
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

Aug 28, 2023 • 33min
Threats and Allies in the Indo-Pacific
Michael Beckley, associate professor of political science at Tufts University and a non-resident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region, including China and North Korea's hostility. The podcast explores foreign policy views within the Republican Party on China's threat, the challenges of alliance building, and the rising concern over North Korea's nuclear capabilities.

Aug 25, 2023 • 1h 2min
The Debate That Didn't Matter
Discussion about the GOP primary debate, including standout moments and the debate's significance. Analysis of the aftermath of a revolt in Russia and its implications for Putin's regime. Critique of Joe Biden's lack of communication skills and analysis of his response to a question. Exploring the intellectual and political relevance of constitutional arguments. Analyzing an unread article and podcast episode raising doubts about arguments against Donald Trump.

Aug 21, 2023 • 28min
The A.I. Arms Race in Political Ads
Darrell M. West, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and the co-editor-in-chief of TechTank, joins Grayson Logue to discuss the unique threat of AI in political ads. They explore the rise of AI-generated political ads, their influence on voter enthusiasm and turnout, and the impact of the information environment on trust and electoral outcomes. They also discuss strategies to address the harm caused by manipulated AI content online.

Aug 18, 2023 • 1h 1min
Braindead Partisanship
The hosts discuss the impact of recent indictments on the GOP and the potential for a shift away from Trump. They explore the challenges faced by third party candidates and analyze the politics of immigration. They also discuss the viral song 'The Rich Men, North of Richmond' and the phenomenon of controversies. A lighthearted conversation about swing dance and ska music turns into a discussion about accusations of 'Jew face'.

Aug 16, 2023 • 34min
No Labels, No Problem
Ryan Clancy from No Labels discusses the potential for a successful 3rd party candidate, the importance of ballot access, the process of nominating candidates, the evolving nature of political party platforms, addressing criticisms and pushing for change, and the complexity of political beliefs and the possibility of a unity ticket in the upcoming presidential election.

Aug 11, 2023 • 1h 4min
Wrath of the Normals
A "reserve army of voters" rejected a proposal to change the constitutional amendment process in an Ohio special election. What does the abortion proxy war for mean pro-life politics and the legacy of Dobbs? Sarah is joined by Steve and Jonah to discuss. Also:-DeSantis campaign reset-Will the GOP debates matter?-Revisiting the Dean Scream-Are adult sites worth your time? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 snips
Aug 6, 2023 • 1h 8min
Israel's Constitutional Moment
Israel is undergoing a sea change. The battle over a judicial overhaul hides much deeper national schisms. The Times of Israel Senior Political Analyst Haviv Rettig Gur joins Senior Producer Adaam James Levin-Areddy to try and make sense of the mess. Will the reform fix or break Israeli democracy? Why doesn't Israel have a constitution? Why are elite military volunteers joining the protest? Does Benjamin Netanyahu have a plan? Is the Israeli left dead? Is the Israeli right broken? And what does "right and left" even mean? (Not what it means in the U.S, that's for sure!)Show notes:-Gur's profile at the Times of Israel-The Morning Dispatch's latest coverage of the overhaul-Who is Itamar Ben Gvir? (A Dispatch Podcast explainer) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 4, 2023 • 1h 5min
Schrödinger's Trump
Sarah, Steve, and Jonah discuss Trump's indictment for the listeners not privy to niche legal podcasts. Can special counsel prove Trump's intent? Will Trump voters care? Also:-Addressing stupid arguments-Jonah's grudge against lawyers-NYT Siena Poll on Trump indictment-Fitch downgrades our credit score-(Not?) Worth Your Time extendedShow notes:-The Collision newsletter-David Brooks: What if We're the Bad Guys Here? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 28, 2023 • 1h 13min
Washington Is A Mess
Steve is back to monitor the Dispod as the Sarah, Mike, and David discuss Hunter Biden plea deals and GOP primary wackiness, but the conversation eventually derails into UFO territory. Tune in to hear the four discuss:-The wackiness of the GOP primary field-Ron DeSantis going bonkers with RFK Jr. potential appointments-UFO marketing campaign for skepticsShow Notes:-Check out Mike and Sarah's Collision newsletter for The Dispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 21, 2023 • 1h 16min
Self-Abasing Gestures and Canine Loyalties
It’s the never-ending story with Trump’s ongoing legal battles, but how exactly will the latest investigation impact Trump’s 2024 campaign? Kevin Williamson and Mike Warren join Sarah Isgur to break down the latest in MAGA land and:-Kevin McCarthy’s lack of self-respect-Ron DeSantis, so hot right now?-The trouble with RE-words-Nerds throwing punches-Barbie’s CCP mapShow Notes:-Sarah and Mike's joint project Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices