Ross Douthat, author and columnist, discusses the concept of decadence in American culture. He explores how technology, politics, and religion play a role in escaping societal stagnation. Topics discussed include the history of innovation, cultural repetitiveness in movies, the impact of the sexual revolution, and favorite movies and books.

Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and father of five, and Bryan Caplan, an economics professor and author, dive into the shifting landscape of parenthood. They discuss how historical factors have influenced current fertility rates, revealing a global decline in births. The conversation challenges the stereotypes around parenting, weighing societal norms against personal choice. They also highlight the economic implications of fewer children and reflect on the pressures parents face today. Ultimately, they question the personal and societal values tied to family planning.

Just how worried should we be about the future of American democracy? This is the question at the center of a two-part series from Vox Conversations and host Zack Beauchamp.For part one, Zack talks with New York Times columnist Ross Douthat about whether or not we'll soon see an increase in violent political conflict in the United States. They discuss the role of bellicose fringe groups in politics today, whether or not a recent spate of restrictive voting laws constitute creeping authoritarianism, and the prospects that we'll see future attempts to subvert elections modeled on Trump's efforts in 2020 — or even going further.Be sure to catch part two in this series, on breaking the two-party system in America and other possible democracy reforms, coming Thursday, Feb. 10th.Host: Zack Beauchamp (@zackbeauchamp), Senior Correspondent, VoxGuest: Ross Douthat (@DouthatNYT), Opinion Columnist, New York TimesReferences:  "How does this end?" by Zack Beauchamp (Vox; Jan. 3) "Let's Not Invent a Civil War" by Ross Douthat (New York Times; Jan. 12) How Civil Wars Start by Barbara F. Walter (Crown; 2022) "A Threat to Our Democracy: Election Subversion in the 2021 Legislative Session," Voting Rights Lab report (Sept. 29, 2021) "Republican Party moves to replace GOP board member who voted to certify Michigan election" by Paul Egan (Detroit Free Press; Jan. 18, 2021) Enjoyed this episode? Rate Vox Conversations ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and leave a review on Apple Podcasts.Subscribe for free. Be the first to hear the next episode of Vox Conversations by subscribing in your favorite podcast app.Support Vox Conversations by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcastsThis episode was made by:  Producer: Erikk Geannikis Editor: Amy Drozdowska Engineer: Paul Robert Mounsey Deputy Editorial Director, Vox Talk: Amber Hall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ross Douthat joins Jonah Goldberg to analyze the aftermath of the Iowa Caucus and discuss potential scenarios for the 2024 primary election. They explore the negative perception of politicians, the muddled nature of GOP policy positions, the challenges facing the world, and the importance of authenticity in politics. The conversation concludes with a mention of upcoming trip plans and frustration over flight delays.

Last year, Tyler asked his readers “What Is the Strongest Argument for the Existence of God?” and followed up a few days later with a post outlining why he doesn’t believe in God. New York Times columnist Ross Douthat accepted the implicit challenge, responding to the second post in dialogic form and arguing that theism warrants further consideration. This in-person dialogue starts along similar lines, covering Douthat’s views on religion and theology, but then moves on to more earth-bound concerns, such as his stance on cats, The Wire vs The Sopranos, why Watership Down is the best modern novel for understanding politics, eating tofu before it was cool, journalism as a trade, why he’s open to weird ideas, the importance of Sam’s Club Republicans, the specter of a Buterlian Jihad, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Recorded January 11th, 2018 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter  Follow Ross on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox. 

Ross Douthat discusses the impact of elite outrage, pro-life movement, and democracy. Debate on conservative sacrifices for Trump, world leadership, and abortion. Examining the limitations of elite opposition to Trump and the need for a broader strategy. Lively discussion on Biden's presidency, GOP challenges, and navigating political complexities.

Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist and author, dives deep into the evolving landscape of polyamory and its implications for modern relationships. He discusses how polyamory, rooted in the sexual revolution, may be shifting towards traditional models. The conversation explores society's perceptions of open relationships, especially among high-status individuals. Douthat also touches on the complexities of euthanasia in a post-abundance society, highlighting ethical dilemmas and societal norms surrounding bodily autonomy.

Conservative NY Times columnist Ross Douthat discusses the distorted American Dream in a dystopian era of excess and capitalist success. The conversation delves into the concept of a decadent society and the challenges it poses for American society. From leadership failures during COVID-19 to exploring decadence in society, the podcast touches on various societal issues and contrasts different political perspectives.

For Ross Douthat, decadence isn’t necessarily a moral judgement, but a technical label for a state that societies tend to enter—and one that is perhaps much more normal than the dynamism Americans have come to take for granted. In his new book, he outlines the cultural, economic, political, and demographic trends that threaten to leave us to wallow in a state of civilizational stagnation for years to come, and fuel further discontent and derangement with it. On his second appearance on Conversations with Tyler, Ross joined Tyler to discuss why he sees Kanye as a force for anti-decadence, the innovative antiquarianism of the late Sir Roger Scruton, the mediocrity of modern architecture, why it’s no coincidence that Michel Houellebecq comes from France, his predictions for the future trajectory of American decadence – and what could throw us off of it, the question of men’s role in modernity, why he feels Christianity must embrace a kind of futurist optimism, what he sees as the influence of the “Thielian ethos” on conservatism, the plausibility of ghosts and alien UFOs, and more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links. Recorded February 25th, 2020 Other ways to connect Follow us on Twitter and Instagram Follow Tyler on Twitter  Follow Ross on Twitter Email us: cowenconvos@mercatus.gmu.edu Subscribe at our newsletter page to have the latest Conversations with Tyler news sent straight to your inbox. 

Political commentator and author Ross Douthat discusses the three main worldviews in American society, including secular but spiritual individuals, seekers of personal encounters with God, and traditionalists. The podcast explores the decline in church attendance among mainline denominations and societal shifts in relation to religious dynamics. Douthat also delves into the integration of religiosity into secular environments to find common ground and meaning in a disenchanted age.