The Ricochet Podcast

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

It’s a Super-Sized 77 minute long edition of the podcast this week (gotta make up for last week’s hooky) as we ponder whether Donald Sterling’s exile from the NBA actually is slam dunk, how to avoid being a Glass-hole, chat with Law Talk’s John Yoo on his new book Point of Attack: Preventive War, International Law, and Global Welfare. Then, Forbes Opinion editor and American Wonk host (yes... Source

Michael Bloomberg is going to heaven, the UN is getting warmer (just ask them), Charles Murray is dispensing indispensable wisdom (courtesy of his new book The Curmudgeon’s Guide To Getting Ahead). Later, what will happen in the Crimea and Ukraine, the Obama administration cares more about regimes than the common man, Troy on the Charlotte meet-up, and should a conservaive accept food stamps? Source

Turns out experts don’t have so much expertise after all; the zen and psychology of the tax code (and Rob’s pitch for the flat tax); the evolution of the word “tranny”; Ricochet editors ( Senik, Levy, and Gabriel) on their favorite member posts; Is the debate about Benghazi over?; a view of the U.S./ Israel relationship from the Israeli P.O.V.; and Lileks needs help finishing his limerick. Source

This week, all we’ve got all is questions: Is ObamaCare decided? Are conservatives who watch MSNBC masochists? Is Jeb Bush a tarnished brand? What should the US response to Russia’s invasion of Russia? Are we in danger of a Michael Totten predicted zombie apocalypse? What does Utah Senator Mike Lee think about Hobby Lobby and who will get Harry Reid’s office when the Republicans take back the... Source

This week on the podcast, we put Putin in his place, D.C. McAllister on that Charlotte mayor and the writer we’d all like to write like. Then, dean of all pundits Charles Krauthammer stops by to discuss his new book “Things That Matter: Three Decades of Passions, Pastimes and Politics” (Audible version available here). It’s a typically elucidating conversation with Dr. K well worth listening to. Source

Our first 2.0 Ricochet Podcast! This week, 2.0 is here (lots of talk about that), where’s MH370, Fox News’ James Rosen on Ukraine and his impressions of Obama and Hillary, the mysterious power and influence of the Dalai Lama, Rob does his downward dog, and the White House gets its just desserts. Music from this week’s episode: Chill Out (Things Gonna Change) by John Lee Hooker The Ricochet Podcast... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week on the podcast, as we get ready to finally launch 2.0, the boys are feeling jolly about Jolly, and offer their theories as to where the heck that plane is. Then, North Dakota Senator John Hoeven on his impending trip to Ukraine, presiding over a boom state, and the coming war with…Iowa? Finally, we give you all the news that’s fit to hear about 2. Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, Troy Senik sits in for the absentee Rob Long as we welcome the always irrepressible James Delingpole, reporting in from this side of the Atlantic on CPAC, Apple, and his imbibing of adult beverages. Then we track down Michael Totten (read his indispensable blog here) for his sophisticated take on what’s happening in Ukraine, Russia, and even Cuba. Also... Source

Direct link to MP3 file Foreign policy and mid-terms: anybody care? The Obama administration’s and NBC’s whitewash of the news in Ukraine. Then, AEI’s Arthur Herman joins to gives us more perspective on the Ukraine and the leviathan oil field. Later, Washington Examiner’s Byron York on the woman who shall not be named, Republican chances of taking the Senate, and what politicians are Cruzing for a... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, a little tech talk to kick off the podcast. Then, the weird strategy of the house leadership on raising the debt ceiling, Rob makes a u-turn on Cruz, Peter proposes a peace treaty, Then, the Instapundit himself, Glenn Reynolds, pulls over to the side of the road to discuss his new book on the future of education (The New School: How the Information Age Will Save... Source

This week, Lileks on sports (really!), moderates on Ricochet, Michael Barone on ObamaCare and Christie, Nathan Harden on Phillip Seymour Hoffman and his book “Sex and God at Yale”. Also, a shout-out to Don and Mendel and to some guys who first appeared on TV 50 years ago today. Read Michael Barone’s WSJ op-ed How ObamaCare Misreads America. And visit The College Fix, edited by Nathan Harden. Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, Troy Senik sits in for Peter Robinson as we bat around the big wrap up of last weekend, and SOTU…yawn. First up, The New York Time’s Ross Douthat talks conservative reform and more imperfect unions. Then, Washington Free Beacon’s Matt Continetti drops in for a fascinating chat about on Love In The Time of Obama. Also, does it matter that Hillary hasn’t driven a... Source

Direct Link to MP3 file There’s only one more show until the big live extravaganza (where there’ll be plenty of swanning, apparently). In this prelude to our big night in Los Angeles, we discuss the blackballing of Mike Huckabee, snow days in Washington D.C. (courtesy of guest Jonah Goldberg), umlauts vs. diaereses, and…puppies. Then, Victor Davis Hanson drops by to opine on Obama, entitlements... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, we talk Chris Christie, then NRO editor Charles C.W. Cooke (an actual immigrant) stops by to discuss immigration, life in New York under new mayor Bill de Blasio, and the NSA. Finally, is life in the Golden State getting better or worse? We pontificate, you listen. Music from this week’s episode: The Only Place by Best Coast The Ricochet Podcast opening theme was... Source

Rob Long, Peter Robinson, James Lileks, Mollie Hemingway, Troy Senik, Jon Gabriel, DC McCallister, Dave Carter, Pat Sajak, Andrew Klavan, Jonah Goldberg, and Dennis Prager chat live in Los Angeles... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week on the podcast, Professor To The Stars Paul Rahe stops by for a little conversation on Greek classicalism and modern day politics, and later, Rick Wilson on the conservatives and weed, the inevitability of Hillary, and races we should be watching in 2014. And of course, we set the stage for our big 200th live show in Los Angeles on January 26th. Ricochet members... Source

Direct link to MP3 file It’s our final podcast of 2013, and we’ve assembled a full compliment of Ricochet editors and contributors as we’re joined by Troy Senik, Jon Gabriel, and D.C. McAllister. They talk Pajama Boy, Duck Dynasty, the best and most memorable posts of the year, and what to look forward to to in 2014. Merry Christmas, everyone! Music from this week’s episode: Have Yourself A Merry... Source

Direct link to MP3 file It’s a special Friday the 13th edition of the Ricochet Podcast! This week, Rob Long on why it’s a bad week to be an uncle in North Korea, Ricochet member Franco determines exactly who is more conservative, and NY Post film critic Kyle Smith on the best of 2013 and his favorite Christmas movies. Music from this week’s episode: Christmas Is All Around Us by Billy Mack (Love... Source

This week on the Ricochet Podcast, our own James Delingpole (buy his new book here) challenges climate change and describes why Britain is indeed nuttier that the U.S. Then, Mark Krikorian on what the GOP must do to avoid getting out of its own way on immigration. Also, is Chris Christie cool and a vigorous discussion on what it will take to bring the Obama fatigued millennial generation back into... Source

Direct link to MP3 file We has planned to do a new show this week, but travel and technical issues got in the way. Please accept our apologies and this previously publicly unreleased dinner party at Rob’s house recorded on November 9th, 2013. Rob, Troy Senik, Mickey Kaus, Ricochet General Counsel Daniel Friedland, and shy, retiring Ann Coulter — got together to talk, well... Source

Direct link to MP3 file You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. Best jobs, worst failure, who’s funnier, Republican three-legged stools (not a euphemism), and of course, Star Trek. Thanks for playing, everyone! Music from this week’s episode: 96 Tears by ? & The Mysterians The Ricochet Podcast opening theme was composed and produced by James Lileks. He’s dead, EJHill. Help Ricochet by supporting... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week on the Ricochet Podcast: ObamaCare crashes and Haley Barbour advises on how the GOP should react (and why governors generally rock). Later, Heritage Foundation president Jim DeMint on the think tank’s mission, an alternative to ObamaCare, why health care’s tanking is a teachable moment (and and opportunity for the GOP), and whether there could be a 2016 convention... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, election results from all over, Ricochet contributor Heather Higgins on the curious case of MyCancellation.com (and its Twitter account) and the women’s vote in Virginia. Then, the American Wonk himself, Avik Roy talks ACA and why the kids aren’t alright with it. Also, thoughts on Christie and why Cuccinelli could have been a contender. Music from this week’s... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, a guest we’ve been chasing a long time finally makes his Ricochet Podcast debut: the great P.J. O’Rourke stops by to discuss on the health care debacle, improving the GOP’s message, making a living as writer, Lou Reed, and New York City in the (so-called) Golden Age. Also, the return of Rob Long and Dave Carter reminisces on (what he can actually remember of) the... Source

Direct link to MP3 file The Ricochet Podcast returns with two members of the podcast bullpen getting up to the plate: The Hemingway’s Mollie Hemingway and Need To Know’s Mona Charen discuss the politics of procreation, being a Cards fan in a Red Sox world, and rousing debate on why the shutdown strategy didn’t work. Batter up! Music from this week’s episode: Big Brother by David Bowie The Ricochet... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, Troy Senik sits in for Rob Long, The Washington Examiner’s Tim Carney on the political fallout from the shutdown, and David Limbaugh (aka EL Rush Bro) is –not surprisingly– energized by the whole thing. Also, the media’s fixation on the Republican Party’s demise, and Lileks gets off the first Harlow Wilcox reference on any media in at least 50 years. Source

Here’s the audio from our Ricochet Meet-up at Galway Pub in mid-town Manhattan. Rob Long hosts John Podhoretz, Ann Coulter (buy her new book Never Trust a Liberal Over Three-Especially a Republican) Tommy DeSeno, and of course, our beloved Ricochet members. Special thanks to Ricochet member Dick From Brooklyn for the location scouting, PJS for the name tags, and everyone else for attending. Source

This week on the podcast: strategies and secrets. Author and fellow at the Claremont Institute Charles Kesler stops by to discuss his book I Am The Change: Barack Obama and the Future of Liberalism. Then, National Review’s (and the co-host of the Beltway Buzz podcast) Robert Costa stops by discuss his off the record chat with the President. Should conservative journalists agree to such an... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, we self-adminster the Ricochet RINO Litmus Test® to determine exactly who is a coastal media elitist and who isn’t. Naaah…just kidding. We’ve got a terrific line-up with the great Pat Sajak and newly minted Ricochet editor Jon Gabriel. We cover all things Cruz, Pat’s Twitter war with some dude on Fox, how Conservatives can win the media battle, and much more. Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, two giants grace us with their presence and wisdom. First the great Norman Podhoretz (or as we like to call him, “The Podfather”) stops by to talk about Syria and the Obama Administration’s fumbling toward a resolution. Then, our old friend, David Limbaugh, joins to school us on the fundamentals of the conservative movement. Bracing! Music from this week’s... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, Mollie Hemingway sits in for Peter, and of course we cover Syria, the Russians, and the President. Then, we’re joined by authors Tevi Troy and Rod Dreher. Tevi discusses his new book What Jefferson Read, Ike Watched, and Obama Tweeted: 200 Years of Popular Culture in the White House. Later Rod Dreher discusses his piece Story Lines, Not Party Lines and the dearth... Source

Avik Roy and Manhattan Institute colleague Yevgeniy Feyman discuss their new interactive map, published at Forbes, which explores the impact of Obamacare on the cost of health insurance in every U.S. state plus D.C. Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week on the podcast, we parse the Syrian question with experts on both the Middle East and the political perspective. The Hoover Institution’s Fouad Ajami explains why we should take action, and National Review’s political correspondent, Robert Costa, examines the the political implications and how the Republican vote will play out. Finally, the topic that the hosts... Source

Direct link to MP3 file It’s our last podcast of the summer and to mark the change of season, we’ve reunited the crew after their far-flung vacations and adventures.This week, we answer the burning questions of the day: Is Rob Long actually a gift from God? What in Pharaoh’s name is going on in Egypt? What’s the deal with Chris Christie? And finally, will California change Paul Rahe or will Paul... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, Rob and James are cruising but their deck shoes are more than filled by Ricochet editor Mollie Hemingway. She and Peter discuss traditional households and the effect the ever changing culture has on them. Then, The Weekly Standard’s Phillip Terzian joins to discuss the sale of the Washington Post to Jeff Bezos. Later, we’re joined by Baseball Crank blogger Dan... Source

Direct link to MP3 file We get wordy and reflective this week with our guests, authors Andrew Klavan and C.J. Box. Of course, we talk about Weiners, wives, and the death of shame, but also some insight into the work habits of writers, James meets a radio legend, and Rob discusses his alleged coarsening of the culture. Andrew Klavan’s new book A Killer in the Wind is available here. C.J. Source

Direct link to MP3 file We’re down one host this week (Lileks is on assignment), but it’s a super-sized edition of The Ricochet Podcast, clocking in at almost 90 minutes of chat time. This week on the podcast, Ricochet contributor Matthew Hennessey on that Rolling Stone cover, religion in daily life, living in a bubble with four kids, and why he shouldn’t be driving. Then, SCTV legend (and former... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week on the world famous Ricochet Podcast, City Journal editor Brian Anderson on the state of California and his new book The Beholden State: California’s Lost Promise and How to Recapture It) , immigration, the Zimmerman trial, the worst President ever, and, Rob is aging, and live on the air, Lileks gets some coffee! Now, this is podcasting Music from this week’s... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week on the podcast, James and Peter talk Egyptian politics and culture with Hoover’s Fouad Ajami (read his WSJ Op-Ed piece here) and later, the Zimmerman trial and immigration reform with the WSJLive’s (and Ricochet’s newest contributor) Mary Kissel. What does the Zimmerman trial say about the current state of race relations? And what of the immigration bill currently... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, Peter Robinson returns with tales of the east, a fervent debate on the complications of the Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling, North Dakota Senator John Hoeven joins to discuss immigration (and is later abruptly cut off due to technical difficulties), and a raucous debate on the issue amongst the podcasters. Also, are we willingly giving up too many rights or are they... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week, Rich Lowry, National Review Editor and author of Lincoln Unbound: How an Ambitious Young Railsplitter Saved the American Dream–and How We Can Do It Again sits in for the perpetually vacationing Peter Robinson to discuss his new book, the NSA, the IRS, and a host of other 3 letter acronyms. Also, is Edward Snowden a hero or a traitor? Can Honest Abe resurrect the... Source

Lots to talk about this week, and we have the guests who are more than up to the task (Troy Senik is sitting in for Peter): Michael Barone, the dean of American political journalism, joins to discuss the scandals, the state of immigration, Minnesota politics, and, yes, even 2016. Then, our pal Claire Berlinski (follow her on Twitter here) calls in from Istanbul to give us a boots-on-the-ground... Source

Direct link to MP3 file This week on the one and only Ricochet Podcast, Peter is MIA, but Rob and James soldier on in style with guests AEI President Arthur Brooks (read his WSJ op-ed The GOP’s Hispanic Opening) and The Weekly Standard’s Mark Hemingway on the IRS scandal. Also, we ponder whether taking the fifth always implies guilt, and Lileks v. Buzzfeed. We bet they’re going to regret taking... Source

Direct link to mp3 file It’s another action-packed edition of the Ricochet Podcast, as we’re joined by Texas governor Rick Perry and National Review columnist and author Kevin Williamson. The governor explains why he won’t accept federal heath care dollars, why the President has come to his state twice in the past month, and what the immigration issue looks like from the perspective of a border... Source