

Eli Lake
Contributing editor at Commentary Magazine and host of the Breaking History podcast, which tells the story of the 20th century.
Top 10 podcasts with Eli Lake
Ranked by the Snipd community

142 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 46min
The Dissidents Who Defeated Russia
Eli Lake, a Free Press reporter and host of Breaking History, dives into America's intricate relationship with Russia and Ukraine. He critiques past presidential approaches, notably contrasting Reagan's strong stance against Soviet aggression with contemporary views. Lake highlights the role of dissidents like Václav Havel in the Cold War, emphasizing their courage and resilience. He warns against political endorsements that echo Soviet propaganda, insisting on the importance of historical context in today’s discussions about freedom and moral responsibility.

134 snips
Jan 22, 2025 • 39min
Trump’s Populism Isn’t a Sideshow. It’s as American as Apple Pie.
Eli Lake, a seasoned reporter and host of 'Breaking History,' teams up with former President Donald Trump to dive into the roots and realities of American populism. They explore how Trump's presidency echoes the sentiments of historical populist figures like Andrew Jackson and H. Ross Perot. Lake highlights how Trump's rise is part of a long-defiance tradition against the ruling class. The discussion reveals the complexities of populism: while it empowers the masses, it also poses risks to democratic principles.

54 snips
Nov 12, 2024 • 43min
Resistance or Opposition: Which Route Should the Democrats Take?
In this discussion, journalist Eli Lake analyzes the Democratic Party's strategic crossroads in the wake of Trump's rise. He critiques the shift from opposition to resistance, noting its failure to resonate with voters. Lake emphasizes the need for introspection, drawing parallels to the 1984 election where centrist approaches revived the party. The conversation also delves into the influence of identity politics and the repercussions of movements like 'defund the police,' advocating for a more grounded and unified strategy to regain support ahead of future elections.

38 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 13min
How Did We Get Here?
Eli Lake, a Commentary Contributing Editor and host of the Breaking History Podcast, dives deep into the national shocks that have transformed America over the last fifty years. He explores how Trump's tariffs have shifted public sentiment toward trade and the notion of normalcy. The conversation highlights economic fluctuations and the complex ties between foreign trade and democracy. Lake also reflects on President Biden's leadership amidst chaos and the role of extremist voices in current politics, creating a compelling narrative on today's tumultuous landscape.

36 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 30min
The Bullshit Artists Coming for the Deep State
Eli Lake, a columnist for The Free Press known for his sharp insights on national security, joins for a lively discussion. They dive into the murky waters of intelligence agency reform and unpack the 'deep state' concept. Lake critiques Kash Patel’s potential to reform the FBI while exploring public trust in law enforcement. The duo also takes on the absurdities of political rhetoric, including the impact of 'bullshit' on modern discourse and the storytelling tactics of figures like Trump. Expect a blend of humor and hard truths!

28 snips
May 26, 2024 • 1h 5min
Is Israel's War Just? Eli Lake and Michael Moynihan v Briahna Joy Gray and Jake Klein
In a fiery discussion, Eli Lake, a foreign affairs columnist, and Michael Moynihan, a veteran journalist, defend Israel's military actions against Hamas. Facing them are Briahna Joy Gray, former Bernie Sanders press secretary, and Jake Klein, a content creator challenging the justness of the war. The debate probes ethical implications, casualty figures, and the impact of AI in warfare. Political dynamics and historical grievances are examined, raising pressing questions about accountability and peace in the region.

25 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 23min
Eugenics and the Manosphere Anti-Semites
Eli Lake, a contributing editor at Commentary Magazine and host of Breaking History, dives into provocative topics surrounding eugenics and anti-Semitism. He discusses the rise of 'consumer eugenics' and its ethical implications in today’s tech-driven world. The conversation highlights troubling intersections between eugenics and anti-Semitic ideologies within the manosphere, and how these beliefs shape contemporary societal attitudes. Lake also critiques the normalization of anti-Semitic rhetoric in political discourse, urging a deeper reflection on these pressing issues.

23 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 44min
Kamala Harris and the Election of Laughter and Forgetting
Eli Lake, a reporter for The Free Press known for his insightful analysis of current events, returns to discuss the political implications of Kamala Harris's rise as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee. He critiques the media’s role in reshaping historical narratives, drawing parallels to authoritarian regimes and the works of Milan Kundera and George Orwell. The conversation delves into the fragility of political trust, the dangers of complicity, and the tumultuous landscape leading up to the election, all while weaving in humor and literary references.

22 snips
Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 17min
John McWhorter, Eli Lake, and Matthew Cockerill – Debating Civilian Casualties in Gaza
Eli Lake, a seasoned American journalist and host of the Breaking History podcast, joins a thought-provoking conversation on the complex issue of civilian casualties in Gaza. The discussion dives into whether Israeli military actions disproportionately affect civilians and explores the idea that Hamas might use these casualties strategically. They also weigh the ethics of military warnings and the moral responsibilities of both sides during conflict. The group navigates nuanced intra-Jewish perspectives on the ongoing crisis, emphasizing the necessity of respectful dialogue in turbulent times.

21 snips
Sep 26, 2024 • 42min
How Republics Unravel: From Rome to . . . America?
Eli Lake, a seasoned journalist and author, dives deep into the alarming parallels between the decline of the Roman Republic and contemporary American politics. He discusses the rising political violence, exemplified by recent assassination attempts against Trump. Lake unpacks how aggressive tactics and polarization threaten democratic institutions. Drawing on Tiberius Gracchus's story, he warns of the consequences of deviating from political norms and emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the fragility of our republic as tensions escalate.