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The Dispatch Podcast

The Dispatch

Host Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle and guests for a thoughtful discussion on politics, policy and culture.

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  • 47 episodes
  • a few times a week
  • Avg 1 hr 14 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • Yesterday · 1 hr 24 min

    An Extinction-Level Event for MAGA

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and David French to discuss the results of the midterm elections, J.D. Vance’s postmortem on X, and whether Democrats can resist the pull of their own base. The Agenda —Is nature healing? —Corruption as voters’ top concern —It’s all Stephen Miller’s fault —Trump’s $5,000 bribe —J.D. Vance’s explanation for the GOP loss —How the White House distorts reality —Whether Democrats follow the moderates or the DSA —How much influence Trump retains over the GOP —NWYT: “Pick another protein" Show Notes —Nick Catoggio on the midterm results —The Dispatch editorial —Kevin Williamson’s latest —J.D. Vance’s postmortem on the midterms —Scott Colom’s beef ad The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • Monday · 1 hr 11 min

    Why Haley Stevens Endorsed Mike Rogers

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Sarah Isgur, and Mike Warren to discuss Haley Stevens’ endorsement of Mike Rogers and whether this will affect the race for a Michigan Senate seat for Tuesday’s midterm elections. The Agenda: —Endorsing Mike Rogers —Will this change election results? —What Abdul El-Sayed did wrong —Mary Peltola’s ballot scheme —When will we know results? —NWYT: Predictions Show notes: —Latest New York Times poll —Join us for an election night livestream! The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • October 30 · 1 hr 21 min

    Democrats Play Dirty in Alaska

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and John McCormack to discuss the case of two Dan Sullivans in Alaska’s Senate race and the Republican Party’s final pitch to voters before the midterms. The Agenda: —Milwaukee wins the World Series —Two Dan Sullivans in Alaska —J.D. Vance’s midterm pitch —Kansas Senate race —The affordability crisis —How unpopular is the Republican Party? —NWYT: I love the meat Show notes: —Derek Muller on the Alaska election case —New York Times poll The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • October 27 · 1 hr 13 min

    Can Democrats Maintain Their Momentum?

    Steve Hayes and guests Chris Stirewalt, Sarah Isgur, Chuck Todd, and Jonah Goldberg dove into the biggest questions related to the upcoming vote. Will the Democrats maintain their momentum, or could Republicans defy expectations? With less than two weeks left, what could change in the final days before voters go to the polls? Show notes: —Nick Catoggio on "cheesecake populism" Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/live/OmSS5aVdcWo?si=pOnt299L6ib0JyaY Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • October 23 · 1 hr 20 min

    Vivek Ramaswamy's Vicious Attack Ad May Backfire

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and Kevin Williamson to discuss Vivek Ramaswamy's attack ad against Amy Acton and Williamson's reporting from Texas. The Agenda: —Ramaswamy's attack ad —Amy Acton's reponse —Why politics are so gross —Kevin's trip to Texas —Democrats try to be normal —What will happen after a GOP loss? —NWYT: Trump merch stores closing down Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • October 20 · 1 hr 24 min

    Will the Midterm Elections Be Secure?

    How confident can we be that the 2026 midterms will run smoothly? When will we know which party has secured House and Senate majorities? Should we expect any meddling, foreign or domestic? Steve Hayes was joined by election experts Stephen Richer and Mark Sawyer for answers to those questions and many others. Then a panel including Jonah Goldberg and Mike Warren dove deep on the races most likely to decide congressional majorities and take a look at how candidates in competitive races are making their closing arguments. Watch the livestream here: https://www.youtube.com/live/oi4D0oVR6gQ?si=jigZpbvgh9hky57V Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • October 16 · 1 hr 14 min

    A Blue Wave or an Anti-Incumbent Wave?

    Steve Hayes is joined by Sarah Isgur, Jonah Goldberg, and Mike Warren to discuss the state of the midterms and whether South Carolina is truly a competitive state in 2026. The Agenda: —The first true “wave?” —The red undertow —How Trump’s ego is hurting the GOP —Redistricted districts —Is South Carolina competitive? —NWYT: What’s a lawyer? Show notes: —AP-NORC poll —Sarah’s Not Worth Your Time ambush —⁠Watch Monday's livestream The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • October 13 · 1 hr 11 min

    Why Trump Wants to Lift Russian Sanctions

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Mike Nelson to discuss President Trump’s decision to lift sanctions on Russian diesel and the Pentagon’s planned execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Hasan. The Agenda: —The state of Ukraine’s defense —Can Trump legally lift sanctions? —Why Trump hates Zelensky —Do voters care about Ukraine? —Livestreaming Nidal Hasan’s execution —NWYT: Breaking news in gender science Show notes: —New York Times: Chris LaCivita consulting for pro-Russia republic —President Trump’s approval rating on handling of Russia/Ukraine —Sen. Tom Emmer on lifting sanctions—Edmund Burke’s “Birds of Prey” speech The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • October 9 · 1 hr 18 min

    What Midterm Polling May Be Getting Wrong

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and Chris Stirewalt to discuss how the midterms are shaping up less than one month out and what to expect from a Democrat-controlled Congress. The Agenda: —Interpreting polling —GOP redistricting —2028 Democratic candidates —Can Democrats moderate? —A Democratic Congress —NWYT: A Taco Bell ultramarathon Show notes: —Wall Street Journal reporting on Kimberly Guilfoyle —CNN: Trump is clearly trying to buy votes with taxpayer money —Will DOJ Be a Menace in the Midterms? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • October 6 · 1 hr 12 min

    Can the State Be Trusted With the Death Penalty?

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and John McCormack to discuss the botched execution of convicted murderer Christa Pike and Angela Paxton’s “endorsement” ad for Senate candidate Ken Paxton, her estranged husband. The Agenda: —Christa Pike’s execution —Catholic arguments against the death penalty —What should the state do now? —Iowa Senate race —Candidate selection matters —NWYT: Bowling Show notes: —New York Times/Siena poll —Campaign ‘all coming from DC,’ Paxton says —The death of third places—Alienated America: Why Some Places Thrive While Others Collapse The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • October 2 · 1 hr 1 min

    Sen. Schmitt’s Failed Attack on Jack Smith

    Mike Warren is joined by Jonah Goldberg and Kevin Williamson to discuss Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt’s failed attempt at setting a perjury trap and the Trump administration’s AI luncheon. The Agenda: —Schmitt vs. Smith —What happened to Capitol Hill staff? —The GOP’s victory lap —The superintelligence rebrand —Trump’s AI luncheon —“Unites States” —NWYT: Hosting dinner parties The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • September 29 · 1 hr 10 min

    Can Democrats Flip a Kansas Senate Seat?

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Mike Warren to discuss the possibility of Democrats flipping a seat in Kansas and the Trump administration’s “public service announcements.” The Agenda: —The Senate race in Kansas —Roger Marshall and patient arrests —Why are Republicans still confident? —Trump’s “public service announcements” —NWYT: The New York Times' top 100 television shows of the 21st century Show notes: —Jonah for National Review: Breaking Bad Breaks Through —Go to The Dispatch to see the panelists' top 10 TV show picks The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • September 25 · 1 hr 17 min

    President Trump’s Influence Continues to Wane

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg and Megan McArdle to discuss President Trump’s speech at the U.N. General Assembly and the administration’s decision to ban CNN, MS Now, and Politico from the White House. The Agenda: —Trump’s U.N. speech —Trump’s waning influence —The White House press bans —What the media got wrong —Trump’s approval rating —NWYT: A COVID-conscious lesbian bar Show notes: —The White House’s justification for banning Politico —ProPublica reporting on Donald Trump Jr.’s wedding —Megan: Politicians are stuck in a time warp —Echelon polling on Trump’s approval —Mike Warren’s Next Right —Jesse Singal on the Last Ditch bar —Stephanie Slade on The Remnant —Stephanie Slade with Megan McArdle —Private Truths, Public Lies: The Social Consequences of Preference Falsification The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • September 22 · 1 hr 3 min

    Is Trump’s Greenland Deal a Foreign Policy Victory?

    Mike Warren is joined by Kevin Williamson and Mike Nelson to examine President Trump’s deal with Denmark on U.S. military presence in Greenland and discuss the reporting by the Washington Post that the Pentagon may be underreporting deaths from the conflict with Iran. The Agenda: —Is this the art of the deal? —NATO welcomes Greenland deal —Trump’s biggest foreign policy victory? —The Pentagon’s underreported deaths —Bipartisan criticism over Pentagon briefing —Will Hegseth be fired after the midterms? —NWYT: Evil lairs and the Arc de Trump The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • September 18 · 1 hr 3 min

    Why GOP Candidates Are Ignoring Trump

    Mike Warren is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Megan McArdle, and Kevin Williamson to discuss why GOP midterm candidates aren’t heeding President Donald Trump’s electoral advice, as well as Texas Railroad Commission candidate Bo French’s racist tweet about a University of Texas football game. The Agenda: —GOP candidates ignoring Trump —Making the election about Trump —Bo French’s anti-Indian racism —"Just talk about Abdul El-Sayed" —NWYT: Demolishing the Kennedy Center Show notes: —Jonah Goldberg: Where Have the Grown-Ups Gone? The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • September 15 · 1 hr 13 min

    Will Artificial Intelligence ‘Kill Us All?’

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and Klon Kitchen to discuss the resignation of an Anthropic researcher over concerns that AI may “kill us all,” yet another flip-flop by the Trump administration on Ukraine, and President Trump’s $5,000 bribe to voters during the midterm convention. The Agenda: —Jacob Coxon's resignation tweet —Pacing the AI frontier —The Hugging Face incident —AI and foreign policy —Russia strike near David Petraeus —NYWT: Trump bribing voters Show notes: —James Miller: Why AI might kill everyone Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 11 · 1 hr 14 min

    Did We Win the War on Terror?

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Nelson, and David French to discuss former President George W. Bush’s response to the 9/11 attacks, how the tragedy shaped domestic policy today, and whether or not we won the war on terror. The Agenda: —Remembering the events over the course of the day —How lives were changed after 9/11 —Journalism’s evolution after the attacks —Did we win the war on terror? —The enemy gets a vote Show notes: —President Bush’s address to Congress following the attacks —David French’s Atlantic article on why he served Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 8 · 1 hr 33 min

    After Trump

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Michael Reneau to discuss our latest editorial on a post-Trump reality, comments by White House special envoy Steve Witkoff to Vladimir Putin as the U.S. pursues negotiations for an end to the Ukraine war, and finally, a Labor Day edition of Not Worth Your Time. —Previewing The Dispatch’s editorial on what’s next for the GOP —Addressing the “Burn it all down” crowd —You don’t know what time is it —James Carville's checking the temperature —Let’s talk about followership —The un-American display of Steve Witkoff —Not Worth Your Time: Employment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  • September 4 · 1 hr 8 min

    Can the GOP Survive Trump’s Approval Numbers?

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Mike Warren, and John McCormack to discuss Trump’s role within the Republican Party in the upcoming midterms and the Democratic Party’s association with Hasan Piker. The Agenda: —Trump’s impact on Republican candidates —Democrats and Hasan Piker —The Senate race in Texas —Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District —The Senate race in Ohio —NWYT: Fantasy football Show notes: —Mike Warren’s newsletter Next Right —FantasyPros —Footballguys The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

  • September 1 · 1 hr 10 min

    The Pentagon’s Unprecedented Plan for Venezuelan Oil

    Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, Kevin Williamson, and Mike Nelson to discuss the Trump administration’s oil deal with Venezuela and the state of the Iran war six months in. The Agenda: —Venezuela oil deal —Delcy Rodríguez’s presidency — “We should have the taken the oil!” —The Venezuela model in Iran — “No, Iran is not winning” —NWYT: Milos Yiannopoulos’ deportation Show notes: —Wall Street Journal's reporting on the oil deal —Washington Post reporting on U.S. military leadership The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including audio versions of all our articles and newsletters—⁠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

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