The Dispatch Podcast

Steve Hayes interviews Jonathan Karl and our very own executive editor, Declan Garvey, about Karl's new book Retribution: Donald Trump and the Campaign That Changed America, which delves into Donald Trump's 2024 political campaign. The three discuss insights from Steve Bannon's prison experience, the decisions behind ending President Joe Biden's campaign, and the authenticity crisis in modern politics. The Agenda:—The process of writing Retribution and key interviews—Bannon prison experiment—The role of Trump and pardons in the prison system—Karl's confrontation with Trump on hate speech—Pizza and subs with Vice President Harris—Trump's Influence and changes in America—The Democrats' struggles with authenticity Show Notes:—Read an excerpt of Retribution here—Commander in Cheat: How Golf Explains Trump The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join newly minted Dispatch contributor Megan McArdle as she joins Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and David French to discuss the Trump administration's strikes against alleged drug runners in Latin America, the confusing messaging over Russia and Ukraine in the space of one week, and the freak out over the East Wing remodel. The Agenda:—Some good news and bad news—Breaking down Article II—Reading the Trump tea leaves on the Russia-Ukraine conflict—White House East Wing remodel and billionaire pals—Meaty discussion about meat and beyond Show Notes:—War on the Rocks podcast—Ukraine: The Latest podcast from The Telegraph—Heat: An Amateur's Adventures as Kitchen Slave, Line Cook, Pasta-Maker, and Apprentice to a Dante-Quoting Butcher in Tuscany The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by John McCormack, Mike Warren, and Grayson Logue to discuss their recent reporting for The Dispatch on vaccine skepticism, immigration enforcement in Chicago, and Pam Bondi's Department of Justice. The Agenda:—Pediatricians and vaccine refusal—2014 measles outbreak—ICE in Chicago—'Operation Midway Blitz'—Climate of fear—Pam Bondi at the DOJ—Young Republicans chat Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Megan McArdle discuss the Trump administration's planned bailout for farmers, ICE agents' aggressive tactics, and Jonah's fight against the cat lobby. The Agenda:—Steve Hayes' farmer arc—Bailout on the way?—ICE, ICE, no baby—Trump is not Hitler, but he is Juan Perón—‘Hitler could have gotten rid of Obamacare.'—NWYT: The best pieces of their career Show Notes:—Jonah Goldberg: To Hell with You People—Kevin Williamson: Zombie Dick Gephardt—Megan McArdle: Out of Osama's Death, a Fake Quotation Is Born—Kevin Williamson: The Death of a F***ing Salesman—Steve Hayes: The Post's Yucca Mountain Scare The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by C-SPAN CEO Sam Feist to discuss the state of news media and how C-SPAN's new show might offer a way forward. The Agenda:—News consumption in 2025—Being a “clinician”—C-SPAN's “Ceasefire”—Challenging the consumer—Camera's in Washington—C-SPAN's funding—How C-SPAN is different The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠click here⁠. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The OG crew—Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and David French—discuss President Donald Trump's diplomatic efforts on Israel and Gaza, the violent text messages from Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones, and Attorney General Pam Bondi's performance during a congressional hearing earlier this week.The Agenda:—Is the Gaza war finally over?—Right-wing antisemites—Should the Nobel Peace Prize be awarded to the IDF?—Mary Katherine Hamm presents her case—Former Dispatch reporter's scoop on Jay Jones—Attorney General Pam Bondi is scaring us—David preaches on decency—NWYT: Writing in your car alone The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Williamson is joined by Phillip Rossetti, a contributor to the new Dispatch Energy newsletter and fellow at the R Street Institute. The two dive into the “Abundance” movement and why some traditionally pro-regulation Democrats are rethinking their stance and finding common ground with free-market advocates. Show Notes:—Philip for Dispatch Energy: “The Advent of the ‘Abundance' Movement”—Subscribe to our new Dispatch Energy newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Kevin Williamson, Jonah Goldberg, and Mike Warren to discuss the gathering of generals at Quantico earlier this week, debate who is to blame for the government shutdown, and dive into the controversy surrounding a comedic festival in Saudi Arabia. The Agenda:—Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's performance—Blame the Democrats?—Kevin and Newt Gingrich are kindred spirits—Saudi Arabia: just for laughs?—NWYT: Grilled cheese and comfort foods The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Martin, senior political columnist at POLITICO, joins Steve Hayes to discuss President Donald Trump's retribution campaign and the Democratic Party's messy coalition of convenience that doesn't stand for anything ideologically. The Agenda:—The role of Trump's inner circle—Sen. Ted Cruz's political calculations—Election integrity concerns—The future of Trump's legal battles—Kamala Harris has nothing to say on what Dems should stand for on policyShow Notes:—Jonathan's column on Ted Cruz Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Mike Warren to discuss President Donald Trump's recent shift on Ukraine and how the MAGA movement might respond to it before revisiting ABC's brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. The Agenda:—Russia's rising aggression—The situation on the Ukrainian frontline—MAGA's response—Trump's U.N. speech—Free speech under the Trump administration—Trump's Department of Justice—Jimmy Kimmel update—Comey indictment—NWYT: Being a dumb child Show Notes:—Reporting on the Comey indictment The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠click here⁠. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Williamson sits down with Adam Lankford, professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Alabama, to delve into the complex factors behind mass violence and ideological killings—from video games and social media to sexual frustrations and extremist ideologies. The Agenda:—Trends in mass shootings—Performative nature of violence—The role of ideology in mass violence—The impact of video games—Incels and femcels—Policy suggestions The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes, Kevin Williamson, Sarah Isgur, and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle discuss the Trump administration's attempted crackdown on free speech following the assassination of Charlie Kirk before digging into the details of a new TikTok “deal.”Plus: Is fall the best season, or overrated? The Agenda—Jimmy Kimmel gets suspended—The role of the Federal Communications Commission—Obama administration vs. Trump administration on free speech—‘LOL nothing matters'—TikTok dilemma—Why fall is the best season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AI is racing ahead. Regulation? Not so much. Kevin Williamson talks with Adam Thierer, senior fellow at the R Street Institute, about the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence. They dive into the policy fights shaping its future, the role of Big Tech, and how AI could reshape global competition. The Agenda:—Defining AI—Hardware vs. software—Economic and geopolitical implications of AI—Job replacement concerns—Tech skeptics Show Notes:—Defending Technological Dynamism & The Freedom to Innovate in the Age of AI The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political activist Charlie Kirk's tragic and shocking assassination at Utah Valley University on Wednesday has sparked an outpouring of grief, anxiety, and recriminations over how we arrived at this moment. Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, David French, and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle to unpack what we know (and don't) about the murder, discuss how we should think about this political moment, and explore how we can step back from the brink. The Agenda:—Proliferation of violent videos—Navigating threats in political life—Playing into the worst stereotypes—The FBI fumbles investigation—President Donald Trump's remarks Show Notes:—Yascha Mounk for The Dispatch: “The Assassin's Veto” The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a battle of flagship podcasts, Steve Hayes invites Sarah Isgur to share her biggest takeaways from her interview with Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Then, listen in as the Advisory Opinions crew speaks with ACB about the strengths and limitations of originalism, insights from her new book, and her writing style. The Agenda:—Sarah's takeaways—Lightning round!—Give up, “equity docket,” David—Do oral arguments even matter anymore?—All about originalism—Life as a Justice Antonin Scalia clerk—Law school: to go or not to go?—Click HERE to subscribe to Advisory Opinions Advisory Opinions is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle to discuss the chaotic fiefdoms within the Trump administration, from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s tenure atop the Department of Health and Human Services to Kash Patel's leadership of the FBI. Plus: How is The Dispatch crew thinking about artificial intelligence? The Agenda:—Firing Dr. Susan Monarez—The GOP divide over anti-establishment figures—How we got to the point of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. leading the CDC—The effects of AI on journalism—The gang's favorite TV shows Show Notes:—Aaron MacLean for The Dispatch: Not Letting AI Master Us—Jim Pethokoukis for The Dispatch: AI: An Engine of Human Progress—Sen. Bill Cassidy's floor speech in support of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle debate whether Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Donald Trump exhibit similar authoritarian tendencies, discuss the role of elites in democracies, and explore the Democratic Party's ongoing identity crisis. The Agenda:—Trump's first and second terms—Can the president do whatever he wants?—Historical context of presidential power—Weak democracies and crisis—Is this all our fault?—The future of Democratic messaging Show Notes:—Nick Catoggio's Boiling Frogs newsletter—Megan McArdle's column on lawfare The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Jamie Weinstein's final Dispatch Interview Podcast, he invites Matt Lewis, podcaster and columnist for the Los Angeles Times, to grade President Donald Trump's foreign policy, national security, and economic policy objectives. The Agenda:—The raid of John Bolton's house—The new three legs of conservatism—D.C. crime and the national guard—California Gov. Gavin Newsom's trolling—Who will be the presidential candidates for the 2028 election? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes invites Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and famed New York Times columnist David French to discuss the latest in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and dive into the ingredients for a potential financial collapse. The Agenda:—Post-Alaska analysis—Tease 'em, goad 'em, kill ‘em—Security guarantees—We're in debt!—Tariff rebates—NWYT: Backer inners Show Notes:—Listen to Kevin Williamson's interview with Tim Mak on Ukraine —Read Kenneth Rogoff's Foreign Affairs article on the debt crisis The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Mak, Dispatch contributor and founder of The Counteroffensive, joins Kevin Williamson to discuss the details of President Donald Trump's meeting with Russian President Vladamir Putin in Alaska. The Agenda:—Life in Kyiv amidst war—Analyzing the outcomes of the summit—Trump's “diplomatic” approaches—The fragmentation of European unity—Mak's reporting on human interest stories in Ukraine Show Notes: —Tim Mak's piece for The Dispatch on war machines The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes returns to the host chair, joined by coastal elitists Jonah Goldberg, Michael Warren, and Megan McArdle to discuss a wild week in Washington. The Agenda:—The crime debate in D.C.—Shifting toward state capitalism—Does the GOP even believe in free markets anymore?—Best- and worst-case scenarios from the Trump-Putin summit—The DC's 4H has to be pretty modest The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What happens when America's Middle East policy collides with conservative skepticism? Jamie Weinstein goes head-to-head with Curt Mills, Executive Director of The American Conservative, to unpack the politics, power plays, and high-stakes history behind U.S.–Israel relations. The Agenda: —Why some on the right don't back Israel —Israel–Iran tensions —Israel's endgame in the region —How U.S. politics gets shaped from abroad —The problem with “forever wars” —Epstein, Mossad and the right-wing connection Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah Goldberg grabs the host's chair and steers Megan McArdle, Chris Stirewalt, and Kevin Williamson through a lively discussion into the political turbulence in Texas. The Agenda:—How upset should we be about redistricting in Texas?—Collin Allred versus Ken Paxton—Megan McArdle is mad about the BLS firing—Nielsen ratings are fake, but they are reliably fake—'It's a race to the bottom and everyone loses.'—The impact of postmodernism on politics—NWYT: Rule followers are suckers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Weinstein sits down with Emmy-winning journalist and bestselling author Bernard Goldberg to discuss the evolution of conservative journalism over his career and the modern-day news influencers taking over media. The Agenda:—The three buckets of news media eras—How political interviews are changing—The rise of antisemitism—Covering the Israel-Hamas war—The future of CBS Show Notes:—Bernie's Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan McArdle joins Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and Sarah Isgur to discuss President Donald Trump's various trade deals and their effect on the latest economic numbers. The Agenda:—Thank you, Scott Bessent—Texas' mid-cycle redistricting—DoorDash discourse—Parsing Israel news coverage—Famine is a plural word—The new political tribes—NWYT:What are our hosts' favorite movies? Show Notes:—John McCormack for The Dispatch: ‘We're Just Hoping the Ship Sinks'—Michael Brendan Dougherty's National Review—Jason Furman's New York Times piece The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

General H.R. McMaster joins Jamie Weinstein to discuss Iran's weakened military state, the United States' backtracking in Ukraine, and the conditions needed for a new Palestinian political order. The Agenda:—Iran's nuclear program: Maybe not obliterated, but definitely devastated—Israeli and U.S. coordination—“Whenever an Iranian leader is speaking, they're lying to you.”—War in Ukraine—Transparency of the modern battlefield—Putin doesn't have all the cards—Pressuring Egypt to open their border to Gaza's population Show notes:—Tucker Carlson interview of President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian—H.R. McMaster's piece for The Dispatch: Trump Ends the Folly of De-escalation— H.R. McMaster's book: Battlegrounds: The Fight to Defend the Free World The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan McArdle, John McCormack, and Grayson Logue join Mike Warren to discuss President Donald Trump's recent trade deal with Japan, the latest in the Jeffrey Epstein story (sigh), Russiagate (another sigh), and the cancellation of shared culture. The Agenda:—A sweetheart deal for Japanese automakers—America's surprisingly resilient economy—Getting the housing market back in balance—Three weeks into the Epstein drama: “unverified hearsay”—Russiagate is just exhausting—Colbert cancelled The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Weinstein is joined by Michael Smerconish, host of SiriusXM's The Michael Smerconish Program and CNN's Smerconish, to discuss the state of centrism and the future of the Republican Party. The Agenda:—Centrism in 2025—Third-party viability—Government efficiency—The role of media in political division—Trump's Epstein problem—Trump's letter to Epstein—Republicans in 2028 The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is the Jeffrey Epstein issue blowing up the MAGA base? Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and David French join Steve Hayes to discuss the Epstein files and their implications for Vance 2028, delayed resolve toward Russia, and the Supreme Court's apparent greenlight for Department of Education cuts.And, of course, an extended Not Worth Your Time on soda. The Agenda:—Jeffrey Epstein catch-up—Little Epstein, big Epstein—Why can't Trump shut this down?—Kudos to First Lady Melania Trump—Putin's dark determination meets Trump's hurt feelings—Monday's SCOTUS decision looks good for Trump administration—for now —Stuart Stevens' on killing the DOE—The Platonic ideal of Coca-Cola Show notes: David's July 13 New York Times column Jonah's June 6 G-File: “The Inevitable Splintering to Come” Mike's piece: “The Epstein Conspiracy Eats Its Own.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're flipping the script this week, with executive producer Adaam James Levin-Areddy talking to Jamie Weinstein about Jamie's interviewing philosophy and the future of the show. The Agenda:—Interviewing bad-faith actors—The Mehdi Hasan interview—Douglas Murray/Dave Smith debate—Future guests and format—Jamie's most regretted interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Warren is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and Kevin Williamson to react to the latest internal fights within Donald Trump's White House on Ukraine and explain the logic behind flip-flops on immigration enforcement. The Agenda:—Rogue pause on Ukraine aid—Freelancing at the Pentagon—Trump vs. the restrainers—ICE raids in Los Angeles—Trump's flip-flop on immigration—The hispanic vote—UFC on the South Lawn The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally aired on Oct. 16, 2024. Palestinian-American activist and resident senior fellow at The Atlantic Council Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib joins Adaam James Levin-Areddy to discuss growing up in the Gaza Strip, the challenge of polling public opinion in Gaza, the future of Palestinian self-governance, whether there is a meaningful contingent in support seeking peace with Israel. The Agenda: —The story of Gaza —Hamas vs. Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) —October 7 —Breaking down support for Hamas in Gaza —Palestinian sovereignty and UNRWA —Do Palestinians want peace? —The radicalism of the moderate voice Show Notes: —⁠⁠Ahmed's piece for The Dispatch⁠⁠ —⁠⁠Adaam talks with Dr. Einat Wilf about UNRWA and the refugee industrial complex⁠⁠ —⁠⁠Adaam and Jonah talk on Oct. 7, 2023⁠⁠ The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Megan McArdle to explain the consequences of passing President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Is fiscal conservatism officially dead? The Agenda:—Big beautiful bill—God save us from “the groups”—The political process is broken—Abandoning Ukraine—Republican divide on Russia—Alliances don't matter—The Next 250—What makes America great The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Frum joins Jamie Weinstein to break down Trump's Iran strikes, the brewing civil war within MAGA over foreign policy, and the winners (and losers) of the tariff war. The Agenda:—The state of the Trump administration—Analyzing the Iran strikes—MAGA's foreign policy split—Immigration policy—J.D. Vance and opportunism—What's going on with the Democratic Party? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's a growing fog over what exactly American forces accomplished in Iran on Saturday—and whether regime change is still on the table. Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg and Mike Warren to discuss the intelligence-gathering process and why Iran is just not the same as Iraq, as well as New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. Will Mamdani's victory be good news for the Trump administration and for Florida's real estate market? The Agenda:—Iran, Saturday to today—Intelligence, national security, and institutional trust—Vietnam Syndrome turned Iraq Syndrome—Where the wind might be blowing on Iran's regime change—Why NYC's mayoral race might be good for Florida real estate—Campaign advice—Summer sips and the speculative history of Orange Crush Show notes:—Mike Warren for The Dispatch: “What the Iran Strike Reveals About MAGA's Future”—Jeffrey Goldberg on The Remnant—Kevin Williamson for The Dispatch: “Yes to Regime Change in Iran”—Jeremiah Johnson for The Dispatch: “Mamdani's Big Apple Upset” The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton joins Steve Hayes to react to the United States' attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend and outline what he wants to see next from the Trump administration. Then, Steve is joined by Kevin Williamson, Charlotte Lawson, and retired Army Special Forces officer Mike Nelson to discuss Israel's role and how Iran might retaliate. The Agenda:—Bolton on what regime change looks like—Should we send boots on the ground?—Vice President J.D. Vance on no regime change—Iran's technology in the conflict—Making a face-saving deal—Alliance of malfeasance Show Notes:—TMD's reporting on the strikes—Mike Nelson's piece for The Dispatch defending the strikes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time to take out Iran's Fordow nuclear site? As pundits gaze through their crystal balls attempting to determine what President Trump will do next, Trump administration officials are fighting over the United States' direct involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. Sarah Isgur, Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and John McCormack analyze the many factions of MAGA and the future of Iran. The Agenda:—Israel and Iran: what's next?—Tulsi Gabbard trying to be relevant—The cult of Trumpism—We're against political violence Show Notes:—Jonathan Ruhe's piece for The Dispatch—Jonah's Remnant with Ken Pollack The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Weinstein is joined by Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to discuss her new book, Far from Home: An Alaskan Senator Faces the Extreme Climate of Washington, D.C., as well as Congress' role in the Iran-Israel conflict. The Agenda:—Lessons learned from Congress—Congressional approval and conflict with Iran—Should the U.S. support regime change?—Trump's Big Beautiful Bill—Political retribution from President Trump—January 6: ‘You cannot unsee what we saw.'—Age limits in Congress—Optimism for democracy Scheduling Note: This episode's publication was moved up due to the news value of the conversation. The Dispatch Podcast with Jamie Weinstein will return on Monday, June 30. The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adaam James Levin-Areddy is joined by Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal to explain Israel's surprise attack on Iran and its effect on the future of the region. The Agenda:—Degrading Iran's nuclear capability—Regime change in Iran—America's role—5-D chess from Trump?—How the ayatollah sees the world—The failure of Islamic republics—The Axis of Terror's miscalculation—Ballistic missiles vs. cruise missiles The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes, Sarah Isgur, David French, and Jonah Goldberg break down what counts as an “insurrection” after the L.A. riots—and why the chaos might be hurting Trump in the optics war. The Agenda:—Unrest in Los Angeles—In defense of norms—What is an insurrection?—Polling on Los Angeles unrest—"Worse the better"—Tulsi Gabbard's strange nuke video—SANE / FREEZE part two—NWYT: Child rot summer Show Notes:—Jonah Goldberg on Trump and carnage The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joins Jamie Weinstein to discuss his experience advising former President Joe Biden, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and where political messaging fails. The Agenda:—How bad was Joe Biden's mental decline?—Strategy for the Democratic Party—The immigration debate and its impact on voters—Reaching out to the working class Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes hosted today's roundtable, joined by Jonah Goldberg, Michael Warren, and Megan McArdle to discuss the disturbing attack against anti-Hamas protesters in Boulder, Colorado, and the horrific rise in antisemitic violence. Plus: Is the “woke right” a thing? The Agenda:—The recent slew of antisemitic attacks—Violence within the pro-Palestinian movement—The house is on fire and Rod Dreher is in the foyer—Young people are entertaining taboos—Jonah's brush with antisemitism and the Trump movement in 2016—Tucker Carlson as lightning rod for the woke right—Youthful idiocy—Mike's trips to the liquor store near the office The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan McArdle joins Jamie Weinstein to react to the first few months of Donald Trump's presidency and to explain why America needs to win the AI race. The Agenda:—Liberation Day: “It was shambolic”—Trump's shadow Cabinet—What DOGE got right (and wrong)—Elon Musk: A “managerial mad genius?”—Paul Ryan vindicated again—How to adapt to an AI world—Calm before the AI storm The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Warren is joined by David French, Jonah Goldberg, Steve Hayes, and Grayson Logue to discuss the latest legal challenges to the Trump administration's Liberation Day tariffs and the most recent round of presidential pardons. The Agenda:—The Cases That Could Stop Trump's Tariffs—Will Trump double down on tariffs?—Openly corrupt pardons—Can the courts save American politics?—Trump's transactional politics—Russia-Ukraine peace talks—A new Putin—NWYT: Communal kid discipline? Show Notes—Ilya Somin for The Dispatch—Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson on The Remnant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seasoned journalist Matti Friedman joins Jamie Weinstein to unpack the current state of Israel's war against Hamas, exploring the tension between military objectives and the return of hostages. He also delves into the role of American leadership, the morality of warfare, and what the future might hold for Israeli-Iranian relations. The Agenda:—Public trust in Israel's government is at an all-time low—The dilemma of the hostage return—Perception of American leadership and Donald Trump—Qatar: friend or foe?—Taking out Iran's nukes—Is there a Leonard Cohen in today's war? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Steve Hayes, and Michael Warren to discuss Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson's new reporting out of Original Sin on Joe Biden's cognitive decline.  Plus, Dispatch Capitol Hill reporter Charles Hilu joins to break down the House's "big beautiful bill." The Agenda:—Big beautiful explanation—No tax on tips?—Biden's Original Sin—Media accountability—“The media gets a C minus at best.”—NWYT: Is AI taking entry-level jobs? Show Notes:—Rep. Keith Self on the “big beautiful bill”—Scott Lincicome on AI and jobs The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two governors walk into the Reagan Library and find common ground. Steve Hayes is joined by Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), to discuss bipartisanship, mutual respect, and the value of healthy conflict. The Agenda:—Defining tribes—Media outrage and news cycles—We should all join bowling teams—We can't explain policy in 280 characters—Intra-party tensions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Nordlinger, formerly of National Review and the author of the Onward and Upward Substack, joins Jamie Weinstein to discuss President Donald Trump's MAGAfication of the GOP. They explore themes of corruption, transparency, American exceptionalism, and the evolution of the Republican Party, while reflecting on the legacy of conservatism and the future of conservative journalism. —The first 100 days—Andrew Jackson 2.0?—The Middle East tour—Stories about Bill Buckley—The future of conservative journalism Show Notes—Jay's farewell post at National Review—Jay's Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Warren is joined by Jonah Goldberg and Grayson Logue to discuss the ongoing trade war with China and Trump's newest aviation toy. The Agenda:—Scott Bessent or Peter Navarro?—What to make of the 90-day pause with China—Golden calf foreign policy—Trump meets with Qatar but skips Israel—Leaving America because of fascism? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Harvard professor Harvey Mansfield joins Jamie Weinstein to discuss the Trump administration's fight against Harvard and its protest culture on campus. The Agenda:—Harvard's lefty culture—Are Jewish students safe on campus?—Let's stick to the Constitution—Elites in democracy—Defining successful studentsShow Notes:—Professor Mansfield's columns in the Crimson The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah Goldberg and David French join Sarah Isgur to discuss the emerging concept of “abundance” among Democrats while the current administration torpedoes the economy with tariffs. The Agenda:—Three bodies and two dolls—Abundance Democrats and no progress—No one's talking about DOGE anymore—Big beautiful bills—ICE raids in D.C.—Oh no for au pairs—Ross, Marc, and super-woke employees—NWYT: Alcatraz? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠click here.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices