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What Really Matters with Walter Russell Mead

Tablet Magazine
Israel
Biden Administration
Donald Trump
United States
Iran
Green Movement
North Korea
Hamas
Middle East
Argentina
Kissinger's Middle East Policy
American Jewish Community
Israeli-Palestinian Conflict
Middle East Peace Process
Ukraine
Javier Milei
Global Trade
Antisemitism
Zionism
Climate Change

Walter Russell Mead, a historian, pundit, and popular author, is encyclopedic about politics, culture, and history. On What Really Matters, Mead and Tablet deputy editor Jeremy Stern help you understand the news, decide what news matters and what doesn’t, and enjoy following the story of America and the world more than you do now. Check out Walter Russell Mead’s Tablet column at www.tablet... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes101Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
PoliticsNewsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for What Really Matters

Latest Episodes

This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss the Trump administration's apparent speech crackdown, the Saudi-Pakistani mutual defense pact, the rise of cocaine cartels in Mexico, the recent events that shook the Western order, and why rightwing influencers a... more

This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss Russian drones entering Polish airspace, Israel's failed strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar, Trump's decision to rename the Defense Department the War Department, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss US naval warships in Latin America, the latest poll of American opinion on Gaza, Trump's attempt to fire the governor of the Federal Reserve, and Xi Jinping's summit with Narendra Modi and Vladimir Putin.

This week, Walter and Jeremy discuss why Americans are moving less, Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, declining alcohol consumption in the US, and the Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska.

Key Facts

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Hosts

Walter Russell Mead
Historian, pundit, and popular author, known for his insights on politics, culture, and history.
Jeremy Stern
Deputy editor at Tablet

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 686 ratings
  • Unique format, thought provoking analysis

    I love the news / not news question at the top, followed by deep, historically rooted discussion. The global perspective and long term view of current events are a huge breath of fresh air. Get WRM on the political podcast circuit!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mike O'Brien
    United States2 months ago
  • Brilliant analysis

    Walter Russell Meade delivers a concise, accurate and insightful analysis of the struggles in the Middle East. I cannot thank you enough for delivering a message with such clarity and insight. It’s a pleasure to listen to your Podcast.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    October 13 2023
    United States2 months ago
  • jeremy audio issue

    jeremy your audio was uncharacteristically subpar this week.. (not walter).. hopefully this is a one-week glitch..

    absolutely indispensable weekly news pod featuring someone of whom you would be hard-pressed to find someone with deeper geopolitical knowledge.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    DareBoBear
    United States3 months ago
  • Walter Russell Mead is one of the Best!

    WR Mead is one of the most interesting and best Global Affairs Analysts anywhere. I never miss his WSJ Column, now I never miss his What Really Matter Podcast. It’s like having a private tutor on what’s happening, why it matters, and how it will shape events in the future. You won’t regret adding this podcast to your listening material.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    alanfjr
    United States4 months ago
  • WRM is Most Intelligent, Unbiased, Informed, and Informative.

    Can’t wait each week to hear Walter’s take on what’s happening. Short, witty, erudite, based in deep study and personal experience through world travel, while listening to both ordinary people and the movers and shakers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Smilingpilgrim
    Canada5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Overall, the content is recognized for its thoughtful analysis and is consistently rated highly for its quality.
Walter Russell Mead is often deemed a treasure for his insights, although opinions vary on his perceived arrogance.
There are mixed feelings regarding the presentation style, with some praising the clarity while others critique it for lack of pushback in discussions.
Listeners appreciate the depth and historical context provided, highlighting its informative nature and importance in contemporary political discourse.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#208
Italy/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#234
Australia/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#164
Ukraine/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#194
Chile/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#232
Norway/News/Politics
Apple Podcasts
#248
Israel/News/Politics

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Week When Decades Happened
Q: What do you think it would take to make some kind of course correction during relative peacetime?
Leadership can play a role in outlining the world's situation seriously and factually, supported by bipartisan forces.
The Murder of Charlie Kirk
Q: How do you look back at the 80s and 90s? Do you see it as kind of this aberration and this special point in history?
There is a perception that the current time is more historically normal and we may be re-entering something closer to that historical pattern.
The Trump-Putin Summit
Q: Tell us more about your analysis of this week's Alaska Summit in particular, and then some of the history that informs your read on it.
Walter discusses the broader historical context of US-Russian relations and nuances of the recent summit, highlighting dynamics often overlooked in media coverage.
The Trump-Putin Summit
Q: Walter, as a DC resident, is this news or faux news?
Walter expresses skepticism about crime statistics and mentions an increased sense of fear among residents.
The Art of Trump's Trade Deals
Q: Are they good things? Are they lasting things, etc.?
The impact of these trade discussions may not yield immediate economic help, but it reinforces American influence on global trade discussions.

Audience Metrics

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions About What Really Matters

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

This podcast provides a thorough exploration of political and cultural events through the lens of history, emphasizing not just what news is happening but what truly matters. The discussions are enriched with historical context, engaging listeners with debates on current geopolitical tensions, domestic policies, and cultural shifts, often through the distinctive insights of its hosts. With a focus on significant contemporary issues, this series is likely to resonate with listeners seeking an informed perspective on the complexities of both national and international affairs. Its unique blend of erudition and accessibility makes it suitable for those keen on understanding the deeper implications of the news, rather than merely skimming surfa... more

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1. Breaking History
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4. The Commentary Magazine Podcast
5. Honestly with Bari Weiss

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What Really Matters launched 2 years ago and published 101 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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