CAFE Insider

CAFE

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Co-hosts Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance help you to make sense of law and politics each week, plus weekly notes and bonus content exclusive to CAFE Insider members.

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908 episodes

Disrupting Digital Threats

How does the U.S. government secure our digital infrastructure and fight cyber-criminals? Specifically, how are trade policy, export control, and prosecutions deployed to protect US national security? On March 15, John Carlin moderated a special talk that explored these questions. John recently served as the Acting Deputy Attorney General in the Biden Administration. Before he took on that position, he hosted CAFE’s “Cyberspace” podcast. John was joined by Matt Axelrod, Assistant Secretary at the Commerce Department; Paul Rosen, Assistant Secretary at the Treasury; and Cynthia Kaiser, Deputy Assistant Director at the FBI’s Cyber Division.  The event was hosted by Aspen Digital, a program of the Aspen Institute.  We hope you’re finding informative. Email us at letters@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions

33m
Mar 27
Note From Elie: What a Trump Indictment Could Mean for the Nation

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription.

9m
Mar 24
Preview of an Indictment Part II (with Joyce Vance & Barb McQuade)

Preet and Joyce are joined by Barb McQuade, the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, for part two of a discussion about the expected indictment of former President Donald Trump by the Manhattan DA’s office. They discuss the House GOP’s calls on Bragg to testify before Congress, the issues that might arise when a jury is empaneled, and the potential precedent that a Trump indictment would establish. To listen to part one of the discussion, which also features Elie Honig, the former Organized Crime Chief at SDNY, head to the feed or CAFE.com https://cafe.com/stay-tuned/preview-of-an-indictment-with-joyce-vance-barb-mcquade-and-elie-honig/.  Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Tweet your questions to @PreetBharara with hashtag #askpreet, email us at letters@cafe.com, or call 669-247-7338 to leave a voicemail. is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

16m
Mar 23
Note From Asha 3/23: It’s Going to Get Worse Before It Gets Better

Asha Rangappa is a lawyer, former FBI Special Agent, and current CNN analyst. She's also a Senior Lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs. Head to CAFE.com https://cafe.com/category/notes-from-contributors/ for a full transcript of Asha's Note.

8m
Mar 23
Up Against The Mob – Bonus Episode 04

The Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, has been a critical tool for prosecuting all ranks of mafia associates—up to the bosses of the infamous crime families. But how exactly does it work? What’s the burden of proof under RICO? And is the law, perhaps, overly broad? Elie Honig digs into the complexities of RICO with senior producer Matthew Billy.  This is part of a series of exclusive CAFE Insider bonus episodes of Up Against the Mob https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-against-the-mob/id1582232276, a show that takes you inside law enforcement’s battles with the Mafia. If you haven’t listened to the main episode, head over to the Up Against the Mob https://open.spotify.com/show/2a5TRZy1PqfjDpbOrvMNgx feed, and then come back here to listen to the bonus.  Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Email us your questions, comments, and reactions at letters@cafe.com. Up Against the Mob is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Hosted by @eliehonig https://twitter.com/eliehonig. Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/cafedotcom. Check out other CAFE podcasts: Now & Then https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-then/id1567665859 and Stay Tuned with Preet https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-tuned-with-preet/id1265845136.

14m
Mar 22
Now & Then Backstage 3/22: Why Americans Hate (and Love) Banks

During the main episode, Heather and Joanne discussed the culture and aesthetics of American banks. In Backstage, they reflect on how they have contextualized banking throughout their lives.  “Backstage” is a special segment of Now & Then exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Thank you for being a member.

9m
Mar 22
CAFE Insider 3/21 Programming Note

Former President Donald Trump appears to be on the verge of being indicted for his alleged involvement in a hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. Preet and Joyce are committed to bringing you the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of this story. Since the news is quickly developing, we will bring you more later this week — once we know more. Ask your friends and family to join you in the conversation about the latest legal and political news making the headlines. For every person you refer to the CAFE Insider community, you’ll get a free month added to your subscription. Learn more at CAFE.com/referral https://cafe.com/the-insider-referral-program/. We hope you’re finding informative. Email us at letters@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Joyce.  This podcast is brought to you by CAFE Studios https://cafe.com/about-us/ and Vox Media Podcast Network.

28s
Mar 21
Note From Elie: The Trump Hush Money Case: Bombshell or Dud?

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription.

9m
Mar 17
Note From Joyce: What About Standing?

Joyce Vance is a former U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama, a professor at the University of Alabama Law School, and an MSNBC legal analyst. Notes from Joyce are exclusive to the CAFE Insider membership. For the text of this note, along with the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE's website https://cafe.com/notes-from-contributors/note-from-joyce-on-abortion-rights-and-conservative-hypocrisy/.

8m
Mar 16
Up Against The Mob – Bonus Episode 03

While most popular mob stories tend to take place in big cities like New York and Chicago, the power of small-town mobs can’t be underestimated—like in Springfield, Massachusetts. In this episode, Elie Honig speaks with journalist and historian Russell Shorto, the author of They discuss the big time influence of the small-town Mafia.   This is part of a series of exclusive CAFE Insider bonus episodes of Up Against the Mob https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-against-the-mob/id1582232276, a show that takes you inside law enforcement’s battles with the Mafia. If you haven’t listened to the main episode, head over to the Up Against the Mob https://open.spotify.com/show/2a5TRZy1PqfjDpbOrvMNgx feed, and then come back here to listen to the bonus.  Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Email us your questions, comments, and reactions at letters@cafe.com. Up Against the Mob is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Hosted by @eliehonig https://twitter.com/eliehonig. Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/cafedotcom. Check out other CAFE podcasts: Now & Then https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-then/id1567665859 and Stay Tuned with Preet https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-tuned-with-preet/id1265845136.

22m
Mar 15
Now & Then Backstage 3/15: Women Journalists and Their Fight to Be Heard

During the main episode, Heather and Joanne discussed four pioneering women journalists. In Backstage, they reflect on the barriers they have faced as women historians.  “Backstage” is a special segment of Now & Then exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Thank you for being a member.

13m
Mar 15
CAFE Insider 3/14: The 10th Justice (with Michael Dreeben)

In this special episode of the podcast, Joyce Vance interviews Michael Dreeben, while Preet is out. Dreeben served in the Solicitor General’s office for over 30 years, including 24 years as the Deputy Solicitor General in charge of the federal government’s criminal docket. He is one of only eight people, in the history of the country, to have argued over 100 cases before the Supreme Court. In the interview, Dreeben discusses: – The work of the Solicitor General’s office; – Some of the most memorable moments from his many Supreme Court oral arguments, including when Chief Justice Roberts quoted rapper Eminem and when the justices asked him whether it would be constitutional for the FBI to place tracking devices on the justices’ cars; – How he prepares for Supreme Court oral arguments; and – What he learned as counselor to special counsel Robert Mueller in the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Ask your friends and family to join you in the conversation about the latest legal and political news making the headlines. For every person you refer to the CAFE Insider community, you’ll get a free month added to your subscription. Learn more at CAFE.com/referral https://cafe.com/the-insider-referral-program/. Follow https://link.chtbl.com/UATMSpringfieldCrew Up Against The Mob and listen to new episodes each Wednesday We hope you’re finding informative. Email us at letters@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Joyce.  Shownotes & transcript can be found at CAFE.com https://cafe.com/insider-podcast/cafe-insider-3-14-the-10th-justice-with-michael-dreeben/. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE Studios https://cafe.com/about-us/ and Vox Media Podcast Network.

1h 8m
Mar 14
Note From Elie: Nine Policymakers in Black Robes

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription.

8m
Mar 10
Stay Tuned Bonus 3/9: Zanny Minton Beddoes

In this bonus from , Preet and Beddoes discuss domestic UK politics and a recent cover story on new drugs that promise to end the global obesity epidemic. Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Tweet your questions to @PreetBharara with hashtag #askpreet, email us at letters@cafe.com, or call 669-247-7338 to leave a voicemail. is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

7m
Mar 09
Note From Barb 3/9: The January 6 Choir is Not a Joke

Barb McQuade is the former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan, a law professor at the University of Michigan, and an NBC News/MSNBC legal analyst. To access the full written version of Barb's note, head to CAFE.com.

5m
Mar 09
Up Against The Mob – Bonus Episode 02

Illegal sports gambling and the Mafia have gone hand in hand for more than a century. There wasn’t a bookie in Springfield more respected by the local mob chieftains than Lou “The Shoe” Santos. Lou, a close friend of Anthony Arillotta who was respected by local boss Al Bruno for his earning ability, skirts death by the skin of his teeth.  This is part of a series of exclusive CAFE Insider bonus episodes of Up Against the Mob https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-against-the-mob/id1582232276, a show that takes you inside law enforcement’s battles with the Mafia. If you haven’t listened to the main episode, head over to the Up Against the Mob https://open.spotify.com/show/2a5TRZy1PqfjDpbOrvMNgx feed, and then come back here to listen to the bonus.  Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Email us your questions, comments, and reactions at letters@cafe.com. Up Against the Mob is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Hosted by @eliehonig https://twitter.com/eliehonig. Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/cafedotcom. Check out other CAFE podcasts: Now & Then https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-then/id1567665859 and Stay Tuned with Preet https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-tuned-with-preet/id1265845136.

7m
Mar 08
Now & Then Backstage 3/8: Trash and Pollution: Who Pays?

During the main episode, Heather and Joanne discussed American debates over waste. In Backstage, they talk about their early memories of recycling and the environmental movement.  “Backstage” is a special segment of Now & Then exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Thank you for being a member. For references & supplemental materials, head to: cafe.com/now-and-then/now-then-backstage-3-8-trash-and-pollution-who-pays/ http://cafe.com/now-and-then/now-then-backstage-3-8-trash-and-pollution-who-pays/

10m
Mar 08
CAFE Insider 3/7: Student Loans & Subpoenas

On the docket this week: – The Supreme Court oral arguments in a pair of challenges to the Biden administration’s student loan forgiveness program; – The court filing by the Department of Justice in which prosecutors argued that former President Donald Trump is not entitled to immunity from civil lawsuits stemming from January 6; and – Trump’s court battle to shield former Vice President Mike Pence from complying with a subpoena issued by special counsel Jack Smith as part of the January 6 investigation. Ask your friends and family to join you in the conversation about the latest legal and political news making the headlines. For every person you refer to the CAFE Insider community, you’ll get a free month added to your subscription. Learn more at CAFE.com/referral https://cafe.com/the-insider-referral-program/. Follow https://link.chtbl.com/UATMSpringfieldCrew Up Against The Mob and listen to new episodes each Wednesday. We hope you’re finding informative. Email us at letters@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Joyce.  Shownotes & transcript can be found at CAFE.com https://cafe.com/insider-podcast/cafe-insider-3-7-student-loans-subpoenas/. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE Studios https://cafe.com/about-us/ and Vox Media Podcast Network.

48m
Mar 08
Note From Elie: Speech or Debate — Breaking New Constitutional Ground

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription.

9m
Mar 03
Note From Melissa 3/2: Will the Supreme Court Break the Internet?

Melissa Murray is an NYU Law Professor, the co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, and an MSNBC legal analyst.

12m
Mar 02
Stay Tuned Bonus 3/2: Jia Tolentino

In this bonus from , staff writer Jia Tolentino discusses her experience on a reality television show as a teenager — and how it has impacted her views as a writer and critic.  Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Tweet your questions to @PreetBharara with hashtag #askpreet, email us at letters@cafe.com, or call 669-247-7338 to leave a voicemail. is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

5m
Mar 02
Up Against The Mob - Bonus Episode 01

Before Anthony Arillotta joined the ranks of the Mafia, he was stirring up trouble on the streets of Springfield, Massachusetts. He first served prison time when he was just 21 years old — and it set him up for a life of crime. Arillotta talks about his experience in prison, the lessons he learned, and the connections he made. This is the first in a series of exclusive CAFE Insider bonus episodes of Up Against the Mob https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/up-against-the-mob/id1582232276, a show that takes you inside law enforcement’s battles with the Mafia. If you haven’t listened to the main episode, head over to the Up Against the Mob https://open.spotify.com/show/2a5TRZy1PqfjDpbOrvMNgx feed, and then come back here to listen to the bonus.  Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Email us your questions, comments, and reactions at letters@cafe.com. Up Against the Mob is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Hosted by @eliehonig https://twitter.com/eliehonig. Follow us on Twitter https://twitter.com/cafedotcom. Check out other CAFE podcasts: Now & Then https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/now-then/id1567665859 and Stay Tuned with Preet https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/stay-tuned-with-preet/id1265845136.

8m
Mar 01
Now & Then Backstage 3/1: Women Change Makers: Three Legal Battles

During the main episode, Heather and Joanne discussed three American women who fought against discrimination to secure justice. In Backstage, they talk about their own experiences with gender discrimination as History professors.  “Backstage” is a special segment of Now & Then exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Thank you for being a member. For references & supplemental materials, head to: cafe.com/now-and-then/now-then-backstage-3-1-women-change-makers-three-legal-battles/ http://cafe.com/now-and-then/now-then-backstage-3-1-women-change-makers-three-legal-battles/

10m
Mar 01
CAFE Insider 2/28: Full Court Press

On the docket this week: – The public statements made by the foreperson of the Fulton County, Georgia grand jury that conducted an investigation into Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election, and the implications for the district attorney’s case; – The potential charges that the Fulton County District Attorney might bring against Trump and his associates for allegedly interfering in the election; and – The Supreme Court oral arguments in a pair of cases with major implications for the tech industry and social media companies. Ask your friends and family to join you in the conversation about the latest legal and political news making the headlines. For every person you refer to the CAFE Insider community, you’ll get a free month added to your subscription. Learn more at CAFE.com/referral https://cafe.com/the-insider-referral-program/. Follow https://link.chtbl.com/UATMSpringfieldCrew Up Against The Mob and listen to Episode 1 on Wednesday, March 1. We hope you’re finding informative. Email us at letters@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Joyce.  Shownotes & transcript can be found at CAFE.com https://cafe.com/insider-podcast/cafe-insider-2-28-full-court-press/. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE Studios https://cafe.com/about-us/ and Vox Media Podcast Network.

50m
Feb 28
Note From Elie: The Fulton County Grand Juror and the Irresistible Pull of the Spotlight

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription.

10m
Feb 24
Stay Tuned Bonus 2/23: Bianna Golodryga

In this bonus from , Preet and Bianna discuss how the American press has done in covering the war in Ukraine. Thank you for being a member of the CAFE Insider community. Tweet your questions to @PreetBharara with hashtag #askpreet, email us at letters@cafe.com, or call 669-247-7338 to leave a voicemail. is brought to you by CAFE https://cafe.com/about-us/ and the Vox Media Podcast Network.

9m
Feb 23
Note From Asha 02/23: Don't Look Up

"Note From Asha" is a part of the CAFE Insider subscription. Asha Rangappa is a lawyer, former FBI Special Agent, and current CNN analyst. She's also a Senior Lecturer at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs.

9m
Feb 23
Now & Then Backstage 2/22: What UFOs Say About Us

During the main episode, Heather and Joanne discussed America’s long-term fascination with UFOs. In Backstage, they talk about UFO-adjacent experiences in their own lives.  “Backstage” is a special segment of Now & Then exclusively for members of CAFE Insider. Thank you for being a member.

7m
Feb 22
CAFE Insider 2/21: Gaetz Outta Jail Free

On the docket this week: – Developments from the January 6 and classified documents special counsel investigations, including former Vice President Mike Pence’s invocation of the Constitution’s “speech or debate” clause to avoid testifying, and the debate over whether the attorney-client privilege shields Trump lawyer Evan Corcoran from testifying; – The Fulton County, Georgia grand jury’s recommendation that the district attorney bring perjury charges against unnamed witnesses in the investigation into Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election; and – The news that the Department of Justice has reportedly decided against bringing sex-trafficking charges against Florida Representative Matt Gaetz. Ask your friends and family to join you in the conversation about the latest legal and political news making the headlines. For every person you refer to the CAFE Insider community, you’ll get a free month added to your subscription. Learn more at CAFE.com/referral https://cafe.com/the-insider-referral-program/. We hope you’re finding informative. Email us at letters@cafe.com with your suggestions and questions for Preet and Joyce.  Shownotes & transcript can be found at CAFE.com https://cafe.com/insider-podcast/cafe-insider-2-21-gaetz-outta-jail-free/. This podcast is brought to you by CAFE Studios https://cafe.com/about-us/ and Vox Media Podcast Network. 

41m
Feb 21
Note From Elie: Mark Pomerantz, Self-Promoting Prosecutorial Turncoat

Note From Elie is part of the free weekly CAFE Brief newsletter. Audio recordings of Elie’s Note are part of the CAFE Insider subscription.

13m
Feb 17