

The Kevin Roberts Show
Heritage Podcast Network
Each episode of The Kevin Roberts Show is a weekly rallying cry for lovers of freedom everywhere, packed with Dr. Roberts’ analysis on the issues of the day and deep conversations with the movers and shakers of American politics and culture. As a former college professor and current president of The Heritage Foundation, America’s most influential policy organization, Dr. Roberts has spent his career learning, educating, and taking decisive action for a brighter America. He believes that conservatives have every reason to be hopeful, because conservative ideas are ideas that work. It’s time to go on offense.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 5, 2025 • 31min
The Trump Era: A Turning Point for Self-Governance and America's Cultural Future | Spencer Klavan
Spencer Klavan, associate editor of the Claremont Review of Books, dives deep into the unraveling of Western civilization and the end of modernity. With a sharp analysis of culture, faith, and politics, Klavan argues that America is at a pivotal crossroads—one that transcends mere elections. He explores the rise of materialism, the challenges of modern science, and the urgent need for a spiritual revival. As Klavan puts it, the Trump era marks the manifestation of a deeper cultural shift, and the very future of self-governance is on the line. He also breaks down why the trans debate encapsulates the worst excesses of late-stage modernity, and why millions of Americans are instinctively rejecting it.Spencer takes us through his new book Light of the Mind, Light of the World—which contends that science and faith are not opposites but, in fact, two sides of the same coin. With the rise of the “trust the science” mantra, Spencer argues that we’ve reached a dangerous inflection point in the way we view the world, and it's time for a reset back to timeless truths.If you’re concerned about the direction of our culture and looking for real solutions rooted in history, philosophy, and faith, this conversation is a must-watch. Don't miss it.

Feb 26, 2025 • 37min
Revitalizing American Maritime & Defense | Brent Sadler
In this episode of The Kevin Roberts Show, Heritage Foundation Senior Fellow Brent Sadler joins Dr. Roberts to discuss the urgent need to overhaul America’s maritime strategy. With China asserting control over global trade routes, our nation finds itself in a dangerously vulnerable position. Sadler makes the case for bold action—through innovation, investments in human capital, and a revitalized maritime industrial base—to secure America’s future.From modernizing shipping infrastructure to strengthening our military and maritime capabilities, Sadler outlines a clear path for America to reclaim its rightful place as a global leader. He also emphasizes the crucial role of the SHIPS Act, Jones Act, port infrastructure, workforce development, and groundbreaking technologies—such as small modular nuclear reactors—to propel American ships forward.About Brent Sadler: Bent Sadler joined Heritage Foundation after a 26 year Navy career with numerous operational tours on nuclear powered submarines, personal staffs of senior Defense Department leaders, and as a military diplomat in Asia. As a Senior Research Fellow, Brent’s focus is on maritime security and the technologies shaping our future maritime forces, especially the Navy.Brent is a 1994 graduate with honors of the United States Naval Academy with a degree in Systems Engineering (robotics) and a minor in Japanese. As a 2004 Olmsted Scholar in Tokyo, Japan, he studied at Keio University, Jochi University and the United Nations University. He has a master of arts from Jochi University and master of science from National War College, where he graduated with distinction in 2011 and received several writing and research awards.In 2011, he established the Navy Asia Pacific Advisory Group (NAPAG), providing regionally informed advice directly to Chief of Naval Operations’ (CNO). He again served on the CNO’s personal staff in 2015-2016, playing a key role in developing the Defense Department’s Third Offset. At Pacific Command from 2012-2015, he held numerous key positions. As lead for Maritime Strategy and Policy, he incorporated all 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) into the first regional maritime domain awareness forum and was instrumental in the eventual passage of the $500 million-dollar Maritime Security Initiative. As Special Advisor on Japan, and a Council of Foreign Relations International Affairs Fellow in Tokyo, he played a key role in revising the U.S. and Japan Defense Guidelines. As Deputy Director Strategic Synchronization Group, he oversaw a think-tank like body of over 30 advisors and analysts. Brent led the Commander’s Rebalance Task Force coordinating execution of the President’s Defense Strategic Guidance—Rebalance to the Asia-Pacific resulting in over $12 billion USD of additional monies budgeted in fiscal years 2013 through 2015 during a time of fiscal austerity.Following his final tour on CNO’s staff, Brent returned to Asia as Senior Defense Official, Defense and Naval Attaché in Malaysia. During his tenure he played a key role in coordinating responses to the USS McCain collision in August 2017, opened several politically sensitive ports and airfields to U.S. forces, oversaw unprecedented expansion of U.S. military relations, and steadied relations during the historic May 2018 national elections ushering in an opposition party for the first time since independence.His final Navy assignment was China Branch of Navy Staff at the Pentagon.

Feb 19, 2025 • 37min
Adam Crum | Alaska: The Key to Unleashing American Energy
America is rich in natural resources—more than enough to free us from reliance on adversaries like Iran and China. Yet federal overreach keeps Alaska, a state abundant in energy and rugged independence, shackled. Adam Crum, Alaska’s Commissioner of Revenue, joins The Kevin Roberts Show to share his insights on the state’s unique, self-reliant way of life—and what Washington needs to learn from it.About Adam Crum: Born and raised in Alaska, Adam Crum has significant public and private sector experience in strategic management, organizational development, executive consulting and large-scale projects. He was Commissioner for the Alaska Department of Health for four years, leading the state through the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, Commissioner Crum moved over to the Department of Revenue, focusing on developing a durable economic development model for Alaska. In this role he has put together a team that has improved the State’s credit rating, used public financing tools never used in the state such as bond tendering and forward delivery, and developed robust relationships with investment funds to focus on the growth opportunities in Alaska. Commissioner Crum is a fiduciary for over $130 billion, as he sits on the boards for Alaska’s Retirement system and the Alaska Permanent Fund Corporation – the largest sovereign wealth fund in the US. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Northwestern University and a Master of Science in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.

13 snips
Feb 5, 2025 • 46min
Andrew Klavan | How Storytelling Can Save America
Andrew Klavan, an award-winning screenwriter and bestselling author known for his crime novels, dives into the urgent need for conservatives to reclaim storytelling in America. He highlights the transformative power of narratives and emphasizes the importance of fostering a creative culture within conservative circles. Klavan shares his journey from liberalism to conservatism and discusses the role of humor and collaboration in shaping cultural and political dialogue. He envisions a renaissance led by new creative voices that can counter the prevailing narratives in media and entertainment.

Jan 30, 2025 • 50min
Calley Means | Make America Healthy Again
Our healthcare system is fundamentally misaligned—it’s not designed to keep Americans healthy. Instead, it’s structured to manage sickness, focusing on endless prescriptions and symptom management rather than addressing the root causes of disease. This approach isn’t about real wellness—it’s about perpetuating a broken status quo.
This week on The Kevin Roberts Show, we’re joined by Calley Means, a bold voice trusted by leaders like President Trump, RFK Jr., and Joe Rogan. He exposes the corrupt forces undermining our healthcare system and discusses the path to Make America Healthy Again.

Jan 22, 2025 • 37min
Andy Puzder | The Elites Behind ESG and DEI
Why are companies like Disney so intent on pushing the transgender agenda? The answer lies with a small, influential group of financial elites who have hijacked American institutions to impose harmful woke policies like ESG and DEI. But here's the good news: Americans are fighting back, rejecting these radical and unjust initiatives.
Andy Puzder, former CEO of Hardee's and Carl's Jr. joins The Kevin Roberts Show to expose the dangers of stakeholder capitalism and its impact on our nation.
About Andy: Andrew Puzder, former Chief Executive of CKE Restaurants and economic expert, is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow for business and economic freedom at The Heritage Foundation.
Puzder began his career as a commercial trial lawyer in St. Louis in 1978 and later served as the personal attorney for entrepreneur Carl Karcher. He went on to become CEO of the well-known fast food powerhouses Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s chains in 2000, expanding to 3,800 locations and leading the company out of serious financial difficulties.
He has authored several books, including Job Creation: How It Really Works and Why Government Doesn’t Understand It; The Capitalist Comeback: The Trump Boom and the Left's Plot to Stop It; Getting America Back to Work; It’s Time to Let America Work Again; and A Tyranny for the Good of its Victims: The Ugly Truth about Stakeholder Capitalism.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Puzder was a commercial trial lawyer in St. Louis. He authored legislation in Missouri—acknowledging that life begins at conception and granting unborn children rights in contexts other than abortion (such as criminal, tort, and inheritance laws)—which the U.S. Supreme Court upheld in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services in 1989.

Jan 15, 2025 • 43min
Jonathan Skrmetti | Fighting Federal Overreach: ESG, Cyber Law, and U.S. v. Skrmetti
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti joins Dr. Roberts for a powerful discussion on the landmark case U.S. v. Skrmetti and the critical battles against federal overreach.
General Skrmetti shares insights into his leadership in defending state sovereignty, tackling ESG mandates, and shaping the future of cyber law. From safeguarding education and healthcare policy to advancing common-sense public policy, this episode dives into the legal fights that will define America’s future.
About General Skrmetti: Jonathan Skrmetti was sworn in to an eight-year term as Tennessee’s Attorney General and Reporter on September 1, 2022.
Prior to his current role, General Skrmetti served as Chief Counsel to Governor Bill Lee and as Chief Deputy Attorney General to his predecessor, Tennessee Attorney General Herbert Slatery.
Before working for the State of Tennessee, General Skrmetti was a partner at Butler Snow LLP in Memphis. His legal career began with nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor. He worked at the Civil Rights Division at Main Justice and then at the Memphis U.S. Attorney’s Office and prosecuted sex traffickers, corrupt government officials, and violent white supremacists. In addition, General Skrmetti taught cyberlaw as an adjunct professor at the University of Memphis.
General Skrmetti earned honors degrees from George Washington University, the University of Oxford, and Harvard Law School, where he was editor-in-chief of the Harvard Journal of Law & Public Policy. Following law school, Jonathan clerked for Judge Steven Colloton on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. He lives in Franklin, Tennessee, with his wife and four children.

Jan 8, 2025 • 21min
Dr. Kevin Roberts | The Deep State Lost
Kevin takes the stage at the Encounter Books Gala to lay out a bold vision for America’s future.
With President Trump’s transformative agenda and a mandate from the American people, Roberts exposes the catastrophic failures of the past generation of elites and offers a roadmap to restore the nation. From securing the border and dismantling the Deep State to reforming education and fighting the woke agenda, Kevin shows how Trumpism is the answer to the crisis we face. If you believe America deserves better, this speech is a must-watch.

Dec 22, 2024 • 17min
Brian Kilmeade | A Vision to Restore the American Dream
The real antagonist of the everyday American is the Uniparty — a political establishment focused on advancing the interests of Washington elites rather than those of the American people. As a nation, we have problems that must be confronted to ensure a complete renewal of the American dream.
This week's episode of The Kevin Roberts Show features a conversation between Fox News Host Brian Kilmeade and Heritage Foundation President Dr. Kevin Roberts. The two discuss Roberts' new book, "Dawn's Early Light: Taking Back Washington to Save America," and how conservatives aim to usher in a transformative era of policy reform.

Dec 19, 2024 • 59min
Richard Corcoran | The Plan to Save America’s Schools
For decades, leftist ideology has poisoned America’s schools, and the consequences couldn’t be clearer. Free speech is being crushed, cultural chaos is spreading, and actual learning has taken a backseat to woke indoctrination.
But in Florida, Governor Ron DeSantis showed us what real leadership looks like. By transforming the New College of Florida, he restored classical education and intellectual diversity to an institution in desperate need of both—and he put Richard Corcoran at the helm to lead that charge.
What can we learn from this fearless approach to reclaiming education? Dr. Roberts sits down with President Corcoran to talk about how bold action and unapologetic principles can fix our schools and save our culture.
Richard Corcoran is a seasoned conservative policymaker and education reform advocate. He served as Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives. As Florida’s Education Commissioner, Corcoran implemented policies to strengthen academic standards, expand charter schools, and improve vocational education.
In 2023, he was appointed President of New College of Florida by Governor Ron DeSantis to lead its transformation into a classical liberal arts institution focused on intellectual diversity and rigorous academics. His new book is "Storming the Ivory Tower: How a Florida College Became Ground Zero in the Struggle to Take Back Our Campuses."