The Dispatch Podcast

Is the Jeffrey Epstein issue blowing up the MAGA base? Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and David French join Steve Hayes to discuss the Epstein files and their implications for Vance 2028, delayed resolve toward Russia, and the Supreme Court’s apparent greenlight for Department of Education cuts.And, of course, an extended Not Worth Your Time on soda. The Agenda:—Jeffrey Epstein catch-up—Little Epstein, big Epstein—Why can’t Trump shut this down?—Kudos to First Lady Melania Trump—Putin’s dark determination meets Trump’s hurt feelings—Monday’s SCOTUS decision looks good for Trump administration—for now —Stuart Stevens’ on killing the DOE—The Platonic ideal of Coca-Cola Show notes: David’s July 13 New York Times column Jonah’s June 6 G-File: “The Inevitable Splintering to Come” Mike’s piece: “The Epstein Conspiracy Eats Its Own.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re flipping the script this week, with executive producer Adaam James Levin-Areddy talking to Jamie Weinstein about Jamie’s interviewing philosophy and the future of the show. The Agenda:—Interviewing bad-faith actors—The Mehdi Hasan interview—Douglas Murray/Dave Smith debate—Future guests and format—Jamie’s most regretted interview Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Warren is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and Kevin Williamson to react to the latest internal fights within Donald Trump’s White House on Ukraine and explain the logic behind flip-flops on immigration enforcement. The Agenda:—Rogue pause on Ukraine aid—Freelancing at the Pentagon—Trump vs. the restrainers—ICE raids in Los Angeles—Trump’s flip-flop on immigration—The hispanic vote—UFC on the South Lawn The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Originally aired on Oct. 16, 2024. Palestinian-American activist and resident senior fellow at The Atlantic Council Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib joins Adaam James Levin-Areddy to discuss growing up in the Gaza Strip, the challenge of polling public opinion in Gaza, the future of Palestinian self-governance, whether there is a meaningful contingent in support seeking peace with Israel. The Agenda: —The story of Gaza —Hamas vs. Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) —October 7 —Breaking down support for Hamas in Gaza —Palestinian sovereignty and UNRWA —Do Palestinians want peace? —The radicalism of the moderate voice Show Notes: —⁠⁠Ahmed’s piece for The Dispatch⁠⁠ —⁠⁠Adaam talks with Dr. Einat Wilf about UNRWA and the refugee industrial complex⁠⁠ —⁠⁠Adaam and Jonah talk on Oct. 7, 2023⁠⁠ The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and weekly livestreams—⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Megan McArdle to explain the consequences of passing President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Is fiscal conservatism officially dead? The Agenda:—Big beautiful bill—God save us from “the groups”—The political process is broken—Abandoning Ukraine—Republican divide on Russia—Alliances don’t matter—The Next 250—What makes America great The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Frum joins Jamie Weinstein to break down Trump’s Iran strikes, the brewing civil war within MAGA over foreign policy, and the winners (and losers) of the tariff war. The Agenda:—The state of the Trump administration—Analyzing the Iran strikes—MAGA’s foreign policy split—Immigration policy—J.D. Vance and opportunism—What’s going on with the Democratic Party? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a growing fog over what exactly American forces accomplished in Iran on Saturday—and whether regime change is still on the table. Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg and Mike Warren to discuss the intelligence-gathering process and why Iran is just not the same as Iraq, as well as New York City’s Democratic mayoral primary. Will Mamdani’s victory be good news for the Trump administration and for Florida’s real estate market? The Agenda:—Iran, Saturday to today—Intelligence, national security, and institutional trust—Vietnam Syndrome turned Iraq Syndrome—Where the wind might be blowing on Iran’s regime change—Why NYC’s mayoral race might be good for Florida real estate—Campaign advice—Summer sips and the speculative history of Orange Crush Show notes:—Mike Warren for The Dispatch: “What the Iran Strike Reveals About MAGA’s Future”—Jeffrey Goldberg on The Remnant—Kevin Williamson for The Dispatch: “Yes to Regime Change in Iran”—Jeremiah Johnson for The Dispatch: “Mamdani's Big Apple Upset” The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former National Security Adviser John Bolton joins Steve Hayes to react to the United States’ attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend and outline what he wants to see next from the Trump administration. Then, Steve is joined by Kevin Williamson, Charlotte Lawson, and retired Army Special Forces officer Mike Nelson to discuss Israel’s role and how Iran might retaliate. The Agenda:—Bolton on what regime change looks like—Should we send boots on the ground?—Vice President J.D. Vance on no regime change—Iran’s technology in the conflict—Making a face-saving deal—Alliance of malfeasance Show Notes:—TMD's reporting on the strikes—Mike Nelson's piece for The Dispatch defending the strikes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it time to take out Iran’s Fordow nuclear site? As pundits gaze through their crystal balls attempting to determine what President Trump will do next, Trump administration officials are fighting over the United States’ direct involvement in the Iran-Israel conflict. Sarah Isgur, Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and John McCormack analyze the many factions of MAGA and the future of Iran. The Agenda:—Israel and Iran: what’s next?—Tulsi Gabbard trying to be relevant—The cult of Trumpism—We’re against political violence Show Notes:—Jonathan Ruhe’s piece for The Dispatch—Jonah’s Remnant with Ken Pollack The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jamie Weinstein is joined by Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska to discuss her new book, Far from Home: An Alaskan Senator Faces the Extreme Climate of Washington, D.C., as well as Congress’ role in the Iran-Israel conflict. The Agenda:—Lessons learned from Congress—Congressional approval and conflict with Iran—Should the U.S. support regime change?—Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill—Political retribution from President Trump—January 6: ‘You cannot unsee what we saw.’—Age limits in Congress—Optimism for democracy Scheduling Note: This episode’s publication was moved up due to the news value of the conversation. The Dispatch Podcast with Jamie Weinstein will return on Monday, June 30. The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adaam James Levin-Areddy is joined by Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal to explain Israel’s surprise attack on Iran and its effect on the future of the region. The Agenda:—Degrading Iran’s nuclear capability—Regime change in Iran—America’s role—5-D chess from Trump?—How the ayatollah sees the world—The failure of Islamic republics—The Axis of Terror’s miscalculation—Ballistic missiles vs. cruise missiles The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes, Sarah Isgur, David French, and Jonah Goldberg break down what counts as an “insurrection” after the L.A. riots—and why the chaos might be hurting Trump in the optics war. The Agenda:—Unrest in Los Angeles—In defense of norms—What is an insurrection?—Polling on Los Angeles unrest—"Worse the better"—Tulsi Gabbard's strange nuke video—SANE / FREEZE part two—NWYT: Child rot summer Show Notes:—Jonah Goldberg on Trump and carnage The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Former New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu joins Jamie Weinstein to discuss his experience advising former President Joe Biden, the challenges facing the Democratic Party, and where political messaging fails. The Agenda:—How bad was Joe Biden’s mental decline?—Strategy for the Democratic Party—The immigration debate and its impact on voters—Reaching out to the working class Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes hosted today’s roundtable, joined by Jonah Goldberg, Michael Warren, and Megan McArdle to discuss the disturbing attack against anti-Hamas protesters in Boulder, Colorado, and the horrific rise in antisemitic violence. Plus: Is the “woke right” a thing? The Agenda:—The recent slew of antisemitic attacks—Violence within the pro-Palestinian movement—The house is on fire and Rod Dreher is in the foyer—Young people are entertaining taboos—Jonah's brush with antisemitism and the Trump movement in 2016—Tucker Carlson as lightning rod for the woke right—Youthful idiocy—Mike’s trips to the liquor store near the office The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Megan McArdle joins Jamie Weinstein to react to the first few months of Donald Trump’s presidency and to explain why America needs to win the A.I. race. The Agenda:—Liberation Day: “It was shambolic”—Trump’s shadow Cabinet—What DOGE got right (and wrong)—Elon Musk: A “managerial mad genius?”—Paul Ryan vindicated again—How to adapt to an A.I. world—Calm before the A.I. storm The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Warren is joined by David French, Jonah Goldberg, Steve Hayes, and Grayson Logue to discuss the latest legal challenges to the Trump administration’s Liberation Day tariffs and the most recent round of presidential pardons. The Agenda:—The Cases That Could Stop Trump’s Tariffs—Will Trump double down on tariffs?—Openly corrupt pardons—Can the courts save American politics?—Trump’s transactional politics—Russia-Ukraine peace talks—A new Putin—NWYT: Communal kid discipline? Show Notes—Ilya Somin for The Dispatch—Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson on The Remnant Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Seasoned journalist Matti Friedman joins Jamie Weinstein to unpack the current state of Israel’s war against Hamas, exploring the tension between military objectives and the return of hostages. He also delves into the role of American leadership, the morality of warfare, and what the future might hold for Israeli-Iranian relations. The Agenda:—Public trust in Israel's government is at an all-time low—The dilemma of the hostage return—Perception of American leadership and Donald Trump—Qatar: friend or foe?—Taking out Iran’s nukes—Is there a Leonard Cohen in today’s war? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sarah Isgur is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Steve Hayes, and Michael Warren to discuss Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s new reporting out of Original Sin on Joe Biden’s cognitive decline. Plus, Dispatch Capitol Hill reporter Charles Hilu joins to break down the House's "big beautiful bill." The Agenda:—Big beautiful explanation—No tax on tips?—Biden’s Original Sin—Media accountability—“The media gets a C minus at best.”—NWYT: Is AI taking entry-level jobs? Show Notes:—Rep. Keith Self on the “big beautiful bill”—Scott Lincicome on AI and jobs The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including members-only newsletters, bonus podcast episodes, and regular livestreams—⁠⁠⁠click here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Two governors walk into the Reagan Library and find common ground. Steve Hayes is joined by Utah Governor Spencer Cox (R) and New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), to discuss bipartisanship, mutual respect, and the value of healthy conflict. The Agenda:—Defining tribes—Media outrage and news cycles—We should all join bowling teams—We can’t explain policy in 280 characters—Intra-party tensions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay Nordlinger, formerly of National Review and the author of the Onward and Upward Substack, joins Jamie Weinstein to discuss President Donald Trump’s MAGAfication of the GOP. They explore themes of corruption, transparency, American exceptionalism, and the evolution of the Republican Party, while reflecting on the legacy of conservatism and the future of conservative journalism. —The first 100 days—Andrew Jackson 2.0?—The Middle East tour—Stories about Bill Buckley—The future of conservative journalism Show Notes—Jay’s farewell post at National Review—Jay’s Substack Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices