
Walter Russell Mead, a historian, columnist, and popular author, is encyclopedic about politics, culture, and history. On What Really Matters, Mead joins Bill Drexel, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute, to help you navigate the headlines, 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 Wall S... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 152 | Founded | 3 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | PoliticsNewsSociety & Culture | |||

This week, Walter and Bill discuss what's at stake in today's midterm elections, President Trump's announcement that US aid to Israel will end this year, North Korea's record $6 billion crypto heist at Binance, and why, despite the shale revolution a... more
This week, Walter and Bill discuss Anthropic's blockbuster IPO filing and its warnings about AI, reports that the US is preparing a short, intense renewal of the Iran war after the midterms, Kim Jong Un's surprise trip across a newly finished bridge ... more
This week, Walter and Bill discuss Trump's endorsement of Benjamin Netanyahu days before Israel votes, Elon Musk's throttling and alleged restoration of Ukraine's Starlink and Putin's push for a summit with Trump and Xi, the AI-discovered software fl... more
After more than 140 episodes, Jeremy Stern is stepping down as co-host, and Hudson's Bill Drexel takes his place.
This week, Walter and Bill discuss the Houthis' widening missile war on Saudi Arabia, the Pentagon's plan to livestream a military exec... more
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As a kid, used to watch my dad turn on the CBS evening news to watch Walter Cronkite. He would hush us all and we knew we could not interrupt him for anything. Nowadays, it’s hard to find someone that I can trust in that same way with the news. I feel as though Walter Russell Mead is my Walter Cronkite, and I’m so glad to have found him.
Every episode is gold.
…used to really appreciate this podcast. I have read much of WRM’s historical work and believe him to be knowledgeable and clear-thinking.
However, over the last several months it appears he believes it useful to respond to various topics in an overly animated way; perhaps someone told him an interjection of exaggerated vocal intonations would improve his following; I suspect this directional change is having the opposite effect; it certainly has in my case.
His voice is grating to begin with,... more
Walter Russell Meade’s scope of knowledge, wisdom, and respect for humanity brings together a level of reporting an information that I have grown to rely upon. He is a true gem.
WRM provides excellent analysis of current domestic and international affairs, with an unusual degree of Wisdom. A rare combination among today’s American pundits.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Long-form conversations centered on geopolitics, public policy, and history led by a well-connected analyst and a seasoned host. Episodes frequently explore US foreign policy, great-power dynamics, and the interplay between media narratives and elite decision-making, often weaving in historical context and long-range strategic thinking. The format tends toward deep-dive analysis with a focus on credibility, incentives, and the practical implications of global events for domestic politics. A recurring strength is synthesizing complex topics—ranging from Iran and Ukraine to immigration and civic virtue—into accessible, thought-provoking discourse. A notable hook is pairing rigorous geopolitical analysis with literary and cultural touches to b... more
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What Really Matters launched 3 years ago and published 152 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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Recent guests on What Really Matters include:
1. Walter Russell Mead
2. David French
3. Jane Kamensky
4. Volodymyr Zelensky
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