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Conversations with Bill Kristol

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

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

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes324Founded12 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsGovernmentNews

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Artwork for Conversations

Latest Episodes

Where do things stand with the military in Trump’s Second Term? What are the consequences of a shortage of munitions in the conduct of the Iran War? What should we make of the firings of senior military leaders?

In this Conversation, Eric Edelman, f... more

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"Am I worried? A lot. Why? Because they’re not done yet. And it’s not just the president, but the efforts of those around him and on the outside supporting him who have a very huge and fundamental and reshaping ideology, driving an effort to … increa... more

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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

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Don Kettl
Professor Emeritus and former Dean of Public Policy at the University of Maryland
University of Maryland
Episode: Don Kettl: The Trump Administration and the Politicization of the Civil Service
Ryan Goodman
Law professor at New York University; editor and co-editor of Just Security
New York University; Just Security
Episode: Ryan Goodman: The Trump Administration, the Supreme Court, and the Rule of Law
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
Aaron Friedberg
Professor of Politics at Princeton and expert on foreign policy and national security policy, particularly regarding China.
Episode: Aaron Friedberg on the Trump Administration's Surprising China Policy

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 States3 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 States5 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 States5 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
#83
United States/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#236
United States/News
Apple Podcasts
#104
Canada/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#138
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#184
Germany/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#39
Japan/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Don Kettl: The Trump Administration and the Politicization of the Civil Service
Q: How does this compare to past reform efforts, and what might the next administration face?
Past reform efforts often aimed at improving efficiency while keeping civil service protections intact; the current trajectory diverges by prioritizing political loyalty and centralizing control, which may leave future administrations wrestling with consequences like reduced expertise, weakened checks and balances, and a more politicized, fragile administrative state that is difficult to repair quickly.
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.

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. Shield of the Republic
3. Hacks On Tap
4. The Mona Charen Show
5. The David Frum Show

How many episodes of Conversations are there?

Conversations launched 12 years ago and published 324 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. Don Kettl
2. Ryan Goodman
3. Harvey Mansfield
4. Ron Brownstein
5. Phillips O'Brien
6. AB Stoddard
7. Mark Blitz
8. Steve Hayes

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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