The Spectacle Podcast: The Official Podcast of The American Spectator

Pete Hegseth, who President-elect Donald Trump selected to lead the Defense Department, underwent the Senate confirmation hearing on Tuesday. Hegseth underwent various attacks — by Democrat women — about his personal life. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss Hegseth’s confirmation hearing and criticize Democrat senators Kirsten Gillibrand, Mazie Hirono, and Elizabeth Warren for their baseless attacks on Hegseth. Melissa and Scott also explain the issue of women in combat and Hegseth’s strong presence at the hearing. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Elon Musk is under criticism for poking his nose in Great Britain politics, primarily calling out the Pakistani rape gangs in England. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the atrocities that the political elites on the British Left have committed and swept under the rug. Melissa and Scott emphasize and discuss the importance of American values that people around the world do not have, yet desire. Melissa and Scott also discuss Justin Trudeau’s resignation, Musk’s comments regarding H-1B Visas, and more! Tune in to hear their analysis!

President-elect Donald Trump stirred political uproar in his press conference on Tuesday — bringing up notions like renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America.” Join hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay on The Spectacle Podcast as they analyze topics addressed in Trump’s press conference. Melissa and Scott discuss the issues in Greenland, the Gulf of Mexico debacle, and the Panama Canal. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Minnesota’s annual abortion report, released last week, found that abortions in the state increased by 16 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year. This follows the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz has been an ardent proponent of abortion, and has helped to drive a 50 percent increase in the number of out-of-state women seeking abortions in his state. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze the report and criticize Walz for his campaign to increase abortions at all costs. Ellie and Lyrah also discuss Minnesota’s policies that harm babies in and out of the womb. Tune in to hear their discussion!

After nearly a decade in office, Justin Trudeau announced today that he will step down as leader of the Liberal Party and as Canada’s prime minister. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss Trudeau’s decision and the factors that led to it. Ellie and Lyrah touch on Canadians’ dissatisfaction with Trudeau’s policies and discuss what the country’s next steps will be. Tune in to hear their discussion!

CNN is looking to lay off hundreds of its workers as Americans turn off the channel and opt for alternative media sources. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze CNN and MSNBC’s downfalls and the overall media landscape. Ellie and Lyrah also discuss how legacy media outlets will need to pivot their strategies as Americans attitudes continue to shift. Tune in to hear their discussion!

As 2024 comes to a close, what better way to end the year by reflecting on the biggest winners and sorest losers? In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, join hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo as they reflect over the historic year of 2024. Ellie and Lyrah discuss the key political moments over this year that brought out victories for Donald Trump and JD Vance, and massive losses for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. Tune in to hear their discussion!

On this last episode of The Spectacle Podcast for 2024, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay offer their gratitude and greetings to listeners and viewers of The Spectacle. Melissa and Scott reflect on the year and share insights into their lives. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Americans have realized that the mainstream media is the government’s propaganda arm. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay continue their discussion of the Left’s criminal enterprise being covered by the media. Melissa goes through the exhaustive list of lies the media has pressed upon the American people, including false accusations about Trump, COVID-19, the “peaceful” BLM movement, the 2020 election, and more. Tune in to hear their discussion!

The Left is full of crooked criminals who need to account for their crimes against the American people. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, join hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay as they dive deep into the corruption and criminal activity of the Left. Melissa and Scott call out mainstream media, Mark Zuckerberg and the censorship of conservative media, and the money laundering behind foreign aid and Democrat organizations. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Biden is not looking out for military families. Rather, he is funding an army of 100 trainers who will convince military parents to affirm their kids’ “trans” identities. The training program operates by scaring parents with threats that their kids will attempt suicide or have mental health crises — unless parents “affirm” their child’s “trans” identity to the greatest extent possible. Join Lyrah Margo and Ellie Gardey Holmes for this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast as they discuss this outrage against U.S. military families.

You would think that the government agency tasked with warning Americans of severe weather would utilize only the most sophisticated and evidence-based methods. You thought wrong. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has now been tasked by the Biden White House with utilizing “Indigenous Knowledge” at all levels of its work. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, you’ll hear from The American Spectator’s Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo on how this attack on reason is just part of a scheme by the Biden administration to integrate indigenous spirituality into the activities of the government.

Trump’s appearance at the reopening of the Notre Dame Cathedral symbolized the return of American leadership being respected by world leaders. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the current state of world politics. Scott and Melissa touch on and express their concerns about governments in Europe, the fall of the Syrian government, and the Middle East conflict. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Trump’s cabinet picks — from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Pete Hegseth, and Tulsi Gabbard — continue to be criticized and scrutinized by politicians and the media. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay call out the bureaucracy and politicians like Sen. Joanie Ernst for attempting to interfere with Trump’s cabinet leaders. Melissa and Scott discuss how America is in dire need of the leadership that Trump’s cabinet picks who will usher in significant change for healthcare, the military, and the government. Tune in to hear their discussion!

While Daniel Penny’s acquittal this week infuriated the Left, it exposed a new attitude shift for the majority of people in urban America. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss Daniel Penny’s case and the reactions it has received from the American public. Melissa and Scott break down how people in urban America — such as Baton Rouge, Louisiana — are rejecting weaponized governmental failure and have chosen to unite against the Left. Tune in to hear their discussion!

The aftermath of the November election saw the American pendulum favored more conservative policies, indicating the American public’s desire for change. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the theme of this week’s episodes — the revival happening in America right now. Scott draws lessons from his book, The Revivalist Manifesto, and explains how we’re entering into a new American era. Tune in to hear their discussion!

President Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have been largely absent from the public eye following Harris’ defeat in the presidential race. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss Biden and Harris’ lack of leadership and floundering legacies. Ellie and Lyrah reflect on Biden’s presidency and Kamala’s campaign and how they have failed to fulfill their promises to the American people. Tune in to hear their discussion!

After UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was assassinated in New York City last week, many progressives responded by pledging full-throated support for the murderer. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo call out the worst offenders of this hateful mob. Tune in to hear their discussion!

In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the return of healthy, true masculinity in American society. Melissa and Scott dive deep into how young men have lost proper mentorship and guidance from woke movements invoked by the Left. They also offer encouragement with the new cultural shift favoring more conservative, traditional values. Tune in to hear their discussion!

President Biden is being criticized for his decision to pardon his son Hunter, leaving a strong speculation that his motive was more than just a “fatherly” intention. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss Biden’s pardon and provide further insight into the implications of President Biden’s unpopular pardon. Melissa and Scott criticize the Biden family and those who led the deep state corruption, and call for the incoming Trump administration to hold them accountable for their crimes against the American people. Tune in to hear their discussion!

In recent weeks, a growing trend of American companies are removing woke policies from their agendas. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss how prominent companies — such as Walmart, Ford, and Lowe’s — are making significant efforts to distance themselves from the DEI movement. Ellie and Lyrah also analyze the beginnings of the movement and how Americans have begun seeing the damaging impact it has made on society. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Last night, President Joe Biden issued a “full and unconditional” pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, who was facing federal gun charges and tax evasion charges. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo respond to the presidential pardon and assess the reaction to it from the American people, the media, and other politicians. Ellie and Lyrah also discuss how this pardon contributes to President Biden’s failed legacy. Tune in to hear their discussion!

The 2024 election presented a win for President-elect Donald Trump and showcased a new political shift toward Republican candidates in counties nationwide. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, host Scott McKay is joined by Republican political consultant and COO of Mobilize the Message, Justin Greiss, to discuss strategies employed by Republicans to win elections in urban areas. Scott and Justin offer insight into the tight race in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and how Justin and his team are seeing success among low-propensity voters in the county. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Last week, Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution to ban people from using U.S. Capitol restrooms that do not conform with their biological sex. House Speaker Mike Johnson then created a rule that did just that. This was all in response to incoming Delaware Rep. Sarah McBride, who is the first member of Congress to identify as transgender. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the policy and the reactions to it from both sides of the aisle. Tune in to hear their discussion!

What will President Joe Biden do with his two months left in office? In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the lame-duck president’s efforts to secure his legacy. They also discuss the Biden administration’s plan to spend as much as possible before Trump can roll back Biden’s Green New Deal. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Americans such as UFC champion Jon Jones are showcasing their best Trump dance moves, signaling a change in popular culture. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay analyze the cultural shift away from the woke Left ushered in by Trump’s win. They highlight the spectacle of Trump at the UFC championship match and the lasting impact conservatives are making on the nation. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Washington D.C. bureaucrats and the mainstream media have been vocal critics against Trump’s cabinet picks, such as Pete Hegseth, Matt Gaetz, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Tulsi Gabbard. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay are joined by AJ Rice, Publius PR CEO and author of the White Privilege Album, to discuss the latest picks for Trump’s cabinet. Rice offers insight into Trump’s selections and provides encouragement for how these leaders will deliver the much-needed reform that the American people have waited for. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Legacy media is no longer relevant, and the American people have turned to YouTubers, podcasters, and other influencers to obtain information. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss how mainstream media has lost the American people’s trust. Melissa and Scott explain how this election season has highlighted a new generation of media influencers and how they’ve contributed to Trump’s win. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Trump’s transition into his second term is in full swing, and he has been announcing members of his Executive Cabinet this week. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss Trump’s selections for his Cabinet and what it means for this new era of the United States. Melissa and Scott hope that selections like Pete Hegseth and Elon Musk will go after government regulation and hold the bureaucracy accountable. Tune in to hear their discussion!

The Left did not expect Kamala Harris to lose this election, so now they are scrambling to find someone to blame. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze the accusations that those on the Left are making toward one another for why Harris lost. Ellie and Lyrah discuss how Democrats are pointing fingers at Joe Biden for his decision to run for reelection and his unwanted involvement in Harris’ campaign. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election, meaning that Donald Trump will become the 47th president of the United States. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the factors that led to Harris’ downfall. They explain how the Left’s out-of-touch messaging with the American people and Harris’ progressive views failed to win her the presidency. Tune in to hear their discussion!

The American people spoke, and Donald Trump is the 47th President of the United States. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay analyze the election results and the next steps for Trump’s second term. Melissa and Scott explain what contributed to Trump’s win over Kamala Harris. They also discuss the implications of both the Senate and House races. Tune in to hear their discussion!

A poll by Ann Selzer showed Kamala Harris ahead of Donald Trump by 3 percentage points in Iowa, a state that voted for Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the Iowa polling and the stipulations it holds for this election. They also discuss American attitudes toward the polls and their election predictions as to who will win. Tune in to hear their discussion!

President Joe Biden has only a couple months left in his term to try to secure his legacy, but he is doing little to help Kamala Harris’ bid for presidency. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze Joe Biden’s presidency and the impact he has had on this election. Ellie and Lyrah also discuss what would have happened had Biden chosen not to run for reelection, and the ramifications of his contributions to Kamala Harris’ campaign. Tune in to hear their discussion!

In a CNN panel discussing the rhetoric of Trump’s rally at Madison Square Garden, Ryan Girdusky was fired from CNN following an offensive remark he made towards panelist Mehdi Hassan. In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss Trump’s rally and the Left’s meltdown over the Puerto Rico joke by comedian Tony Hinchcliffe. Melissa and Scott discuss the Left’s lack of touch with the American people, such as Michelle Obama’s comments that patronized women to vote for Harris or else they are sexist or racist. Tune in to hear their discussion!

In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the sexual immorality continually touted by the Left and the elites. Melissa and Scott go through a list of scandals revealed throughout the years of Democrat politicians and celebrities in high society, such as: U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-NY), who had an online relationship with a 15-year-old, Calif. Sen. Scott Weiner (D), who reduced penalties for sex offenders and legalized pedophilia, Hunter Biden, who had multiple relationships with various women, NXIVM, a sex cult that lured and branded women, Sean Combs (also known as P.Diddy), who is currently under investigation for numerous sexual trafficking and assault allegations, which also affected celebrities like Justin Bieber, Harvey Weinstein, Bryan Singer, the X-Men director known for his pool orgies, And much more. Melissa and Scott discuss the implications of the Left’s wickedness and the importance of holding these people accountable. Tune in to hear their discussion!

The Washington Post stopped its decades-long tradition of endorsing presidential candidates last week, causing an intense backlash from its readers and editorial staff. In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo speculate on what prompted the Washington Post’s decision. They also discuss the weight of media endorsements and how they impact elections. Tune in to hear their discussion!