The Commentary Magazine Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Breaking the Wave Jul 21, 2026

Show notes

Our friend Chris Stirewalt joins us to discuss the evidence that a democratic wave in November is not a done deal, the ever-increasing uncertainty surrounding Iran amid reports that centrifuges were moved into the fortified Pickaxe Mountain facility, and the scapegoating of Israel in an attempt to take heat off of Trump. Plus, new revelations about Abdul El-Sayed's half sister in the Free Beacon, and the creeping danger of left wing violence.

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The Liminal War Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

It's Monday, and we're back to discuss Iran striking US positions in Jordan and Iraq, the downplaying of American casualties and stockpile depletion, and the realization that intimidation tactics are not bearing fruit. Plus, Abdul El-Sayed's interview with Jake Tapper, Zohran Mamdani flirting with attempting to arrest Netanyahu, and John strongly recommends The Odyssey.

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Speech Pathology Jul 17, 2026

Show notes

Our friend Noah Rothman is back to discuss President Trump's Thursday night speech about Chinese efforts to interfere with American elections and the notable absence of Iran and the resumption of the war from the remarks. Plus, Washington democrat Adam Smith admits that he flipped his vote on aid to Israel due to threats and intimidation from the left, Marco Rubio's speech on left-wing violence, and John recommends Dangerous, Dirty, Violent and Young.

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Israel on the Brain Jul 16, 2026

Show notes

Contributing editor Eli Lake is back to discuss the newest round of bad news - JD Vance joining Joe Rogan for a conspiracy fueled podcast, 103 democrats joining Thomas Massie to vote to cut off aid to Israel, and Ro Khanna's DropSite interview trying to capitalize on his West Bank stunt. Plus, John ironically recommends Joe Biden's upcoming memoir Promise Me, America.

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What Trump Should Say Thursday Night Jul 15, 2026

Show notes

The president is due to give a primetime address to the nation on Thursday the 16th. We give him advice on what he should talk about. We also talk about the mysterious affluence of Michigan senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed and his fondness for expensive watches. And we wonder at New York State going Luddite when it comes to AI and data centers.

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War of Fog Jul 14, 2026

Show notes

Today we discuss the United States officially being back at war with Iran and the resumption of the American blockade in order to open the Strait of Hormuz, the new revelations surrounding Michigan senatorial candidate Abdul El-Sayed, and John recommends Christine Rosen's The Extinction of Experience.

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Iran Heats Up Jul 13, 2026

Show notes

It's Monday, and we are back to discuss the waves of airstrikes against Iran over the weekend and what the US might do next, the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed suddenly over the weekend, and Abdul El-Sayed's race in Michigan. Plus, Seth recommends Maggie Stiefvater's The Listeners, and John recommends What Happens at Night by Peter Cameron.

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Memorandum Mori Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

It's Friday, and contributing editor Eli Lake joins us to discuss whether we are at war with Iran again, and how can Trump reconcile his desire for a deal with Iranian intransigence? Plus, the evil conspiracy theories surrounding Charlie Kirk reach a fever pitch during his trial, and John recommends the new film Gale Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass.

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Platline Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

Matt Continetti is back to discuss Graham Platner suspending his campaign with an angry 11-minute video diatribe, and whether his cratering poll numbers played a part in democrats' willingness to cut him loose. Plus, Iran's overreach leads to a resumption of hostilities in the region, Rahm Emmanuel's hallucinatory speech in Israel and the upcoming Israeli elections, and Matt recommends Richard Brookhiser's The Hero Returns: Lafayette and the Legacy of Revolution.

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Coming to America Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

John is joined by author Nicholas Lemann to discuss his new memoir Returning and the story of the American Jewish immigrant family.

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