Best Why We Cant Have Nice Things Podcasts (2025)

1
What Did We Learn From DOGE? 1:01:33

16h ago1:01:33

1:01:33

This week, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch critique the apparent wind down of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative, highlighting its lack of transparency and failure to achieve meaningful spending cuts. They also analyze the GOP's new tax plan, which contradicts promises of f…

1
308: Time For A Democratic Schism with Rep. Ro Khanna 46:15

6d ago46:15

46:15

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al rip the Trump family’s use of crypto for personal enrichment, chastise the Democrat elites, and call for bottom-up activism to help the party build an enduring majority before welcoming Silicon Valley Rep. Ro Khanna. They discuss the need for unified …

1
Are You There, Congress? with Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Suozzi 1:08:57

6d ago1:08:57

1:08:57

In this era of executive overreach, Jon is joined by Representatives Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), co-chairs of the Problem Solvers Caucus, to examine how bipartisanship might still be possible. Together, they explore the caucus's approach to building consensus across party lines, discuss what leverage remains with the legislative…

1
Trump's War on Childhood 1:03:37

8d ago1:03:37

1:03:37

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch are joined by Reason reporter Christian Britschgi to discuss President Donald Trump's proposal for a 100 percent tariff on foreign-made films and his broader attacks on cheap consumer goods, arguing that it represents a bipartisan slide into anti-cons…

1
307: 100 Days Of Trump with Ryan Lizza 1:19:43

13d ago1:19:43

1:19:43

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al unmask the disastrous impact of Trump’s first 100 days on our economy and democratic principles, call for a revitalization of America’s global leadership, and lay out the need for our media to push back against Executive Branch excesses before welcomi…

1
Kentucky on Track? with Gov. Andy Beshear 1:02:17

13d ago1:02:17

1:02:17

In a political landscape defined by polarization, Jon is joined by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to discuss his success as a Democrat in a deeply conservative state. Together, they explore his approach to revitalizing Kentucky communities, examine his blueprint for winning in Trump country, and consider how he plans to lead his state through a sec…

1
Trump's Independent Voter Problem 1:09:51

15d ago1:09:51

1:09:51

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss how many current political frustrations— with tariffs, executive overreach, and economic stagnation—are vindicating longstanding libertarian critiques, even as the public resists identifying as libertarian. They also explore Ro…

1
306: Nip It In The Bud with Governor Andy Beshear 1:03:53

20d ago1:03:53

1:03:53

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al welcome Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear to discuss the impact of Trump’s tariffs on his state, whether there are any merits to his policies in light of their chaotic implementation, and the scope of the threat bad budgeting poses for people who rely on…

1
Come Back, America! with Rory Stewart 1:18:45

20d ago1:18:45

1:18:45

As Trump's actions and rhetoric rock the global economy, Jon is joined by Rory Stewart, former British Cabinet Minister and current co-host of “The Rest is Politics.” Together, they examine the rapidly shifting relationships between the U.S. and its traditional allies, discuss the opportunities these shifts create for China, explore which policies …

1
Why Due Process Matters 1:06:28

22d ago1:06:28

1:06:28

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss how President Donald Trump is de-prioritizing due process by not adhering to a ruling from the Supreme Court. They also talk about how Harvard University's tax status could be in jeopardy and reflect on the legacy of Pope Franc…

1
Bonding, Boobs, and Body Heat: Welcome to Parenthood 25:48

25d ago25:48

25:48

Send us a text In this episode of 'Are You Fucking Kidding Me?', Clementine explores the multifaceted journey of bonding with newborns. She emphasizes the importance of skin-to-skin contact, sensory development, and the nuances of playtime and tickling. Through personal anecdotes and relatable humor, she reassures parents that their efforts, no mat…

1
305: Tariff Turmoil with Roger Altman 1:20:37

27d ago1:20:37

1:20:37

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al unload on the Trump administration’s discriminatory practices and its war on education before welcoming the founder of the global investment bank Evercore, Roger Altman. They discuss the intricacies of our relationship with China and the E.U., how tar…

1
DEI? You’re Fired! with Heather McGhee 1:23:54

27d ago1:23:54

1:23:54

As the Trump administration’s attacks on diversity initiatives intensify, we’re joined by Heather McGhee, author of "The Sum of Us”. Together, they explore the myths fueling anti-DEI sentiment, examine how the Trump administration weaponizes racial grievance to protect powerful interests, and discuss how a truly inclusive society benefits everyone,…

1
Why Trump's China Tariffs Won't Work 1:13:04

29d ago1:13:04

1:13:04

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Nick Gillespie, Matt Welch, and special guest Mary Katharine Ham discuss President Donald Trump's trade war with China. They also talk about the taxes they hate the most—just in time to celebrate Tax Day. 4:30—Trump's trade war with China 15:36—How will Trump's tariffs affect the U.S. ma…

1
304: Are We Still The Leader Of The Free World? with Admiral James Stavridis 1:10:14

1M ago1:10:14

1:10:14

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al attack the cruelty of Trump’s immigration policy and his administration’s growing authoritarianism before welcoming Admiral James Stavridis. They discuss the foreign policy challenge posed by China’s Belt and Road Initiative, the future of warfare as …

1
Tariff-ying Times with Pete Buttigieg 1:19:31

1M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

As the economy reels from Trump's sweeping tariffs, Jon is joined by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to examine the fallout. Together, they explore what Trump's levies mean for everyday Americans, discuss how to bridge the divide between politicians and the people they serve, and consider how a new generation of leadership might rebu…

1
Can Anyone Stop Trump's Tariffs? 1:09:29

1M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the economic and political fallout from President Donald Trump's new tariffs. They debate the role Congress, the courts, and billionaire influencers like Elon Musk could play in reversing these policies. 2:00—What goods could b…

1
Mom Rage : A Love Story 36:03

1M ago36:03

36:03

Send us a text In this episode, Clementine delves into the complex emotions surrounding motherhood, particularly focusing on 'mom rage.' She explores the societal expectations placed on mothers, the mental load they carry, and the biological responses to stress. Through candid storytelling, she emphasizes that mom rage is a natural reaction to over…

1
303: The Comeback Begins with MI State Senator Mallory McMorrow 1:14:23

1M ago1:14:23

1:14:23

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al celebrate Susan Crawford’s election to the WI Supreme Court, expose Trump’s declining electoral prospects, and declare the start of a Democrat comeback. Then, they welcome MI senate candidate Mallory McMorrow to discuss voters' desperation to reconnec…

1
Who Is Government? Storytime with Michael Lewis 1:25:35

1M ago1:25:35

1:25:35

As the Trump administration targets the federal workforce, we're joined by Michael Lewis, editor of and contributor to The New York Times bestselling collection "WHO IS GOVERNMENT?: The Untold Story of Public Service.” Together, they explore the vital yet uncelebrated work of civil servants, discuss why negative perceptions of them persist, and con…

1
Time for a DOGE Dance Party 1:06:32

1M ago1:06:32

1:06:32

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch recorded a live episode in Austin, Texas, at Reason Weekend and covered a wide range of topics: the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), tariffs, deportations without due process, and President Donald Trump on free speech. 02:18…

1
Cereal for Dinner can Build Resilience in Your Kids 40:16

2M ago40:16

40:16

Send us a text In this episode of 'Are You Fucking Kidding Me?', Clementine explores the radical idea of not taking parenting too seriously. She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection, spontaneity, and joy in parenting. By allowing moments of freedom, such as having ice cream for dinner or enjoying fast food picnics, parents can foster…

1
302: Attack Attack, Deny Deny, Lie Lie with Rep. Ritchie Torres 1:03:20

2M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al lay waste to Trump’s inept national security team in the wake of their accidental leak of war plans for Yemen and call out the billionaires undermining the 4th Estate before welcoming Congressman Ritchie Torres. They discuss putting pragmatism back in…

1
Why We Can’t Have Nice Things with Ezra Klein 1:22:40

2M ago1:22:40

1:22:40

As Democrats struggle to define the future they want to create, we're joined by Ezra Klein, host of The New York Times podcast "The Ezra Klein Show" and co-author of "Abundance," to examine why turning progressive visions into reality has become so difficult. We explore how good intentions have created obstacles, how empowering officials can stream…

1
Trump's War With the Courts 1:20:50

2M ago1:20:50

1:20:50

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, and Nick Gillespie welcome a very special guest, Andrew Sullivan, to discuss President Donald Trump's defiance of court orders on deportations, his antagonism toward Canada, and the COVID-19-era lies told by Anthony Fauci, former director of the National Institute o…

1
This is why we can’t have nice things 14:39

2M ago14:39

14:39

Send us a text In this episode of 'Are You Fucking Kidding Me?', Clementine discusses the chaotic reality of parenting small children, emphasizing the myth of childproofing, the challenges of maintaining a clean home, and the humorous yet frustrating behaviors of toddlers. She shares relatable anecdotes about the messes, stains, and unexpected mome…

1
301: The True Voice Of America with Professor Geoffrey Cowan 1:01:22

2M ago1:01:22

1:01:22

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al celebrate the late John Feinstein and discuss the dangers of isolationism, the future of NATO, and our nation’s budding constitutional crisis stemming from the war being waged by Trump and DOGE on our most sacred governmental institutions. Then, they …

1
America's Factory Reset with Adam Tooze and Sohrab Ahmari 1:10:12

2M ago1:10:12

1:10:12

As the Trump administration pursues a dramatic economic realignment, we're joined by Adam Tooze, author of Chartbook on Substack, and Sohrab Ahmari, US Editor of UnHerd and author of Tyranny, Inc., to examine the feasibility and implications of an American industrial revival. We analyze the administration's strategy for reshoring manufacturing, deb…

1
Why We Don't Need the Department of Education 1:08:20

2M ago1:08:20

1:08:20

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch explain why eliminating the Department of Education entirely is long overdue. 02:52—Trump administration cuts to the Department of Education 25:55—Mahmoud Khalil detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement 37:13—Weekly listener que…

1
300: Nattering Nabobs Of Negativism With Elisabeth Bumiller 1:08:55

2M ago1:08:55

1:08:55

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al call out Trump’s attempt to throw Ukraine under the bus and review the funding bill before welcoming Elisabeth Bumiller of the NYT. They discuss the chilling effect of Trump’s call for political retribution, how he and Elon are conspiring to undermine…

1
It's Trump's Economy Now 1:11:20

2M ago1:11:20

1:11:20

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss the frantic uncertainty in the economy due to President Donald Trump's various tariff policies and trade war antics. 03:22—Trump's tariff uncertainty 26:15—Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) check-in 38:35—Weekly listen…

1
299: Why Can’t We Have Nice Things? with Marc Dunkelman 1:02:28

2M ago1:02:28

1:02:28

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al dismantle Trump’s State of the Union, raise hell over Speaker Johnson’s ethics concerns, and call out the President’s many lies about tax cuts, balancing the budget, and his allegiance to domestic and international democracy. Then, they welcome Clinto…

1
Make Authoritarianism Great Again? with Maria Ressa 1:07:32

2M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

Drawing on her frontline experience, Nobel Peace Prize winner Maria Ressa joins us to examine the alarming parallels between America's political climate and the Philippines' democratic decline. We explore how digital platforms have become weapons against truth, discuss shifting global alignments, and consider strategies for resistance to protect Am…

1
Trump vs. Zelenskyy: Democracy Dies in Drama? 1:04:32

2M ago1:04:32

1:04:32

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch react to last week's dramatic exchange in the White House over the war in Ukraine between President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 04:08—Trump and Zelenskyy clash in the Oval Offic…

1
Belly Bonding: Talking to Your Baby, Blowing Raspberries, and Trying Not to Get Throat-Punched 24:20

3M ago24:20

24:20

Send us a text In this episode of 'Are You Fucking Kidding Me?', Clementine explores the fascinating world of belly bonding during pregnancy. She discusses the science behind how babies can hear and respond to voices in the womb, the importance of touch and connection through belly cuddles, and the joy and developmental benefits of belly raspberrie…

1
298: A (Worse) New World Order With Ed Luce 58:59

3M ago58:59

58:59

Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube @PoliticsWarRoomOfficial James and Al emphasize the value of playing possum while MAGA destroys itself by noting how their mishandling of the economy undermines Trump’s promises, explaining how they equate to a war on the poor and fighting back against his demolition of democracy. Then, t…

1
Libertarian Says What? with Nick Gillespie 1:27:13

3M ago1:27:13

1:27:13

As the Trump administration pursues its federal downsizing project, we're joined by Nick Gillespie, Editor at Large of “Reason” magazine and Host of “The Reason Interview with Nick Gillespie” podcast, to examine what's at stake. We explore where libertarian principles align with and diverge from Trump's approach, debate if government serves as esse…

1
Are Democrats Actually in Disarray? 1:04:35

3M ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this week's The Reason Roundtable, editors Peter Suderman, Katherine Mangu-Ward, Nick Gillespie, and Matt Welch discuss democratic messaging and policy in the age of Trump, before turning to President Donald Trump's shifting stance on the war in Ukraine and its implications for global politics. 02:11—Democrats losing the plot on messaging and po…

1
Parenting kids while letting them parent their OWN kids 28:28

3M ago28:28

28:28

Send us a text In this episode of 'Are You Fucking Kidding Me?', Clementine discusses the complexities of grandparent advice in parenting. She emphasizes the importance of understanding generational differences, respecting parenting choices, and building trust between parents and grandparents. The conversation highlights the evolution of parenting …

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Why We Cant Have Nice Things Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen