The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan

Anne Applebaum, a renowned journalist and historian at The Atlantic, discusses the rise of modern autocracies and the complexities they present to opposition movements. She delves into the financial tactics of kleptocracies and the chilling effects of surveillance technologies. The conversation touches on Trump's views on dictators, the normalization of autocratic values in U.S. politics, and the challenges posed by regimes like Putin's in Ukraine. Applebaum also reflects on why contemporary leaders often lack grand ideologies, favoring cynicism instead.

Author and journalist Lionel Shriver discusses human limitations, feminism, gender nonconformity, and political extremes. She reflects on her upbringing, name change, and societal beliefs, challenging notions of equality and individuality in a changing society.

Legendary British actor, Stephen Fry, discusses growing up in Norfolk, his mom's Jewish ancestry, embracing Englishness, and his struggles with bipolar depression. He delves into his influences, including Oscar Wilde, Gore Vidal, Auden, and more. The conversation also explores his personal journey, LGBTQ+ culture in literature, Brexit motivations, and reflections on government systems and life evolution.

Erick Erickson, a radio host and writer, discusses the decline of churchgoing, the rise of conspiracy theories, and the impact of Covid on religious practices. They delve into topics like Gnosticism, the Bible canon, and the Resurrection. The conversation also touches on transgenderism, climate change, and the challenges of faith in a scientific world.

Tim Shipman, Chief political commentator at The Sunday Times, talks about UK politics. Topics include Boris Johnson's controversies, Rishi Sunak's challenges, and Nigel Farage's impact. They discuss Brexit, Tory power, and election blunders.

Elizabeth Corey, an academic and writer, discusses the life and philosophy of Michael Oakeshott, emphasizing his views on individualism, liberal education, and opposition to identity politics. They explore Oakeshott's critical view of careerism, the virtue of changing one's mind, and the importance of living in the present moment. The conversation touches on thinkers like Augustine and Montaigne, highlighting Oakeshott's social adeptness and preference for meaningful conversations over winning debates.

Writer and reporter Nellie Bowles discusses growing up with divorced parents in SF, working in journalism, and her new book. They touch on the changing media landscape, ideological pressure in the industry, and challenges of maintaining independence. Reflecting on legacy institutions like the NYT and questioning narratives in journalism.

Guest George Will discusses topics such as presidential power, stopping Putin, socialism, just war theory, collectivism vs national security, Reagan's economic policies, and the paradoxes of American conservatism.

Noah Smith, an economist, and journalist, discusses the possibility of a second Cold War with China, debunking stereotypes about Japan, the impact of AI on workers, and China's industrial policy on technology development and national security. He also covers the collapse of global poverty, the YIMBY movement, and the risks associated with Taiwan and global war.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comBill needs no introduction, but he’s been the formidable host of HBO’s Real Time for 21 years now, and before that he hosted Politically Incorrect, which ran from 1993 to 2002. He has a new book out, What This Comedian Said Will Shock You — a collection of his best editorials on Real Time. Also check out his podcast, “Club Random,” which he recently expanded into a pod network, Club Random Studios. Bill manages to do all of that and still perform standup on the road — schedule here.For two clips of our convo — on Bill not caving to political correctness after 9/11, and the two of us debating the credibility of the Gospels — pop over to our YouTube page. Other topics: Bill going to church every Sunday as a kid; his Irish-Catholic dad turning away from the Church after Pope Paul VI; how the left today is bonkers; how Biden is captured by wokeness; the toxicity of the Trump cult; getting his GOP rivals to bend the knee; Ann Coulter’s balls in opposing him; the crisis of mass illegal migration; the dickishness of DeSantis on lab meat and rainbow bridges; his sensible approach to Covid; election deniers; the remarkable progress of legal weed and marriage equality; Bill’s movie Religulous; his admiration for Jesus as a philosopher; Muhammad the invading warrior; slavery in the Bible; the conflicting accounts of the Resurrection; whether Paul was a closeted gay; Christianity starting as a bourgeois religion; the pagan origins of Christian holidays; Richard Dawkins; the rise of the nones; wokeness as a religion; Bronze Age Pervert; Lauren Boebert on church/state; American exceptionalism as Christian heresy; October 7th; the profound illiberalism of Hamas; their Nazi-like tactics; “Hamas wants to commit genocide but can’t — Israel can, but won’t”; Rafah as Dunkirk; Biden’s Morehouse speech; Trump’s insane antics as the ultimate teflon; his humor; wokeness as a gold mine for comedy; comics who cave to PC; Trump’s energy on the trail; and Bill’s grueling book tour offering insight into campaigning.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy (the first 102 are free in their entirety — subscribe to get everything else). Coming up: Nellie Bowles on the woke revolution, Noah Smith on the economy, George Will on Trump and conservatism, Lionel Shriver on her new novel, Elizabeth Corey on Oakeshott, Bill Wasik and Monica Murphy on animal cruelty; and the great Van Jones! Send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.