The Dispatch Podcast

Jonah Goldberg is joined by Gil Guerra, Kevin Williamson, and Megan McArdle to discuss the nationwide blackouts in Cuba and whether the country will be next in Trump’s crosshairs.The Agenda:—The state of play in Cuba—History of the blackouts—A Russian tanker arrives—How much does Cuba matter to the U.S.?—The case for regime case—The left’s fascination with Cuba—How would the right react?—NWYT: Melania and the educational AI robotDispatch Recommendations:—Meet the Has-Beens, Never-Weres, and Felon Locked in a Trumpy Primary—The Era of Cookbooks Is Not Over—Our Almost-Promised Land—The Institutional Rot of the Right’s Youth PoliticsShow Notes:—Will Cuba Be the Next to Fall? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and Mike Nelson to measure the strategic success of the war in Iran so far and discuss the diverging war aims between U.S. and Israel.The Agenda:—Is Iran winning the war?—Trump's shifting rhetoric—Trump's daily video montage briefing—U.S. and Israel's diverging war aims—Bad timing for a shutdown fight—NWYT: The America First awardDispatch Recommendations:—Media’s New Ethical Dilemma: Polymarket and Kalshi—The Gorilla Channel—Meet the Has-Beens, Never-Weres, and Felon Locked in a Trumpy Primary—Will Cuba Be the Next to Fall?Show Notes:—G-File: Two Trump Administrations—Audrey Fahlberg's reporting on Joe Kent Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by David Drucker, Mike Warren, and Jonathan Martin, Politico's politics bureau chief, to discuss the upcoming midterm elections and the Democrats' ongoing identity crisis.The Agenda:—The Trump effect on 2026 midterms—Partisan redistricting efforts—Scandals in state primaries—Democratic identity crisis—The GOP after 2028—NWYT: Meals with sourcesShow Notes:—On the Road with Jonathan Martin The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and David French to discuss the growth of prediction markets and the differing goals that Israel and the U.S. may have in the war with Iran.The Agenda:—The harms of sports betting—Fantasy football podcasts and gambling—Monetizing insider trading—How does gambling affect sports?—The libertarian argument regarding addiction—Mismatched aims for the war in Iran—Tension between the U.S. and Israel—NWYT: Can a vegan candidate win in Texas? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Steve Hayes is joined by The Atlantic's Elaine Godfrey, Kevin Williamson, Mike Warren, and David Drucker to discuss today’s U.S. Senate primary elections in Texas, as well as both Kevin and Elaine's on-the-ground reporting leading up to the heated contests.The Agenda:—Texas Democratic primary—‘Elaine From Atlantic … She Needs to Leave’—Texas Republican primary—The Trump endorsement—The impact of identity politics—Trump's impact on the midterms—NWYT: Regional chains Show Notes:—Listen to Kevin Williamson read his article here. The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a live Dispatch Podcast, Steve Hayes and Michael Warren were joined by Dispatch contributing writer and retired Army Special Forces officer Mike Nelson as well as Atlantic staff writer Graeme Wood to break down the U.S. and Israeli military campaign against the Iranian regime and explain what might come next. Watch the livestreamed converation on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/live/PmkW7QDgpDs?si=cd-LNKvv6YctKOG6Show Notes:—Graeme Wood: An Iranian Network Is Ready to Act—Mike Nelson: There’s a Case for Striking Iran. President Trump Needs to Make It. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 inboxesShow Notes:—Alan Cole's bet on DOGE—Yuval Levin for The Dispatch: The Changing Face of Social Breakdown The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. 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 midtermsShow Notes:—Justice Gorsuch’s opinion—Why Trump’s Section 122 Tariffs Are Illegal—Trump Tariffs: Tracking the Economic Impact of the Trump Trade War—Where Dems Affordability Message Goes Next The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 to the moon? Show Notes:—Paul Matzko's The Radio Right—Megan McArdle's podcast The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 “2,000 mules” theory—Voter I.D. and the SAVE Act—NWYT: Winter Olympics The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 production of ⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠click here⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 documents dump–Southwest Airlines: changes to seat assignments Show Notes:–The Simple Case for Arresting Don Lemon The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 end crime–The Immigration Frontlines–There's a way to stop Trump. First, drop the fascism debate. The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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:—Wall Street Journal analysis of ICE shooting of Alex Pretti—Retired Green Beret's defense of the administration on X—DHS officials frustrated with administration's lies—Mike Nelson on the Iran nuclear facility strikes —Kevin Williamson: "Gun-Blaming in Minneapolis" Pre-order Sarah Isgur's new book, Last Branch Standing, here. Skipped lightning round question: Who was the most influential or effective adviser to Donald Trump in the first year of his second term?David French: Stephen MillerMike Warren: Stephen MillerJonah Goldberg: Stephen MillerSarah Isgur: Stephen MillerSteve Hayes: Stephen Miller The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠⁠The Dispatch⁠⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠⁠click here⁠⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠⁠by clicking here⁠⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠click here⁠. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 over upside in the NFL Show Notes:–Douthat's NYT column: Trump's Second Term Has Ended the Conservative Era–Jonah's G-File: Beware the New Americanism–Douthat in 2020: There Will Be No Trump Coup The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 feds are coming for Jerome Powell–Are we really taking Greenland?–Is NWYT worth your time? Show Notes:–Save the Federal Reserve's independence–ICE's Deadly Professionalism Deficit The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Audrey Snyder and Jon Sauber discuss Penn State's decision to hire Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell. Who will be joining Matt Cambell from Iowa State and how will this impact the roster that is still currently with the Nittany Lions?