The Fame Game: Politics in Hollywood ft. Variety's Ramin Setoodeh

Meghan is out on maternity leave after welcoming baby Ransom, so Miranda is in the driver’s seat with Daily Mail White House reporter Nikki Schwab and lawyer-comedian Seena Ghaznavi. They break down the stunning U.S. arrest of Venezuela’s sitting president Nicolás Maduro, what the legal and geopolitical fallout could look like, and why the story is raising serious Iraq-era warning signs. The panel digs into the wild Polymarket angle, where massive anonymous bets were placed just before the raid, and what “insider trading for war” could mean if anyone actually enforces it. Plus, Nikki shares Mar-a-Lago New Year’s Eve details and why the political optics around Marco Rubio and J.D. Vance are suddenly shifting. The group also reacts to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s appearance on ‘The View’ and her unfulfilled Epstein-files promises. Finally, they discuss Finland’s media literacy model and why AI misinformation may become the defining parenting challenge of the next decade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas, happy holidays, and welcome to the final episode of Citizen McCain for 2025. Meghan and Miranda close out the year with a chaotic, emotional, and very on-brand holiday spectacular as Meghan prepares to head out on maternity leave and Miranda gears up to keep the show rolling with guest hosts in the new year. Friends of the show Colonel Kurtz and Jessica Reed Krauss join for a deep dive into conservative media chaos, the fallout from Candace Owens' online crusade, Megyn Kelly's viral rant, and why some internet controversies feel huge online but barely register in the real world. The group also breaks down the Vanity Fair interview that set Washington buzzing, questionable political media judgment calls, and the difference between real accountability and click-driven outrage. The episode wraps with Bravo royalty Carlos King, who delivers a no-holds-barred reality TV breakdown. From 'Real Housewives of Salt Lake City' divorces and reunion power rankings to why 'Beverly Hills' is boring right now, Candy Burruss and Todd Tucker's heartbreaking split, and which Housewives are most likely getting the boot next season. The episode wraps up with a Festivus-style airing of grievances from the audience and the hosts, covering everything from bots, brand deals, and political nonsense to coconut water, Costco, and pregnancy photo shoots. Then the conversation turns serious with a thoughtful exchange about antisemitism, allyship, and what it actually means to show up for Jewish communities at home and abroad. It's funny, unfiltered, heartfelt, and very long. A perfect send-off to 2025, with gratitude for the audience, love for the team, and a promise that Citizen McCain is not going anywhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas and happy Hanukkah. We open this episode with Adam Sandler's "Hanukkah Song" and quickly shift into one of the darkest news cycles we've seen in a long time. ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt joins us to discuss the horrific Hanukkah celebration attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, the surge in antisemitism, and what allies can actually do right now: check in, show up, and speak out. We also reflect on the shocking death of filmmaker Rob Reiner and the legacy of his work, from 'When Harry Met Sally' to 'The Princess Bride' and 'This Is Spinal Tap'. Then we break down the very online conservative media chaos surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination, Candace Owens, and Erica Kirk's blunt message to stop exploiting grief for clicks. Plus, a tease of our Festivus-style year-end breakdown, upcoming Bravo deep dives, and why this episode is a reminder that even during the holidays, the news does not stop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Merry Christmas from Citizen McCain. Meghan and Miranda were supposed to have Congressman George Santos, but when he tapped out sick, friend of the show Ryan Girdusky swooped in to save the day. The three dive into Tyra Banks' unhinged Santa ice cream performance in Australia, Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet's matching neon Chrome Hearts looks, Jen Shah's early prison release, and why "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City" might be the best reality show on TV right now, with detours into "Sister Wives," "Secret Lives of Mormon Wives," and who actually cashes in on long running shows. Then they pivot to airports and politics, roasting Sean Duffy's "pull ups at the gate" idea, griping about airport inflation and $27 ice cream, and breaking down Trump's Poconos rally comments about prices "coming down," Miami's surprising mayoral result, housing and crime, Kristi Noem and Corey Lewandowski rumors, and chatter about Kash Patel (potentially) getting fired, and RFK Jr's possible prenatal health push. Meghan also talks through her looming maternity leave, why nothing fits except giant turtlenecks, the latest Douchebag and Darling of the Week, and why the Diddy documentary is so dark they have to save the full review for Monday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan and Miranda are in full holiday mode with the decorations glowing and the cactus tinsel shining as they dive into a packed week of politics, pop culture, and online drama. Meghan opens up about the latest body shaming from Tucker Carlson's show and talks honestly about pregnancy, weight, and the pressure women face in the Ozempic era. The conversation is real, grounded, and deeply relatable. Political strategist Yemisi Egbewole joins the show for a wide-ranging discussion about Trump-world extremism, Tucker's sudden fascination with Qatar, the GOP's Nick Fuentes problem, and what all of this means for voters who do not want political chaos. They also break down the early buzz around Josh Shapiro, the Democrats' struggle with Black voters ahead of 2028, Clyburn's kingmaker influence, and whether Gavin Newsom's California brand can translate nationally. Then the fun starts. Meghan and Miranda get into Quentin Tarantino's attack on actors Paul Dano and Matthew Lillard (and his emotional response), and the very confusing 2026 Golden Globes nominations. They also talk about why television is outperforming movies right now, and tease their upcoming watch of 50 Cent's new Diddy documentary on Netflix, which they will review on the next episode. Many thanks to our sponsor! COZY EARTH: Use promo code MCCAIN for up to 40% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan and Miranda soldier on — decorations half-up, vibes fully chaotic — as they round out a wild week in politics and pop culture. They kick off with Quentin Tarantino’s very weird (and very personal?) attack on Paul Dano, run through Tarantino’s surprise Top Films of the 21st Century list, and then hit the hard stuff: the explosive Somali fraud scandal in Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz’s growing problems, and why both hosts think this could reshape 2026. Ben Ferguson jumps in to break down Tennessee’s special election, what the numbers really mean for the midterms, and how Nashville voters are signaling a shift. Then political commentator Mo Kelly joins for a raw conversation on rising “woke-right” extremism, Kash Patel’s messy leadership at the FBI, and why 2026 is too chaotic too predict, but impossible to ignore. Plus: movie bombs of 2025, the kids-movie takeover at the box office, what everyone’s watching this weekend, why cozy sheets matter (seriously), and Meghan + Miranda’s weekly *Douchebag & Darling* segment featuring Tim Walz truthers and unsolicited tree-shamers. It’s politics, pop culture, holiday chaos, and absolutely zero tolerance for conspiracy weirdos... just another week on Citizen McCain. Ben Ferguson jumps in to break down Tennessee’s special election, what the numbers really mean for the midterms, and how Nashville voters are signaling a shift. Then political commentator Mo Kelly joins for a raw conversation on rising “woke-right” extremism, Kash Patel’s messy leadership at the FBI, and why 2026 is too chaotic to predict — but impossible to ignore. Plus: movie bombs of 2025, the kids-movie takeover at the box office, what everyone’s watching this weekend, why cozy sheets matter (seriously), and Meghan + Miranda’s weekly Douchebag & Darling segment featuring Tim Walz truthers and unsolicited tree-shamers. It’s politics, pop culture, holiday chaos, and absolutely zero tolerance for conspiracy weirdos — just another week on Citizen McCain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Meghan and Miranda are back from Thanksgiving and diving straight into the deep end. CNN’s Scott Jennings joins from the University of Virginia to talk about his new book A Revolution of Common Sense, what Trump 2.0 is really like behind the scenes, and how he survives as a lone conservative voice on CNN’s nightly debate show. They also unpack his now-viral on-air clash with Dylan Douglas (yes, the son of Catherine Zeta-Jones and Michael Douglas) and the gossip reports that the Hollywood power couple tried to blacklist CNN afterward. Plus: JD Vance 2028, Cory Booker’s wedding strategy theory, and Trump’s slipping approval rating. Then Meghan opens up about the National Guard shooting in DC and a massive Somali social-services fraud scandal in Minnesota, and why both have radically shifted her views on immigration and security. She calls for Governor Tim Walz to resign and explains why she refuses to let America “turn into the U.K.” In the back half, it’s the debut of “Mile High Meltdown.” The ladies react to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy scolding Americans for wearing pajamas on planes, women getting kicked off flights for booty shorts and crop tops, and passengers bounced over obscene anti-Trump and pro-Trump shirts. Why airports abide by "Vegas Rules,” whether sweatpants can be classy, and why kindness to flight attendants and TSA should be non-negotiable. Plus: Quince and Cozy Earth Cyber Monday obsessions, bougie sheets that ruin you for all other bedding, and Miranda’s rule that bare butts and airplane seats should never meet. Many thanks to our sponsors!  COZY EARTH: Use promo code MCCAIN for up to 40% off QUINCE: Use promo code MCCAIN for free shipping & 365 day returns. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Longtime Citizen McCain fans might remember our original YouTube interview with Senator Ted Cruz... the one that mysteriously disappeared. As a Thanksgiving treat, we're bringing it back! Cruz joins Meghan McCain & Miranda Wilkins to talk his beef with Jimmy Kimmel, Tom Segura, his college roommate, the Zodiac Killer accusations, and the growing buzz that he may challenge J.D. Vance in the 2028 GOP primary. Enjoy this throwback while you dive into pumpkin pie. Happy Thanksgiving from Citizen McCain & 2Way! Many thanks to our sponsors! COZY EARTH: Use promo code MCCAIN for up to 40% off HONEYLOVE: Save 20% off by going to honeylove.com/MCCAIN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this Thanksgiving week episode of Citizen McCain, Meghan and Miranda celebrate the season of giving, swap favorite holiday traditions, and talk about real ways to support families in need, from food banks and adopt-a-family programs to paying off layaways. The conversation gets heated as they dig into the viral discourse around Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's dramatic weight loss during the press tour for 'Wicked,' and what feels like a cultural return to "heroin chic" just as Hollywood and social media glamorize Ozempic. They also break down Marjorie Taylor Greene's surprise resignation from Congress and the growing civil war inside the GOP, fueled by antisemitism, conspiracy obsession, and the sudden split between MAGA influencers and traditional conservatives. Meghan, Miranda, and guest Christine Rosen react to the shockingly cozy Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zohran Mamdani, now being dubbed a political lovefest, and what it signals for New York, the future of the party, and the pro-Israel fight on the right. Later, Ryan Manion joins to share how military families navigate grief during the holidays, the mission of the Travis Manion Foundation, and her new children's book, "Things My Brother Used to Say." Plus: Douche & Darling of the Week, advertisers we're thankful for, and a gravy-kayak goodbye to Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/MCCAIN #honeylovepod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ryan Girdusky is filling in for Miranda who is out sick, he and Meghan have a lot of chaos to unpack. They break down the Epstein files fight in Congress, why Speaker Johnson and Trump keep tripping over their own messaging, and what Democrats are really hoping to find. Ryan explains Clay Higgins’ lone “no” vote, Stacey Plaskett reading from Epstein’s email scripts, and how much of this is about justice for victims versus 2026/2028 politics. Then they get into the growing rift on the right: Marjorie Taylor Greene’s very public break with Trump, the “America Only” faction, and what it all means for Vice President J.D. Vance heading into 2028. Ryan and Meghan talk about independents, the Republican primary map, how long Trump actually controls the party, and why “internet right-wing” vibes don’t match what real voters care about. There is also reaction to Michelle Obama’s “America isn’t ready for a woman president” comments and her never-ending complaining on that podcast tour, talk Target’s surprising sales slump even as moms like Meghan and Miranda are still basically living there, and finish with a little Real Housewives of Salt Lake City gossip. Live audience questions from Haylee and Mallory keep the conversation grounded in what independents and center-right women are really thinking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices