

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

20 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 55min
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 8min
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.

9 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 30min
Israel Batters Iran; Will Trump Join In?
The podcast dives into Israel's military successes against Iran, highlighting strategic strikes on Iranian military sites. Discussions include the implications of U.S. involvement and potential use of bunker-buster bombs on Iran’s nuclear facilities. The evolving dynamics of the conflict are explored, emphasizing air superiority and the risks of regional instability. Historical contexts and current geopolitical tensions shape the narrative, linking military actions to broader diplomatic dilemmas. The episode also touches on public protests and their impact on U.S.-Israel relations.

61 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 19min
The Attack 20 Years in the Making
Dive into the strategic intricacies of Israel's military operations targeting Iran, showcasing innovative drone technology. Explore how historical traumas echo in modern conflicts and the tangled web of U.S.-Iran relations. Witness the impact of shifting foreign policies during the Trump era, including the recognition of Jerusalem and the formation of the Abraham Accords. Discuss the complexities of military engagement and public perception, alongside Israel's restrained approach post-October 7th attacks in the face of rising geopolitical tensions.

12 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 3min
It's Hard to Fix Big Things
The discussion dives into the contentious issues of immigration, highlighting the polarized views on enforcement and the challenges Congress faces in creating reforms. There's an intriguing examination of the economic impacts of immigration policy, particularly how restrictions affect labor costs and public perception. The conversation also touches on the shifting political climate in New York and the broader humanitarian challenges faced in the Middle East. Plus, find out about a shopper's amusing customer service mishap that leads to a Wes Anderson film recommendation!

27 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 1h 11min
Nihilists on Parade
California is in turmoil as Governor Newsom warns against rising fascism while Los Angeles is under curfew due to rampant lawlessness. The upcoming anti-Trump demonstrations intensify the political discourse. Discussions dissect the Democratic Party's internal conflicts over governance strategies and the implications of key issues like policing and immigration. The podcast also reflects on the rise of nihilism in political factions and the complexities facing candidates in polarized elections.

19 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 1h 13min
What Are the Democrats Doing?
Noah Rothman, Senior Editor at National Review and political analyst, dives into the troubling dynamics of street violence in Los Angeles and its implications for the Democratic Party. He discusses how their recent actions seem to support lawlessness, allowing Donald Trump to frame them as irresponsible. The conversation critiques the polarized political narrative surrounding protests, immigration enforcement, and how recent slogans have shifted public perceptions. Rothman elucidates how these developments are reshaping political discourse and identity in America.

46 snips
Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 7min
Feel the Burn
The discussion kicks off with the explosive protests in California, delving into the role of political narratives and law enforcement. It questions whether the turmoil is a strategy or a sign of deeper dysfunction within the Democratic Party. The podcast also critiques the handling of immigration policies and examines the moral complexities of youth activism through figures like Greta Thunberg. It highlights the tension between peaceful protests and rising extremism while addressing the influence of celebrity activism.

47 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 1h 6min
The Elon Ranger
The discussion kicks off with a sharp contrast between historical valor and today’s political antics. Elon Musk’s recent spats with Donald Trump reveal the chaos when tech visionaries clash with traditional politics. They dive into the messy dynamics of government, entitlement debates, and the unexpected role of social media in shaping these confrontations. Political strategies are examined, especially as Democrats gear up for upcoming primaries. Finally, the conversation critiques our focus on immediate gains versus long-term planning in the persistent push for reform.

16 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Autopens and Executive Actions
In this discussion, the recent shift of a former Biden spokesperson to independence stirs up critiques about the Democratic Party's challenges. The impact of executive orders is examined, focusing on accountability and media response. Differences between Trump’s potential second administration and past approaches to immigration policies provide intriguing insights. Controversies around Harvard and Columbia's educational policies highlight tensions with elite institutions. The complexities of international relations and rising anti-Semitism are also explored, revealing significant implications for U.S. foreign policy.