The Dispatch Podcast

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

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