

City Journal Audio
Manhattan Institute
City Journal is America's premier source of insightful policy analysis, sophisticated cultural commentary, and bold investigations that legacy journalists are too timid to touch. From incisive interviews to lively panel discussions, our podcasts extend CJ's trademark rigor and wit beyond the written page to the dynamic world of streaming audio. Listen today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 5, 2025 • 45min
Navigating New York City’s Mayoral Election
Rafael Mangual, John Ketcham, Isabella Redjai, and Kerry Soropoulos take a look at the high-stakes dynamics of the New York City mayoral race. From candidate strategies and the influence of social media to the surprising role of game theory in political decision-making, they break down how modern campaigns are evolving. They also explore how crime policy is shaping electoral outcomes and how Democrats are responding to public safety concerns. Plus, a timely discussion of how AI is disrupting fashion marketing and what it means for traditional advertising.

Aug 29, 2025 • 37min
YIMBY Success in Texas
Nicole Nosek joins Judge Glock to discuss housing reform legislation spearheaded by Texans for Reasonable Solutions.

Aug 28, 2025 • 41min
Trump’s Flag-Burning Crackdown: New Executive Order vs. First Amendment
The panel unpacks President Trump’s latest executive orders on cash bail, National Guard enforcement, and flag burning—are they strong reforms or constitutional overreach? The panel also examines the uproar over Chinese student visas and considers how the U.S. should weigh talent acquisition against national security. Plus: Will the Travis Kelce–Taylor Swift engagement spark a marriage and baby boom?

Aug 25, 2025 • 39min
Will Trump Deploy the National Guard to Other Cities?
Joining the discussion are Jesse Arm, a Manhattan Institute panelist and City Journal contributor; Judge Glock, a fellow panelist and contributor; and Renu Mukherjee, also from the Manhattan Institute. They dive into President Trump’s controversial proposal to deploy the National Guard in cities like Chicago and Baltimore. The conversation also touches on the government's stake in Intel amid the AI boom and comedic anecdotes about the struggles of political figures, showcasing how personal moments can influence public perception.

Aug 21, 2025 • 35min
Trump Says the Smithsonian Is Too Negative. Is He Right?
Rafael Mangual is a panelist known for his expertise on voter registration, while Daniel Di Martino offers insights into voter trends. They discuss the alarming dissatisfaction some voters feel towards the Democratic Party, highlighting shifting allegiances among Hispanic and Asian communities. The conversation turns to Trump's criticism of the Smithsonian Museums, probing the challenges of historical representation. Additionally, they unravel a bizarre bribery case involving cash in a potato chip bag, questioning the integrity of journalism.

Aug 18, 2025 • 42min
From Capital Streets to City Shelters: Who’s in Charge?
Ilya Shapiro, law expert at the Manhattan Institute, Carolyn Gorman, a mental health specialist, and John Ketcham, a city policy analyst, dive into the impact of federal policing on local governance in D.C. They tackle New York's controversial proposal for involuntary mental health commitments, weighing civil liberties against public safety. The discussion expands to urban disorder, New York's drug policy shortcomings, and a surprising trend: Gen Z’s increasing alcohol abstention, reflecting profound changes in urban culture.

8 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 44min
Capital Offense: Can the Feds Fix D.C.’s Crime Crisis?
Join Jesse Arm, Renu Mukherjee, and John Ketcham from the Manhattan Institute as they tackle the surge in crime in Washington D.C. They discuss the federal government's impact on local governance and public safety, debating the balance of authority and home rule. The conversation takes an intriguing turn to college admissions, with a focus on race and transparency in the wake of new policies from the Trump administration. The blend of urban issues and educational reform makes for a thought-provoking listen.

Aug 8, 2025 • 16min
New York Confronts Ideological Violence
Nicole Gelinas, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and contributing editor at the New York Times, delves into New York City's escalating random acts of violence. She discusses the motivations behind attacks by lone actors, the rise of anti-capitalist sentiments, and the challenges this poses to public safety. The conversation also touches on the urgent need for better firearms legislation linked to mental health issues. Gelinas highlights the evolving landscape of urban security and the NYPD's recruitment struggles in addressing these threats.

Aug 7, 2025 • 44min
Douglas Murray on Political Violence, Immigration, and His Win in a Defamation Case
Douglas Murray, a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and a notable journalist, discusses the recent shooting in Manhattan, calling attention to the broader issues of urban disorder and political violence throughout history. He critiques Trump’s immigration policies and contrasts them with those in Europe, diving into the complexities of migrant integration. Additionally, he shares insights from his recent defamation victory, shedding light on press freedom and the challenges journalists face in today's climate.

Aug 4, 2025 • 43min
Will the Gender Divide in Politics Close?
Join John Ketcham, who tackles urban issues at the Manhattan Institute, Jesse Arm in external affairs, and cultural commentator Rob Henderson as they delve into Chicago’s pension crisis and its implications for politics. They analyze the growing political divide between men and women, with women leaning liberal and men more conservative. The trio also tackles the cultural ripple effects of celebrity endorsements, spotlighting Sydney Sweeney's surprising GOP registration and her challenge to mainstream progressive narratives.