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The Close Read Podcast

The Claremont Institute
Covid-19
Donald Trump
Russian Politics
Democratic Party
Conservatism
Liberalism In Russia
Conservatism In Russia
Russian History
Vladimir Putin
Constitutional Rights
Public Health Measures
Republican Party
Wokeness
American Conservatism
Thatcherism
Media Bias
Solzhenitsyn
Dostoevsky
Politics
Kamala Harris

Associate editor Spencer Klavan phones up authors whose CRB essays have prompted deeper reflection and discussion. Over a drink, he'll chat with the leading minds on the Right about what's going on in politics and literary culture. claremontinstitute.substack.com

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes68Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsSociety & CulturePhilosophy

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Artwork for The Close Read Podcast

Latest Episodes

Until quite recently, the “New Atheism” held sway over the minds of many elites. But the secular, scientistic worldview that was once so in vogue proved radically insufficient to meet the challenges of the post-9/11 world. Now, a New Theism is gainin... more

Associate Editor Spencer Klavan reads “Stardust,” Helen Andrews’s review of We Tell Ourselves Stories, featured in the summer 2025 issue.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus epis... more

Editor Charles Kesler sits down with Associate Editor Spencer Klavan to discuss the recent summer issue. Highlighted are Christopher Caldwell’s cover essay on UK immigration and Charles’ own piece on the Joe Rogan of the UK, Jeremy Clarkson. His show... more

The UK government of Boris Johnson, reckoning immigration as a pure economic gain, swung the door open to newcomers. Now 7 percent of the British population has been almost unilaterally imported en masse. Anger is swelling in response to “rape gangs”... more

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Recent Guests

Helen Andrews
Author of 'Boomers', a critique of the baby boomer generation's influence on society
Episode: "Stardust" by Helen Andrews
Christopher Caldwell
A contributing editor and author focusing on immigration and politics
Claremont Review of Books
Episode: Christopher Caldwell on UK Immigration
John Rosenthal
Former Professor of Political Philosophy and journalist covering European affairs.
Episode: John Rosenthal on Free Speech Online
Simon Morrison
Princeton University music professor and author of 'Tchaikovsky's Empire'
Princeton University
Episode: “Empire of Music,” by Vladimir Golstein
Aaron Kheriaty
MD and scholar at the Ethics and Public Policy Center
Ethics and Public Policy Center
Episode: Aaron Kheriaty on the Biomedial Security State
Anthony Esolen
Distinguished Professor of Humanities at Thales College
Thales College
Episode: “They Forgot to Sing,” by Anthony Esolen
Barry Strauss
Hoover Institution senior fellow and author of 'Jews vs. Rome, Two Centuries of Rebellion Against the World's Mightiest Empire'
Hoover Institution
Episode: Barry Strauss on Ancient Alexandria
William Voegeli
Senior Editor at the Claremont Review of Books
Claremont Review of Books
Episode: William Voegeli on How Woke Broke the Democrats
Bill Voegeli
Contributing editor at Claremont Review of Books
Claremont Review of Books
Episode: William Voegeli on Shifting Party Allegiances

Host

Spencer Klavan
Host and Associate Editor at the Claremont Review of Books, engaging in discussions with authors to explore deeper insights on political and literary culture.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 179 ratings
  • Paper & Podcast

    I use the podcast to supplement and spice up my read of the physical Claremont Review of Books magazine. In a world where disintegration seems the primary force, the thinkers at Claremont give me inspiration and the intellectual fiber to put much of the current chaos into perspective.

    I especially enjoyed this recent podcast taking a look at the Spanish revolution. Thank you, I am one of the many who was said the simplistic version and never thought to question it.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    old lady geologist
    United States3 years ago
  • The Best

    Privileged to have thought leaders of this caliber.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Calsal2020
    United States4 years ago
  • Need a new host

    The utter pretentiousness of the host, with fake laughter and all, is so bad it’s beyond parody. At first I could tolerate it by imagining Thurston Howell III, but even that shield ablated away quickly and I had to simply turn it off. Also the production values are amateurish. It’s too bad because, I agree, the content tends to be very enlightening.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    idolog
    United States5 years ago
  • Very insightful

    I really enjoy this podcast. I find it informative and engaging.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    rainydayNH
    United States5 years ago
  • Trump propaganda trash

    Pathetic attempts to rationalize a far right viewpoint despite all evidence. Smacks of desperation and fear. If you’re in the Trump cult bubble, I assume you’ll be nodding your head to everything they say. If not, you’ll see right through it.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    The Offive Podcast
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the deep insights and intellectual rigor presented in discussions, finding the content engaging and thoughtful.
Some have criticized the host's style as overly pretentious, highlighting a divide in enjoyment based on personal tastes.
Overall, the podcast is recognized for its ability to provoke thought and inspire critical reflection on cultural and political matters.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

John Rosenthal on Free Speech Online
Q: Do you see any sign that major tech players understand the dangers of international law?
It's different for tech players; some understand the threat of DSA, but they need US government support to effectively counter its implications.
John Rosenthal on Free Speech Online
Q: Could you explain what the Digital Services Act (DSA) is and why we should care?
The DSA is a European law that requires online platforms to suppress illegal speech and mitigate disinformation, which affects free speech rights internationally.
Christopher Flannery on Mark Twain
Q: Do you think he's right about this, and I and the general public are wrong?
The conversation suggests Twain saw 'Joan of Arc' as his best work, prompting Flannery to present evidence supporting its literary significance.
Christopher Flannery on Mark Twain
Q: Does Twain in some way, is he our Shakespeare?
Flannery compares Twain to Lincoln, arguing that both represent distinctively American language and ideals, positioning Twain as a key figure in American literature.
William Voegeli on Shifting Party Allegiances
Q: Can Trump or Trumpists be brash enough to appeal across diverse demographics without alienating others?
It seems challenging, but this affects only a small number of undecided voters; major supporters tend to be those already solidified in their views on Trump.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Close Read Podcast

What is The Close Read Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Exploring a range of topics primarily within the realms of political discourse and literary culture, conversations often reflect on contemporary societal issues, drawing from the insights of influential authors and thinkers, particularly from a conservative perspective. Listeners are likely to encounter discussions surrounding free speech, the intersection of public health and civil liberties, and critiques of modern political dynamics, often weaving in historical context and cultural reflections celebrated within conservative thought. The podcast features a notable engagement with the writings from the Claremont Review of Books, providing in-depth examinations of essays that challenge mainstream narratives or provoke thought among listener... more

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Which podcasts are similar to The Close Read Podcast?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Close Read Podcast:

1. The American Mind Podcast
2. First Things Podcast
3. Young Heretics
4. Power Line
5. City Journal Audio

How many episodes of The Close Read Podcast are there?

The Close Read Podcast launched 6 years ago and published 68 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 The Close Read Podcast?

Recent guests on The Close Read Podcast include:

1. Helen Andrews
2. Christopher Caldwell
3. John Rosenthal
4. Simon Morrison
5. Aaron Kheriaty
6. Anthony Esolen
7. Barry Strauss
8. William Voegeli

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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