Best Democracy Docket Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 174 — Alternative Facts Emergency 1:07:29

Play Pause

1d ago1:07:29

1:07:29

Donald Trump is weaponizing the government against his enemies. But at least there are no national guard troops on the streets of Chicago or Portland. And a trial judge in California blocked Russ Vought’s efforts to burn down every federal agency during the shutdown. Plus, Alex Jones is still and always a loser. Links: Candace Owens Can’t Go To Aus…

1
Ep 173 — Justice Barrett Isn’t Mad, She’s Just Disappointed That You Keep Saying SCOTUS Is Broken 1:03:08

3d ago1:03:08

1:03:08

The Justice Department continues to be a sh*tshow, with the indictment of James Comey already hitting the skids. Whodathunk that putting Trump’s personal insurance lawyer in charges of criminal prosecutions would work out badly! Justice Amy Coney Barrett heads to Fox News to flog her book and express her disappointment that we are all being so mean…

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

4d 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
Ep 172 — Law School In The Age Of Trump (Ft. Prof. Eric Segall) 1:05:47

7d ago1:05:47

1:05:47

Liz and Andrew talk to Professor Eric Segall of Georgia state University College of Lawl. He teaches federal courts and constitutional law I and II, and is the author of the books Originalism as Faith and Supreme Myths: Why the Supreme Court is not a Court and its Justices are not Judges. How can one teach ConLaw when the Supreme Court is burning d…

1
Ep 171 — Can Trump Put Troops In Every City Simply By Shouting EMERGENCY? 1:01:32

10d ago1:01:32

1:01:32

By Liz Dye; Andrew Torrez

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

11d 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
Ep 170 — SCOTUS Lets Trump Steal $4 Billion Because UHHH Standing 1:00:58

17d ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Mike Lindell is having a bad day in court, and Alex Jones is about to. The Supreme Court decides that Trump can steal Congress’s power over the budget, Constitution be damned. And Justin Baldoni returns to teach us all how NOT to do civil procedure. Links: Oregon v. Trump Docket https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71481149/state-of-oregon-v-trump …

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

18d 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
Ep 169 — The DOJ Descends Into Naked Corruption 51:55

21d ago51:55

51:55

After Trump appoints his lackey Lindsey Halligan US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, he finally gets his indictment of former FBI Director James Comey. But will it stand in front of a real judge? We break down the grand jury process, and why they say a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich. And for subscribers, Andrew and Liz explain …

1
Ep 168 — License To Kill? (feat. Brian Finucane) 1:06:08

24d ago1:06:08

1:06:08

Domestically, Tom Homan takes bribes and Republicans just don’t care. Internationally, the Trump administration is engaged in international war crimes by murdering foreign civilians, and… Republicans still just don’t care. Learn why this is an Article I Constitutional crisis with guest Brian Finucane. Links: Brian Finucane, International Crisis Gro…

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

25d 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
Ep 167 — I Am Sparta-Kimmel! 51:56

28d ago51:56

51:56

The Trump administration goes mask-off with its attack on Jimmy Kimmel. If you’d told us the Man Show guy would become a First Amendment avatar … we’d never have believed you. Meanwhile, the Justice Department has torched its cred with all the judges, even the FedSoc ones! But Lisa Cook is still a Fed governor! Links: SCOTUS Docket Lisa Cook https:…

1
Ep 166 — Refoulement Most Foul 55:07

1M ago55:07

55:07

The Department of Homeland Security has decreed that we will all learn what chain refoulement is … by watching them try to rendition wave after wave of immigrants. Andrew and Liz will explain how that’s totally illegal. Plus, Newsmax is suing Fox News, again. Links: Newsmax v. Fox [Wisconsin Docket] https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/71323347/new…

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

1M 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 …

1
Ep 165 — Lower Court Judges Throw Shade At SCOTUS Shadow Docket 1:09:46

1M ago1:09:46

1:09:46

District and Circuit Court judges are in more or less open revolt over the Supreme Court’s abuse of the shadow docket. Perhaps Justice Gorsuch shouldn’t have implied that they were all stupid and insubordinate for failing to read his mind! The Trump administration insists it’s very cool and very legal to deport immigrant children in the middle of t…

1
Ep 164 — SCOTUS Discovers that Racial Profiling Is Legal Now 58:10

1M ago58:10

58:10

The Supreme Court used the shadow docket to legalize racial profiling, although only Justice Kavanaugh was dumb enough to admit it out loud. It also overturned Humphrey’s Executor, but this time even Kav wouldn’t cop to it. Meanwhile at the White House, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought discovers ONE WEIRD trick to steal Congress…

1
The Lower Courts Punch Up 1:42:06

1M 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
Ep 163 — Okay, Doomer 56:14

1M ago56:14

56:14

Newsmax is suing Fox News, and they’ve scored antitrust expert (lol) Judge Aileen Cannon. And while the Supreme Court is busy burning down the judiciary, trial judges are standing up. This week Judge Allison Burroughs of the District Court of Massachusetts ordered the Trump administration to give Harvard University its grant money back, and along t…

1
Ep 162 — Court Blocks DHS Plot To Kidnap Migrant Children 56:18

2M ago56:18

56:18

Today on Law and Chaos … Trump’s tariffs are illegal. A Judge named Sparkle just lit Kristi Noem on fire for trying to kidnap hundreds of Guatemalan children in the middle of the night. And Rudy Giuliani is getting the presidential medal of freedom. Plus, subscribers get a deep dive into all the ways the Department of Homeland Security is violating…

1
Ep 161 — The Winner Breaks It All 56:53

2M ago56:53

56:53

After “fixing” crime in DC, Trump is off to “fix” Chicago. But since Chicago is in an actual state, he may encounter one or two legal issues. And after the Supreme Court shook its finger at the president and said not to fire members of the Federal Reserve, he’s trying to do it anyway. Whodathunkit? Meanwhile, DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro can’t seem…

1
Ep 160 — Burn Baby, Burn! 48:49

2M ago48:49

48:49

Kilmar Abrego Garcia has been returned to Maryland… where he was promptly arrested by ICE, which is threatening to deport him to Uganda. Will the courts stop it? Meanwhile, Texas tees up to defend breaking apart majority-minority districts by claiming that they were only trying to hurt Democrats, not Latinos. Also: can Trump really ban flag burning…

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

2M 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
Ep 159 — New York Appeals Court Gives Trump Half a Billion Dollars 1:00:09

2M ago1:00:09

1:00:09

The Fifth Circuit says yes to drag shows, but no to workers’ rights. Donald Trump loses one fight to keep his dingbat lawyer Alina Habba on as Acting Interim Assistant Special Top Secret Temporary US Attorney for New Jersey, but wins big in a New York appellate court. And multiple courts tell Attorney General Pam Bondi to pound sand, even though sh…

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

2M 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
Ep 158 — All The Defamation News That’s Fit To Pod 1:02:27

2M ago1:02:27

1:02:27

As Dominion Voting Systems settles its defamation suit with Newsmax, Hunter Biden is making defamation suits great again. He’s currently suing Overstock founder Patrick Byrne, and about to be sued by the first lady. Meanwhile, Media Matters scores a big victory over the Federal Trade Commission, and football coach Brian Flores notches a win against…

1
The Dubious Legality of Trump's DC Takeover 1:51:25

2M ago1:51:25

1:51:25

Kate and Leah recap the week's legal news, including argument calendars for the next SCOTUS term and President Trump's attempted federal takeover of Washington, DC. Then, it's our third annual State of The Uterus episode. Melissa and Leah talk with Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Lisa Be…

1
49: Why Your Voting Rights Aren't What They Used To Be 23:55

2M ago23:55

23:55

Kimberly Atkins Stohr discusses the current state of voting rights in America with Hannah Fried, co-founder and executive director of All Voting is Local. They explore the multifaceted attacks on voting access, the role of the federal government in collecting voting data, and the importance of local election officials. The conversation emphasizes t…

1
The Texas GOP Loves Their "Commander-in-Cheat" | Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer 44:48

2M ago44:48

44:48

Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer left Texas to deny Republicans a quorum and block their gerrymandered map. He sat down with Marc to discuss the threats to him and his colleagues, Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Paxton's internal battle, and what’s next in the redistricting fight. Support Texas Democrats by visiting onetexas.org -Become a Democracy…

1
How the GOP is Trying to Steal the 2026 Midterms 1:59:34

2M ago1:59:34

1:59:34

Melissa and guest co-host Imani Gandy of Rewire News Group break down the week’s legal happenings, including how Texas Democrats are attempting to thwart that state’s gerrymandering efforts, college admissions in the age of Trump, and more Epstein fallout. Then, Melissa chats with Duke Law Professor Brandon Garrett about his book, Defending Due Pro…

1
The DOJ Can “Jump in the Gulf of Maine” | Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows 46:42

2M ago46:42

46:42

The DOJ wants your voter information. Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows joins the podcast to discuss the DOJ’s demand for state voter lists, Maine’s dangerous voter ID ballot initiative, and how Trump’s conspiracy theories harm election workers. -Become a Democracy Docket premium member: https://newsletters.democracydocket.com/member-youtube …

1
48: Are Dems Too Woke To Win 32:19

2M ago32:19

32:19

Kimberly Atkins Stohr talks with her old friend and political strategist Steve Schale to discuss the current political landscape, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and the importance of understanding voter sentiment. They explore the need for a new coalition of voters, particularly in swing areas like Macomb County, and the perception of …

1
Ep 157 — Census 2025? No. (feat. Kel McClanahan) 1:02:58

2M ago1:02:58

1:02:58

We welcome back National Security Counselors’ Kel McClanahan to discuss how the Law & Chaos podcast will be suing the Trump administration. Also: no, Trump can’t order a new census just because he doesn’t like the actual numbers. And the Supreme Court tees up an argument advanced by Clarence Thomas to gut what remains of the Voting Rights Act. Link…

1
Ep 156 — Mess With Texas! 47:01

2M ago47:01

47:01

What’s going on in Texas, where Democrats have walked out of the state legislature in an effort to thwart (or at least postpone) handing Donald Trump five more congressional seats in the 2026 midterms. Is it a crime? Does it break norms? And most importantly: will it work? And we check back in with the administration’s efforts to keep Alina Habba o…

1
Stacking the Bench with Creeps & Kooks 1:41:25

2M ago1:41:25

1:41:25

Leah and guest co-host Mark Joseph Stern of Slate and the Amicus podcast run through what’s been happening in the courts this week, including disturbing attacks on judges, the confirmation of the extremely unsavory Emile Bove, and Amy Coney Barrett’s upcoming appearance with Bari Weiss. Then, Kate and Melissa speak with Jessica Calarco, sociologist…

1
47: How To Join The Resistance Summer School 35:53

3M ago35:53

35:53

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Karen Attiah, founder of Resistance Summer School, about the importance of creating safe spaces for discussions on tough topics in education. They explore the intersection of journalism, race, and global affairs, and how Atiyah's experiences led her to create a new educational initiative after her course at Columbi…

1
Ep 155 — We FOIAed The Justice Department & Poor Alan Dershowitz Still Can’t Get A Snack 1:00:36

3M ago1:00:36

1:00:36

The Department of Justice has filed an ethics complaint against the Chief Judge of the District Court in DC, James Boasberg, and we’ve enlisted Kel McClanahan to help us figure out what (if any) evidence the Trump administration has to support its claims. Plus, Liz and Andrew listened to the Federal Circuit’s oral argument over Trump’s tariffs. And…

1
Ep 154 — Habba Dabba DOH! 1:01:36

3M ago1:01:36

1:01:36

The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein continues to haunt Donald Trump, so he sent his attorney Todd Blanche to Florida to visit Ghislaine Maxwell for an exorcism. Despite the Supreme Court’s valiant efforts, lower courts are still refusing to let the Trump administration un-person children of immigrants. And Alina Habba is back in her office at the US Attor…

1
Can Trump Sue His Way Out of the Epstein Mess? 1:32:28

3M ago1:32:28

1:32:28

Kate and Leah break down the week’s legal happenings, including Trump’s flailing efforts to manage the Epstein fallout, the latest abomination from the shadow docket, and the legal quagmire surrounding Trump lackey Alina Habba’s appointment as U.S. Attorney for New Jersey. Then, they speak with law professors—and former clerks for David Souter—Alli…

1
Ep 153 — The Shadow Docket Gets Shadier 56:40

3M ago56:40

56:40

The Supreme Court can’t be bothered to do real law — but they still expect trial judges to read their minds and treat those nebulous shadow docket orders like binding precedent. And that invisible ink precedent says that Trump can fire anyone, anywhere, at any time. Abrego Garcia is still dancing on the knife edge between Trump’s DOJ and his DHS. A…

1
46: The Fragility of Democracy 28:03

3M ago28:03

28:03

Kim and Joyce discuss the importance of voter engagement and the fragility of democracy. They emphasize the need for individuals to check their voter registration status, understand local voting rules, and actively participate in the democratic process. The discussion also touches on the challenges facing democracy today, the importance of local go…

1
Ep 152 — Trial Judges Know What’s Up 1:00:08

3M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

Today on the show the First Circuit is reversing DOGE’s “DEI” cuts at NIH. Trump is suing the Wall Street Journal for defamatory reporting that he was friends with that pedophile he used to party with all the time. And trial courts are calling SCOTUS’s shadow docket bluff. Plus, Alina Habba is headed for the exit. Links: SCOTUS Shadow Docket Order …

1
SCOTUS Enables Government Destruction 1:30:08

3M ago1:30:08

1:30:08

Melissa and Kate run through the latest legal news, including the Court greenlighting the dismantling of the Department of Education. Then, they speak with NYU law professor Rachel Barkow about her book, Justice Abandoned: How the Supreme Court Ignored the Constitution and Enabled Mass Incarceration. Hosts’ favorite things: Kate: Legalistic Noncomp…

1
Ep 151 — This Is All The Supreme Court’s Fault 59:09

3M ago59:09

59:09

What do Trump’s plans to fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell, level illegal tariffs, and stuff the court with his cronies have in common? They’re all the fault of the Supreme Court’s six conservatives. Then we’ll take a break from … all this … and learn some more civil procedure from Justin Baldoni. Links: Can Trump Actually Fire Fed Chair Jerome Powell? …

1
45: What Does MAHA Actually Mean? 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

Kimberly Atkins Stohr speaks with Natalie Davis, CEO of United States of Care, about the importance of preventative healthcare and the recent Supreme Court decision that upheld the Affordable Care Act's provisions for free preventive services. They discuss the challenges faced by various communities in accessing healthcare, the role of advocacy in …

1
Ep 150 — SCOTUS Allows Trump To Burn Down Department of Education 47:05

3M ago47:05

47:05

The Supreme Court is handing out lit matches and gasoline to the arsonist in chief and inviting him to burn down the Department of Education. Attorney Pam Bondi keeps inventing new ways to be corrupt, and none of them have to do with Jeffrey Epstein. And DHS is now kidnapping IP along with actual human beings. Plus, for subscribers, we’ll talk abou…

1
Hunger Games for Legal Hackery 1:38:33

3M ago1:38:33

1:38:33

Katie Phang, independent journalist and trial lawyer, joins Leah to run through the week’s legal news–and there’s a lot of it! They unpack, as KBJ puts it, “this Court’s demonstrated enthusiasm for greenlighting this President’s legally dubious actions in an emergency posture” and break down the latest thirstiness from the judges angling to be Trum…

1
Ep 149 — You Cannot Lie (To Judges) When Whistleblowers Have Receipts! 53:54

3M ago53:54

53:54

Trump’s executive order stripping citizenship from children of immigrants has been enjoined again. Will the Supreme Court burn down another plank of civil procedure just to avoid ruling on it? And DOJ whistleblower Erez Reuveni is dropping receipts! He’s got all the texts and emails that prove Trump’s henchman Emil Bove ordered the DOJ to defy cour…

1
Ep 148 — Trump Cancels Laws…For His Friends And Donors 45:45

3M ago45:45

45:45

Mike Lindell’s sparklemagic lawyers find out that sometimes ChatGPT ends with Rule 11. Then we visit Elon Musk and Sam Altman for a lesson in civil procedure. After that Andrew and Liz explain how Trump can’t actually un-ban TikTok via presidential edict and break down the latest Supreme Court efforts to burn down the judiciary. Plus for subscriber…

1
A Term for the Rich, the Reactionaries, and the Ruthless 1:39:45

3M ago1:39:45

1:39:45

With July upon us and bad decision season (mercifully) over, Leah, Kate and Melissa take a step back to recap this year’s SCOTUS term. They highlight some of the overarching themes, break down the biggest opinions, and look back at the moments they’ll remember forever–whether they want to or not. Hosts’ favorite things: Melissa: KBJ’s footnote 12 i…

1
Ep 147 — Happy Birthday, America? 53:49

4M ago53:49

53:49

We may not know how to fix America, but we can tell you the law of fireworks! Plus the latest on Kilmar Abrego Garcia and what it tells us about how Homeland Security is carrying out Trump’s deportation regime. Plus, Trump’s lawyers are learning so much about civil procedure by getting their asses kicked all over Iowa. Links: Hundreds of Jan 6ers A…