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The Ricochet Podcast

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Weekly episodes of Ricochet’s flagship podcast feature our hosts James Lileks, Steve Hayward, Charles C. W. Cooke, and guests discussing the issues of the week.

Listen to The Ricochet Podcast, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.
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Episodes

Sorry, Not Sorry

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

Dec 18, 20141 hr 16 minEp. 242

Hitting For The Cycle

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

Dec 11, 20141 hr 15 minEp. 241

Politics and Bourbon

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

Dec 04, 20141 hr 12 minEp. 240

The News Dudes

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

Nov 21, 20141 hr 7 minEp. 239

Pirates Of The Caribbean

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

Nov 16, 201459 minEp. 238

Back To The Future!

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

Nov 06, 20141 hr 14 minEp. 237

Wild About Milhouse

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

Oct 31, 20141 hr 5 minEp. 236

Not A Fan

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

Oct 22, 20141 hr 5 minEp. 235

The Professors

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

Oct 16, 20141 hr 5 minEp. 234

That's No Lady

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

Oct 08, 20141 hr 9 minEp. 233

Government Don't Work Good

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

Oct 02, 20141 hr 10 minEp. 232

Brainless

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

Sep 25, 20141 hr 9 minEp. 231

Tartan Spicy

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

Sep 18, 20141 hr 14 minEp. 230

Arguing In Good Faith

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

Sep 11, 20141 hr 22 minEp. 229

Reclining Standards

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

Aug 28, 20141 hr 9 minEp. 228

Talk Amongst Yourselves

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

Aug 21, 20141 hr 14 minEp. 227

Good Listeners

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

Aug 14, 20141 hr 21 minEp. 226

A Big Bomb

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

Aug 06, 201458 minEp. 225

Welcome Back, Blueberries

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

Jul 31, 20141 hr 18 minEp. 224

Bearing Down

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

Jul 18, 20141 hr 11 minEp. 223

Borderline Crazy

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

Jul 10, 20141 hr 23 minEp. 222

Court and Sparklers

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

Jul 02, 20141 hr 28 minEp. 221

Mississippi

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

Jun 26, 20141 hr 8 minEp. 220

Murphy and Kaus

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

Jun 19, 20141 hr 21 minEp. 219

Change Is Good

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

Jun 12, 20141 hr 16 minEp. 218

See Cruz

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

Jun 05, 20141 hr 24 minEp. 217

Question Time!

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

May 29, 20141 hr 18 minEp. 216

The Phone Call

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

May 22, 20141 hr 13 minEp. 215

#Hot

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

May 14, 20141 hr 15 minEp. 214

The Reykjaviking Crew

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

May 08, 20141 hr 4 minEp. 213
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