Newt's World

Newt talks with former Army Captain Jesse Petrilla, about his new book, “If It Takes a Thousand Years: From Al-Qaeda to Hamas, How the Jihadists Think and How to Defeat Them.” They discuss the mindset and long-term strategies of jihadist groups, emphasizing their generational approach to conflict. Petrilla shares insights from his experiences in Afghanistan, where he facilitated interrogations of Taliban and Al-Qaeda members, and highlights the cultural and ideological differences between the West and jihadist groups. Petrilla stresses the importance of understanding these differences to effectively counter the jihadist threat. Their discussion also touches on the challenges of immigration and assimilation, the influence of tribalism in the Islamic world, and the potential dangers posed by a lack of awareness and education about these issues in the West.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Congressman Pat Harrigan about his work in the U.S. House representing North Carolina’s tenth district. Harrigan discusses his journey from West Point to Afghanistan to serving in the United States House of Representatives. He shares insights into his first nine months in Congress, highlighting his unexpected influence as a freshman and his work on the House Armed Services Committee. He reflects on the impact of the Afghanistan troop withdrawal on his decision to enter politics. Harrigan criticizes the Biden administration's handling of international affairs, particularly the withdrawal from Afghanistan and its implications for global security. He emphasizes the importance of veteran representation in Congress and the need for fair trade practices to revitalize American manufacturing. Harrigan also discusses his efforts to support small businesses, and his legislative initiatives like the SkyFoundry Act to enhance U.S. drone production. He addresses national security concerns related to Chinese influence and advocates for the use of artificial intelligence to streamline military processes. Their conversation concludes with Harrigan warning against the dangers of political rhetoric and violence, urging a return to civil discourse.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Mitchell A. Silk, about his new book, “A Seat at the Table: An Inside Account of Trump’s Global Economic Revolution,” which details his perspective on Trump's global economic policies and highlights the strategic approach taken by the administration in reshaping global trade dynamics. Silk shares his journey from a dishwasher in a Chinese restaurant to becoming the first Hasidic Jew confirmed by the Senate for a position in the U.S. federal government. He discusses his role as assistant secretary in the Treasury under the first Trump administration, where he was instrumental in trade negotiations with China and infrastructure initiatives in Latin America. Fluent in Mandarin and Cantonese, Silk offers insights into China's economic strategies and the challenges faced by the U.S. in trade negotiations. He emphasizes the importance of perseverance, strategic diplomacy, and the need for the U.S. to assert its economic interests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Daniel J. Flynn, senior editor at The American Spectator, about his new book, “The Man Who Invented Conservatism: The Unlikely Life of Frank S. Meyer.” Frank Meyer was a pivotal figure in American conservatism. Initially a fervent communist, Meyer later became a key intellectual force behind the conservative movement, influencing figures like Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan. Their discussion explores Meyer's transformation from a communist activist to a conservative thinker. Flynn highlights Meyer's passion, his role in shaping the conservative ideology known as "fusionism," and his influence on Reagan's political philosophy. They also discuss Meyer's personal life, his relationships, and his impact on the conservative movement uncovered through extensive archival research and personal letters. Flynn provides a comprehensive look at Meyer's complex journey and enduring legacy in American politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Salim Furth, Senior Research Fellow and Director of the Urbanity project at the Mercatus Center about America’s housing affordability crisis. Their discussion centers on the pressing issue of housing affordability in the United States. With high home prices and rents, state legislators are increasingly pursuing housing reform, setting records for new laws aimed at unlocking home building. Furth highlights the challenges and potential solutions in housing policy. They discuss the declining optimism among young Americans regarding their standard of living, with home ownership being a significant barrier. They explore the impact of housing costs on the American dream, the role of state legislation in addressing these issues, and the potential for market-driven solutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt reflects on the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, a vibrant figure dedicated to fostering dialogue and civility in America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Patrick McLaughlin, a research fellow at the Hoover Institution, where he leads the QuantGov analytics project focusing on regulations. McLaughlin discusses the growth of regulatory requirements from 400,000 restrictive terms in 1970 to 1.1 million today, highlighting the economic friction and opportunity costs associated with regulatory accumulation. He estimates that if regulations had been held constant since 1980, the U.S. economy could have been 25% larger by 2012, equating to a $4 trillion increase. They also discuss the impact of the Supreme Court's decision to end Chevron deference, which previously allowed agencies to interpret statutes with significant discretion. Their conversation concludes with an examination of Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin's successful regulatory reforms, which include a 25% reduction in regulatory inventory and the use of AI for cost-benefit analysis, setting a new standard for regulatory management.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Michael Knowles about his new four-part docuseries, “The Pope and the Führer: The Secret Vatican Files of World War II,” which explores the controversial legacy of Pope Pius XII during Hitler's reign. Utilizing declassified Vatican archives made public in 2020, the series offers unprecedented insights into the Pope's actions and correspondence during World War II. Historically accused of silence or complicity with the Nazis, the series aims to correct the narrative by presenting evidence of Pius XII's opposition to Hitler and his efforts to protect Jews. The docuseries, available on DailyWire+, features contributions from leading historians and Vatican scholars, highlighting the complex political and spiritual challenges faced by the Pope. Their discussion also touches on the broader implications for the Catholic Church's role in history and its ongoing influence in contemporary society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Yaakov Katz about his new book, " While Israel Slept” which delves into the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023. Katz examines the intelligence and strategic failures that allowed this attack, highlighting years of complacency and mistaken policies. Their conversation also covers the geopolitical implications of several countries recognizing Palestine, Israel's diplomatic isolation, and the ongoing war in Gaza. Katz emphasizes the need for Israel to learn from these events to ensure future security. Their discussion touches on the complexities of the conflict, including the role of hostages, the challenges of deradicalization, and the necessity of military vigilance. Katz remains optimistic about Israel's future, citing the country's military strength and potential diplomatic opportunities in the region. Katz concludes with a call for strong political leadership to navigate these challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Fox45 Baltimore investigative reporter Chris Papst about the alarming shift in public education priorities, as highlighted in his new book, "Failure Factory." Their conversation focuses on how academic outcomes are being manipulated in Baltimore City Public Schools, where students are promoted without receiving an adequate education. Papst reveals that failing grades are often changed to passing, and dangerous school environments are downplayed to maintain funding. Despite significant financial investment, student performance remains poor, with only 10% of students proficient in math. Papst argues that the system prioritizes employing adults over educating students, leading to dire consequences for local communities. They also discuss the lack of accountability from public officials and the challenges faced by parents in holding the school system accountable. Papst highlights the need for systemic change in urban school systems across the country.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.