The Ricochet Podcast

Jay Nordlinger interviews former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina on her childhood, her life in corporate America, and her past and future aspirations in politics. Source

Jay Nordlinger interviews Kellyanne Conway, the Founder and President of the polling company, inc./WomanTrend a privately-held, woman-owned corporation founded in 1995. Source

Jay Nordlinger interviews Texas Governor Rick Perry. Source

Live from CPAC 2015, Jay Nordlinger interviews founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform, Grover Norquist. Source

In this installment of our Live From CPAC series, Jay Nordlinger talks to former Ambassador John Bolton. Source

At CPAC 2015, Jay Nordlinger interviews Texas Congressman Bill Flores, on his background, the Keystone pipeline, and his position as one of the only CPA’s in Congress. Source

Jay Nordlinger chats with Conservative activist Herb London. London is the president of London Center for Policy Research and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. Source

National Review’s Jay Nordlinger, Jim Geraghty, and Charles Cooke discuss the opening day of CPAC 2015. Source

Live from CPAC, Jay Nordlinger chats with Weekly Standard online editor Daniel Halper. Source

In our continuing series of podcasts from CPAC, National Review’s Jim Geraghty interviews Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal. Source

Here’s our second conversation from CPAC: Jay Nordlinger talks with former United States Attorney General Michael Mukasey. Source

We’re not doing a Ricochet Podcast today; instead, we’ll be posting short interviews live from CPAC. In this first installment, Jay Nordlinger interviews Senator Ted Cruz from Texas. He discusses Obama’s constitutional violations, relations with Iran, and yes, his presidential aspirations. Source

We haven’t done one of these in a long time: a show with just the three hosts talking about the news. To be honest, it wasn’t planned that way, but a certain producer told the guest the wrong time. But luckily, we have three guys who can easily fill up an hour with clever conversation and camaraderie. This week, we cover ISIS, our confounding foreign policy, a (very) early look at 2016... Source

This week on the Ricochet Podcast, we’re blinding you with science and with the prospect of a relaxing and intellectually stimulating National Review cruise. First up, it’s Ricochet member extraordinaire anonymous. You many know him from his superlative Saturday Night Science series ( and hey, buy the t-shirt) and book review posts, but his expertise on topics like net neutrality, autonomous cars... Source

We’re telling tales this week, tales about the effectiveness of vaccinations ( with our guest Dr. George Savage), we parse Brian Williams’ tales of the Iraq War, about the minimum wage in San Francisco, about the evils of porn (h/t Ricochet member Merina Smith), even about Harper Lee’s new novel. It’s another Ricochet Podcast, and that’s the whole truth. Music from this week’s episode: White Liar... Source

This week, the men of the Ricochet Podcast travel to America’s heartland to interview a beloved figure from the country’s recent political past. Former Indiana governor and current Purdue University president Mitch Daniels joins us to discuss his WSJ Op-Ed piece How Student Debt Harms The Economy. We also chat about making college more affordable and the President’s proposal “to lower the cost of... Source

This week, Jon Gabriel sits in for Peter Robinson (he’ll be back next week –promise!) as we’re joined by two of the sharpest observers in politics. Matthew Continetti is the Editor-In-Chief of the Washington Free Beacon. We chat with him about this week’s State of The Union address, thin skinned liberals, American Sniper’s cultural impact, and the romantic genius of John Milius. Then... Source

This week, Troy Senik sits in for Peter Robinson. and we’re joined by the WaPo’s epic political reporter Bob Costa (follow him on Twitter here). We chase down all the rumors on who’s running, who’s not, who’s shouldn’t be and who is. Also, some more chatter about Europe and the search for the perfect candidate. Music from this week’s episode: Tears of A Clown by Smokey Robinson & Source

This week, we’re lucky to have a live report on the tragedy in Paris from Ricochet’s own Claire Berlinski, who happened on the scene of the crime moments after it occurred. Then, we return to our side of the Atlantic for a conversation with our good pal (and fellow podcaster) Larry Kudlow. Gas tax? You’ve got to be kidding. Finally, some rumination of legalizing weed, courtesy of Ricochet member... Source

It’s our last podcast of 2014, so no guests, just the guys wrapping about politics, culture, and the best posts on Ricochet over the last year. Did your post make the list? Which ones did we leave off? This is why we have comments, people. Music from this week’s episode: With A Little Help From My Friends by Joe Cocker The opening sequence for the Ricochet Podcast was composed and produced by... Source

The week, we’re not sorry. We’re not sorry for the use of enhanced interrogation techniques on known terrorists (our guest, the WSJ’s Bret Stephens isn’t sorry either). We’re also not sorry for the executives at Sony, the North Korean hackers, the normalization of diplomatic relations with Cuba, or for Jeb Bush running for President in 2016. We’re not even sorry for the crazy things our pets eat. Source

This year, opening day and Christmas came early. We’re blessed to have on two Hall of Fame guests: the great Thomas Sowell (get the new edition of his classic book Basic Economics on sale now). He discusses the economy, race, Ferguson, and Staten Island as only he can. Then, our good pal, law professor, author, and gaming connoisseur John Yoo stops by (on is way to CNN, of all places) to give us... Source

“We have returned after a brief gratitude and bird-related holiday hiatus,” says James Lileks, and indeed we are. This week, Ferguson, Staten Island, and the grand jury system. Then, author William Voegeli stops by to discuss his new book The Pity Party: A Mean-Spirited Diatribe Against Liberal Compassion. Later, Ricochet member Vicryl Contessa asks the musical question “what’s your favorite... Source

The week, Troy Senik sits in for Peter Robinson as we wrap up the Cruise, discuss Obama’s immigration overstep, talk about the business of news with journalist and author Sharyl Attkisson (buy her new book Stonewalled: My Fight for Truth Against the Forces of Obstruction, Intimidation, and Harassment in Obama’s Washington), debate Bill Cosby’s future and Jonathan Gruber’s past. Listen up! Source

Live from Dazzles Lounge on the MS Allure of the Seas, it’s a live Ricochet Podcast with Rob Long, James Lileks, and Jonah Goldberg (sitting in for a landlocked Peter Robinson). Our guests on this floating version of the show: Col. Allen West, National Review Editor Charles W. Cooke, and Commentary Editor-In-Chief John Podhoretz. Arrrr! Music from this week’s episode: Rock The Boat by The Hues... Source

As you might expect, we’re in a celebratory mood this week as Rob, Peter, and Troy Senik (James is off this week) recap, react and analyze the results from this week’s mid-terms. Is this the start of a Reagan-esque Republican renaissance or just a glitch in the Matrix? Also, what Ricochet relative correctly predicted the stunning victory in the Maryland governor’s race? Finally, come on down newly... Source

This week, our old pal Harry Shearer stops by to discuss his new web series Nixon’s The One. Also, Rob and James discuss the new book they’ve contributed to (yes, you must buy a copy of The Seven Deadly Virtues), and recap the big DC Ricochet meet up and the NRI event Rob presided over earlier this week. Then, will taking over the Senate be a disaster for the Republicans or does Obama want an... Source

This week on the Big Show: Ricochet contributor and political consultant to the stars @theRickWilson on the Governor’s race in Florida and a look at other contests around the country. Then, the federal government is too damn big, pondering whether or not we are past peak fast food, RIP Ben Bradlee, and will China’s growth stunt our own? Also, keep your ears peeled for a rare Peter Robinson... Source

This week, Ebola fever — catch it! (or don’t). Then, author/academic, and professional prognosticator, Alan Dershowitz. His new book Terror Tunnels: The Case for Israel’s Just War Against Hamas sets the tone for a discussion about Israel, Hamas, ISIS, and the politics of anti-semitism. Finally, when she becomes a he and then enrolls at a female only college, what happens next? Source

It’s always great fun when our good pal Pat Sajak stops by for a visit, and today’s show is no exception. Along with America’s most beloved TV icon (his words, not ours), we cover the latest in communicative diseases, Leon Panetta and the plethora of books coming from the Obama administration, Pat’s memory of Joan Rivers, baseball (pretty sure this one’s a Ricochet Podcast first)... Source

This week, we’re fortunate to have two giants of America political punditry: the Washington Examiner’s Michael Barone and Hillsdale College professor (and Ricochet contributor) Paul Rahe. They opine on the current state of races across the country, and an early line on 2016. But before that, a deep dive on the current state of the Secret Service, take on Ricochet member TeamAmerica’s query Foreign... Source

This week, we discuss a bevy of not so smart moments (including one from the producer of this show — more about that in a moment), from the former governor of a large western state, to Ferguson, Missouri, a really stupid salute, the current foreign and climate policies of a large western super power, and pervasive attitudes by large swaths of the population. Luckily, we’re blessed with a super... Source

This week, the tuned-out (and checked-out) President; James Delingpole on the Scottish secession vote, UKIP, and the horror that is Rotherham; Then, who’s more unpopular, Ebola or ISIS? Also, a rare Ricochet Podcast sports topic: the NFL’s worst week ever; And which one of the guys will buy an Apple Watch? The answer may surprise you. Music from this week’s episode: Mull of Kintyre by Wings The... Source

This week’s show is the very model of civil conversation and discourse as our hosts debate the President’s speech, and a whole host of his policies and positions. Who defends him and who throws him under the bus? This discussion may surprise you. Later, Hoover fellow Bruce Thorton joins to discuss the ever-evolving story in the Middle East and the continuing echoes of 9/11. Then, yep... Source

This week on the podcast, a look back at the tumultuous summer in the Middle East. First up, Annika Hernroth-Rothstein checks in from Sweden to discuss the growing anti-semitism in Europe. Then, Hoover fellow Peter Berkowitz on how Israel should respond to Hamas and what part the U.S. ought to play. Also, the role of social media in bringing change to authoritarian states. And, could Mitt be the... Source

This week on the podcast, we’re guest free, but with plenty to talk about: Ferguson, James Foley, Rick Perry, the Minnesota State Fair, DeBlasio learns a life lesson, and last but not least, help us help you: silence Rob Long’s new member pitch from the podcast for all eternity. Click here to find out how. Music from this week’s episode: The Revolution Will Not Be Televised by Gil Scott-Heron The... Source

This week, we listen. We listen to Paul Rahe on the Middle East. We listen to Victor Davis Hanson discuss immigration, William Tecumseh Sherman, and his plans immediately following the podcast. Finally, some thoughts on a couple of recently departed cultural icons, meditate (but not mediate) on the rapprochement between the President and Mrs. Clinton (phew!), and on the troubling events in... Source

This week on the Ricochet Podcast (which starts at about 5 minutes in progress due to a technical issue), we talk politics and washing machines with Ricochet editor Jon Gabriel, and then historian Reverend Wilson Miscamble, author of The Most Controversial Decision: Truman, the Atomic Bombs, and the Defeat of Japan joins to discuss today’s anniversary of the dropping of the A-bomb on Hiroshima and... Source

It’s been a while since our amiable hosts have been in the same bowl with each other, so we took this opportunity to do a special three guest show from across the world and around the country. First up, our old friend Judith Levy gives us a chilling report from her home in Israel. Then, newly returned contributor Claire Berlinski checks in from Paris with a first hand look at the reaction in... Source

This week, Lileks returns and we’re all about borders — both our own and the ones in Eastern Europe. We’re joined by Russian expert Yuri Yarim-Agaev, who gives some remarkable insight into the downing of the Malaysian Air 777. Then, the Center for Immigration Studies’ Mark Krikorian joins to discuss the ongoing disaster unfolding on the border with Mexico. Also, Lileks abroad and welcome our... Source

This week, Ricochet member Fredösphere provides the intro (coffee mug incoming, Fred, and more of the entries at the end of the show) as Troy Senik sits in for Lileks. We’ve got a terrific line up of guests this week as Mark Levin and Larry Kudlow both enlighten us on immigration, Mississippi, the economy and a preview of the mid-terms, and why we might not be behind the 8-ball just yet. Source

Lileks is off this this week, so it’s just Robinson and Long for our annual 4th of July Spectacular Show. And yes, we were supposed to have talk show host Mark Levin, but he had to cancel at the last minute. Not to worry — we’ve still got National Review’s Ramesh Ponnuru and our old friend Richard Epstein to guide us through all the Supreme Court decisions that came down this past week. Also, what’... Source

This week on the podcast we do a deep dive on the curious goings on in Mississippi both on our own and with Washington Post Capitol Hill correspondent Robert Costa (special Ricochet Podcast shout- out to Ricochet member Crabby Appleton 2.0!). Then, we go across the sea for a native opinion on what Russia is up to in Eastern Europe with the Hoover Institution’s Yuri Yarim-Agaev. Finally... Source

Political strategist Mike Murphy makes a long overdue return to the Ricochet Podcast to discuss what really happened in the Cantor-Brat race. Was it immigration or is all politics local? Our old friend Mickey Kaus has a point of view on that, and he joins to give his boots-on-the-ground analysis of what happened in VA-7. Spoiler alert: he and Mike disagree — but in a very entertaining and... Source

This week, we’re all about change: change the Majority Leader, a change of life, loose change, and more. Our guests are The Campaign Stop’s Jim Geraghty, (read his new book The Weed Agency: A Comic Tale of Federal Bureaucracy Without Limits) to discuss the political earthquake that happened this week, and Kevin Williamson, who stops by to talk about Iraq, his transgendered controversy... Source

Is Bowe Bergdahl a deserter, a hero, or something in between? That’s the primary question on this week’s show, both for the hosts, and for our guest, Senator Ted Cruz. The Senator also weighs in on whether or not the Democrats have abandoned the Bill of Rights (read his WSJ Op-Ed piece here), why Harry Reid is the President’s best friend, and how to stop the EPA’s war on coal. Also... Source

Every few months, we clear the decks of guests and open the floor to you, our faithful Ricochet members. This week, we cover what the boys wanted to be at age 12 (hint: Daniel Day Robinson is Abraham Lincoln), their best meal, who’d they most like to have on the show, are there any issues that can unite the Republican base and the donor, and many, many, more. Did your question get asked? Source

This week, Long is assente in Italy, Lileks is powerless on the phone, and Robinson is rolling with all of it. We’ve got Money & Politics podcaster Jim Pethokoukis to talk about the economy, the budget deficit, and the search for inflation. Then, Commentary’s Peter Wehner joins to discuss what happens when the Right turns on America. And we’re not talking about what happens at a red-light, either. Source

This week, we’re hash tagging like the cool kids as we tackle hash tag diplomacy, global warming, oops, we mean, climate change, no sorry, climate action, oh, whatever. Then it’s some serous DC wonking out with the WaPo’s Bob Costa, followed by political consultant Rick Wilson. Who’s running, who’s sitting, what’s it like to work for Jeff Bezos, and what is Rob Long really doing in Amsterdam? We’... Source

This week, a little history and a little current events. First, author/historian Ken Adelman on his new book Reagan at Reykjavik: Forty-Eight Hours That Ended the Cold War, and on the what lessons from that summit can be applied to the current crisis in Russia. Then, our old fiends Bill Kristol stops by for some conversation on the state of the races to retake Congress, and yes, even 2016. Finally... Source