The Ricochet Podcast

Charles C. W. Cooke, English-American conservative writer and National Review contributor, reflects on political pessimism and why Americans should resist habitual downbeat thinking. He discusses possible approaches to Iran, how domestic politics shape military choices, the stakes in the upcoming birthright citizenship case, and cultural forces driving public gloom.

H.R. McMaster joins Steve and Charles to take stock of the war in the Middle East. Though a tank man by training, H.R. is no stranger to thinking about our capabilities and how they stack up against our foes—both the enemy in Iran and the aggressors backing them up. Plus, Cooke and Hayward can't help but feel a bit of relief that there's a bit less Erlichian misanthropy in the world; consider newly reported accusations against Caesar Chavez that could prove fatal to the progressive hero's reputation; and they round the necrologies out with a salute to the immortal Chuck Norris. Sounds from this week's open: Cesar Chavez at UCLA in 1972, Paul Erlich (Growth Busters, 2007) and Chuck Norris on… Chuck Norris (Full Measure, 2017)

For decades, war game experts have produced dire predictions for American-Iranian war scenarios. While it's still early days, the circumstances are much more favorable than strategists had supposed. Noah Rothman returns to break down what's going right in Iran, what remains worrisome and uncertain, what the public ought to anticipate, and what the administration ought to tell them. (Noah also gives us a quick preview of his upcoming book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence in America.)The fellas wrap the interview with theme-appropriate drapings: Brits are removing their greatest citizens from the nation's banknotes, reminding us of waning resolve from Western allies, and a thwarted terrorist plot in New York has the media and politicians twisting into knots to conceal the truth.(This episode was recorded on Thursday, March 12th to accommodate the hosts' travel schedules.)

James, Steve and Charles are back together to discuss life during wartime.

Underneath the "cuddly" rhetoric of the Democatic Socialists there lurks admirers of some of the most evil men in history. And, says our guest Tal Fortgang of the Manhattan Institute, they are also poised to take control of the whole of the Democratic Party. There's also some hockey talk (USA! USA! USA!), the State of the Union and Gavin Newsom's SAT scores.

It's been said that there's no use in proposing that Donald Trump moderate his rhetoric, but with presidential approval ratings being what they are, a friendly reminder about duties and decorum might be just what the doctor ordered. Daniel Mahoney, author and professor emeritus at Assumption College, joins James and Steve to discuss his latest piece, "Discipline at a Moment of Power."Plus, the fellas consider this morning's breaking news about the SCOTUS ruling on "emergency" tariffs, applaud Marco Rubio's performance in Munich, and reflect on the passing of Jesse Jackson and Robert Duvall.

Henry Olsen, senior fellow and podcaster known for conservative commentary. He tackles shifting presidential approval, debates immigration enforcement versus legal reform, and argues for pragmatic tax and tariff strategies. He also explores globalization’s costs and the role of environmental regulation in cleaner air.

Rob Long, writer and cultural critic known for sharp media commentary, joins to trade witty takes and anecdotes. They cover malpractice suits tied to transgender medicine. They unpack leaked Epstein emails and his corrupting reach. They skewer costly California projects and explain runaway Hollywood production and streaming subsidies. They critique digital news economics and urge a return to local reporting.

Peter Robinson, political commentator and founder, returns for a lively catch-up. They debate the Minneapolis arrest and what counts as a journalist. They dissect new video evidence and the politics shaping immigration enforcement. Foreign policy conversations cover Rubio's Senate performance, Cuba and Venezuela prospects, NATO's role, and whether the UN still matters.

A lively review of the first year of Trump 2.0, from aggressive governing tactics to spectacle-driven policy. They debate trade moves, tariffs on Russia, and transatlantic fallout from Greenland and Davos moments. Conversations touch on Ukraine’s stalemate, European political ripple effects, and whether a new nationalist right is replacing old conservative norms.