The Big Ben Show

On this episode, Ben sits down with WWE Co-founder and former Small Business Administrator under the Trump administration, Linda McMahon, to share why she believes wrestling is inherently a part of American culture. Plus, Linda and Ben discuss why it would not just be patriotic, but in the financial interests of many small businesses to cut ties with China. Later, Ben gives his thoughts on the attempted assassination of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and what the reaction says about the country's current political rhetoric. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Ben sits down with Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) to discuss his new book, Saving Nine: The Fight Against the Left’s Audacious Plan to Pack the Supreme Court and Destroy American Liberty, as well as the potential fallout, should the Supreme Court overturn Roe v. Wade later this month. Senator Lee explains why the leak out of the Supreme Court on a potential Roe v. Wade ruling is so detrimental, and why preserving the institution of the court is essential to the health of the Republic. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Ben sits down with the Republican candidate in this year's Ohio Senate race, JD Vance. They discuss where the conservative movement is going, and what Republicans could do if they win back the Senate this fall. Later, Ben gives his take on the significance of the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard trial. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Ben sits down with Michelle Black, a Gold Star wife and author of Sacrifice, The Green Berets, A Fateful Ambush, and a Gold Star Widow's Fight For The Truth, to discuss her difficult journey after losing her husband and raising two sons on her own. Later, Ben discusses different ways that you can help remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty this Memorial Day. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to discuss his new book, A Sacred Oath: Memoirs of a Secretary of Defense During Extraordinary Times. Secretary Esper explains why he believes the U.S. Navy needs a dramatic overhaul, why the Chinese Communist Party poses the greatest geopolitical threat and some insight into where President Trump and Secretary Esper differed on the best strategy to handle the border crisis. Later, Ben speaks with Captain Hung Cao, who recently won the Republican Primary in Virginia's 10th Congressional District. Captain Cao gives insight into how the Loudon County school district saga has motivated Virginia Republicans. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben has a bonus conversation with Senator Marco Rubio (R-FL) to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine and the threats the United States still face from China. Senator Rubio warns of worldwide food shortages due to the war, discusses why the baby formula crisis is a supply issue, not a demand issue, and shares some solutions to hopefully ensure this does not happen again. Later, Ben and Senator Rubio discuss the future of the Republican party. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), to discuss how he believes Republicans can successfully balance populism and upholding Conservative values. Additionally, Rep. Banks explains why he believes China is still America's number one geopolitical threat. Then, Ben sits down with Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares, to discuss the backlash that some Supreme Court justices are facing after the leak of the draft opinion to potentially overturn Roe V. Wade, and what Virginia is doing to protect them. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with New York Times bestselling author and New York Post columnist Douglas Murray, to discuss his new book, The War On The West. Ben and Douglas discuss why the modern American left have declared war on Western civilization, as Murray gives specifics on where he believes the left’s arguments are flawed, and how conservatives can fight back against the shifting culture before it is too late. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with former U.S. Attorney General under the Trump Administration, Bill Barr to give an inside and honest look at the final year of the Trump presidency. Attorney General Barr gives his analysis of what went wrong during the Trump Administration as well as what went right. The Attorney General draws on his experience serving under multiple Republican administrations to give analysis on issues such as election integrity as well as Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Later, Ben discusses why he believes the results of this month's primary elections will give insight into what sort of challenges President Trump could face from within the Republican party, should he decide to run. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this bonus episode, Ben sits down the House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) to discuss how he would manage a diverse Republican conference should he become Speaker of the House after the 2022 Midterm elections. Leader McCarthy addresses the controversial New York Times tapes following the events of January 6th, 2021 as well as shares his opinion on Elon Musk's Twitter takeover. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben sits down with the Host of 'The Rubin Report,' Dave Rubin, to discuss his new book, Don't Burn This Country and they weigh in on the implications of Big Tech censorship, as well as what the most effective ways are to fight back against "wokeism" in major institutions. Later, Ben breaks down his trip to the U.S.-Mexico border, and why he is disgusted by the actions of the Biden administration. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with Senator Bill Hagerty (R-TN) to discuss how Russia's war on Ukraine has changed America's foreign policy calculus, as well as why China's actions looming in the background of the war may pose far greater challenges down the road. Then Ben brings on former CIA analyst Martin Gurri who breaks down the relationship between politics and the media and how it affects every story from the war on Ukraine to Elon Musk's attempted Twitter takeover. Later, Ben discusses a new Quinnipiac poll that shows President Biden's approval rating continuously falling, and explains why Democrats are losing Latino support. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben has two very different, but vital conversations. He speaks with Deputy Director of the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, Matthew Kroenig, to discuss how the United States and NATO allies can navigate the complex geopolitical strategy in responding to Russia's war on Ukraine. Plus, how the war has changed China's calculus towards Taiwan. Then, Ben shifts gears and brings on Washington Post columnist and author of 'Rethinking Sex,' Christine Emba, to discuss the challenges of dating under the umbrella of the 'Me Too' movement, online dating, and hook-up culture. The two discuss how both men and women, in separate ways, are left feeling empty due to complex modern standards in the dating world. Later, Ben breaks down why prominent journalists such as Brian Stelter and Anne Applebaum struggled to answer questions from students at the University of Chicago on media bias and disinformation. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this bonus episode, Ben is joined by Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott who addresses his controversial and unorthodox plan to handle the Biden Administration's plan to lift COVID-era border restrictions. Governor Abbott explains why the move is necessary, as well as his other plans to address a border crisis he says much of the country is unprepared for. Later, Ben gives background on the history of trouble at the border, as well as why the cartel poses a threat to the stability of the Texas-Mexico region. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Ben sits down with Retired Four-Star General and FOX News Senior Strategic Analyst General Jack Keane who gives historical background to the Russian war on Ukraine. Plus, an analysis of why he believes the Ukrainians have given the Russians fierce resistance despite initial intelligence reports saying that major cities would fall in just days. Then, Historian and Senior Fellow at The Hoover Institution, Victor Davis Hanson explains what he believes President Putin's ultimate goals are, and why he believes the Biden Administration's foreign policy agenda has pushed Russia and China closer together. Later, Ben pivots from wars fought with weapons, to culture wars at home, and gives his analysis of some of the disturbing comments by Disney executives in a Zoom meeting. Follow Ben on Twitter @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with journalist and founder of Paloma Media, Nancy Rommelmann, to discuss her on the ground reporting inside the war zone in Ukraine. Nancy gives her first-hand insight into how the war is going, and what message Ukrainians have for those who have helped in the war effort. Later, Ben switches gears with author and Wall Street Journal columnist, Jason Riley, to discuss race and politics during the Biden era, covering everything from Critical Race Theory to his latest book, The Black Boom. Then, Ben discusses what lessons can be drawn from the recent events in Ukraine. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Ben has two very different conversations with Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) and former NFL sideline reporter and co-chair for the campaign for Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls, Michele Tafoya. Senator Scott sheds light on what he believes Republican should do if they win back the House and Senate this fall as well as some of the pushback that he has received. Then, Michele discusses her transition from the NFL sidelines to the political limelight, as well as her inspirational message to young people in the broadcasting business. Later, Ben gives his latest unique perspective on the war on Ukraine, and some of his insights as to how it could play out. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with Senior Research Fellow on Russia and Europe at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Anatol Lieven, and Founder and Executive Director of Power The Future, Daniel Turner. Anatol weighs in on how Putin's decisions are affected by the information he receives from his inner circle, what possible off-ramps for peace could be, and what might be next for Vladimir Putin. Then, Daniel discusses how the war has affected the energy industry and outlines why he believes President Biden's energy policies have purposefully increased the price of oil. Later, Ben discusses Putin's request for military aid from the Chinese, why this request is so important in the larger scale of geopolitics, and he ponders how either of their options could play out. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with Vice President of National Initiatives at the Texas Public Policy Foundation, Chuck DeVore, to discuss the latest developments in Russia's invasion of Ukraine. DeVore draws on his military background to explain why he believes the war has not gone as planned for President Vladimir Putin. They discuss what could bring about nuclear warfare, what the consequences of a no-fly zone would be, as well as how the free flow of information has changed public sentiment about the war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode, Ben sits down with the Vice Chairman of the America First Policy Institute Center for American Security, Frederick Fleitz, and Senior Editor at The Federalist, John Daniel Davidson, to break down all angles of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ben and Frederick discuss how past presidential administrations have handled Russia differently, then John comes on to analyze the military details of the invasion, and what Putin may do next. Later, Ben discusses the Hunter Biden Burisma saga, and how that once again may become relevant. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with columnist for Troy Media and Loonie Politics, contributor to the National Post and Washington Times, and former speechwriter to former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Michael Taube, and Freedom Convoy organizer Harold Jonker. Michael Taube tells Ben why he believes that the leadership over the entirety of Justin Trudeau's tenure ultimately led to this moment, and how he thinks this saga may play out. Later, Harold Junker discusses what the Freedom Convoy hopes to gain from their protest, and how media coverage has misrepresented their group. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with writer and New York Times Bestselling author, Johann Hari to discuss his new book Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention - And How To Think Deeply Again. Johann illustrates how modern technology has changed the way our brains work, why it will only get worse in the next forty years, and what you can do to help change that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with Hollywood Reporter for the Wall Street Journal, Erich Schwartzel to discuss his new book, Red Carpet: Hollywood, China, and the Global Battle for Cultural Supremacy. Erich shares how China exerts its influence on Hollywood, and why it is so difficult for actors, writers, and producers to make content that is critical of the Chinese government. Erich details how some well-known movies have specifically made changes to not draw the ire of China. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with FOX News @Night anchor and host of the Livin' The Bream podcast, Shannon Bream to discuss the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. They discuss Justice Breyer's legacy, as well as how the upcoming confirmation battle may play out. Later, Ben discusses how some Americans have been fighting back against COVID-19 mandates and restrictions, as well as his unique take on the Joe Rogan and Neil Young Spotify saga. Follow Ben on Twitter: @Bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with Mike Sielski, a columnist for The Philadelphia Inquirer, to discuss his new book, The Rise: Kobe Bryant and the Pursuit of Immortality. Mike shares some of the untold origin stories of Kobe Bryant's time growing up in Philadelphia and they take a look at the state of the NBA today. Later, Mike explains why he believes wokeism has infiltrated much of the sports media. Follow Ben on Twitter: @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with the Director of the Independent Women's Network, Julie Gunlock. Julie explains why she believes so many parents across the country are fed up with the current state of public education. Plus, she gives insight into how parents can pursue a change to public schooling that can help kids get the most out of their education. Follow Ben on Twitter @BDomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben and many familiar faces of The Federalist staff sit down to share their predictions for the year 2022. Each guest shares what they believe 2022 holds for various social issues, the Midterm Elections, COVID-19 mandates, and even sports & entertainment. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with author Tim Stanley to discuss his new book, Whatever Happened to Tradition? History, Belonging & the Future of the West. Tim examines the societal inheritance of traditions and its influence on the cultural evolution of the West. Later, he shares with Ben the parallel between the negative and positive impact of tradition. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, host Ben Domenech, publisher and co-founder of The Federalist, looks back at his conversation with Will Jordan, "The Critical Drinker." A professional writer and YouTuber specializing in film criticism with special emphasis on the Marvel franchise, and other similar "superhero" genres. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with author& host of the Beltway Banthas podcast, Stephen Kent to discuss his new book, How The Force Can Fix The World. Stephen shares why his book is a reflection on the increased demand for stoicism in an anti-stoic age, filtered through a Star Wars lens, which can be categorized as a truly apathetic story. He later explains the way Star Wars brings order to his life and explains the true message of the tale. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with author Elbridge Colby to discuss his new book, The Strategy of Denial: American Defense in an Age of Great Power Conflict. Elbridge examines the impact of trust and resources, in regards to protecting American power across the world, in light of China's strengthening desire for global dominance. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with author and journalist Sam Quinones to discuss his new book, The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth. Sam examines the nature of addiction, the responses to it as human beings, and the variety of addictions, including drugs, alcohol, social media, and even sugar that are raging across America’s cities. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben sits down with linguist, professor, and author John McWhorter to discuss both of his new books, Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter: Then, Now, and Forever and Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America. John shares why he decided to examine profanity from every angle: historical, sociological, political, and linguistic. Later, he argues that even as a black liberal, he thinks that the left has taken the idea of 'anti-racist' too far. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Brian Kilmeade co-host of FOX & Friends on The FOX News Channel and Host of The Brian Kilmeade Show on FOX News Radio, to discuss his latest book The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, and Their Battle to Save America's Soul. Brian shares why it’s important to shed light on these stories of individuals who came from nothing only to rise into American heroes. Later, he shares his thoughts on the way Manhattan has changed throughout the pandemic. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Senator Josh Hawley (R-MO) to explain the status of the Department of Justice regarding the 'display of ignorance' from United States Attorney General Merrick Garland. Senator Hawley defends his memo criticizing the Attorney General for weaponizing the FBI against parents and says it's time to give them the basic right to know what their children are learning in school, especially if their school district is federally funded. Later, he discusses the newly negative perspective on men across America given the 'woke' culture. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by the Executive Director of Fight for Schools, Ian Prior to discuss the influence of Loudon County on last week’s Virginia Governor’s race. Ian explains the importance of the First Amendment being acknowledged at School Board Association meetings. He also explains what motivated him to spearhead “The Parent Revolution” and recruit people to join in the Fight for Schools. Later, Ian shares his thoughts on the future of education as more alternatives to public school emerge. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Senior Writer at National Review, a Nationally Syndicated Columnist, and author, David Harsanyi to discuss his latest book, Eurotrash: Why America Must Reject the Failed Ideas of a Dying Continent. David explains why looking to Europe for answers to America's problems could lead the country down the wrong path. He also breaks down what he thinks the impacts are for pushing more responsiveness from the government. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben is joined by former United States Senator Joe Lieberman to discuss his new book, The Centrist Solution: How We Made Government Work and Can Make It Work Again. Senator Lieberman examines the only way true legislative progress can be made is if both parties can reject extremism and embrace constructive compromise in the center; however, he believes this is what the U.S. government lacks today, and that is the true problem of American politics. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Political Commentator and NYTimes Best Selling author, Victor Davis Hanson, to discuss his new book The Dying Citizen: How Progressive Elites, Tribalism, and Globalization Are Destroying the Idea of America. Victor examines the influence of government on our understanding of class distinctions and explains the middle class' "perpetual state of childhood." Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by FOX News Chief Political Anchor, Anchor of Special Report with Bret Baier, and host of The All Star Panel podcast, Bret Baier to discuss his new book, To Rescue the Republic: Ulysses S. Grant, the Fragile Union, and the Crisis of 1876. Bret shares what it took to cover such a controversial time in American history when writing his new book and shares his experience running The Special Report program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Author, Public-Relations Strategist, and Host of the podcast The Daily Stoic, Ryan Holiday, to discuss his most recent book Courage Is Calling: Fortune Favors the Brave. Ryan shares his idea of courage as one of the four cardinal virtues, discusses the issue of courage in America, and draws examples from history as a way to move forward in the future. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Author, Cartoonist, and Creator of the Dilbert comic strip Scott Adams gives his unique perspective on politics and American society. Scott discusses the power of persuasion as a means of shifting the way people perceive the many dynamics of the world and facing harsh realities. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by New York-based comedian and actor Tyler Fischer to reminisce on the legacy of the late Norm Macdonald. Tyler shares his experience as a comedian on social media during the pandemic. He also analyzes the business of comedy and and how it has changed over time. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Miranda Devine, New York Post Columnist, and FOX News Contributor to discuss some of the major problems they see in reporting and modern media. Miranda shares her experience covering stories other mainstream media outlets won’t, and her thoughts on the lessons she’s taken away since 9/11. Miranda also shares insight into her new book, Laptop From Hell: Hunter Biden, Big Tech, and the Dirty Secrets the President Tried to Hide Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben takes a look back at a conversation with baseball writer and statistician, Bill James. Bill weighs in on which reforms the MLB can implement to improve game play and fan engagement. They also explore the intersection of politics and culture in professional sports, and Major League Baseball’s recent decision to move the All-Star Game out of Atlanta, Georgia in response to a Republican voting rights bill. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Golden State Warriors Beat Reporter for The Athletic and House of Strauss newsletter founder Ethan Strauss to discuss what political and cultural dynamics are affecting sports media. Ethan shares his perspective on why sports journalists and columnists speak out on social media as a moral authority when responding to events in society. He also explains how "wokeness" and the increase of drastically opposing viewpoints have changed the way people interact on media platforms. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, Ben Domenech is joined by Co-Founder and Principal of The Marathon Initiative Elbridge Colby to discuss America’s involvement in the Afghanistan crisis. Elbridge shares his take on President Joe Biden’s responses in a recent interview with George Stephanopoulos. He also shares his thoughts on American policy and the true purpose of our government. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the fray with host Ben Domenech, publisher and co-founder of The Federalist, as he welcomes Byron York, Fox News Contributor, and Chief Political Correspondent at The Washington Examiner. As Afghanistan falls to the Taliban, Byron breaks down the United States' presence in the region over the last 20 years. They discuss the actions of the Biden administration, the goals of previous administrations, and the long-term ramifications of this event on the way the Biden White House is covered in the press. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the fray with host Ben Domenech, publisher and co-founder of The Federalist, as he welcomes Jimmy Failla, host of FOX Across America, a comedian, and former NYC cab driver. This week, Jimmy shares his perspective on politics as a native New Yorker, giving this week's episode a touch of comedy when discussing the ridiculousness of NY politics, and how they are rich with irony, personal conflict, and overall stupidity. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into the fray with host Ben Domenech, publisher and co-founder of The Federalist, as he welcomes Savannah Edwards, aka @thisissavvy, a viral Tik-Tok content creator and social media influencer. On this episode, Savannah discusses her thoughts on our current socio-cultural moment, the importance of Patriotism and Christianity in her messages on the social media platform and the correct role of the American "free" press. Follow Ben on Twitter: @bdomenech Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices