The Access Hollywood tape controversy is a central topic in the podcast episodes provided, as it is presented as a crucial event that allegedly prompted the hush-money payments to Stormy Daniels.

The episodes discuss how the release of the Access Hollywood tape and the campaign's reaction to it, as testified by witnesses like Hope Hicks, could be impactful for the prosecution's case against Trump.

The topic of the Access Hollywood tape and its implications for Trump's legal troubles and political standing are explored in depth across multiple episodes.