The Dispatch Podcast

Steve Hayes invites Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Kevin Williamson to discuss the ‘double tap’ order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that may violate the laws of war. Is this another issue where Trump can ‘win’ because we’re an outcomes-over-process society? The Agenda:–We’re not at war–Legality of airstrikes–What is narco-terrorism exactly?–Megyn Kelly likes violence for some reason–A damning indictment–Pardon (our) abuse–NWYT: Our top podcasts and artists of the year (who listens to Caamp?) Show Notes:—AFPI’s Josh Trevino on School of War podcast—Kevin, David, and Jonah’s pieces on the pardon powers 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

John McCormack and Michael Warren join Steve Hayes to discuss their reporting on how the Intercollegiate Studies Institute is downgrading traditional conservatism, and Charles Hilu reports on how lawmakers on Capitol Hill are really feeling about the changes on the right. The Agenda:—The state of the conservative intellectual movement—John and Mikes new reporting on ISI—Postliberalism and key figures on the intellectual right—Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, and the future of conservative thought—Are Republicans getting bolder in criticizing Trump?—NWYT: Airplane travel attire 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 Megan McArdle, Kevin Williamson, and Jonah Goldberg to discuss the confusing peace negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, the current state of the U.S. economy ahead of the holidays, and their least favorite Thanksgiving dishes. The Agenda:—Diplomatic developments in Ukraine—JD Vance, the Vice Poster—Corruption and personal influence in diplomacy (How’s the Clinton Foundation doing?)—Household debt reaches record highs—Affordability and the illusion of affordability—NWYT: Sweet potato marshmallow pie Show Notes:—Steve Witkoff advised Russia on how to talk to Trump on Ukraine peace deal 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

Mike Warren is joined by Dr. Jean Twenge, author of 10 Rules for Raising Kids in a High-Tech World, for a discussion about what modern research says about parenting in the digital and A.I. age. The Agenda:—Screen time before sleep—Conversations with children about tech—What phones and at what age—Social media regulation—Wait Until Eighth Pledge—Laptops vs. smartphones—Celebrating parental wins 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

Michael Warren is joined by Megan McArdle, David French, and Kevin Williamson to discuss the popularity of President Donald Trump and whether he's influential in the MAGA party. Show Notes:—Media fatigue and Miss Piggy allegations —Cracks in the MAGA coalition—Trump's foreign policy agenda—Understanding Trump's relationship with Saudi Arabia—'The most populist black tie dinner ever'—Silicon Valley politics—Crisis in learning outcomes and dismantling the Department of Education Show Notes:—New York Times: The Sierra Club Embraced Social Justice. Then It Tore Itself Apart We’re running a listener survey, which you can find at thedispatch.typeform.com/podcast. 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

Andy Mills, host of The Last Invention podcast, joins Dispatch CTO Steve Hayes to discuss the artificial intelligence revolution, the competing visions of utopia among the tech bros, and where AI will take us next. The Agenda:—The great conspiracy theory of our time—Understanding AI, AGI, and ASI—Alan Turing and the birth of AI—The Cold War’s influence on AI—Race against China—Where is the bipartisan policy? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Warren is joined by Megan McArdle, Sarah Isgur, and Jonah Goldberg to discuss the end of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history, what we’ve learned from the latest Epstein files drop, and the debate over postliberalism currently raging in the conservative movement. The Agenda:—Who won the shutdown?—Donald Trump’s approval rating—The latest Epstein files—“The dog that hasn’t barked”—Do scandals matter?—The postliberal divide—Why you don't want a factory job—Not Worth Your Time: The penny? Show Notes:—Take our listener survey!—Jonah’s G-File on postliberalism 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

Michael Warren speaks with Mike Cosper, host of the podcasts Devil and the Deep Blue Sea and The Rise and Fall of Mars Hill, to discuss ideological shifts in mass shootings, extremism among young conservative men, and the role of figures like Nick Fuentes and Tucker Carlson in shaping narratives. The Agenda:—The Great Unbundling of Humanity—The rise of ideological mass shootings—Nick Fuentes and his influence—Christian Zionism and its implications—The future of the American church 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 Megan McArdle, Jonah Goldberg, and Mike Warren to discuss the level of Tucker Carlson-philia displayed by Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts and what it means for the right moving forward. The Agenda:—Democrats steal November 4 elections—Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts tries to clean up his mess—Groyper staffers are a problem—Jonah is not unc!—Dick Cheney: Misunderstood legacy—The curious case of Sean Dunn—NWYT: best sandwiches Show Notes: —No pain, no pleasure 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 seasoned conservative Tim Chapman, president of Advancing American Freedom, to discuss the controversy surrounding Tucker Carlson’s recent interview of Nick Fuentes, the current state of the conservative movement, and the impact of populism on the political landscape. The Agenda:—A crisis of consciousness—Populism and the New Right—Nick Fuentes is not a good person—What happened to the Heritage Foundation?—Politicos are too online—Where are the principled conservatives? Show Notes:—Nick Catoggio’s Boiling Frogs on Fuentes and Carlson—Nick Catoggio's Boiling Frogs on the Heritage Foundation Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Megan McArdle to discuss the strength of the current U.S. economy, the prospect of an A.I. bubble, and President Donald Trump’s recent trip through Asia. The Agenda:—How's the economy doing?—The A.I. bubble—Why presidents can’t save the economy—American investor confidence—Bonzo goes to Busan—Losing the trade war with China—Trump’s gifted crown—NWYT: Grade inflation at Harvard Show Notes:—Amazon blog post on layoffs 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 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