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This roundtable was recorded in Dallas, Texas, on March 11, 2026, at our Dispatch Energy event. Steve Hayes sits down with Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Alex Trembath, the executive director of the Breakthrough Institute and contributor to the Dispatch Energy newsletter, to discuss the war in Iran’s effect on oil markets and what Ronald Reagan got right about energy 50 years ago. The Agenda: —Military success vs. policy success —U.S. energy independence —Prolonged oil disruption — Ronald...
Steve Hayes is joined by Kevin Williamson, Mike Warren, and James Sutton to discuss the latest on Iran and how the domestic costs of war could affect the upcoming midterms. The Agenda: —What is “unconditional surrender”? —Rising oil prices —Public support for war —MAGA media’s reaction —J.D. Vance’s isolationism —Young Republican’s reaction — NWYT: McDonald's CEO's burger scandal Show Notes: — Paul Miller on the war with Iran — Tanner Greer's essay on Iraq The Dispatch Podcast is a production of...
The panel dissects the Trump administration's military campaign against Iran, scrutinizing the ambiguous rationale for war and the administration's failure to articulate clear objectives. They discuss the constitutional implications of bypassing Congress, warn against a "mowing the lawn" strategy that risks future instability, and examine the potential for severe geopolitical blowback and humanitarian crises without a comprehensive post-conflict plan. The discussion also delves into President Trump's motivations and the complex reactions of the Iranian populace.
The Dispatch team breaks down the Texas Senate primaries, discussing the Democratic contest between James Talrico and Jasmine Crockett and the Republican race involving John Cornyn, Ken Paxton, and Wesley Hunt. They explore how candidate personalities, perceived electability against Donald Trump, and cultural divides are shaping voter choices, often overshadowing policy. The conversation also extends to the 2026 midterms, debating the extent to which these elections will be a referendum on Trump and what strategies Democrats might employ.
This episode of The Dispatch Podcast examines the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against the Iranian regime. Experts analyze the initial strikes, including reports of Supreme Leader Khamenei's death, and the strategy behind targeting leadership for potential regime change. The discussion also explores the anticipated responses from the Iranian people, neighboring Gulf states, and international powers like Russia and China, while debating the extent of future U.S. involvement and the challenges of managing a post-regime transition.
Steve Hayes is joined by Megan McArdle, Kevin Williamson, and Declan Garvey to discuss the Trump administration's new “war on fraud” and the young adult “ dating recession .” The Agenda: — The “ war on fraud ” —The real driver behind government debt —Misconceptions about waste and abuse — The young adult dating recession —Looksmaxxing, explained —Risk aversion in teens —NWYT: Email inboxes Show Notes: — Alan Cole's bet on DOGE — Yuval Levin for The Dispatch : The Changing Face of Social Breakdow...
President Donald Trump delivered his State of the Union address on February 24, and The Dispatch hosted a special Dispatch Live to discuss it all. Steve Hayes was joined by Michael Warren, Kevin Williamson, and David Drucker to discuss the speech, and congressional reporter Charles Hilu, who was at the Capitol, also joined the show to share his reporting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Steve Hayes is joined by Scott Lincicome, Mike Warren, and John McCormack to discuss the recent Supreme Court decision on tariffs and what it could mean for the U.S. economy and for American politics ahead of the 2026 midterms. Plus: embarrassing concert confessions. The Agenda: —Justice Gorsuch’s opinion —Why tariffs aren’t going away —The weak IEEPA case —Lincicome’s law —The fight over refunds —How tariffs will shape the midterms Show Notes: — Justice Gorsuch’s opinion — Why Trump’s Section 1...
Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Megan McArdle to discuss Stephen Colbert's “pulled” interview with Texas U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico and whether the Trump administration is seriously considering bringing back the Fairness Doctrine. Plus: Are military strikes on Iran imminent? The Agenda: —The FCC and equal time rules —Should the government control airwaves? — FTC's threat to Apple News — Military escalation with Iran —Plausibility of regime change —NWYT: Going...
Steve Hayes is joined by new Dispatch contributor Stephen Richer , CEO of Republic Affairs and the former Maricopa County recorder, as well as John McCormack and Mike Warren to discuss the FBI seizure of Fulton County voter data, why Donald Trump is choosing to relitigate the 2020 election now, and what it portends for 2026 and 2028. The Agenda: —Fulton County election material seizure —Election “tapes,” explained —Post-2020 fraud investigations —Trump’s rhetoric on election integrity —The “2,00...
Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Megan McArdle to discuss the Trump administration’s failed attempt to indict six Democrats and assess the state of the economy one year into the president’s second term. The Agenda: — Democrats' 'Don't Give Up the Ship' video —Pam Bondi's testimony before Congress —Loyalty under Trump 2.0 —Republican opposition to tariffs — January 2026 jobs report — CBO debt forecast —NWYT: Valentine's Day The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ...
Steve Hayes is joined by leading Iran analyst Karim Sadjadpour, Dispatch contributor Mike Nelson, and Mike Warren to discuss the unrest in Iran and the state of the Ukraine-Russia war. The Agenda: —Karim Sadjadpour: The Autumn of the Ayatollahs —What to expect from the Trump administration —Pro-democracy advocates in Iran — Four years into the Ukraine-Russia war —'Ukraine is the future of warfare' —Russia's style of combat —NWYT: Olympic skier's 'mixed emotions' The Dispatch Podcast is a product...
Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and David French to discuss Donald Trump's second term and when a cycle of norm violations turns into authoritarianism. The Agenda: — DHS targeting of Americans —Administrative subpoenas, explained — Abuses in immigration detention centers — Megan McArdle on fascism —Why language matters —Totalitarianism vs. fascism —NWYT: The Superbowl Show Notes: — A listener's injury story — David French: "This Is Not a Drill" The Dispatch Podcast is a p...
Steve Hayes is joined by Emily Oster to discuss the latest federal vaccine and dietary guidelines before welcoming Kevin Williamson and Michael Warren to discuss the Epstein files, Don Lemon’s arrest, and Southwest Airlines’ new seat assignments. The Agenda: – Oster: Let’s Be Honest About Public Health Guidance –Everyone loves listening to journalists –Ethics of journalism and Don Lemon –Why it’s always the economy, stupid –Market forces vs. government solutions –The impact of COVID –The Epstein...
Steve Hayes sits down with Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and Kevin Williamson to discuss the events in Minnesota, sanctuary cities and immigration policies, and international tensions. The Agenda: –Kristi Noem, Stephen Miller, and the Leak Wars –The killing of Alex Pretti –Jedi mind tricks aren’t working –Time for the purge? –Trump’s political instincts – Overseas tensions – NWYT: Weird injuries Show Notes: – Dispatch Editorial: The Cost of Silence – Trump says 'violent day' of policing will en...
Steve Hayes is joined by Mike Warren, Dispatch contributor Mike Nelson , and Mindy Belz to discuss the shooting of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis and what the rebuilding of Mosul, Iraq, can tell us about the future of the region. The Agenda: —Alex Pretti's death —ICE vs. counter-insurgence — Protest at Cities Church —Massacre of protesters in Iran —Striking Iran — Chaos, not strategy — Mindy's piece for The Dispatch : "Finding the Way Back From War" —Carp barbecues in Baghdad (masgouf) Show Notes: —...
Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, Sarah Isgur, and Mike Warren to reflect on President Donald Trump's first year of his second term and look ahead to his final three. The Agenda: —Trump's use of executive orders —Trump's legislative "agenda" —The retribution tour —What will last beyond Trump? —Are we the (global) baddies? —Sarah's Not Worth Your Time ambush Pre-order Sarah Isgur's new book Last Branch Standing here . Skipped lightning round question: Who was the most influen...
Steve Hayes returns and invites Declan Garvey, Jonah Goldberg, and Michael Warren on to discuss President Donald Trump’s letter to the prime minister of Norway about not receiving the Nobel Peace Prize, the future of NATO, and the end of the conservative movement. Plus: Are NFL teams firing coaches too quickly? The Agenda: – What is Trump thinking? –International reactions –Economic ramifications –Foreign policy plays –Douthat vs. Goldberg –The future of nationalism and conservatism –Stability o...
Michael Warren takes the host chair from Steve Hayes to lead a panel discussion with Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and Grayson Logue on the recent fatal shooting involving an ICE agent in Minneapolis, its effect on public opinion around immigration enforcement, and the broader ramifications of aggressive immigration enforcement. The Agenda: –Polling on public reaction to the ICE shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis –Trump’s “Reverse Midas Touch” and its influence on the political narrative – The...
Steve Hayes invites Michael Warren, John McCormack, and James Sutton on the podcast to discuss the Department of Justice's investigation of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, how President Trump's tariffs are affecting interest rates, and the deadly protests in Iran. The Agenda: —Jerome Powell investigation — The fallout of Trump's economic policies —Trump’s approval numbers fall over immigration —GOP messaging and midterm possibilities — Iran’s deadly protests: Is this different? —NWYT: predi...
Steve Hayes is joined by Kevin Williamson, Jonah Goldberg, and David French to revisit the Trump administration's operation in Venezuela nearly one week later and discuss the shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. The Agenda: —U.S. intervention in Venezuela —Oil, drugs, or immigrants? — Legality of Maduro's arrest —Does international law matter? —The future of U.S. interventionism —ICE shooting in Minneapolis —NWYT: Best cities to live in Show Notes: — Dispatch Debate on the capt...
Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Dispatch contributor Gil Guerra , and retired Army Special Forces officer Mike Nelson to discuss the Trump administration's capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and what happens next. The Agenda: — Gil for The Dispatch : Why We Toppled Maduro —The administration's rationale — Mike for The Dispatch : Causes for Concern and Celebration —The White House's muddled messaging —The "Donroe Doctrine" —Permanent occupation? —No new wars — NWYT: How to pr...
Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and Mike Warren to discuss their favorite books, TV shows, movies, meals, and products from 2025. Show Notes: — Megan McArdle's podcast, Reasonably Optimistic — Neal Stephenson's The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer — The Lost History of Liberalism: From Ancient Rome to the Twenty-First Century — And a Bottle of Rum: A History of the New World in Ten Cocktails — The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally He...
Steve Hayes invites Megan McArdle, Mike Warren, and Jonah Goldberg to review the biggest stories of the year, people we don’t want to hear from in 2026, and the best writing not from The Dispatch . The Agenda: —Most important news story —Most undercovered story —Who is the most exposed? —Best piece of non- Dispatch journalism —Best good news of the year Show Notes: — Is the AfD Too Extreme for Democracy? — The Anti-Social Century — The Sierra Club Embraced Social Justice. Then It Tore Itself Apa...
Steve Hayes is joined by Kevin Williamson, Jonah Goldberg, and Grayson Logue to discuss recent reporting on the Biden administration’s handling of the asylum crisis and the Vanity Fair interview with top Trump administration staff. The Agenda: —Reporting on Biden’s immigration failure —Indecision in the Biden admin —Fixing the asylum crisis —When Democrats gave up — Susie Wiles’ interview with Vanity Fair —Distracting from Trump’s obscenities —Loyalty in Trump’s second term — The strange afforda...
Megan McArdle joins Steve Hayes, Jonah Goldberg, and Mike Warren to tell the story of her mother’s deathbed confession and how it informed her opinions on abortion. Then, a brief discussion on the failed redistricting attempt in Indiana and a reflection on Rob Reiner's filmography. The Agenda: —Megan’s Monday Essay : The Brother I Lost —Megan’s thought experiment on abortion —Childhood and regrets —Do the dead have rights? —Emotional toll of adoption —Redistricting in Indiana —Favorite Rob Reine...
Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and Sarah Isgur to discuss the Minnesota welfare fraud scandal, the $160 million AI chip smuggling operation, and pull-up bars in the airport. The Agenda: — Immigrant welfare fraud —1990s throwback —Woke intimidation —China and AI chip smuggling — Clientelism in Trump's administration — Airport gyms Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices...
Steve Hayes invites David Drucker, Michael Warren, and The Hill Sunday host Chris Stirewalt to perform an autopsy on the remains of the two major parties. The Agenda: – Big picture of American politics – Not a good time to be a Congressman –Midterm elections and future projections –The Texas Senate race – The parliament of pundits – J.D. Vance’s 2028 election chances – Renaming the NFL The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch , a digital media company covering politics, policy, a...
Steve Hayes invites Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Kevin Williamson to discuss the ‘double tap’ order from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that may violate the laws of war. Is this another issue where Trump can ‘win’ because we’re an outcomes-over-process society? The Agenda: –We’re not at war –Legality of airstrikes –What is narco-terrorism exactly? – Megyn Kelly likes violence for some reason – A damning indictment –Pardon (our) abuse –NWYT: Our top podcasts and artists of the year (who list...
John McCormack and Michael Warren join Steve Hayes to discuss their reporting on how the Intercollegiate Studies Institute is downgrading traditional conservatism, and Charles Hilu reports on how lawmakers on Capitol Hill are really feeling about the changes on the right. The Agenda: — The state of the conservative intellectual movement — John and Mikes new reporting on ISI — Postliberalism and key figures on the intellectual right — Tucker Carlson, Alex Jones, and the future of conservative tho...
