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The Ricochet Podcast

847 episodes - English - Latest episode: 13 days ago - ★★★★★ - 1.2K ratings

Weekly episodes of Ricochet’s flagship podcast feature our hosts James Lileks, Rob Long, Peter Robinson, and guests discussing the issues of the week.

News ricochet rob long peter robinson james lileks politics news analysis conservative center-right
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Episodes

All About Boris

July 26, 2019 17:39 - 1 hour - 32.4 MB

When something happens across the pond, we immediately call on the great John O’Sullivan to explain what it all means. He stops by for a complete data drop on the appointment of Boris Johnson to 10 Downing Street. Also, is Mueller time finally over? And does it kill impeachment? All answers lie within the confines of today’s Ricochet Podcast. Music from this week’s show: A Foggy Day by Louis... Source

456. The Squad

July 17, 2019 19:12 - 1 hour - 5.05 KB

Due to some scheduling issues, we’re a couple of days early this week but that doesn’t mean we’re scrimping on the content. James is taking this week off, so Rob and Peter drive the bus themselves (as Peter mentions in the show, do check out James’ Twitter feed). We’re not scrimping on the guests either: […] Sponsored by Ancestry, ButcherBox, Calm Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/the-squad/. Now become a Ricochet membe...

The Squad

July 17, 2019 19:12 - 1 hour - 39.4 MB

Due to some scheduling issues, we’re a couple of days early this week but that doesn’t mean we’re scrimping on the content. James is taking this week off, so Rob and Peter drive the bus themselves (as Peter mentions in the show, do check out James’ Twitter feed). We’re not scrimping on the guests either: we’ve got Washington Post chief political correspondent (and former Ricochet podcaster) Bob... Source

Triumph of The Will

July 12, 2019 19:54 - 1 hour - 29.9 MB

This week, we’re fortunate to be able to access the deep mind of one of the country’s great thinkers and writers, George Will on the occasion of his new book, The Conservative Sensibility. We conduct a long and wide-ranging conversation with him covering everything from the meaning of conservatism, President powers, progressive regulation, and much more. Take our advice: pour yourself a tall... Source

455. Triumph of The Will

July 12, 2019 19:54 - 1 hour - 3.83 KB

This week, we’re fortunate to be able to access the deep mind of one of the country’s great thinkers and writers, George Will on the occasion of his new book, The Conservative Sensibility. We conduct a long and wide-ranging conversation with him covering everything from the meaning of conservatism, President powers, progressive regulation, and much more. […] Sponsored by Lending Club, SelectQuote, Zebit Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/...

The Great Debate

June 28, 2019 21:30 - 1 hour - 35 MB

A very busy week to cover on this week’s show (even though one of our hosts is already vacation mode — and we apologize in advance for his sometimes spotty audio). We’ve got Jonathan V. Last ( his Democratic Power Rankings are a must read) to parse both of the Dem debates, and the NY Post’s Sohrab Ahmari on the crisis on the border and yes, his criticism of David French and a branch of... Source

454. The Great Debate

June 28, 2019 21:30 - 1 hour - 4.48 KB

A very busy week to cover on this week’s show (even though one of our hosts is already vacation mode — and we apologize in advance for his sometimes spotty audio). We’ve got Jonathan V. Last (his Democratic Power Rankings are a must read) to parse both of the Dem debates, and the NY Post’s […] Sponsored by Ancestry, Calming Comfort, DoorDash Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/the-great-debate/. Now become a Ricochet memb...

453. Taking Trips

June 22, 2019 03:30 - 1 hour - 3.89 KB

This week, we reunite the cast and they tell us a bit about their summer trips (or swanky conferences). Then, the EPCC’s Henry Olsen joins us for some rank punditry® on 2020 and Trump’s re-election chances, as well as keeping the Senate and winning back the House. Also, Iran, China, Italy, and yes, Costa Rica. […] Sponsored by Quip, The Farmer's Dog, Zebit Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/taking-trips/. Now become a Ri...

Taking Trips

June 22, 2019 03:30 - 1 hour - 30.4 MB

This week, we reunite the cast and they tell us a bit about their summer trips (or swanky conferences). Then, the EPCC’s Henry Olsen joins us for some rank punditry® on 2020 and Trump’s re-election chances, as well as keeping the Senate and winning back the House. Also, Iran, China, Italy, and yes, Costa Rica. Music from this week’s show: Volare (Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu) by Dean Martin... Source

452. Going at it Hammer and Tongs

June 14, 2019 21:34 - 1 hour - 3.75 KB

This episode of America’s Most Trusted Podcast® is notable for both who shows up and who doesn’t. But James Lileks is our rock, welcoming our own Bethany Mandel into the co-host’s chair, and Dr. Samuel Gregg author of the upcoming book, Reason, Faith, and the Struggle for Western Civilization. Then Bethany and James delve into […] Sponsored by Ancestry, Eero, Lending Club Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/going-at-it-ham...

Going at it Hammer and Tongs

June 14, 2019 21:34 - 1 hour - 58.6 MB

This episode of America’s Most Trusted Podcast® is notable for both who shows up and who doesn’t. But James Lileks is our rock, welcoming our own Bethany Mandel into the co-host’s chair, and Dr. Samuel Gregg author of the upcoming book, Reason, Faith, and the Struggle for Western Civilization. Then Bethany and James delve into the miniseries, Chernobyl, and explore their, er... Source

451. Time For a Grilling

June 07, 2019 19:13 - 1 hour - 4.32 KB

From time to time we eschew having guests here on America’s Most Trusted Podcast® so we can turn the tables on our hosts and allow the membership to ask the questions. (You are a member, right?) After reviewing the President’s trip to Europe and the state of Euro-American relations, Rob Long and James Lileks field […] Sponsored by Boll & Branch, Calm, Capterra Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/time-for-a-grilling/. Now ...

Time For a Grilling

June 07, 2019 19:13 - 1 hour - 67.5 MB

From time to time we eschew having guests here on America’s Most Trusted Podcast® so we can turn the tables on our hosts and allow the membership to ask the questions. (You are a member, right?) After reviewing the President’s trip to Europe and the state of Euro-American relations, Rob Long and James Lileks field your inquiries from the 2020 race to the future of their full time professions. Source

The Norman Conquests

May 30, 2019 17:23 - 1 hour - 30.5 MB

Only a very few guests warrant two segments on the Ricochet Podcast aka, America’s Most Trusted Podcast® and one of those people is the great Norman Podhoretz (around these parts, we call him “The Podfather). We talk to Norman (who’s a sprightly 89) about his recent conversion to a supporter of the President, the history of the Conservative movement, how he may have singlehandedly invented the... Source

450. The Norman Conquests

May 30, 2019 17:23 - 1 hour - 3.9 KB

Only a very few guests warrant two segments on the Ricochet Podcast aka, America’s Most Trusted Podcast® and one of those people is the great Norman Podhoretz (around these parts, we call him “The Podfather). We talk to Norman (who’s a sprightly 89) about his recent conversion to a supporter of the President, the history […] Sponsored by Ancestry, DoorDash, The Farmer's Dog Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/the-norman-co...

Land of Hope and Dreams

May 24, 2019 18:25 - 1 hour - 28.5 MB

This week on America’s Most Trusted Podcast®, we kick off with some home grown commentary about the ongoing Pelosi-Trump drama. Then, the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s White House correspondent extraordinaire Deb Saunders joins for an extended and more detailed chat on the same topic. Later, Dr. Bill McClay stops by to discuss his new book, Land of Hope: An Invitation to the Great American Story... Source

449. Land of Hope and Dreams

May 24, 2019 18:25 - 1 hour - 3.65 KB

This week on America’s Most Trusted Podcast®, we kick off with some home grown commentary about the ongoing Pelosi-Trump drama. Then, the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s White House correspondent extraordinaire Deb Saunders joins for an extended and more detailed chat on the same topic. Later, Dr. Bill McClay stops by to discuss his new book, Land […] Sponsored by Capterra, Lending Tree, Quip Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast...

448. Choices

May 17, 2019 20:01 - 1 hour - 4.97 KB

We go long on this show (and we’re not just talking about one of our hosts, either). First up, the mayor of New York City wants to be your President. That’s good for the city (keeps him away for long stretches of time), and probably good for the current occupant of the White House too. […] Sponsored by Ancestry, Calm, The Farmer's Dog Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/choices/. Now become a Ricochet member for only $5.0...

Choices

May 17, 2019 20:01 - 1 hour - 38.8 MB

We go long on this show (and we’re not just talking about one of our hosts, either). First up, the mayor of New York City wants to be your President. That’s good for the city (keeps him away for long stretches of time), and probably good for the current occupant of the White House too. Then, our good pal and co-podcaster Andrew Klavan joins to discuss his recent adventure at Stanford University... Source

447. Don’t Self-Impeach — You’ll Go Blind

May 10, 2019 22:51 - 1 hour - 3.89 KB

This week on America’s most beloved political podcast, we get deep in the weeds on impeachment: can it happen, how would it work, and the politics surrounding it. But first, we travel to Venezuela where our intrepid correspondent Annika Rothstein, who tells a harrowing story that we won’t spoil here (yes, we know the audio […] Sponsored by Boll & Branch, ProFlowers, Zebit Join the conversation and comment on this podcast episode: https://ricochet.com/podcast/ricochet-podcast/dont-self-impea...

Don't Self-Impeach — You'll Go Blind

May 10, 2019 22:51 - 1 hour - 30.4 MB

This week on America’s most beloved political podcast, we get deep in the weeds on impeachment: can it happen, how would it work, and the politics surrounding it. But first, we travel to Venezuela where our intrepid correspondent Annika Rothstein, who tells a harrowing story that we won’t spoil here (yes, we know the audio on her segment was sub-par — socialists run lousy telecommunications... Source

Hello, Larry

May 03, 2019 21:38 - 1 hour - 27.9 MB

Most Ricochet Podcasts follow a longstanding format: A little chat with the hosts, a couple of guests, some closing thoughts, a tune, and we’re out. But when you’ve got our old friend and current White House chief economic adviser Larry Kudlow on the podcast just hours after some very strong economic news, well, you throw out your format and let Larry drive the bus. We talk to him about the... Source

It’s Still A Damn Free Country

April 26, 2019 22:11 - 1 hour - 34.6 MB

Every so often, we dispense with the guests and just let the hosts riff on whatever comes to their minds. That’s what we did for this week’s show, as Peter, Rob, and James jam about Joe Biden entering the race, the politics of impeachment, the new found popularity of socialism, including Medicare For All and cancelling student loans (in certain sectors of the culture), and finally, Rob’s (somewhat... Source

What Is Truth?

April 19, 2019 23:03 - 1 hour - 33.6 MB

What time is it? Why it’s Mueller time, of course. With the release of the report, we go full Mueller on this week’s show as we enlist Law Talk’s John Yoo to help us with the legal angle, and Byron York (he’s got a podcast too) to guide us through the political ramifications. Also, the fire at Notre Dame and a mediation (really!) on Good Friday. Music from this week’s show: Somebody Lied by Ricky... Source

Event Horizon

April 12, 2019 21:29 - 1 hour - 33.8 MB

This week on America’s Most Trustworthy Podcast®, we talk about the meaning of the word “spying” and try to determine exactly what the definition is. Then, a bracing and brilliant discussion on reparations with the great Shelby Steele, who unlike most candidates for President, actually knows something about it. Then, our long time amigo Arthur Brooks calls in to talk about his new book... Source

You Can't Touch This

April 05, 2019 20:52 - 1 hour - 32 MB

This week, the audacity of grope — can Uncle Joe survive the woke warriors? We (along with Bethany Mandel who sits in for Peter) ponder that question with our guest, Commentary’s Christine Rosen. Also, have the Democrats gotten too far out over their skis with the Mueller Report? Survey says…YES. And what the heck is going on across the pond with Brexit? We call on Quillette’s Toby Young to... Source

Sweet Sowell Music

March 30, 2019 01:10 - 1 hour - 32.1 MB

We’re a tad late in publishing this week’s show, but we think it’s worth it: we’ve got Jon Gabriel sitting in for Rob Long, the great Thomas Sowell in the first segment to discuss the reissue of his classic book Discrimination and Disparities as well as the rise of socialism, reparations, and more. Next up, the also great Andrew C. McCarthy, who stops by to discuss his famous recipe for banana... Source

The Civil Wars

March 22, 2019 22:07 - 1 hour - 35.5 MB

This week on America’s Most Beloved Podcast®, we meditate on the idea that Millennials (including one who was recently elected to Congress) feel as though they have never experienced American prosperity. Really. Then, the great Victor Davis Hanson joins to discuss his new book, The Case For Trump, and gets on a certain podcast host’s case for not…well, just listen. Finally, we call on Electoral... Source

College Rules

March 15, 2019 22:45 - 1 hour - 37.5 MB

This week, we start the show with a deep dive on…Beto O’Rourke (hey, know thine enemy, folks). Then Las Vegas Review-Journal White House Correspondent Debra Saunders joins to discuss the Emergency Powers veto — what happened, what will happen, and why some Republican senators voted against it. Then Tim Carney stops by to discuss his new book Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others... Source

The Democrats Pounce

March 09, 2019 02:59 - 1 hour - 32.5 MB

This week, we cover Liz Warren’s plan to break up the big tech companies, Ilhan Omar’s latent (or maybe not so latent) anti-Semitism from the perspective of an actual member of her district, and chat about the Democrats boycotting of Fox News for one of their upcoming debates. Oh, yeah — we’ve also got the great Andy McCarthy on Manafort, Cohen, and what to expect on seemingly perpetual soon-to... Source

Annika Rothstein Alive from Caracas

February 26, 2019 00:58 - 23 minutes - 10.9 MB

Annika Rothstein, an independent journalist, has been reporting for some time on the miseries – and resilience – of the Venezuelan people. Last weekend she went to the Colombian border, where government forces had assembled to keep an aid convoy from entering the country. The story she got was one she was lucky to survive. We speak to her in relative safety, where she recounts the story of a very... Source

Need More Dong

February 22, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 28 MB

This week on the Ricochet Podcast, we’ve got…us. Once in while we just let the hosts host the show and let them talk off the top of their heads. Not going to synopsize it here except to say the conversation spans the globe from Saigon to Fargo and the topics are as far-flung as well. Finally — we have heard your pleas, faithful listeners: behold the new Ricochet Podcast open! Music from this week’... Source

Hot or Not?

February 15, 2019 14:00 - 1 hour - 33.2 MB

This week on the world famous Ricochet Podcast, our own Bethany Mandel sits in for Peter Robinson as we parse Amazon’s departure from NYC, discuss the climate with noted expert Bjorn Lomborg, and talk politics with the WSJ (and Manhattan Institute’s) Jason Riley. Also, is CPAC now just a grifter’s convention? We discuss, you opine. Music from this week’s show: Heatwave by Ella Fitzgerald... Source

Not Easy Bein' Green

February 08, 2019 22:22 - 1 hour - 33.7 MB

This week, we forgo the guests and turn the floor over to you, our faithful Ricochet members that we are eternally grateful for (reading this and you’re NOT a member? Please join!). We get questions on books, the host’s careers, Ricochet’s business model, and more. Also, the Green New Deal and what the heck is going in Richmond. Music from this week’s podcast: It’s Not Easy Bein’ Green by Frank... Source

Socialists, SJWs, and Patriots

February 01, 2019 22:53 - 1 hour - 37.1 MB

This week on the Big Show, we start in frigid Minnesota, home of one James Lileks, who describes life in a Polar Vortex for those of us who live in more temperate climes. Then, we’re off to the swamps of Jersey for a visit from Commentary’s Noah Rothman to talk about his fascinating new book Unjust: Social Justice and the Unmaking of America. Then, it’s off to Venezuela where Annika Rothstein is... Source

Everybody Must Get Stone

January 25, 2019 20:37 - 1 hour - 34.3 MB

Occasionally, a news story breaks while we are recording this show and the hosts must react in real time. This week, two stories broke as we were in the midst of the show: news of Roger Stone’s indictment and the end of the shutdown (at least for now). In between these stories, we talk to the Washington Post’s Megan McCardle about the Covington High School blow up last weekend and the business... Source

Growing Pains

January 18, 2019 23:57 - 1 hour - 34.3 MB

This week on the podcast, we got the full contingent back on the bus to break down all the news in a busy week. We parse that Buzzfeed article claiming the President instructed his attorney to lie to Congress, we get granular on the all the shut down machinations, including the “If I can have my SOTU, you can’t go to Europe on a government plane” brouhaha. Then, our friend Chris Scalia joins to... Source

Frozen Lizards and Steel Walls

January 11, 2019 23:06 - 1 hour - 28.7 MB

The Big Show is back on the interwebs for another year of civil and clever conversation. Kicking off 2019 with us (sadly, Rob is off this week), are two old pals: Mickey Kaus and Byron York. The latter on the shut down, the new Congress and Byron’s new podcast (coming next week!). Mickey, aka “America’s Most Unusual Democrat” stops by to explain The Wall and whether or not any of it, some of it... Source

All I Want For Christmas Is…

December 21, 2018 23:52 - 1 hour - 32.4 MB

It’s our last show for 2018, sadly there’s just not that much to talk about. Darn. Nothing going on, no controversy, no conflict. Just some old friends (and Ricochet editors Jon Gabriel and Bethany Mandel) shooting the breeze for 70 odd minutes. Enjoy and we’ll see you next year. And please: if you’re not yet a member — JOIN RICOCHET! Music from this week’s show: All I Want for Christmas Is... Source

Cast Iron Skillets and A World In Flames

December 15, 2018 00:53 - 1 hour - 35.1 MB

This week, the finer points of cast iron skillets, Yorkshire pudding, and oh, yes, the burgeoning French revolution, courtesy of Claire Berlinski in Paris, the state of Brexit with Toby Young in London, and the demise of the Weekly Standard in Washington D.C. with our hosts, who have been reading it from day one. Music from this week’s podcast: Murder By Numbers by The Police... Source

1,000 Points of Light

December 08, 2018 19:38 - 58 minutes - 26.7 MB

We’re a day late (but not a dollar short) and we’ve got two host on the high seas, so we call on our good pal Steven Hayward (the host of the Powerline Podcast) to sit in with Peter Robinson. Later, the great biographer Andrew Roberts joins to chat about his fantastic new book Churchill: Walking with Destiny, Brexit, and the rioting in France. Also, Mueller time, and is it curtains for The Weekly... Source

California Dreaming

November 30, 2018 14:15 - 1 hour - 32.5 MB

This week, we take some time to discuss climate change and then the puzzling and disturbing disappearance of a seemingly once very prevalent species: the California Republican, with our guest the Hoover Institution’s Bill Whalen. Then, we go back in time to chat about that guy on the $20 bill, Andrew Jackson, with the guy who wrote the book on him, Fox News’ Brian Kilmeade (buy his book Andrew... Source

Excelsior!

November 16, 2018 19:23 - 1 hour - 34.1 MB

This week, Peter Robinson is off, but we still have plenty o’ show for you: First, we go across the pond (well, actually he’s in Michigan, but you know what we meant…) to chat with Anglophile John O’Sullivan on Brexit and then we delve deep into the cultural zeitgeist with The Weekly Standard’s (and The Substandard podcast host) Jonathan V. Last to examine the legacies of Stan Lee and the great... Source

Stone the Heretics!

November 09, 2018 02:38 - 1 hour - 31.7 MB

Our traditional format is two guests per show, but when we have someone as smart and loquacious as Ben Shapiro, we toss our traditions and do it live. We cover the mid-terms, we look at 2020, take a gander at Trump’s management style and a host of other host takes. Also, another edition of “What Are You Watching?” and Rob Long hosts a contest for new members. Join today! Music from this week’s... Source

The Final Frontier

November 01, 2018 20:34 - 1 hour - 35.9 MB

We’re a day early, but certainly not a dollar short as we tackle another busy news week. First up, Washington Examiner magazine editor (and the co-host of That Sethany Show) Seth Mandel on the shootings in Pittsburgh and the Mandel’s new life in D.C. Then, our good friend (and Ricochet’s Law Talk with Epstein & Yoo podcast co-host) John Yoo stops by to school on the the 14th Amendment and... Source

Special R> Podcast: Republican Candidate for Governor of CA John Cox

October 29, 2018 17:38 - 19 minutes - 9.13 MB

This morning, we had the opportunity to chat for a few minutes with the Republican candidate for governor of California, John Cox. Peter Robinson and Rob Long talk with Cox about his quixotic campaign in an overwhelmingly blue state, his positions on several key issues, and the big elephant in the corner: Donald Trump. Source

Caravan

October 26, 2018 18:51 - 1 hour - 41.7 MB

This week, the bomber is apprehended and Rob Long is not surprised, there’s a caravan headed our way, professional prognosticator Patrick Ruffini opines on his epic Tweet storm and makes some mid-term predictions, and the great Heather Mac Donald stops by to chat about her new book The Diversity Delusion: How Race and Gender Pandering Corrupt the University and Undermine Our Culture. Finally... Source

Bad Blood

October 19, 2018 17:43 - 1 hour - 35.4 MB

This week, some thoughts on the Khashoggi murder, a deep dive into the Catholic Church scandals with the great Rod Dreher, and our mid-term preview with Ricochet’s newest podcaster, Lahnee Chen (subscribe to his show!). Also, you thought we weren’t going to give our take on Elizabeth Warren’s DNA test? No way, Chief. Music from this week’s podcast Bad Blood by Taylor Swift... Source

Don't Tread On Ye

October 13, 2018 22:10 - 1 hour - 28.1 MB

This week, another one guester as we call on Ricochet alumnus Mollie Hemingway to help us sort through Kanye, Kavanaugh, and other assorted issues of the day (she also gives us an instant review of the new Gosnell movie, which Mollie had just seen). Also, the Senate is looking brighter, and the guys recommend some Peak TV. Music from this week’s podcast: Good Golly Miss Molly by Little Richard... Source

Seeking Cloture

October 05, 2018 19:06 - 1 hour - 34.7 MB

Sometimes, people ask why we wait until Friday afternoons to publish the podcast. The last couple of weeks should answer that question for at least a while. We’re lucky to have a full contingent of quality guests this week to help us sort through all the outrage, er, news that has accumulated since last week’s show. First up, Ricochet’s own Bethany Mandel who has a few opinions on the Kavanaugh... Source

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