Exclusive: Anti-Trump Podcaster Who Dethroned Joe Rogan Wants to Beat Fox News

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: Newsweek

Published Feb 26, 2025 at 4:00 AM EST


The MeidasTouch Podcast, a progressive, anti-Trump show hosted by three brothers—Brett, Ben and Jordan Meiselas—became America's most popular podcast this month, knocking off Joe Rogan after a prolonged period of domination by conservative or pro-Trump voices.

MeidasTouch is an American progressive media company and describes itself as a "pro-democracy news network." They officially ranked as the number one podcast in the U.S. in February, according to Podscribe data, with 57.7 million downloads and views per month, an increase of 120 percent.

It's not just the podcast getting attention, either. On YouTube, they have 4.5 million subscribers and post multiple videos daily, all of which garner hundreds of thousands of views. According to the latest Playboard YouTube chart, which tracks the popularity of YouTube channels, the MeidasTouch Network was in first place as of February 23 with 9.3 million views and likes, surpassing Fox News.

They have strong affiliations with Democrats and a long history of opposition toward President Donald Trump. The name MeidasTouch was used for a liberal American political action committee, formed in March of 2020 with the intention of stopping the reelection of Trump. The PAC changed its name to Democracy Defense Action in 2023, and the name MeidasTouch continues to be used by the news organization, which started with creating viral videos and political ads opposing Trump and supporting Democratic candidates.

Read more: https://www.newsweek.com/meidas-touch-podcast-interview-brett-ben-jordan-meiselas-2035869

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It's been fascinating watching how they have grown and obviously they are featured on DU. I just know that MeidasTouch was an early treasure during the 2020 election with their unique use of some in-your-face anti-GOP billboards.

Examples of what they eventually put up back then -

[EYESORE 9001]

1. I am subscribed to their channel

I find their commentary useful when viewing highlights of any new clusterdoodle. I won’t name names, but some content providers are in love with the sound of their own voices. Additionally, I like Brian Tyler Cohen for similar reasons.

[BumRushDaShow]

2. That is the "downside" of these podcast programs

I.e., since there are so many of them now, they feel that there still needs to be some kind of "theater" associated with them in order to differentiate from something more austere like "Democracy Now!".

[EYESORE 9001]

3. Ben Meiselas doesn't seem afflicted by a need for theatrics

And that’s why he’s my go-to guy for catching up on events.

[BumRushDaShow]

4. It requires someone to be "laser focused" on the issues

(and have a good research and editorial staff to help)

[kiri]

9. sound of their own voices

yes, I hate these long-winded diatribes pretending to be a question for the guest. The person being interviewed is who I want to hear from.

As a public speaker, I would often encounter these "questions" in Q&A. I interrupt and ask them to get their own speaker invitation.

If the question were limited to "What do you think of XZY" and let the guest answer, the worthwhile part of the podcast could be reduced by 70% of the time.

[wolfie001]

5. When Rogaine promoted that pseudo-archeologist Graham Hancock.....

....who was promoting an advanced metallurgical-based society 12,000 years ago (subtly implying they were white folk) that taught all of the early advanced cultures around the globe about building big stuff. Then this humble guy named Flint Dibble (real name) comes on in his weathered fedora and totally blew Rogaine's BFF out of the water. It was hilarious to watch. Really exposed Rogaine for who he is: a fraud and a liar like his other BFF: donald dump.

[LeftinOH]

6. I like MeidasTouch a lot. However, they could maybe dial it back

a little with the hyperbolic headlines on every video. Those headlines don't put *me* off, but they might deter some folks who might otherwise be inclined to seek alternate news sources like this.

[LeftInTX]

7. I don't consider them "factual", but hey I like those signs. I think they are best when they use scare tactics.

When they "go overly positive" with "Kamala is gonna win every state", then it does more harm than good.

Best to focus on how bad and dangerous the GOP is instead of true-good-to-be-true "Trump has a fatal condition" headlines.

They need to use scare tactics!

[Raven123]

8. Honestly, I don't watch because of the hyperbole.

They certainly aren’t the only ones doing using hyperbole, so I get it, but just doesn’t work for me.

[Bengus81]

12. YOU MEAN LIKE THIS?!?!?!?! LOL...no shit he needs to stop it

My problem with his show is the GD endless showing of shit heads bleating their BS on FOX news. WHY the hell are you showing any of that crap Ben??

[Kid Berwyn]

10. Gee. Maybe that's why so many are quick to knock these guys.

They're doing a good job: journalism.

Perhaps more will join them in the pursuit of truth.

[barbtries]

11. Pro democracy podcasters want to beat out fox.

I'm a fan and being described as anti tcfsf is not their preferred version.

the question is WHY do they oppose him: because they advocate for democracy.

[NoMoreRepugs]

13. I enjoy the heck out of the MTN. As for showing clips from Faux or wherever - they are clips so I

don't have to watch a whole broadcast. As always the need for the Democratic purity test to be applied comes into play. Suck it up people - our Democracy is being destroyed and many are still griping about utter nonsense.

[mahina]

14. I like them for their factual content and thorough takes but also

I like them because it’s not just a talking head repackaging someone else’s work, which there is too much of.

I wish there was a summary available as the time required to listen to long videos is usually not available to me. I also echo others comments above that the hyperbolic headlines are not in inviting to me personally but I’m sure they know what they’re doing.

Love to all DU, our posters, and the journalists!

[SleeplessinSoCal]

15. I tried adding their podcast to my Sonos.

It was added, but can't play. Others play though. I'm going to alert them in a YouTube comment that they may lose potential listeners.

[Oneironaut]

16. It's hilarious how a sizable chunk of Joe Rogan fans have turned against him.

[Dem4life1234]

17. I love them!

So glad they dethroned that idiot.

They sure do crank alot of news and keep me updated.

[Initech]

18. Can I join them?

I know a certain comedy program that could bring them some great ratings!