The Remnant with Jonah Goldberg

Today’s Ruminant, recorded live from an undisclosed hotel in the depths of Chicago, finds Jonah even more scatterbrained than usual. Although he begins by discussing the nature of the First Amendment and why Twitter isn’t at the heart and soul of American democracy, he quickly abandons rank punditry and veers in a radically different direction. With a vacation in Istanbul coming up, Jonah tells the long, strange tale of his first visit to the city, which may or may not evoke comparisons to Midnight Express. It’s an unconventional episode, but don’t say you weren’t warned. Show Notes: - Bari Weiss’ “Twitter Files” - David French: “Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson Don’t Understand the First Amendment” - Christian Schneider: “Does Nobody Understand How the First Amendment Works?” - The Remnant with Scott Lincicome - The Remnant with Jonathan Rauch - Charlie Cooke and Michael Brendan Dougherty debate Republican electability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonathan Rauch, beloved scholar at the otherwise hated Brookings Institution, returns to the Remnant for some spirited kvetching about primaries, polarization, and the state of democracy. He and Jonah also mix in some ruminations on the Republican Party’s dysfunction, the nature of racism in contemporary American society, and how identity politics radicalizes people. Be ready with your bingo cards. Show Notes: - Jonathan’s page at Brookings - Jonathan’s previous Remnant appearance - Jonathan’s latest book, The Constitution of Knowledge - Jonathan and Ray La Raja: “Too Much Democracy Is Bad for Democracy” - “Toward a More Responsible Two Party System” - Elaine Kamarck: “Is democracy failing and putting our economic system at risk?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heroic wonksplainer Scott Lincicome is back on the Remnant to discuss his new book, Empowering the American Worker: Market‐​Based Solutions for Today’s Workforce, which examines what effective pro-worker policies should look like in today’s political climate. Predictably, things get nerdy, as the conversation explores education policy, the demands of urban living, and the great vampire-werewolf debate (tune in for clarification). Where is the government going wrong in its approach to the workforce? Can relying on the free market ever create problems? And how bullish should we be about remote work? Show Notes: - Scott’s newsletter, Capitolism - Scott’s new book, Empowering the American Worker - Scott previews the book in The Dispatch - The Remnant with Russ Roberts - Ryan Streeter: “Place and the Pursuit of Happiness, Upward Mobility and the American Dream” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Finally on the verge of overcoming his lingering COVID symptoms, Jonah approaches today’s rambly Ruminant with renewed verve. After tackling the strangeness of Elon Musk’s Twitter reign and the freakishness of Kanye West, he explores how Trumpification has changed the right and what sane Republicans can do to move forward. From there, things get philosophical, as Jonah examines the nature of ethical universals and what specifically is immoral about authoritarian regimes. Finally, things conclude with some sweet, nourishing dog content. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - Election denial in Cochise County - Newt Gingrich: “Quit Underestimating President Biden” - The Economist’s Drum Tower podcast - The Remnant with Alexandra Horowitz - Jonah: “Mau-Mauing the Dogcatcher” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a while since the Remnant featured a dog expert, but today, Dr. Alexandra Horowitz—a professor at Barnard College of Columbia University—joins the program to fill that void. Some seriously rank cynology ensues, as Jonah and Alexandra explore everything you could ever want to know about canine cognition. Do dogs have a unique friendship with humans, or are they just social parasites? Why do dogs react in different ways to different people? And are dog shows a stain on mankind? Show Notes: - Alexandra’s webpage - Alexandra’s new book, The Year of the Puppy - Alexandra’s previous books: Inside of a Dog - Being a Dog - And Our Dogs, Ourselves - Alexandra: “What Does it Feel Like to Be a Dog?” - The Remnant with Michael H. Parsons (rat guy) - The world’s smartest dog Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Revitalized after his latest struggle with COVID, Jonah invites AEI senior fellow and foreign policy expert Michael Rubin back to the Remnant to discuss how America should respond to challenges posed by China, Russia, and the Middle East. Should the U.S. government embrace regime change? What’s at stake for the West in Taiwan and Ukraine? And should we be optimistic about liberalism in China and Iran? Show Notes: - Michael’s page at AEI - Michael: “Why Is the US Never Prepared for Regime Change?” - The Chicken Kiev speech - Paul Kennedy’s The Rise and Fall of the Great Powers - Lin Wells’ memo to Donald Rumsfeld Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last year, Remnant regular Matt Ridley published Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19, which explored the theory that the virus leaked from a laboratory. Today, he’s back on the program to discuss how things have changed since the book’s publication with a suitably COVID-addled Jonah. Has the lab-leak theory become more persuasive? Did the pandemic fuel a backslide in vaccinations? And can Britons and Americans ever resolve their linguistic differences? Show Notes: - Matt’s latest book, Viral - Matt’s previous Remnant appearance - Matt: “COVID origin case reopened: A lab leak is a legitimate question”- John Barry’s The Great Influenza Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After a long and draining week of speeches, fancy dinners, and finally acknowledging the existence of his intern, Jonah phones in the beginning of today’s Ruminant by simply reading through the stories in Friday’s Morning Dispatch. Luckily, things quickly pick up speed when Jonah turns to a wacky article by the mother of the recently disgraced CEO of FTX on why we should abandon the concept of personal responsibility. A lengthy philosophical discussion follows on the problems inherent in critical analysis, the necessity of pricing signals, and why bad ideas must be taken seriously. Following some thoughts on judicial activism and the future of the Federalist Society, Jonah wraps things up by discussing hope, optimism, and the nature of despair. Show Notes: - Barbara H. Fried: “Beyond Blame”- “A Moment of Truth for the Federalist Society” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recovery mode from a hectic period of midterm punditry, Jonah invites his immigrant amanuensis Guy back to the Remnant to spend some time answering listener questions. A strange and broad conversation ensues, as Jonah provides some rank predictions for the 2024 election cycle, reflects on his career in blogging, and indulges in a few fiendishly nerdy asides about Marvel and Star Trek. And of course, he can’t resist interrogating Guy about his recent voyage on a Kiss-themed cruise. Show Notes: - Jonah and Guy’s previous AMA extravaganza - Haley Byrd Wilt: “The Freedom Caucus’ Reform Opportunity” - “Florida man makes announcement” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With demand for rank election punditry at historically high levels, Chris Stirewalt captains today’s Remnant voyage through the convoluted current of midterm results. He’s joined by trusted wonk Ruy Teixeira to discuss the 2022 turnout numbers, the nature of “normie” voters, and the inevitable overinterpreting of Democrats’ success in grasping only a small defeat out of the jaws of a much larger one. Demography-galore abounds in the second half of the show, as Chris and Ruy analyze future trends, crackpot electoral theories, and how Democrats should approach the Lovecraftian maw of the 2024 election. Show Notes: -Ruy’s page at AEI -Chris’ page at The Dispatch -Ruy: “Democrats Can’t Count on Trump in 2024” -Chris: “The Wave Against Weirdness” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trapped in the urban prison popularly referred to as Manhattan, Jonah surrenders to the call of rank punditry and discusses the midterm results on today’s Ruminant. How did the Republicans squander such an obviously winnable election, and what role did Trump play in the disaster? Furthermore, could Biden really win again in 2024? Have Jonah’s views on Ron DeSantis shifted? And should these results inspire hope that conservatism can right itself? Show Notes: - The Remnant with Ken Pollack - Wednesday’s “news”letter - The Dispatch Podcast provides a midterm postmortem - Jonah on 2016’s slow-motion Invasion of the Body Snatchers - George Orwell: “Second Thoughts on James Burnham” - Charlie Cooke: “Did Republicans Pick the Right Time to Lose?” - The Remnant with Yuval Levin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

AEI Senior Fellow Ken Pollack returns to the Remnant for a wonktastic discussion of the Middle East. With continued Iranian protests dominating international headlines, the conversation centers on the stability of the Iranian regime, the goals of the Iranian people, and how the United States should respond. Why do continued mass demonstrations in Iran seem to be an intellectual afterthought in the West? What will happen to Iran’s nuclear program if its government collapses? And what are the best things the Biden administration could do to help the Iranian people? Show Notes: - Ken’s page at AEI - Ken: “A Stronger But Less Ambitious NATO” - Ken: “The Middle East Abhors a Vacuum” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shadi Hamid of the hated Brookings Institution returns to the Remnant to discuss his new book, The Problem of Democracy: America, the Middle East, and the Rise and Fall of an Idea. He and Jonah engage in a nerdtastic exploration of democracy—its strengths, its weaknesses, and how it should be understood in the American context. What is “democratic minimalism,” and should we embrace it? Why is democracy particularly well suited to a society as large and diverse as the United States? And what should primary elections be replaced with? Show Notes: - Shadi’s page at The Atlantic - Shadi’s new book, The Problem of Democracy - Shadi: “Can Democracy Exist Without Liberalism?” - Biden’s befuddled speech - Jonah: “The Cult of Unity Is a Poison” - Jonah on the “Life of Julia” - Pajama Boy - Jonah on Making Sense with Sam Harris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah finds himself unable to resist the allure of rank punditry on today’s Ruminant. He begins by describing how little he cares about the upcoming midterms before diving into a lengthy rant on that very matter. Next, he tackles the state of Trump’s continued influence on the Republican Party, the ills of the modern legislative process, and the undermining of confidence in elections by both parties. After a brief foray into John Dewey’s “screwed up” view of democracy, Jonah finishes the show with commentary on Putin’s rejection of liberal democratic capitalism, the hypocrisy of his attacks on America, and why Francis Fukuyama was right all along (again). Show Notes: - Richard Rorty’s Achieving Our Country - Jonah: “Putin’s Dangerous Blend of Propaganda and Hypocrisy” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Addicted to the sensation of power that the Remnant command chair provides, Sarah Isgur takes control of the program once again. She’s joined by famed pollster Kristen Soltis Anderson to discuss the reliability of polls and the future of the polling industry, as well as the midterms and the 2024 presidential election. Tune in also to learn about Sarah’s spindrift habit, Kristen’s exceptional canine companion, and what really appeals to young voters. Show Notes: -Kristen’s webpage -The Fetterman-Oz debate -Kristen’s The Selfie Vote -Kristen: “Democrats Just Can’t Seal the Deal with Young Americans” - Sean Trende’s The Lost Majority Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant returns to normalcy today as Chris Stirewalt joins Jonah to provide a preview of the midterms. With only a week remaining until election day, what level of turnout should we expect? For that matter, will the Republicans enjoy a red tsunami? How will Dobbs influence the results? And what does the attack on Paul Pelosi reveal about our political climate? Show Notes: -Chris’ page at The Dispatch -Last weekend’s Ruminant -Last Friday’s G-File -Chris' book 'Broken News' -Wall Street Journal: “Republican Election Prospects Rise as Inflation Overshadows Abortion” -Kari Lake mocks the Paul Pelosi attack -The Remnant with Yuval Levin -The Paul Lynde Halloween Special -Never been KISSed Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join Jonah on today’s solo episode as he remembers his mother, Lucianne Goldberg, who died peacefully this week surrounded by her people –– and pets! –– who loved her. Links: -John Podhoretz’s moving tribute Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s eclectic episode of The Remnant, Sarah is joined by Mo Elleithee, executive director of the Institute of Politics and Public Service at Georgetown University, to discus elections, tribalism, and Halloween. The two explore the shrinking acceptability of bipartisan friendships, the effects of campaign finance reform on polarization, and the importance of understanding the arguments of the other side. Stick around until the end for a heart-wrenching tale of unrequited avian love and to hear Sarah publicly debut her much anticipated screech owl call. Show Notes: -Mo on The Dispatch Podcast -The New York Times on the new campaign press aides Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David takes the reins on today's recording where he hosts GQ correspondent and New York Times Magazine contributor Robert Draper to discuss his new book Weapons of Mass Delusion: When the Republican Party Lost its Mind. Why has the Republican party gone crazy? What’s up with Marjorie Taylor Greene? And what might a Republican House majority look like after the midterms? Stay tuned as David and Robert explore all of this and more on today’s action-packed episode of The Remnant. Show Notes: -Robert: “The Problem of Marjorie Taylor Greene” -Robert’s new book, Weapons of Mass Delusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s gripping Ruminant, Jonah waxes philosophical about topics far and wide. Things kick off with further thoughts on Wednesday’s episode with Yuval Levin, where Jonah explores an additional aspect of Burke’s philosophy and its applicability to todays’ insular political factions. Next, he delves into Oakeshott’s theory of civil and enterprise associations and the tendency of despotic regimes to view the structure of society through the wrong lens. Finally, Jonah discusses the origins of modern American Conservatism, Progressivism’s roots in the New Deal, and William James’ conception of the moral equivalent of war. Show Notes: -Wednesday’s The Remnant with Yuval Levin -We Need to Stop Calling Ourselves Conservatives Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Snowbound in the depths of Pennsylvania, Jonah invites the inimitable Yuval Levin back to the Remnant for a philosophical yet accessible conversation on the responsibilities we face as members of a free society. What’s the best way to approach political and civic life in the United States, and how should we treat our institutions? For that matter, why is cynicism harmful? Can higher education be fixed? And is the internet damaging democracy? Show Notes: - Yuval’s page at AEI - A Time to Build, still available from all good booksellers - Yuval: “The Constitution and National Unity” - Yuval’s ideas for repairing democracy - Mark Leibovich’s This Town - “You are all individuals” - Robert Nisbet’s The Quest for Community - Arnold Kling: “How the Internet Turned Bad” - Yuval: “Politics After the Internet” - Megan McArdle: “It’s time for major institutions to make their employees get off of Twitter” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s that time again: We’ve reached The Dispatch’s third birthday, and to celebrate, Jonah invites Steve Hayes back to the Remnant to discuss the state of the institution. With water in hand rather than alcohol, they reflect on The Dispatch’s internal growth, its departure from Substack, and some of the most memorable events of the past year. Then, they preview some exciting plans for the future while addressing a few important questions: What sets The Dispatch apart? Will the fabled Dispatch app ever be invented? And how optimistic should we be about American political life? Show Notes: - The Dispatch’s manifesto - The Morning Dispatch walks you through the new Dispatch website - Neil Postman’s Amusing Ourselves to Death - James Stewart’s Follow the Story - David Freedlander: “Why Republicans Stopped Talking to the Press” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In yet another self-indulgent extravaganza, Jonah tackles political topics both old and new in today's Ruminant. Leading off with current events, Jonah gives his thoughts on the final January 6th hearings and inflation’s tendency to make all other ills hurt worse. Next, in a fit of righteous indignation, Jonah dives deeply into his seemingly bottomless pit of Woodrow Wilson hatred to discuss the historic memory-holing of Wilson’s transgressions and their growing appreciation among the mainstream. Things are finally capped off with a lengthy discussion of tribalism, urban politics, and the failures of universities. Producer’s note: This episode contains an abundance of Woodrow Wilson references. Out of concern for listeners’ sanity, the musical cue was reserved for only the most poignant of mentions. Show Notes: - Rick Perlstein: “When America Had a Moral Panic Over Inflation” - The New York Times reviews American Midnight - Jonah: “Of Memory Holes and Memory Buriers” - The New York Times reviews Liberal Fascism - This week’s Dispatch Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

To mark the arrival of The Dispatch’s new website, Jonah invites Kevin Williamson back to the Remnant for another nerdishly random conversation. They begin by discussing the oppression of the QWERTY keyboard, strange quirks of the free market, and the benefits of democracy, before turning to the legacy of the New Deal and pressing matters of rank punditry. Will the Remnant ever become the majority? Have Kevin’s anarchic instincts mellowed? And what does the future hold for The Dispatch? Show Notes: - Kevin’s page at The Dispatch - The story of QWERTY - The horseshoe crab: same as it ever was? - Jonah: “Slouching Towards the Old World” - Robert Higgs’ Crisis and Leviathan - Amity Shlaes' The Forgotten Man - Kevin’s The End Is Near and It’s Going to Be Awesome - Kevin: “‘A Normal Politician’” - The Remnant (hosted by Sarah Isgur) with Jonathan Swan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Jonah flees the oppressive heat of Texas, Sarah Isgur takes control of the Remnant with weird and wonderful results. She’s joined by Jonathan Swan of Axios, and her uncomfortably personal lines of questioning—which cover kangaroo meat, childhood crushes, and the pains of immigration—may discourage him from ever returning. Serious conversation is also mixed in on the midterm elections, which raises a number of questions: How are Trump’s picks likely to perform in November? What will our parties look like in 10 years? And are campaign staffers dragging Democratic politicians to the cultural left? Show Notes: - Sarah’s page at The Dispatch - Jonathan’s page at Axios - The Herschel Walker situation - Jonathan: “Trumpier Than Trump” - Jonathan: “Team Trump Sees Special Masters as Deep FBI Skeptic” - The Remnant with Ruy Teixeira Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a defiant act against the forces that seek to make his recordings shorter, Jonah delivers an especially self-indulgent Ruminant that covers an eclectic range of topics. Following a lengthy period of proverbial throat-clearing, Jonah begins by discussing news of Ben Sasse’s departure from the Senate and tensions within the “Never Trump” wing of conservative politics. Things then take a philosophical turn as Jonah explores the narcissism of small differences, arrogance of intellect, and why Republicans and Democrats irrationally undermine electoral institutions at their own peril. Stick around until the end for some thoughts on Mitch McConnell and a touch of much needed housekeeping. Show Notes: -Jonah’s Breaking Bad cover story for National Review -This week’s French Press -American Greatness on Jonah and Covfefe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Klon Kitchen, The Dispatch’s resident foreign policy maestro, takes control of the Remnant today with predictably wonky results. His guest is Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute who shares his expertise on national security. Together, they take a deep dive into the ongoing Ukraine conflict, exploring how things have changed since it began and what we can expect in the coming months. What tactics have the Ukrainians been employing? At this point, what is Putin’s goal? And could Russia use a nuclear weapon? Show Notes: - Luke’s Hudson Institute webpage - Klon’s page at The Dispatch - Luke: “Prepare Ukraine for Victory in a Long War” - Klon: “Putin’s Petulance” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the mend from a hectic book tour, the ever-reliable Chris Stirewalt returns to the Remnant for some old fashioned rank punditry on partisanship, the midterms, and America’s changing demographics. After discussing the Herschel Walker situation, MAGA’s hatred of Mitch McConnell, and the allure of strange aspects of Japanese culture, Chris and Jonah answer some of the most pressing questions of the moment. Will the Dobbs decision have much influence on the midterms? Is there anything good about primaries? And why can’t politicians talk about how great it is to be alive right now? Show Notes: - Chris’ page at The Dispatch - Chris’ new book, Broken News - GLoP enters the Uberverse - GLoP does cornhole - Herschel Walker’s bad night - Nick Catoggio: “Forget the Polls. Let’s Talk About Vibes.” - Sean Trende: “Setting Expectations for the House in 2022 Midterms” - The Remnant with Ruy Teixeira - The Remnant with Elaine Kamarck - David Frum: “If Liberals Won’t Enforce Borders, Fascists Will” - Dexter Filkins profiles Ron DeSantis - David Foster Wallace’s Kenyon College commencement speech - Join The Dispatch’s What’s Next conference in Naples, Florida Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s characteristically rambly Ruminant, Jonah seeks to weave a web between current events, history, and philosophy. After briefly theorizing about the identity of the Nord Stream pipeline’s saboteur, Jonah returns to his Liberal Fascism roots to explore the differences between German and Italian fascism and their shared reliance on hyper-nationalism. Next, he addresses the conservative movement’s roots in American exceptionalism and the new right’s embrace of European-style populism. Then, in a contemplative end to the episode, Jonah reflects on his newfound knowledge of rodentology by considering the potential consequences of incestuous rat relationships. Show Notes: - The Dispatch Podcast on the Nord Stream sabotage - Wednesday’s G-File: “Slouching Towards the Old World” - The Remnant with rat expert Michael H. Parsons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Reeves of the hated Brookings Institution joins the Remnant for the first time to discuss his new book, Of Boys and Men: Why the Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, and What to Do About It. In a moment where the family unit is collapsing, gender differences in education are becoming more pronounced, and large numbers of men are withdrawing entirely from the workforce, it’s vital to explore what’s driving these trends and whether they can be reversed. Why is fatherhood important? What defines true masculinity? And how have young men changed psychologically in recent years? Show Notes: - The Remnant (on rats!) with Dr. Michael Parsons - Richard’s page at Brookings - Richard’s new book, Of Boys and Men - Richard: “No, the Boys Are Not Doing Just Fine” - Richard: “Why Boys Should Start School a Year Later Than Girls” - The Remnant with Nick Eberstadt - Jonathan Haidt: “Facebook’s Dangerous Experiment on Teen Girls” - Richard joins Coleman Hughes’ podcast - Richard and Jonathan Haidt’s illustrated guide to John Stuart Mill - The Remnant with Brent Orrell - “The Tenuous Attachments of Working-Class Men” - Daniel Cox: “American Men Suffer a Friendship Recession” - Jonah: “The Descent of Men” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years, Jonah roamed the moors of the internet in search of a particular kind of expert to host on the Remnant, but his efforts seemed in vain. At last, however, his sacrifices to Baal have been answered. Today, Dr. Michael H. Parsons, an expert on rodentology at Fordham University, joins the program to discuss everything you could possibly want to know about rats, their behavior, and why controlling them in urban areas is so difficult. What does rat culture look like? How do rats really feel about people? Why are certain cities plagued by them while others seem untainted? And should you be concerned by Jonah’s exceptionally good mood? Show Notes: - Dr. Parsons: “Better rat control in cities starts by changing human behavior” - Dr. Parsons: “Revealing the secret lives of urban rats” - The Norway rat - Dr. Kelly Lambert’s rat research - Rats vs. feral cats - Does New York have more rats than people? - The Remnant with Matt Ridley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coming to you from a thunderous Sioux Falls, today’s Ruminant features a distinctly Goldbergian potpourri of rank punditry and eggheadery. Jonah begins by discussing the merits of the Letitia James lawsuit, his general distaste for enthusiasm, and Trump’s cavalier treatment of classified materials. After a not-so-brief foray into the consequences of the left’s pro-truth hypocrisy, things end on an esoteric note as Jonah contemplates pragmatism and the philosophical differences between the New Deal and the Great Society. Show Notes: - Eli Lake: “Framed and Guilty” - The Atlantic: “Separating Sports by Sex Doesn’t Make Sense” - The Fair Jessica’s review of The Frailty Myth - Chelsea Conaboy: “Maternal Instinct Is a Myth That Men Created” - Jonah: “Both Parties Are to Blame for the Immigration Crisis” - The Remnant with Nick Eberstadt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicholas Eberstadt, AEI’s Henry Wendt Chair in Political Economy, makes an overdue Remnant return to discuss his new book, Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition, an expanded version of his 2016 release which examined the collapse of work for men in modern America. Why are increasingly large numbers of men abandoning the workforce? Is something similar going on with women? And what will be the social, cultural, and economic effects of this trend? Tune in to hear these questions answered, and to hear some reflections on why work is valuable in the first place. Show Notes: - Dr. Eberstadt’s page at AEI - Men Without Work: Post-Pandemic Edition - Dr. Eberstadt: “What’s Behind the Flight from Work in Post-Pandemic America” - The Remnant with Michael Strain - Charles Murray’s Coming Apart - The Remnant with Marian Tupy - Keynes: “Economic Possibilities for Our Grandchildren” - China, unquarantined - Allahpundit, unmasked - Dispatch Live introduces Kevin D. Williamson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Strain, Remnant regular and beloved economic policy wonk at AEI, returns to the program to explore the state of inflation and kvetch about the Federal Reserve. He and Jonah also provide some unwashed commentary on House of the Dragon, discuss whether economics really is a dismal science, and mix in some thoughts on the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Can inflation be fought at the state level? When should economics and politics mix? And is it possible for a Remnant episode to be too long and nerdy? Show Notes: - Michael’s page at AEI - Jonah: “Not Everything Is a Morality Tale” - Russia’s oil riches - Celebrate Kevin D. Williamson’s arrival at The Dispatch with a 30-day free trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Live and under-caffeinated from a mysterious compound buried deep in the Adirondacks, Jonah focuses today’s Ruminant on nationalism, liberalism, and the American tradition. After providing an update on the state of The Dispatch and a few thoughts on integrity in politics, he launches into an epic rant on the recent National Conservatism Conference in Miami and the movement behind it. Throughout, he’s keen to stress a particular point: Our constitutional order still works. Show Notes: - Peter Thiel, losing Arizona - Jonah: “Mugged by Fallacy” - The Ahmari-French debate - National conservatism: a primer - Jonah: “Bellamy’s Children” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Determined to reclaim his Remnant throne from Chris Stirewalt, Jim Geraghty returns to the program to discuss his new thriller, Gathering Five Storms. The novel also provides a launch pad for some exceedingly rank punditry on Russia, the midterms, and the state of the Republican Party. Earlier in the year, it seemed certain that the GOP would make significant gains in November, but is that still the case? For that matter, why does the foreign policy establishment seem to get so many things wrong? How does writing fiction compare to writing about politics? And can any pundit match Jim’s Trump impression? Show Notes: - Jim’s page at National Review - Jim’s new novel, Gathering Five Storms - Jonah and Yuval Levin’s first Remnant encounter - Jim: “Control of the Senate Is Still a Jump Ball” - Jim: “Does AOC Want to Be Anything More Than a Celebrity?” - Jonah: “Principles vs. Partisanship” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today’s Ruminant, Jonah provides a distinctly Goldbergian fusion of punditry and nerdery. After evaluating Joe Biden’s use of the phrase “MAGA Republicans” and offering a few further thoughts on the Philadelphia speech, he discusses Steve Bannon’s arrest, the ongoing fallout from the Mar-a-Lago raid, and Gov. Greg Abbott’s migrant busing policy. It all ends on a philosophical note, as Jonah reflects on the distinction between conservatism and radicalism. Show Notes: - Last weekend’s Remnant - Last Friday’s G-File - Texas’ migrant bussing - Muriel Bowser declares a public emergency - Steve Bannon’s arrest - Andy McCarthy on Bannon’s indictment - The Dispatch Podcast on the Mar-a-Lago investigation - Greta Van Awful - The pandemic erased two years of progress in math and reading - The Remnant with Matt Continetti - Leo Ribuffo’s The Old Christian Right - Ukraine lures Russian missiles with fake HIMARs - Attend The Dispatch’s What’s Next summit in Naples Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a while since the Remnant featured an expert on crime, but today, Manhattan Institute fellow Rafael Mangual joins the program to fill that void. Recently, Rafael published Criminal (In)Justice, in which he argues against decarceration and depolicing. Using that book as a launch pad, he and Jonah discuss the sociological factors behind criminality, how crime can be deterred, and why the U.S. is an outlier in its incarceration rate. Plenty of policy wonkery is also mixed in. Show Notes: - Rafael’s Manhattan Institute webpage - Rafael’s new book, Criminal (In)Justice - Rafael: “The Cost of Decarceration” - The D.C. sniper attacks - Jonah: “Abolishing Police Departments Is Insane” - Stanton Samenow’s Inside the Criminal Mind - Rafael: “Are Democrats Serious About Gun Crime?” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cato Institute uberwonk Marian Tupy returns to the Remnant to discuss his new book, Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet. For some time, the idea that overpopulation will deplete the world of its resources has been popular in sociology. In this extra-long, extra-nerdy outing, Marian explains why its proponents are mistaken. He and Jonah also explore how nations become prosperous, the problem of collapsing fertility rates, and the appeal of apocalyptic predictions. Show Notes: - Marian’s page at the Cato Institute - Marian and Gale L. Pooley’s new book, Superabundance - HumanProgress.org - The Simon-Ehrlich wager - Jane Goodall and Prince Harry on sustainability - Nick Eberstadt: “The Americans Who Never Went Back to Work After the Pandemic” - Jonah’s review of The Reactionary Mind - The Morning Dispatch breaks big news Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With no preparation and last minute coordination, the drive-time Remnant format returns. Today’s pointlessly random audio adventure covers Biden’s polarizing speech in Philadelphia, Jonah’s unique theory of what happened at Mar-a-Lago, and the dark connection between fast food magnates and conservative think tanks. Musings on TV, movies, and the strange nature of the solo Ruminant are also mixed in. Plus, stick around until the end for some breaking news about The Dispatch. Show Notes: - Biden’s Philadelphia speech - Marc Thiessen: “Biden is disgracing the institution of the prime-time presidential address” - Jimmy Carter’s malaise speech - The gap between Trump and his lawyers - Michael D. Higgins… - …and his dogs - The Thailand cave rescue Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Katherine Mangu-Ward is back on the Remnant, and although Jonah had planned on hosting her for an episode of rank punditry, their conversation takes a more philosophical turn instead. After digging into the weeds of libertarian philosophy, the nature of the social good, and the relationship between libertarianism and feminism, they explore a potpourri of topics ranging from drug liberalization to the transgender debate. Be prepared for unfettered nerdery. Show Notes: - Katherine’s page at Reason - The Remnant with Sarah Isgur - David Friedman on medieval Iceland - The Remnant with Megan McArdle - Nate Cohn: “How Educational Differences Are Widening America’s Political Rift” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a Dispatch crossover on today’s Remnant, as Sarah Isgur returns to the program to explore the aftermath of the Mar-a-Lago raid, the meaning of executive privilege, and whether this situation can be compared with the Hillary Clinton email controversy. There’s also an extended discussion of child-rearing and the neuroscience of motherhood prompted by a recent New York Times op-ed. Oh, and a look at Sarah’s strange relationship with spiders. Show Notes: - Who gets to classify (and declassify) government secrets? - Chelsea Conaboy: “Maternal Instinct Is a Myth That Men Created” - Caroline Criado-Perez’ Invisible Women - Radiolab’s “The Unsilencing” - The Remnant with Paul Bloom - Paul Bloom’s Just Babies - James Q. Wilson’s The Moral Sense Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poised to return from Maine, Jonah’s in especially scatterbrained form on today’s eclectic Ruminant. He begins the program by expanding on Wednesday’s “news”letter and offering some further thoughts on the problematic relationship between data and audiences in today’s media space. Afterward, he addresses Biden’s “morally and politically indefensible” student loan forgiveness plan, the foolishness of politicians who don’t know what they believe, and the nature of a life well lived. Stick around until the end for ruminations on nationalism and fulfillment. Show Notes: - The Wednesday G-File - James C. Scott’s Seeing Like a State - The Remnant with Klon Kitchen - The Remnant with Chris Stirewalt - Jason Furman’s critique of Biden’s student loan plan - The Washington Post editorial page blasts Biden - The Remnant with Beth Akers - Blake Masters backtracks on abortion - The Remnant with Russ Roberts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Remnant offers two guests in one today, as AEI scholars Hal Brands and Michael Beckley join the program to discuss their new book, Danger Zone: The Coming Conflict with China. With the United States and China running a “superpower marathon,” how can we expect the competition to resolve, and is there an appropriate historical analogy for China’s current state? Furthermore, what foreign policy should we pursue toward China? Can China make a stable transition to democracy? And will Michael go down in Remnant history as the only guest to join from the back of an Uber? Show Notes: - Hal and Michael’s new book, Danger Zone - Hal and Michael: “What Does China Want?” - Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson’s Why Nations Fail - Hal: “The Dangers of China’s Decline” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chris Stirewalt makes his long-awaited twentieth Remnant appearance today to discuss his new book, Broken News: Why the Media Rage Machine Divides America and How to Fight Back. It’s a giant-sized extravaganza of an episode, which covers the evolution of America’s major news networks, the need for journalism to be vocational rather than professional, and the nature of “fair and balanced” media coverage. Ultimately, Chris is keen to stress a particular point: Americanism is central to American journalism. Show Notes: - Chris’ new book, Broken News - Chris previews Broken News in The Dispatch - Yuval Levin’s The Fractured Republic - Andrey Mir: “How the Media Polarized Us” - William Raspberry: “In Praise of Hypocrisy” - The New York Times on Chris’ book Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Entering the final week of his sojourn in Maine, Jonah begins today’s Ruminant with an account of a drive he recently took to Chautauqua, New York and a reflection on the joys of travel. He also offers a few thoughts on free speech and the stabbing of Salman Rushdie, as well as the nature of patriotism and the importance of gratitude for the things we’ve inherited. The episode concludes with some especially ranty punditry on Liz Cheney’s defeat and ludicrous explanations for why Trump took classified documents to Mar-a-Lago. Plus, there’s an appeal for you, our listeners, to suggest future guests for the program, provided they meet certain strange criteria. Show Notes: - The Remnant with Russ Roberts - Yuval Levin: “Conservatism is Gratitude” - “The jerk store called…” - Jonah on “fundamentally transforming” America - Bananification - Duke’s bipartisanship leaderboard - The Remnant with Carlos Lozada - The Dispatch Podcast on Liz Cheney’s defeat - Jonah: “The Only Adult in the Room” - Advisory Opinions on the history of English - Advisory Opinions on orc battle tactics Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What constitutes a life well lived, and what does it mean to truly flourish? Noted economist Russ Roberts provides answers to these pressing questions on today’s Remnant, which concerns his new book, Wild Problems: A Guide to the Decisions That Define Us. In life, we’re faced with many big decisions that can’t be solved by calculation, like when to marry, what career to choose, and whether to have children. Russ is here to explain how we should approach these problems, and to reassure us that it’s okay to make mistakes. Plus, he explores how it feels to be a “recovering economist.” Show Notes: - Russ’ podcast, EconTalk - Russ’ new book, Wild Problems - Russ: “How to Make a Decision When There’s No ‘Right’ One” - Jonah’s hatred of new ideas - An inefficient Christmas - Sebastian Junger’s Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah continues to swelter in Maine on today’s Ruminant, as he examines the aftermath of the FBI’s raid on Mar-a-Lago and how we should interpret Merrick Garland’s response. There’s also an extended discussion of Trump’s psychology, the allure of conspiracy theories, and the nature of American exceptionalism, as Jonah explains how he made peace with being part of the Remnant. Show Notes: - The latest Dispatch Podcast - Jonah: “Did the GOP Peak Too Soon?” - Wednesday’s bananified G-File - The Remnant with Kevin Williamson - First Things: “Abortion and a Nation at War” - Andrew McCarthy: “Thoughts on AG Garland’s Remarks” - Kevin Williamson: “Big Lies Matter” - Advisory Opinions on the Mar-a-Lago raid - Greatest country in the world? - Trump’s “a nation in decline” video Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With his faithful canine in tow, Kevin Williamson saddles up for another Remnant escapade. This time, he and Jonah explore the Mar-a-Lago raid, the problem with new ideas in politics, and the Texas midterm elections. Plus, there’s plenty of dingo discussion mixed in for your edification. Is the president above the law? Should dog shows be banned? And can Kevin’s neighbors convince him to vote for Beto O’Rourke? Show Notes: - Kevin’s page at National Review - The Remnant: AMA edition - Jonah: “Westminster Eugenics Show” - Kevin: “Do We Believe Our Own Dogma?” - An emergency Advisory Opinions on the Mar-a-Lago raid - Mike Huckabee’s crazy argument - This week’s Dispatch Live - Kevin: “Big Lies Matter” - Jonah: “Bonfire of the Asininities” - Jonah: “The Descent of Men” - Kevin: “Thanks For the ‘Memory’” - Jonah: “All Quiet on the Black-Ops Front” - The Remnant with David Bernstein - Hillary’s cows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jonah’s aversion to preparation catches up with him on today’s sweaty Remnant. Stuck without a guest, he’s forced to spend an hour answering listener questions selected by Guy, his AEI research assistant. The result is an eclectic throwback to the Remnant AMAs of old, which covers everything from the disappearance of “The Couch” in the G-File to the prospect of a Ron DeSantis presidential bid. How do Liberal Fascism and The Tyranny of Cliches hold up? Did Jonah enjoy his time at Goucher College? And can Jonah and Guy discuss episode 11 without turning to ash? Show Notes: - Dingos in Maine - The Remnant with Tom Sowell - Guy and Jonah’s first encounter - Jonah: “What I Got Wrong About Fascism” - Jonah’s recent G-File adapted from The Tyranny of Cliches Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices