The David Frum Show
The Atlantic
To defend democracy, one has to believe in it. To believe in democracy, one has to understand it. Where it came from. How it works. What’s true. What’s not. What others did before you. How it could be better. How to make a difference. Each week, The David Frum Show digs deep into the big questions people have about our society, explains the progress Americans have made together, and reminds us that the American idea is worth defending.
Episodes
Mentioned books
21 snips
May 13, 2026 • 56min
What Happens if the U.S. Defaults?
Lloyd Blankfein, former Goldman Sachs CEO and author of Streetwise, reflects on markets and memoir anecdotes. He discusses whether core market structures still work, the K-shaped recovery and unequal gains, risks around public debt and how a U.S. default might unfold, and why oil shocks and political choices shape economic trust.
May 6, 2026 • 1h 8min
How to Survive Losing a Child
Danielle Crittenden, writer and memoirist of Dispatches from Grief, is a former newspaper reporter. She discusses writing about parental loss, social awkwardness around mourning, the physical and legal challenges of grief, and how families rebuild and carry a loved one forward. Short, candid, and wrenching reflections on surviving unimaginable loss.
47 snips
Apr 29, 2026 • 55min
Who Is the Real Base of the Democratic Party?
Jamal Simmons, former communications director for Vice President Kamala Harris and co-host of Trailblaze, offers campaign experience and political commentary. He discusses why Kamala Harris draws admiration but faces electability doubts. They explore online progressive intensity versus traditional Democratic bases, the role of African-American women, 2024 lessons, and strategic advice for 2028.
54 snips
Apr 22, 2026 • 1h 4min
On the Brink of Global Recession
Adam Posen, economist and president of the Peterson Institute, explains global economic fallout from the Iran war, Trump-era tariffs, and risks of renewed inflation and regional recessions. He covers Fed politics and stagflation danger. They also discuss energy shocks, deglobalization, and how U.S. policy choices could reshape alliances and investment incentives.
62 snips
Apr 15, 2026 • 58min
Is Anybody Actually Winning Trump’s Iran War?
Matt Pottinger, former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor, Marine officer, and journalist, brings national security and China expertise. He talks about collapsed Pakistan talks and Iran’s uranium buildup. They debate Strait of Hormuz blockades, naval escorts versus drone threats, China’s posture and possible weapons transfers, and who profits geopolitically from rising oil prices.
54 snips
Apr 8, 2026 • 1h 1min
What It Means to Be American
Fareed Zakaria, journalist and bestselling author known for his work on international affairs and Fareed Zakaria GPS, reflects on immigration, American ideals, and whether the country still feels like the one he moved to. They discuss the rise of populism, cultural revolt against elites, the erosion of alliances, and how immigrants assimilate and reshape national identity.
40 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 53min
Watching War From the Strait of Hormuz
Graeme Wood, journalist and Atlantic staff writer who reports from the Middle East, shares firsthand scenes from the Strait of Hormuz and nearby strikes. He recounts snorkeling amid regional tensions, drone and missile strikes in Dubai, and how oil flows, deterrence, and shifting Gulf alliances shape what happens next.
52 snips
Mar 25, 2026 • 54min
The Far-Right Algorithm: Anti-Churchill, Anti-West
Lord Andrew Roberts, British historian and author of a one-volume Churchill life, tackles why online revisionists recast Churchill as a villain. Short, sharp discussions probe algorithm-driven shock tactics, Holocaust denial echoes, misinformation about Dresden and Bengal, and modern podcasters’ misquotes. He also weighs MAGA splits over foreign policy and sketches unsettling alternate histories.
61 snips
Mar 18, 2026 • 1h 7min
Why Britain Is Saying No to Trump’s Iran War
Alastair Campbell, writer, broadcaster, and former communications director to Tony Blair, discusses the fraying US–UK relationship. He and David Frum examine Britain’s legal caution over strikes in Iran, Trump’s public attacks on UK leaders, basing and alliance strains, Brexit’s costs, and the risks of improvised US military action. Short takes on postwar planning, NATO anxieties, and domestic political fallout.
30 snips
Mar 11, 2026 • 57min
Can Democrats Actually Win in Texas?
Samuel Fleischacker, a philosophy professor and Adam Smith scholar, and Beto O'Rourke, former Texas congressman and organizer, join to discuss Texas politics and Smith’s legacy. They debate why Democrats struggle statewide and strategies for turnout and persuasion. They also explore Smith’s moral ideas, the invisible hand, and what he might make of modern American economic policy.
