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Conversations with Bill Kristol

Bill Kristol
Donald Trump
Ukraine
Russia
Trump Administration
Kamala Harris
2024 Presidential Election
Iran
China
Republican Party
Inflation
Democratic Party
United States
Joe Biden
Israel
Biden Administration
NATO
National Security
Dick Cheney
Federal Reserve
Mass Deportation

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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes322Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
GovernmentPoliticsNews

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Latest Episodes

A year and a half into the second Trump administration, is the Supreme Court meeting the moment? What are the broader implications of recent Court decisions and the conduct of lower courts? What might the next years look like?

To discuss these quest... more

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What makes Niccolò Machiavelli the founder of modern politics? How did liberal thinkers like Locke, Montesquieu, and the American founders modify Machiavelli’s inventions? How did later thinkers like Kant and Hegel attempt to save reason? How stands ... more

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“This election looks like a classic collision between the irresistible force and the immovable object. The irresistible force is the elevated share of Americans who disapprove of Trump’s performance as president, which has increased since last Decemb... more

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“China is aiming to enhance its power with respect to the United States in particular, and eventually to emerge as the dominant player in the international system, and it’s working towards that goal…. It is not clear to me at this point what our stra... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Harvey Mansfield
Professor of Political Philosophy
Harvard University
Episode: Harvey Mansfield on Rational Control and Liberalism
Ron Brownstein
Senior political analyst at CNN and Bloomberg Opinion commentator
Episode: Ron Brownstein: What’s Going To Happen in 2026?
Phillips O'Brien
Historian and professor of strategic studies at the University of St. Andrews
University of St. Andrews
Episode: Phillips O’Brien on Ukraine v. Russia and the Future of Warfare
AB Stoddard
Former colleague at the Bullwork; veteran reporter and political analyst
Episode: A.B. Stoddard on Trump’s Psyche—and The Implications for 2028
Mark Blitz
Professor and author, philosopher known for work on Aristotle
Claremont McKenna College / Claremont
Episode: Mark Blitz on the Enduring Importance of Aristotle
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
A.B. Stoddard
Veteran correspondent and analyst of Congress and political issues.
Episode: A.B. Stoddard on Trump’s Second Term

Host

Bill Kristol
Host of Conversations with Bill Kristol; prominent political commentator and analyst known for in-depth interviews and policy-focused discussions.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 2.6k ratings
  • Interesting conversations

    I enjoy Bill’s thoughtful, engaging and insightful conversations with very interesting guests. I never miss one of Bill Kristol’s podcasts.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Old Bob 78
    United States2 months ago
  • April23 Episode

    Love the insight and thank you for stating Trumps timeline.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    I dont want to 😊
    United States3 months ago
  • Fantastic analysis

    In depth analysis on issues. Great conversations.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Midwest Mary
    United States3 months ago
  • John Vret

    Thought provoking, with a balanced view of issues and our current environment. Makes one think long and hard. Balanced views.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    John Vret
    United States4 months ago
  • Informative

    These are always such informative conversations. Kristol does a great job blending his own unique professional experiences with the impressive stable of guests he invites on to discuss the many weighty topics of today. Highly recommend.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PKM71
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Guests are given space to speak, and the host guides with insightful questions.
Listeners praise the depth and balance of viewpoints, even when opinions differ.
The host crafts thoughtful interviews with guests who are experts in their fields.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#216
China/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#241
Israel/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#243
Japan/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Harvey Mansfield on Rational Control and Liberalism
Q: Why does liberalism face challenges from both left and right, and can it survive?
Liberalism confronts critiques about self-preservation versus communal good, and the discussion argues that liberalism endures through its ability to balance competing demands, defend self-preservation, and adapt to historical changes without losing its core commitments.
Harvey Mansfield on Rational Control and Liberalism
Q: What is the role of ambition and institutions in liberalism?
Ambition is tied to institutions rather than mere personal gain; institutions channel ambition into responsible participation, with Montesquieu and Tocqueville influencing how power is organized and how civil society protects rights.
Harvey Mansfield on Rational Control and Liberalism
Q: So how do we get from rational control to liberalism?
The discussion traces a path from Machiavelli's necessity to a right to preserve oneself, with Hobbes and Locke transforming uno solo into a right that justifies living under a government and protecting private property, free speech, and personal autonomy.
Phillips O’Brien on Ukraine v. Russia and the Future of Warfare
Q: Where does all this leave Europe and the broader geopolitical order going forward?
Europe is increasingly willing to take ownership of defense, realizing reliance on the United States is waning; Ukraine's resilience acts as a catalyst for European strategic autonomy, and broader regional powers are emerging as important balancing actors in a fragmented, multipolar world.
Phillips O’Brien on Ukraine v. Russia and the Future of Warfare
Q: What are the issues with long-range drones and their impact on the war?
Long-range drones are changing dynamics by enabling strikes far beyond the front lines, but they require affordable countermeasures; drones are cost-effective and proliferating globally, which pressures air defense and prompts a rethink of strategic thresholds.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Conversations

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

Thoughtful, long-form conversations with leading figures in politics, policy, and geopolitics. Episodes tend to center on strategic decision-making, global affairs, and the implications of domestic and international policy choices, often featuring guests who are seasoned scholars, journalists, or former policymakers. The show is characterized by a calm, in-depth interview style, a focus on data-driven insights, and a willingness to challenge traditional narratives. Notable strengths include high-caliber guests, nuanced analysis of complex issues, and a track record of shaping informed public discourse for listeners who want thoughtful perspectives beyond sound bites.

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Which podcasts are similar to Conversations?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Conversations:

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

How many episodes of Conversations are there?

Conversations launched 12 years ago and published 322 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. Harvey Mansfield
2. Ron Brownstein
3. Phillips O'Brien
4. AB Stoddard
5. Mark Blitz
6. Steve Hayes
7. Anne Applebaum
8. Scott Lincicome

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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