Conversations with Bill Kristol

Latest episodes

Showing 20 · updated from the feed

Doug Sosnik on Two Different Elections: 2026 and 2028

"We're 60 days away from a completely different political environment. And I think people are underestimating how different it's going to be, and how volatile it's going

Aug 27
1 h 07 min

Eric Edelman: Trump and the American Military

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 o

Aug 7
1 h 06 min

Don Kettl: The Trump Administration and the Politicization of the Civil Service

"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

Jul 24
1 h 01 min

Ryan Goodman: The Trump Administration, the Supreme Court, and the Rule of Law

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 condu

Jul 9
1 h 02 min

Harvey Mansfield on Rational Control and Liberalism

What makes Niccolò Machiavelli the founder of modern politics? How did liberal thinkers like Locke, Montesquieu, and the American founders modify Machiavelli’s inventions

Jun 26
55 min

Ron Brownstein: What’s Going To Happen in 2026?

“This election looks like a classic collision between the irresistible force and the immovable object. The irresistible force is the elevated share of Americans who disap

Jun 11
1 h 05 min

Aaron Friedberg on Fallout from the China Summit

“China is aiming to enhance its power with respect to the United States in particular, and eventually to emerge as the dominant player in the international system, and it

May 20
48 min

Phillips O’Brien on Ukraine v. Russia and the Future of Warfare

“The Ukrainians believe Putin’s now being faced with more dilemmas than they are.” So argues the distinguished historian and a leading analyst of the Ukraine War, Phillip

May 8
1 h 06 min

A.B. Stoddard on Trump’s Psyche—and The Implications for 2028

“This branding binge [Trump] has been on: with everything he’s trying to have put his name on. To build the White House ballroom, the arch in front of Arlington Cemetery.

Apr 23
1 h 04 min

Mark Blitz on the Enduring Importance of Aristotle

“What is human happiness? What is political excellence? What is speech, and rhetoric? It’s always important to remind ourselves of that. But especially when you have arti

Apr 9
56 min

Aaron Friedberg on the Iran War and the View from Beijing

“It’s hard for me to see how [the war] ends in a way that enhances our position in the world generally—and, in particular, enhances our position with relation to the coun

Mar 19
1 h 20 min

Doug Sosnik on What to Expect in 2026—and Why 2028 Will Be Different

“Whatever happens in 2026, I think no one should take any interpretation of that as a precursor to what’s going to happen in 2028.” So argues Doug Sosnik, former politi

Feb 27
1 h 12 min

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick: Trump’s Mass Deportation Regime

“The US government wants to arrest, detain, and deport one in every 24 people in the country—4% of the US population. That cannot be done without fundamentally transformi

Feb 12
1 h 20 min

Francis Fukuyama on Trump’s Bullying and Europe’s Response

“The Europeans have been in this alliance [NATO] to protect themselves, largely from Russia and other aggressors. And now it has an aggressor within the gates, so to spea

Jan 22
1 h 01 min

Ron Brownstein on What’s Ahead in 2026—and in 2028

Where do things stand in American politics as we head into a midterm election year? To discuss these questions we are joined again by Ron Brownstein, a Bloomberg Opin

Dec 30 2025
1 h 22 min

Robert Kagan on Trump’s Foreign Policy and the New World Disorder

“We take for granted the degree of peace that we’ve enjoyed over the past eight plus decades. And we think that’s the norm. The norm is actually a lot more like what the

Dec 4 2025
1 h 13 min

Steve Hayes on the Life and Legacy of Dick Cheney

Dick Cheney (1941-2025) is widely regarded as one of the most consequential vice presidents in American history. To discus his life and legacy, we are joined by Steve H

Nov 20 2025
1 h 18 min

Jonathan Karl on Trump’s Retribution Presidency

How has the second Trump presidency differed from the first? How did Trump’s experiences during his time out of office and on the campaign trail in 2024—including his tri

Oct 28 2025
1 h 05 min

Timothy Snyder on the Trump Administration at Home, and What’s at Stake in Ukraine

Where do things stand in the United States nine months into the second Trump administration? Where do things stand in Ukraine, and what are the implications of the war fo

Oct 17 2025
53 min

James Carville on Politics Today, 2026, and 2028

“It’s hard for me to imagine a voter that votes in 2026 that doesn’t have Trump on their mind.” According to veteran Democratic strategist James Carville, Trump "keeps j

Oct 3 2025
1 h 00 min

What listeners say

A curated, balanced selection of Apple Podcasts reviews.

"Conversations" with Bill Kristol is a masterclass in intellectual discourse. Bill Kristol has an exceptional ability to engage his guests—who are thought leaders across a wide spectrum of fields—in dialogues that are both rigorous and accessible. Each episode feels like a journey, delving deep into topics ranging from politics and philosophy to history and culture, always with a sense of curiosity and respect for differing viewpoints. Kristol’s conversational style is warm yet incisive, allowing his guests to shine while skillfully guiding discussions toward fresh perspectives. His preparation and depth of knowledge are evident, but he never overpowers the conversation; instead, he facilitates a genuine exchange of ideas. This podcast is a must-listen for anyone who values thoughtful analysis and nuanced dialogue. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or just beginning to explore complex topics, "Conversations" offers a rich, rewarding experience. Highly recommended!

marcelotango · Dec 2024

Excellent podcast that just has Bill and an expert guest discussing essential political questions for the US and the World. What makes it different to other political shows is this: it’s quiet and thoughtful - not loud and sensation seeking; Bill allows people to talk openly and at length - he doesn’t interrupt their train of thought; he steers the conversation well and chips in with pithy and astute observations himself; and, there’s NO AD BREAKS!…which is so nice, as you really get sunk into the flow of the conversation. I learn a lot about history and about what to watch for from Bill’s Conversations. Excellent stuff.

BOO!-LA · Dec 2024

I consider myself a political refugee of the Republican Party. A conservative leaning moderate who no longer fits in to the party I’ve belonged to throughout my life. That said, I’m always on the search for news and analysis that is trustworthy. I want information based on fact with as little bias as possible. I want to hear from a variety of experts with a diversity of backgrounds and viewpoints. I also want a thorough understanding of issues and not just a quick overview of tough problems that is meant to make me feel a certain way. This podcast checks all those boxes for me. The expertise that Bill Kristol possesses combined with the top notch experts he talks to is impressive, thought provoking, and interesting. I think it’s a great podcast regardless of political affiliation. Highly recommend.

Atfvjragnkye4754 · Dec 2024

Conversations with Bill Kristol is a great podcast. Provocative, intelligent and thoughtful. Bill Kristol is a probing interviewer and his guests always have something and lightning to say. Never time wasted this one!

russ_palmeri · Dec 2024

We strive to present a balanced view by showing a diverse range of reviews from Apple Podcasts.