The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Waterways and Means Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss the upcoming Iran negotiations in Pakistan, what Trump's plan might be considering the nonexistent ceasefire and ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, and Israel's shifting focus to Hezbollah. Plus, Trump's scathing assault on the right wing podcast sphere, and John recommends Goodfellas.

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Cease Or No Cease Apr 09, 2026

Show notes

FDD's Jonathan Schanzer joins us again today to discuss the non-ceasefire in the Iran war, the gap between the American proposal and Iranian demands, who is even in charge of the Iranian government right now, and is JD Vance out of his depth as a negotiator, Pakistan's role as mediator. Plus, the Lebanon factor, Netanyahu's political future in Israel, and Christine recommends Damien Valdez's essay Chokepoints are the true crossroads of history.

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Hormuz Tollbooth Apr 08, 2026

Show notes

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back along with National Review's Noah Rothman to discuss the newly announced ceasefire in the Iran War, and debate whether the United States has the upper hand in negotiations, and what the future of the region might look like. Plus, John recommends Daniel Okrent's Stephen Sondheim biography Art Isn't Easy.

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Threat Assessment Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Contributing editor Eli Lake joins a full house today to discuss the American and Israeli attacks on Kharg Island and president Trump's escalating online threats towards Iran. Is this just bluster and negotiating tactics, or will the president follow through and attack Iranian power plants? Plus, the incredible Artemis 2 moon mission, the podcast learns about Clavicular and mogging, and Eli recommends Menachem Begin's memoir White Nights.

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No Man Left Behind Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

We are back to cover everything that happened over Passover: The firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi, presidential libraries, Trump's Truth Social post threatening Iran on Easter, the Artemis II mission, and the stunning rescue operation of the downed American airmen. Plus, Seth recommends Kat Rosenfield's new novel, How to Survive in the Woods.

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Mourning in Michigan Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

On our last show before Passover we discuss Michigan senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed's comments on the death of Ayatollah Khamenei published by the Free Beacon, and the democratic dilemma regarding more radical candidates. Plus, the absurd Dark Money accusations against AIPAC, and Eliana and Christine recommend the movie Nuremberg.

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Wild Kharg Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

Contributing editor Jonathan Schanzer joins us for another update on the Iran war and Trump's comments on the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian oil, what type of ground operations might be launched, and how can the president sell his plans to the public? Plus, John recommends the new streaming sitcom American Classic.

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How Does it End? Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss the lingering questions regarding Trump's Iran strategy - is he still pursuing a definitive end to the war, or searching for an exit ramp due to rising oil prices and the situation in the Strait of Hormuz? We also touch on the historical context of American losses of life and equipment, and the consequences of American treatment of its international allies. Plus, the fight over TSA funding reaches the boiling point, and the emerging danger of prediction market abuse by insiders.

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Antisocial Media Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss social media companies losing lawsuits in California and New Mexico over child safety and addictive practices and the shifting public perception on these ubiquitous platforms. Will the growing realization of the dangers of these services lead to a substantial change in legislation or regulation, or will the change come from shifting social acceptability? Plus, Chrstine recommends Ruth Wisse's NEH Jefferson Lecture.

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The Post-Persuasion Age? Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss democrats flipping the Florida house seat that includes Mar-a-Lago and the importance of attractiveness and normalcy to political candidacy, as well as the uncertainty surrounding Trump's 15 point plan to end the Iran war and the inconsistent communication with the American public, and a new lawsuit against UCLA. Plus, John and our producer Noam recommend the new film Project Hail Mary.

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