

Sam Tanenhaus
Author and former editor of the New York Times Book Review. Authored Buckley: The Life and the Revolution that Changed America.
Top 10 podcasts with Sam Tanenhaus
Ranked by the Snipd community

34 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 53min
A Complicated Man: William F. Buckley, Jr. (w/ Sam Tanenhaus)
In this engaging conversation, Sam Tanenhaus, author of 'Buckley: The Life and the Revolution That Changed America,' delves into the complex legacy of William F. Buckley Jr. The discussion uncovers the challenges of chronicling Buckley's multifaceted life, from his Southern roots and CIA connections to his role in shaping post-war conservatism. Tanenhaus reveals controversial facets, like Buckley's racially charged media ties and his personal evolution from America First to Cold Warrior, offering rich insights into the man behind the legend.

28 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 13min
"Buckley" author Sam Tanenhaus on the genesis of modern conservatism and the enduring impact of a media pioneer | The Moynihan Report
Sam Tanenhaus, a historian and biographer known for his work on William F. Buckley, explores the evolution of modern conservatism. He discusses Buckley’s cultural influence beyond mere politics and the complexities in his beliefs, particularly regarding race and society. Tanenhaus highlights the theatrical nature of conservative rhetoric and its legacy, along with the paradoxes surrounding progressive ideals within a historical context. The conversation also touches on Buckley’s emotional reflections in later life and his lasting impact on political discourse.

24 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 52min
563 | Sam Tanenhaus: William F. Buckley Jr. and the Battle for Political Ideas
Sam Tanenhaus, an author and journalist known for his biography of William F. Buckley Jr., dives deep into Buckley’s lasting impact on American conservatism. He discusses how Buckley’s innovative debates and media presence shaped political discourse in the 1960s. Tanenhaus also explores the ideological clash surrounding race in America and the evolving political landscape post-2012. The conversation emphasizes the importance of developing coherent worldviews in today's complex political climate.

10 snips
May 23, 2025 • 56min
Sam Tanenhaus On Bill Buckley
In this enlightening discussion, Sam Tanenhaus, a biographer and historian renowned for his work on conservative thought, delves into the life of Bill Buckley. Tanenhaus uncovers how Buckley’s elite yet turbulent upbringing shaped his views and political ideologies. They explore Buckley's isolationism even post-Pearly Harbor, his conflict with Gore Vidal, and the striking parallels between Buckleyism and modern Trumpism. With captivating anecdotes about Buckley’s personality, education, and family dynamics, this conversation offers rich insights into American conservatism.

4 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 43min
Firing Line, Then and Now - Special Guests US Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Author Sam Tanenhaus
Join U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin, a constitutional scholar and leader in the impeachment inquiry, alongside author Sam Tanenhaus, who unveils the complex life of conservative icon William F. Buckley. They discuss the urgent need for bipartisanship in Congress amidst growing polarization and the delicate dance between legal responsibilities and political affiliations during impeachment. Raskin shares insights from the January 6th investigation, while Tanenhaus reflects on Buckley’s influence on modern conservatism and his legacy in shaping political discourse.

Jun 27, 2025 • 56min
Christian faith, politics and culture
Mark Lawson, a writer and theatre critic for The Tablet, joins experts like Anna Rowlands, a Catholic social thought professor, and Chine McDonald, director of Theos, to explore how Christian faith intertwines with politics today. They discuss the resurgence of religious themes post-pandemic and how historical events like the Council of Nicaea impact modern governance. Sam Tanenhaus delves into William Buckley's influence on American conservatism, while Dafydd Mills Daniel reflects on faith's role in contemporary theatre and music.

Sep 16, 2025 • 43min
Sam Tanenhaus on Bill Buckley's life and legacy in the conservative movement
In this engaging discussion, Sam Tanenhaus, a best-selling author and journalist, unpacks his biography of William F. Buckley Jr. He explores Buckley's personal tragedies and complex relationships, shedding light on how these experiences shaped his impact on the conservative movement. Tanenhaus sheds light on Buckley's interactions with elite and populist movements in today's fragmented political landscape, as well as the intricate dynamics within his family. He also delves into Buckley’s complicated ties to Canada, offering a nuanced view of his life and legacy.

Sep 15, 2025 • 41min
Sam Tanenhaus on Bill Buckley's rise as America's leading conservative intellectual
In this engaging discussion, best-selling author and journalist Sam Tanenhaus dives into the life of William F. Buckley Jr., America's leading conservative intellectual. He explores Buckley’s early years, fast-tracked career, and influential ideas that shaped the conservative movement. Tanenhaus reflects on Buckley’s charm and wit, his role in uniting diverse factions, and the legacy he left behind. The conversation also touches on the paradoxes of race in conservative thought and the challenges of evolving conservatism in the political landscape.

Sep 4, 2025 • 53min
Behind the News: William Buckley’s Life and Influence w/ Sam Tanenhaus
Sam Tanenhaus, a noted author and former editor of the New York Times Book Review, delves into the life and impact of William F. Buckley. He discusses Buckley's Mexican roots and how they shaped his views on race, contrasting his earlier pro-segregationist stance. Tanenhaus explores the ideological foundations of American conservatism and Buckley's legacy, including controversies around racism and homophobia. He shares insights into Buckley's influential role in the conservative movement and his relationships with key political figures.

Jul 27, 2025 • 48min
The charming gay racist who invented modern American conservatism: Sam Tanenhaus on William F. Buckley's absurdly implausible contradictions
Sam Tanenhaus, author of "Buckley, The Life and Revolution That Changed America," dives into the complexities of William F. Buckley, the media-savvy founder of modern American conservatism. He reveals shocking truths about Buckley’s family's secret funding of segregationist newspapers, a revelation that even shocked his son. Tanenhaus explores the paradox of Buckley's charismatic personal life versus his toxic political beliefs, highlighting the contradictions that have shaped America’s conservative landscape, echoing into today’s political climate.