Podcast
Hosted by A.R. Hoffman & Rebecca Sugar
A.R. Hoffman (Associate Editor of the Sun) and Rebecca Sugar (Columnist at the Sun) will be joined by buzzy and thoughtful guests to break down the week’s news, share their hot takes and long views on where it's all heading, and keep you sane all the while.
Episode 66
In this episode, we discussed the terms of Trump's Iran MOU, delved into the latest on the filibuster and SAVE Act drama in the Senate, remembered the Lubavitcher Rebbe, were baffled by a new policy out of California, and wondered if this is Mayor Mamdani's worst ally yet.
In this interview the associate editor of the New York Sun, A.R. Hoffman, sat down with Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman. They discussed the state of the race, why Governor Kathy Hochul is vulnerable, the rise of Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and what issues really matter to New Yorkers.
In this interview we spoke to Caroline Shinkle, who is running as a Republican to represent the congressional seat that covers the Upper West Side, Upper East Side, and all of Midtown. She talked about why she likes her chances in a Democratic stronghold, how she plans to take on Mayor Mamdani, and why her pro-market message can stem the socialist tide.
Episode 65
In this episode we discussed the final (we think) vote totals from LA, talked about why Israel-American spy drama is heating up now, worried about the future of social security, marveled at the beauty of candle-lit concerts, got ready to celebrate Bloomsday, and debated Gwyneth Paltrow.
Episode 64
In this episode we reviewed the Trump-Netanyahu showdown, broke down the races in California that are transfixing the country, discussed the horrific murder of Henry Nowak in England, were impressed by Marco Rubio's use of rap lyrics, and celebrated a first for the IDF.
Episode 63
In this episode we discussed the AI encyclical from the Vatican, analyzed the growing scrutiny on Hasan Piker, broke down Mayor Mamdani's housing plan, dove into Europe's migrant crisis, and denounced the exclusion of Jews from Pride festivities.
In this interview we spoke with analyst Gordon Chang of the Gatestone Institute. He provided insight into Beijing's recent summits with Presidents Trump and Putin, China's long-term trajectory, Xi Jinping's relations with Iran, and the fate of Taiwan.
Episode 62
In this week's episode we dove into primary pandemonium, debated the legality of President Trump's "Anti-Weaponization Fund," predicted what's coming in Cuba, translated Sally Rooney into Hebrew, and said goodbye to civil rights legend Bob Woodson, Sr.
In this interview we spoke with Nadhim Zahawi, a former Member of Parliament, Chancellor of the Exchequer, and Chairman of the Conservative Party in Britain who is now backing Nigel Farage's Reform Party. We discussed the seismic UK elections this week and what's next for Britain and Europe.
Episode 61
In this episode we analyzed President Trump's summit in China, broke down Mayor Mamdani's magical budget math, worried about Christopher Nolan's filming of "The Odyssey," and were unsparing in our assessments of Nick Kristof's latest work of anti-Israel 'journalism.'
In this interview we spoke to Jason Johnson, the president of the Law Enforcement Legal Defense Fund. We discussed the state of policing in NYC and nationwide, trends in public opinion, the protest at Park East Synagogue, and potential behind-the-scenes dynamics between Mayor Mamdani and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch.
Episode 60
In this episode we discussed the mobs protesting synagogues, analyzed Mamdani's rhetoric against the rich, mourned (maybe) the end of Spirit Airlines, dipped into some Supreme Court drama, praised Gospel Music, and broke down what happened when NYC's First Lady met Miss Israel.
Episode 59
In this episode we dove into the feud between Elon Musk and Sam Altman, debriefed the chaos at the White House Correspondents Dinner, brought you all the latest on James Comey and redistricting, marveled at the descent of the Park Slope Coop, and checked in on the fine print in California's proposed tax on billionaires.
In this episode we spoke to Deepali Vyas, an elite recruiter with an unparalleled grasp of the rapidly shifting economy. She offered crucial tips for navigating AI, charting a career, and conquering the job market greeting Gen Z college graduates.
Episode 58
In this episode we broke down the DOJ's case against the SPLC, dove into the details of the redistricting wars in Virginia, checked in on Congress's bucket list, fumed over performative NYC politics, and vented about Hasan Piker and "microlooting."
In this conversation we spoke to Mutlu Civiroglu, a journalist and Kurdish affairs analyst. He told us about the Kurdish role in the Iran War, the prospects for statehood, growing ties with Israel, and the current Kurdish circumstances across the region.
Episode 57
In this episode we debriefed the scandal that ended Eric Swalwell's career, jotted down our shopping list for Mayor Mamdani's grocery store, analyzed his pied-à-terre tax and class warfare strategy, discussed the schism between President Trump and Pope Leo, and took stock of the Democrats' evolving position on Israel.
In this interview we spoke to Amanda Van Dyke, founder of the Critical Minerals HUB and the author of The Mineral Imperative. She gave us a briefing on the energy contest that will shape the century, and why our technological future — and the world's — depends on vital materials that make everything possible.
Episode 56
In this episode we took stock of the war and previewed peace talks, marveled at the images from outer space, debated the elections in Hungary, analyzed the 25th Amendment and a surprising Supreme Court ruling, and delivered a hot take on Kanye West.
In this interview we spoke with Dr. John Eibern, a historian and human rights activist who is the former CEO of Christian Solidarity International-USA. During this sacred week on the Christian calendar he shared the latest on the persecution of Christians in Syria, Nigeria, and elsewhere — and told us what we can do to make a difference.
