The MeidasTouch Podcast, a progressive show known for its sharp political commentary and criticism of former President Donald Trump, has taken a commanding lead as the top podcast in the United States. According to Podscribe, the podcast garnered nearly 125 million downloads and views in the past month, marking a significant increase from February when it first surpassed Joe Rogan’s podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience, for the number one spot.
In February, Rogan’s show registered 64 million downloads, while MeidasTouch more than doubled that number.
The MeidasTouch Podcast, named after the pro-democracy media company MeidasTouch, is hosted by the Meiselas brothers: Ben, Brett, and Jordan. The trio mixes political news, banter, and commentary, often with a focus on criticizing Trump and his policies. Recent episodes of the podcast have included titles such as “Trump Suffers Badly as It All Backfires on Him” and “Trump Blows Up Term Quickly and Throws a Party,” both of which reflect the show's political leanings and anti-Trump sentiment.
The podcast's success has been fueled by its direct approach to addressing political issues, paired with the hosts' humorous and engaging style.
Ben Meiselas, one of the podcast hosts, has an interesting background outside of podcasting. He is also a co-owner of Los Angeles Magazine and previously served as the lead lawyer for NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, best known for his protest against racial injustice by kneeling during the national anthem.
His involvement in high-profile legal battles has brought him additional visibility, which likely contributes to the podcast's appeal.
Brett Meiselas, another host of the podcast, has a background in video editing and previously worked on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, where he earned two Emmy Awards. Brett’s experience in television production brings a polished, professional touch to the MeidasTouch Podcast, helping it stand out in a competitive market.
Jordan Meiselas, the third brother, has a background as an award-winning advertising executive based in New York. His expertise in advertising and branding has also likely played a role in the podcast’s growing success, as it has gained significant attention and listeners in a relatively short period.
Despite the MeidasTouch Podcast’s impressive growth, it faces competition from other politically charged podcasts, with Joe Rogan’s The Joe Rogan Experience still one of the most popular and influential shows. Rogan, a comedian and UFC commentator, is known for his pro-MAGA (Make America Great Again) views and often hosts controversial guests, including figures such as Elon Musk and Kanye West.
Rogan’s podcast has been a significant platform for right-wing opinions, often appealing to audiences who support former President Trump and conservative values.
However, the recent surge in downloads for MeidasTouch signals a growing shift in podcast preferences, particularly among left-leaning listeners. The podcast’s success highlights a rising demand for progressive political content, especially among those who feel marginalized or disillusioned by the political landscape under Trump’s administration.
MeidasTouch’s ability to engage its audience with humor, insightful analysis, and an unrelenting critique of Trump has clearly resonated with many listeners, especially as the country remains deeply divided politically.
The rise of MeidasTouch is not an isolated trend. Other podcasts with political agendas, such as the Dan Bongino Show, the Ben Shapiro Show, and the Megyn Kelly Show, have also found success, though they lean heavily toward the right side of the political spectrum.
These shows, like Rogan’s podcast, cater to conservative and pro-Trump audiences, offering news, commentary, and interviews that reinforce their ideological viewpoints.
In the context of these shifting podcast rankings, it’s clear that political podcasts are becoming an increasingly important medium for public discourse. Shows like MeidasTouch have found a niche in offering a voice for those who oppose Trump’s influence, while conservative podcasts continue to dominate the airwaves on the other side of the spectrum.
This divide reflects the broader polarization of American politics, where media consumption often aligns with one’s political beliefs.
For now, MeidasTouch is celebrating its success as a progressive platform that’s resonating with listeners across the country. As the 2024 election approaches and political tensions continue to rise, it will be interesting to see how this podcast landscape evolves and whether MeidasTouch can maintain its dominance in the rankings.
The impact of podcasts on public opinion, political engagement, and social discourse has become undeniable. As new voices and perspectives continue to emerge in this space, it’s clear that podcasts will remain a key player in shaping how Americans consume news and engage with politics. Whether or not MeidasTouch can sustain its rapid growth and challenge the long-standing dominance of shows like Rogan’s remains to be seen, but for now, they’re enjoying their position at the top of the podcast charts.