City Journal Audio

Tal Fortgang, a conservative commentator and expert on privilege, teams up with Daniel Di Martino, who has firsthand activism experience from Venezuela, for a lively discussion on protest culture. They delve into the motivations behind activism, contrasting generational differences and the legitimacy of various protest movements. Tal critiques contemporary campus activism versus historic civil rights protests, while Daniel shares insights on the stakes of protesting under authoritarian regimes. The conversation challenges the coherence of modern protests and examines media portrayal, revealing the complexities of today's activism.

Abigail Shrier, the author of 'Bad Therapy,' critiques modern therapeutic parenting, while psychologist Rob Henderson shares insights on resilience stemming from his experiences in foster care. They delve into the roots of the youth mental health crisis, discussing how schools' therapeutic models may undermine parental authority. Together, they argue that high expectations and firm guidance are often more beneficial than therapy. Their conversation highlights the isolating effects of social media and the dangers of permissive parenting in today's culture.

Manhattan Institute’s Nicole Gelinas and Liena Zagare discuss NYC’s crime situation—what’s working, what’s not, and how the narrative has changed since the last mayoral race. 

James Hankins and Allen Guelzo join Brian Anderson to discuss their new book project, "The Golden Thread: The History of the Western Tradition."

What does it mean for American media when someone like Bari Weiss is tapped to lead one of the country’s legacy news outlets? Rafael Mangual, Jesse Arm, Carolyn Gorman, and Kerry Soropoulos analyze Paramount’s acquisition of The Free Press and the appointment of Weiss as editor-in-chief of CBS News. The panel explores Weiss’s track record of challenging orthodoxies and what her rise signals for journalism’s future. They also discuss California’s shifting political dynamics, spotlighting Representative Katie Porter’s potential gubernatorial run.

What does a university’s response to terror reveal about its values and its influence on society? On the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s October 7 attacks on Israel, Stu Smith, Neetu Arnold, Adam Lehodey, and Rafael Mangual reflect on national and global reactions to the attacks, especially on American university campuses. Their conversation explores the ideological influence of faculty and campus activism that blurred the line between academic freedom and lawlessness. They also consider how federal funding and institutional incentives shape university behavior.

Is the Democratic Party being pulled too far left—or is moderation making a comeback? Jesse Arm, Charles Fain Lehman, and Rafael Mangual discuss the recent government shutdown and the role of the filibuster in shaping legislative outcomes. They analyze tensions in the Democratic Party between radical grassroots movements and centrist pragmatism. And they examine the rise of the “abundance bros” and what this techno-optimist movement says about our current politics.

What does Eric Adams’s exit from the 2025 mayoral race mean for New York City’s political future? Rob Henderson, Nicole Gelinas, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual assess how the sitting mayor's withdrawal reshapes the race for City Hall and analyze the strategies of remaining contenders Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. They discuss the key issues shaping voter priorities, from crime and public safety to housing affordability. They also explore the controversy surrounding the Democratic Socialists of America's support for convicted cop killer Assata Shakur, who died on Thursday.

Join policy analyst Daniel Di Martino and public-policy scholar Heather Mac Donald as they tackle the evolving crisis of masculinity in America. They examine the impact of cultural devaluation of male roles, and the importance of fatherhood in shaping young men. The conversation explores the implications of recent political violence, the need for courageous male role models, and the relationship between law enforcement and societal order. Discover how literature and religious figures can help reclaim values like honor and responsibility.

What does the Jimmy Kimmel episode reveal about free speech in America? Ilya Shapiro, Charles Fain Lehman, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual unpack the controversy surrounding the cancellation of Kimmel’s ABC show and explore how government influence, corporate media decisions, and public protest movements intersect in shaping the national discourse. The panel also discusses controversial figures like Woody Allen and what their continued relevance says about shifting political and cultural norms.