Federalist Radio Hour

Drew Allen Thomas, author of For Christ and Country, joins to discuss Charlie Kirk's profound impact on faith and politics. He shares his emotional response to Kirk's martyrdom and its implications for Christians today. The conversation dives into the cultural challenges posed by radical leftism, Kirk's courage in facing hostile audiences, and the importance of free speech. Drew also reflects on personal transformation through faith and the urgency surrounding upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for continued engagement and activism.

Mollie Hemingway, Editor-in-Chief of The Federalist, and Sara Prinzi, Chief Development Officer of The Federalist Foundation, delve into the outlet's most impactful stories of 2025. They explore crucial topics like the Trump administration, lawfare, and investigative reports on the Russia hoax. Mollie highlights the unique aspects that differentiate The Federalist from corporate media and shares insights on what to expect in 2026, including major elections and ongoing immigration stories. They also discuss the vital role of donor support in maintaining independent journalism.

Dive into the intriguing world of U.S. operations against Nicolás Maduro, analyzing its strategic implications and legality. The hosts also tackle Trump's controversial interest in Greenland, exploring its geopolitical significance. Plus, get the scoop on the Minnesota Somali fraud scandal, examining its political ramifications. The conversation shifts to cultural themes, as they review films like Crazy Rich Asians and The Ref, touching on important societal issues. It's a perfect blend of politics and pop culture!

Matthew Spalding, Vice President of Washington Operations and dean at Hillsdale College, explores the significance of the Declaration of Independence. He discusses the founders' sacrificial spirit, revealing how Jefferson and others shaped a collective voice. Spalding emphasizes the Declaration's theological roots and its role in American values like life and liberty. He also critiques modern cynicism and advocates for recovering the founders' principles to enhance civic education, urging a return to self-governance ahead of the Declaration's 250th anniversary.

Christian Toto, founder of Hollywood in Toto, dives into the shifting landscape of pop culture in 2025. He discusses Hollywood's retreat from woke messaging due to financial pressures, highlighting comedy's resurgence as a space for free expression. The conversation also covers Sidney Sweeney's jeans controversy, urging conservatives to support artists fighting against woke agendas. Toto reviews the year's best films, critiques notable flops, and reflects on the enduring charm of classics like 'Elf' amidst a saturated holiday movie landscape.

What was the biggest story of the year? Join the Federalist staff, including Executive Editor Joy Pullmann, Assistant Editor Joshua Monnington, Staff Writer Jordan Boyd, and Senior Elections Correspondent Matt Kittle, as they dissect the news cycles that defined 2025, including the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the DOGE project, and rogue judges. They also name the worst person of the year and dive into the top issues that will carry over into 2026.  The Federalist is a nonprofit, and we depend entirely on our listeners and readers — not corporations. If you value fearless, independent journalism, please consider a tax-deductible gift today at TheFederalist.com/donate. Your support keeps us going.

Amanda Bauch, an author and pastor's wife, shares her compelling journey from a manipulative cult to embracing Lutheran ministry. She discusses the inspiration behind her devotional, One Nation Under God, which transforms headlines into prayer prompts. Amanda recounts escaping a high-control church environment, including the challenges she faced in leaving. She highlights how her health struggles led her to write about women's wellness, emphasizing the importance of caring for the body as a temple.

Mollie and Mark dive into the fallout from a CBS 60 Minutes segment featuring Bari Weiss, discussing internal pushback against balanced reporting. They then tackle Fulton County's explosive admission about illegally certified ballots in the 2020 election. Shifting gears, the couple critiques the cultural commentary in the film Late Night and its portrayal of millennial white men facing discrimination. They also debate the holiday classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas, examining its messages and aesthetics.

Kenneth Calvert, a history professor at Hillsdale College, delves into the rich historical roots of Christmas. He contrasts the shepherds' humble visit to Jesus with the later arrival of the Magi, offering insights into early Christian beliefs about Christ's nativity. Calvert discusses December 25's connections to pagan festivals, while emphasizing the significance of Jesus' birth over imperial claims to divinity. He encourages viewers to remember the true meaning of Christmas through the lens of sacrifice and reflects on the nativity's miraculous events.

Rep. Jim Jordan, a leading figure in congressional oversight, and Sen. Ron Johnson, known for his scrutiny of federal agencies, delve into pressing political issues. They discuss inflation and GOP strategies to address affordability. Jordan reveals details on investigations into Biden’s actions against conservatives and outlines historical corruption patterns. Johnson shares concerns over vaccine-related deaths and accountability issues within health agencies. Together, they express frustrations about deep state resistance to investigations and the implications for national governance.