The Dispatch Podcast

Mike Nelson, former military officer with operational expertise; Megan McArdle, policy writer focused on pragmatic economics and tech; David French, legal commentator known for constitutional analysis. They debate plausible ground-operation options in Iran and costs of reopening the Strait of Hormuz. They also tackle Meta’s courtroom losses, social-media addiction suits, and practical responses like phone limits in schools.

Megan McArdle, pragmatic policy columnist; Kevin Williamson, sardonic conservative commentator; Gil Guerra, Latin America expert with on-the-ground Cuba knowledge. They unpack nationwide blackouts, Russia’s fuel deliveries, U.S. options for pressuring Havana, prospects for regime change, diaspora and market roles in a transition, and how race, inequality, and geostrategic rivals shape Cuba’s future.

Mike Warren, senior editor offering media analysis and policy context. Jonah Goldberg, editor-at-large giving strategic and cultural perspective. Mike Nelson, former military officer analyzing national security and coalition dynamics. They debate whether strikes produced leverage, Trump's shifting rhetoric and briefings, U.S.-Israel diverging war aims, Iran's asymmetric advantages, and timing risks from domestic politics.

David Drucker, national political reporter known for campaign reporting; Mike Warren, senior editor focusing on redistricting and state politics; Jonathan Martin, politics bureau chief and interview series host. They debate Trump’s shadow over 2026 and primaries. They map redistricting fights and scandal-driven races. They probe Democratic identity struggles and what 2026 means for 2028.

David French, legal commentator on law and civil liberties; Megan McArdle, opinion writer on economics and public policy; Jonah Goldberg, political and cultural analyst. They explore why sports betting exploded, how fantasy and prediction markets have shifted incentives, regulation gaps and insider trading risks, and how gambling reshapes sports integrity and political strategy in the Iran conflict.

Mike Warren, Dispatch senior editor offering editorial perspective; Tim Mak, on-the-ground reporter and founder of Iran War Dispatches; Mike Nelson, retired Army Special Forces officer focused on national security. They discuss tactical vs strategic success in Iran. They cover on-the-ground reporting, internet blackouts and Starlink, drone warfare and Russian support, and diverging U.S.-Israeli goals.

Alex Trembath, Breakthrough Institute energy expert, gives historical context on U.S. energy resilience. Kevin Williamson, political commentator, weighs military aims against political strategy. Jonah Goldberg, columnist and analyst, parses the Iran strike and electoral stakes. They debate oil market risks, Strait of Hormuz vulnerabilities, prolonged disruptions, and whether crises spur lasting energy reforms.

James Sutton, on-the-ground reporter covering Iran developments; Mike Warren, senior editor who analyzes polling and political impact; Kevin Williamson, commentator offering strategic and historical perspective. They discuss recent strikes and Iran leadership shifts. They debate what ‘unconditional surrender’ might mean. They examine oil price shocks, domestic political fallout, and how Republican coalitions and MAGA media are reacting.

Mike Nelson, military analyst with operational experience; David French, legal commentator focused on War Powers; Jonah Goldberg, political strategist and columnist. They debate why the U.S. struck Iran now. They weigh tactical successes versus murky strategic aims. They critique muddled administration messaging and explore likely scenarios in the coming weeks.

Mike Warren, senior editor with national political perspective. Kevin Williamson, commentator steeped in Texas history and culture. David Drucker, reporter on Republican primary dynamics. Elaine Godfrey, on-the-ground Atlantic reporter on the Democratic contest. They debate the heated Texas Senate primaries, stylistic versus policy divides, Trump's endorsement effects, electability calculations, and the cultural flashpoints shaping campaigns.