Podcast appearances and mentions of charles fain lehman

It’s Wednesday, February 18, 2026 — The Scott Jennings Show is LIVE on Salem with the latest on Iran and a potential U.S.-Israel campaign, a major Doctors Without Borders admission about Hamas in Gaza hospitals, and a sharp look at NYC politics and culture — plus a must-hear conversation with Charles Fain Lehman on America’s marijuana backlash. Go to Freespoke.com - Scott Jennings to download their app for free. Head to https://www.strongcell.com and use code SCOTT to get 20% off your order. https://www.Byrna.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

American society has become radically permissive of some serious vices in the past few years. Drugs, gambling, and pornography are easier to access legally than ever before. A backlash against this permissiveness has clearly begun, but it has yet to find its footing because it tends to be rooted in the language of material or physical harm. Such arguments are a crucial piece of the case for prohibiting vice, but they have to be paired with a more comprehensive and coherent account of why vice is incompatible with human freedom and flourishing.Guest Charles Lehman joins us to discuss how opponents of vice can build a bipartisan coalition for banning the addictive products that threaten republican self-government. Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor of City Journal.This podcast discusses themes from Charles's essay in the Winter 2026 issue of National Affairs, “The Case for Prohibiting Vice”

Michael A. Cohen, author of the Truth and Consequences newsletter, and Charles Fain Lehman, Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, debate the capture of Nicolas Maduro and whether Marco Rubio is positioning himself as the "Governor General of Latin America." The panel analyzes Tim Walz's exit from the Minnesota governor's race amid a $9 billion pandemic fraud scandal and the controversial appointment of Cea Weaver to New York's housing office. Plus,the debunking of the "Heritage American" myth that only 37–39% of the population meets the pre-1860 ancestry criteria, the New York Times' creative statistics on 8.5 MPH bus speeds, and Larry David's strict January 7th statute of limitations on wishing anyone a "Happy New Year." Produced by Corey Wara Coordinated by Lya Yanne Video and Social Media by Geoff Craig Do you have questions or comments, or just want to say hello? Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com For full Pesca content and updates, check out our website at https://www.mikepesca.com/⁠ For ad-free content or to become a Pesca Plus subscriber, check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/ For Mike's daily takes on Substack, subscribe to The Gist List https://mikepesca.substack.com/ Follow us on Social Media:⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/pescagist/ X https://x.com/pescami TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@pescagist To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist

Remembering Pearl Harbor Day. Producer David Doll updates the audience on his weekend antics. What does a Make America Great Again (MAGA) foreign policy look like? The Trump Administration’s newly-released National Security Strategy. Charles Fain Lehman’s piece at City Journal, “Thinking About Crime at 50.” Charlie Kirk's last book will be posthumously released tomorrow.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, John Ketcham, and Pirate Wires's Mike Solana analyze the results of New York City's mayoral election.

Is the Democratic Party being pulled too far left—or is moderation making a comeback? Jesse Arm, Charles Fain Lehman, and Rafael Mangual discuss the recent government shutdown and the role of the filibuster in shaping legislative outcomes. They analyze tensions in the Democratic Party between radical grassroots movements and centrist pragmatism. And they examine the rise of the “abundance bros” and what this techno-optimist movement says about our current politics.

What does the Jimmy Kimmel episode reveal about free speech in America? Ilya Shapiro, Charles Fain Lehman, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual unpack the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Kimmel's ABC show and explore how government influence, corporate media decisions, and public protest movements intersect in shaping the national discourse. The panel also discusses controversial figures like Woody Allen and what their continued relevance says about shifting political and cultural norms.

After President Trump's federalization of DC law enforcement, attention is turning to the root causes of violent crime and the policies needed to restore safety in America's cities. Manhattan Institute's Charles Fain Lehman joins Rep. Crenshaw to break down the data, the myths, and the realities behind the crime waves in DC and other urban areas – from bail reform and policing shortages to homelessness, public disorder, and the social contagion of mass shootings. A hard look at what's working, what isn't, and what it will take to make our communities safe again.   Charles Fain Lehman is a fellow at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor of City Journal. He focuses primarily on the public policy of antisocial behavior, including issues of crime, drugs, and public disorder. Find him on X at @CharlesFLehman and read his research at Manhattan Institute.

Isabella Redjai, Kerry Soropoulos, Charles Fain Lehman, and Renu Mukherjee discuss the fatal stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee on public transit and what it reveals about urban violence, mental health, and law enforcement. They also discuss CBS's interest in buying The Free Press and Austin's logo debate.

John fixes California with Charles Fain LehmanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vice week continues with Charles Fain Lehman, Manhattan Institute fellow and Dispatch contributing writer, joining Jonah Goldberg for a discussion on drug addiction, legalized gambling, and porn. Show Notes:—Charles for The Dispatch: “The Sports Gambling Backlash Is Here”—Charles for The Dispatch: “It's Time to Prosecute Pornhub” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comWe talk around it a lot on HoS but writer Charles Fain Lehman has just come out and said it: He thinks the legalization of sports betting is bad and wants it reversed. Plenty have expressed misgivings, but this man has actually staked out a position. I'm not sure anyone is as prominent in America's burbling anti-vice movement as Charles is currently, so I wanted to get his perspective. How bad is sports gambling and will there ever be a public appetite to bring back prohibition? I found this talk fascinating and hope you will too. Topics include but aren't limited to…* Will Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce getting married result in an actual baby boom?* What's the legalization of sports betting done to society?* Rank the young male vices in terms of damage: sports betting, porn, weed* Do porn and weed use curb criminality? * Did the American public want this sports betting legalization?* How popular is sports betting with the American public?* Would young men vote to protect access to sports betting and/or porn? * Charles' thoughts on Richard Hanania's Do We Need Sports Betting to Get to Mars? Maybe theory* Charles writes a lot about psychedelics but refuses to do any* Charles and I are both skeptical of ayahuasca shamans* Is alcohol use a net negative or net positive for society?* Zoomers are anti weed?!

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Judge Glock, and Renu Mukherjee discuss President Trump's threat to send National Guard troops to Chicago, Baltimore, and New York; the government's stake in Intel; and New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's attempt to bench press 135 pounds. 

Charles Fain Lehman, Neetu Arnold, Rafael Mangual, and Daniel Di Martino discuss voters' increasing dissatisfaction with the Democratic Party and potential 2028 frontrunners, why President Trump is targeting the Smithsonian's museums, and reporting that an Eric Adams adviser gave cash to a journalist in a potato chip bag.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Carolyn Gorman, and John Ketcham discuss the federalization of the D.C. police under the Trump administration and what it signals for local governance in the nation's capital. They explore New York City's controversial proposal for involuntary commitment of individuals with substance-use problems, raising critical questions about civil liberties and public safety. The panel also examines the broader atmosphere of disorder in New York City and ponders the surprising rise in alcohol abstention among young Americans. 

Charles Fain-Lehman of the Manhattan Institute joins Matt Lewis to discuss the complex reality of crime in Washington, D.C. Despite recent declines, D.C.'s homicide rate remains alarmingly high compared to cities like New York. Explore the statistics, the persistent violence in areas like Wards 7 and 8, and whether federal intervention, including Trump's controversial takeover of the D.C. police, can address the city's deep-rooted issues. Support "Matt Lewis & The News" at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mattlewisFollow Matt Lewis & Cut Through the Noise:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MattLewisDCTwitter: https://twitter.com/mattklewisInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattklewis/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVhSMpjOzydlnxm5TDcYn0A– Who is Matt Lewis? –Matt K. Lewis is a political commentator and the author of Filthy Rich Politicians.Buy Matt's book: https://www.amazon.com/Filthy-Rich-Politicians-Creatures-Ruling-Class/dp/1546004416Copyright © 2025, BBL & BWL, LLC

Washington D.C. is in crisis. Crime is surging, and the federal government has stepped in. Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Renu Mukherjee, John Ketcham explain why Congress moved to rein in local control, how it's rolling back home rule, and what it means for public safety nationwide. Plus: Trump's push to shake up college admissions—race, transparency, and the AI factor.

Douglas Murray joins Charles Fain Lehman to discuss last week's shooting in Manhattan, along with broader urban disorder and examples of political violence throughout history. They also look at President Trump's moves on immigration and what other western nations can learn from U.S. policy. Lastly, Murray discusses his recent win in a defamation claim against him, and how it has affected his views of press freedom.

Charles Fain Lehman, John Ketcham, Jesse Arm, and Rob Henderson discuss Chicago's pension system and Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker's presidential aspirations, the rising political divide between men and women, and the news that Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican.

Charles Fain Lehman, Carolyn Gorman, Renu Mukherjee, and Ilya Shapiro discuss the deadly shooting in Manhattan on Monday, exploring issues of mental health, gun violence, and the political implications for the upcoming mayoral election. The conversation shifts to cultural reflections on violence, community responses, and the dynamics of public safety. The panel also delves into the backlash against American Eagle's ad campaign with Sydney Sweeney and discusses the effectiveness of advertising in shaping consumer behavior.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Tal Fortgang, and John Ketcham discuss the recent executive order from the Trump administration addressing homelessness, mental illness, and public disorder. They explore the implications of the order, the challenges of implementing it at the state and local levels, and the need for a more comprehensive approach to homelessness that includes mental health treatment. The conversation also touches on the political dynamics of redistricting and gerrymandering, highlighting the partisan posturing involved.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, Tal Fortgang, and Carolyn Gorman discuss Columbia University's deal with the Trump administration, the White House's AI action plan, and the technology's usefulness in tasks at work.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, John Ketcham, and Daniel Di Martino unpack the explosive rise of democratic socialism, spotlighting the Minneapolis mayoral race and Omar Fateh's July 2025 endorsement, in which a Somali-American progressive won 43.8% of delegates. They explore how local elections are now test beds for socialist agendas, what America's urban realignment means for conservatives, and how video podcasting is reshaping discourse in a media landscape. Along the way, they dive into cultural flashpoints—from concerts to classrooms—and why the right can't afford to sit out the fight for the cities.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk is testing a new frontier in politics. In this episode, Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Rafael Mangual, and Daniel Di Martino explore Musk's proposed America Party—what it means for the right, why it's gaining traction across conservative media, and whether it's more than X posturing. They also tackle the One Big Beautiful Bill—a trillion-dollar effort to rein in spending without touching Social Security or Medicare. Is it serious reform, or just another political stunt? Plus: July Fourth, national identity, and the conservative fight to reclaim America's founding story.

Charles Fain Lehman, Neetu Arnold, Judge Glock, and Carolyn Gorman unpack Trump's border pageantry at “Alligator Alcatraz,” exposing the left's silence on illegal immigration. They break down the One Big Beautiful Bill, $1 trillion in spending cuts, tax policy in the balance, and a fight for fiscal sanity.

What's driving the New York City mayoral race, and how might ranked-choice voting, crime, and policy backlash shape the outcome? In this episode, City Journal's Charles Fain Lehman is joined by John Ketcham, Renu Mukherjee, and Jesse Arm to break down the latest from the NYC mayoral primary. They also weigh in on the Supreme Court's ruling in U.S. v. Skrmetti, what it means for free speech and state regulation, and how New Yorkers are navigating the heat and headlines. “Exhausted ballots will be a significant factor in this election,” notes Ketcham.

City Journal contributors Charles Fain Lehman, Tal Fortgang, Rafael Mangual, and Carolyn Gorman break down results from a new Manhattan Institute poll on New York City's mayoral race. They also unpack the Israel–Iran conflict and the strange state of modern wedding culture.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Renu Mukherjee, and Daniel Di Martino discuss the attack on two Minneapolis state lawmakers, the rallies against Trump, the military parade in D.C., and the New York City mayoral race.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, Neetu Arnold, and Carolyn Gorman discuss Elon Musk and fiscal conservatism in the GOP, the anti-ICE riots spreading across the U.S., and favorite rockstars.

Charles Fain Lehman, fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and a contributing editor of City Journal, on the ongoing anti-ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) riots in Los Angeles and other cities across America and the various responses from conservatives and liberals to these nationwide mass protests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Charles Fain Lehman, Nicole Gelinas, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual discuss the violent protests in Los Angeles, the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, and the best Broadway musicals.

Charles Fain Lehman, Daniel Di Martino, Tal Fortgang, and Renu Mukherjee discuss the revised travel ban, the Democratic Party's struggles with young men, and renting vs. owning.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Rob Henderson, and Neetu Arnold discuss the anti-Israel attack in Boulder, Elon Musk and DOGE, and branded products.

Charles Fain Lehman, Daniel Di Martino, Jesse Arm, and Renu Mukherjee discuss the Trump administration's pause in student visa appointments, New York City's mayoral race, and the best pizza in the U.S.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, Jesse Arm, and Tal Fortgang discuss the murder of Israeli embassy aides Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Lynn Milgrim, the DOJ's investigation into Chicago's hiring practices, and President Trump's feud with Bruce Springsteen.

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about whether federal involvement safeguards or endangers free speech on college campuses. First on the show is Keith E. Whittington, is the David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School and founding chair of the Academic Freedom Alliance. Later, we hear from Charles Fain Lehman, fellow at the Manhattan Institute and senior editor of City Journal. You can find Keith on X @kewhittington and Charles at @CharlesFLehman. Both have written essays at The Dispatch on this topic. Whittington's can be found here while Lehman's can be found here.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, John Ketcham, and Nicole Gelinas discuss the NJ Transit strike, the Palm Springs car bombing, and the New York Knicks.

Charles Fain Lehman, Judge Glock, Rafael Mangual, and John Sailer discuss the House tax bill, California governor Gavin Newsom's model ordinance on homelessness, and summer vacation plans.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Daniel Di Martino, and Tal Fortgang discuss the deal between the U.S. and China to temporarily lower tariffs, Trump's executive order on prescription drug prices, and Chicago-isms Pope Leo XIV should bring to the Vatican.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, Renu Mukherjee, and Tal Fortgang discuss the latest Columbia University student protest, the Trump administration's fight with Harvard, and highlights from the Manhattan Institute's annual Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner.

Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, John Ketcham, and Rob Henderson discuss New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's latest proposal, an HHS review of medical interventions for children with gender dysphoria, and why taking advice from younger generations is never a good idea.

Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Daniel Di Martino, and Renu Mukherjee discuss the Supreme Court's consideration of a religious charter school in Oklahoma, Canada's election, and staying entertained on public transit.

Charles Fain Lehman, Heather Mac Donald, Judge Glock, and Rafael Mangual discuss the Trump-Harvard fight, the New York City Council's lawsuit against Mayor Eric Adams, and transit crime.

Charles Fain Lehman, Hannah Meyers, Ilya Shapiro, and Daniel Di Martino discuss Kilmar Abrego Garcia's case, New York City's mayoral race, and Bible stories Hollywood should adapt into films.

Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, Tal Fortgang, and Jesse Arm discuss the attack on Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro's home, the Trump administration's crackdown on Harvard University, and the best crew members to bring on a trip to space.

Charles Fain Lehman, Judge Glock, Rafael Mangual, and Daniel Di Martino discuss what's next for Trump's tariffs, the latest in the deportation saga of former Columbia student Mahmoud Khalil, and what people are getting up to with corpses on the New York City subway.

Charles Fain Lehman joins Brian Anderson to discuss the drug crisis in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood.

Why do Americans die younger than citizens of other rich countries? The most important reason is that life in America is inexcusably dangerous. The U.S. has more fatalities from gun violence, drug overdoses, and auto accidents than just about any other similarly rich nation, and its obesity rate is about 50 percent higher than the European average. Put this all together, and the U.S. is rightly considered a “rich death trap” for its young and middle-aged citizens. That's the bad news. Now here's the good news. In the past 12 months, quietly and without much media fanfare, the government reported that drug deaths declined, murders declined, traffic fatalities declined, and the standard measure of obesity declined. This inside straight of good news has never happened before in the 21st century—and perhaps decades before that. Today's guest is Charles Fain Lehman. He's a fellow at the Manhattan Institute whose expertise is unpacking complex trends in the most gruesome areas, like drugs, murder, and death, in America. Today, he explains why the U.S. seems to be experiencing a sort of mysterious health wave and whether we should expect it to last. If you have questions, observations, or ideas for future episodes, email us at PlainEnglish@Spotify.com. Host: Derek Thompson Guest: Charles Fain Lehman Producer: Devon Baroldi Link: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2024/12/violence-obesity-overdoses-health-covid/681079/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sports betting is a costly mistake, says addiction researcher Charles Fain Lehman. He and NBA great Danny Green discuss how it's changed sports for the worse, and whether there's a way to fix it. This episode was produced by Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Matt Collette, fact checked by Laura Bullard with help from Victoria Chamberlin, engineered by Andrea Kristinsdottir, and hosted by Sean Rameswaram. Special thanks to Steven Delaney, host of Fantasy or Reality? The Gambling Problem Podcast. Transcript at vox.com/today-explained-podcast Support Today, Explained by becoming a Vox Member today: http://www.vox.com/members Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Crime data has been a flashpoint in this election. Kamala Harris has claimed that violent crime is at a “near 50-year low,” while Donald Trump has insisted that crime is going up. According to the numbers reported to the F.B.I., Harris is right: Crime, especially violent crime, has been falling. But if you look at survey data, Trump is tapping into something people feel. Last year, 77 percent of Americans told Gallup that they believe crime is on the rise.So what's going on here? Why, if crime is falling, do people feel less safe? Charles Fain Lehman, a crime and drug policy researcher at the Manhattan Institute, wrote a piece on his Substack, The Causal Fallacy, on exactly this question. In this conversation, we discuss why he thinks Americans are feeling less safe, despite what the data says, as well as the ideological shifts taking place around drugs and crime, on both the left and the right.Mentioned:“Breakdown” by Heather Mac Donald“Between Tolerant Containment and Concerted Constraint: Managing Madness for the City and the Privileged Family” by Neil GongBook Recommendations:Thinking About Crime by James Q. WilsonAgainst Excess by Mark KleimanThe Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom WolfeThoughts? Guest suggestions? Email us at ezrakleinshow@nytimes.com.You can find transcripts (posted midday) and more episodes of “The Ezra Klein Show” at nytimes.com/ezra-klein-podcast. Book recommendations from all our guests are listed at https://www.nytimes.com/article/ezra-klein-show-book-recs.This episode of “The Ezra Klein Show” was produced by Rollin Hu. Fact-checking by Michelle Harris. Our senior engineer is Jeff Geld, with additional mixing by Aman Sahota. Our supervising editor is Claire Gordon. The show's production team also includes Annie Galvin, Elias Isquith and Kristin Lin. Original music by Isaac Jones. Audience strategy by Kristina Samulewski and Shannon Busta. The executive producer of New York Times Opinion Audio is Annie-Rose Strasser. And special thanks to Switch and Board Podcast Studio. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.