The Victor Davis Hanson Show
Victor Davis Hanson and Jack Fowler
This is the Victor Davis Hanson Show. Victor is the Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and the Wayne & Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History at Hillsdale College. Victor's co-host for 2 podcasts is Jack Fowler. He is the Director for the Center for Civil Society at American Philanthropic. Victor and Jack discuss current political and social events and ideas, and current and past cultural trends. Victor also is joined by Sami Winc on 2 podcasts as they discuss current national news, what's trending in California, and how history repeats itself.
Episodes
Mentioned books
22 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 15min
Bolton’s and Comey’s Troubles and Cracker Barrel’s Own Goal
Unearth the drama behind the raid on John Bolton's home and the escalating troubles facing James Comey. Dive into the backlash against Cracker Barrel's logo change that highlights cultural disconnects. Discover how the introduction of male cheerleaders in the NFL stirs up mixed reactions among fans. Finally, explore the evolution of the Democratic Party and the complexities of digital currency's rise in today's political landscape.
24 snips
Aug 23, 2025 • 1h 29min
Gavin, the Gerrymander, and Air Power in WWII
This discussion dives into Trump's recent court victories and the media's role in shaping perceptions. It critiques Gavin Newsom's gerrymandering tactics, illustrating the repercussions on political representation. The podcast shifts gears to WWII, highlighting advancements in air power, with a focus on key aircraft like the P-51 Mustang and the strategic innovations from American and British forces. Additionally, it navigates current geopolitical tensions, particularly in Gaza and Ukraine, assessing the intricate dynamics at play.
34 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Last Line of Defense: Victor's conversation with Senator Eric Schmitt
Senator Eric Schmidt of Missouri, elected in 2022 and author of 'The Last Line of Defense', joins for a captivating discussion. He dives into Missouri's political transformation and the evolving voter dynamics post-Claire McCaskill. Schmidt shares his experiences as Attorney General tackling leftist judicial overreach and critiques immigration policies affecting the Mexican American community. The importance of strategic engagement against liberal narratives and challenges in foreign policy under the Biden administration are also emphasized.
44 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 13min
Donald Trump Sets Europe Straight
The podcast discusses Trump's recent summit with European leaders, shedding light on shifting U.S. foreign policy dynamics. It dives into the complexities of NATO support in the context of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. The hosts also tackle sensitive topics, including crime, race relations, and political narratives in America. There's a critique of the FBI's role amidst political controversies and a reflection on the historical significance of the Helsinki Accords. Finally, they examine contradictions within leftist ideology regarding privilege and equality.
41 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 33min
Jews vs. Rome: VDH Interviews Barry Strauss on New Book
Barry Strauss, Corliss Dean Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution and author of 17 books on the classical world, discusses his latest work on the centuries of Jewish rebellion against Rome. He highlights key revolts like Masada and Bar Kokhba, linking historical resilience to today's geopolitical issues in Israel. Strauss examines the dynamics between early Christianity and Jewish revolts, and the enduring legacy of historical figures like Josephus. Their conversation reveals the intricate connections between ancient and modern struggles for identity and survival.
33 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 11min
Putin and Zelensky: In Search of the DMZ
The podcast dives into the high-stakes diplomacy surrounding the recent Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska, scrutinizing its implications on the Ukraine-Russia conflict. It offers a critical analysis of Ukraine's NATO aspirations and contrasts past U.S. approaches to Russia with Trump's strategies. The discussion extends to the potential impact of central bank digital currencies on financial freedom, highlighting the complexities of international relations. There's also a humorous interlude on a Subway sandwich-related incident, tying it back to accountability in law enforcement.
43 snips
Aug 16, 2025 • 1h 14min
Sheinbaum Gets it All Wrong and the 2003 Invasion of Iraq in Retrospect
Delve into the implications of the 2003 Iraq invasion and how misjudged political decisions still echo today. Explore recent remarks by Mexico’s president on immigration and the fentanyl crisis, highlighting their socio-economic impact. The discussion also critiques U.S. immigration policies and their narratives, while reflecting on the aftermath of the Iraq War and the challenges of nation-building in conflict zones. Finally, uncover the complexities of urban crime, especially among young African American males, and the cultural narratives that complicate honest conversations.
22 snips
Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
The Armenian-Azeri Peace Treaty and ‘Shifty’ Schiff on the Hot Seat
This episode dives into the recent peace treaty between Azerbaijan and Armenia, discussing its global implications and potential Nobel recognition. It also critiques political narratives surrounding key figures and explores the effects of cancel culture. The challenges of military recruitment take center stage, with insights on evolving enlistment strategies. The discussion further connects historical military decisions, like the atomic bomb's use in WWII, to contemporary political dynamics, revealing a fascinating interplay between past and present.
38 snips
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 8min
Zeldin’s Drive to Deregulate and the Iliad’s Relevance Today
The hosts dive into Lee Zeldin's push to deregulate the EPA and the surprising parallels between California's energy crisis and Europe's renewable energy struggles. They discuss the unintended consequences of environmental policies and examine the complexities of political advocacy in California. A fascinating exploration of the Iliad reveals its relevance to modern warfare, particularly for Israeli Defense Forces veterans, emphasizing how ancient narratives resonate with contemporary moral challenges.
36 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Coarsening of the Culture and Howard’s End
The conversation dives into the tense dynamics of the upcoming Trump-Putin meeting and the implications for global geopolitics. Discussions on the cultural coarseness in society highlight the decline of iconic figures like Howard Stern, contrasting past influences with today's discourse. The podcast also tackles controversial policies around in-state tuition for undocumented immigrants, stirring debate on educational equity. Additionally, it evaluates the possible risks of central bank digital currencies on personal freedom and financial privacy.
