

The Commentary Magazine Podcast
Commentary Magazine
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 46min
We're Opening the Mailbag
In a lively discussion, the hosts tackle listener critiques and their own missteps with humor. They explore historical figures like Henry II and the challenges of modern American identity, examining why some progressives struggle to connect with national pride. The complexities of gerrymandering and its implications for representation are analyzed, alongside a critical look at evolving U.S. foreign policy narratives. They also touch on dietary trends and public health issues, creating an engaging mix of insightful commentary and light banter.

32 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 23min
Conspiracies Left and Right
The discussion kicks off with a light-hearted take on current events before diving into serious allegations against Obama concerning the 2016 election. There's a deep exploration of the controversial figures linked to Russian interference and Jeffrey Epstein. Additionally, they tackle age perceptions in politics and the recurring nature of scandals. The show also considers a significant settlement with Columbia University over discrimination issues, raising questions about transparency in both politics and academia. Finally, it touches on anti-Semitism and the political stances supporting the Jewish community.

44 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 14min
We're Teeming with a Lot of News
The hosts dive into a whirlwind of topics, from nostalgia for rock legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Billy Joel to the drama surrounding Columbia University's student suspensions. They tackle pressing political issues, including Trump's controversial remarks about Obama and the ongoing implications of international conflicts. The conversation is punctuated with humor and critical analysis, exploring the deeper meanings behind music and political narratives. Expect a delightful mix of cultural talk and serious commentary throughout.

48 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 1h 7min
The Colbert Protest, the Hunter Tantrum
Protests erupt in New York City, intertwining comedy with political fervor as supporters rally behind a TV host. The discussion explores the shifting landscape of political satire and the complexities of audience engagement. Hunter Biden's recent interview is dissected, revealing themes of privilege and accountability within the Democratic Party. There’s a humorous take on a political figure's persona transition, juxtaposing past aggression with an absurd present. Race, social issues, and the evolving role of comedians in shaping discourse also take center stage.

20 snips
Jul 21, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Information War Against Israel
The discussion highlights the troubling misrepresentation of Israel's humanitarian efforts amid ongoing military conflict. The media's reliance on Hamas-affiliated reports is critiqued, shedding light on the information war affecting public perception. Exploring Israel's tactical challenges, the hosts examine the balance between military action and hostage situations. The podcast also addresses the shifting political landscape among younger Jewish students and the dichotomy between liberalism and authoritarianism, emphasizing empathy in modern discourse.

20 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 3min
Epstein's Book and Colbert's Cancellation
The podcast dives into a provocative 2003 birthday tribute to Jeffrey Epstein involving Donald Trump and explores the moral complexities of their connections. It then analyzes the media's portrayal of Trump's relationship with Epstein amidst political fallout. Later, the discussion critiques the shifting landscape of late-night TV, highlighting Stephen Colbert's cancellation and the broader disconnect between entertainment and political discourse. The conversation weaves through cultural shifts and expectations in comedy during turbulent political times.

33 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 1h 15min
PBS, NPR, the Fed, Wuhan, and 'Jaws'
A dynamic discussion dives into how the GOP can thrive when ignoring the Washington consensus. The drastic funding cuts to NPR and PBS are dissected, revealing the implications for local stations. The hosts critique the Federal Reserve's policies and explore controversial energy strategies amidst the U.S.-China rivalry. Meanwhile, the cultural impact of 'Jaws' is celebrated, showcasing its transition into a summer blockbuster and its lasting legacy in cinema. Tune in for insights on politics, media, and filmmaking!

22 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 17min
Why Trump Is Angry About Epsteinmania
The discussion kicks off with a humorous critique of the elusive "Epstein files" and Trump's growing frustration over their media focus. Surprising alliances between MAGA supporters and mainstream outlets reveal the complicated media dynamics. Recent Supreme Court rulings ignite debates on government impact and liberal outrage. The conversation also dives into the misallocation of federal research funds, raising concerns about university administration costs. Finally, the complexities of U.S. foreign aid and soft power during Trump's presidency are examined.

16 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 10min
Trump Admits He Was Wrong
Donald Trump makes a rare admission of error regarding his approach to Vladimir Putin and Ukraine, sparking discussions about U.S. foreign policy evolution. The impact on NATO relations is examined alongside the Supreme Court's decision allowing cuts to the Department of Education. Insights into Israel's proposed draft law reveal societal tensions and political maneuvering. The urgent need for revitalizing America's military amid rising global threats also takes center stage, revealing the complexities of defense spending and policy.

17 snips
Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Autopen Scandal Is a Very Big Deal
The discussion opens with a failed cease-fire proposal in Gaza, revealing Israel's complex strategies amidst ongoing conflict. It then dives into the MAGA movement's tangled web of conspiracy theories linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The highlight is a shocking report about the Biden administration's use of an autopen for pardons, raising serious legal concerns about executive power. The implications on accountability and the calls for reform are explored, emphasizing the need for transparency in the political landscape.