
The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Commentary is America's premier monthly magazine of opinion: General, yet Jewish. Highly variegated, with a unifying perspective.Listen to The Commentary Magazine Podcast, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
Latest episodes

12 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 10min
Why Are Liberals So Unhappy?
The hosts dive into Zohran Mamdani's anti-capitalist stance and its implications for his mayoral candidacy in New York. They explore why surveys suggest liberals report more unhappiness than conservatives, relating it to societal pressures and narratives around parenting. The conversation shifts to the evolving political landscape, highlighting surprising trends in voter demographics. Finally, they discuss the quest for fulfillment through obligations and personal commitments, contrasting liberal discontent with conservative gratitude.

13 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 1h 18min
The Iran Raid Was Awesome
Dan Senor, host of the Call Me Back podcast and author focusing on American Jewry, joins to dissect the groundbreaking Israeli raid on Iran's nuclear sites. He emphasizes its positive global impact and critiques mainstream media narratives downplaying its success. The conversation also delves into the political complexities surrounding U.S. and Israeli military actions in Iran, shedding light on the challenges of media portrayal and public perception. Senor provides a thought-provoking analysis of military force's moral implications and the future of international relations.

37 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Mamdani Nightmare
Chris Stirewalt, a political analyst and columnist known for his insights on contemporary politics, joins the discussion about Zohran Mamdani's surprising win in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary. They delve into the implications of this victory for the city and the Democratic Party, especially regarding shifting voter demographics and the rise of socialism. Stirewalt also tackles pressing issues, including the blurred lines between activism and extremism, and the unsettling role of platforms like TikTok in spreading anti-Semitism. A thought-provoking conversation on the future of politics!

53 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Trump's Ceasefire and Its Discontents
Eli Lake, a Commentary contributing editor and host of the Breaking History Podcast, dives into the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He analyzes Trump's mixed responses and the implications of his pressure on Israel to react lightly. The discussion explores power dynamics in the Middle East, the evolution of conspiracy theories, and how media narratives shape public perception. A deep look at loyalty and patriotism in American politics highlights the complexities of these geopolitical tensions.

34 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 16min
Destroying Nuclear Sites Is Good, Not Bad
The discussion kicks off with the discontent of arms control experts over efforts to dismantle Iran's nuclear program. It dives into Israel's military actions against Iranian sites and the complex media narratives surrounding democratic and authoritarian regimes. The podcast critiques the effectiveness of nuclear diplomacy and non-proliferation treaties. There's also an intriguing look at Trump's controversial legacy concerning the Jewish community and the upcoming NYC mayoral primary, highlighting the rise of emerging political figures.

54 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 1h 37min
America Goes All In With Israel
Jonathan Schanzer, a Commentary Contributing Editor and expert on the Iranian threat, provides sharp insights into America's military operation against Iran's nuclear sites. He discusses the implications for Israel and U.S.-Israel relations, touching on MAGA's evolving stance on support for Israel. The conversation explores the intricacies of foreign policy amidst political shifts, contrasting non-proliferation strategies, and historical reflections on Jewish defense. Schanzer emphasizes the strategic need for international pressure on Iran to avert further conflict.

38 snips
Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 14min
Five For Bombing
John Ondrasik, renowned pop-rock singer of hits like 'Superman,' joins to share his insights on geopolitics and activism. He dives into the moral complexities of American foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Iran. The conversation sheds light on the cultural responsibilities of artists in political discourse, exploring their silence on pressing issues. Ondrasik also reflects on the disconnection between military actions and moral imperatives, emphasizing the need for a more conscientious narrative surrounding military service.

35 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Anti-War Crowd Takes a Hit
The conversation delves into the rising tensions surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions and the implications for U.S.-Israel relations. It examines how anti-war sentiments on the right are facing challenges with current military rhetoric. The hosts discuss the intertwining of comedy and politics in shaping public opinion on foreign interventions. Additionally, critical intelligence oversights related to Hamas and their effects on perceptions of conflict are analyzed. The significance of Purim as a celebration of triumph is also highlighted, adding a cultural layer to the discussion.

20 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 57min
Does Israel Go It Alone or Should We Join
Tensions surrounding Israel and Iran take center stage, with discussions on the geopolitical implications for U.S. military strategy. The evolving Jewish demographics in New York City and their political influence shed light on complex relations with Israel. The radical left's actions and their impact on mainstream Democrats provoke debate about civil disobedience. The potential for diplomatic ties between Iran and Israel is also examined, raising questions about nuclear disarmament. All this unfolds amidst a backdrop of media narratives and urgent political considerations.

21 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 10min
Trump, Bibi, and God
Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on the intertwining of faith and geopolitical strategy, particularly regarding Iran and Israel. Explore how Donald Trump's foreign policy has evolved, reflecting on its historical underpinnings. The contrasting leadership styles of Trump and Netanyahu take center stage, shedding light on their unique approaches to global politics. Find out how pop culture shapes perceptions of adversaries and the nuances of U.S. foreign policy. Finally, navigate the complexities of Iranian aggression and the broader implications for regional security.