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Conversations with Bill Kristol

Bill Kristol
Ukraine
Russia
Donald Trump
Anti-Semitism
China
United States
Joe Biden
Israel
NATO
Biden Administration
Hamas
Iran
Democratic Party
2024 Presidential Election
European Union
Republican Party
World War II
Bakhmut
Kharkiv
Hezbollah

Conversations with Bill Kristol features in-depth, thought-provoking discussions with leading figures in American public life.

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes312Founded11 years ago
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GovernmentPoliticsNews

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Latest Episodes

“The Europeans have been in this alliance [NATO] to protect themselves, largely from Russia and other aggressors. And now it has an aggressor within the gates, so to speak. And that’s quite an extraordinary situation.”

So argues the eminent politica... more

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Where do things stand in American politics as we head into a midterm election year?

To discuss these questions we are joined again by Ron Brownstein, a Bloomberg Opinion columnist and senior CNN political analyst. Brownstein points to President Trum... more

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“We take for granted the degree of peace that we’ve enjoyed over the past eight plus decades. And we think that’s the norm. The norm is actually a lot more like what the world looked like before 1945. Certainly, the previous 100 years were one of con... more

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Dick Cheney (1941-2025) is widely regarded as one of the most consequential vice presidents in American history. 

To discus his life and legacy, we are joined by Steve Hayes, CEO and editor of The Dispatch and author of Cheney (2007), who had extrao... more

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Recent Guests

Steve Hayes
Editor and CEO of Dispatch, author of a biography on Dick Cheney
Dispatch
Episode: Steve Hayes on the Life and Legacy of Dick Cheney
Anne Applebaum
Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and journalist, expert on Eastern Europe and authoritarianism.
The Atlantic
Episode: Anne Applebaum on Ukraine, Europe, Trump, and the Danger of Authoritarianism
Scott Lincicome
Vice President for Economics and Trade at the Cato Institute, columnist for The Dispatch
Cato Institute
Episode: Scott Lincicome on Trump's New Tariff Regime: Unpredictability, Uncertainty, and Risk
Ray Takeyh
Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and expert on Iran and Iranian-American relations
Council on Foreign Relations
Episode: Ray Takeyh on the War between Israel and Iran—and the Future of the Iranian Regime
A.B. Stoddard
Veteran correspondent and analyst of Congress and political issues.
Episode: A.B. Stoddard on Trump’s Second Term
Steve Vladeck
Professor of Law at Georgetown University, expert in Supreme Court and federal courts, and author of a book on the shadow docket.
Georgetown University
Episode: Steve Vladeck on the Trump Administration, the Courts, and the Rule of Law
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
Expert on immigration policy at the American Immigration Council
American Immigration Council
Episode: Aaron Reichlin-Melnick on Immigration in Trump’s Second Term: What Will Happen?
Jack Goldsmith
Harvard Law Professor and former Assistant Attorney General
Harvard University
Episode: Harvard’s Jack Goldsmith on the Coming Trump Presidency
John Bolton
Former National Security Advisor and Ambassador to the UN, served in multiple Republican administrations
Episode: John Bolton on Trump’s Cabinet Picks and What to Expect in His Second Term

Host

Bill Kristol
Host of Conversations with Bill Kristol, known for his thought-provoking interviews and in-depth discussions with leading figures in American public life.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.5k ratings
  • Concise, intelligent political analysis

    Bill Krystal brings on knowledgeable and intelligent guests to delve into the current political realities.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mike T in VA
    United States14 days ago
  • Great interview

    I Love Bill Kristol’s interview style.

    Very concise and intelligent.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    cmhuff787
    United Statesa month ago
  • Must listen podcast

    Bill Kristol and Ron Brownstein podcast was most excellent!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nutty mom
    United Statesa month ago
  • My favorite Republican

    Bills interview with Ron Brownstine was one of the most informative in-depth interviews of the current status of the political picture in the country on any Podcast this year!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Central Valley Ca listener
    United Statesa month ago
  • Zohran Mamdani

    I recently learned that Bill Kristol had endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor of NYC. Can this possibly be true??

    If so, I must seriously reconsider Mr. Kristol’s common sense and worldview!

    Opposing Trump and Trumpism makes sense; however, endorsing Zohran Mamdani is quite another matter.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Geoplanter
    United Statesa month ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Overall, the show is frequently described as a standout resource for those interested in American politics.
Some listeners have noted occasional audio quality issues, indicating room for improvement in production.
Many find the choice of guests to be excellent, offering a range of perspectives that enrich the conversations.
Listeners appreciate the insightful and in-depth nature of discussions, praising the thoughtful questions posed by the host.
The podcast is seen as a reliable source of political analysis, with a focus on intellectual rigor and nuanced debate.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#247
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#32
Brazil/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#124
China/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#167
Brazil/News
Apple Podcasts
#198
Saudi Arabia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#210
Ukraine/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Aaron Friedberg on the Trump Administration's Surprising China Policy
Q: How has Trump's administration impacted the bipartisan consensus on China?
Trump's mixed record on China has fractured the bipartisan consensus, raising questions about future U.S. policies and commitments.
Aaron Friedberg on the Trump Administration's Surprising China Policy
Q: What is the current state of the U.S.'s military and diplomatic policy towards China?
The U.S. policy towards China seems unresolved and is not being discussed robustly, suggesting an unclear strategy moving forward.
Aaron Reichlin-Melnick: Immigration and Deportation in the Trump Administration
Q: What will the history books say about the first six months of the Trump Administration regarding immigration and deportation?
The administration made immigration a top priority and significantly increased resources dedicated to enforcement.
Ray Takeyh on the War between Israel and Iran—and the Future of the Iranian Regime
Q: What indicators or events should we watch for to understand how the situation will develop in Iran?
Key indicators include potential American intervention, how the Israeli military success unfolds, and how the regime responds to evolving internal dynamics and public perception.
Ray Takeyh on the War between Israel and Iran—and the Future of the Iranian Regime
Q: What does the current internal cohesion of the elites in Iran look like?
The internal cohesion of the elites in Iran appears to be weakened, and there is significant dissatisfaction among various factions and even within security organizations.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Gender Skew
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Professions
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Frequently Asked Questions About Conversations

What is Conversations about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A platform for in-depth and thoughtful discussions, featuring notable figures in American public life. The conversations often explore pressing political issues, historical context, and policy analysis, focusing on topics such as national security, economic policy, and the dynamics of current political events. The format tends to prioritize nuanced dialogue, allowing guests ample time to share insights and perspectives that challenge conventional thinking or address significant historical moments.

Noteworthy for its blend of expert analysis and a wide range of guests, the content frequently highlights the complexities of American politics and international relations, making it particularly appealing for listeners interested in deep dives b... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Conversations?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Conversations:

1. Shield of the Republic
2. Hacks On Tap
3. To The Contrary with Charlie Sykes
4. The Mona Charen Show
5. The Bulwark Podcast

How many episodes of Conversations are there?

Conversations launched 11 years ago and published 312 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Conversations?

Recent guests on Conversations include:

1. Steve Hayes
2. Anne Applebaum
3. Scott Lincicome
4. Ray Takeyh
5. A.B. Stoddard
6. Steve Vladeck
7. Aaron Reichlin-Melnick
8. Jack Goldsmith

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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