The Dispatch Podcast

Join conservative commentator Jonah Goldberg, journalist Megan McArdle, and editor Mike Warren as they reflect on the year's biggest stories. They dive into immigration policies and their political fallout, highlighting China's tech advancements and underreported tensions in Asia. The trio discusses the rise of autonomous vehicles and the growing national debt. They also critique media sensationalism around figures like Elon Musk and Candace Owens. Celebrating advances in gene editing, they end on a hopeful note, looking forward to a more reasonable political landscape in 2026.

Join Kevin Williamson, a keen political analyst, Jonah Goldberg, a seasoned commentator, and Grayson Logue, an on-the-ground reporter from the U.S.–Mexico border, as they dissect the Biden administration's struggles with immigration. They explore Biden's indecision, misreadings of Latino dynamics, and compare current policies to Trump's rhetoric. Grayson shares firsthand accounts from Yuma, highlighting local frustrations. The discussion also touches on political shifts prompted by Governor Abbott and the impact of Susie Wiles' candid Vanity Fair interview.

Megan McArdle, an opinion columnist and author, shares a deeply personal story about her mother's deathbed confession and its unexpected impact on her views about abortion. She explores childhood regrets, the emotional challenges of searching for her adopted brother, and the moral dilemmas surrounding potential lives. Megan also discusses the failed redistricting in Indiana while reflecting on the complexities of women's rights and the power of storytelling. The conversation is punctuated with humor as they touch on Rob Reiner's film legacy.

Join Jonah Goldberg, a savvy conservative commentator, Mike Warren, a political analyst from The Dispatch, and Sarah Isgur, a former DOJ attorney, as they delve into a range of pressing issues. They dissect the Minnesota welfare fraud scandal and its implications for immigrant policy, exploring how identity politics complicate the narrative. The panel debates the DOJ's recent dismantling of an AI chip smuggling ring while critiquing Trump's mixed messages on China. They even humorously consider the practicality of airport gyms and public fitness initiatives!

David Drucker, a political reporter known for his insights on Congress, Mike Warren, a senior writer analyzing elections and party strategy, and Chris Stirewalt, a former Fox News politics editor, delve into the murky waters of American politics. They discuss the current appeal of congressional jobs, the implications of midterm elections, and the prospects for candidates like J.D. Vance in 2028. The panel also tackles the challenges of incumbency, the impact of negative partisanship, and potential reforms to revitalize party dynamics.

David French, a sharp legal mind and conservative commentator, joins forces with Jonah Goldberg, a political analyst known for his insightful takes, and Kevin Williamson, a seasoned writer focusing on law and culture. They delve into the controversial 'double tap' airstrike order and its potential violations of war laws. Discussions take a critical turn towards the rhetoric in conservative media, including Megyn Kelly's provocative statements. The trio also examines the complex issues surrounding pardons, warning of their risks and historical abuses that could undermine institutional integrity.

Michael Warren, a Dispatch reporter and journalist, joins forces with John McCormack, another top reporter known for his insights on conservative shifts. They explore the Intercollegiate Studies Institute's departure from traditional conservatism and delve into post-liberalism's rise. Charles Hillew provides Capitol Hill insights, revealing lawmakers' mixed reactions to these changes. The discussion touches on whether rising critiques of Trump signal a shift in GOP dynamics and how cultural norms, like dress codes, mirror broader societal changes.

Jonah Goldberg, a conservative political commentator and author, Megan McArdle, an opinion writer specializing in economics, and Kevin Williamson, a cultural and political analyst, join forces to untangle the complexities of the Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations. They dive into the risks of U.S. neutrality, explore the economic challenges ahead of the holidays, and dissect the nation’s daunting household debt. Plus, they hilariously discuss their least favorite Thanksgiving dishes, prompting laughter amidst serious topics.

Dr. Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author known for her work on adolescent behavior and technology, delves into the complex world of parenting in a digital age. She discusses the detrimental effects of screen time before bed, advocating for stricter rules like keeping phones out of bedrooms. Twenge emphasizes a balanced approach to technology use and suggests tying smartphone access to maturity milestones, like getting a driver's license. Her insights also touch on the importance of community support, digital safety, and real-world responsibilities for kids.

Megan McArdle, an opinion columnist, David French, a legal commentator, and Kevin Williamson, a conservative columnist, dive into the complexities of Trump's influence within the MAGA movement. They discuss media fatigue surrounding Trump, the shifting dynamics in MAGA coalitions, and the implications of Trump's foreign policy, especially his relationship with Saudi Arabia. The conversation also touches on issues like the crisis in K-12 education and why some tech leaders are leaning towards conservative politics.