

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

12 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 14min
Do Trump's Vendettas Harm Trump's Agenda?
The hosts dive into the implications of Trump's use of presidential power for personal vendettas. They discuss the ethics of weaponizing the DOJ and the dangers of personalized governance. Historical lawfare cases are examined, shedding light on the complexities of retaliatory prosecution. Tensions surrounding a potential government shutdown are analyzed, including bipartisan dynamics and the impact on state policies. The conversation also touches on New York politics, including Cuomo's challenges and generational shifts in the Democratic Party.

12 snips
Sep 26, 2025 • 1h 3min
Kingdom Comey
Dive into the fallout from James Comey's indictment and its implications for law and politics. The hosts dissect the confusion over the case's strength and explore concerns over prosecutorial tactics. They reflect on Comey's controversial past, his peculiar public persona, and how partisan responses shape accountability. From fears of weaponization of legal processes to the ongoing impact of Russiagate, the conversation raises vital questions about political norms and the erosion of institutional trust. Tune in for an insightful analysis!

29 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 1h 11min
Trump Gives It to the United Nations
The latest discussion dives into Donald Trump's fiery U.N. speech, highlighting its theatrical flair and stark departure from elite expectations. The panel debates whether this hints at a potential U.S. exit from the U.N. and examines Trump's newfound support for Ukraine following key international meetings. They analyze the implications of energy policies, Europe's ties to Russian oil, and military strategies in Ukraine. Amidst these topics, tough questions arise about political rhetoric and accountability in U.S. governance.

29 snips
Sep 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
Are We Seeing a Religious Revival?
A massive memorial for Charlie Kirk in Arizona morphed into a Christian revival, raising questions about its implications for the U.S. Eyewitness accounts highlight the event's blend of performance and evangelism. Erica Kirk's message of forgiveness and her rise to fame reflect the power of media authenticity in politics. The discussion touches on Tucker Carlson's controversial comments, wider religious revival themes, and the political impact of recognizing a Palestinian state, all framed within the context of evolving media narratives.

29 snips
Sep 19, 2025 • 1h 14min
Late Night With Jimmy Who?
The fallout from Jimmy Kimmel's suspension raises questions about viewership and the future of his show. Discussions delve into why networks favor safe, inoffensive late-night hosts and how political pressures shape these decisions. The hosts explore the impact of shrinking audiences and the rise of conservative alternatives in late-night television. They also recommend thought-provoking fiction and nonfiction that examines cultural and technological themes.

47 snips
Sep 18, 2025 • 1h 14min
Canning Kimmel and Elevating Jew-Hatred
Journalist Eliana Johnson, former editor of the Washington Free Beacon, discusses the implications of Jimmy Kimmel's suspension. She dives into the troubling rise of openly anti-Semitic views among the woke right following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The conversation touches on the politics surrounding Kimmel's remarks, the weaponization of narratives, and the dangerous spread of conspiracy theories. Eliana highlights the ideological battles within right-wing circles and raises alarm over safety at public events in this charged climate.

13 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Assassins and Their Cases
Andrew C. McCarthy, a former federal prosecutor and legal analyst, dives into the chilling developments of the Charlie Kirk assassination case and the murder of health-care executive Brian Thompson. He sheds light on the intricacies of the terrorism charge and discusses New York's unique murder statutes. The conversation highlights disturbing parallels in online radicalization and ponders effective responses to campus extremism, advocating for exposing extremist networks while respecting constitutional limits. It's a gripping insight into a timely legal landscape.

32 snips
Sep 16, 2025 • 1h 13min
The Final Battle in Gaza
The discussion dives deep into the intense military conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the grim realities faced by civilians. Controversial UN reports and critiques of media portrayals ignite heated debate about Israel's evolution in its struggle for sovereignty. Additionally, the evolving dynamics of U.S.-Israel relations are examined, revealing shifts in military cooperation. The rising tide of anti-Semitism within right-wing factions also sparks critical reflections on identity politics and political narratives. Personal anecdotes about Robert Redford serve as a lighter contrast to the serious themes explored.

26 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 1h 5min
Gaslighting and the Kirk Assassination
The discussion centers on the political and ideological fallout from the assassination of Charlie Kirk. It highlights how conspiracy culture fuels political violence and unpacks the toxic rhetoric that influences societal tensions. The speakers explore media biases tied to the event, particularly regarding marginalized communities. They also delve into the psychological implications of gaslighting and how it shapes contemporary political discourse. Additionally, cultural tensions surrounding gender education and the backlash against conservative views are examined.

49 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 1h 17min
Anti-Semitism: Canary in the Coalmine
The podcast dives into the alarming rise of anti-Semitic violence and its impact on American Jews, drawing historical parallels and emphasizing the urgent need for vigilance. Discussions explore the cultural effects of immigration on social norms and the radicalization of American-born Muslims. The hosts also tackle the dangers of digital expression, revealing how social media can amplify harmful thoughts. Lastly, they dissect the distortion of discourse shaped by algorithms and misinformation, highlighting the complexities of identity in today's world.


