What Makes The New Abnormal Podcast Worth Following
The New Abnormal podcast launched from The Daily Beast at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, built around what the show calls blunt truth and dark humor for a world in chaos.
Currently hosted by Molly Jong-Fast and Andy Levy, the show releases twice-weekly episodes mixing politics, pop culture, and interviews, plus bonus Sunday episodes for Daily Beast members that dig even deeper into the week’s biggest stories.
Here is a look at ten episodes that show why The New Abnormal has held its audience through several years of, well, abnormal news cycles.
10 The New Abnormal Podcast Episodes You Must Listen To
1. The Supreme Court Rejects Trump’s Tax Appeal
Daily Beast legal analyst Jay Michaelson joins to break down what it means after the Supreme Court turned down Trump’s final appeal, clearing the way for his accounting firm to hand over years of financial records.
2. The Year One Highlight Reel
Marking the show’s first anniversary, this special episode compiles the most fun and most brutally honest clips from the early run, covering everything from Trump’s COVID diagnosis to behind the scenes election takes.
3. Senator Cory Booker Joins For A Beast Inside Bonus
Part of the show’s members-only Sunday series, this episode brings Senator Cory Booker on for a conversation that goes beyond the usual soundbite-driven interview format.
4. Jim Acosta On Life Inside The Media
Veteran journalist Jim Acosta joins the hosts to talk through what it is actually like reporting from inside the modern media landscape, a recurring topic for the show’s journalist guests.
5. Madelyn Corwin’s Insulin Activism
This episode profiles 24-year-old activist Madelyn Corwin, who uses her social media following to raise money and awareness for people struggling to afford insulin.
6. 20 Hilariously Stupid Questions With Andy Levy
A lighter introduction to new co-host Andy Levy, this post-Christmas bonus episode has Molly and the producer firing off random, silly questions to help listeners get to know him beyond his political commentary.
7. Michael Wolff On Why Trump Keeps Getting Worse
Author Michael Wolff joins the show to make his case for why he believes the former president’s conduct has escalated rather than moderated over time.
8. Soledad O’Brien On Explaining The Media Landscape
Journalist Soledad O’Brien joins for a Beast Inside bonus conversation about how she approaches breaking down complicated stories for a general audience.
9. The Sunday Bonus Episode Format
Reserved for Daily Beast members, this recurring Sunday format gives the hosts room to go longer and looser than the twice-weekly main show allows.
10. Andy Levy Officially Joins The Show
This transitional episode marks Andy Levy stepping in as co-host, bringing his straight-faced humor and left-leaning commentary to a new era of the podcast.
Why These Episodes Stand Out
Each entry on this list reflects a different side of what keeps The New Abnormal in regular rotation for its listeners.
The newsmaker interviews like Cory Booker and Jim Acosta add reporting depth, lighter segments like the Andy Levy Q&A keep the tone from getting too heavy, and profile episodes like Madelyn Corwin’s show the podcast reaching beyond straight political commentary. That mix of tone is a big part of the show’s appeal.
How to Start Listening to The New Abnormal in 2026
New episodes are released on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, with bonus Sunday episodes available exclusively to Daily Beast members through Beast Inside.
Since most episodes are tied to that week’s news, jumping in with the most recent episode is the easiest way to start.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Hosts The New Abnormal Podcast
Molly Jong-Fast and Andy Levy currently host the show, a lineup that has evolved since the podcast’s 2020 launch alongside original co-host Rick Wilson.
How Often Do New Episodes Drop
Main episodes are released twice weekly, with an additional bonus episode released on Sundays for Daily Beast members.
Where Can I Listen To The New Abnormal Podcast
The show is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music, with bonus content available through Beast Inside membership.
Final Thoughts
The New Abnormal podcast has stayed relevant by pairing sharp political commentary with genuine humor and a rotating lineup of newsmaker guests.
Whether you start with the Supreme Court episode or the Year One highlight reel, this list is a solid roadmap for building your 2026 listening rotation.
