
The Dispatch Podcast
Host Sarah Isgur is joined by Steve Hayes, and Jonah Goldberg for a weekly thoughtful discussion on politics, policy, and culture.
Latest episodes

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 9min
'Democrats Should Stop Gaslighting Us' | Interview: Tim Miller
Tim Miller discusses backlash from calling for Biden to step down, the spin not working, comparisons between Trump and Biden, and the need for better leadership. He also touches on credibility in opinion journalism and alternative candidates to Biden.

Jul 8, 2024 • 43min
How MAGA Election Conspiracies Threaten Public Servants | Interview: Stephen Richer
Stephen Richer, Maricopa County recorder, discusses threats against public servants due to election conspiracies, examining 2020 fraud claims, Trump's knowledge, and future implications for 2024. Challenges within the Republican Party, defamation lawsuits, and predictions for the upcoming election are also covered.

Jul 4, 2024 • 50min
Dishonest, Partisan, or Just Bad at Their Job? | Roundtable
Podcast hosts discuss Fourth of July traditions, Biden's SCOTUS statement, Harris' challenges, media coverage of Biden's age, and implications for Trump's VP pick. Also explore historical documents, Democratic candidate selection challenges, and strategies for President Biden. Analyze scenarios for Democratic success, media bias in reporting on mental acuity, and challenges in reporting cognitive concerns in a public figure.

Jul 1, 2024 • 51min
Ex-Clinton Aide on Whether Joe Should Go | Interview: Philippe Reines
Political consultant and former aide to Hillary Clinton, Philippe Reines, discusses Biden's performance in the debate, the possibility of him dropping out, speculation on Hillary Clinton in 2024, and the potential threats of a Trump second term. They also touch on Biden's stuttering, Trump targeting Clinton, and Project 2025. Topics include Biden vs. Trump's health, a brokered convention, and the need for younger candidates in the Democratic Party.

11 snips
Jun 28, 2024 • 1h 6min
Yikes | Roundtable
Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle joins Sarah, Kevin, and Steve to dissect Joe Biden's debate performance. They debate if Joe will remain the nominee, Trump's veeptakes, and Trump's shortcomings. They question Biden's mental acuity and discuss the importance of clear leadership during crises.

Jun 24, 2024 • 50min
Destined for Greatness | Interview: Shilo Brooks
Dr. Shiloh Brooks from Princeton’s James Madison Program discusses studying historical statesmen, restoring ambition, challenges in higher education, and the significance of recognizing greatness in past and present leaders. The conversation explores Western classical tradition, ideological influences in classrooms, and the complexities of influential historical figures like Theodore Roosevelt and Frederick Douglass.

Jun 21, 2024 • 1h 2min
Why You Should Watch the Biden-Trump Debate ... On Mute | Roundtable
Sarah, Mike, and Jonah dissect the debate strategies of Biden and Trump. They discuss the importance of presidential debates, the effectiveness of communication strategies, and the impact of executive orders on immigration policies. They also touch on the shift from legislative victories to fundraising in interest groups and introduce a new Dispatch newsletter focusing on religion content.

Jun 17, 2024 • 43min
In Data We Trust | Interview: Steve Ballmer
Former Microsoft executive, Steve Ballmer, discusses USAfacts.org, data-based decision-making, immigration, healthcare, debt, AI's impact, and funding Harvard on The Dispatch Podcast.

Jun 14, 2024 • 59min
Hunter’s Trial, Alito’s Tribulations | Roundtable
Jonah and Steve delve into Hunter Biden's conviction, Biden's age impact, Nancy Mace's evolution, IVF debate, Alito's 'Godliness' comment, and the dynamics of political manipulation and media coverage in the current political landscape.

Jun 10, 2024 • 56min
Former NYT Producer on Groupthink in Journalism | Interview: Andy Mills
Former NYT producer Andy Mills discusses leaving seminary for journalism, groupthink in newsrooms, the power of young journalists, woke McCarthyism, Twitterization of journalists, and what makes a great podcast.