The Epstein Files Book Club

In the final part of our two-parter with independent journalist and attorney Katie Phang, who brought a historic lawsuit against the DOJ to release of all Epstein files , Phang explains why the original Epstein Files Transparency Act needs to be bolstered with the new bill — EFTA 2 — and the oversight and accountability that can come with a new Congress in January, if voters swing the balance of power back to the Democrats. Mentioned in this episode Katie Phang on YouTube Katie Phang on Substack Congress.gov: Epstein Files Transparency Act II ⁠CNN:⁠ Democrats eye a new tool to hold Trump accountable if they win the House Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Independent journalist and attorney Katie Phang brought a historic lawsuit to stand up for survivors and for the release of all Epstein files as the Epstein Files Transparency Act requires. Phang joins the show this week in part one of a two part interview, about how there must not be two tiers of justice. The self-described “gunner” gives us the state of play on her transparency push, explains why accountability and affordability are interdependent, and shares her expectations for oversight under a Democratic Congress, should Democrats take control next session. Mentioned in this episode Katie Phang on YouTube Katie Phang on Substack Congress.gov: Epstein Files Transparency Act II Washington Post: Europeans investigating Epstein say DOJ has not agreed to requests for help Julie K Brown Substack: The Empty Promise of the Epstein Files CNN: Democrats eye a new tool to hold Trump accountable if they win the House Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Sponsor Thanks to Stamped Bills for sponsoring our podcast! Visit them at https://stampedbills.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Epstein’s most generous client, Leon Black, is suing the House Oversight committee just as lawmakers press him for nondisclosure agreements that the billionaire is refusing to share. So this week, Julie Roginsky, who helped pass two federal laws to limit the threat and power of NDAs for victims of sexual assault or harassment, joins the show to discuss the chilling effect of these agreements, why Leon Black is loathe to give them up, and how newer legislation like the Speak Out Act is intended to give victims and witnesses a voice. Mentioned in this episode Thomas Massie on X, on EFTA II WSJ: Epstein “Assistant” Julia Stepanova Speaks Out Politico: Leon Black Defies House Oversight, Sues Congress WWLP: GOP Convention Site Redirects to Epstein Files EFBC: Flings of Leon with William Cohan (our previous Leon Black episode) Salty Politics (Julie Roginsky on Substack) Congress.gov: The Speak Out Act Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The computer scientist behind Epstein-Data.com joins the show to discuss how he came to maintain, map, and make sense of the three million+ DOJ records released earlier this year, and highlights all the missing files that the public should still demand. He also takes us into his reading on Glenn and Eva Dubin. Glenn is a hedge fund guy and alleged co-conspirator to sexual trafficking and abuse. He is married to Eva, a former girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein’s. Why were the Dubins so close to Jeffrey Epstein? And what are the reasons Glenn Dubin's on Rep Thomas Massie's list of folks who should be investigated and prosecuted?  Mentioned in the episode YouTube: Rho Khanna and Thomas Massie on Epstein Files Transparency Act II PBS News: WATCH: Massie names 14 Epstein associates to 'shame' DOJ ABC News: Bondi faces lawmaker grilling over Epstein files NYT: Elite Doctors Served Jeffrey Epstein While Treating His ‘Girls’ NBC News: Former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO Michael Jeffries competent to face sex trafficking trial, judge rules Document Zero: Rye Howard-Stone on Substack Epstein-Data.com Ellie Leonard’s The Panicked Writer on Substack Nobody’s Girl, Virginia Giuffre’s bestselling book Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A lot more Epstein-related files are expected soon on two fronts, and independent journalist Ellie Leonard is back on the show to explain why the unsealing of documents in the Virginia Giuffre-Ghislaine Maxwell suit could be so potentially explosive, and how they could help us move closer to accountability. Ellie also has the latest in the Katie Phang lawsuit for unredacted files, including key interviews related to Donald Trump and his alleged abuse of Jane Doe 4, a teenaged girl in the 1980s. Mentioned in this episode NBC: Judge Rejects Maxwell Bid to Toss Conviction KOB-TV: New Mexico Moves to Rename Zorro Ranch Highway After Survivors TMZ: New York Department of Health Investigating Epstein’s Doctor Network The Lantern: Les Wexner Steps Down from Medical Center Board EFBC: Doctors Without Boundaries (Harry Fisch Episode) NYT: Elite Doctors Served Jeffrey Epstein While Treating His ‘Girls’ Ellie Leonard’s The Panicked Writer on Substack Live with Katie Phang x Ellie Leonard The Epstein Files by Julie K Brown, on Substack Blue Amp Media Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Another trove of Epstein-related documents are set to be released soon, from the late Virginia Giuffre’s successful defamation suit against Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre’s widely known for her fearlessness in taking down some of the world’s most powerful people, but few knew about her private battle at home, and her painful final months in Australia. This week, Elise and Jena sit down with Australian journalists Mel Fyfe and Carla Hildebrandt to discuss Giuffre’s heroism, secret struggles, and the justice that she was ultimately seeking.  Mentioned in this episode NYPost: Damning New Evidence Could Be Coming Politico: Comer Threatens Contempt in Battle with Black James Comey’s letter to Leon Black Courthouse News: Feds Struggle To Explain Redactions  NewsNation: Hefner Rape Tip about Epstein Was Ignored, Playmate Alleges Virginia: The Age and SMH Investigates Yahoo News: Jimmy Fallon jokes about Donald Trump Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com 💼 For business inquiries & sponsorship 👉 amanda@multitudeshows.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At least 22 people connected to Jeffrey Epstein have died under either somewhat suspicious or super sketchy circumstances. Among them are Epstein himself, Ghislaine Maxwell’s father, two modeling agents, and two higher-ups at Deutsche Bank. This week, writer and comedian Ginny Hogan does her reading and brings us her research on these deaths, and explains why they deserve more scrutiny (and in some cases, why they aren’t so suspicious after all). Mentioned in this episode Politico: Jeffrey Epstein’s Death Was Supposed To Bury The Truth PBS: New Mexico Sues DOJ for Blocking Access to Unredacted Epstein Files BBC: Modeling scout linked to Epstein found dead in Paris Ginny Hogan Obey in Advance: How to Survive (and Thrive) Under Authoritarianism  Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com 💼 For business inquiries & sponsorship 👉 https://socialdb.xyz/podcast/the-epstein-files-book-club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration may be on the verge of a “second Epstein scandal” that could prove “worse” in some ways, according to this week’s guest, political journalist Brian Beutler. Brian, Elise and Jena discuss the alarming abuse of girls and women at the hands of right-wing influencers the Tate Brothers, the striking (and perhaps not well-known) similarities with the Epstein operation, and Trump world’s significant ties with both.  Mentioned in this episode Bloomberg: BofA, Chase, Deustche Bank Enable Epstein, Senator Says Santa Fe New Mexican: New Mexico AJ Sues Todd Blanche for Epstein Records The Guardian: DOJ Appears To Ignore New Mexico Deadline Business Insider: How Jeffrey Epstein’s Island Became a Nightmare for Influencers The New Yorker: Andrew Tate’s Empire of Abuse Brian Beutler’s Substack Off Message Politix podcast Call Your Reps with 5Calls Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com 💼 For business inquiries & sponsorship 👉 https://socialdb.xyz/podcast/the-epstein-files-book-club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was Epstein a spy? Our guest says he didn’t need to be. Instead, investigative reporter Murtaza Hussain of Dropsite News explains how Epstein was far more powerful by using his contacts as a kind of global “fixer,” facilitating security agreements and arms sales for Israel, working with Emiratis to further their interests in Africa, establishing a backchannel between Israel and Russia during the Syrian Civil War, and more. Hussain unpacks the way Epstein was a player in a “replacement establishment” — allowing him to make end-runs around traditional governmental institutions and operate largely above the law. Mentioned in this episode Politico: Todd Blanche ‘conceded’ violating law on Epstein files Federal Judge’s ruling on DOJ violating Epstein Files Transparency Act Daily Mail: Tate Brothers party with Trump and Melania’s matchmaker WHCA Katharine Graham Award to the WSJ for Epstein reporting NYT: Profile on Karyna Shuliak Forbes: What Trump Suing BBC Could Reveal About His Finances Detroit Free Press: Sexual Abuse and Assult Investigation Underway at Interlochen JKBrown Substack: Another Epstein Recruiter Found Dead Dropsite News Murtaza Hussain on Twitter Dropsite: Epstein and Israel series Dropsite: Epstein helped sell a surveillance state to Cote d'Ivoire Dropsite: Jeffrey Epstein and the Mossad: How The Sex-Trafficker Helped Israel Build a Backchannel to Russia Amid Syrian Civil War Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you can buy a royal seal of approval — like Jeffrey Epstein did with former Prince Andrew — you get the keys to some of the most influential people in the world. In today’s crossover episode from our friends across the pond at the Disorder podcast, host Jason Pack is joined by British historian Andrew Lownie, author of the Sunday Times bestseller, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York. The pair look at what made Andrew’s personality so easily corruptible, how Andrew’s narcissism and megalomania were fueled, and why there could be more nasty revelations about what the royals have been up to yet to come. Plus, they discuss making the royal family more accountable, transparent, and better at serving the British people. Elise and Jena will be back next week. Mentioned in this episode Disorder podcast Entitled: The Rise and Fall of House of York, by Andrew Lownie Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s headlines, Todd Blanche is grilled in his Senate confirmation hearing, Goldman Sachs exec Kathy Ruemmler goes before House Oversight, and the FBI admits it made training videos to teach Epstein file redaction. Then, we zoom in on Ghislaine Maxwell, the only Epstein co-conspirator currently behind bars. In this episode, Ghislaine Maxwell documentarian Barbara Shearer explains the stunning parallels between Maxwell’s fraudster father and Jeffrey Epstein, both of whom died under mysterious circumstances, and what she believes will happen next for Epstein’s longtime shadow. Mentioned in this episode Epstein’s Shadow: Ghislaine Maxwell Barbara Shearer’s imdb BBC: Epstein “Mistakes” and Trump Ties - Key Takeaways from Blanche Hearing New Republic: FBI Admits Training Videos Exist The Independent: Kathy Ruemmler before House Oversight The Wrap: JD Vance admits administration mishandled Epstein files release InTouch: Casey Wasserman slashes the price of his LA home CBC: Fashion mogul Peter Nygard found guilty of sexual assault in Montreal The Guardian: The Murky Life and Death of Robert Maxwell Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the ties that bind men like Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein? Investigative journalist and author Tim Schwab joins the show to explain the various and unsavory ways that Gates and Epstein were connected, details from the Gates testimony before the House Oversight committee and the new questions it raises, and the risks of an unregulated world of private philanthropy. Mentioned in this episode Tim Schwab on Substack The Bill Gates Problem: Reckoning with the Myth of the Good Billionaire by Tim Schwab Bill Gates testimony at House Oversight transcript Fortune: How Jeffrey Epstein leveraged a prestigious U.N.-affiliated nonprofit—and the Gates Foundation—to control women and keep them in his orbit BBC: Bill Gates said Epstein Wanted a Relationship People: Bill Gates Had 'Spoken' with Jeffrey Epstein About His Nobel Prize Ambitions: Source WSJ: How Epstein Inserted Himself Into a Split Between Bill Gates and a Top Gates Adviser Drop Site: Epstein Received Sensitive Military Intelligence Amid Gates Foundation Polio Campaign in Pakistan Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The deadline has come for the Justice Department to release more files related to Jeffrey Epstein, after a federal judge concluded that acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is violating the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This ruling came as a result of a lawsuit brought by Katie Phang, a lawyer and political commentator, and on this week’s show, Jena and Elise are joined by lawyer Anne P. Mitchell to explain the 44-page order from the judge, and what comes next in the push for more transparency and accountability.  Mentioned in this episode The Hill: James Comer Issues Two Subpoenas to Leon Black, on NDAs ABC News: Doug Band at House Oversight NYT: Supreme Court Lets $5 Million Sex Abuse Verdict Against Trump Stand WSJ: Buffett Skips Midyear Donation to Gates Foundation Katie Phang explains the ruling in her favor Anne P. Mitchell’s Notes from the Front Substack Judge Sullivan’s 44-page ruling Call your reps with 5Calls.org Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The full transcript of House Oversight's interview of Lesley Groff, the woman Epstein called his "right-hand," is now available. Jena offers a recap. Then, in a cross-post from the Conspiracy She Wrote podcast, Elise and Jena share the backstory of bringing this podcast to life, what keeps them going, and what to make of all the women who explicitly and implicitly aided in Epstein's decades of abuse and trafficking. Mentioned in this Episode Conspiracy, She Wrote with Cristen Conger Lesley Groff's testimony at House Oversight Bill Gates at House Oversight Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 2,000 emails between writer Michael Wolff and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein reveal the inner dynamics of their close relationship, and the way that Wolff managed Epstein's public reputation all while maintaining a reputation as a "journalist." Also, researcher Ellie Leonard scrutinizes the giant block of time that's missing from the DOJ's public files, and the curious relationship between Epstein and the Saudis. Mentioned in this episode NYT: The Untold Story of Epstein’s Death NYT: Inside the White House Freakout Over the Epstein Files Regime Change, by Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan Bloomberg: Epstein Weighed Buying a Plane from Apollo’s Mark Rowan Front Page Detectives: Jay Clayton nomination and his ties to Epstein EFBC: William Cohan episode on Leon Black CNN: Survivors meet with James Comer, push for investigating leads The Nerve: Curious Connection between Michael Wolff and Jeffrey Epstein (Ellie Leonard's piece) ship-filthy-rich The Epstein Files by Julie K Brown, on Substack Blue Amp Media Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do the files show about Jeffrey Epstein's ties to The Kremlin? Investigative journalist Scott Stedman of The Newsground joins the show to share what he's found after following the records and the money. We explore the stories of two Russian women who appear thousands of times in the files, but have escaped heavy media scrutiny. One, Svetlana Pozhidaeva, a longtime Epstein gatekeeper , and the other, Kira Dikhtyar, who's linked to Vladmir Putin’s longtime mistress. Mentioned in this episode The Newsground Politico: Leslie Groff testifies People: Bill Gates says Epstein tried to blackmail him over affairs Washington Post: This agent sent models to meet Epstein Reuters: Epstein abused them, the Justice Department exposed them Newsground: Epstein Insider Revealed as Daughter of FSB Translator Newsground: Russian Model Procured Dozens of Young Women for Epstein Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political commentator Molly Jong-Fast joins Elise and Jena to talk through the recent interview of former Attorney General Pam Bondi by House Oversight, new claims about Melania Trump’s backstory, and what she’d like to see happen now that Epstein Files Transparency Act co-author Rep. Thomas Massie is a lame duck in Congress. Plus, this week’s headlines offer some more proof that we’re living in a simulation. Mentioned in the Episode Fast Politics with Molly Jong-Fast POLITICO: Bondi shifts responsibility to Todd Blanche Video: Robert Garcia on Pam Bondi’s interview at House Oversight NYT: Epstein banked his sperm years before his death NBC News: Lawmakers in New Mexico to subpoena DOJ, FBI CNN: Justice Department launches investigation into E. Jean Carroll Daily Beast: Melania named in bombshell new Epstein claims Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How should we think about the women who helped Jeffrey Epstein’s sex trafficking network expand? Survivors of his abuse say Epstein's executive assistants Leslie Groff and Sarah Kellen worked alongside convicted sex offender Ghislane Maxwell to make it possible to victimize some 1,200 girls and women. Journalist Lucia Osborne-Crowley, who wrote the book on the Maxwell trial, joins Elise and Jena to discuss.  Mentioned in this episode CNN: Epstein’s longtime assistant accused three previously unknown abusers The Lasting Harm: Witnessing the Trial of Ghislane Maxwell, by Lucia Osborne-Crowley Snopes: DJT Jr’s new wife was Epstein’s banker NBC News: Thomas Massie on Meet the Press NBC News: Police urge victims to come forward in Andrew Windsor investigation Santa Fe New Mexican: 911 Logs from Zorro Ranch Up North Live: Interlochen Demolishes Epstein Lodge Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, lawmakers questioned one of the last people to see Jeffrey Epstein alive, correctional officer Tova Noel. Elise and Jena explore the final weeks of Epstein's life and the unanswered questions about his death by doing the reading on Noel and Efrain Reyes, Epstein's final cellmate, who was removed from the cell fewer than 24 hours before Epstein was found dead. Mentioned in this episode: Thomas Massie’s concession speech The Hill: Greene on Massie defeat Forbes: Elizabeth Warren introduces amendment for Epstein bank records The Institute for Primary Facts WLNS: Michigan lawmakers demand Interlochen resolution NPR: How Epstein and Maxwell used a Midwest arts school to prey on girls DW: New Epstein Victims Turn Up in French Probe NY Post: Prison guard googled him minutes before body found ⁠Miami Herald⁠: Prison guards discussed cover-up of Epstein’s death, inmate tells FBI CNN⁠: Jeffrey Epstein's Final Hours, A Detailed Timeline Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com To sponsor or run ads on the show, email amanda@multitudeshows.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For a limited time only, all 3.5 million law enforcement documents related to the investigation of Jeffrey Epstein are on display at a pop-up reading room in New York. David Garrett, one of the exhibition’s organizers, joins Elise and Jena to explain the Donald J. Trump and Jeffrey Epstein Memorial Reading Room, the motivation behind the exhibition, and the scale that can be conveyed by printing and binding eight tons of files. Mentioned in the episode YouTube: House Oversight Dems hearing in Florida  NPR: Howard Lutnick is Questioned  The Guardian: Virginia Giuffre wins British book prize with Sarah Wynn-Williams The New Republic: Epstein Friend Who Had “Great Time With Girls” At Trump Event Time: The Pentagon just released the UFO files The Institute for Primary Facts Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We had more questions about Zorro Ranch, so New Mexico-based journalist Alisa Valdes Rodriguez joins the show to give us the lowdown on why investigators never seemed to look too closely at Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislane Maxwell’s Western outpost. Also, a lot of Epstein-related headlines this week as Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick faced Congressional questioning, and the House Oversight Chair didn’t rule out a pardon for convicted child sex trafficker Maxwell. Mentioned in this Episode NPR: Howard Lutnick is Questioned  The Hill: Pam Bondi to Testify Miami Herald: Pulitzer Prizes Honor Julie K. Brown  Pulitzer Citation of Julie K Brown CNN: Ghislane Maxwell’s guilty convictions Politico: House Oversight interview of Ted Waitt IBT: Bard College President Steps Down The Pugilist with Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, on Substack New Mexico DOJ: Zorro Ranch and Jeffrey Epstein investigation Reuters: Local survivors come forward in New Mexico Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elise and Jena will be sharing their Epstein reading as usual this Friday, but while you wait, we have a feed drop of another show you might like: NO SUCH THING is a show where three best friends and journalists settle dumb arguments by actually doing the research.  In today's edition, they ask: Are dentists scamming us? It happens to be an interest of EFBC's, as well, given Epstein's girlfriend at the time of his death, Karyna Shuliak, is a certified dentist in the U.S. Virgin Islands. And New Mexico. hWVoFNlQBaZlt91vNxXS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Jena and Elise each select a part of the sprawling Epstein network to do a little further reading. Jena explains what we know about Epstein’s former property in New Mexico, Zorro Ranch. Elise breaks down the connections between Bill Gates and Epstein, as well as The Gates Foundation and Epstein. Mentioned in this episode: CBS: 60 Minutes interview with Donald Trump Click on Detroit: Ford worker calls Trump a pedophile protector The Independent: Abuse of boys on Zorro Ranch  Mitch the Lawyer Substack: Katie Phang partners with former federal prosecutor Carrie Johnson episode of EFBC USA Today: Former FBI Director James Comey indicted again NYT: Maurene Comey suing the administration Time: New Investigation Launched into Epstein’s Zorro Ranch New Mexico House Resolution 1 (which authorized the ranch investigation) DOJ: Anonymous email detailing “two foreign girls” deaths 60 Minutes Australia Chauntae Davies interview Texas Tribune: Huffines buys Zorro Ranch in 2023 NM DOJ statement on Zorro ranch investigation Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez Substack NPR: Melinda Gates reacts to Bill Gates details in files Fortune Magazine: Playing with Fire - How Epstein Bankrolled Gates’ Mistress NYT: How Jeffrey Epstein Ingratiated Himself With Top Microsoft Executives Vanity Fair: Jeffrey Epstein’s Longtime Grip on the Gates Foundation BBC: Norway police investigate diplomat over Jeffrey Epstein links Rep Maxwell Frost episode of EFBCJoin our Patreon at patreon.com/epsteinfilesbookclub where we have a running chat with the community and video episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

House Oversight Committee member Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-FL, joins the show to explain why (and who is responsible for) the holdup in getting former Attorney General Pam Bondi to testify about her handling of the Epstein files, what the public could do to help the investigations move forward, and the vision he has for justice when it comes to this sprawling scandal. The Daily Beast: Warren Grills Trump’s Fed Pick The CoverUp: Amanda Ungaro interview Scripps News: High profile figures set to testify on Epstein files Reuters: Giuffre Family Still Seeks Justice A Year After Her Death WSJ: Gates Foundation to Cut 20% of Staff Representative Maxwell Frost Oversight Chair James Comer Frost post on Reddit: What files have you found that I should review? Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After multi-billionaire Les Wexner cut him off, multi-billionaire Leon Black became pedophile Jeffrey Epstein’s primary source of income from 2012 and on. In this episode, William Cohan — who is writing the book on Leon Black and his firm, Apollo Global Management  — explains what Black was keeping Epstein around for, and all the fallout that ensued. Mentioned in this Episode Puck: ⁠Leon Black Discusses Jeffrey Epstein⁠ The New York Times:⁠ How Epstein Helped Solve a Billionaire’s Problems with Women⁠ Report on ⁠Apollo’s Outside Review of the Epstein-Black Relationship⁠ ⁠Bloomberg:⁠ Nobody Makes Money Like Apollo’s Ruthless Founder Leon Black ⁠FT:⁠ Leon Black’s Downfall Confounds the Legacy of MeToo on Wall Street Puck: ⁠Leon Black from the Ashes, Part II⁠ Puck: ⁠Leon Black Breaks His Silence on Jeffrey Epstein, Again⁠ Mother Jones: ⁠Leon Black’s No Good, Very Bad Year⁠ (covers Guzel Ganieva) The Guardian on Wigdor LLC's suit against Leon Black NYT: ⁠Jeffrey Epstein’s Angry Emails to Leon Black⁠ Join our Patreon community at ⁠Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub⁠ Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The US first lady’s unexpected White House statement denying substantive ties to Jeffrey Epstein took everybody – including Trump – by surprise. What was behind it? The timing coincides with a series of posts from her friend and former Brazilian model Amanda Ungaro, who was deported during a bitter custody fight last year and now vowing to “take down” Melania and her “pedophile husband.” This one’s a doozy, we'll explain. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pam Bondi is out as attorney general — and her 14-month tenure makes her the shortest timer as the nation's top lawyer since Watergate. To put it all into context, NPR’s Justice Correspondent Carrie Johnson joins Elise and Jena to discuss what’s next for the so-called “Justice” Department when it comes to the Epstein-related investigations under acting AG Todd Blanche. They discuss Bondi’s biggest missteps with the Epstein files, what’s next for DOJ, and what avenues might exist for the growing chorus of Americans who don’t want the misdeeds of the billionaire class to be shoved under the rug. Mentioned in this Episode NPR's Carrie Johnson NPR: Trump Removes Bondi as Attorney General Time: Bondi Won't Appear Before House Oversight Fox News: Todd Blanche on the Epstein Files DOJ: Dr. Larry Nassar's abuse  investigation Time: EPA Head Lee Zeldin as potential AG NYMag: Judge Jeanine Pirro as potential AG Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookClub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do conspiracy theories take hold, and what makes them endure? The myths around The Rothschild banking family have been around (and used as anti-semitic tropes) for hundreds of years, and the theories are still very much alive. Jeffrey Epstein claimed to work for the family, so Jena dives into the Rothschild family history before journalist Mike Rothschild (no relation) helps us understand fringe beliefs and sort out the actual conspiracy – from conspiracy theories. Mentioned in this Episode Accountant Richard Kahn testimony before House Oversight Britannica: Where do antisemitic tropes about the Rothschild family come from? Le Monde: Jeffrey Epstein’s business ties with banker Ariane de Rothschild revealed NYT: From the Court Jews’ Uneasy Heyday Stanford: Historian explores how explusions became widespread in medieval Europe Journalist Mike Rothschild Jewish Space Lasers: The Rothschilds and 200 Years of Conspiracy Theories, by Mike Rothschild Newsweek: Who are the Rothschilds, and how much are they worth today? Snopes: Fact Check - The Rothschild Family Wealth Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The billionaires are beefing. Richest man in the world Elon Musk and LinkedIn Founder Reid Hoffman both appear many times in the Epstein files, but who was closer with the disgraced pedophile? Investigative journalist Amy Westervelt read all thousand-plus exchanges in the latest trove featuring exchanges with or about Elon Musk and shares the timeline of the Epstein-Elon friendship, the mystery of what changed the relationship’s tenor, and why the prevailing media take on Elon and Epstein is wrong. Mentioned in this Episode Amy Westervelt, investigative journalist Reuters: Edmond de Rothschild Paris offices raided in Epstein-linked probe into diplomat Politico: Wyden, DOJ spar over DEA investigation of Epstein CBS: Democrats walk out of tense Bondi closed-door hearing MSNOW: As Epstein’s longtime lawyer testifies, questions remain about what he knew Inside Higher Ed: Students want to ‘take back’ Bard Kate Manne’s open letter to the Bard President The Tufts Daily: Changes on campus after revelations about the Tisch-Epstein relationship Le Monde: French Foreign Ministry in turmoil over Fabrice Aidan AA: Hoffman and Musk debating over who went to the island and who did not DOJ: Dec 25, 2012: Elon says he wants to party on the island but is bringing Talulah and then Epstein says "the ratio on my island might make Talulah uncomfortable," and Elon replies "Ratio is not a problem for Talulah"  DOJ: Elon asking asking JE to bring a girl (blacked out, so presumably a victim) for Kimball and that "she might like Elon too"  DOJ: Epstein trying to entice Elon with "under 25" girls in NY Email us at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the final decade of Epstein’s life, former A-list Hollywood publicist Peggy Siegal helped him reintegrate into high society. She worked for studios with Oscar aspirations, throwing lavish parties and being an ultimate connector. But she was also working for Epstein, in a way, as he was funding her travel and keeping her close for information. Journalist Jessica Bennett, who recently profiled and spoke with Siegal, chats with Elise and Jena about what the files reveal about this relationship. Mentioned in this Episode Jessica Bennett, Journalist and Author NYMag: The Grand Dame of the Epstein Files NPR: Richard Kahn testifies he was “not aware” of Epstein crimes LAT: Andersen Auditor Details Shredding of Enron Papers Fortune: Epstein Bankrolled Epstein Mistresses Email us at eliseandjena [at] gmail [dot] com Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we get to the heart of the story. Philosopher Kate Manne recounts the harrowing stories of the women pseudonymed Katie Johnson and Jane Doe 4. Both say President Donald Trump sexually assaulted them when they were 13 years old. “It is plausible, though not certain, that our President is a rapist of children,” Kate Manne says. “And that is devastating.” Stick around as Kate explains the logic of misogyny at work among the Epstein network, and how all of society is hurt when male entitlement is a norm. Mentioned in this Episode NYT: ⁠Zorro Ranch investigation begins⁠ ⁠Post and Courier reporting on Jane Doe 4⁠ NPR: ⁠Justice Dept posts some of the missing documents⁠ ⁠Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women⁠, by Kate Manne ⁠Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny⁠, by Kate Manne Inside Higher Ed: ⁠More Prominent Professors Resign⁠ Japan Today: ⁠Joi Ito out at Global Startup Campus⁠ The Daily Beast: ⁠David Copperfield To End Vegas Show⁠ ⁠Kate Manne’s Substack, More To Hate⁠ Join our Patreon community at ⁠Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub⁠ Email us anytime at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Sherman, who wrote the book on Les Wexner, sits down with Elise and Jena to explain why the retail billionaire from New Albany, Ohio, is such an important figure in the Epstein network. They also discuss the fashion people in the Epstein files, the unanswered questions that deserve more attention, and what it means to follow the money in this story. Mentioned in this episode: Lauren Sherman at Puck House Oversight to seek seven more transcribed interviews The Hill: Bill O'Reilly on no need to depose Hillary Clinton Hillary Clinton deposition before House Oversight Committee  WSJ: More than 40,000 Withheld Files Selling Sexy by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez Full Les Wexner deposition Former Abercrombie CEO Mike Jeffries Spectrum News: Wexner and New Albany Ohio The Cut: Which Fashion People Are In the Epstein Files?  NYMagazine: Peggy Siegal, the grande dame of the Epstein files Puck: Questions about Wexner ex-girlfriend Sharon Cohen  Join our Patreon community for bonus content Email us at eliseandjena [at] gmail.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Records show Jeffrey Epstein was aided by a network of doctors and dentists who treated women he employed and trafficked. After the latest headlines and fallout, we explore Karyna Shuliak, Epstein’s girlfriend and former assistant, and Dr. Harry Fisch, a celebrity urologist who liked to joke around with Epstein, Woody Allen, and who, according to the files, tried to write and shop a comedy pilot. Mentioned in this episode Bill Clinton’s testimony before House Oversight Poophole Loophole song Netflix: Jeffrey Epstein Filthy Rich Chauntae Davis on Bill Clinton NYT: Elite Doctors Served Jeffrey Epstein While Treating His ‘Girls’ People: Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie banned from royal events BBC: Paleontologist Jack Horner out at Chapman University NYT: Columbia University Dental School resignations SCMP: Karyna Shuliak married a woman WPIX: Missing dental student pulled from Hudson River Seth Herzog NYT archive on Dr. Harry Fisch Cornell Daily Sun on Weil doctors and Epstein Join our Patreon community for bonus content Email us at eliseandjena [at] gmail dot com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journalist Vicky Ward first profiled Jeffrey Epstein for Vanity Fair in 2003 and has continued following the case since. Ward joins Elise and Jena to talk about all the unanswered questions in this ongoing scandal, how Jeffrey Epstein became wealthy in the first place, and why, after all these years, the Epstein saga won’t slow down. Mentioned in this Episode NPR: Justice Department withheld and removed some Epstein files related to Trump Roger Sollenberger Substack WSJ: DOJ To Review Whether Epstein Files Were Improperly Withheld Hillary Clinton opening statement  Mother Jones: State Department guts office combating human trafficking PBS: Clinton deposition paused over leaked photo Bill Gates admits to affairs with two Russians NYT: World Economic Forum’s Borge Brende resigns over Epstein Ties Harvard Crimson: Larry Summers leaves Harvard NYT’s running list of Epstein-related resignations or removals  Journalist Vicky Ward Ward’s 2003 Vanity Fair profile, “The Talented Mr. Epstein” Fresh Air: Excavating the Epstein Files, with Vicky Ward NYT on Leon Black and Epstein WaPo: Steven Hoffenberg, Epstein mentor, dies  Bloomberg: ‘Eva Dubin gave me your email” NBC: Epstein’s named and unnamed co-conspirators Join our Patreon community at Patreon.com/EpsteinFilesBookclub Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Long before the Epstein scandal broke, Donald Barr, former headmaster of The Dalton School (where Jeffrey Epstein taught math), wrote a 257-page novel called Space Relations. Jena is joined by writer Laura Moran for a book report on Space Relations by Donald Barr (who is also the father of former Attorney General William Barr). Moran calls it “a catastrophe of a book” and “deeply, deeply, unfortunate.”  Mentioned in this episode: BBC: What happens after Andrew’s arrest? Was This Victoria’s Secret? (Episode 4) See clips of the Les Wexner testimony  Space Relations by Donald Barr Variety: Wasserman’s earlier scandal Writer Laura Moran  NPR: The relationship between Donald Barr and William Barr Support the show and join the community at our Patreon Rate, subscribe and follow wherever you listen Write us at eliseandjena [at] gmail.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Retail magnate Les Wexner testified before the House Oversight Committee, New Mexico approved a probe of the former Epstein ranch in New Mexico, we track more fallout at home and abroad in the expanding Epstein scandal, and attorney Anne P. Mitchell joins the show to talk about legal pathways for justice after the Department of Justice indicates its Epstein cases are ... closed. Mentioned in this episode Anne P. Mitchell’s Notes from the Front Substack BBC: Les Wexner’s testimony before the House subcommittee Thomas Pritzker retires as Hyatt’s chairman Kimbal Musk off the Burning Man board Lawrence Summers resigns from Open AI board Larry Summers columns at The New York Times Ghislane Maxwell hints at ties to Trump administration  Jmail.world  State AGs lead opposition to Trump in 2026 Call your reps with 5Calls.org Contact the Florida bar Our Patreon to join the Book Club Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Updates on the latest fallout from the release of the most recent trove of Epstein documents. Those affected include Kathy Ruemmler, the top lawyer at the major investment bank Goldman Sachs, and the CEO of Dubai’s largest port. Plus, a deeper dive into retail magnate Les Wexner, the man responsible for much of Epstein’s money, his New York mansion, and his jet. Mentioned in this episode: DOJ’s letter naming 300+ prominent people Kathy Ruemmler steps down from Goldman Sachs Wasserman to sell his agency Head of Dubai ports giant quits Forrner Norweigan Prime Minister charged with corruption Rho Khanna on seeking justice Selling Sexy: Victoria’s Secret and the Unraveling of an American Icon by Lauren Sherman and Chantal Fernandez Jean Luc Brunel dies by suicide Faith Kates leaves her agency, NEXT Models The New Yorker’s David Remnick interviews Julie K Brown Julie K. Brown’s reporting on Alex Acosta and the non-prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein Anne P Mitchell’s Substackeliseandjena [at] gmail.com is our email, Patreon.com/epsteinfilesbookclub is our Patreon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Betches Media Co-Founder Sami Sage joins Elise and Jena this week to discuss the systemic flaws to bear in mind as we continue our reading, and why Steve Bannon is a fulcrum in, well, all of this. Plus, context on AG Pam Bondi’s combative testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, the latest fallout from the files, and Jena makes a provocative bet. Mentioned in this episode: Ghislane Maxwell wants to cut a deal ​​Howard Lutnick faces calls to resign Chappell Roan and other artists leave Casey Wasserman Lawmakers react to unredacted files Massie and Khanna release a list of six co-conspirators Four Takeaways from Pam Bondi’s testimony before House Judiciary Watch exchange between Ted Lieu and AG Pam Bondi  Sami Sage on Threads Betches Media Steve Bannon and Epstein and a global populist movement Bannon and Epstein on Justice Brett Kavanaugh  The implications of the SCOTUS Chevron decision Dr. Mark Landon received payments from Jeffrey Epstein Democracy in Retrograde by Sami Sage and Emily Amick Jeffrey Epstein and Leon Black Les Wexner of Victoria’s Secret and Jeffrey Epstein Morning Announcements podcast Find Jena @jenafriedman on Instagram, or on her YouTube or Substack Find Elise @elisewho on Instagram, @whoelise on TikTok, or on Substack Join our Patreon at patreon.com/epsteinfilesbookclub where we have a running chat with the community and will start putting up video episodes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve got a rundown of the latest headlines in the Epstein fallout, including the Epstein friends both domestic and abroad who are resigning from their posts — as ambassadors and protein bar advisors. Then, Jena reviews Virginia Giuffre’s memoir and why it’s so important, and Elise digs into Lawrence Summers and his anxiety over “Yellow Peril.” Mentioned in this episode: Ghislane Maxwell testifying before a Congressional subcommittee Survivors’ Superbowl spot A Threads post about the way the files were released  Valeria Chomsky’s apology saying they were ‘careless’ about Epstein Brad Karp at Paul Weiss "60 Minutes"pulling the Peter Attia segment  Dave McPhillips CEO of Chuck E Cheese Nobody’s Girl by Virginia Giuffre The Larry Summers-Jeff Epstein chat about “Yellow Peril” Join our Patreon at patreon.com/epsteinfilesbookclub where we have a running chat with the community and video episodes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we decided to start podcasting to talk about the files. Jena and Elise riff on why the Epstein story is so important, as it's tied into wealth and power in this moment, and how they'd love a community to come together to process the sheer volume of information we're learning from the Epstein investigations. To support the show, spread the word. And you can join our live chat and community at patreon.com/epsteinfilesbookclub, where we will post exclusive video episodes each week and other member extras. Profits will go to RAINN, to support and advocate for victims of sexual violence. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Epstein Files Book Club is a show where comedian Jena Friedman and journalist Elise Hu break down the latest revelations from the trove of documents released about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his sprawling network of powerful people to try to understand what’s real, what’s not and what we can do about it. Join us as we try to get to the bottom of one of the craziest and widest reaching scandals of our time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices