
The American Mind
The American Mind Podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. In each episode, we engage Claremont Institute scholars, co-conspirators, and critics in thought-provoking discussions about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. We explore these ideas with an eye towards restoring American civic health.
The Roundtable is a weekly show, hosted by our editors and publisher with a unique blend of joviality and intellectually stimulating conversation, boosted by an occasional glass of whisky. Each episode focuses on a handful of topics that carry significant weight in the debate of ideas for the best path of American life, both privately and civically. Of course, we do reserve some time for fun in each show.
Occasionally, we produce special podcast features on individual topics with commentary from the top thinkers in America today. Think of American Mind Podcast specials as succinct audio-documentaries.
Tell us what you think! Subscribe to our channel, rate us, leave a review, and help spread the word to your friends and colleagues! Interested in hearing from us on a particular topic? Email your suggestions to americanmind@claremont.org. And visit our website, americanmind.org, for essays, editorials, debates, and more.
The American Mind, The Roundtable, and our specials are productions of the Claremont Institute. The mission of the Claremont Institute is the recovery of the American idea—the timeless principles that have made America great since its founding.
Latest episodes

Nov 2, 2023 • 1h 6min
Noticing Things
The podcast discusses the dangers of relying on AI and the implications of President Biden's executive order. It also explores the impact of AI on the economy and criminal justice system. Tensions within the Democratic Party and the renaming of bird names are also discussed. Additionally, the hosts delve into wokeness, identity politics, and the warfare by immigration. The complaints of Hamza Yousaf, premier of Scotland, regarding lack of diversity in Scottish leadership are also analyzed.

Oct 26, 2023 • 1h 2min
Holy War
The podcast explores the new speaker of the house and his conservative values, including a national abortion ban. It discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, highlighting incidents of anti-Semitism. The tension surrounding Israel as a 'white' nation by the American left is explored. There is also an analysis of the concept of Red Caesar and the consequences of immigration.

Oct 19, 2023 • 1h 1min
Hierarchy, not Hypocrisy
Discussion on the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Political issues and party division within the Republican party. Controversy surrounding an activist involved in art and activism. Discussion on Kendi, censorship, and scandals. Connection between visual art and current state of the arts. Report on immigration in Lampedusa and global economic migration. Exploring difficulties of parenting in an increasingly hostile world.

Oct 11, 2023 • 1h 5min
Israel Under Attack
The podcast discusses the recent conflict between Israel and Hamas, highlighting the involvement of the Democratic Socialists of America and concerns about equivocating statements from Democrats. It explores various perspectives on the conflict, raises concerns about the Biden administration's focus, and discusses the merging of crises in the West. The reactions to pro-Israel criticism and the lack of indigenous sentiment on Columbus Day are also explored.

Oct 5, 2023 • 58min
Gaetz to the Unknown
Florida Representative Matt Gaetz orchestrates the ouster of Speaker of the House, exploring the division between economic and political rights, criticizing media's portrayal of violent events, discussing conspiracies, anti-Semitism, and Jamal Bowman, exploring controversy and consequences, and discussing petty politics, Trump's business, immigration crisis, irregular order, and bureaucracy.

Sep 28, 2023 • 1h 7min
Blue Sulla ft. Jeremy Carl
Jeremy Carl, a special guest, joins the crew to discuss the potential presidential candidacy of Gavin Newsom. They also analyze the issues with continual resolutions in government funding and the challenges of the Senate dynamics. The podcast explores the gridlock in American politics and suggests a centrist approach for realignment. Additionally, they delve into the mismanagement of funds and controversy at the Center for Anti-Racism.

Sep 21, 2023 • 58min
Slouching toward Washington
Oversized hoodie or tailored masters jacket--which way, Western man? As the Senate is terraformed into a mosh pit for the least common denominator, one must wonder whether it’s a microcosm for the West more generally. Take, for example, the meek inaction of the European nations as migrants from Africa stream through the island of Lampedusa and onto the continent. Meanwhile, back at home, Donald Trump aggravates internal tensions among Republicans by criticizing Ron DeSantis for signing a six-week abortion ban. Plus: the editors tease upcoming features while reminding you to read the damn site. Articles and books mentioned in this episode: Slavery, Abortion, and the Politics of Constitutional Meaning Crisis of the House Divided: An Interpretation of the Issues in the Lincoln-Douglas Debates Eating the Young to Save the Old Country Club Nationalism Merit in the Armed Forces The War for the Military Brilliance Isn’t Enough

Sep 14, 2023 • 58min
Special Edition: Awakening to the Awokening, ft. Chris Rufo
This week the editors are off, but Ryan has pulled in activist and Manhattan Institute Fellow Chris Rufo for a special interview on his new book, America's Cultural Revolution: How the Radical Left Conquered Everything. Rufo's book covers the history of America's neo-Marxist woke takeover and the counter-revolution that has risen up to reverse it. The two discuss what still needs to be done, what conservative philanthropists should be focusing on, and how aspiring young journalists should aim to make their mark on the field.

Sep 7, 2023 • 52min
Oh, the Irony!
Elon Musk is threatening to sue the Anti-Defamation League for...well, defamation. Musk claims that Twitter/X has lost ad revenue as a result of ADL accusations against the platform for hosting antisemitism on Musk's watch. But does the charge of "antisemitism" carry any weight anymore, coming from the ADL? Meanwhile, Enrique Tarrio of the Proud Boys has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for his involvement in the January 6th Capitol riot (despite not having been at the Capitol) and there are rumors in the air about a return of COVID lockdowns. Finally, our editors remind you to read the damn site! Articles mentioned in this episode: Cracks in the Rainbow Between Suicide and Murder, Part One

Aug 31, 2023 • 56min
Debates & Mugshots
As Donald Trump was hauled in and photographed in Fulton County, GA this week, his mug shot took the internet by storm with how unique and powerful it is while sparking discussion about chipping away at the monolith of certain voting cleavages. Meanwhile, the GOP primary debate took place without Trump's presence or wind in its sails, leading to many bemoaning it as auditions for VP. But the medium itself is showing its age and how little it serves voters. Plus: as splits and subdividing factions take over the Right, Americans should take note and react accordingly. Suggested reading: The Cold Civil War Our Revolution’s Logic The tired attack on the new Right