

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

20 snips
May 30, 2025 • 1h 13min
Swimming Upstream: War, Trump Tried, and California Exodus
The discussion dives into the recent escalation of the Ukraine war and the complexities around ceasefire talks in Gaza. There's a sharp critique of Hollywood's political conformity and its impact on cultural narratives. Trump’s ongoing legal battles are examined, alongside the disconnect of the Democratic Party from middle-class concerns. Finally, the podcast highlights California's exodus due to soaring taxes and inadequate services, while contrasting the state’s socioeconomic tensions with issues faced in Washington.

8 snips
May 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
Vertigo: Things That Unmake the Democratic Party
Dive into a riveting discussion on the decline of political integrity, spotlighting figures like Chuck Schumer. Explore the rising influence of trans activism in Colorado and its impact on traditional values. The hosts unpack the ramifications of the Jussie Smollett incident while critiquing leftist governance in American cities. Uncover the complexities of race and gender narratives in modern media and the ongoing challenges facing the Democratic Party amidst evolving political landscapes.

11 snips
May 28, 2025 • 54min
Exploring the Complex Legacy of Ronald Reagan in Film
Mark Joseph, director of the film "Reagan" and author of "Making Reagan", dives deep into the complexities of portraying the iconic president. He discusses the challenges faced during production amid Hollywood's polarized environment and shares intriguing anecdotes from his interviews with Reagan's contemporaries. The conversation navigates Reagan's near-fatal assassination attempt, his evolving cinematic legacy, and the lasting impact of his political alliances. Mark sheds light on Reagan's character shaped by personal connections, offering a unique lens on a controversial figure.

7 snips
May 27, 2025 • 1h 13min
Biden's Health, Domestic Extremists, and Energy Policy
The hosts delve into President Biden's recent cancer diagnosis and the implications for transparency in his health. They tackle the controversies surrounding Dr. Fauci and the administration's COVID mandates, suggesting a labeling of opponents as domestic extremists. The conversation shifts to the restructuring of the National Security Council and concerns over China's impact on solar technology. Economic stability and the declining U.S. dollar add to the critical political landscape, highlighted by musings on the ramifications of Biden's management of classified documents.

12 snips
May 24, 2025 • 1h 21min
1942 the Year That Changed the War and Memorial Day Celebration
This discussion dives into the pivotal events of 1942 during World War II, exploring how these battles shifted the tide against Japan. It reflects on modern military strategies and the significance of Memorial Day in honoring veterans. Current political turmoil, including anti-Semitism and whistleblower allegations, is analyzed alongside the complexities of judicial appointments. The importance of understanding past tragedies is emphasized, along with a heartfelt tribute to military valor, tying historical contexts to contemporary challenges.

11 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 4min
Trump Meets Ramaphosa and Rubio Faces the Senate
Dive into a lively discussion about the tense media landscape, featuring a showdown between Megyn Kelly and Jake Tapper. The conversation shifts to Biden's health concerns and how they might influence his presidency. Tune in for insights on Trump's meeting with South Africa's president and the complexities of international relations. They also tackle the implications of Jeffrey Epstein's controversial death and speculate on its broader impact. Expect a mix of politics, media critique, and a touch of humor sprinkled throughout!

19 snips
May 22, 2025 • 1h 8min
From the Big Beautiful Bill to the Failure of Modernism
The discussion covers the intricacies of a significant federal budget bill and its potential impacts on the economy. There’s a deep dive into the contentious topic of reparations, exploring historical injustices and racial dynamics. The speakers reflect on societal stability, comparing past familial structures to today’s challenges. They also touch on military innovations and the implications of Supreme Court rulings. To lighten the mood, there's casual conversation about classic war films and a nod to their cultural significance.

8 snips
May 20, 2025 • 1h 11min
Planes, Brains, and Universities
Explore the implications of a $400 million airplane gift from Qatar and its potential effects on U.S.-Qatar relations. Delve into recent political scandals, analyzing the disparities in legal accountability for political figures. Investigate the flaws in university admissions and the impact of DEI initiatives on academic integrity. Finally, consider reforms needed within these institutions and their role in perpetuating discrimination, while emphasizing the importance of merit over identity in educational discussions.

10 snips
May 17, 2025 • 1h 20min
War in 1941, Congressional Disruption, and Military Trim
Dive into the pivotal moments of 1941 in WWII, highlighting the impact of Pearl Harbor and the strategic missteps of Axis powers. Explore the financial turmoil in California as political leaders grapple with a deepening budget crisis. A lively discussion also unfolds around military leadership changes and the complexities of ongoing Ukraine talks. Additionally, insights on geopolitical dynamics, including the roles of Trump and Putin, add layers to the narrative, making for an engaging blend of history and contemporary issues.

11 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 4min
Give 'Em A Chance: Trump Navigates the Complicated Middle East
Dive into the complexities of Middle Eastern diplomacy as the discussion unfolds around Trump's significant deals, including those with Iran and Saudi Arabia. Explore the political fallout from Afrikaner refugees arriving in the U.S. and examine the shifting voter trends. The impact of pop culture on societal norms, especially regarding violence and misogyny, is highlighted. Amidst this, the critique of educational systems and the threats posed by foreign espionage add layers to the conversation. It's a riveting take on the intersection of politics, culture, and economics.