Nicolle Wallace Podcast: MSNBC’s ‘The Best People’ Launch
Nicolle Wallace,MSNBC host,dives into the podcast realm with “The Best People,” debuting conversations with figures outside politics. This new venture, featuring guests like Jason bateman and Sarah Jessica Parker, reflects MSNBC’s strategic move to engage audiences amidst declining cable TV viewership. Wallace’s shift to less politically charged discussions and her embrace of the podcast format signal a bid to connect with a wider audience. The goal is to bring MSNBC talent directly to listeners and aims to exceed expectations. As MSNBC adapts to industry shifts, including a spinoff to Versant, hear about Wallace’s experience with a more candid platform. News directory 3 has the latest. Discover what’s next for Wallace and MSNBC.
Nicolle Wallace Launches “The Best People” Podcast on MSNBC
Updated May 29, 2025
Nicolle Wallace, an MSNBC host known for her sharp commentary, is launching a new podcast titled “The Best people.” The name, a phrase frequently enough used by former President Trump, struck Wallace as surprisingly effective. ”I actually think ‘the best people’ was one of his best messages in 2016,” Wallace said.
The podcast, wich debuts Monday, will feature Wallace in conversations with actors, musicians, and thought leaders. Jason Bateman is the first guest, followed by Sarah Jessica Parker, Jimmy Jam, Joan Baez, and Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers.
MSNBC is expanding into podcasting to connect with audiences who are increasingly turning away from cable television. The network reports its existing podcasts are projected to exceed 10 million downloads this month. Madeleine Haeringer,MSNBC’s senior vice president of digital,audio and longform,said the goal is to meet the audience where they are by bringing MSNBC talent to them.
Wallace said podcasting appealed to her because it allows her to reach women who may not be able to watch her program during the day. her move into less political territory is a shift, as her previous role on “The View” was short-lived due to her lack of pop culture expertise.
Wallace said her podcast guests will discuss their advocacy issues,separate from the political analysis on her MSNBC show,”Deadline: White House.” She connected with Jimmy Jam to discuss a “we are the World”-style musical production for Ukraine, with Rivers through his social justice activism, and with Parker for her literacy program work.
Wallace noted that the podcast format encourages greater candor. “For some reason, people sitting in front of their computer screens on the Zoom are even more candid and forthcoming about how they feel,” Wallace said.
The podcast launch comes as MSNBC undergoes a transition. NBCUniversal cable outlets, including MSNBC, are being spun off from Comcast into a new company called Versant.This move reflects concerns about the decline of pay TV, which has reduced MSNBC’s cable reach by 33% over the past decade.
Despite these changes, Versant leadership has affirmed MSNBC’s commitment to a politically progressive viewpoint. Wallace believes this commitment has deepened under MSNBC President Rebecca Kutler. The spinoff also involves separating MSNBC from NBC News,with Versant hiring its own newsgathering team.
Wallace was inspired to explore new ventures by her husband, Michael S. Schmidt, a New York Times reporter, who co-created the Netflix series “Zero Day.” Wallace and Schmidt, who married in 2022, also navigate family life while working at MSNBC. “When we are both on set, my son is texting us about dinner,” Wallace said.
What’s next
Wallace’s podcast represents MSNBC’s broader strategy to engage audiences on digital platforms, complementing its cable presence and catering to evolving media consumption habits.