The Rational Policy Podcast

Mike Coté
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  • POLITICS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A historical perspective on policy, international affairs, and geopolitics. Talking current events weekly, ranging from the serious to the absurd, all with a dash of good humor. www.rationalpolicy.com

  1. FEB 6

    Episode 27 - The Epstein Conspiracy

    Episode 27 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosted by Mike Coté and Art Vandelay, is here! In this installment of the show, we discuss three of the week’s top stories: the Epstein file release, mass layoffs at the Washington Post, and the lapsing of the US-Russia nuclear arms limitation treaty known as New START. And be sure to stay tuned to the end of the show for a very special announcement and a programming note! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 17m

  2. JAN 30

    Episode 26 - From Minnesota to Davos

    The Rational Policy Podcast is back with Episode 26, hitting three stories, foreign and domestic, from the past week. Your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay start with the issue taking up almost all of the political oxygen: the chaotic situation in Minneapolis surrounding the enforcement of federal immigration law. We talk about the specific events that have made this an omnipresent story, the role of states and localities versus the federal government, how the situation can be rectified, and why everyone needs to turn down the temperature. Next, we move across the Atlantic to Davos, Switzerland, where the World Economic Forum held its annual conference. This year, the focus was the unreliability of America and the potential benefit of expanding relations with China; we detail how we got to this point, why our friends are charting a dangerous path, and how we can get them off of it. Finally, we discuss the most blatant violation of law by the president since his inauguration: the unilateral, unconstitutional reprieve he has repeatedly granted to the malign Chinese espionage/propaganda app, TikTok. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 33m

  3. JAN 23

    Episode 25 - Year One of Trump Two

    On Episode 25 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay break down the good, the bad, and the ugly from the first 365 days of Trump’s second term as president. We focus on the four most important domestic concerns in the 2024 election and the four key regions for American foreign policy. In the process, we give out letter grades for a whole slew of issues, ranging from the economy and immigration to Asia and the Americas. No holds are barred, no punches are pulled, and we tell it to you straight: where did Trump succeed and where did he fail? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 40m

  4. JAN 16

    Episode 24 - Persian Problems

    In episode 24 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay discuss three topics in current events, foreign and domestic. We start with what could easily be the biggest story of the year so far: the incipient revolution in Iran. Next, we touch on an idea that just keeps coming back: the annexation of Greenland. Finally, we dive into a broad domestic issue that has received relatively little coverage: the political radicalization of young women. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 42m

  5. JAN 8

    Episode 23 - Regime Change is Back, Baby!

    Episode 23 of the Rational Policy Podcast focuses on one topic and one topic only this week: the incredible US raid to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. We break down the events themselves, how the operation was executed, what comes next for Maduro, as well as the future of the Venezuelan people and their repressive government. Who is in charge of the regime in Caracas? When will there be a democratic transition, if ever? Is this a war? And how does this make us safer? Your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay answer these and many other key questions about a night that will truly go down in the history books. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 40m

  6. JAN 5

    Episode 22 - 2025 Year in Review

    On Episode 22 of the Rational Policy Podcast, your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay step away from the immediate news of the day to take a broad look at the year past. In this 2025 Year in Review show, we hit on seven questions about the events, ideas, and politics of the past 365 days - and the next 360. What was the biggest story of the year? The most undercovered issue? The biggest disappointment? And what are our bold predictions for 2026? Tune in for a whirlwind tour of the best, worst, and dumbest from 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 33m

  7. 12/24/2025

    Episode 21 - Christmas Special!

    The Rational Policy Podcast is back with another Very Special Holiday Episode! On this show, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay avoid politics entirely, focusing instead on the greatest holiday of all: Christmas. We have a free-wheeling discussion about traditions, gifts, decorations, food, family, entertainment, and more. Merry Christmas! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 35m

  8. 12/18/2025

    Episode 20 - Islamic Terrorism Still Matters

    On Episode 20 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay hit three topics, two foreign and one domestic. We lead off with the abhorrent antisemitic massacre during a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia, carried out by an ISIS-inspired father and son duo. Next, we shift regions, if not topics, to touch on the killing of three Americans in Syria during an anti-ISIS operation. Finally, we ask and answer a question that will only grow in importance over the coming months and years: Is Donald Trump a lame duck? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

    1h 31m
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A historical perspective on policy, international affairs, and geopolitics. Talking current events weekly, ranging from the serious to the absurd, all with a dash of good humor. www.rationalpolicy.com

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