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19 June 2026

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Jul 23, 2012 — Conor Friedersdorf & Mark Oppenheimer
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Friedersdorf

On Friedersdorf, the conversation kicks off with Mark discussing his column on purity balls, where fathers pledge to protect the chastity of their daughters. They next talk about Mark’s profile of David Frum—are Frum’s politics a psychological reaction to his famous mother? Conor disagrees with Frum’s dismissal of libertarianism, but thinks he deserves credit for publicly changing his mind at some cost to his financial well-being. The two go on to consider what the goal of parenting is, and the thing that parents in Mark’s neighborhood fear most. They discuss the good and the bad (but mainly the good) of the sexual revolution, and Conor argues that society should stigmatize absent fathers.

Jul 22, 2012 — Robert Wright & Jesse Singal
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Nonzero (The Wright Show)
Jul 21, 2012 — Matthew Duss & Jamie Fly
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Foreign Entanglements
On Foreign Entanglements, Matt and Jamie discuss the assassinations in Syria, and whether Obama should have done more. Matt points out that “safe zones” sound nice and easy, but they entail military intervention. Matt and Jamie discuss Assad’s relationship with Hezbollah, and how their fortunes have changed since 2006. Does the bombing in Bulgaria indicate a new phase of “shadow war” with Iran? And is it “within international norms” to assassinate Iranian scientists? Finally, Matt and Jamie debate the best way to change Iranian behavior.
Jul 20, 2012 — Ryan Holiday & Drew Curtis
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Jul 19, 2012 — Bill Scher & Matt K. Lewis
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The DMZ
On The DMZ: Obama’s “you didn’t build that”—major gaffe or out-of-context quote? Is this the start of a real debate about the direction of the country? Matt and Bill consider whether promoting the “rugged individualist” theme is a political winner. Matt argue that liberalism is like going to visit your grandparents. But while he thinks conservatism is more exciting, he admits that Bill’s vision of a liberal utopia sounds appealing.
Jul 19, 2012 — Emily L. Hauser & Alyssa Rosenberg
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The Posner Show
Guest-hosting on The Posner Show, Emily and Alyssa discuss women and sexism in pop culture. Alyssa describes the economic incentives for the continued production of sexist entertainment. They talk about Louis C.K.’s response to Daniel Tosh’s rape joke, and whether such jokes are ever appropriate. Can pop culture really be separated from politics? Emily discusses talking with her kids about what they read and watch. Alyssa argues that homogeneity of thought represents a danger to dedicated fan communities. Turning to The Avengers, Emily posits that even Joss Whedon isn’t perfect—and that’s okay! Finally, Alyssa explains why it’s so important to have diversity in entertainment.
Jul 18, 2012 — Robert Wright & Miriam Elder
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Worldwise
Jul 17, 2012 — Dylan Matthews & John Ashmore
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Worldwise
Jul 16, 2012 — Glenn Loury & Harold Pollack
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The Glenn Show
On The Glenn Show, Glenn and Harold discuss Romney’s speech to the NAACP. They debate whether Romney should have acknowledged past Republican racism. Was Obama’s race a help or a hindrance in his march to the White House in 2008? Harold and Glenn disagree about whether opposition to the civil rights laws of the 1960s was primarily motivated by racism. Glenn declares that the “black community” does not have a common political mind, and Harold and Glenn lament that there is not more competition from both parties for the black vote. They debate whether the current push for voter ID laws is anti-black. They close by connecting affirmative action in Nepal to reducing violence in Chicago.
Jul 15, 2012 — Robert Farley & Chris van Avery
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Foreign Entanglements
On Foreign Entanglements, Rob speak with Commander Chris van Avery about the current tensions in the South China Sea. Why does America care what happens in Southeast Asia, anyway? Chris and Rob talk about how India and Japan have reacted to the developments, and Rob tries to figure out how the United States Navy matters for this scenario. Rob and Chris talk a bit about Air-Sea Battle (not the video game), and conclude by discussing the fate of the world’s most advanced fighter jet, the F-35.

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