The Ricochet Podcast

Nearly fifty topsy-turvy days into Trump 2.0, we thought it'd be a good idea to zoom out some to better distinguish the signals from the noise. To that end, the gang sits down with Wall Street Journal Editor at Large Gerard Baker. Gerry covers everything from Trump's tariffs and geostrategic reshuffling to the media's collapsed institutional repute. Plus, Charles, Steve and James notice hints that ambitious progressives are maneuvering to sound like normal people; and they bewail the caprices of the muses now that they've repossessed the recently-acclaimed (and highly profitable) artistic inspiration from Hunter Biden. - Sound clip from this week's open: Mike Johnson restoring order during Trump's address before Congress on Tuesday.

Who needs guests when the news overflows? Not us! Our intrepid trio of James Lileks, Charles C.W. Cooke and Steve Hayward opine on Joy Reid's exit at MSNBC, Jake Tapper discovering Joe Biden's decline, gay horses and free speech in the UK (Not a joke!) and Gene Hackman exits the stage (Rest easy, Marine!)

Ross Douthat returns to the Ricochet Podcast to discuss his latest book, Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious. Rob, Steve and James chat with him to get at The Big Everything. Why does a Catholic make the case for broadly-defined belief? Has disillusionment with liberalism provided God an opening to win back lost sheep? Should faith guide us toward practical answers to ordinary problems? Tune in for answers!Plus, the fellas discuss Voodoo Doll research getting the DOGE treatment; they consider the levels of commitment to America First; and they express their doubts that AfD's expected gains in the German parliament portend a Nazi revival.Clip from this week's open: White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller gives the press a civics lesson.

In ways both subtle and decidedly not, American foreign policy is a-changin'. Eli Lake joins James and Steve to caution against cuts to the National Endowment for Democracy and to nod approvingly of the Trump administration's boldness in the Middle East. We also get into "Breaking History," Eli's new podcast that pushes back against disheartening presentism by coloring today's headlines with historical antecedents. Plus, Lileks and Hayward applaud J.D. Vance's New Sheriff tour in Europe, and say their goodbye to copper change. - Sound from this week's open: Vice President Vance addresses the Munich Security Conference.

The Trump administration’s days of thunder roll on while just about everyone outside the DOGE team struggles to keep up. While many see little more than nonsense and mayhem, today’s guest, Daniel McCarthy, recognizes a sound strategy in tariff threats, iconoclasts heading executive agencies, and even the baffling Gaza Strip pitch, to address America’s mounting challenges at home and abroad. Plus, Steve, James and Charlie discuss the meltdown over USAID cuts; the dismal national report card; and the “Orwellian nightmare” facing… federal bureaucrats. Audio in this week’s open: NBC’s Hallie Jackson describes the panic of federal workers and Sen. Eric Schmitt (R - MO) talks about USAID on the floor of the Senate

President Trump's disruptive tendencies continue to shake up the Executive Branch at dizzying speed.  Thankfully, James and Charlie can keep their wits as they discuss the spending freeze/unfreeze and the reasonable expectations of the good that can be done with the president's pen. They're then joined by Dennis Kneale, host of the Ricochet Audio Network's "What's Bugging Me" podcast and author of The Leadership Genius of Elon Musk. Dennis teases some of the life lessons he thinks readers can draw from Musk to lead better lives; he also provides background for Elon's critical political conversion. Plus, James and Charlie wrap with some thoughts about the awful air collision in Washington, DC and the many reasons to be suspicious of DeekSeek...Sound from this week's open: Newly sworn-in Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy responds to the US suffering its worst commercial airline crash since 2009.

Victor Davis Hanson, a renowned historian and author, discusses the remarkable comeback of Trump to the White House. He highlights the need for a focused agenda, suggests what voters should watch out for concerning radical movements, and critiques the recent failures of leftist ideologies. The conversation dives into the challenges of a second presidential term and the shifting political dynamics, particularly in tech and California. Expect insights on executive orders and the impact of media on public perception, all filled with engaging banter.

Happy Inauguration Day! To celebrate, Peter and Steve sit down with speechwriter and presidential advisor Ken Khachigian to discuss his time working with Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan, as laid out in his newly published memoir, Behind Closed Doors. Going through his start in politics by landing a job under Pat Buchanan in the '68 campaign to drafting Reagan's first inaugural and serving as an advisor during key moments in the '80s, Ken shares a wealth of knowledge on the finer points of good statecraft. The guys also spend some time on the disaster in their beloved state of California and the prospects for national renewal under the new Trump administration.

Justin Shubow, President of the National Civic Art Society and NEA chair candidate, discusses his vision for revitalizing federal architecture. He critiques contemporary designs that dominate public spaces, advocating a return to classical aesthetics. The conversation delves into the importance of beauty in architecture for a moral society and reflects on public preference for traditional designs. Alongside this, the discussion touches on the changing landscape of the arts and the political implications of architectural choices, sparking debates on cultural values.

Dan MacLaughlin, a senior writer at National Review Online and a baseball enthusiast, joins the discussion on pivotal topics in today's news. They reflect on Jimmy Carter's impactful legacy, including his human rights advocacy and economic policies. The talk seamlessly transitions to the world of baseball, examining recent rule changes and the complexities of being a Mets fan. The hosts also critique California's wildfire management and share humorous anecdotes, all while linking sports, politics, and cultural shifts in an engaging manner.