The Re-Education with Eli Lake

Trump’s Populism Isn’t a Sideshow. It’s as American as Apple Pie. Jan 22, 2025

Donald Trump, just sworn in as the 47th president, was reelected to be a wrecking ball, a middle finger, the people’s punch to the Beltway’s mouth. And while this populist moment feels “unprecedented,” it’s not. The rebuke of the ruling class is encoded in our nation’s DNA.

We have seen populist leaders like Donald Trump before. He stands on the shoulders of Texas billionaire H. Ross Perot, Alabama governor George Wallace, and Louisiana legend Huey Long. There have been populist senators, governors, newspaper editors, and radio broadcasters.

But only rarely has a populist climbed as high as President Trump. In fact, it has happened only once before.

The last populist to win the presidency was born before the American Revolution. He rose from nothing to become a great general. His adoring troops called him Old Hickory, and his enemies derided him as a bigamist and a tyrant in waiting. His name was Andrew Jackson, and he’s the guy who’s still on the 20 dollar bill.

On today’s debut episode of Breaking History, Eli Lake explains how Andrew Jackson’s presidency is the best guide to what Trump’s second term could look like.

Credits: Andrew Jackson: Good, Evil and the Presidency; PBS

Introducing: Breaking History Jan 16, 2025

The Re-Education host Eli Lake has a new show called Breaking History, brought to you by The Free Press.

Breaking History breaks down the news, by breaking down history. Host Eli Lake covers everything from LBJ and the Roman Republic to Donald Trump and the chaos at Columbia. This twice a month show from The Free Press delivers the best historians, authors, and reporters by mining the archives of human experience to figure out the present. George Santayana wrote, “Those who do not remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Follow the new show Breaking History to resist the repetition.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-history/id1790502779

Ep. 90: Notes From the Jewish Underground Jan 31, 2024

In this episode Eli examines the life of Menachem Begin when he was a wanted man in the years before the state of Israel was created. His guest is Daniel Gordis, author of Menachem Begin: The Battle for Israel's Soul.

Time Stamps:

00:20 Monologue

1:08:00 Interview with Daniel Gordis

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Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 89: A Brief History of the AsAJews Jan 16, 2024

In this episode, Eli traces the history of Jews who use their words to side with the enemies of the Jewish people. His guest is the chief Rabbi of the Re-Education and the host of the Good Faith Effort podcast, Ari Lamm.

Time Stamps:

00:20 Monologue

29:29 Interview with Ari Lamm

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Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 88: The World Needs Plenty of Bartenders Dec 23, 2023

In this episode, Eli looks at why so many elite institutions are afraid of firing those that engage in insubordination or are incompetent. His guest is Michael Moynihan, co-host of the Fifth Column and America's premier plagiarism cop.

Ep. 87: Does Anybody Really Know What Time It is? Dec 13, 2023

In this interview only episode, Eli talks to Jonah Goldberg, host of the Remnant Podcast and a founding editor of the Dispatch. They discuss the inevitability of a GOP Trump nomination and the recent warnings that a second Trump term will bring the end of democracy.

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Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 86: How Henry Kissinger Played the Press Dec 08, 2023

In this episode, Eli examines Kissinger's cunning when it came to working the refs of Washington, the press corps. Then he interviews the Re-Education's presidential historian, Tevi Troy about Kissinger and his recent trip to Israel.

Ep. 85: Manufacturing Dissent Nov 28, 2023

In this monologue only episode, Eli looks at why TikTok influencers are suddenly rediscovering Osama Bin Laden and what an earlier generation of terrorism apologists were saying in the months and years after 9-11.

Ep. 84: The Hard Bigotry of High Expectations Nov 17, 2023

In this episode, Eli interviews Sol Stern about his recent essay in Commentary on the history of Palestinian pogroms against Jews. https://www.commentary.org/articles/sol-stern/century-of-palestinian-jew-hatred/ His monologue examines why Israel's response to a genocidal act of terror is being slandered as a genocide.

Time Stamps:

00:22 Monologue

16:56 Interview with Sol Stern

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Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 83: A Survivor Shares His Tale of Horror Nov 10, 2023

On Today's show, Eli talks with Nissan Dekalo, the deputy head of security for Kibbutz Nahal Oz. Nissan fought for more than eight hours on October 7 as he defended his Kibbutz from a wave of Hamas terrorists.

Ep. 82: Sister Souljah's Moment Nov 06, 2023

31 years ago, Bill Clinton called out the vile rhetoric of a rapper-activist named Sister Souljah. Since then, her name has become a term for when a political leader practices gatekeeping for his party against radical foil. In this episode, Eli looks at her legacy and asks why Joe Biden has not turned the Israel haters in his own party into modern Sister Souljahs.

Ep. 81: Decent People Versus Campus Cretins Oct 26, 2023

In this episode, Eli interviews ADL CEO Jonathan Greenblatt about the rise in anti-Semitism after the October 7 pogrom. In his monologue, Eli offers advice for how decent people can fight the campus cretins who display solidarity with mutilators and rapists.

Time Stamps:

00:09 Monologue

8:22 Interview with Jonathan Greenblatt

Ep. 80: The Wretched of the Campus Oct 23, 2023

In this show Eli examines why so many professors and intellectuals have expressed solidarity with the fanatic butchers of Hamas and the thinker who made radical violence cool, Frantz Fanon. His guest is Leon Wieseltier, the founder and editor of Liberties.

Time Stamps:

00:27 Monologue

23:13 Interview with Leon Wieseltier

Questions? Comments? Email us at eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 79: Delusions Shattered by Atrocity Oct 13, 2023

In this monologue only episode Eli shares his thoughts on the savage pogrom in Israel and how the barbarism of Hamas has made it clear that those who claim to be in solidarity with Palestine are traitors to this cause and why the mindset of the 1990s peace process is a spent force.

Ep. 78: Church and Deep State complete Oct 03, 2023

This is both monologues stitched together from Eli's two part series on the Church Committee hearings from 1975. More original content is coming.

Ep. 77: Church and Deep State (Part 2) Sep 19, 2023

In this long awaited episode, Eli dives back into the moment when America learned what its deep state did in the shadows.

Ep. 76: Judah Benjamin's Escape Aug 14, 2023

In this interview only episode, Eli talks with Semafor's global security editor, Jay Solomon about his recent essay in Tablet on Confederate spymaster Judah Benjamin. You can read this piece here. https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/history/articles/hunt-for-judah-p-benjamin-jewish-confederate-spy

Ep. 75: Books and Film Recommendations with Ink Stained Wretches Aug 04, 2023

On this special episode, Eli joins Ink Stained Wretches podcast this week to discuss his favorite books and films in the genre of journalism. You can listen to more episodes of Ink Stained wretches here.

Ep. 74: Church and Deep State (Part 1) Jun 30, 2023

In this very special episode, Eli explores the moment when Americans finally learned what their deep state did in the shadows. This monologue covers the period between Daniel Ellsberg's leak of the Pentagon Papers and the creation of the Rockefeller Commission to study the intelligence community's past abuses. His guests are James and Thomas Risen, the authors of a new biography of Senator Frank Church: The Last Honest Man.

Time Stamps:

00:31 Monologue

48:55 Interview with James and Thomas Risen

Ep. 73: Why We Fail The Victims of Madness Jun 08, 2023

In this interview only episode Eli talks with Jonathan Rosen, the author of a stunning memoir about his friendship with a brilliant young man who loses his mind and commits a monstrous act of murder. The book, The Best Minds: A Story of Friendship, Madness and the Tragedy of Good Intentions is out now https://www.amazon.com/Best-Minds-Friendship-Madness-Intentions/dp/1594206570

Ep. 72: The FBI's Media Liars May 23, 2023

In this monologue only episode, Eli asks why CNN, allegedly the most trusted name in news, would employ the disgraced former deputy director of the FBI, Andrew McCabe? After the release of US Special Counsel John Durham's final report on Russiagate, McCabe's deceptions have been laid bare. And yet there he is on CNN helping to explain the news to people waiting for flights at airports.

Time Stamps:

00:15 Monologue

Ep. 71: The Return of the Gatekeepers May 15, 2023

In this episode, Eli examines the end of the new media boom of the 2010s. His guest is Ben Smith, co-founder of Semafor and the author of Traffic.

Time Stamps:

00:15 Monologue

18:57 Interview with Ben Smith

Ep. 70: Bobby Kennedy and His Enemies (Part 2) May 02, 2023

In this episode we meet some new RFK rivals like Frank Sinatra and J Edgar Hoover, and catch up with some old ones, like Lyndon Johnson and Jimmy Hoffa. Eli's guest is Harvard Law School professor, Jack Goldsmith.

Time Stamps:

0:25 Monologue

1:10:22 Interview with Jack Goldsmith

Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 69: Bobby Kennedy and His Enemies (Part 1) Apr 24, 2023

"When Bobby hates you, you stayed hated." That's what the man's own father said about the most ruthless Kennedy. In this very special episode, Eli unpacks the legacy of RFK through the lens of his feuds, crusades and grudges. His guest is Tevi Troy, the Re-Education's presidential historian and the creator of 1600 Lessons.

Time Stamps:

00:36 Monologue

56:00 Interview with Tevi Troy

Ep. 68: The Democrat's Stan Valchek Problem Apr 06, 2023

In this episode, Eli's monologue looks at the prosecution of Donald Trump in Manhattan for a legally dubious interpretation of campaign finance law. Then he interviews Amber Athey, the Washington Editor of the Spectator Magazine about her new book, Snowflake Revolt.

Time Stamps:

00:36 Monologue

13:36 Interview with Amber Athey

Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 67: Saddam Hussein's Demise Mar 17, 2023

In this episode Eli examines the sheer evil of the man who ruled Iraq before the 2003 war. His guest is David Wurmser, a former George W. Bush administration analyst who knows the story of the lead up to the Iraq war from the inside.

Time Stamps:

00:34 Monologue

32:53 Interview with David Wurmser

Questions? Comments? Email is at eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 66: The Geopolitics of Purim Mar 07, 2023

In this episode, it's just a conversation between Eli and Ari Lamm, the chief Rabbi of the Re-Education Podcast. They discuss the Book of Esther and the holiday of Purim. It's a rich discussion, enjoy. Eli will be back next week with a monologue and interview.

Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 65: John Lenin Mar 03, 2023

In this very special episode, Eli looks at the moment when John Lennon stopped giving peace a chance and started hanging out with the black panthers. The guest is the editor at large for Reason Magazine, Nick Gillespie. To learn more about the Beatles in 1967, this is Andrew Hickey's podcast episode mentioned in the show. https://500songs.com/podcast/episode-150-all-you-need-is-love-by-the-beatles/

Time Stamps:

00:24 Monologue

1:01:25 Interview with Nick Gillespie

Ep. 64: Gerthquake Feb 21, 2023

In this episode, the Re-education talks to Jeff Gerth, a pulitzer prize winning investigative reporter about his recent series for Columbia Journalism Review on the media's coverage of Donald Trump and Russia. Read his series here. https://www.cjr.org/special_report/trumped-up-press-versus-president-part-4.php

Time Stamps:

00:54 Monologue

23:29 Interview with Jeff Gerth

Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 63: The Content Moderation Industrial Complex Feb 06, 2023

This monologue only episode offers a brief history of content moderation on the internet. From the Communications Decency Act to the Twitter Files. It is based in part on Eli's recent essay in Commentary, American Nomenklatura. https://www.commentary.org/articles/eli-lake/twitter-files-reveal-american-nomenklatura/

Questions? Comments? Email us at eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 62: Unnecessary Secrets Jan 24, 2023

In this episode Eli examines why the government purports to protect so many secrets and how overclassification erodes democratic accountability. His guest is Elizabeth Goitein, senior director of the Brennan Center's Liberty & National Security Program

Time Stamps:

00:21 Monologue

17:10 Interview with Elizabeth Goitein

Questions? Comments? Email us at eli@nebulouspodasts.com

Ep. 61: New Year's Revolutions Jan 16, 2023

In this episode, I examine how unrest in Iran, the Russian army and Chinese cities exposes the fragility of regimes that appear so imposing and unyielding from the outside. My guest is Mariam Memarsadeghi, the founder and director of the Cyrus Forum. We discuss the revolution in Iran and our hope for a free Iran in 2023.

Time Stamps:

00:48 Monologue

13:10 Interview with Mariam Memarsadeghi

Questions? Comments? Email us at eli@nebulouspodasts.com

Ep. 60: When Hitchens Broke With the Left Dec 29, 2022

In this episode, I examine in the monologue how Christopher Hitchens migrated from the anti-imperialist left to become the most eloquent supporter for the liberation of Iraq. My guest, Michael Moynihan and I then discuss the life and writings of our friend and mentor.

Time Stamps:

00:42 Monologue

26:14 Interview with Michael Moynihan

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 59: A Secular Defense of Christmas Music Dec 21, 2022

In this monologue only episode I examine Christopher Hitchens' observation that America becomes a one party state every December. I argue that it's ok for non-Christians to tap their feet and hum along with the holiday music all around them. A lot of it is pretty good.

Time Stamps:

00:22 Monologue

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 58: Populism and Its Discontents Dec 19, 2022

In this episode Eli discusses the tension between populism and conservatism in the American right with Matthew Continetti, the author of a new intellectual history of the American right. Get Matt's book here.

Time Stamps:

00:32 Monologue

19:17 Interview with Matt Continetti

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 57: Return of the Maccabees Dec 15, 2022

Happy Hanukkah. On today's show I tackle the story of a Jewish revolt against the Seleucid empire and how that revolt pitted assimilation against tradition and identity. My guest is Ari Lamm, the founder of SoulShop studios and the chief Rabbi of the Re-Education podcast.

Questions? Comments? Email eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Timestamps:

00:38 Monologue

21:30 Interview with Ari Lamm

Ep. 56: When Speech Is Violence Dec 09, 2022

Today’s show delves into the history of movements that seek to blur the line between speech and violence, and why this conceit endangers the very democracy these voices claim to be protecting. The conflation of speech and violence is a big part of the context to the war over content moderation at Twitter 2.0. My guest is the very talented Damon Linker, the founder of the Eyes on the Right substack and a former columnist at the Week. Check out his substack here. https://damonlinker.substack.com/

Time Stamps:

00:23 Monologue

16:50 Interview with Damon Linker

Questions? Comments? Email eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 55: OG Man Dec 02, 2022

In this episode Eli examines the legacy of J Edgar Hoover, the man who waged a political and psychological war against Martin Luther King and created the modern FBI. His guest is Yale Historian Beverly Gage, whose majestic new biography of Hoover paints a scathing and complex portrait of the first G man.

Time Stamps:

00:50 Monologue

38:21 Interview with Beverly Gage

Questions? Comments? Email eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 54: What Israel Owes Ukraine Nov 25, 2022

In this episode, Eli examines the difference between what Israel's leaders must do to survive and what Ukraine needs from the civilized world. He also talks with Harvard University emeritus professor of Yiddish literature, Ruth Wisse about her extraordinary essay in Commentary from May 2022 about the rise of Ukraine's Jewish president. https://www.commentary.org/articles/ruth-wisse/zelensky-jewish-hero/

Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 53: The Legacy of a Jewish Lynching Nov 22, 2022

In this episode, Eli examines the legacy of the trial and lynching of Leo Frank, a Jewish factory manager false accused of murdering a 13 year old girl. The trial helped launch the anti-defamation league, and the lynching was conducted by the haters who would relaunch the Ku Klux Klan. Eli's guest to discuss anti-Semitism and the ADL is the brilliance journalist and editor at Talbet, Liel Leibovitz.

Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 52: Gerontocracy Now Nov 18, 2022

The mid-terms delivered a clear signal to both Democrats and Republicans. The only problem is that Donald Trump and Joe Biden failed to get the message and are threatening a rematch in 2024. In this monologue only episode, Eli urges Trump and Biden to follow the example of Nancy Pelosi and step aside.

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 51: The Case for Divided Government Nov 07, 2022

In this episode, Eli previews the mid-term elections in America and makes the case for Republicans winning control of Congress. His guest is Washington based reporter Ben Jacobs.

Time Stamps:

00:17 Monologue

20:16 Interview with Ben Jacobs

Questions? Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 50: Red Wave Over Israel Nov 04, 2022

This week's elections in Israel brought back Benjamin Netanyahu to power. He will form a coalition with a political party that seeks to deport disloyal Arab citizens of Israel. Jerusalem Post contributing editor, Lahav Harkov joins Eli to discuss what the next government means for the Jewish state.

Time Stamps:

00:27 Monologue

26:02 Interview with Lehav Harkov

Ep. 49: Free Bird Oct 28, 2022

Elon Musk has done it. He's taken over Twitter. In this monologue only episode, Eli explains why he hopes Musk will return neutrality to the internet's town square and rebuild the trust that Twitter has squandered since 2021.

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 48: Durham Loses Again Oct 21, 2022

In this episode Eli talks with Andrew McCarthy about Special Counsel John Durham losing his second trial in his Russiagate investigation. It's strange that he brought two cases against bit players and hasn't charged senior FBI officials, despite presenting compelling evidence that the FBI investigation was riddled with errors and deceptions.

Time Stamps:

00:22 Monologue

16:02 Interview with Andrew McCarthy

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 47: In for a Kanye. In for a Pound Oct 19, 2022

In this episode, Eli examines the parallels between the 20th century literary genius, Ezra Pound and the 21st century musical genius, Kanye West. Both men were brilliant artists and both were haunted by mental demons. Then Eli discusses Kanye's recent anti-semitic outbursts with Ross Anderson, whose recent piece in Tablet can be read here.

Time Stamps:

00:28 Monologue

23:39 Interview with Ross Anderson

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 46: Russia's Nuclear Blackmail Oct 14, 2022

Since Vladimir Putin launched his war of conquest against Ukraine, his regime has hinted that it may have to use nuclear weapons. So far, he has bluffed. But the threats in the last two weeks have gotten louder as his own army loses ground. Tim Morrison, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute and expert on nuclear policy, joins Eli to talk about how to deter a wounded bear.

Time Stamps:

00:40 Monologue

16:28 Interview with Tim Morrison

Questions, Comments? Email us at Eli@Nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 45: Would Abraham Lincoln Support the Lincoln Project? Oct 12, 2022

If you create a super pac devoted to waging one side of the political cultural war, are you really saving democracy? Eli and Jamie Kirchick discuss the Lincoln Project.

Time Stamps:

00:26 Monologue

15:33 Interview with Jamie Kirchick

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 44: Deep Throat Was No Hero Sep 30, 2022

Ever since former FBI Associate Director Mark Felt outed himself as the source for the Washington Post's Watergate reporting, he has been praised as a kind of dissident hero. Over time, we've forgotten that Mark Felt's role in authorizing warrantless surveillance of American citizens. Eli's guest is historian Tim Naftali.

Time Stamps:

00:16 Monologue

17:30 Interview with Tim Naftali

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 43: What America Can Learn from the Roman Republic Sep 23, 2022

In this special episode, the host of Hardcore History Dan Carlin talks with Eli about the similarities and differences between the American and Roman republics. Can we learn from the Roman Republic's decline and avoid the mistakes the great republic of antiquity made as it became a decadent empire? Click here for Carlin's great series on the death throes of the Roman Republic.

Time Stamps:

00:38 Monologue

15:08 Interview with Dan Carlin

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 42: Iran's Next Revolution Sep 21, 2022

As Iranians once again pour into the streets to wish death to their ailing tyrant, the west has an opportunity to begin to plan for a transition in Iran. As tempting as nuclear negotiations may be for the west, it is a delusion. The Iranian regime has revealed its character for years. It's time to support their most potent enemies, the Iranian people. Eli discusses the state of Iran's freedom movement with Alireza Nader.

Time Stamps:

00: 22 Monologue

20:00 Interview with Alireza Nader

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 41: George W Bush and the Middle East Sep 16, 2022

In this special edition of Re-education, we are running the latest episode of Aaron MacLean's School of War podcast. Eli was the guest and the two discussed the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and how President George W. Bush approached the Middle East after 9-11.

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 40: Criminals In Action Sep 14, 2022

Americans have a love-hate relationship with the CIA. On the one hand, we revere and glamorize the agents who fight for our country in the shadows. On the other hand, we are shocked when we learn the CIA plays dirty. In this episode, Eli and veteran intelligence journalist Mark Hosenball discuss how the CIA looked the other way as the Contras they supported in Nicaragua trafficked cocaine to fund their war against the Sandinistas.

Time Stamps:

00:29 Monologue

26:25 Interview with Mark Hosenball

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 39: Golda and Morris Sep 09, 2022

Great people can't always be great spouses or parents. In this episode, Eli looks at the bad marriage of one of Israel's great leaders, Golda Meir, and the sacrifice her only husband made so his wife could fulfill her destiny and rise to lead the Jewish state. This show is only a monologue.

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 38: Progressive Anti-Semitism Sep 07, 2022

On this episode Eli looks at how the left on college campuses today are driving many Jewish students into a Zionist closet. They are forced to choose between their friends and their beliefs. Eli's guest is Blake Flayton, a columnist at the Jewish Journal of Los Angeles and a recent graduate of George Washington University. He talks about his decision to emigrate to Israel. Read his piece for Common Sense here.

Time Stamps:

00:02 Monologue

11:33 Interview with Blake Flayton

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 37: Tiberius Trump Sep 02, 2022

What should a Republic do about a populist demagogue? The fate of a Roman Tribune named Tiberius Gracchus provides a warning today about the perils of indicting Donald Trump. Eli's guest is Bulwark writer Tim Miller. The two do not agree on Trump and have a lively and spirited debate. It's Neither Trump versus Never Trump.

Time Stamps:

00:40 Monologue

13:50 Interview with Tim Miller

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 36: The Illiberal Arts Aug 31, 2022

Is a college education worth the exorbitant cost if so many of its scholars do not believe in objective truth? In this episode Eli talks with Gabriel Noah Brahm, the founding director of the center for academic and intellectual freedom about the influence of the post modernists of the 20th century on academic scholarship today.

Time stamps:

00:29 Monologue

14:30 Interview with Gabriel Noah Brahm

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 35: Wilderness of Mirrors Aug 26, 2022

This show explores how Russia, like the Soviet Union before it, seeks to confuse and divide the west through psychological warfare and disinformation. The Russian state's cruelty is both an advantage and a liability when it comes to skullduggery. The guest is Peter Savodnik, author of the 2013 book Interloper about Lee Harvey Oswald's sojourn to the Soviet Union.

The Interloper by Peter Savodnik

Time Stamps:

00:02 Introduction

19:57 Interview Peter Savodnik

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 34: A Brief History of American Bullshit Aug 24, 2022

From PT Barnum to Donald Trump, Americans have had a soft spot for bullshiters. We all know the type, the carnival barker, the fast talking pitchman, the colorful politician who insists "a lot of people are saying." On this episode Eli talks with actor, podcaster and comedian Michael Rapaport about how Donald Trump's super power is his ability to spew entertaining bullshit. Be warned, there is a lot of profanity in this episode.

Time Stamps:

0:20 Monologue

12:07 Interview with Michael Rapaport

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 33: The Federal Bureau of Double Standards Aug 19, 2022

Since the Mar-a-Lago raid, there has been a raging debate over whether Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump were treated the same by the FBI. In this special episode, Eli dives deep into this question and compares the bureau's two investigations into presidential candidates in 2016.

Ep. 32: Iran's War on Cultural Freedom Aug 17, 2022

In this episode Eli examines the history of Ayatollah Khomeini's fatwa against the author Salman Rushdie in light of his near assassination last week in New York state. The Fatwa and Iran's role in a murderous campaign against the editors, translators and author of the Satanic Verses reveals the truth about a regime that has not reformed or moderated. His guest is Nazenin Ansari, the managing editor of the London based Kayhan newspaper.

Time Stamps:

0:18 Monologue

11:44 Interview with Nazenin Ansari

www.Kayhan.London

www.KayhanLife.com

Questions? Comments? Ideas? Contact us at Eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 31: Punk's Creative Destruction Aug 12, 2022

In this episode, Eli explores how the word punk can be both an insult and high praise and why after nearly 50 years, the degenerate rebels of the late 1970s who created punk rock are still so culturally relevant. His guest is the host of the Reason Magazine interview podcast, Nick Gillespie. This is a long one, but worth your time.

Time Stamps:

0:20 - Monologue

13:20 - Interview with Nick Gillespie

Ep. 30: Mar-a-Lago Madness Aug 10, 2022

On Monday the FBI made an in kind donation to Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign when they conducted a search warrant of his Mar-a-Lago compound. If this turns out to be part of an investigation into a Presidential Records Act violation or the mishandling of classified material, as has been reported in the press, then the Justice Department has just secured Trump's win in the GOP primaries. Eli's guest is Andy McCarthy, a former US attorney and one of the sharpest commenters today on federal law enforcement.

Time Stamps:

00:02 Introduction

00:23 Monologue

07:58 Interview with Andy McCarthy

For questions and comments, please email eli@nebulouspodcasts.com

Ep. 29: Should Puberty Be a Choice? Aug 05, 2022

In this show, Eli examines the United Kingdom's decision last month to shut down the Tavistock clinic, the only facility in the country to specialize in transgender youth. The decision to shut it down exposes a false consensus imposed by activists on the safety of what are known as puberty blockers. His guest is the co-host of the Blocked and Reported podcast, Jesse Singal.

Time Stamps:

00:04 Introduction

00:23 Monologue

10:59 Interview

Ep. 28: Zawahiri Gets Smoked Aug 03, 2022

In this episode Eli and Foundation for Defense of Democracies fellow Bill Roggiio discuss the death of al Qaeda's leader, Ayman al Zawahiri and what it means for the organization that brought down the twin towers. America has made plenty of mistakes in the war on terrorism, but al Qaeda's dream of restoring the Caliphate looks like it will die with Zawahiri.

Time Stamps

0:01 Introduction

00:33 Monologue

12:19 Interview with Bill Roggiio

Ep. 27: The Feminist Critique Jul 29, 2022

Does the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v Wade mean other gains of the women's movement are in danger of slipping away. It depends on how you think about the legacy of second wave feminism. If it's a political movement, perhaps. But the real accomplishment of women like Betty Friedan was that she and her movement changed American culture. Eli will explore the issue with philosopher and author, Christina Hoff Sommers.

Time Stamps:

00:02 Introduction

00:14 Monologue

13:00 Interview with Christina Hoff Sanders

Ep. 26: The Russian Soul Jul 27, 2022

In this episode Eli looks at what recent Russian history tells us about the relationship between the Russian state and its citizens, and why so many Russian leaders have been so cruel. His guest is Fred Kagan, the director of the Critical Threats Project at the American Enterprise Institute.

Time Stamps:

00:02 Introduction

00:23 Monologue

11:44 Interview with Fred Kagan

Ep. 25: Jokes that Kill Jul 22, 2022

The First Avenue club in Minneapolis helped break Prince, one of the most controversial artists of the 1980s despite backlash that decade from social conservatives who worried that his music was dangerous for the youth. Today that same club has caved to pressure from moral scolds on the left who claim Dave Chappelle's comedy endangers the trans community. In this episode Eli and guest, Jeff Blehar examine First Avenue's decision to cave to the censors.

Time Stamps:

00:02 Introduction

00:17 Monologue

13:00 Interview with Jeff Blehar

Ep. 24: The Misery of Modernity Jul 20, 2022

In this episode of the Re-Education, I examine why so many Americans are filled with despair when the quality of life has improved so much in the last century. My guest is the host of the Good Faith Effort podcast, Ari Lamm.

Time Stamps:

0:02 Introduction

00:24 Monologue

11:58 Interview with Ari Lamm

Ep. 23: Great Artist/Terrible Politics Jul 14, 2022

In this episode, Eli explores why so many creative geniuses have embraced some truly vulgar and horrific political causes and movements. His guest is Vice reporter and Fifth Column podcaster, Michael Moynihan.

Time Stamps:

0:04 Introduction

0:22 Monologue

9:38 Interview with Michael Moynihan

Ep. 22: The New Puritans Jul 12, 2022

In this episode, the Re-education examines the similarities between the woke scolds of today and the puritans of earlier moral panics in America. Our guest is Noah Rothman, the author of the new book, "The Rise of the New Puritans."

Time Stamps:

0:06 - Introduction

0:24 - Monologue

7:03 - Interview with Noah Rothman

Ep. 21: Star-Spangled Banger Jul 04, 2022

In this bonus episode, Eli argues America deserves a better national anthem than the Star-Spangled Banner and suggests four alternatives.

Ep. 20: Independence Day Jul 01, 2022

Happy Birthday, America. On this episode, Eli and author Tevi Troy explore the cultural legacy of our national charter and the tension between order and liberty, safety and freedom.

Time Stamps:

0:08 - Introduction

0:31 - Monologue

7:09 - Interview with Tevi Troy

Ep. 19: Red Pill Jun 28, 2022

On Today's Re-Education, Eli examines the phenomenon of the red pill in our politics today, people who have chosen to pursue an uncomfortable truth despite enormous pressure to go on believing a lie. His guest is Maud Maron, a New York City public defender who is now running for Congress in a crowded primary.

Time Stamps:

0:03 - Introduction

0:51 - Monologue

9:44 - Interview with Maud Maron

Ep. 18: Saudi Arabia Jun 21, 2022

In this episode, Eli explores why it’s hard to shun an ally like Saudi Arabia, even when the new Saudi crown prince acts like a tyrant. If there were easy answers in foreign policy, every pundit would be a statesman.

Time Stamps:

0:03 - Introduction

0:24 - Monologue

9:03 - Interview with Brian Katulis

Ep. 17: The Secret City Jun 16, 2022

In this episode, we examine what life was like for gays and lesbians when they were second-class citizens and forced to live in the closet and how and why this unjust regime changed. The guest is the author of a new history of gay Washington, Jamie Kirchick.

0:03 - Introduction

0:52 - Monologue

7:09 - Interview with Jamie Kirchick

Ep. 16: Neither Trump Jun 14, 2022

When you can't support a demagogue who won’t accept the results of elections he loses, but you also can’t support a resistance that claims to be restoring our political norms by violating them, you have few places to turn. This week on The Re-Education, Eli is joined by Mary Katharine Ham to discuss where Americans should turn when they feel stuck in the middle.

Time Stamps

0:04 - Intro

0:23 - Monologue

16:49 - Interview with Mary Katharine Ham

Ep. 15: Crybullies Jun 09, 2022

There was a time in America when the bullies plagued our schools and workplaces. This week we look at the "cry bully", a new type of bully that can be described as a "hideous hybrid of victim and victor, weeper and walloper" and how they have infiltrated our newsrooms, colleges, and public offices.

Time Stamps:

0:03 - Intro

0:21 - Monologue

9:53 - Interview with Abe Greenwald

Ep. 14: Chesa Boudin Jun 07, 2022

The citizens of San Francisco vote this week on whether to recall their district attorney, Chesa Boudin. This episode looks at a progressive prosecutor who doesn't want to prosecute a lot of crime.

Time Stamps:

0:03 - Intro

0:17 - Monologue

15:29 - Interview with Richie Greenberg

Ep. 13: The FBI Jun 02, 2022

When a Washington DC jury acquitted a former lawyer for Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign this week, many Democrats rejoiced. But the real story from his trial is how much it exposed the FBI and its willingness to take any innuendo and smear from the Clinton campaign as grist to investigate Donald Trump. On this episode of the Reeducation, Eli looks at why the FBI is in desperate need of reform.

Time Stamps:

0:03 - Segment: Intro

0:21 - Segment: Monologue

10:22 - Segment: Interview with Mollie Hemingway

Ep. 12: Elections May 31, 2022

As the Republican party sorts out whether they will be a party of election deniers or election acceptors, Democrats should take another look at how Hillary Clinton's campaign did not respect the peaceful transfer of power in 2016.

Times:

0:03 - Segment: Introduction

0:20 - Segment: Monlogue

15:23 - Segment: interview with Rich Lowery

Ep. 11: Guns May 26, 2022

Lawmakers, activists, and others called for action after this week's tragic elementary school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. With an increase in mass shootings in recent years, many wonder what can be done to prevent such horrors from happening in the first place. What is the best way forward for gun laws and gun ownership?Today on The Re-Education with Eli Lake: Guns. Featuring an interview with gun policy reporter Stephen Gutowski.

Times

00:02 - Segment: Introduction
00:17 - Segment: Monologue
11:34 - Segment: Interview with The Reload's Stephen Gutowski

Links

The Reload blog

The Reload Podcast

Ep. 10: Nonviolent Resistance May 24, 2022

Tyrants can only retain power when the masses cooperate with tyranny. Successful nonviolent resistance movements—from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s civil rights demonstrates to modern protests in Iran—show that taking up arms is not always necessary for, and can be antithetical to, advancing freedom. Today on The Re-Education, Eli Lake discusses nonviolent resistance with Cameron Khansarinia, policy director of the National Union for a Democratic Iran.

Times

00:03 - Segment: Introduction
00:23 - Segment: Monologue
12:57 - Segment: Interview with Cameron Khansarinia

Ep. 9: Russiagate May 19, 2022

The trial of former Washington lawyer Michael Sussman began this week—highlighting how the Hillary Clinton campaign tried to gin up FBI investigations into her opponent's ties to the Kremlin. That's right—we're talking Russiagate on this episode of The Re-Education with Eli Lake. Featuring Washington Free Beacon senior investigative reporter Chuck Ross.

Times

00:02 - Segment: Introduction
00:19 - Segment: Monologue
19:33 - Segment: Interview with Chuck Ross

Link

Chuck's work for the Free Beacon

Ep. 8: The Sociopath's Veto May 17, 2022

What happens when we judge speech and opinions by the actions of rogues and sociopaths instead of the thinker? Eli Lake asks on this episode of The Re-Education, featuring author Batya Ungar-Sargon.

Times

00:02 - Segment: Introduction
00:25 - Segment: Monologue
13:48 - Segment: Interview with Batya Ungar-Sargon

Link

Batya's book

Ep. 7: Norms May 12, 2022

What are norms? What societal and political norms should we continue to observe today? And when is it okay to break the norms? On this episode of The Re-Education, Eli Lake talks norms with Liberties founder Leon Wieseltier.

Times

00:03 - Segment: Introduction
00:18 - Segment: Monologue
07:38 - Segment: Interview with Leon Wieseltier

Ep. 6: Apologies May 10, 2022

What would have happened to Jesse Jackson's work in racial justice movements if American Jews ostracized the activist after his anti-Semitic comments? Instead of ending the careers of those who err, what if cancel mobs sought apologies, and feuding parties made amends? Eli Lake talks apologies on this episode of The Re-Education.

Times

00:03 - Segment: Introduction
00:24 - Segment: Monologue
12:47 - Segment: Interview with Abe Foxman, former national director of the Anti-Defamation League

Ep. 5: Art and the Artist May 05, 2022

Terrible artists can be great people. And terrible people can be great artists. Modern-day pressure campaigns to cancel stars for their abhorrent behavior fail to separate the art from the artist—and pose a threat to our culture. On this episode of The Re-Education, Eli Lake considers what we stand to lose when we boycott disgraced geniuses.

Times

00:03 - Segment: Introduction
00:20 - Segment: Monologue
15:05 - Segment: Interview with author and art historian Victoria Coates

Link

Victoria’s book, David’s Sling: A History of Democracy in Ten Works of Art

Ep. 4: Russia's Terror Army May 03, 2022

Russia's invasion of Ukraine is a war of terror. From bombing children's hospitals to sniping innocent, fleeing civilians, Vladimir Putin has undoubtedly committed atrocious war crimes. Should Putin remain in power? And who is responsible for keeping Putin accountable? On this episode of The Re-Education, we discuss Putin's army of terror with New York Times columnist Bret Stephens.

Times

00:03 - Segment: Introduction
00:20 - Segment: Monologue
08:48 - Segment: Interview with Bret Stephens

Links

Bret's work in the New York Times

Ep. 3: Disinformation Apr 28, 2022

What happens when the gatekeepers of information—newspapers, television, social media platforms—dictate what is true? On this episode of The Re-Education, Eli Lake talks disinformation and misinformation.

Times

00:03 - Segment: Introduction
00:20 - Segment: Monologue
20:44 - Segment: Interview with Commentary Magazine writer Christine Rosen

Link

Christine’s work in Commentary Magazine

Ep. 2: The Neoconservatives Apr 26, 2022

Lambasted as "elites" and "war hawks" by both the left and the right, the neoconservatives have taken the heat for many of the United States' recent foreign policy blunders—even those with near unanimous support. Who are the neocons, really, and what lessons do they have for present-day American foreign policy? Eli Lake answers these questions and more on this episode of The Re-Education.

Times

00:03 - Segment: Introduction
00:19 - Segment: Monologue
14:37 - Segment: Interview with Commentary Magazine editor John Podhoretz

Ep. 1: The War on Comedy Apr 21, 2022

Comedy today is under siege. The force of digital umbrage and the belief that words can be violence has made it very hard for those who tell jokes for a living. On the first installment of The Re-Education, Eli Lake examines Lenny Bruce's legacy and the new war on comedy.

Times

00:04 - Segment: Introduction
00:26 - Segment: Monologue
14:36 - Segment: Interview with John Viener

Trailer Apr 15, 2022

On the Re-Education, Eli Lake challenges common narratives the mainstream media and others push. From comedy to collusion, and disinformation to disarray, Eli unpacks what you know—or think you know—about the world around you. Join him weekly on the Re-Education.

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