Episode 32: Mark Steyn Returns

September 03, 2010

Mark Steyn returns. Need we say more? Ok, we will: we cover GZM, Bridget Bardot, Obama's speech, expectations for this fall, Dambusters, Michele Rhee, the Beck rally, and we try to get to the bottom of where Mark's been the past few months. You'll just have to listen to hear the answer.
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Episode 31: Question Time

August 26, 2010

The British Parliament does it, why can't we? Rob and Peter (Lileks is at the Minnesota State Fair this week) answer your questions -- when Peter is not answering his wife's phone -- and later, talk to author, columnist, and all around smart guy Shelby Steele. He's got some fascinating insights about Obama and what the future may hold for him, and us.

And now, let's hit the links:

• The Krugman in Wonderland blog is here.
• Lileks' coverage of the Minnesota State Fair. His own blog is a must read.
• Peter's wife is an Animist?
• While you were watching Jersey Shore, Peter read Fyodor Dostoevsky's Devils.
• Shelby Steele's A Bound Man.
• George H.W. Bush checks the time during a debate.
• The transcript of Barak Obama's immigration speech.
• Rob's post on the Democratic Power Point presentation.
• The Ricochet debate on net neutrality is here.
• Harry Shearer on IMDB.
• The floorwalker from The Jack Benny Show.

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Episode 30: A Soap Opera With Hats

August 19, 2010

It's more pop culture than politics on the podcast this week as we tackle Mad Men, vampires, South Pacific, the Drambuie mistake, and the definition of a bunco party. Then columnist Virginia Postrel joins us for a boots-on-the-ground report of the LA Obama-Jam, why Michelle isn't Jackie, the functioning Senate, and the Target controversy. It's a podcast best enjoyed shaken, not stirred.

Questions? Comments? Join the conversation at Ricochet.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Ricochet.

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Episode 29: The Ferengi Conspiracy

August 11, 2010

With Peter Robinson hiking in the Sierras (that's not a euphemism, he actually is hiking in the Sierras), Jonah Goldberg sits in and perhaps needless to say, adult supervision is in short supply. Hence, we cover Star Trek (of course), gay bars and the GZM, the use of fake swear words in popular culture (Johnny Dangerously, anyone?), and the time Rob spotted former Labor Secretary Robert Reich in a hot tub. Really. Not to worry though, there's plenty of serious discussion (tenure and taxes, primary election analysis, and of course, conservatives and pop culture) to go around.

Questions? Comments? Join the conversation at Ricochet.com. Follow us on Twitter: @Ricochet.

Episode 28: Marriages, Mosques, and Lists

August 05, 2010

We're all over the map, figuratively and literally this week. Live from Fargo, North Dakota it's Governor and candidate for U.S. Senate John Hoeven joins us in the first segment. Then, Mickey Kaus (in Venice, CA) and Tucker Carlson (from D.C.) talk lists, mosques, and marriage with us in the second segment. Finally, a podcast exclusive: the resolution of the great Robinson Refrigerator Rodeo. We'd write more, but really you should just listen to it.

Rundown:

00:00 Opening Chat
26:20 ND Governor John Hoeven
40:50 Mickey Kaus and Tucker Carlson

Questions? Comments? Join the conversation at Ricochet.com. Look for the podcast discussion link in the right column on the front page.

Episode 27: A Man of Letters

July 29, 2010

It's one for the ages as Robinson, Long, and Lileks are joined by conservative thinker, writer, climatologist, Obama Admistration Czar, and host of some TV game show thing he does on the side, Pat Sajak. In fact, we'll skip the traditional summary and rundown this week and just say that if you've never heard Pat talk about the issues of the day, you're in for a treat.

Episode 26: The List and Mitt

July 22, 2010

Rob Long, Peter Robinson, and James Lileks are joined this week by Istanbul-based contributor Claire Berlinski and WSJ editorial writer Joe Rago. We cover pesky software updates, The List, Mitt, Breitbart, Mac v. PC, and the lessons we should take from the Massachusetts health care reform experience.

00:00 Opening Chat
03:02 JournoList
15:07 Claire Berlinski, Queen of Comments
35:20 Joe Rago, WSJ
1:04:00 Closing Chat

Episode 25: Miramanee!

July 15, 2010

The band is back together this week as James Lileks, Jonah Goldberg, Mickey Kaus, and John Hinderaker discuss everything from how to handle rude emailers, using obscure Star Trek references to describe the President, whether or not Mickey Kaus is a closet Tea Partier, an insider on Pawlenty's chances in 2012, and a better than decent Nixon impersonation from a most unlikely source. All links discussed in the show (including the explanation of the name of the episode) may be found in the podcast discussion thread at Ricochet.com.

00:00 - Opening Chat with James Lileks
06:15 - Jonah Goldberg
31:05 - Mickey Kaus
49:40 - John Hinderaker

Episode 24: Jabba the Fed

July 08, 2010

This week we are joined by Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty and Ricochet legal gurus John Yoo and Richard Expstein on Kagan. We also shout out to some Ricochet members, discuss human behavior and the parking lot of Target, the psychology of motorcades, and offer some predictions on taxes (guess!) All this and more, free of charge.

00:00 Opening Chat
29:15 Tim Pawlenty
51:37 Richard Epstein and John Yoo
1:21:00 Closing Chat

Episode 23: Read All About It

July 01, 2010

A special edition of the podcast this week. Ink and newsprint are giving way to iPads and tweets. James Lileks (Minneapolis Star-Tribune), Tucker Carlson (DailyCaller.com), and Bill McGurn (The Wall Street Journal) join us to discuss where the print news business is heading and how we'll be accessing information in the future. Questions? Comments? Join The Conversation at Ricochet.com or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 22: McChrystal Clear

June 24, 2010

Afghanistan and McChrystal top the conversation this week as Rob Long and Peter Robinson are joined this week by columnist James Lileks, John Yoo, and Victor Davis Hanson. Well, not all the time. Peter does manage to wedge in some discussion of soccer too. Questions? Comments? Join the conversation at Ricochet.com or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

05:04 James Lileks
25:55 John Yoo
30:15 Victor Davis Hanson
1:07:15 Close

Episode 21: Soccer is a Mac

June 17, 2010

Andrew Klavan sits in the Steyn chair and hosts Tucker Carlson and Jonah Goldberg. We cover why soccer is a Mac, the future of conservative media, talk about Sarah, the spill, Rob's Hillary theory, and why it's just like a horror movie. Questions? Comments? Join the conversation at Ricochet.com or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

00:00 Opening Chat
11:40 Tucker Carlson
36:10 Jonah Goldberg
1:16:55 Closing Chat

Episode 20: The Year of the Spanking

June 10, 2010

We talk Turkey with Claire Berlinski, baseball with Ursula Hennessey, and California and national politics with Mike Murphy. Plus we answer member questions and ponder a certain candidate's future. All this and more on this week's Ricochet Podcast. Join the conversation at Ricochet.com or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

00:40 No bull, it's Claire Berlinski live from Istanbul
22:20 Rob, Peter, and Claire discuss South Carolina politics, Sarah Palin, and the election results from around the country
26:57 Ursula Hennessey joins to discuss her family, the non-perfect game, and why we should care about the World Cup
1:05:20 Mike Murphy on Meg Whitman's landslide victory, Republican prospects for the fall, and the future of our favorite Democratic politician
1:25:20 Wrap-up

Episode 19: Around the World

June 03, 2010

From Palo Alto, Oklahoma City, Los Angeles, Washington D.C., the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, to Istanbul, Turkey and to the Republic of Georgia, we go totally global this week with guests Mickey Kaus, Matt Continetti, Claire Berlinski, and Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour. But enough about us. Here's our new requested Ricochet podcast index:

0:00 Peter and Rob chat
9:45 Mickey Kaus on his quixotic run for U.S. Senate in California as he battles the unions and pension funds.
22:50 Matt Continetti on his travels to the Republic of Georgia
39:50 Claire Berlinski from and on life in Istanbul. Key phrase: 7 cats.
1:09:30 Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour talks about oil in the Gulf and catfish in Central Park
1:33:35 Wrap Up

Comments? Questions? Contact us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 18: Coast To Coast

May 27, 2010

From Hawaii to New York State, the Ricochet Podcast goes coast to coast this week as we talk to Ricochet contributor Heather Higgins about her role in helping to elect Republican Charles Djou in Hawaii. That's right, Hawaii. Then Col. Chris Gibson joins us to discuss the state of his race in NY's 12th district, and his inspiring vision for the country's future. Finally, Rob reveals his secret career as a political voice over artist and a third world columnist. Join the conversation at Ricochet.com or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Bonus Episode: Extended Fred Thompson Interview

May 23, 2010

The unedited interview of Fred Thompson that ran in Episode 17.

Episode 17: Supreme Law & Order

May 21, 2010

Rob and Peter fly Steyn-less this week. Nonetheless, we host a sharp analysis of the Kagan nomination from Richard Epstein and John Yoo, and a wide-ranging conversation with Fred Thompson who discusses his new book, the state of the nation and the world at large, his aspirations for higher office, and his thoughts on the cancellation of a certain TV show. As always, join the conversation on our Facebook page or on Twitter (@ricochet) or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 16: The Soft Launch

May 13, 2010

We open up this week as Rob, Peter, and Mark discuss our upcoming launch. Peter reveals a personal connection to "The Sound of Music," Rob reveals a man-crush on a dead president, and Mark reveals that those cruises and conferences are more stressful than you might think. All that and we meet Dr. Robert Steele, Republican challenger for the Dingell "throne" in Michigan. Questions? Comments? Join our Facebook page, follow us on Twitter, or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 15: White Coat Hypertension

May 06, 2010

Mark Steyn joins us late and Peter Robinson leaves early in this guest-packed episode. Author Andrew Klavan joins us for a fascinating discussion of being a conservative and working in Hollywood and pop culture in general. Then John Dennis, the Republican trying to unseat Nancy Pelosi, followed by Dr. George Savage who discusses some of the amazing technology advances he is helping to bring to the market. Finally, John Yoo gives us his expert insight into the machinations involved in catching and charging the Times Square bomber. Comments? Questions? Complaints? Become a fan on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 14: Raising Arizona

April 29, 2010

We're all about the headlines this week as we've got Mark Steyn calling in from Arizona at the white hot center of the immigration debate; author John O'Hara discusses his new book "A New American Tea Party" and his recent appearance on "The Daily Show"; and we talk to Tim Burns, the Republican candidate in the hotly contested race for Jack Murtha's seat in Pennsylvania. Comments? Questions? Complaints? Become a fan on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 13: Happy Earth Day

April 22, 2010

We celebrate Earth Day with our most energy effecient podcast yet as Rob Long, Peter Robinson, and Mark Steyn are joined by Powerline Blog's John Hinderaker and law professor John Yoo. We cover the recent: Supreme Court decisions, Goldman Sachs, David Frum, and the Jim Manzi dust-up. We get a legal opinion as to whether or not Gizmodo trafficked in stolen iPhones, and Rob reveals an award-winning moment in his career. Comments? Questions? Complaints? Become a fan on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 12: An Orgy of Mutual Linkage

April 15, 2010

A tax day spectacular as Rob Long, Peter Robinson and Mark Steyn are joined by former Florida governor Jeb Bush who talks about his post-politics life, Crist or Rubio, his passion for education reform, his iPad, and whether he may run for some un-named higher office. Later, we're joined by Ricochet's new managing editor James Poulos who talks about his background, his new job, and what excites him about Ricochet. Comments? Questions? Complaints? Become a fan on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 11: Profile in Courage?

April 08, 2010

An eclectic show this week as Rob, Peter and Mark are joined by columnist and author Shelby Steele who discusses Obama and how race and gender are defining his presidency and his quest to redefine America and the world. At the other end of the spectrum, we're joined by Ricochet contributor and truck driver David Carter who illuminates us with his unique perspective on the world. All that and a little more inside Hollywood POV from Rob Long. Apologies in advance for the audio quality. We'll try to do better next time. Comments? Questions? Complaints? Fan us on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 10: Vote Kaus!

April 01, 2010

This week, we're joined by Ursula Hennessey who discusses the Final Four and the Masters, Mike Murphy on politics and being the odd man out on "Meet the Press," and our first annual Ricochet April Fools surprise.

Bonus Episode: John Yoo Special Edition

March 31, 2010

In this special edition of the podcast, John Yoo joins Rob Long and Peter Robinson to discuss the constitutionality of the recently passed Health Care Reform Act.

Episode 9: Stand And Fight

March 26, 2010

It's a health-care-palooza on the podcast this week. With Rob Long MIA deep in the San Fernando valley, Peter Robinson and Mark Steyn ably carry on and talk to Victor Davis Hanson and Indiana Governor (and possible presidential candidate) Mitch Daniels about what happened, why it happened, and where to go from here. Questions? Comments? Become a fan on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 8: A Tri-Partisan Three Way

March 18, 2010

A March Madness super-sized edition of the podcast, and why not? It's the return of Mark Steyn and we greet him with three amazing guests: Ricochet contributors Heather Higgins on health care and the huge price she expects Democrats to pay for passing it, Victor Davis Hanson talking about the middle class and the real risk of California going down the tubes, and finally, we're joined by our first Democrat, Mickey Kaus, newly announced candidate for the Senate and all around entertaining guy. Listen as Peter, Rob, and Mark helpfully give him some unsolicited campaign advice. Finally, Mark Steyn reveals the true story of a particularly uncomfortable encounter involving himself, Barbara Boxer, and Strom Thurmond. Yikes. Questions? Comments? Fan us on our Facebook page or write us at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 7: Midnight Blue

March 11, 2010

It's the debut of a new Ricochet Podcast feature: The Ricochet Smack Down. This week, John Yoo and Richard Epstein enter The Octagon to argue whether the names of the so-called "Al-Qaeda 7" ought to be made public, the legality and morality of torture, and other associated issues (see NYT article here: http://nyti.ms/dofoWA). It's reality TV, Ricochet style. Questions? Comments? Write us at podcast@ricochet.com or fan us on our Facebook page.

Bonus Episode: Haley Barbour interview

March 08, 2010

The complete interview of Haley Barbour, excerpts of which were included on Ricochet's March 6 podcast episode. Questions or comments? Contact us at podcast@ricochet.com or become a fan on our Facebook page.

Episode 6: A Good Ricochet Fact

March 06, 2010

The Ricochet parade of governors continues as we are joined this week by Mississippi Governor (and Chairman of the Republican Governors Association) Haley Barbour, as well as by John Hinderaker of the Powerline Blog, sitting in for Mark Steyn. We cover health care, Republican prospects for the fall elections, why governors matter, and if our guest may be thinking of running for a certain higher office. We also reveal why Morgan Freeman chooses to live where he does and why Rob Long lives deep behind enemy lines. Questions or comments? Contact us at podcast@ricochet.com or become a fan on our Facebook page.

Episode 5: Hot For The Up Do

February 26, 2010

This week we weather the storm as conditions on the East Coast wreak havoc with Mark Steyn's power and Peter Robinson's Skype. But we persevere as guest Andrew Breitbart creates his own storm with Media Matters and liberals in general. We talk about the health care summit, play "Who's Your Favorite Lefty" and Andrew and Rob reveal their secret admiration for filmmaker John Waters. Questions? Comments? Contact us at podcast@ricochet.com or become a fan on our Facebook page.

Episode 4: Miss Me Yet?

February 18, 2010

It's "Meet The New Guys" week on the podcast as we welcome two new contributors to Richochet: News Corp's Bill McGurn and political strategist Mike Murphy. This week, we cover it all-- Steyn's take on the Canadian hosted Olympics, an inside look at the Californian gubernatorial race, whether or not there's a Ford in the Republicans' future, and the dark horse candidate to replace Simon Cowell on American Idol. Questions? Comments? Feel free to contact us on our Facebook page or at podcast@ricochet.com.

Episode 3: The Spanking Ticket

February 12, 2010

A Valentine's weekend Super-Sized edition of the podcast as our hosts are joined by law professor Richard A. Epstein and Indiana governor Mitch Daniels. In our chat this week, we discuss the filibuster at length (naturally), as well as the wisdom of hosting terrorists' trials in New York, the quaint custom of only spending the money a government takes in, and a little soft shoe serenade from Steyn.

Episode 2: News with Brioche

February 05, 2010

Rob Long and Mark Steyn are joined by guests law professor John C. Yoo and Breitbart.com's Andrew Breitbart. Topics covered include Miranda rights for terrorists, a report from the Tea Party convention, the joyless MSM, Al-Qaeda's potential new bomb making strategy that may be particularly problematic for certain parts of Los Angeles, and some unconventional Super Bowl picks.

Bonus Episode: Choosing Theme Music

January 30, 2010

Mark Steyn's graduate degree from the College of Musical Knowledge is put to good use as the panel discusses possible choices of theme music for the Ricochet Podcast.

Episode 1: The Comandante is Annoyed

January 29, 2010

Law professor and former Justice Department lawyer John C. Yoo join Ricochet hosts Rob Long, Peter Robinson, and Mark Steyn to discuss the State of the Union Address, Obama's decline, and what it's like to guest host for Rush on this week's Ricochet podcast.