The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Join philosopher and novelist Rebecca Newberger-Goldstein as she explores the ethics intertwined with physics and human motivation. She defines ‘mattering’ as our deep need for significance, offering four strategies humans employ to feel they matter. Goldstein connects the principle of entropy to ethical standards, advocating for a framework that measures life based on creativity versus destruction. Delving into William James's struggles, she illustrates the importance of meaningful pursuits in combatting existential crises. Her insights bridge philosophy, science, and morality.

Ken Burns, a legendary American documentary filmmaker known for his works on the Civil War and the American Revolution, joins Jonah Goldberg for an enlightening discussion. They delve into the importance of historical narratives and George Washington's pivotal role. The conversation tackles the complexity of loyalty during the Revolution, the global significance of American independence, and how early abolitionism began to take shape. Burns emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of history, blending military and political narratives to enrich storytelling.

Jonah Goldberg shares his frustration with the current political narrative and scrutinizes the dishonesty of the Trump administration. He explores the historical implications of the term 'regime' and questions the casual use of 'domestic terrorism'. Examining nationalist trends, he warns of the dangers of unchecked nationalism leading to authoritarianism. He reflects on the erosion of trust in institutions and critiques the portrayal of events like January 6. The discussion also touches on the complexities of foreign policy and the moral versus legal dilemmas in governance.

Matt Ridley, a science writer and author of the popular book on evolution, discusses intriguing themes about beauty in nature. He contrasts natural and sexual selection, delving into how birds attract mates and how city life drives evolutionary changes. Ridley also explores the origins of COVID-19, advocating for the lab-leak theory and examining the reluctance of institutions to accept it. With humor and fascinating examples, he reveals how mate choice influences both animal and human behavior.

Join Jonah Goldberg and Lindsay Chervinsky, a presidential historian and author, as they dive into the complexities of John Adams' presidency. They discuss the Alien and Sedition Acts and how Adams navigated executive authority while maintaining peace during political transitions. Lindsay highlights the unwritten norms established by Washington and challenges the notion of strict originalism, showing how early American leaders viewed the Constitution as a flexible guide. The conversation also touches on the role of the Continental Army in shaping national identity.

Jonah Goldberg delves into New York City's new mayor's call for the 'warmth of collectivism' and the troubling implications of that term. He critiques mainstream media's leniency towards left radicals while casting a critical eye on a recent film by Paul Thomas Anderson. The discussion also touches on the need for political parties to exclude morally questionable elements to build effective coalitions. Jonah highlights media blind spots and expresses cautious optimism about protests in Iran, contrasting it with the complexities of Venezuela's political landscape.

Chris Stirewalt, a former Fox News analyst and political commentator, dives into the fractures within the American right. He critiques the dangers of courting extremists, discusses the overreach of the new administration, and analyzes Biden's pardon strategy. The conversation hilariously shifts to a playful debate about House Speaker Mike Johnson's true nature and the most punchable faces in politics. Stirewalt also predicts a Democratic House comeback in 2026, all while sharing cultural insights and personal anecdotes.

Laura Field, a political theorist and author of 'Furious Minds,' dives into the intellectual currents behind the New Right. She discusses her academic background with Leo Strauss and how it laid the groundwork for her insights on Trumpism. The conversation covers the classification of the New Right into groups like Claremont and NatCons. Laura explores the appeal of extremist rhetoric and the reaction to civic education decline. They debate the messy interplay of ideas and ambition in radical movements, while also critiquing post-liberalism's desire for consensus.

Jonah Goldberg tackles the so-called 'War on Christmas' and reflects on its cultural roots. He discusses the temporary momentum of political figures like Trump while critiquing new media dynamics and sensationalism. The conversation dives into youth politics, expressing concern about the romanticism surrounding young movements. Jonah also critiques purity tests within conservatism and praises Ben Shapiro's critical approach. Lastly, he shares a heartfelt message regarding Ben Sasse's health.

Russell Moore, an ordained Baptist minister and former head of the Southern Baptist Convention's Ethics Commission, tackles the surge of antisemitism and the complexities of Christian Zionism. He discusses how political labels often distort theological concerns, particularly among younger Christians. Moore warns against the rise of Christian nationalism and how online influencers shape political conversations. He emphasizes the importance of keeping faith genuine, urging churches to confront online extremism while addressing youth addiction. A thought-provoking look at religion in modern politics!