The American Mind
374 episodes Last Updated: Jun 12, 25
The American Mind Podcast uncovers the ideas and principles that drive American political life. In each episode, we engage Claremont Institute scholars, co-conspirators, and critics in thought-provoking discussions about the real causes of our current political and cultural reality. We explore these ideas with an eye towards restoring American civic health.
The Roundtable is a weekly show, hosted by our editors and publisher with a unique blend of joviality and intellectually stimulating conversation, boosted by an occasional glass of whisky. Each episode focuses on a handful of topics that carry significant weight in the debate of ideas for the best path of American life, both privately and civically. Of course, we do reserve some time for fun in each show.
Occasionally, we produce special podcast features on individual topics with commentary from the top thinkers in America today. Think of American Mind Podcast specials as succinct audio-documentaries.
Tell us what you think! Subscribe to our channel, rate us, leave a review, and help spread the word to your friends and colleagues! Interested in hearing from us on a particular topic? Email your suggestions to americanmind@claremont.org. And visit our website, americanmind.org, for essays, editorials, debates, and more.
The American Mind, The Roundtable, and our specials are productions of the Claremont Institute. The mission of the Claremont Institute is the recovery of the American idea—the timeless principles that have made America great since its founding.
Episodes
Jun 12, 2025
Battle: Los Angeles
This week, special guest Peachy Keenan rounds out the cast with a report from LA, where riots are breaking out (again). Governor Gavin Newsom failed to gain control on the ground, so Trump inserted himself and the National Guard to enforce law and order. Meanwhile, it’s not news that Trump and Elon’s bromance has concluded in a spectacular social media exchange, but Elon’s public tailspin in the aftermath merits a closer look. Plus: advice to law-abiding illegal immigrants (and to Elon), as well as media recommendations to help you escape the insanity of daily politics.
Jun 05, 2025
White-Collar Bots
Artificial Intelligence threatens to storm the office as tech companies compete to replace entry-level workers with “agent” underlings. Will this be the next major technological displacement in the workforce? And to what end? Meanwhile, this “Pride month” has lacked the eruption of rainbows typical of June. Is a Pride Shift to go along with the Vibe Shift underway? This week, Blaze Media editor-in-chief and now Claremont Washington Fellow Matthew Peterson joins the guys to discuss the ramifications of AI, the containment of Pride, and to dispense good bad movie recommendations!
May 29, 2025
Putting DOGE Down
Michael Anton—newly dubbed “MAGA’s Machiavelli”—gets a profile in The Free Press and some well-deserved recognition. Well-read, well-spoken, and well-dressed, Anton has done more than many realize to shape U.S. policies and political thought in the Trump Era. Meanwhile, Trump seems to sour on Putin and takes flak from some for not catching wise on Putin. But will he suffer any political consequences? Closer to home, Elon Musk throws in the towel on DOGE in light of a spending bill passed by the House. This week, the hosts discuss the trajectory of a former/fellow Claremonster, Russia, and runaway federal spending. Plus: tech and media recommendations!
May 22, 2025
Covering Up the Cover-Ups
The sad announcement of Joe Biden's advanced cancer diagnosis has thrown fuel onto recriminations and speculations about his condition during his presidency, especially with the publication of a new book on the subject by none other than Jake Tapper. Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy Director Dan Bongino, on a Sunday interview with Fox Business’s Maria Bartiromo, disavowed the conspiracy theories surrounding the death of notorious sex trafficker Joseph Epstein, spurring an outcry from some of the theorists. Also this week, Trump pushed forward a Big, Beautiful Bill (literally) aimed at stimulating the economy. But will it be sufficient to quell fears of eventual national debt and social security crises? This week, the guys discuss corruption, economics, and much more! Plus: media recommendations.
May 15, 2025
Congress Take the Wheel
As Europe withers and China rises, Trump makes a trip to the Middle East and charts out a new course. In a speech that raised some interventionist hackles, he delivered a sharp critique of nation building and signaled his intentions to approach the region differently. Meanwhile in Washington, a struggle continues to digest the concept of Congress doing... its job? And the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments over the power of federal judges in light of a universal injunction freezing Trump’s order to halt birthright citizenship. Plus: a round of media recommendations!
May 08, 2025
Crowd Funding and Mob Rule
To cap off the first 100 days of his administration, Trump sparred at length with Kristen Welker of NBC’s Meet the Press over his record so far—from immigration successes to choppy economic waters. Alarmed by Trump’s use of emergency powers in rolling out this agenda, David Linker at the New York Times draws some loose connections—to say the least—between Trump, Claremont, and Carl Schmitt. Meanwhile, Shiloh Hendricks has raised over $700 thousand from supporters after a video of her using the n-word prompted threats of retaliation. The guys discuss Trump’s first months, midterm prospects, and our climate of race politics. Plus: media recommendations!
May 01, 2025
Trimming the Ivy
As Trump exerts federal pressure from without, the culture of some Ivy League universities may be changing from within—or maybe not, as Harvard seems determined to fight the administration in court. The nation’s elite colleges have been dominated by a Jacobin spirit for decades, and now they seem committed to defending violent radicals. Will their prestige hold? This week, the guys sit down together (in person!) to diagnose the state of America’s universities, elites, and political system at large. The hour is late, but there is time yet to drastically rehabilitate the country. Plus: Claremont announcements, a listener question, and media recommendations!
Apr 24, 2025
Of Comms and Conclaves
Knives are out as Pete Hegseth’s wife is let in on sensitive information about U.S. operations against the Houthis. Amid rumors of staff churn and conflicts within the right over foreign policy, Trump maintains his prudent approach. Meanwhile, on Easter Monday, Pope Francis passed away, spurring an assessment of his legacy and speculations about the future as the Church faces a critical juncture. The hosts discuss Department of Defense crack-ups, the transformation and future of the Catholic Church, and the egregious use of taxpayer funds by Harvard. Plus: television and book recommendations!
Apr 17, 2025
Future-Maxxing
A new global order emerges. China grows bolder in the East, while Europe and Canada drift culturally and economically away from America. Will Trump’s tariffs add more chaos to this new multipolar world, or set the U.S. up for success within it? Back home, Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s deportation continues to stir controversy. The guys sit down this week with Ron Dodson, president and portfolio manager of a private fund management firm, to discuss the tariff rollout, American preparedness for future conflicts, and the optics of border security, as well as the faint reflection of our future selves apparent in Argentina.
Apr 10, 2025
The Fog of Trade War
Trump announces a sweeping tariff regime, then pauses it for 90 days—why? As a tactic to renegotiate trade deals? To reshore manufacturing? Some combination of both? With midterms just over the horizon, the stakes of this gamble to reorient global trade are high. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court lifts District Judge Jeb Boasberg’s temporary restraining order on deporting members of the Venezuelan gang Tren De Aragua—what’s next?? Internment camps for U.S. citizens?? This week, the hosts weigh in on the effectiveness of the recent tariffs, recount Justice Sotomayor’s ridiculous dissent, and touch on the limp, confused effort by the Left to protest. Plus: media and reading recommendations!