

The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg
The Dispatch
In “The Remnant," Jonah Goldberg enlists a “Cannonball Run”-style cast of stars, has-beens, and never-weres to address the most pressing issues of the day. Is America doomed? Has liberalism failed? And will mankind ever invent something better than ‘90s-era “Simpsons?” Mixing political history, pop culture, rank punditry, and shameless book-plugging, Goldberg and guests will have the kinds of conversations we wish they featured on TV. And the nudity will (almost) always be tasteful. Brace your bingo cards.
Episodes
Mentioned books

34 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 1h 12min
Big Government Now
Marc J. Dunkelman, a visiting fellow at Brown University and author of "Why Nothing Works," joins Jonah Goldberg to tackle America’s governance problems. They discuss the transformation of progressive policies and how NIMBYism impacts infrastructure projects. Dunkelman argues for the need for more institutions to foster effective governance. They reflect on the complexities of family decision-making as a microcosm of larger societal dynamics, and highlight the historical significance of NYC's urban planning debates.

32 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h 16min
NATO Nihilism
Jonah Goldberg chats with Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute specializing in Ukraine and European security. They dive into the current state of the Ukraine-Russia war following Coffey's recent trip to the region. The conversation tackles Ukrainian morale after a notable political debacle and reveals cracks within the Russian army. They also discuss the critical importance of U.S.-European alliances amidst rising skepticism and the profound implications of NATO's role in global stability.

30 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 28min
On Mobs and Mobsters
Dive into a compelling discussion about the tyranny of intellectual mobs and the dangers of mob mentality in politics. Explore the flawed due process that undermines justice and the implications of AI-generated art on societal narratives, especially regarding immigration. Reflect on the emotional over rational discourse in today's political divide, and consider the consequences of media sensationalism. The talk also critiques the lapse of constitutional integrity in favor of party loyalty, advocating for independent journalism as a remedy.

42 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
When the Right Went Woke
Thomas Chatterton Williams, a staff writer at The Atlantic and fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, dives into the complexities of modern political identity and the rise of illiberalism on the right. He discusses the irony of wokeness morphing within conservative spaces and the psychological impacts of supporting controversial figures. With the upcoming book, "Summer of Our Discontent," he reflects on generational values, societal fragmentation, and the pressing need for discourse amidst today's political extremes.

61 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 16min
Contempt for Congress
Yuval Levin, a renowned conservative thinker and director at the American Enterprise Institute, shares his insights on the current political climate. He explores the dangers of Congressional inaction and advocates for revitalizing its role in governance. The conversation delves into the implications of unchecked presidential power and the importance of engaging the median voter. Levin also discusses the evolution of conservatism and the challenges faced by civil society institutions today, making a case for unity over division in American politics.

37 snips
Mar 22, 2025 • 1h 35min
No Rulers
Join an engaging exploration of judicial impeachment and political theatrics, revealing the intimidation tactics in modern governance. Delve into Congress's cowardice in confronting executive overreach and the hypocrisy that arises when lawmakers prioritize political gain. Discuss the stark distinctions between oligarchy and plutocracy, alongside international accountability issues. The conversation also emphasizes the unique dynamics of governance versus business, urging a deeper understanding of societal challenges while celebrating immigrant resilience and diverse voices.

44 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
Mending the Bootstraps
Yoni Appelbaum, deputy executive editor of The Atlantic and author of "Stuck: How the Privileged and the Propertied Broke the Engine of American Opportunity," joins the conversation to address declining American mobility and its effects. He discusses how zoning laws and regulatory frameworks stifle small businesses and social mobility. Yoni also explores the paradox of rootedness versus the need for geographic movement. Their engaging dialogue provides a fresh perspective on how America can revitalize its promise of opportunity.

9 snips
Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 13min
Appeasing the New Axis
Clifford D. May, founder of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, shares his expertise on global politics with Jonah Goldberg. They dissect the emergence of a new Axis of Evil while discussing the complexities of authoritarian threats from China and Russia. May critiques the U.S. foreign policy approach, debating the implications of Biden's strategies versus Trump's legacy. They also explore NATO's role in stabilizing Europe and the rising tension in conservative circles regarding military aid and foreign alliances.

29 snips
Mar 15, 2025 • 57min
Free Speech A-holes
A hungover host tackles the complexities of free speech and censorship, critiquing the rhetoric surrounding controversial topics. He dissects Trump's foreign policy, likening it to a mobster's approach, while cautioning against unchecked power consolidation. The importance of journalistic accuracy is emphasized through personal anecdotes, contrasting public figures' writing skills. Finally, there's a humorous yet critical exploration of AI's limitations and biases in research, revealing the struggle between innovation and factual integrity.

18 snips
Mar 13, 2025 • 50min
The Mom and Pop School of Business
Kevin Williamson hosts a captivating discussion with Devin DeCiantis and Yvonne Landsberg, co-authors of "The Enduring Enterprise." They delve into the resilience of family businesses and their unique strategies for thriving in turbulent times. The conversation touches on crony capitalism, the ethical responsibilities tied to family names, and the impact of social change on business practices. They also explore the dynamics of family enterprises in frontier economies and the importance of adapting to evolving economic landscapes.