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Mona Charen and Jay Nordlinger -- sometimes just the two of them, sometimes with guests -- will explain what's wrong with the world (usually liberals) and how to fix it.

The Ricochet Audio Network


    • May 24, 2019 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 1m AVG DURATION
    • 25 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Need to Know

    289. “Her Own Body,” and Treason

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2019 55:49


    Is it treason to criticize the president? If so, Mona and Jay are in big trouble. They also take swipes at Beto, Mayor Pete, farm subsidies, and more, while pausing to appreciate a Mr. Smith Goes to Washington moment. They end on a bittersweet note — this is the last regularly scheduled Need to Know.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/her-own-body-and-treason/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    288. Great Patriot Podcasters

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2019 67:32


    Jay and Mona do tariffs, mercantilism, the NRA and other grifters, Harvard and Harvey Weinstein, the Uighers, and Franklin Graham’s stunning fundraising gambit.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/great-patriot-podcasters/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    287. God Bless America

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2019 50:57


    Yes, Mona and Jay talk about Kate Smith, recently the victim of a terrible injustice. But they don’t play “God Bless America” at the end. They have Kate Smith in “I’ll Be Seeing You,” that classic (1938) by Fain and Kahal. In the course of the ’cast, they talk about Venezuela, Trump, Mueller, Bernie, and […]Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/god-bless-america/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    286. Making All Political Arguments into Legal Disputes

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2019 54:09


    Law professor Adam White joins the podcast to discuss the Mueller report, the contours of obstruction, and our trend toward criminalizing matters that deserve political treatment. Jay and Mona then discuss Game of Thrones (briefly!), a midwestern heroine, and more.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/making-all-political-arguments-into-legal-disputes/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    285. Is Twitter Twisting Us?

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2019 66:12


    Jay and Mona consider the days when Democrats were deregulators (truly), how great our air transport system is (truly), and cheating at golf, among many other things. Music: Laura Dickinson, Come Fly With Me Sponsored by DonorsTrust Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/is-twitter-twisting-us/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    284. Heroes And Heels

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2019 60:08


    Jay and Mona pay tribute to a great French pilot and a tough Mossad agent. They also talk of Biden’s flaws, the Democrats’ drift, the Mueller report, and a great show — “1776.” Music From This Week’s Show:  But Mr. Adams – 1776 (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)Sponsored by DonorsTrust Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/heroes-and-heels/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    283. Immigration, Sí or No?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2019 61:50


    The Atlantic’s David Frum joins to discuss his thoughtful article on limiting immigration. Jay and Mona then get sidetracked on several issues and have fun doing so.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/immigration-si-or-no/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    282. Oh My, Omar

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2019 62:09


    Benjamin Parker of The Bulwark joins Jay and Mona to discuss the anti-Semitism kerfuffle in the Democratic Party, reparations for slavery, Joe Biden (how dare he call Mike Pence a nice guy), and the age issue. Music from this week’s episode: “Sleeping Beauty” Waltz (Tchaikovsky)Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/oh-my-omar/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    281. Norks to Nixons

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2019 64:03


    Jay and Mona dissect the Cohen hearing, the Hanoi summit, Amy Klobuchar’s character, Netanyahu’s decline, and the last Nixon brother to pass away, before paying tribute to the great Andre Previn.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/norks-to-nixons/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    280. Warrentless Childcare

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2019 59:43


    Lindsey Burke of Heritage joins to examine the Democrats’ proposals for universal pre-K. Jay and Mona then reflect on Ilhan Omar v. Elliott Abrams, Kamala Harris v. Neomi Rao, and Robert Kraft’s trouble.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/warrentless-childcare/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    279. Never Apologize

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2019 56:45


    Is that the standard now? Jay and Mona consider the travails of Virginia’s governor, Rep. Ilhan Omar, Elizabeth Warren and many others in this age of shame and shamelessness. They also talk Green New Deal, Kim Jong Un, and much more.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/never-apologize/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    278. Infanticide, the KKK, and the SuperBowl

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2019 48:02


    That was the past week. Jay and Mona cover it, with poll data, a little Starbucks, a little Medicare for All, and some reminiscences about the religion of anti-racism.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/infanticide-the-kkk-and-the-superbowl/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    277. Goo-Goos, Amigos, and Other Characters

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2019 67:16


    Beholding the government-shutdown fiasco, Jay recalls an old term: “goo-goo.” He and Mona discuss “the wall and the cave,” the Democratic field so far, and “The Three Amigos.” They also ask if the U.S. remains serious about NATO. Mona recounts a personal experience of Roger Stone. Music from this week’s show: Fazil Say plays his famous […]Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/goo-goos-amigos-and-other-characters/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    276. Is Max Boot Right?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2019 65:44


    A loaded question. There is lots of agreement and some disagreement with this honest man. Then Jay and Mona launch into the news of the week: Bill Barr, the wall, Brexit, left-wing conspiracy theories, and a mini-debate about Ann Coulter. Music from this week’s episode: Misirlou – Greek VersionJoin the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/is-max-boot-right/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    275. Chicken

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 10, 2019 57:07


    Over the Wall, the R’s and the Dems are playing a game of chicken. That’s one thing Mona and Jay say about this shutdown drama. Who’s going to swerve away first? Is the border a genuine national emergency? Then our hosts talk about Tucker Carlson’s monologue heard ’round the world, or certainly ’round the Right, […]Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/chicken/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    274. Pow Wow Chow

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2019 76:25


    Elizabeth Warren is running. The Boston Globe’s Jeff Jacoby analyzes her “likeability” among other things with Mona. Jay joins later to talk about another Massachusettsite – or is it Utahite?Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/pow-wow-chow/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    273. French and Friends

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2018 71:30


    David French joins Jay and Mona to explode myths (“Flynn was framed!”) and analyze where things stand with a president unmoored. Secretary Mattis is gone, but Steven Miller goes on and on.Sponsored by DonorsTrust Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/french-and-friends/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    272. Jay for Oscar Host!

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 14, 2018 60:02


    Jay is back. Mona and Jay lament the passing of the Weekly Standard, note the president’s ISO for COS, ask about the wall, talk a little Russia, a little Flynn, and Cohen, and praise the free press and Hedy Lamarr.Sponsored by Casper Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/jay-for-oscar-host/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    271. Remembering One Man and Remembering American History

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 10, 2018 44:19


    In this bonus episode, Mona and colleagues discuss the work of the late Bruce Cole – a believer in America who left a great legacy.Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/remembering-one-man-and-remembering-american-history/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    270. Johnson and Lake

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 7, 2018 67:51


    It sounds like a PR firm or a face cream, but it’s our two guests this week. Bloomberg’s Eli Lake sits in for Jay as co-host, and Eliana Johnson of Politico offers her insights on staff shake-ups at the White House. Eli and Mona then talk Russia, N. Korea, and climate. We got out to […]Sponsored by Calm Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/johnson-and-lake/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    269. Playing Hurt

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2018 61:05


    Mona went splat and broke her wrist, but still shows up. She and Jay talk trade, Amazon and its critics, election fraud, Deep Fake fraud, Jim Acosta, entitlements, and the passing of three notable men. Music from this week’s episode: “Sea Murmurs,” by Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco, played by Brinton Averil Smith (cello) and (his wife) Evelyn Chen […]Sponsored by Casper Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/playing-hurt/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    268. About Last Tuesday

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2018 68:39


    Mona and Jay begin with a guest, Charles Lane. (Jay is late but butts in when he arrives.) They talk about the midterm elections and about Central America. Chuck has done extensive reporting from Latin America, as well as several other regions around the globe. Today, he is an editorial writer and columnist for the […]Sponsored by Calm Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/about-last-tuesday/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    267. Who’s Inciting Whom?

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2018 57:54


    Jay and Mona talk about the eternal curse of anti-Semitism, executive orders – who’s for them, who’s against them and does it depend entirely upon whose ox is gored? Left wing and right wing violence. And the most underrated flavor. Music from this week’s show: Camille Saint-Saëns – Danse MacabreSponsored by Calm Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/whos-inciting-whom/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    266. Jumping on the Caravan

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2018 63:23


    In this (typically) wide-ranging hour, Mona and Jay talk about the caravan, up from Central America: Is it salted with Middle Eastern terrorists? They also discuss our northern neighbor, Canada, which has just legalized pot: What effect will that have? Other subjects include Steve King, George Soros, Nikki Haley, John Bolton, and Emmanuel Macron. Mona […]Sponsored by Calm Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/jumping-on-the-caravan/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

    265. TALLLK OR TOK?

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2018 57:23


    Charlie Sykes joins Mona to chew over the past week and exult in a new project they’ve helped to create. Then Mona and Jay review the lessons of the Khashoggi story, the “woman thing,” Betsy DeVos, and much more. It’s a wide-ranging discussion!Sponsored by Calm Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/need-to-know/talllk-or-tok/.Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.00 a month! Join and see what you’ve been missing: https://ricochet.com/membership/.Subscribe to Need to Know in Apple Podcasts (and leave a 5-star review, please!), or by RSS feed. For all our podcasts in one place, subscribe to the Ricochet Audio Network Superfeed in Apple Podcasts or by RSS feed.

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