The Mona Charen Show

4.5 (1.3K)
POLITICS
UPDATED WEEKLY

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After a great five year run on Beg to Differ, Mona Charen brings you a new show dedicated to deepening your understanding of complex issues and trends facing society. Each week she'll engage an expert for a probing discussion that goes past the day's headlines.

3D AGO

Must Geniuses Be Ass-----?

The Atlantic’s Helen Lewis joins Mona Charen to discuss The Genius Myth, her new book exploring whether genius is a real phenomenon or a socially constructed label. They examine how society elevates certain individuals—often more for charisma or timing than raw talent—and how the genius myth can excuse bad behavior while undervaluing empathy, humility, and collaboration. The conversation also touches on the “genius wives,” prodigies, the costs of fame, and Lewis's recent piece on the Skrmetti decision. For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code MONACHAREN at oneskin.co.

1h 9m
JUL 7

ICE is Coming for All of Our Rights

CATO's David Bier explains who ICE has scooped up—93 percent are not criminals—and what's coming next. Bier describes aggressive, anonymous arrest tactics and overcrowded detention centers with inhumane conditions, and warns of efforts to undermine birthright citizenship and due process. Head to moshlife.com/MONA to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack or the NEW plant-based trial pack. References:65% of People Taken by ICE Had No Convictions, 93% No Violent Convictions, by David Bier at CATO.

49 min
JUN 30

Why Nothing Works and What to Do About It

Author Marc Dunkelman discusses his new book Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress―and How to Bring It Back.Dunkelman contrasts past centralized efficiency with today’s slow, decentralized system full of procedural roadblocks. They close with a hopeful look at reform efforts, like Josh Shapiro’s in Pennsylvania, as one potential model. The Mona Charen Show is a weekly, one-on-one discussion that goes in depth on political and cultural topics. New shows drop Mondays. Find this show wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add the show to your player of choice, here. This episode of The Mona Charen Show is sponsored by Putting Families First. They won’t forget that certain legislators betrayed families by cutting Medicaid and public school funding. Putting Families First is trying to put a stop cuts to Medicaid and public education, and are working to elect leaders who agree. Learn what’s at stake at PutFamilies1st.org. References: Why Nothing Works– by Marc Dunkelman Stuck– by Yoni Appelbaum Abundance– by Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson The Power Broker– by Robert Caro The Power Elite– by C. Wright Mills The House of Truth – by Brad Snyder

58 min
JUN 23

A Novel About the Spanish Inquisition

Linda Chavez joined Mona Charen to discuss her debut novel The Silver Candlesticks, inspired by a personal revelation during an appearance on Finding Your Roots that her ancestors were secret Jews persecuted during the Spanish Inquisition. The novel explores themes of religious identity, repression, and survival, drawing on her family's history in Spain and the New World, as well as her own experience converting to Judaism. Their conversation also delved into parallels between historical persecution and contemporary immigration policies, warning against rising authoritarianism in the U.S. Get 15% off OneSkin with the code MONACHAREN at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Go to Quince.com/MONA for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Head to moshlife.com/MONA to save 20% off plus FREE shipping on the Best sellers Trial Pack.

1h 5m
JUN 9

Stop Making Excuses for Americans

Kevin D. Williamson of The Dispatch muses about the voters' culpability for Trump, socialism, and the "Abundance" agenda. They explore the cultural and economic decline of American civic virtue, the bipartisan slide into demagoguery, and Williamson’s disdain for both Trumpism and technocratic central planning. Support American family farms and join the Moink Movement today at Moinkbox.com/MONA and get FREE wings FOR LIFE. This show is brought to you by BetterHelp, get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/MONA

1h 2m
JUN 2

Most Corrupt Ever

The Atlantic's Jonathan Rauch joins Mona to talk about Trump's Achilles Heel.

45 min
MAY 26

Conservatism RIP?

Jay Nordlinger returns to discuss whether conservatism remains valid in the MAGA era. Sponsors: Listen now to the NPR Politics Podcast, only from NPR – wherever you get podcasts. REFERENCES: Against All Hope – Armando Valladares Memoir of a Cuban dissident imprisoned for his anti-Castro beliefs. Children of Monsters – Jay Nordlinger Referenced indirectly by Mona as part of Jay’s dissident coverage; a book profiling the children of dictators. Peace, They Say – Jay Nordlinger JayNordlinger.com, Jay’s new Substack.

51 min
MAY 19

How Americans Can Cease Being Rich

Economist Noah Smith delves into the myth of the "hollowed out" middle class, the folly of protectionism, and more. He and Mona differ on Trump's handling of Covid and . . . American chocolate. Support American family farms and join the Moink Movement today at Moinkbox.com/MONA and get FREE wings FOR LIFE. Oneskin: For a limited time, you can try OneSkin with 15% off using code MONACHAREN The Mona Charen Show is a weekly, one-on-one discussion that goes in depth on political and cultural topics. New shows drop Mondays. Find this show wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Add the show to your player of choice, here.

1h 1m

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Coming soon—a new show hosted by Mona Charen

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Jan 8

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Mona Charen

Host

4.5

out of 5

1,287 Ratings

Loved the Jay Episode

May 12

Btrivett07

It was so lovely having you and Jay back together. I really miss the podcast you guys did together. It was also a lovely break from politics.
Blame it on Democrats, while your people destroy our country.

Jul 1

OriGamei

Instead of fighting the monopoly, fighting the infringement of racist Christianity into the public sphere, and despite Trump- an embodiment of your once Conservative values, who is now destroying our country, despite all this. Please, tell us how it is democrats fault. Christians are Pharisees, blame those who allow you in their party.🤮
Love the new format

Apr 21

Scottish Weed

I was disappointed when “Beg to Differ” came to an end, but I really enjoy Mona’s one on one conversations with her guests. But I do hope maybe she’ll have some “Beg to Differ” reunion episodes.
Great Podcast

Apr 21

C. R. Imes

As a former Republican (now Independent) it is refreshing to hear conservatives & moderate democrats discuss intelligent views & insights. Respect you all so much & enjoy listening to all views expressed in a courteous manner. Thanks & keep up the good work!

After a great five year run on Beg to Differ, Mona Charen brings you a new show dedicated to deepening your understanding of complex issues and trends facing society. Each week she'll engage an expert for a probing discussion that goes past the day's headlines.