Conversations with Bill Kristol

1,161
Politics #158

Conversations with Bill Kristol features in-depth, thought-provoking discussions with leading figures in American public life.

Recent Episodes
  • Eric Edelman on Trump in the Middle East—and a Dangerous World
    May 21, 2025 – 01:09:27
  • John Bolton on the Trump White House after 100 Days
    May 6, 2025 – 00:53:05
  • Larry Summers on Trump, Tariffs, and Threats to the Economy
    Apr 29, 2025 – 00:56:23
  • Jason Furman on the Trump Tariffs and the US Economy
    Apr 9, 2025 – 00:44:36
  • A.B. Stoddard on Trump’s Second Term
    Apr 3, 2025 – 01:12:02
  • Steve Vladeck on the Trump Administration, the Courts, and the Rule of Law
    Mar 13, 2025 – 01:11:05
  • Anne Applebaum: Ukraine, Europe, and the US
    Feb 25, 2025 – 00:47:53
  • Renée DiResta on Social Media, Political Power, and Elon Musk
    Feb 14, 2025 – 01:10:44
  • Ryan Goodman: The Trump Administration and the Rule of Law
    Feb 5, 2025 – 01:20:01
  • Aaron Reichlin-Melnick on Immigration in Trump’s Second Term: What Will Happen?
    Jan 15, 2025 – 01:29:57
  • Eric Edelman on the World Trump Inherits
    Dec 21, 2024 – 01:22:51
  • Harvard’s Jack Goldsmith on the Coming Trump Presidency
    Dec 12, 2024 – 01:08:27
  • John Bolton on Trump’s Cabinet Picks and What to Expect in His Second Term
    Nov 28, 2024 – 00:59:18
  • Ronald Brownstein on the 2024 Presidential Election: What Just Happened?
    Nov 9, 2024 – 01:09:35
  • Ronald Brownstein on Harris v. Trump: What to Look For in the Home Stretch
    Oct 23, 2024 – 01:14:22
  • Jason Furman: How Would the Economy Do Under Trump or Harris?
    Oct 9, 2024 – 01:00:30
  • Aaron Friedberg on Trump, Harris, and a Dangerous World
    Oct 1, 2024 – 01:21:22
  • James Carville on Harris v. Trump: After the Debate, Entering the Home Stretch
    Sep 12, 2024 – 00:49:50
  • Doug Sosnik on Harris v. Trump: After the Convention and Before the Debate
    Aug 28, 2024 – 01:18:36
  • James Carville on Harris-Walz v. Trump-Vance
    Aug 7, 2024 – 00:51:13
  • Doug Sosnik on Harris v. Trump: Why the Next Month Matters Most
    Jul 23, 2024 – 01:04:48
  • John DiIulio: A Second Trump Term and the Civil Service
    Jul 9, 2024 – 01:12:31
  • Jason Furman: Where is the Economy Now—and Where Will it Be in November?
    Jun 25, 2024 – 00:56:56
  • Anne Applebaum on Ukraine, Russia, Europe, and the US
    Jun 14, 2024 – 00:48:07
  • James Carville on Biden v. Trump
    May 30, 2024 – 00:51:36
  • Robert Kagan on American Anti-liberalism, from the 1920s to the 2020s
    May 15, 2024 – 01:19:21
  • Frederick W. Kagan on Ukraine: Where Things Stand and Where Might They Be Going
    May 1, 2024 – 01:07:48
  • Defense Secretary Mark Esper on Trump’s First Term—and a Second?
    Apr 18, 2024 – 00:51:59
  • David Axelrod on Biden v. Trump 2024
    Apr 3, 2024 – 01:05:22
  • Joe Klein: Can the Democrats Get their Act Together?
    Mar 15, 2024 – 01:07:40
  • Timothy Snyder on Ukraine, Russia, America—and What’s at Stake
    Mar 8, 2024 – 00:55:28
  • Doug Sosnik on the State of the Race: Trump, Biden, and 2024
    Feb 15, 2024 – 01:13:04
  • Whit Ayres on 2024: How Weak is Trump? What about Biden?
    Feb 2, 2024 – 00:59:10
  • Aaron Friedberg on the China Challenge—and a World in Disarray
    Jan 19, 2024 – 01:20:58
  • Peter Berkowitz on Israel at War: A Nation United and Divided
    Jan 5, 2024 – 01:01:50
  • Ruth Wisse on Anti-Semitism—and Why it Matters
    Dec 14, 2023 – 01:48:30
  • Jonathan Karl: What Would a Second Trump Term Look Like?
    Nov 28, 2023 – 01:10:49
  • Ray Takeyh on 10/7, Hamas, and Iran
    Nov 17, 2023 – 01:06:56
  • Eric Edelman on the New World Disorder
    Oct 31, 2023 – 01:11:08
  • Jason Furman on the Economy: Where Are We Now—and Where Might We Be Going?
    Oct 11, 2023 – 00:55:18
  • Fred Kagan on Ukraine: Where Things Stand
    Sep 29, 2023 – 01:10:37
  • James Carville on Biden, Trump, the Democrats, and 2024
    Sep 14, 2023 – 01:05:47
  • Stephen Rosen on the China Challenge
    Sep 7, 2023 – 01:12:46
  • Whit Ayres on the State of the Race: Is It Still Trump's Party?
    Aug 25, 2023 – 00:53:30
  • Ryan Goodman on the Trump Trial: What Might Happen?
    Aug 4, 2023 – 00:59:43
  • Google’s Royal Hansen on AI: Where Are We? Where Are We Going?
    Jul 26, 2023 – 00:59:58
  • Whit Ayres: Is Trump Inevitable? Do Any of the Other Republicans Have a Chance?
    Jul 13, 2023 – 01:13:44
  • Doug Sosnik: The Realignment of American Politics—and its Implications
    Jun 27, 2023 – 01:16:56
  • Ryan Goodman: Does Donald Trump Really Face Legal—and Political—Jeopardy?
    Jun 15, 2023 – 01:06:50
  • Leah Boustan on Immigration: Then and Now
    May 31, 2023 – 01:21:45
Recent Reviews
  • Choose another nick name
    Interesting guests
    Bill has excellent guests and facilitates very informative and interesting conversations.
  • HB_Hexe
    2 Thumbs Up
    Thoughtful and thought provoking. A must listen for pragmatic centrists.
  • NSC824
    Essential Listening
    I follow a number of political and foreign policy podcasts, but this is the one I never miss listening to. Always serious, thoughtful discussion of important topics, and always very worthwhile participants. Thank you, Bill Kristol!
  • srblakely
    Insight not available anywhere else
    I come away from each episode with insights and curiosity for more. There is so much “news” out there that makes no sense. After Zi listen to Bill Kristol and his guests I begin to see the connecting dots behind the news.
  • HJS4
    Yes
    Always thoughtful and intelligent.
  • wasit10538
    Long form!
    I’m so glad long form interviews still exist. Mr. Kristol is a valuable resource by himself, and the people he invites match his expertise. I recommend reading the transcripts if you don’t have the hour to listen.
  • W4Smith9
    Bill Bolton
    I find all of the podcasts on Conversations thought provoking but this one was excellent as well.
  • European loving America
    Outstanding podcast series, please keep it coming!
    Always enjoy Bill Kristol’s Conversations - deep, thoughtful, evidence and value-based.
  • Writers Canyon
    Thoughtful and frank
    These Never-Trump Republicans are worth a listen ...
  • brainstamp
    A Voice of Reason and Resolve as the Trump 2.0 Era Unspools American Greatness
    Bill Kristol is truly a man from an earlier era of democratic discourse in American politics. He can guide you through these difficult times without a need for clap-backs and score keeping. You won’t regret subscribing and every discussion will be informative.
  • ♾️🧙🏻
    Excellent content
    Alway current and very informative.
  • Psychologist Crone
    Bolton interview
    So grateful for Bill’s brilliant interviewing skills and Bolton’s superb understanding of the effects of Trump’s administration!
  • @&123457@&
    Larry Summers & Kristol
    Thought provoking episode. The alarm bells must ring in the business community. America is flirting with disaster. Simply put, we have heard enough Great episode. Thank you
  • EekSpider
    Loved this in depth conversation
    I am so excited to discover ‘Conversations with Bill Kristol!’ I’ve been listening and reading Mr Kristol’s political analyses on The Bulwark, and just learned about this series. Thank you, Mr Kristol, I appreciate the hard work and dedication to us, not just as your audience, but as concerned citizens who are grappling for answers and insights.
  • RaoD2
    Great episode
    Bill keep doing good work. I’m hoping that things will turn around. Time to have Raging Cajun.
  • mrfriebe
    Meeting a real need in tdy’s media landscape
    Informative, long form interviews with compelling guests.
  • THF Seattle
    Larry Summers
    It was an extremely informative conversation. Secretary Summer’s analogy to how Argentina ruined its economy and governance is very relevant. I appreciate him not tying us to what the Germans did in the 30’s. However, we in many ways are way more stupid than the Germans. This is a prosperous country, yet our people decided a convicted felon and wannabe dictator is the guy who should be in the WH.
  • algonquinmomenrs
    Larry comers
    Awesome And thoughtful Conversation- loved it
  • BCM99
    Refreshing
    I appreciate that these conversations are thoughtful, respectful, and free of bombast, all things that are sorely lacking in today's political dialogue.
  • BIG Redskin fan
    Great show
    His conversations with guest are clear, concise and very relevant. A good listen.
  • Jim Sigmon
    Intelligent analysis
    Bill Kristol brings a very measured and thoughtful approach to the major themes occurring in our world and his guests are excellent!
  • Ofwaih48
    I never miss it
    Relevant, excellent.
  • Sydney Stevo
    When Mars Attacks
    As in the ‘50s sci fi genre, the invaders from outer space attacked the Earth, the Americans made up with their erstwhile foes to save life as we’d known it, my Bulwark right of center family have become endeared to my pinko heart. Bill’s da bomb. (Bill, that’s ya compliment).
  • brenace.rn
    WHY AREN’T YOU BLAMING THE REPUBLICANS
    They hold the majority in both the congress and the senate, they are the ones that cave in, they are the only one that can stop Tump, You guys know the Democrats have no power, You should be shaming Johnson and the republicans who caved, you guys only talk about the democrats but don’t mention how the republicans gave Trump all their power. Wake up to the reality!!! Plus who approved all the incompetent people Trump nominated where the republicans!!!!
  • Lou5ise
    Thoughtful
    It’s wonderful to hear a thoughtful conversation that focuses on ideas and issues. Refreshing and unusual for these times.
  • Lily Monescu
    Excellent
    Extremely informative show. Conversational but still delves into each issue deeply. I’ve learned a lot. Thank you.
  • Abdellat
    Wow!
    Bill Kristol, forever charming and insightful, has amazing guests. He covers a wide range of interesting topics. He really knows how to bring out the best and truly uncover new perspectives. I wish I could give this podcast 6 stars.
  • Polly Purebred
    Sapient Communication
    Sapient conversations with brilliant topics and guests. I’ve enjoyed Bill Kristol Mondays with Tim on The Bulwark. I’m glad to hear him as the host with some of the most knowledgeable guests on current topics of interest.
  • Missouri independent
    Informative and interesting
    Bill and his guests provide perspective and facts in a clear and direct manner. Highly interesting discussions.
  • astinus_mh
    So Much Good Info
    Bill has great guests and his conversations are always so packed with great information presented in a way that understandable. Always look forward to his appearances in The Bukwark on Mondays and excited to get more of his insights here.
  • KMP272
    Convert
    Bill is the calm, educated, voice I like to hear as an interviewer and the guests are informed and articulate!
  • HarveySizzleberger
    Intelligent and Knowledgeable People
    This is a first class podcast. Bill K is a n accomplished man on his own, and he gets really interesting, knowledgeable and articulate guests and has great conversations. I wish more people followed this, and a lot fewer followed other sources, names withheld to protect the guilty. This is the place to come to understand issues.
  • Dan from Arlington
    Anne Appelbaum convo
    Thoughtful conversation and deep insights. As always, a good listen.
  • Rebar3
    Excellent Content
    Highly informative and articulate commentary.
  • RockinRollDad
    Only news podcast I’m able to listen to
    As an old school social “liberal” I find it had to believe that I find Bill Kristol to be the most informed and thoughtful person on the podcast scene. But he is! Thanks for keeping me relatively sane Bill!
  • neilmac61
    Worth listening to…
    Listen every week. Interesting guests and always learn something new. Necessary at these unusual times…
  • Buckeye listener
    A great podcast
    A great podcast to get a deeper dive into a topic. Bill asks excellent questions.
  • Marcel of Luxembourg
    Review
    Very smart and informative conversations.
  • jlh035
    Highly recommend
    Fair, smart, and interesting. Thank you for these thoughtful conversations!
  • XxRomperStomperxX
    Love it.
    Always insightful.
  • Who can I Be?
    Worth My Time!
    I really enjoy listening to Bill Kristol’s podcast. He leads each discussion thoughtfully, connecting dots and asking questions that push the conversation forward. His intelligence and logic help bring in fantastic guests, and I always walk away having learned something new. The time I spend listening is absolutely worth it.
  • parchiba
    Wasn’t he a neocon?
    Maybe I misremember, but I know he’s a very conservative guy, in the old meaning of the term. And I am on the other end of that spectrum. But he is a very smart man, and he is on the side of liberal democracy in its purest form, and I have developed a great respect for him. My liberal friends haven’t gotten here yet, but Bill Kristol is one of the people I pay attention to. PaulBob says check it out.
  • nkaz156
    Deep and insightful
    Insightful, deep, and measured conversations across a range of current issues. Knowledgeable guests and intellectually curious host
  • HKAmado
    Outstanding Quality of Host and Guests
    I always learn something or gain greater understanding from Bill Kristol’s conversations because of the quality of the guests and if Bill’s questions. I also appreciate Bill’s intellectual integrity.
  • joourney woman 1957
    Always informative and even-handed
    It’s refreshing to have long-form conversations that allow the guest and we listeners to really understand the complexities of every issue. Absolutely invaluable. Thank you!
  • Andy Ragg
    Immigration conversation
    Very useful, clear presentation, good questions
  • Tom X-Navy
    Make an effort to listen
    Always timely and informative. Learn something every episode.
  • HirenCA
    Immigration Interview
    This was one of the most informative interviews I’ve ever heard about immigration issues. Incredibly helpful in explaining the complex issues involved.
  • Elinoam
    Excellent!
    This is one of the most engaging podcast out there. Bill always seems to ask deep, thoughtful questions resulting in a very thorough conversation.
  • justagigi
    Always informative, interesting conversations
    Bill Kristol has been around Washington for most of his life. He acknowledges when and where his judgment has been wrong in the past and wants to do what’s right in the present. He and his guests discuss events and topics at an intellectual level from their historical perspective that allows his listener to learn and understand the whys and wherefores of current situation.
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