

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

13 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 13min
Relitigating the 20th Century
The discussion tackles the radicalism of Zohran Mamdani and its impact on New York's Jewish community, exploring polling dynamics and rising anti-Semitism. The complexities of political affiliations and their influence on governance are up for debate, particularly within the Democratic Party's evolving landscape. The rise of radical leftism is critically analyzed, pondering the ramifications of historical lessons on current ideologies. Delving into youth disillusionment, the conversation highlights how past political philosophies resurface, urging reflection on their implications for the future.

19 snips
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 8min
Broken Job Numbers, Friends Now Enemies
The podcast dives into the troubling fallout from Donald Trump's firing of the jobs report head, amid a backdrop of dismal job statistics. The discussion turns to the politicization of economic data and raises concerns about its reliability. Listeners hear poignant reflections on shifting political views regarding Israel, underscoring tensions among friends. Personal anecdotes blend with deep analysis of societal expectations from public figures, creating a compelling narrative around contemporary issues.

13 snips
Aug 1, 2025 • 39min
August 1 Mailbag!
Listeners dive into complex topics like the historical role of the U.S. in Latin America during the Cold War, exploring regime change and human rights. The podcast also tackles the ethical dilemmas surrounding warfare and the just war theory, alongside a critique of how political narratives shape our understanding of scandals. Fascinating discussions arise around Neville Chamberlain's controversial legacy, highlighting how past decisions resonate in today’s geopolitical landscape. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking journey through history and ethics!

23 snips
Jul 31, 2025 • 59min
Dems Who Hate Israel—and Sydney Sweeney
Recent shifts in Democratic views on aid to Israel spark debate, echoing historical polling data. The discussion reveals tension within political parties regarding support for Israel, especially among younger voters. Meanwhile, social media’s role in shaping public opinion and conspiracy theories is scrutinized. On a cultural note, Sydney Sweeney's controversial jeans ad raises questions about beauty standards and celebrity influence in marketing, reflecting a broader commentary on societal acceptance and privilege.

34 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 60min
Tariffs & Taxes & Growth—Oh My
David Bahnsen, a finance guru and Commentary contributor, delves into the implications of recent GDP growth and Trump’s tariff policies. He analyzes how tariffs are perceived and their historical impacts on consumers and jobs. The conversation shifts to evolving conservative fiscal strategies and critiques proposals for tax rebates funded by tariffs. Bahnsen also tackles the media's portrayal of humanitarian issues in Gaza, emphasizing the need for accuracy in journalism amidst complex narratives.

15 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 1h 11min
A Fresh Approach to Gaza
Jonathan Schanzer, a contributing editor at Commentary Magazine and an expert on Middle Eastern politics, shares his unique strategy for Israel to outmaneuver Hamas. He emphasizes a shift from traditional military tactics to focused operations and the importance of humanitarian aid. The conversation highlights the implications of recent violence, the complexities of negotiating peace, and the ethical dilemmas faced in the conflict. Schanzer advocates for a balanced approach, urging a reevaluation of Israel’s military strategies and diplomatic efforts in Gaza.

30 snips
Jul 28, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Starvation Blood Libel
The podcast dives into the contentious narratives labeling Israel as a perpetrator of a blood libel, focusing on allegations of causing starvation in Gaza. It sheds light on the complexities of humanitarian aid amidst ongoing conflict and discusses the ethical dilemmas of warfare. The speakers critically assess historical perspectives on wartime morality, comparing past events to the current crisis. With a keen eye on media portrayals, the conversation highlights the necessity for nuanced understanding of the challenges faced in the region.

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.