Q & A, Hosted by Jay Nordlinger

From Jay Nordlinger’s introduction: “Three years ago, Thae Yong-ho defected to South Korea. At the time, he was North Korea’s deputy ambassador to the United Kingdom. He is one of the highest-ranking North Koreans ever to defect. To defect from North Korea is no light thing, to put it as mildly as possible. “I spoke to Thae Yong-ho at the Oslo Freedom Forum, the annual human-rights gathering held... Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Zeid Raad al-Hussein is a Jordanian prince and a distinguished diplomat. He was U.N. high commissioner for human rights. Before that, he was his country’s ambassador to the U.N. and the United States. With Jay he talks about his life, the U.N., human rights, and dark places around the globe. An extraordinary interviewee. Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Esther Htusan comes from Burma – or is it Myanmar? That is the first thing discussed in this “Q&A.” Esther Htusan is a journalist who has been forced out of her country. She reported on the persecution of the country’s minorities, especially the Rohingyas. She was part of an Associated Press team that won the Pulitzer Prize in 2016. The country is now led by one of the great democracy heroes of... Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Mahan Esfahani is a musician, and an unusual one. He’s not a pianist, violinist, cellist, or even a tuba player: He is a harpsichordist. Jay talks with him about his life and his instrument. William F. Buckley Jr., a devotee of the harpsichord his entire life, would have loved this. Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Diego Arria is a Venezuelan with broad experience – particularly in politics and diplomacy. For instance, he was Venezuela’s ambassador to the U.N. Later, he was a U.N. official, an assistant secretary-general. With Jay, he discusses the latest out of his country: the push for democracy and the furious resistance of the dictatorship. He talks about the young people leading the opposition: Juan... Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

“Q&A” is a sportscast this time – but it begins with “Game of Thrones,” a topic on America’s mind. Jay’s regular gurus, David French and Vivek Dave, are joined by Sally Jenkins, the renowned columnist for the Washington Post. They talk about the Kentucky Derby – a travesty? NCAA basketball (also a travesty, as well as a joy?). Tiger Woods at the White House. Other athletes at the White House... Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Anne-Elisabeth Moutet is a journalist, a whiz, and a joy. She writes in both French and English. And today she talks with Jay (in English!) about Notre Dame, the “yellow jacket” movement, anti-Semitism, assimilation, and more. They conclude their discussion on an American note: Do Americans — conservatives in particular — give France an unfair shake? If you don’t know Anne-Elisabeth Moutet... Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Retirement does not suit Thomas Sowell. He is working away. He tells Jay he wants to die with his boots on. He does enjoy freedom from his syndicated column, however. It means he does not have to keep up with the news as much. His latest book is a revised, expanded version of “Discrimination and Disparities.” As Jay says (and Sowell agrees), he likes to write books that address and correct public... Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Last week, Jay took a road trip with Kevin Williamson, from Dallas to Rockdale, a town in Milam County, Texas. They went to Rockdale to see a newspaper editor, with whom they did a podcast. But on the way there, they did a podcast themselves: in which Jay asked Kevin about Texas, America, and the rhythms of life. Go along for the ride – it’s a good conversation, offering much food for thought... Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Carly Fiorina is an experienced person with much to say. She says some of it in a new book: “ Find Your Way.” Jay talks with her about this, and about the American scene today: free enterprise; character in office; immigration; the U.S. role in the world; etc. There is also a look-back to the 2016 presidential campaign. A very impressive person, Carly Fiorina, and a superb conversationalist. Source Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe