RealClearInvestigations Podcast

RCI
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Each week J. Peder Zane, Editor of RealClearInvestigations, and RCI Senior Reporter James Varney discuss the week’s best investigative reporting and speak with journalists about cracking challenging stories. Whether it’s culture, politics, or the markets, RealClearIInvestigations should be your source for in-depth reporting from a wide range of perspectives. From the publishers of RealClearPolitics.com

  1. 5d ago

    Has Elon Musk Ruined X? with Lee Smith | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #126

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, J. Peder Zane and James Varney speak with Tablet writer and RCI contributor Lee Smith about conservative media in the Trump era with a special focus on X.    On the news round-up, Zane and Varney discuss how a ProPublica investigation reporting on the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration efforts, which includes a remake of the courts, is targeting a once protected class for deportation: unaccompanied minors who crossed the border. They also looks at a new report from the White House that assails the leadership of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History for “explicitly adopt[ing] an ideological framework that no longer treats the American story as a shared national inheritance to be taught or celebrated, but as a political instrument to divide, dispirit, and discourage our citizens.”  00:00 Introduction and Overview of Current Events 02:01 Immigration and Deportation Policies 07:01 American History and Political Narratives 13:03 The State of Conservative Media 20:13 Challenges in Modern Journalism 30:03 The Role of Social Media in News Consumption 32:44 Navigating Information Overload 36:27 Censorship and Free Speech Dynamics 40:03 The Role of Propaganda in Media 44:21 The Responsibility of Media Platforms 48:31 Distinguishing Free Speech from Press Freedom 50:10 Acknowledging the Current Media Landscape 55:24 The Importance of Accountability in Media Books & Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Lee Smith: Is the EU’s Spat with Elon Musk Really About Free Speech? https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/news/articles/eu-spat-elon-musk-free-speech   Lee Smith: The Man Setting Fire to the GOP    ProPublica: Trump Surges Deportation of Minors    White House: Saving America’s Story https://www.whitehouse.gov/releases/2026/07/saving-americas-story/   New York Times: Inside Trump’s Ideological Fight With the Smithsonian https://www.nytimes.com/2026/07/06/us/politics/trump-smithsonian-ideological-fight.html   Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    Has Elon Musk Ruined X? with Lee Smith | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #126

  2. Jul 6

    Violence for Me, Not for Thee: A Century of Left-Wing Violence with Noah Rothmann | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #125

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, J. Peder Zane speaks with Noah Rothman of the National Review about his insightful new book “Blood & Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence in America.” On the news round-up, Zane and RCI contributor Ben Weingarten discuss the vast wealth President Trump and his family have accumulated since he began his second term, with a special focus on a New York Times article detail how the president’s sons stand to benefit from a lucrative mining deal his administration struck with Kazakhstan. They also look at articles in the left-leaning Atlantic and right-leaning City Journal detailing the Democratic Socialists of America’s takeover of the Democratic party.  Books & Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Noah Rothman: Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence in America   New York Times: Trump's Sons To Profit from His Mining Deal    Atlantic: There’s Nothing Democratic About These Socialists   City Journal: Actually, a Lot of DSA Members Are Communists   Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    Violence for Me, Not for Thee: A Century of Left-Wing Violence with Noah Rothmann | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #125

  3. Jun 29

    The Physics of Politics with Adrian Bejan | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #124

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, J. Peder Zane speaks with Duke Professor Adrian Bejan about his new book, “Diversity through Freedom” about the physics of politics. On the news round-up, Zane and RCI Reporter & Editor Vince Bielski discuss an Associated Press investigation detailing how and why the DEA allowed hundreds of thousands of potentially lethal fentanyl pills to enter the US from Mexico; a powerfully reported and illustrated piece by the New York Times explaining why the popularity of S.U.V.s and other large vehicles has led to an increase in pedestrian deaths; and a Washington Post analysis that found left-leaning bias in the information provided by all the major AI chatbots.   00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast 01:00 The DEA's Controversial Fentanyl Policy 05:49 The Rise of SUVs and Pedestrian Safety 11:00 Bias in AI and Chatbots 15:40 Interview with Dr. Adrian Bejan on Design in Nature 37:51 The Challenge of Existence 38:52 Constructal Law and Freedom in Nature 47:40 Diversity and Its Origins 52:04 Natural Diversity vs. Artificial Diversity 58:32 Critique of DEI and Meritocracy Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Adrian Bejan Links: Duke Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science   Adrian Bejan Video: How Cooling Laptops Led to Constructal Theory   Constructal Law Links: Umit Gunes on the Constructal Law   J. Peder Zane: The Physics of Politics | RealClearPolitics   Associated Press: DEA Stood by as Fentanyl Hit Streets    New York Times: The Deadly Rise of Giant Trucks and S.U.V.s    Washington Post: Yes, AI Chatbots Skew Left - Even Musk's  Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    The Physics of Politics with Adrian Bejan | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #124

  4. Jun 22

    He Fought DEI and DEI Won: Dr. Kendall Conger and Duke Health | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #123

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, J. Peder Zane and James Varney speak with Dr. Kendall Conger who lost his job after challenging a 2021 statement issued by his employer – Duke Health – declaring racism a “public health crisis.” On the news round-up, Zane and Varney discuss the challenges of reporting on the Iran war – and peace deal – when the government seems loath to share details; the Reform Party’s withering report on the Rape Gang controversy in the UK; and the popular support for Luigi Mangione, who is accused of murdering UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City in 2024.  00:00 Introduction and Overview of Current Events 05:04 The Grooming Gangs Report and Its Implications 10:02 Media Bias and the Impact on Society 15:11 Dr. Kendall Conger's Experience with DEI at Duke Health 24:12 The Impact of George Floyd's Death on Institutional Policies 30:04 The Debate Over Racism as a Public Health Crisis 36:02 Personal Experiences and Consequences of Speaking Out 39:58 The Shift in Institutional Values at Duke University   Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Kendall Conger/RCI: I Challenged Duke’s DEI Dogma – and Paid With My Job     Axios: U.S.-Iran deal: Read the full text   Reform Party: UK: The Rape Gang Inquiry   NPR: Public Support Growing for Accused Killer Luigi Mangione  Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    He Fought DEI and DEI Won: Dr. Kendall Conger and Duke Health | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #123

  5. Jun 15

    Crossing the Political Divide with Robert P. George | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #122

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, J. Peder Zane and James Varney speak with Robert P. George, McCormick Professor of Jurisprudence and director of the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions at Princeton University, about the national civics education he has spearheaded and how to have conversations across the political divide. On the news round-up, Zane and Varney discuss a range of articles responding to the violence that erupted in England and Belfast following racially charged incidents.  00:00 Introduction and Personal Anecdote 01:30 Current Events and Political Climate 03:52 Racial Inequality and Public Response 06:16 Media Framing and Public Perception 09:44 Civics Education and Its Importance 13:01 Interview with Robert George on Civics Education 20:32 The Shift in Academic Focus 24:25 Conservative Perspectives in Academia 31:17 The Pursuit of Truth and Intellectual Humility 32:04 The Role of Academic Freedom in Education 33:25 Bridging the Gap: Intellectual Honesty in Discourse 37:34 Navigating the Age of Feeling and Humility 48:44 The Machinery of Dispute Resolution in Democracy 56:35 Hope vs. Optimism: The Future of American Democracy Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Robert P. George Official Websitehttps://robertpgeorge.com/ Robert P. George X Accounthttps://x.com/McCormickProf Video: Robert P. George in Conversation with Cornel Westhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwBxVjkOeV0 New York Times: In the U.K., a Violent Cycle: Hateful Attacks, Right-Wing Agitation and Riots https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/11/world/europe/northern-ireland-stabbing-immigration.html Atlantic: How Britain Became as Poor as Mississippi https://archive.is/6q9Gp Telegraph: Erect Sea Barrier Off Belgium To Halt Migrant ‘Taxi Boats,’https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/belgians-propose-sea-barrier-halt-151307951.html Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    Crossing the Political Divide with Robert P. George | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #122

  6. Jun 8

    Fascism On the March? with Joel Kotkin | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #121

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, J. Peder Zane and James Varney speak with Joel Kotkin about his recent article for RCI exploring how and why fascism has become a buzzword of American politics. On the news round-up, Zane and Varney use a City Journal piece suggesting why fraud in Medicaid and Medicare seems an unsolvable problem to discuss a Wall Street Journal article detailing how autism therapy has become a hotbed of billing abuse and a Daily Caller story on rampant fraud in Obamacare. They also discuss John R. Lott Jr.’s recent RCI article on data showing that violent crime is declining even as more Americans – especially women, blacks and Hispanics – are carrying firearms and an article in the Free Press reporting on policies that have helped significantly lower the murder rate in Baltimore. 00:00 Introduction and News Roundup 07:04 Fraud in Government Spending 12:07 Rising Gun Ownership and Crime Rates 18:27 Understanding Fascism: A Historical Perspective with Joel Kotkin 25:53 The Role of Religion in Fascism 26:22 The Fascism Debate: Trump and Historical Context 30:04 Nationalism and Patriotism: A Shift in Perception 32:44 Weaponization of Language in Political Discourse 36:24 Democratic Socialism: Ideals vs. Reality 41:19 The Ascendancy of the Left in the Democratic Party 48:53 Anti-Semitism and Political Extremism: A Dual Concern Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Joel Kotkin/RCI: The Strange Afterlife of Fascism | RealClearInvestigations   City Journal: Why Medicare and Medicaid Fraud Won’t Go Away   Wall Street Journal: Autism Therapy Hotbed of Billing Abuse   Daily Caller: Obamacare Enrollment Fraud May Cost Taxpayers Billions In 2026   RCI: Gun Safety: Violent Crime Drops as More Americans Pack Heat   Free Press: Why Did the Murders Stop in Baltimore?    Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    Fascism On the March? with Joel Kotkin | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #121

  7. Jun 1

    Antisemitism and Sharia Law in America with Andrew Bostom | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #120

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, RCI Editor J. Peder Zane and RCI Senior Reporter James Varney speak with author Andrew G. Bostom about the rise of Shariah law in the U.S. and the EU and challenges it poses to those western laws, customs and society. On the news round-up, Zane and Varney use a Tablet article saying the U.S. has few good options in Iran to discuss some lessons we have learned so far from the ongoing conflict. They also discuss what sky-high tickets prices to see the New York Knicks play in the NBA finals say about America’s wealth gap and what two stories about Sweden – one in Europe Today, the other in the Wall Street Journal – tell us about mass immigration and social cohesion. 00:00 Introduction  04:52 Trump Cutting Bait in Iran?08:00 NBA Championships and the High Cost of Tickets 09:43 WSJ World’s Most Surprising Capitalist Makeover 11:00 Sharia Law and Its Implications 15:53 Interview with Andrew Bostom on Islam and Sharia 32:44 Global Perspectives on Sharia Law 39:03 Theological Roots of Anti-Semitism in Islam 51:50 Islamic Theology and Historical Context 54:40 Challenges of Discussing Islamic Anti-Semitism 01:03:11 The Future of Pluralism and Freedom Books & Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Paul; Sperry/RCI: GOP Battles Sharia: Is Islamic Law a Threat or Dog Whistle?   Paul Sperry/RCI: Sharia’s Growing Influence on U.S. Finance   Andrew G. Bostom: The Legacy of Jihad   Andrew G. Bostom: The Legacy of Islamic Antisemitism   Andrew G. Bostom: A Modern Qur’anic Kampf Against the Jews   Tablet: Trump Tries to Cut Bait in Iran   New York Times: Knicks Fans Are Stunned by Four-Figure Ticket Prices    Europe Today: Sweden Approves Law Banning Cousin Marriages and Close Relative Unions   Wall Street Journal: The World’s Most Surprising Capitalist Makeover Is Under Way in Sweden   Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    Antisemitism and Sharia Law in America with Andrew Bostom | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #120

  8. May 23

    The News Business Meltdown with Patrick Steel | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #119

    On this week’s episode of the RealClearInvestigations Podcast, RCI Editor J. Peder Zane and RCI Senior Reporter James Varney speak with Patrick Steel, the former CEO of Politico who is now a Senior Advisor to Antenna Group, about the changing landscape of the media business.  On the news round-up, Zane and Varney discuss articles published by Reuters and the Washington Post that detail Iran’s confounding stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz as well as a piece in the Atlantic that raises questions about the US government’s official narrative regarding the deadly collision of two American refueling planes over Iraq. They also examine how two articles – the National Review’s analysis of the explosion in autism diagnoses and the City Journal’s report on the transplants driving Los Angeles’ homeless problems – illustrate how the wrong incentives can exacerbate social problems and social spending.  00:00 Introduction and Overview of the Podcast 08:21 Iran's Influence on International Shipping 16:07 The Evolving Media Landscape 31:14 The Future of Legacy Media 31:55 The Evolution of Regional Journalism 34:00 The Impact of Billionaire Backers on Media 37:31 The Tension Between Audience and Ownership 42:35 The Rise of Authenticity in Journalism 49:23 Transparency and Trust in Modern Media 56:45 Investing in the Future of Journalism Articles Discussed in This Podcast: Patrick Steel Bio: Patrick Steel - NYU Stern   Reuters: Iran Consolidating Control of Strait of Hormuz   Washington Post: Ship’s Crew Risked the Strait, Met Hail of Bullets   Atlantic: What the Pentagon Didn’t Say About a Deadly Crash   National Review: Autism Overdiagnosis Is a National Scandal    City Journal: LA a Magnet for Nation's Homeless    Sign up for the RealClearInvestigations Newsletter.  Watch each episode on the RealClearPolitics YouTube Channel Contact us with your thoughts and feedback: jpederzane@realclearinvestigations.com

    The News Business Meltdown with Patrick Steel | RealClearInvestigations Podcast #119
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Each week J. Peder Zane, Editor of RealClearInvestigations, and RCI Senior Reporter James Varney discuss the week’s best investigative reporting and speak with journalists about cracking challenging stories. Whether it’s culture, politics, or the markets, RealClearIInvestigations should be your source for in-depth reporting from a wide range of perspectives. From the publishers of RealClearPolitics.com

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