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JO

John O'Sullivan

John O'Sullivan is a former editor of National Review. . He is also president of the Danube Institute--a think-tank devoted to promoting conservative and classical liberal ideas--in Budapest and a director of the Washington think-tank, 21st Century Initiatives in Washington DC.

Series

The Ricochet Podcast7 episodes

Recent Episodes

The Ricochet Podcast
The Ricochet Podcast

Dramatic Docs

You saw the pictures! The walls are finally closing in; or maybe it's the floor that'll finally move in on Trump! Or maybe everyone should cool their jets, as our guest Bill Barr might recommend. The former Attorney General joins us again to discuss what we know (and don't know) about the latest legal troubles for the former president. Without getting ahead of the facts, Barr thinks through the search itself; partisanship in the Justice Department; and the kind of fighters the Republican Party needs. And John O'Sullivan joins the gang at the top to remember his and Peter's old foe, Mikhail Gorbachev. They dispel the lefty fantasy that Gorby was the real hero of the Cold War, but also give credit where it's due. Plus, Peter recounts the time he got the man to scribble on a baseball.
Hosts:
James LileksPeter RobinsonRob Long
Organization
Ricochet

March 2022

The Ricochet Podcast
The Ricochet Podcast

No Fly Zone

Though James-less once more, the founders are back with yet another fascinating discussion about the dizzying crisis in Eastern Europe. With us from his home in Budapest is John O'Sullivan, former advisor to Margaret Thatcher, to discuss the reignited Cold War. He gives us the mood in Hungary, considers the longevity of the West's newfound resolve, and elaborates on the NATO debate. Peter and Rob talk shop about writing, deadlines and compartmentalization; plus there are some members events you'll be excited to hear about! Music from this week's podcast: Russians by Sting
Hosts:
Peter RobinsonRob Long
Organization
Ricochet

December 2020

The Ricochet Podcast
The Ricochet Podcast

Jiggery Pokery

This week on the Big Show, one guest: John O'Sullivan. We booked him to fact check this season of Netflix's The Crown as he was a speechwriter for Margaret Thatcher and was a witness to much of what occurred in the show (and what didn't). But that wasn't the only topic we covered with John. We also had a long and shall we say lively conversation about the Trump legal team's efforts to overturn the results of the election. We think Mr. O'Sullivan represented the views of many of our members and listeners, much to the consternation of one of the hosts of this podcast (guess who?). Also, Peter Robinson discovers The Beatles forty years after the fact and then immediately proceeds to blame them for a lame Christmas song written decades after the band broke up. Also, a new Lileks Post of The Week courtesy of @Majestyk and a short but thorough primer on why streaming killed the movie theater star. Music from this week's show: Her Majesty by The Beatles
Hosts:
James LileksPeter RobinsonRob Long
Organization
Ricochet

November 2020

The Ricochet Podcast
The Ricochet Podcast

Mailing It In

Is it the dawning of a new era or are we continuing the one we're already in? The answer was not clear when we assembled today at 9AM Pacific Time (the best time zone, as everyone knows), but we do our best to pundit all of the facts we knew when we rolled tape clicked record. But before we start that, Rob Long has a statement he'd like to make. And Peter Robinson has some thoughts on why the race may not really be over. On that topic, we are lucky to have John Yoo, Esq. back on to take us through the myriad election laws on both the state and the Federal level. Then, Arizona native (and Ricochet Editor-In-Chief) Jon Gabriel calls in from his car to explain the finer points of voting with a Sharpie and why that matters and offer his theory on how that state's Presidential race is going to wind up. Finally, we go across the pond to Budapest to tap the mind of one the most cogent political observers we know: John O'Sullivan. From his perch in Budapest, he has a perspective and a point of view that is perceptive and unique.
Hosts:
James LileksPeter RobinsonRob Long
Organization
Ricochet

July 2019

The Ricochet Podcast
The Ricochet Podcast

All About Boris

When something happens across the pond, we immediately call on the great John O'Sullivan to explain what it all means. He stops by for a complete data drop on the appointment of Boris Johnson to 10 Downing Street. Also, is Mueller time finally over? And does it kill impeachment? All answers lie within the confines of today's Ricochet Podcast. Music from this week's show: A Foggy Day by Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald
Hosts:
James LileksPeter RobinsonRob Long
Organization
Ricochet

November 2018

The Ricochet Podcast
The Ricochet Podcast

Excelsior!

This week, Peter Robinson is off, but we still have plenty o' show for you: First, we go across the pond (well, actually he's in Michigan, but you know what we meant...) to chat with Anglophile John O'Sullivan on Brexit and then we delve deep into the cultural zeitgeist with The Weekly Standard's (and The Substandard podcast host) Jonathan V. Last to examine the legacies of Stan Lee and the great screenwriter and author William Goldman. Finally, is a White House press pass an inalienable right? We discuss. Let us know what you think in the comments. Music from this week's podcast: Spiderman by The Ramones
Hosts:
James LileksRob Long
Organization
Ricochet

December 2016

The Ricochet Podcast
The Ricochet Podcast

People of The Year

This week, our good pal and fellow podcaster Andrew Klavan sits in for the making-TV-great-again Rob Long (of course you should buy and read Andrew's book The Great Good Thing: A Secular Jew Comes to Faith in Christ). First up, Trump's cabinet is becoming sentient and we have plenty to say about that. And, a few words about the Left's FREAKOUT every time Trump Tweets. Then, the great and crushingly urbane John O'Sullivan joins to discuss Europe's reaction to Trumpism and what the future holds for the continent. His piece Europe Agonistes in this month's National Review is a must read. And we wind up with a tribute to John Glenn, of the the greatest Americans who ever lived. Godspeed, sir. Public service announcement: if you’re not a member of Ricochet and enjoy this podcast, be one of the 1,500 and join today. Music from this week’s podcast: Rocket Man by Elton John The opening sequence for the Ricochet Podcast was composed and produced by James Lileks. Yes, you should absolutely subscribe to this podcast. It helps! And leave a review too! Photoshopper of The Year: @EJHill
Hosts:
Andrew KlavanJames LileksPeter Robinson
Organization
Ricochet