and constitutional fallout from Charlie Kirk’s murder, focusing on government crackdowns on speech. Michael stresses the deeper problem of weaponizing government against dissent, while Mike argues this shows the split between Trump loyalists and constitutio…

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Music to Move You! - Episode 89 1:00:34

5d ago1:00:34

1:00:34

We’re rolling straight from The In Crowd dance night into the countdown for this Saturday’s Rescue Me Soul Club, and the soul fire keeps burning! This week’s show is loaded with Northern Soul stompers and Crossover gems from the 60s and 70s, built to keep your feet moving and your heart racing. From Nella Dodds’ “Come See About Me” to Frankie Valli…

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Is There Really Democracy in America? 1:00:24

8d ago1:00:24

1:00:24

Mike talks with Osita Nwanevu, a contributing editor at The New Republic, columnist at The Guardian, and the Democratic Institutions fellow at the Roosevelt Institute. He’s also the author of The Right of the People: Democracy and the Case for a New American Founding, which they discuss on this episode Topics Mike & Osita cover include: why democra…

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Epstein's Birthday Book, 24th Anniversary of 9/11 17:04

9d ago17:04

17:04

Trey and Justin cover the recent firing of UK ambassador Peter Mandelson over his connections to Jeffrey Epstein and the implications of Trump's involvement with Epstein. Next, they reflect on the 24th anniversary of 9/11, discussing its lasting impact on American politics and society, and the evolution of political responses to terrorism. The pair…

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ReThinking: Igniting curiosity with Sean The Science Kid 34:03

8d ago34:03

34:03

At just 10 years old, Sean The Science Kid is our youngest guest ever. Sean is an internet educator with a voracious appetite for learning and a contagious passion for sharing his knowledge. In this episode, Adam chats with Sean and his mother Eunice about the origins of Sean’s curiosity, his strategies for breaking down complex science concepts, a…

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187-David Craig-The Path to Legal Excellence and Innovation 46:18

9d ago46:18

46:18

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, host Michael Cowen interviews David Craig, a seasoned truck accident lawyer from Indianapolis. They discuss David's journey into truck accident law, the unique challenges of these cases, and the importance of knowledge and mastery in the field. David shares insights from interviewing truck drivers, the role o…

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How Did America Build the Arsenal of Democracy? (with Brian Potter) 1:05:05

9d ago1:05:05

1:05:05

American manufacturing of aircraft during WWII dwarfed that of its enemies. By the end of the war, an American assembly line was producing a B-24 bomber in less than an hour. But that success was far from inevitable. Structural engineer and writer Brian Potter speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about the logistical challenges of ramping up product…

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Charlie Kirk, Noem v Perdomo 1:00:19

11d ago1:00:19

1:00:19

Trey and Justin discuss the tragic death of political figure Charlie Kirk, exploring the implications of political violence in the United States. They analyze the rhetoric surrounding the incident, the role of social media in exacerbating tensions, and the need for empathy in political discourse. Next, the pair discuss the Supreme Court's recent ru…

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Music to Move You! - Episode 88 1:00:12

12d ago1:00:12

1:00:12

This week’s show is a whirlwind of pounding soul, raw garage rock, and unstoppable Northern Soul energy—all with that unmistakable 60s spark. From Little Richard’s fiery “Do You Feel It” to Lee Rogers’ sweet soul groove and the grit of The Majic Ship, every cut is a floor-filler. Expect stomping rhythms, deep shouts, and swirling guitars that deman…

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America’s Law and Order Leviathan 50:58

15d ago50:58

50:58

Mike talks with David Garland, the Arthur Vanderbilt Professor of Law and Professor of Sociology at New York University. He’s the author of multiple books, including the recently released Law and Order Leviathan: America’s Extraordinary Regime of Policing and Punishment, which they discuss on this episode Topics Mike & David cover include: why the …

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Trump’s Architecture & Google’s Monopoly: Power, Politics, and Attention 18:16

16d ago18:16

18:16

Mike and Tim open this midweek supporters’ episode with a listener’s multipart question about political shifts, good Democratic policies, Trump’s weak spots, and Republican values Democrats overlook. Tim highlights his changed stance on abortion, his appreciation for progressive taxes, skepticism of Trump’s trust in Putin, and the need for more res…

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ReThinking: Facing your fears with cliff diver Molly Carlson 38:49

15d ago38:49

38:49

Molly Carlson is a professional high diver, three-time runner-up at the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, and the founder of Brave Gang, an online community of people who encourage each other to face their fears together. In this episode, Molly and Adam reflect on anxiety and motivation, the functions and dysfunctions of fear, and how to harness …

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How Teams Succeed (with Colin Fisher) 1:03:22

16d ago1:03:22

1:03:22

What makes some groups thrive while others crash and burn? According to organizational-behavior scholar Colin Fisher, the real villains are rarely individuals, but dysfunctional teams and organizations. Listen as he and EconTalk's Russ Roberts discuss the reasons for the free-rider problem and the importance of meaningful, well-defined tasks to inc…

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Trump’s Legal Setbacks: Immigration, Troops in LA, and Tariff Power 55:26

19d ago55:26

55:26

Mike and Tim open with the Fifth Circuit’s rejection of President Trump’s attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act against Venezuelan migrants tied to Tren de Aragua. Tim argues the ruling shows the importance of clear legal definitions but believes Trump is still winning the broader political fight on immigration, while Mike warns about sweeping due p…

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Music to Move You! - Episode 87 1:01:23

19d ago1:01:23

1:01:23

This week’s hour is a fiery celebration of soul power, where gospel spirit meets funk grit and R&B drive. From Lonnie Youngblood’s “African Twist” to Sharon Jones and Charles Bradley carrying the torch forward, every track pulses with that unmistakable 60s sound. Expect roof-raising vocals, tight grooves, and dancefloor burners that won’t let you s…

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Pandemics, Poverty and Politics 47:21

22d ago47:21

47:21

Trey talks with Tyler Evans, an experienced infectious diseases and public health expert who has worked around the word, including as Chief Medical Officer for New York City, but also with Doctors Without Borders and Partners in Health. He is the author of Pandemics, Poverty, and Politics: Decoding the Social and Political Drivers of Pandemics from…

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The 25th and 26th Amendment 10:04

23d ago10:04

10:04

Trey and Ken continue their deep dive through the U.S. Constitution. They begin by looking at the history and structure of the 25th Amendment. How it has been used in terms of voluntary transfers of power and for the selection of vice presidents. They also discuss the unused portions allowing a president to be forced to transfer power. The pair als…

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ReThinking: Fixing social media with Pinterest CEO Bill Ready 35:20

22d ago35:20

35:20

On social media, enragement is often used to drive engagement. But what if the algorithm was tuned to what makes us feel good? As the CEO of Pinterest, Bill Ready is leading changes to his platform in the hopes of inspiring change in the tech industry. He and Adam examine steps for improving online interactions, consider solutions for protecting ki…

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Humans Are Overrated (with Christine Webb) 1:10:53

24d ago1:10:53

1:10:53

Are humans the most intelligent species, or just the most arrogant? NYU primatologist Christine Webb, author of The Arrogant Ape, believes that human exceptionalism is a myth that does more harm than good. Listen as she speaks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about how research has skewed our understanding of animals' capabilities, the surprising inner…

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Music to Move You! - Episode 86 59:39

23d ago59:39

59:39

This week’s hour-long set locks into the pulse of Northern Soul and 60s movers, where every track feels like a spark on the dancefloor. Archie Bell & the Drells kick things off with swagger, while Ella Fitzgerald, The Vibrations, and The Isley Brothers turn up the heat. Expect a whirlwind of stomping beats, velvet grooves, and high-octane soul ener…

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186-Natalie Arledge-Strategic Choices & Jury Trust: The $1.7 Million Verdict Story 43:36

24d ago43:36

43:36

In this episode of Trial Lawyer Nation, Michael Cowen and Natalie Arledge delve into the complexities of a challenging legal case that resulted in a remarkable $1.7 million verdict. They discuss the strategic decisions, overcoming liability challenges, and the importance of trusting the jury. Join them as they share insights and lessons learned fro…

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Lisa Cook, Troops in Chicago, Susan Monarez 1:13:07

26d ago1:13:07

1:13:07

In a special three-guest episode, Trey and Ken are joined by Mike. They start the show with a conversation on Trump’s attempted firing of Federal Reserve Board Member Lisa Cook over mortgage applications. Trey overviews what is happening and the likely desire of President Trump to influence monetary policy. Ken discusses the current legal landscape…

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Bryan Caplan is Pro-Market AND Pro-Business 1:18:11

29d ago1:18:11

1:18:11

Mike welcomes back George Mason University economist Bryan Caplan to discuss Bryan’s latest collection, Pro-Market AND Pro-Business: Essays on Laissez-Faire. Topics Mike & Bryan discuss include: Mike’s skepticism of big business and Bryan’s response why Bryan thinks businesspeople earn every penny the pro-market case for noncompete clauses consumer…

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Alligator Alcatraz, Bolton Raid, Ballot Box Battles 16:02

30d ago16:02

16:02

Justin and Sam open with a discussion of the legal challenges surrounding the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz” detention facility, where Sam highlights how environmental law is being leveraged in unexpected ways and Justin emphasizes the partisan optics behind the controversy. Next, they turn to the FBI raid on John Bolton’s home. Sam underscores the…

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ReThinking: How you can do more for others with Rutger Bregman 33:29

29d ago33:29

33:29

What are you doing to make the world around you better? Rutger Bregman is a Dutch historian and the author of the new book Moral Ambition. He joins Adam live in the Authors@Wharton series to discuss how to stop capable people from wasting their talents, lessons from great moral pioneers, and what it means to be a good person. They also consider how…

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Hemingway, Love, and War (with David Wyatt) 1:06:28

30d ago1:06:28

1:06:28

What can Ernest Hemingway teach us today about the morality of war, the eternal and transient nature of love, and how to write a masterpiece? Listen as author and teacher David Wyatt talks with EconTalk's Russ Roberts about Hemingway's epic For Whom the Bell Tolls. Topics include Hemingway's role in the wars of the 20th century, the book's context …

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Music to Move You! - Episode 85 59:49

1M ago59:49

59:49

This week’s show is all about building the energy for Saturday’s Rescue Me Soul Club dance party! We’re spinning an hour of pounding Northern Soul, rare grooves, and fiery 60s dance tracks from Gloria Jones, Edwin Starr, The Vibrations, and more. Expect driving rhythms, soaring vocals, and floor-fillers that’ll have you itching to hit the dancefloo…