The Dispatch Podcast

Steve Hayes is joined by Kevin Williamson, Jonah Goldberg, and Mike Warren to discuss the gathering of generals at Quantico earlier this week, debate who is to blame for the government shutdown, and dive into the controversy surrounding a comedic festival in Saudi Arabia. The Agenda: —Secretary of War Pete Hegseth's performance [https://thedispatch.com/article/hegseth-speech-generals-quantico-dysfunction-donald-trump/] —Blame the Democrats? [https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/boilingfrogs/shutdown-democrats-voters/] —Kevin and Newt Gingrich are kindred spirits —Saudi Arabia: just for laughs? —NWYT: Grilled cheese and comfort foods The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch [http://thedispatch.com], a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here [http://thedispatch.com/join]. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here [https://thedispatch.com/join-premium/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Jonathan Martin, senior political columnist at POLITICO, joins Steve Hayes to discuss President Donald Trump’s retribution campaign and the Democratic Party’s messy coalition of convenience that doesn’t stand for anything ideologically. The Agenda: —The role of Trump’s inner circle —Sen. Ted Cruz’s political calculations —Election integrity concerns —The future of Trump’s legal battles —Kamala Harris has nothing to say on what Dems should stand for on policy [http://xn--8ug/] Show Notes: —Jonathan [https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/09/23/ted-cruz-jimmy-kimmel-free-speech-fcc-00576587?stream=top&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_austin&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter]’s column on Ted Cruz [https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/09/23/ted-cruz-jimmy-kimmel-free-speech-fcc-00576587?stream=top&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_austin&utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Steve Hayes is joined by Jonah Goldberg, David French, and Mike Warren to discuss President Donald Trump’s recent shift [https://thedispatch.com/article/a-brief-history-of-trumps-empty-threats-against-russia/] on Ukraine and how the MAGA movement might respond to it before revisiting ABC’s brief suspension of Jimmy Kimmel. The Agenda: —Russia’s rising aggression —The situation on the Ukrainian frontline —MAGA’s response —Trump’s U.N [https://thedispatch.com/article/is-it-time-to-give-up-on-the-united-nations/]. speech —Free speech under the Trump administration —Trump's Department of Justice —Jimmy Kimmel update —Comey indictment [https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/justice-department-officials-race-to-charge-james-comey-as-deadline-looms-4da7c71f?mod=e2tw] —NWYT: Being a dumb child Show Notes: —Reporting on the Comey indictment [https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/us/politics/james-comey-indictment.html?partner=slack&smid=sl-share] The Dispatch Podcast is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠ [http://thedispatch.com], a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—⁠click here⁠ [http://thedispatch.com/join]. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠ [https://thedispatch.com/join-premium/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Kevin Williamson sits down with Adam Lankford, professor of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Alabama [https://cj.ua.edu/people/adam-lankford/], to delve into the complex factors behind mass violence and ideological killings—from video games and social media to sexual frustrations and extremist ideologies. The Agenda: —Trends in mass shootings [https://www.adamlankford.com/journal-articles/#trends] —Performative nature of violence —The role of ideology in mass violence —The impact of video games —Incels and femcels [https://www.adamlankford.com/journal-articles/#jaSFT] —Policy suggestions The Dispatch Podcast is a production of The Dispatch [http://thedispatch.com], a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a non-partisan, conservative perspective. To access all of The Dispatch’s offerings—including access to all of our articles, members-only newsletters, and bonus podcast episodes—click here [http://thedispatch.com/join]. If you’d like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member by clicking here [https://thedispatch.com/join-premium/]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Steve Hayes, Kevin Williamson, Sarah Isgur, and Washington Post columnist Megan McArdle discuss the Trump administration’s attempted crackdown on free speech following the assassination of Charlie Kirk before digging into the details of a new TikTok “deal.”Plus: Is fall the best season, or overrated? The Agenda —Jimmy Kimmel gets suspended [https://thedispatch.com/newsletter/boilingfrogs/jimmy-kimmel-fcc-carr-trump/] —The role of the Federal Communications Commission —Obama administration vs. Trump administration on free speech —‘LOL nothing matters’ —TikTok dilemma —Why fall is the best season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]