Join a lively exploration of the complex landscape of American politics. Thoughts on Trump's fantasy of a sovereign wealth fund raise eyebrows about its potential pitfalls. The conversation dives into the challenges facing the Democratic Party as it navigates identity politics and seeks to attract working-class voters. Furthermore, the discussion unveils the risks of performative governance overshadowing genuine change. Ultimately, can Democrats rediscover their footing in a highly partisan environment? Tune in for sharp insights!

Francis Fukuyama, renowned political scientist and author of "The End of History and the Last Man," joins the conversation to dissect the current landscape of liberalism. He critiques the rising post-liberal sects and analyzes the impact of Trumpism on traditional conservatism. The discussion highlights the dangers of American oligarchy and the role of social media in fostering status anxiety. Fukuyama also explores the intertwining of envy and power dynamics in politics, making for a thought-provoking dialogue on nationalism and governance.

Alex Tabarrok, a professor at George Mason University and co-blogger at Marginal Revolution, dives into the remarkable facets of American democratic capitalism. He and the host explore the dichotomy of authoritarianism and democracy, analyzing China’s economic trajectory. The conversation shifts to the nuances of U.S. and European economic disparities, plus the misleading narratives surrounding energy politics. They also tackle cryptocurrencies, discussing their potential and pitfalls, before concluding with the changing landscape of AI and its societal implications.

Jonah escapes to Belize for coconut water therapy while reflecting on health and life choices. He humorously shares caffeine struggles and highlights the tragic DCA plane crash, critiquing the political haste to assign blame. The discussion dives into economic policies, questioning the effectiveness of tariffs, and the departure from traditional libertarianism. Additionally, the complexities of parenting and personal relationships are explored, emphasizing that real love often trumps abstract political categories.

Joining the discussion is Ross Douthat, a New York Times columnist, best-selling author, and National Review film critic. He explores his new book, emphasizing why religion is vital for individual and societal health. The conversation dives into the connections between culture and politics, especially in light of recent events like the backlash against 'Emilia Perez.' Ross also tackles the delicate balance between faith and science, arguing for traditional practices amid modern spiritual ideologies.

Francis Dearnley, Executive Editor at The Telegraph, delves into the political challenges facing U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and reflects on the landscape of British media. The discussion covers Donald Trump's influence on European politics and the rise of populism. Dearnley critiques the erosion of trust in government and explores the societal implications of fragmented media. They also navigate the complexities of governance in the context of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, touching on American foreign policy and regional disparities.

Dive into a whirlwind of political ruminations as Jonah critiques Curtis Yarvin's controversial ideas and the implications of FDR's New Deal policies. The discussion spans the hypocrisy of social conservatives and the moral dilemmas surrounding presidential pardons. Unconventional conservative thoughts are explored with a mix of humor and sharp analysis. Amidst these debates, the challenges of modern conservatism and the lessons from history are vividly dissected, all while navigating the complexities of democracy and governance.

In this engaging dialogue, Michael C. Moynihan, co-host of the "Fifth Column" podcast and contributor to The Free Press, dives into the complexities of political narratives and historical figures. He defends Bill Buckley while dissecting horseshoe theory related to immigration. Moynihan critiques the pitfalls of cheap radicalism, reflects on the slippery slope of foreign policy obsessions, and questions the current understanding of nationalism. His insights into post-liberalism and neoconservatism provide a nuanced exploration of today's political landscape.

John Podhoretz, a prominent conservative commentator and writer at Commentary magazine, joins to explore the political landscape following Trump's inauguration. They dissect Trump's inaugural speech and executive orders, while also critiquing Joe Biden's final actions. John shares his frustrations regarding the ceasefire deal in Israel, leading to a deeper dive into the complexities of political leadership. The conversation wraps up on a lighter note with some Gen X pop culture references, blending insights with humor.

The host dives into the dark dance between power and corruption, echoing historical tales of moral leadership. There's a sharp critique of the Heritage Foundation's shifting stances, reflecting a changing Republican landscape. Business ethics take center stage as motivations behind corporate alliances with political figures are questioned. The conversation also addresses the corporatism encroaching on free market ideals, highlighting the discomforting evolution of values within the party. All this unfolds with a backdrop of travel tales and quirky hotel stories.