Hamish McKenzie

Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall sits down with MS NOW's Stephanie Ruhle, host of The 11th Hour and senior business analyst. They discuss the network’s transition from NBCUniversal, the opportunities and challenges of building a more nimble news operation, and why Ruhle believes business reporting is essential to understanding modern politics. She also weighs in on tariffs, corporate influence in Washington, the media’s role in covering Donald Trump, and the dangers of an algorithm-driven news culture, arguing that viewers deserve analysis that helps them “get better and smarter.”

Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall sits down with CNN’s Pamela Brown, co-anchor of The Situation Room. They discuss her reporting on the Camp Mystic tragedy, her upcoming documentary on the rise of Christian nationalism, and her approach to interviewing controversial figures. She also weighs in on the media landscape in the era of Donald Trump, warning that “emotion will always win out over facts,” and explains why she prioritizes everyday Americans over Beltway insiders.

Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall sits down with Charlamagne tha God, co-host of The Breakfast Club and one of the most unfiltered voices in political media. They get into his straight-line approach to interviewing, why he believes journalists — not politicians — should call out authoritarian behavior, and how he’d press Trump using what he calls “the mirror strategy.” Charlamagne also talks about navigating the president's attacks after his appearance on Lara Trump’s show and why the rise of figures like Zohran Mamdani signals a disconnect between voters and the Democratic establishment.

Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall sits down with Jacqui Heinrich, Fox News’ Senior White House Correspondent and co-host of The Sunday Briefing. They get into Heinrich’s philosophy of asking fair, fact-driven questions across administrations, her effort to avoid “gotcha” theatrics, and how she maintains independence within Fox’s mix of news and opinion programming. Heinrich also talks about the growing presence of influencers in the briefing room, how the White House press corps has evolved amid Trump-era press-access restrictions, and what it’s like to handle public criticism from the president.

Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall sits down with Jonathan Karl, ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent. They discuss Karl’s new book, Retribution, the final installment in his bestselling quadrilogy chronicling Donald Trump’s political saga. Karl reflects on Trump’s unprecedented comeback, the politics of revenge driving his campaign, and what it’s like to cover a president who views the White House as the world’s biggest reality show. They also dig into the state of the media in the “attention economy,” and Karl’s reporting on President Biden’s decision to step aside.

Mediaite founding editor Colby Hall sits down with Jake Tapper, anchor of CNN’s The Lead and author of the bestselling political exposé Original Sin. They discuss Tapper’s explosive reporting on President Biden’s decision to run in 2024, the media’s reaction to revelations about his health, and the fierce backlash from both the left and right. They also delve into his latest book, Race Against Terror, the evolution of post-9/11 justice, and whether Hollywood could bring his real-life thriller to the screen.

Mediaite editor Aidan McLaughlin sits down with Elie Honig, former federal prosecutor and CNN senior legal analyst. They discuss Honig’s new book, When You Come at the King, his sharp criticism of FBI Director Kash Patel’s handling of the Charlie Kirk assassination, and his warnings about how Trump’s second term has eroded legal guardrails.

Mediaite editor Aidan McLaughlin sits down with Scott Jennings, CNN political commentator and GOP strategist, for a wide-ranging interview. They discuss his clashes on CNN, his relentless support of President Donald Trump despite his past criticism of January 6, and more, as well as his unwavering support for Israel throughout the brutal war in Gaza.

Mediaite editor Aidan McLaughlin sits down with Adam Friedland, comedian and host of The Adam Friedland Show, for a tell-all interview. They discuss the new season of his show -- his interviews with Sarah Jessica Parker, Steiny, and Anthony Weiner, how he learned the art of the interview, and what he makes of America's love for comedians who talk politics. They also discuss Trump, the NYC mayoral race, and getting accused of anti-Semitism.

Mediaite editor Aidan McLaughlin sits down with Substack co-founder and chief writing officer Hamish McKenzie for a wide-ranging chat about the platform’s explosive growth, why he believes the traditional media model is broken, and the future of the industry. They also discuss Trump-era attacks on the press, Elon Musk's efforts to buy Substack -- and his subsequent crackdown on the platform -- and what the rise of independent media means for journalism. This episode was produced by Kathryn Wilkens.