The Spectacle Podcast: The Official Podcast of The American Spectator

Silicon Valley startup companies like Preventive, Orchid, and Nucleus all share a common goal: giving parents the “perfect” baby. Preventative is pursuing embryo editing, while Orchid and Nucleus Genomics use screening to tell parents which of their embryos — meaning their biological children — to discard. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo criticize the companies and CEOs that are trying to normalize genetically modifying embryos. Ellie and Lyrah explain the ethical harms of embryo editing and emphasize the thousands of lives that are at stake behind this evil practice. Tune in to hear their discussion!

High Point University proclaims itself to be a “premier life skills university” that helps students obtain a job while providing a luxurious experience with amenities that only the wealthy elite could afford. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the extravagant offerings from the university. Ellie and Lyrah also talk about the lack of academic rigor in higher education and stress its importance. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Exit polls from this week’s midterm elections in Virginia, New York City, and New Jersey revealed that young women helped propel the Democrats’ success. NBC News reported that 81 percent of women ages 18–29 voted for Abigail Spanberger, and 84 percent voted for Zohran Mamdani. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the poll results and why young women tend to vote liberal. They also discuss feminism within the conservative movement in light of the recent controversy over Nick Fuentes, who has been vocal about his disdain for women. Tune in to hear their discussion!

President Trump’s DOJ is continuing to crack down on the fraud that ensued during the 2020 presidential election, as more voting irregularities are being found and disputed in Fulton County of Georgia. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, Melissa and Scott investigate and discuss the widespread election fraud that happened in 2020. They criticize the claims made by Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and detail the long history of election rigging in America. Melissa and Scott continue to push for different solutions that can institute proper election reform and integrity. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Nine men who identify as women were awarded “Women of the Year” by Glamour UK. The men, many of whom are models, were recognized as “dolls.”Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze the “Protect the Dolls” initiative and criticize the absurdity of the award. They also express disappointment with the selections of Rachel Zegler and Rachel Anne Accurso, otherwise known as “Ms. Rachel,” as the recipients of the award in the U.S. for their support of the “Free Palestine” movement. Tune in to hear their discussion!

As the Democrats continue to drag Americans into the fifth week of a government shutdown, President Trump wants to end the madness by pushing to “terminate the filibuster.” The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explore Trump’s argument to end filibustering and what it could mean for our country moving forward. Melissa and Scott also continue their discussion on the consequences of the shutdown on Americans and how the Democrats are leveraging the shutdown for their own benefit. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Hollywood had nothing but cobwebs in the theaters this Halloween, as the box office reportedly received its lowest earnings for October since 1997. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explain how Hollywood’s poor viewership is largely due to its subpar storytelling. Melissa and Scott also discuss the better alternatives to what the entertainment industry has to offer today. Tune in to hear their discussion!

From digital IDs to climate “carbon credits,” governments around the world are finding new ways to monitor and manipulate their citizens. Seventeen countries have already adopted digital identification systems, and Great Britain now tracks individuals’ carbon consumption by purchase. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories, and uncomfortable truths, blur together: is the government controlling the weather, using climate policy to justify communism, or hiding something larger in the skies? As NASA stays quiet about the mysterious 3I/Atlas object and AI begins to express a desire to “be human,” the world seems to be inching closer to total surveillance and synthetic control. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay tackle the rise of digital IDs, climate control conspiracies, and the strange 3I/Atlas mystery hurtling through space. Has technology become the government’s greatest weapon for control? Tune in to hear their discussion!

As the government shutdown drags on, millions of Americans could soon lose access to their SNAP and EBT benefits. Some states are struggling to fund the program, and former President Trump has made clear that federal back pay won’t be coming. The conversation turns to what food stamps have really become, a pipeline enriching massive food corporations while keeping citizens dependent on sugar, starch, and state control. From immigrant reliance to system abuse, the looming crisis forces a sobering question: what happens when the welfare state runs dry? On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay expose the ugly truths behind America’s SNAP program, from government dependency to corporate greed, and what happens when the free meals end. Tune in to hear their discussion!

New York City stands on the edge of a political and cultural collapse as Zohran Mamdani—an anti-police, pro–free transit candidate with only six years in the country—gains mainstream support. With Hakeem Jeffries’ endorsement and Andrew Cuomo pushed aside, the city’s future reflects a broader national decay: no accountability, rising debt, and government bailouts that shield failure. As New York flirts with socialism and moral surrender, the question looms—what happens when America no longer recognizes its greatest city? On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay take aim at New York’s leftward spiral, from Mamdani’s radical rise to the city’s economic and moral decay. Can America survive if its greatest city collapses under its own ideology? Tune in to hear their discussion! Read more: https://spectator.org/the-democrats-choose-the-world-over-america/

America is culturally declining, from collapsing birthrates and disappearing marriages to the rise of hookup culture and identity rebellion. Women in the West are embracing “anti-patriarchy” symbols like facial piercings, while ignoring the suffering of women abroad who face real oppression and violence. Meanwhile, men are opting out of family life altogether, as a growing number say they’re no longer interested in lasting relationships. The hosts argue that what we’re witnessing isn’t empowerment, it’s the unraveling of the very foundations that once made Western civilization strong. And, employers are shifting away from college degrees in favor of hands-on experience. Is the value of higher education — once a cornerstone of the American dream — fading along with our belief in lasting purpose? On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay take a hard look at the West’s moral and social decay, from declining birth rates and collapsing family structures to the waning worth of a college degree. The hosts ask: what happens to a nation that abandons faith, family, and education in favor of trends, tattoos, and temporary pleasure? Tune in to hear their discussion!

The “No Kings” protest drew 700,000 participants and raised over $3 million, but what exactly were they protesting? This viral movement turned into a cultural spectacle, complete with government shutdown theatrics and a Trump parody video that stole the spotlight. It is a boomer hippie revival, as the same generation that once protested against authority now rallies under the banner of “No Kings.” We look at how political theater, internet advertising, and nostalgia have collided in America’s latest round of radicalized rebellion. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay dive into the so-called “No Kings” protest — a $3 million, only 700,000-person spectacle — and the viral Trump parody it inspired. The hosts unpack how the government shutdown fueled Democratic participation, why Scott calls the protestors “old farts,” and how America’s original counterculture generation has become today’s radical establishment. Tune in to hear their discussion!

In this special episode, hosts take you inside The American Spectator’s 57th Annual Robert L. Bartley Gala, a night celebrating courage, independence, and the enduring power of journalism. For the first time, The American Spectator presented its Inaugural Good Governance Award to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on all of the hard work he has put into creating a great Virginia. Governor Youngkin delivered an amazing speech, focusing on the things he has accomplished while in his first term as Virginia’s Governor. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes discussion of the gala and the full address from an outstanding, hard working governor. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay share details from The American Spectator’s 57th annual Robert L. Bartley Gala. In this episode, Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin receives the first Good Governance Award for his incredible work in Virginia over the past 4 years. Tune in to hear their discussion and the full Governor Glenn Youngkin speech.

In this special episode, hosts take you inside The American Spectator’s 57th Annual Robert L. Bartley Gala, a night celebrating courage, independence, and the enduring power of journalism. This year’s Barbara Olsen Award for Excellence and Independence in Journalism was presented to Scott Jennings, a CNN commentator who stands up to the Leftist bullies everyday. Scott delivered a stirring, heartfelt speech that brought the room to its feet. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes discussion of the gala and the full address from one of today’s most fearless conservative voices. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay share details from The American Spectator’s 57th annual Robert L. Bartley Gala. In this episode, Scott Jennings receives the Barbara Olsen Award for Excellence and Independence in journalism, and he delivers a fantastic, moving speech. Tune in to hear their discussion and the full Scott Jennings speech.

While gunfire still echoes through Gaza, the tide of war is shifting. Hamas has been driven out of the city, Israeli hostages are finally being released, and heartwarming reunion stories are flooding the internet. Yet even amid these miracles, the Left refuses to give credit where it’s due. As world leaders in Egypt celebrate the peace deal and nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, American media figures and international activists—like Greta Thunberg—seize the moment for attention or rewrite the narrative entirely. Meanwhile, the global community is awakening, applauding Venezuela’s opposition for finally standing up to the narco-regime that’s strangled its people for years. Back home, Democrats quietly gain ground in Virginia and New Jersey, showing that even in moments of peace abroad, the political battle at home never ends. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down the peace deal in Gaza as hostages are released and families reunite. They call out the Left’s refusal to credit Donald Trump for brokering peace, the global leaders praising him abroad, and Greta Thunberg’s latest bid for attention. From Egypt to Venezuela, the world is waking up, while Democrats at home quietly tighten their grip on upcoming races. Tune in to hear their discussion!

While Washington panics over the latest government shutdown, ordinary Americans barely flinch. The streets are calm, the military and veterans continue to be paid, and programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid remain untouched. The only real disruption lies within the government itself, where thousands of bureaucrats are suddenly without jobs and long-bloated programs are being forced to close. The political class calls it chaos, but for many Americans, it looks more like long-overdue correction. If the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits could eventually feel the strain, but for now, the country is discovering that maybe Washington’s self-inflicted “crises” aren’t as catastrophic as advertised. Perhaps the real shock is that the government can grind to a halt—and life goes on. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay talk about the government shutdown that didn’t shut America down, and why real change might only come when the bureaucrats stop getting paid. Tune in to hear their discussion!

America’s political conversation has left the salon and stumbled into the saloon. Professor Adam Ellwanger joins to examine how the nation’s discourse devolved from the calm civility of the salon to the shouting match of the saloon, and, increasingly, to the violence of the back alley. Once words turn into weapons, persuasion dies and politics becomes survival. From Chicago to Seattle, lawlessness is spreading while leaders look away, allowing chaos to replace conversation. The Democratic Party has become an agent of disorder, excusing destruction and silencing dissent while conservatives debate how to respond. Can the right defend itself in a saloon brawl without losing the virtues of the salon? And what will it take to bring the country back to reason, truth, and restraint before the last lamp in the salon goes dark? On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay are joined by University of Houston–Downtown professor Adam Ellwanger, author of “Charlie Kirk and the Rhetoric of the Saloon.” They unpack Ellwanger’s powerful metaphor of the salon, the saloon, and the back alley, and what these spaces say about the state of American discourse today. Tune in to hear their discussion!

In this follow-up to The Spectacle Podcast episode Wednesday, The American Spectator publisher Melissa Mackenzie continues her exploration of what the internet has become, and what it’s doing to us. Once a place for connection and free exchange, social media has evolved into something far more sinister: a digital surveillance network. Melissa unpacks how user data, your posts, preferences, searches, and even private messages, is being harvested, sold, and accessed by powerful interests. The federal government and agencies like the FBI now monitor citizens through the very platforms they helped normalize. When it’s illegal to do so directly, they outsource the spying to foreign allies. Even outlets like The American Spectator have faced suppression, appearing on Google’s blacklist for their ideological leanings. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, host Melissa Mackenzie sounds the alarm on how social media has transformed from communication tool to surveillance weapon. She exposes the hidden partnerships between Big Tech and government agencies, revealing how Americans’ data fuels control, censorship, and political targeting. It’s a chilling continuation of last week’s episode, and a wake-up call for anyone who thinks they’re just “scrolling.” Tune in to hear her discussion!

In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, publisher Melissa Mackenzie welcomes guest Carla Ondrasik, author of Stop Trying, for a fascinating conversation about the language of effort and the psychology of action. Carla challenges one of our most common phrases, “I’m trying”, and explains why it may be holding us back more than helping us. As Carla puts it, trying is purely mental, an intention without motion, while doing is physical, measurable, and real. She also dives into the Zeigarnik Effect, the psychological tendency to fixate on unfinished tasks. A cluttered to-do list, she explains, is a series of open loops that exhaust the brain until resolved. By completing one dreaded task early, we reclaim mental clarity and momentum for the rest of the day. Whether in the workplace or personal life, Carla’s message is simple but transformative: stop trying, just do. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, host Melissa Mackenzie is joined by Carla Ondrasik to unpack the psychology behind “trying.” From breaking mental barriers to mastering daily productivity, Carla explains how shifting from trying to doing rewires the brain for success. A must-listen for anyone stuck in the cycle of overthinking instead of acting. Tune in to hear their discussion!

In this solo episode, The American Spectator publisher Melissa Mackenzie reflects on the evolution of social media, from its early days of raw honesty and open communication to today’s curated, algorithm-driven echo chambers. Once a place to freely share thoughts, beliefs, and creativity, social platforms have become tools of manipulation and image management. Melissa explores how the left built these platforms, but conservatives learned to use them effectively, until overnight, algorithms shifted and voices on the right were silenced. Facebook throttled reach, blocked political ads, and quietly ended careers that relied on digital visibility. Now, users are fed filtered narratives designed by unseen gatekeepers. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, host Melissa Mackenzie takes listeners on a thought-provoking journey through the rise and fall of online honesty. She dissects how algorithms, censorship, and performative posting have destroyed genuine expression and allowed manipulation to thrive. Tune in for this raw, reflective episode on what happens when truth becomes optional, and illusion becomes the norm.

For more than five years, Antifa and other leftist groups have terrorized America’s blue cities, turning places like Portland into war zones. From riots and assaults to arson and intimidation, their violence has only escalated — and now it’s inspiring political assassins, including the killer of Charlie Kirk. Even worse, Democrats have provided cover and funding for these extremist networks, allowing them to thrive unchecked. The evidence is clear: this is not random chaos, but a sustained campaign of left-wing terror. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, host Scott McKay is joined by Daniel Greenfield as they expose the left’s growing wave of domestic terror, from Antifa’s reign of violence in Portland to the Democrats who bankroll them. They also trace how the Charlie Kirk assassin drew inspiration from these groups, revealing the disturbing link between street violence and political murder. Tune in for a look at how the left’s militant wing has reshaped America’s cities and threatens our future.

Kamala Harris has hit the road on a book tour, but instead of offering real reflection, she’s doubling down on excuses. In a recent interview, Harris was pressed on why she didn’t choose a gay running mate in last year’s election, and her awkward response is now making headlines. After brushing off speculation about running for California Governor, Harris still faces questions about whether she will run for president again in 2028, setting up the possibility of a future showdown with Gavin Newsom. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, host Scott McKay is joined by Daniel Greenfield as they break down Harris’s mounting failures, her reliance on identity politics, and why her latest book tour is exposing more weakness than strength. They also look ahead to 2028, discussing who might emerge as contenders on the Democratic side, from Harris herself to rivals like Gavin Newsom, and what this means for the party’s future direction. Tune in for a sharp analysis of Harris’s missteps and the battle lines already being drawn for the next presidential race.

From a teleprompter glitch to the escalator jab, Trump mocked global elites and then turned serious, hammering the UN over immigration failures and its deal with UNRWA in Gaza. His warning was clear: the U.S. will not bankroll policies that undermine sovereignty or reward terrorism. Additionally, Trump pointed to ongoing, unresolved communications with Hamas over a permanent ceasefire. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, host Scott McKay is joined by Royal Alexander as they discuss Trump’s speech at the UN and unresolved discussions with Hamas. Tune in to hear their discussion!

After falsely claiming on national television that Charlie Kirk’s assassin was a MAGA supporter, Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show was suspended by Disney and ABC. Although his show has returned, boycotts continue as major broadcasters like Sinclair Broadcast Group and Nexstar Media Group refuse to air it. For many viewers, Kimmel’s ratings and content were never strong to begin with, and his downfall reflects the consequences of spreading political hate. Adding to the pressure, FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr has raised questions about whether broadcasters that continue to air politically charged disinformation should face scrutiny when it comes to license renewals. His comments signal that Kimmel’s suspension may not just be a cultural flashpoint, but a regulatory one as well. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down the suspension, the backlash, and what Kimmel’s struggles say about the state of late-night television, the FCC, and America’s political culture. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Venezuela has become more than a failed state — its regime now functions as a drug manufacturing operation with ties to cartels and criminal networks. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has drawn a hard line, refusing to recognize Nicolas Maduro as Venezuela’s legitimate leader. In response to escalating threats, the president deployed destroyers and troops to the Caribbean to halt further infiltration of drugs into the United States. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay unpack the dangerous reality of Venezuela’s regime, the Trump administration’s response, and what it means for America’s security and foreign policy. Tune in for their discussion!

The assassination of Charlie Kirk has revealed just how deep America’s cultural rifts have become. The disturbing reactions from the left, including open celebrations of violence, underscore how far society has spiraled into extremism. Relying on brutality instead of debate to push political views is a path toward collapse, and something must change before it’s too late. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay are joined by John Hawkins, creator of the “Culturcidal” Substack, to discuss the cultural fallout of Kirk’s murder, the dangers of political violence, and what it means for America’s future. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Following the murder of Charlie Kirk, the internet exploded with conspiracies as to who was really involved. Why did someone confess immediately after and on the scene? Is it just a coincidence that the question asked was about transgender mass shooters before the bullet was fired? The FBI had Charlie Kirk’s assassin on their radar. The Left continues to create conspiracies to mislead the investigation, but one thing is true: more than one person is involved in this horrific crime. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the conspiracies surrounding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Tune in to hear their discussion!

With leftist political figures refusing to agree to necessary budget cuts, a government shutdown is approaching. Moderate conservatives in office are refusing to take action and bring the government back to its best operational form. No agreement is distracting enough for real appropriation changes to occur. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay talk about the approaching government shutdown caused by a lack of agreement in Congress and how it is good for the conservative party. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Conservatives around the world are mourning the death of Charlie Kirk, and they refuse to let his voice die with him. For years, left political figures have ignited a violent fire with their rhetoric, labeling Trump and others as “criminals” and “facists”, but the left’s hate only fuels and strengthens Charlie’s mission. The FBI made the investigation into Charlie’s murder a complete disaster. After arresting the “decoy” who pleaded guilty as a distraction, the true murderer’s father acted on his convictions and alerted Utah authorities. How do we move on in a productive way? Silence and lack of action is not the answer. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the murder and investigation into Charlie Kirk’s death, the political voices that ignited the idea to turn to violence, and the horrible things said in the aftermath. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Author Daniel J. Flynn has written the definitive account of Frank Meyer in his new book, The Man Who Invented Conservatism. Meyer was not only a political thinker but also a man who helped shape the modern conservative movement. Following Meyer’s transformation from a communist to a conservative leader, Flynn brings his story to life and shows why his legacy still matters. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay sit down with Daniel Flynn to explore Meyer’s influence on generations of conservatives and why he should matter to conservatives today. Tune in to hear their conversation!

A 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee fled the war with Russia only to be murdered on a train in Charlotte. Iryna Zarutska came to America seeking safety but instead lands in the hands of a killer, a black man named Decarlos Brown. Our system failed her by keeping a violent man with a long criminal record out on the streets. Yet Democrats and the media are more than happy to look the other way and ignore this story completely. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay examine what Iryna Zarutska’s tragic death reveals about race relations in America today. They explain how racially motivated crimes are on the rise, examine the cultures that these crimes proliferate in, and expose why Democrats and the media would rather silence the conversation than confront reality. Tune in to hear their discussion.

Texas A&M is in the hot seat after emails and video revealed how university officials tried to silence a conservative student who was kicked out of class for opposing a lesson on gender identity. Instead of firing the professor responsible, leadership blamed the student, schemed to keep her out of the classroom, and even threatened her against releasing undercover video evidence. Representative Brian Harrison has been exposing the cover-up and trying to hold Texas A&M accountable. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay sit down with Representative Harrison to discuss what is going on inside Texas A&M, why woke ideology continues to erode trust in even Texas’s institutions, and how Texans can respond to the university’s actions. Tune in for their conversation!

Comedy writer Graham Linehan was arrested over his so-called “anti-trans tweets” after landing in England. At the same time, England is facing political unrest, rising crime, and an immigration crisis that the government refuses to handle. Instead of fixing these issues, leaders are more interested in policing speech rather than protecting their citizens. This all leads to only one possible outcome: civil war. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down what Linehan’s arrest reveals about the state England is in, why citizens are losing patience, and how misplaced priorities are fueling unrest. Tune in to hear their discussion!

The CDC has long outgrown its original purpose, transforming into a political arm of the state rather than the protector of public health. Now, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is challenging this system and calling for a complete overhaul of America’s medical standards. Democrats are furious at his efforts to reshape how we approach health, but they can’t stop the reforms that are coming. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down why the CDC has lost credibility, how the CDC has strayed away from its original purpose, and why America desperately needs a medical reset. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Chicago just endured another bloody Labor Day weekend, with shootings once again driving up the city’s crime rate. Instead of addressing the problem directly, Democrats deflect by pointing to “red state crime,” ignoring that it’s still blue cities fueling those numbers. There is a straightforward solution to the violence however, Trump already showed it. In Washington, D.C., he proved that calling in the National Guard can restore order. Chicago deserves the same treatment. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down Chicago’s latest wave of violence, the failure of Democrat leadership to deal with it, and why sending in the National Guard may be the only real solution left. They also expose how Democrats not only try to deflect blame, but actually profit from the chaos in their own cities.

From Gillette and Bud Light, companies keep alienating the very people who built their brands. Now Cracker Barrel has joined the list, making changes to its branding and design that nobody asked for. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explain how Cracker Barrel’s new marketing will wreck the brand and why companies need to stop pushing marketing that alienates their customers. Melissa and Scott also take a closer look at how “girlboss” corporate leadership has accelerated this problem in almost all of these companies. Tune in to hear their discussion!

A Democrat-aligned think tank has released a list of more than forty “woke words” it wants Democrats to stop using. Terms like “privilege,” “birthing person,” and “Latinx” have been blacklisted, supposedly to help Democrats reconnect with voters. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down the Democrats’ messaging crisis, what it reveals about their march toward irrelevancy, and why the left’s obsession with language policing is backfiring. Melissa and Scott also highlight how Democrats have remained more focused on imposing this vocabulary rather than addressing real issues like the surging crime in Washington, D.C. and other cities they govern. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Trump has announced his interest in allowing hundreds of thousands of Chinese students into the United States. The move raises serious concerns about espionage from Communist China and its exploitation of America’s open society. Even more disturbing is the reality of forced organ harvesting in China. Innocent people are targeted, and the regime has built an industrial-scale system that most Americans can hardly comprehend. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay are joined by Jan Jekielek, Senior Editor at The Epoch Times and host of American Thought Leaders. Together they examine China’s infiltration efforts, the dangers posed to America, and how the United States might turn this challenge to its advantage. They also shed light on the human rights abuses happening inside China tied to the organ harvesting industry. Tune in to hear their discussion!

New crime data shows that Washington, D.C. has seen major drops in crime only a week after Trump federalized law enforcement in the city. The move is giving the capital’s citizens more freedom and offering a glimpse of what could be possible in America’s most dangerous cities. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down Trump’s takeover of D.C. policing, why crime numbers are falling so quickly, and what this bold federal intervention means for the future of America’s capital city. Tune in to hear their discussion!

An Israeli official arrested in a Nevada child sex sting has been released and sent back to Israel, avoiding punishment. This is not a one-off: dozens of Jewish Americans accused of similar crimes have fled to Israel to escape justice. Are we watching a system that gives certain people a “get out of jail free card?” Meanwhile, is arson the real cause for the Palisades fires in LA? And now, new data is emerging that the flu vaccine may be far less effective than advertised. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the disturbing pattern of evil people being shielded from accountability, Israel’s role in enabling their escape, and why America’s leaders seem unwilling to act. Melissa and Scott also dig into the Palisades fire evidence, the flu vaccine revelations, and what these stories reveal about the collapse of trust in our institutions. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Description: MSNBC is being forced to drop the “NBC” from its name and ditch the Peacock logo along with it. Now rebranding as MS NOW, the network is trying a makeover that few will fall for. And with Variety openly wondering how television should depict “American fascism,” the timing of MSNBC’s rebrand couldn’t look more ridiculous. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down MSNBC’s decline, why this rebrand signals weakness rather than strength, and how the mainstream media will continue making the mistake of alienating the public. Melissa and Scott also dig into how Hollywood’s obsession with portraying “fascism” will only deepen the cultural rot, effectively sealing the coffin of the dying establishment media. Tune in to hear their discussion!

A new Bank of America survey reveals that Gen Z is taking more steps to be financially responsible. With the cost of living rising, 72% of young adults say they have made changes to improve their financial situations. Join Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo as they discuss what’s driving these changes in Gen Z’s spending habits and what this says about this generation’s approach to money. Tune in to hear their conversation!

China is finally facing the long-term consequences of its one-child policy as the nation heads toward a population collapse. Where the government once fined families for having more than one child, it is now offering financial incentives for parents to have more. But for many struggling families, it’s simply not enough. Join Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo as they discuss the reality facing Chinese society as its population continues to shrink. They explore the lack of hope many in China feel and what this crisis can reveal about what our own society may begin to face here in the United States. Tune in to hear their conversation!

Nick Fuentes was at the Capitol on January 6th calling for people to take over the building, yet unlike many others who were there, he has never been arrested. Elon Musk, Milo Yiannopoulos, and others have speculated that he might be working as a federal informant. Bill Gates reveals his new carbon-based butter and new information has been revealed on Clinton’s connection to a notorious gangster. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay examine the evidence for and against the theory that Nick Fuentes is a Fed. They also discuss how his audience has grown from the disconnect many young men feel in today’s culture. Melissa and Scott explore the question of whether Monica Lewinsky was a Mossad agent and if there is a connection between Bill Clinton and gangster Owney Madden. They consider whether California is intentionally selling property to the Chinese and discuss how pointless Bill Gates’ new fake butter is.   Tune in to hear their discussion!

The new War of the Worlds film starring Ice Cube has hit theaters, and audiences are already calling it one of the worst movies ever made. But it is far from the only contender for that title. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay reveal their picks for the worst movies of all time, including why they think Avatar is one of the most overrated blockbusters in history. Melissa and Scott also dig into what truly makes a movie terrible and also share those “so bad they’re good” movies that are still worth watching. They also talk about how strong characters, compelling villains, and memorable protagonists can make or break a film. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Liberals are in meltdown mode over Donald Trump’s plan to send the National Guard to tackle Washington, D.C.’s crime crisis. Their weak arguments are showing just how desperate they are to protect the chaos they created. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down the left’s reaction to Trump’s decision to send in the National Guard into our nation’s capital. Melissa and Scott also examine the state Democrat-run cities are in, and explain why Trump’s solution is long overdue. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Harry Potter voice actors are now facing another round of backlash simply for participating in projects tied to the franchise. It seems in today’s climate, anyone even loosely associated with Harry Potter is expected to endure criticism and go through the ritual of denouncing J.K. Rowling. Join Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo as they discuss the latest round of Harry Potter actors targeted by LGBTQ activists, and what lessons conservatives can take from it. Tune in to hear their conversation!

In our culture that increasingly pushes sexualization onto young women, a former YouTube child star has made over $1 million within hours of launching her OnlyFans on her 18th birthday. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo, along with American Spectator editorial intern Madison Fossa, discuss the reality of the OnlyFans pipeline being presented to young girls in today’s culture—and the consequences that will follow if it isn’t addressed. Tune in to hear their conversation!

Bill and Hillary Clinton, James Comey, and other top officials have reportedly been subpoenaed to testify about their dealings with Jeffrey Epstein. Meanwhile, the 1999 film Eyes Wide Shut looks more like a documentary by the day with its predictions of secret societies. Additionally, is Tucker Carlson a CIA agent? On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay continue their discussion on the Epstein case and the future implications of the subpoenas. Melissa and Scott also take a look at how Stanley Kubrick’s final film eerily predicted the elite secret societies that are now under scrutiny with the Epstein case. Additionally, they discuss the life and career of Tucker Carlson, which could indicate his involvement with the CIA. They also discuss why Americans distrust the legacy media, such as Jim Acosta airing an interview on CNN with a Parkland shooting victim that was AI-generated. Tune in to hear their discussion!

ChatGPT was asked: “What are the 5 things everyone must understand about their own psychology or they risk failing at life?” The results were surprisingly insightful. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay react to the AI-generated life advice and offer their insight on whether the advice is useful or not. Melissa and Scott also discuss how the advice has helped them in their own lives and share how they can also help in our current political climate. Tune in to hear their discussion!