The Ricochet Podcast

It's Greece, it's California, it's (still) gay marriage, and Romney rising. AEI's Jim Pethokoukis on the future of the Euro, the turmoil in the markets, and what Romney should say at every campaign stop. Later, David Limbaugh returns to talk social issues and the stunning 0-99 rebuke of Obama's budget in the Senate.

Congrats to Fred Cole for winning the coveted Ricochet Member Post of the Week for his post What Would You Put In The Constitution? We'll be in touch, Fred. 

Music from this week's episode:

• Is That Clear by Nick Waterhouse
• Grease by Frankie Valli 

Here's the direct link to this week's episode (but use our new audio player above), however the best way to hear the podcast is to subscribe! Visit our Feedburner page for a number of other subscription options. Or better yet, use Stitcher.

Ευχαριστώ, EJHill. 

Looking for an audiobook? Get one for free from Audible on us. Click here. 

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's pick is Black April: The Fall of South Vietnam, 1973-75 by George J. Veith. Available for $20.97 at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

This week, we're all over the marriage thing (well, not literally). Then, American Enterprise Institute president Arthur Brooks on his new book The Road to Freedom: How to Win the Fight for Free Enterprise, and the role of government in society, and yes, yet another dog story. We wrap up with National Review's Mona Charen on culture, working conservative women, and the role of family. Finally, shout to Ricochet member Rachel Lu for her post Unshackling the Young -- it's the Ricochet Podcast Member Post of The Week. Rachel, your mug is on the way. 

Music from this week's episode:

• Is That Clear by Nick Waterhouse
• Let's Get Married by Al Green 

Here's the direct link to this week's episode (but use our new audio player above), however the best way to hear the podcast is to subscribe! Visit our Feedburner page for a number of other subscription options. Or better yet, use Stitcher.

Thanks, EJHill. 

Looking for an audiobook? Get one for free from Audible on us. Click here. 

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's pick is No Matter What...They'll Call This Book Racist: How our Fear of Talking Honestly About Race Hurts Us All by Harry Stein. Available for $16.31 at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

It's always a treat when Jonah Goldberg stops by, and this week's show is no exception. We cover Piers Morgan, spiking the football, Indians, and much more. And don't forget to pick up a copy of The Tyranny of Cliches: How Liberals Cheat in the War of Ideas either on Amazon or on Audible (Jonah reads it!).

Music from this week's episode:

• Is That Clear by Nick Waterhouse
• Indian Reservation by Paul Revere and The Raiders

Here's the direct link to this week's episode (but use our new audio player below), however the best way to hear the podcast is to subscribe! Visit our Feedburner page for a number of other subscription options. Or better yet, use Stitcher.

EJHill, you're worth much wampum. 

Looking for an audiobook? Get one for free from Audible on us. Click here. 

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's pick is No Matter What...They'll Call This Book Racist: How our Fear of Talking Honestly About Race Hurts Us All by Harry Stein. Available for $16.31 at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

In this special edition of the Ricochet Podcast, James Lileks, Andrew Klavan, and C.J. Box discuss the writing process, their inspirations, noir movies, and the pros and cons of self publishing. It's a fascinating inside look at the life and thought processes of the working writer from three guys who do it every day. 

Ricochet members, you'll get this in your Ricochet Podcast iTunes feed or you can play the show in its entirety using the player above. Not a member? You only get the first ten minutes. So, join now to get the complete show. 

It finally happened: the Ricochet Podcast finally gets religion on Romney. Hallelujah! Also, a Titanically bad miniseries, and author and journalist Harry Stein on Trayvon Martin, left race baiting, and yes, Tiny Tim. Then economist and podcaster extraordinaire Russ Roberts (his required listening podcast is here) joins to discuss the economy, inflation on the horizon, quantitative easing, ancient Egyptian economics, and the expert's answer to Peter's bleg. It's all about who you know. Finally, congrats to Ricochet member Curious John for winning the highly coveted Ricochet Podcast Member Post of the Week for his super innovative Ricochet Member Audio Meetups. CJ, your mug is on the way. 

Music from this week's episode:

• Is That Clear by Nick Waterhouse
• How I Got Over by Aretha Franklin

Here's the direct link to this week's episode (but use our new audio player below), however the best way to hear the podcast is to subscribe! Visit our Feedburner page for a number of other subscription options. Or better yet, use Stitcher.

EJHill, you 'da man. 

Looking for an audiobook? Get one for free from Audible on us. Click here. 

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's pick is No Matter What...They'll Call This Book Racist: How our Fear of Talking Honestly About Race Hurts Us All by Harry Stein. Available for $16.31 at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com. 

The podcast has gone to the dogs this week: Rob has trust issues with his Mac, Romney's electability, econ/tax journalist Jim Pethokoukis (follow him on Twitter and read his indispensable blog) talks Buffet rule, Obama's vulnerability on the economy, and later, the definitive conversation on Mitt's dog Seamus and the anti-canine left

Rob, Peter, and James answer questions from Ricochet members.

BREAKING: We didn't win the lottery, at least not the one where they give away all the dough. We did win the one with the guests: this week we've got Commentary's John Podhoretz and Congressman Dana Rohrabacher. We cover the remarries, SCOTUS and HCR, the OPM scandal, Titanic, the budget, and the Congressman's triplets. Yes, you read that right, TRIPLETS.

Rick Santorum on why he's still in the race, the rights of the unborn, the Santorum tax plan, how Santorum plans to expand his appeal, the core differences between himself and Mitt Romney, and a up-to-the-minute state of the primary race from the candidate himself.

We're full of cheese this week. Wisconsin cheese. Governor Scott Walker talks about unions, health care, and his upcoming recall election. Then, Paul Ryan joins to discuss his budget, health care reform, and how his budget will impact the coming national election. The, Ricochet's own Adam Freedman stops by to update and analyze the SCOTUS/HCR arguments.

Dead batteries, Long puts Lileks on the couch, Bill Kristolon Romney, Iran, Santorum, and a brokered convention, Mike Daisey punks NPR, and Rob's new iPad. Yup, it's another Ricochet Podcast.

Dr. Charles Murray stops by to discuss his new book Coming Apart: The State of White America, 1960 – 2010 and later, the WSJ's James Taranto on politics, Rush, and the best place to buy a cigar in Manhattan.

Dr. Thomas Sowell and Mollie Hemingway stop by for chats. We cover Super Tuesday, Sowell's new book, religious freedom, Rush to justice, free birth control and how Minneapolis could instantly get happier.

It's a reunion and a remembrance. Jonah Goldberg sits in for Peter Robinson. We talk about the life and times of Andrew Breitbart and then take questions from members. Warning: Heavy Star Trek references ahead.

Author. commentator, veteran Presidential advisor, and provocateur Pat Buchanan joins for a vibrant conversation about culture, immigration, religion, and his new book "Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive To 2025?" Then, a lively discussion of Rick Santorum's rise in the polls, and Rob declares "I'm for Romney." A watershed Ricochet moment.

Professors Victor Davis Hanson and Paul Rahe join us for a spirited discussion on the politics of religion and conservatism, Greece, and being a close, personal, friend of Rush Limbaugh.

Pat Sajak returns from the wilderness of his self-imposed hiatus to dish on his secret obsession with "Match Game" (the old game show), and Matt Continetti joins to discuss politics and his new venture, "The Washington Free Beacon."

Disney, Steve Jobs, Mitt Romney, Mark Levin, Florida, and more.

Author, columnist, screenwriter, and raconteur Andrew Klavan sits in and political consultant to the stars Mike Murphy imparts wisdom and knowledge on the state of the race and where it's going.

Long is traveling, Robinson is asleep (he wakes up eventually), but Lileks, Troy Senik, and Ben Domenech pick up the slack. This week, SOPA (no, Peter it's not Spanish soup), Italian ship captains, Bill Kristol on Ron Paul, and of course, Lileks on lightbulbs.

Ann Coulter joins for a rousing debate on Mitt Romney. That is all.

James Lileks, Rob Long, and Peter Robinson ruminate on the New Hampshire primary, the presumptive nominee, a classic Mel Brooks movie, and the future of Ricochet.

It's our last show of the year, so we decided to go all out: this week, Governor Haley Barbour of Mississippi, Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana, and Hillsdale's Paul Rahe. We look at the race, discuss the possibility of a late entrant, and get some insight on Gov. Barbour's future plans after leaving office. Then, a great discussion on Hitchen's legacy, the passing of Dear Leader, and finally, a brief visit from the Singing Professor. Merry Christmas, everyone!

Firearms for Christmas, havoc in the primary process, Person of The Year, InstaPundit's Glenn's Reynolds, and driving across America with Rob Long. It's another Ricochet Podcast.

Today it's professional pundits prognosticating profusely as The New York Times' Ross Douthat and National Review's Ramesh Ponnuru stop by to talk Newt, Mitt, Ron and John, and all their baggage. Skycap!

Paul Rahe stops fresh from a close encounter with Herman Cain and Peter Schweizer spills the beans on the outrageous and legal Congressional insider trading scam.

We don't have many Democrats on the podcast, so when we do, we try to make sure they're memorable. So pull up your earbuds and get comfortable for a bracing conversation with Pat Caddell, who thinks Obama ought to forgo running so Hillary can step in and win. Seriously.

Political strategist extraordinaire Mike Murphy joins to parse the race in minute detail and Rob Long gives us an inside look at the machinations of getting a pilot picked up. Not so different then getting a candidate elected, really.

Lileks visits L.A., Rob's making a pilot, Peter eases up up on Romney, while Delingpole lowers the boom on him.

The complete lowdown on Cain from National Review's Robert Costa and a broad overview of the Middle East from Fouad Ajami.

Dennis Prager joins for a wide ranging conversation. That's really all we're going to say here, so just listen to it. Trust us, it's worth it.

I’ve been sitting at the counter of the Diner for a long, long time. Wrote my first dispatch almost 30 years ago in my column at the college paper. Had a late-night two-hour radio show on a 50,000 watt flamethrower station in the 90s; resurrected the show in podcast form in the middle of the previous decade. There’s a lot of backstory to the show, but I did this episode as an introduction for new patrons. It’s just a rambling, unplanned chat with musical interludes - a guy at the next stool at the counter, talking about this and that. This installment concerns old radio horror shows and Halloween music from the 50s. Have a seat. Try the pie.

We've got a full boat this week as we're joined by National Review's Jim Geraghty, The Weekly Standard's Matt Continetti, and the Wall Street Journal's Joe Rago. They delve into the debate and the campaign in minute and often hilarious detail.

Troy Senik sits in for Rob Long today, and he misses a great one: We're honored to be joined by Dr. Thomas Sowell, who imparts his wisdom on a number of topics and answers questions from Ricochet members. Later, Coffee and Markets podcaster Ben Domenech stops by to talk about last week's debate and the surprising results from the latest Ricochet Center of Gravity poll.

We're all over the map today as we go from the Simpson's controversy to Chris Christie's thanks but no thanks (with guest Bill Kristol) to the Star Trek/Mayberry connection and Rob's pilot and James' novels. Whew!

Jonah Goldberg sits in for the child-rearing Peter Robinson. We cover the race, learn a few new words, discuss Ben-Hur's nationality, and paint a disturbing mental image of a certain north eastern governor.

We've got Barone, we've got Barbour. We talk politics, we talk economy. And later, Lileks, Long and Robinson engage in a frank and fascinating discussion on the mortgage crisis. Not to be missed.

Government injections, the liberal media, the Weiner seat, and Mitt v. Rick. All that and AttackWatch.com Yep, it's another Ricochet Podcast.

Summer vacation is over and so naturally, it's time for us to get schooled. First up, James Delingpole, the British columnist, author, and a lone voice on the right across the pond. Never heard of him? Strap yourself in, because you'll be hearing much more from him, especially on Ricochet. Then, our education continues as we go to B school with the dean of Columbia University's business school Glenn Hubbard. He gives a sobering look at the state of the economy, present and future and gives the next president some sage advice. We wrap up with a wedding story. You know the groom, but you will be surprised by who officiates.

Author Richard Miniter stops by to talk Libya, Qaddafi, and the so-called Arab spring. Then, The Weekly Standard's Matt Continetti joins to talk Presidential politics, including Ryan not running, Perry rising, why Romney bores the press corp, and Bachmann's chances.

Commentary Magazine's editor-in-chief and New York Post columnist John Podhoretz and Hillsdale College and Presidential kingmaker Paul Rahe join us on a super-sized Ricochet Podcast.

A rare three-guester this week, but then there's so much to cover. First, Andrew Stuttaford gives us his British ex-pat's view of events in London, Bill McGurn on Obama-malaise, and economist John B. Taylor on -- what else -- the economy. How we got here and where we're going.

It's number 80 so we booked a guest from the 80's: former MTV News anchor and current film critic for reason.com Kurt Loder. We talk to him about being at "Rolling Stone:" during the glory days, MTV's impact (good and bad) on the culture, why 3D sucks, and the best and worst of the summer movies. His answer may surprise you. We also chat about Obama's birthday, and debate a *fabulous* Ricochet Podcast Post of The Week.

Andrew Klavan sits in for the vacationing Peter Robinson and The Washington Examiner's chief DC correspondent Byron York gives us the very latest on the deficit negotiations.

Old friend of the podcast Jonah Goldberg sits in today. We cover all the debt ceiling negotiations fit to gab about, take a look at the state of the election, get nostalgic about Carmageddon and Minnesota's government shutdown, dissect the Norquist-Coburn feud, and never quite connect with Byron York.

Ricochet editor Mollie Hemingway sits in for Rob Long today with our guests David Limbaugh and Kevin Eder. We talk budget deals or no deals, Bachmann's candidacy, lightbulbs, and register just a few more final thoughts on last week's guest.

Whenever political consultant Mike Murphy joins the podcast, the sparks fly and this week is no exception. The sparks fly as the man who coined the term "Bachmann-Schmachmann" this week on Ricochet takes no prisoners as he defends David Brooks (!), explains why Bachmann can't win, and instructs how to parse campaign finance reports, all with his trademark style and humor. You may not agree with him, but you will not be bored.

That the left is all pervasive in Hollywood is not debatable. But how much does that really affect the culture? That's the question we banter back and forth with guests Andrew Klavan and with Ben Shapiro, whose book "Prime Time Propaganda: How The Left Took Over Your TV" is a provocative look at this issue. It's one of our liveliest podcasts, and one that should incite a lot of comments on Ricochet.

Presidential candidates: they're a dime a dozen and they're everywhere. But you know us -- when everyone else zigs, we zag. That's why on this week's Ricochet Podcast, we've got the guys who didn't run. Mitch Daniels and Haley Barbour join us for a fascinating chat. Then a spirited discussion on the pluses and minuses of a conservative NPR, incandescent succession, and the final word on gay marriage -- for this week.

Ricochet's Troy Senik takes time off from his duties at chief wrangler on our "Law Talk" podcast to come by and give us his insights on Newt, Bachmann, Rick Perry's supposed run, and the rest of presidential field. We also get into Palin's non-event emails, the pluses of organic food and close out with an original Lileks composition. All that and a resigning Weiner too.

A packed show this week as Pat Sajak sits in for the roaming Rob Long. We've got Hillsdale's Paul Rahe, Rep. Paul Ryan, and Ricochet's woman in Israel, Judith Levy. Lots to listen to, so get going!

Welcome to the first edition of Left Coast/Right Coast with The Daily Caller's Mickey Kaus and The Washington Post's Jennifer Rubin. This week, our bi-coastal pundits debate the less than exciting Republican presidential field, Obama's inexplicable bragging about bailouts, immigration, and then parse Mickey's very detailed Weiner theory.

And, we're back! This week, we gab about our La Niña, his Weiner, Boehner's butts, the candidate's hedges, hash houses, World War II movies, Palestine's borders, and the case for female jarheads. With our guest (and Ricochet's newest podcaster) Jennifer Rubin, we cover them all in perfectly captured, mellifluous audio.

Welcome to this special, free edition of "Law Talk with Epstein and Yoo," hosted by Troy Senik. The Ricochet Law School faculty lounge is open after an extended closure for renovations. This week, Professors Yoo and Epstein (ably guided by Troy Senik) opine on California prisoners, presidential war powers, immigration, and San Francisco's unkindest cut. Ouch!

"Law Talk with Epstein and Yoo" is a production of Ricochet.com

It was a tough week to be a Newt and a bit easier to be a Mitt. We deconstruct the whole Presidential picture with Washington Examiner chief political correspondent Byron York. Then, our pal Andrew Breitbart, the internet's Provocateur-In-Chief drops by to discuss his new book, what it's like to be the least popular man in West Los Angeles, traveling in exotic locales with Rob Long, and how Tweeting makes the man. We finish up with a good old fashioned Ricochet Podcast free-for-all on the pluses and minuses of a government funded space program.

It's our special Friday the 13th episode of the podcast and we're lucky to be joined by political consultant and "Meet The Press" regular Mike Murphy, and then later by John Yoo, Berkeley law professor and the former deputy assistant attorney general in the Office of Legal Counsel in the Justice Department of President George W. Bush, and of course one of the stars of Ricochet's "Law Talk with Epstein and Yoo."

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside series. This week our title is "Government Unions and the Bankrupting of America" by Daniel DiSalvo. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

Some guy died this week. Maybe you heard about it? The good news is we've got two really smart guys on to help us parse the story: Paul Rahe and Victor Davis Hanson. We also cover stagflation, why Paul Ryan may be the Republican's best hope for 2012, and the suprising link between Victor's mom and Governor Moonbeam.

Name another show that can so effortlessly segue from the college admissions process (with guest Andrew Ferguson), to presidential elections, to the various conflicts in the Middle East (we're joined by author Michael Totten) and then end up with a conversation about why "I Love Lucy" is the great American sitcom. Go ahead, we'll wait. Didn't think so. Is there anything these guys can't talk about?

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's featured title is "The Road To Fatima Gate" by Michael J. Totten. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com

Former Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld joins us for a fascinating interview that covers his views in Afghanistan, Libya, the current crop of Republican presidential candidates, and refections on a 40 year career of public service.

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's featured title is "The Road To Fatima Gate" by Michael J. Totten. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

We get a boots on the ground report on the state of the health care system from our own (recovering) Rob Long. Then Tucker Carlson joins to discuss the ever growing welfare state, whether Boehner punted, Trump, and his man crush on Paul Ryan.

We're lucky to have Andrew Klavan sitting in for the traveling Peter Robinson this week, and he kicks things off with a rare podcast chat about theology. That segues into whether or not men are sissies, which can only be answered by the arrival of über political strategist Pat Caddell. He takes us through all the current political issues, including the looming shutdown, Obama's chances in 2012, and the importance of lightbulbs to Republican candidates. It's illuminating to say the least.

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. Our featured title this week is "The Wages of Appeasement Ancient Athens, Munich, and Obama’s America" by Bruce S. Thornton. Available at EncounterBooks.com and for Kindle at Amazon.com

We've got two experts on this week: National Review's Jim Gergahty and Col. Bing West. It's politics and Palin with Jim, and Libya and Afghanistan with Bing (as he insisted we call him). We could write more, but you really should just listen -- it's the most fun you can have with your ears.

We've got a a star-studded show today with the WSJ's Bill McGurn talking paywalls and Michigan, Victor Davis Hanson on Libya, and Liz Taylor, and Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels on the MIA Democratic state legislators, budget battles, and Indiana's foreign policy.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's featured title is "The Wages of Appeasement Ancient Athens, Munich, and Obama’s America" by Bruce S. Thornton. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

Claire Berlinksi interviews Ricochet member and Japan resident Outstripp about current conditions.

It's been a dramatic week and we cover it all on the podcast: Japan, nukes, budgets, questionably named hotels, and crystal balls, all while battling the Skype Gods. It's worth it though.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's featured title is "The Wages of Appeasement Ancient Athens, Munich, and Obama’s America" by Bruce S. Thornton. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

In this, our first crowd sourced Ricochet Podcast, our members picked the topics -- well, most of them anyhow. So as requested, we dissect the NPR debacle, debate whether Scott Walker has gone all squishy on us, and unwind the continuing federal budget battles. Then, in another Ricochet Podcast first, we're joined by Ricochet members Kenneth and Pilgrim. They reveal what criteria they use when they post, encourage those who are too shy to comment, and then behave like normal guests and completely disagree with the hosts. We finish up with a little impromptu cowboy poetry and a totally unscripted Sheen rant. So much for rundowns.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's featured title is "Schools For Misrule" by Walter Olson. Available in hardcover and for Kindle at Amazon.com.

Last week we were short, this week, we make it up to you. We've got a full house with all three of our hosts and guests WaPo blogger Jennifer Rubin and The Weekly Standard's Matt Continetti. We run the table with chats about the budget battles, a very heated discussion about the Middle East, a presidential roundtable, and Peter Robinson parties hearty in D.C. and spills the beans. Winning!

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Enounter Books. This week's featured title is "Schools For Misrule: Legal Academia and an Overlawyered America" by Walter Olson. Available in hardcover and for Kindle at Amazon.com.

What do Mitch Daniels, Scott Walker, Muammar el-Qaddafi, Jeri Ryan, Bongbong Marcos, and James T. Kirk have in common? Why this podcast of course. Our good friend Jonah Goldberg joins us for the full hour. Not one of our longest, but definitely one of our best.

The Ricochet Podcast is brought to you by Encounter Books and their Broadside series. This week's featured title is "Why America Must Not Follow Europe" by Daniel Hannan. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

Our old pal Mark Steyn returns for a rollicking podcast where we cover everything from Egypt to Ireland's boom to Rob's sexual harassment class. Then, Sally Zelikovsky -- who has the unenviable job of heading up the San Francisco Tea Party -- joins to tell us how she spends her time deep behind enemy lines. We wrap things up with conversation that winds from Chet Baker to Charlie Sheen that details the actor's unique stimulus plan for shoring up falling home values. Two words: Porn House.

The Ricochet Podcast is brought to you by Encounter Books and their Broadside series. This week's featured title is "Why America Must Not Follow Europe" by Daniel Hannan. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

In this special edition of the Ricochet Podcast, Claire Berlinski and Judith Levy discuss unfolding events in the Middle East and answer questions from Ricochet members.

We've got Mike Murphy in the Peter Robinson chair this week as we entertain Red Eye's Greg Gutfeld and Powerline's John Hinderaker. Listen in to the party chit-chat as they ponder Egypt's revolution and their porta-pottie crisis, HuffPo's cash out, the party conditions at CPAC, and an in depth analysis of "The Daily" iPad app.

The Ricochet Podcast is brought to you by Encounter Books and their Broadside series. This week's featured title is "Why America Must Not Follow Europe" by Daniel Hannan. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

This week we're lucky enough to have two guests who we're confident have never appeared in the same sentence, much less the same show.: Harry Shearer and Victor Davis Hanson. Harry talks about his documentary on the flooding of New Orleans, his war with NPR, and of course Harry's long and storied career in show business. Then, the great Victor Davis Hanson talks to Peter Robinson about the unfolding events in the Middle East and answers questions from Ricochet members.

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's pick: "Turning Right at Hollywood and Vine: The Perils of Coming Out Conservative in Tinseltown" by Roger L. Simon. Available in paperback on February 8th at Encounter Books and for the Kindle at Amazon.com.

Claire Berlinski in Istanbul and Judith Levy in Israel reunite to discuss unfolding events in the Middle East with National Review writer/Ricochet Guest Contributor Matthew Shaffer and take questions from Ricochet members.

In this special edition of the Ricochet Podcast, Claire Berlinksi in Istanbul and Judith Levy in Israel discuss unfolding events in the Middle East and take questions from Ricochet members and Twitter.

Listen in on one of our most wild and wolly podcasts ever as we cover SOTU, Paul Ryan's response, international unrest, Olbermann's departure, predict the big story of the coming week, and then we all lean forward as Rob reveals his secret ambition for his next career. Hint: it may involve a "Special Comment" or two.

The Ricochet Podcast is proudly sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's pick: "Turning Right at Hollywood and Vine: The Perils of Coming Out Conservative in Tinseltown" by Roger L. Simon. Available in paperback on February 8th at Encounter Books and for the Kindle at Amazon.com.

In this special edition of The Ricochet Podcast, former White House speech writer Peter Robinson hosts former Georger W. Bush presidential speechwriters Bill McGurn and Troy Senik. It's a fascinating inside look at what goes into the writing of a State of The Union Address, the history of the address itself, and swap a few war stories as well.

With Lileks, Long, Klavan, and Goldberg on board, you know we're going to go heavy on on culture, and that's exactly what happens this week. We cover Tucson, the possibility of repealing HCR, tiger moms, Hu's here, whether or not Teddy Rooselvelt really would a Ricochet member, the Golden Globes, and Jonah's strange obession with the TV show "V."

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. Our featured title this week is "I Can’t Believe I’m Sitting Next To A Republican" by Harry Stein. Available at EncounterBooks.com and for Kindle at Amazon.com.

Lileks is still at sea, so we're going old school this week as Rob and Peter hosting by themselves. Our guests: newly minted NY Congressman Chris Gibson and Ricochet's own Dr. George Savage. Congressman Gibson lets us in on what it's like to be a freshman member of the House (is there hazing?), his first impressions, and how he plans to keep the pork to a minimum despite being the a member of the Agriculture Committee. The Dr. Savage remembers his Aunt Phyllis, one of the Tucson victims, and gives us some fascinating medical insight into the real need for mental health reform.

The Ricochet Podcast is brought to you by Encounter Books. This week's pick is "I Can’t Believe I’m Sitting Next To A Republican" by Harry Stein. Available at Encounter Books or Amazon.com.

It's (arguably) our one year anniversary show and to mark the occasion we've gotten the band back together. Jonah Goldberg and Mark Steyn join us and as usual, anything goes. We cover crying, Boehner's honeymoon, how soon the new Congress will sell us out, a dramatic reading of both the Constitution and an amazing NYT editorial, Jessica Alba, re-writing "Huck Finn", review "True Grit" (good) and "Gulliver's Travels" and "Yogi Bear" (bad), and much, much more. Settle in, kids: it"s one of our longest podcasts and one of our best.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. This week’s title is "Freedom at Risk: Reflections on Politics, Liberty, and the State" by James L. Buckley. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com

It's our last show of the year and we go out with a bang. With guest Pat Sajak, we cover the great blizzard of 2010, the topless President, the myth of the great warming, run the table on whether celebrities in politics really matter, discuss death panels, Palin, take an optimism poll and much more.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. Our featured title this week is "How the Obama Administration Has Politicized Justice" by Andrew C. McCarthy. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

It's our Christmas spectacular, complete with dancing, musical numbers, and a visit from the S-man himself. OK, we don't have any of that stuff, but we do have the Washington Post's Jennifer Rubin. Just a sampling of the topics in this podcast: We solve net neutrality, defend Haley, debate START, get a brief dramatic reading of "True Grit" and end up with a lively discussion of the worst Christmas song ever recorded. It's our gift to you.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. Our featured title this week is How the Obama Administration Has Politicized Justice by Andrew C. McCarthy. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

We're burning rubber this week. Strategist Mike Murphy returns to the podcast for a fascinating discussion of what happened in California, the future of the party, and yes, a certain candidate from Delaware. Then we're joined by John Yoo and Richard Epstein who labor against a spotty Skype connection to explain what the recent court decision on health care and where the battle for repeal goes from here. Also, Rob discusses why his script is late and Peter boasts about his hot new wheels. Or his hot wheels.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside series. Our featured title this week is "How the Obama Administration Has Politicized Justice" by Andrew C. McCarthy. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com and for Kindle at Amazon.com.

When Captain Kirk leaves the bridge of the Enterprise, he hands over "the conn" (the chain of command) to Mr. Spock. With Peter Robinson out sick this week, we give the conn to Capt. Lileks, who slides effortlessly into the captain's chair and handles hosting duties and our guests Andrew Klavan and Jonah Goldberg, with military precision. We cover Wikileaks, tax cuts, puzzling Swedish sex laws, the left's abandonment of the President, a member inspired debate on whether it is time for significant military cuts, and reveal where Jonah Goldberg eats his power lunches.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. Our featured title this week is "Gray Lady Down: What The Decline and Fall of The New York Times Means For America" by William McGowan. Available at EncounterBooks.com and for Kindle at Amazon.com.

With the New York Times once again in the front and center of a national conversation about the responsibility the press has to protect secrets, we thought this would be a perfect time to devote a podcast to the (arguably) country's most influential media outlet. Our guest this week is author and NYT expert William McGowan. His new book "Gray Lady Down: What The Decline and Fall of of The New York Times Means For America" takes a critical look at the paper and what it's decline means for the future of journalism.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. Our featured title this week is "Gray Lady Down: What The Decline and Fall of The New York Times Means For America" by William McGowan. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

This week we cram muscle shirts, pat downs, Thanksgiving, and North Korean aggression all into one audio file. Peter gets the inside scoop on the National Review cruise from Rob (live from the Miami airport) and James. Then we get serious with John Bolton to discuss North Korea's missile attack on the south. Will the TSA attack Rob's junk? Tune in and find out.

The Ricochet podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside series. This week's feature title is "How Barack Obama is Endangering our National Sovereignty" by John Bolton. Available for download at EncounterBooks.com and at Amazon.com

With Rob and James cruising the Bahamas this week, we draft Pat Sajak to guest host with Peter. He reminisces about Bill Buckley and Merv Griffin, and let's us in on what's it's like to be a celebrity conservative. Then, Claire Berlinski joins to discuss our junk and the TSA, royal weddings, and the the inside story behind her cross town move. Finally, Ricochet contributor Steve Manacek stops by to talk about the Deficit Commission and why we should be afraid. Very afraid.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books. This week's pick is "Gray Lady Down: What The Decline and Fall of The NY Times Means for America" by William McGowan. Available at EncounterBooks.com and Amazon.com.

Make sure your brain is fully operational before listening to this podcast -- you'll need it in top working order as we're joined by Victor Davis Hanson and John Yoo. Victor riffs on the possibility of India joining the U.N. Security Council, the current state of California, how we're doing in Afghanistan, and some of the new members of Congress. Then, John Yoo stops by to edify us on the 17th Amendment, missile defense, and his future career as a podcaster.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside Series. This week's featured title is "How the Obama Administration Threatens Our National Security" by Victor Davis Hanson. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

It's the morning after and with Jonah Goldberg and the WSJ's Bill McGurn, we tackle what it all means, what the future may hold, Paul Ryan's plan, Barney Frank's victory speech, the repudiation of Time Magazine, and of course, a gratuitous "Star Trek" reference.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside Series. This week's featured title is "Obama Health Law: What It Says and How To Overturn It" by Betsy McCaughey. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

A classic Ricochet roundtable this week with author/publisher Roger Kimball and über-blogger (and our favorite Democrat) Mickey Kaus. Also, Dr. Rob Steele, who's doing his best to unseat the Duke of Dingell stops by for a brief update on his campaign. It's a lively discussion that covers all the big races, but with a special emphasis on the California Senate contest in which Mickey was a former candidate. Also, the inside story on Juan Williams, NPR and Fox News (Mickey has a secret source!), and whether or not Prop. 19 will go up in smoke.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside Series. This week's featured title is "Obama Health Law: What It Says and How To Overturn It" by Betsy McCaughey. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

It's a feisty edition of the podcast this week as we're joined by Red Eye's Greg Gutfeld and author/columnist David Limbaugh. We cover what the winners will do after election day, a great discussion about the Tea Party and why it is the most significant political movement in a generation, the Frum effect, the pros and cons of a VAT tax, and a fashionably late arrival.For links and music in the podcast or to join the conversation about this podcast, please visit us at Ricochet.com

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside Series. This week's featured title is "How the Obama Administration Threatens Our National Security" by our good friend Victor Davis Hanson. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

The title is truly a misnomer, because as you'll hear, this group is anything but. Our guests Pat Caddell, Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels, and National Review's Jim Geraghty take no prisoners in a very spirited discussion about many of the important races around the country, whether or not folks in other states may get the chance to vote for the Governor, the Republican's overall national strategy, the Tea Party, and a certain candidate in Delaware. In fact, we're laying on extra server capacity for the anticipated reaction to that particular part of the podcast.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by Encounter Books and their Broadside Series. This week's featured title is "President Obama's Tax Piracy" by Peter Ferrara. Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

It's our heavy hitter edition of the podcast with guests Mark Steyn and Jonah Goldberg. We cover the surprising Noble Prize selection, one last look at the view from France, the sorry states of New York and California, our panel's view on the legalize it debate, and much more.

The Ricochet Podcast is brought to you by Encounter Books and their Broadside Series. This week's featured title is "President Obama's Tax Piracy by Peter Ferrara." Available for $5.99 at EncounterBooks.com.

Big brains on the big show this week as we're joined by New York Times columnist David Brooks and National Review Editor-In-Chief Rich Lowry. They think big thoughts about entitlements, the Bush tax cuts, Chris Christie, Mitch Daniels, Bob Gates for president, potential democratic challengers, and whether infidelity is the root of all social evil. Also, has David Brooks gone "native?" And Mr. Brooks bravely answers his Facebook critics.



The Ricochet Podcast is brought to you by Encounter Books. Our title this week: William Voegeli's "Never Enough: America's Limitless Welfare State." Available at EncounterBooks.com

A game show host, a truck driver and a governor walk into a bar. No they don't, they join us on the podcast this week: Pat Sajak, Dave Carter, and Governor Pete Wilson. It's a wide ranging discussion from trucking to tea parties to an inside look at the Golden State, both in terms of the election and the future. All that and the view from Prague.

The Ricochet Podcast is sponsored by the Encounter Books Broadside Series. This week's title: President Obama's Tax Piracy by Peter Ferrara. Available for purchase at EncounterBooks.com

Big Government's Andrew Breitbart joins us and we cover the panoply of conflicts that seem to follow Andrew where ever he goes. A brief list: Most of Twitter, the folks in the parking lot of the Sears Center, Glenn Beck, Shirley Sherrod, Eleanor Holmes Norton, and yes, Harvey Fierstein. And that's just in the first ten minutes. Of course also talk about the Tea Party, and we get a valuable lesson in crowd control.

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by the Encounter Books Broadside Series. This week's title: Obama and America's Public Sector Plague by EJ McMahon. Check it out at EncounterBooks.com

We're all about the mid-terms this week and we're joined by one of the country's foremost campaign experts to help us sort through them: National Review's Jim Gergaghty. We cover Delaware, the infamous Murphy post, and a host of other contests around the country. We also politely discuss the Ricochet Code of Conduct and how it is enforced. Or not enforced.

This episode of the podcast is sponsored by the Encounter Books Broadsheet Series. This week's title: Obama and America's Public Sector Plague by EJ McMahon. Check it out at EncounterBooks.com

It's a star driven panel this week with Peter Robinson, Rob Long, James Lileks, Pat Sajak, and Jonah Goldberg. It's a fascinating conversation as they talk polling, ask the delicate questions, movie marketing, why Obama's agenda polls terribly, but he himself doesn't, give the predictable gratuitous Star Trek reference, dogs and much, much more.

For links from this episode, or to comment, complain or praise, please visit us at http://Ricochet.com

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.
Get your hot links here:

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.

Direct link to this week's episode. Subscribe here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.