

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

Feb 5, 2025 • 1h 28min
Eyeful in Gaza
The podcast dives into Donald Trump's unexpected proposal for U.S. ownership in a rebuilt Gaza, stirring political shockwaves. It examines historical tensions from the Six-Day War and critiques radical solutions versus traditional approaches. Leadership language is unpacked, revealing political ramifications tied to foreign policy. The discussion also navigates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the idea of Palestinians as refugees, and the complexities in U.S. and Israeli relations, all while reflecting on the unpredictable nature of Trump's policies.

Feb 4, 2025 • 59min
Are We Suckers?
Delve into the turmoil of a tariff truce and its implications for global politics. Explore the humorous absurdity of political maneuvers and their impact on everyday citizens. Discover personal stories that intertwine with the complexities of leadership from Trump to Netanyahu. Unpack the challenges of U.S.-Israel relations amidst ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Finally, critique government financial mismanagement while uncovering unexpected narratives in contemporary television.

7 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Tariff Madness
The podcast dives into the complexities of U.S. trade policies and tariffs, scrutinizing their historical roots and modern implications. There's a detailed discussion on how recent tariffs are reshaping international relations and economic stability. The speakers humorously tackle the nuances of trade deficits as financial diplomacy tools. With a critical eye, they compare today's diplomatic strategies to past practices and address rising federal employee anxieties linked to political changes, all while exploring concerns over corporate ethics in a volatile landscape.

6 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Conspiracists Have Their Day
In this engaging conversation, James B. Meigs, a veteran journalist and tech commentary columnist, delves into the implications of recent disasters like the DC plane-helicopter collision. He explores the evolution of conspiracy theories, especially after major events, and examines the troubling intersection of public trust and governmental transparency. The dialogue also critiques the prioritization of diversity over competence in critical roles like air traffic control, highlighting the potential dangers this poses for safety and operational efficiency.

Jan 30, 2025 • 1h 8min
Confirming the Unconfirmable
Will RFK Jr. survive his heated confirmation hearing? The tension amps up as Tulsi Gabbard navigates her own political labyrinth amidst fierce Republican divisions. Explore the curious fascination of MAGA supporters with Gabbard and the fiery repercussions of this unique nomination. Meanwhile, tech tumult brews with TikTok facing serious legal pressures and China’s AI advancements stirring serious ethical debates. Dive into the intricacies of military strategy regarding Iran, where the balance of power and diplomacy intertwine.

Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 8min
Transformative Trumpism
Recent executive orders reflect significant changes in American politics, including controversial federal employee buyouts and restrictions on funding for gender transition procedures. The discussion critically examines the evolving portrayal of Captain America and its implications for race and identity. There’s a deep dive into the right's foreign policy, concerns over anti-Semitism in universities, and the political complexities surrounding these issues. A nostalgic look at the film 'High Noon' reveals its enduring political relevance and character struggles.

Jan 28, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Trump Firings, and Captain Amerika
Dive into a lively debate over Trump's controversial firings of Justice Department prosecutors and the broader implications for American institutions. Explore the tensions between populism and traditional conservatism as the political landscape shifts. Marvel at Hollywood's take on Captain America, questioning race, identity, and what it means to represent America today. The conversation offers a unique blend of politics, culture, and media, reflecting on how these dynamics shape our understanding of patriotism and national identity.

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 10min
100% Colombian Cofevfe!
The hosts dive into the recent shift in U.S.-Colombian relations, exploring the impact of changing immigration policies. They share experiences from their joyful reunion and discuss the positive vibes in YouTube comment sections. The dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict are examined with a critical eye on media narratives. Listeners get insights into contrasting views on political leadership and a review of the new police procedural series 'On Call,' linking it to themes of authority and governance.

Jan 24, 2025 • 1h 12min
Why Is Trump Still Holding Rallies?
Chris Stirewalt, political commentator and analyst from The Hill and The Dispatch, delves into Donald Trump's ongoing rally strategy post-presidency. They discuss how these events help Trump maintain his political influence and connect with his base. Stirewalt also uncovers how media narratives, particularly regarding the Hunter Biden story, were shaped and sometimes stifled during the 2020 election. The conversation highlights a significant shift in political messaging and the evolving role of media in influencing public perception.

Jan 23, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Trump Immigration Fire Hose
The discussion tackles the shocked response of liberals to Trump's aggressive immigration moves. It delves into the evolution of immigration policies and how public sentiment has shifted dramatically. Additionally, it addresses the delays and tensions surrounding Trump's cabinet nominations. The podcast humorously critiques the pronunciation of foreign names in media and examines the complexities of familial allegations entwined with politics. The conversation also touches on the Middle East dynamics related to new appointments in the Trump administration.