You’re telling me you have a guest on that is advocating for people to have children, almost admonishing young people for their choice to not have children, but she doesn’t have children herself? Stay in your lane.

Mr. Douthat hosts one of the most interesting podcasts available during these interesting times of ours. He brings depth and erudition in his dialogue with his guests. He uniquely demonstrates both sympathy and challenge to his often controversial guests.

Douthat's podcast is simply the best most thoughtful, least shrill, most moderate conservative podcast.

I miss the original NYT opinion podcast with Carlos and Lydia.

Ross brilliantly engages his guests, allowing them to state their case while convincingly articulating his own point of view. I appreciate his undramatic, reasonable style.

Listening to Ross for the past few episodes, it became clear to me that he’s not interested in pushing back or going deeper. The first episode I listened to was Marc Andreessen’s interview. Wow, talk about disingenuous arguments. SMDH. Then the JD Vance interview was similar. Other folks who’ve commented that he was better on MoO are correct. The other journalists on that pod pushed on each other. The recent one about AI was interesting but also I felt there was no pertinent follow up questions being asked. I might listen a few more times.

Douthat wants to present Republican arguments to New York Times readers. Fair. To do so, he pitches slow balls, which, amazingly, his guests hit out of the park. Surprise. Too few hard questions. I am not convinced. We are not dumb. Give him the benefit of the doubt: Maybe he sat down and thought about whether he should ask JD Vance a question about the oval office Zelenskyy dress-down. But then he didn’t ask such a question. Shame on both of them. Not true Americans. What are they compromising for? Catholic values?

Douthat does not challenge these men on verifiably false claims. Also wow. Ten episodes in and all white men. Waste of time in my opinion. Whether he means to or not his interview style is more pandering than legit journalism. Again NYT gives a platform to straight up lies and propaganda.

I don’t doubt Ross’s intentions, but I think having politicians on the show just doesn’t work. Ross doesn’t seem capable of contesting false and misleading policy claims in real time. For example, JD Vance’s claim that the trade deficit is a meaningful metric (it’s not). The show would be far better if it kept the focus on a higher level of abstraction and steered clear of having actual politicians on the show.

Great job on your interview with JD Vance. Seems to me that you really tried to get to him to see that we are all on the same team. He is young man but boy does he have a sharp tongue and negative energy. I was surprised though that he seems to be a very sensitive person. Maybe he’s in the wrong camp or maybe politics isn’t for him. Get back to your Midwest values JD. We’re not all out to get you.

Mr. Douthat completely lost me after his pitifully limp, unchallenging interview of JD Vance. Vance repeatedly spouted the most basic lies that even a casual news consumer would know to be untrue, and he was not challenged by Mr. Douthat in any meaningful way. Every warped premise presented by the Vice President was allowed to stand, and the only minor example of Mr. Douthat having some semblance of a journalistic spine at all was in his meaningless challenge over the stated reasons behind the amounts of the tarriffs imposed by the current administration. Forget holding the powerful to account, this was as if Mr. Douthat was offering the wettest of paper tiger arguments so that Vance could seem as if he was winning some impossibly lame debate competition. What is the point of a show like this? If I want to be lied to repeatedly, I will turn on Fox “News” or some other right wing outlet that is completely divorced from reality. It’s not simply that I disagree with Mr. Douthat’s politics, even though I do. I am open to hearing the perspectives of other people as long as I know they are at least beginning with some kind of facts. In this episode, it seemed as if facts were something to be intentionally perverted. I share a lot of demographic commonalities with both Douthat and Vance: relative age, Catholicism, gender, and more, but listening to them speak about what is happening in this world and what our country needs, and even how those issues might affect the soul of someone in power was like looking at a funhouse mirror. I found myself thinking “‘That’s a lie,’ ‘How did they get THAT from this issue?’ and ‘What are they even talking about?!?’” on repeat for the entire episode. I had to force myself to listen to the entire thing, just to have an informed opinion. It was a failure on every level. It was like being trapped in a conversation in a dorm room between two people you can’t wait to move away from, but you’re stuck with their awful, twisted opinions for the next few years. Catholics without empathy. Conservatives with no restraint. Americans with no appreciation for our heterogeneous society. What is the point? I will not be listening again.

I’ve read a lot of Ross’s books and columns and think he’s the best writer the NYT has. You’re doing great, Ross, no matter what anyone else says.

Many thoughts but this one as an example “the America. People voted for increased border security and it’s not for the judiciary to take that demand away” … okay but follow-up with this question …the American people really voted for removal of habeas corpus rights? Or due process? Or birth right citizenship? Our jails need pruning of the worst criminals? Just because JDV can put sentences together doesn’t mean you have to stop Thinking.

I’m biased because I believe Ross and I would tend to hold similar worldviews but what I really appreciate about this show is that it slows down and really explores the nuances present in our society. This is something I believe is lacking in conservative podcasts.

Seriously, JD Vance. Everything that comes out of his mouth is despicable. He’s a lying, sycophantic ghoul that tries to hide behind his new found Catholicism.. He is a disgrace to America..

Every shows seems like Ross rationalizing to his grandchildren, “well yes, I convinced people to remove your rights, and prioritize MY religious liberties, and widen income inequality, but I was doing that so I would have a better life, I couldn’t worry about your future”.

As a Democrat, I do enjoy learning more about Republican stances on things, although this feels much more one sided as opposed to the debate it was before. Also is the theme song supposed to remind me of “Succession?”

I am a secular leftist, NYTimes subscriber who believes that Vance might be the person who can lead us to a better future. Please tell him not to judge all of us as harshly as he feels he is being judged.

If you’ve ever been subjected to his ‘’journalism,’’ you know what a misogynist this man is, and the fact that he’s never interviewed one single female guest proves it.

I have long appreciated Ross Douthat’s op-Ed’s and newsletters, and I’m happy to find out he’s also an excellent interviewer. I feel like adding that I check none of the same ideological boxes — I’m not particularly religious nor conservative — but I think the world absolutely needs were more public intellectuals like him. I wish him success and longevity!

What’s the point of paying so much for a NYTimes subscription if the app and the audio are stuffed with irrelevant, intrusive, and sometimes counter-to-the-topic advertisements? It’s like a black mirror episode.

Brilliant guests, but Ross just wants to listen to himself talk

The podcast’s title says it all: our country is being torn apart and the best word the host thinks describes the times is “interesting”? Imagine if the current administration were Democrats. No doubts the descriptors would come much more easily to the host — “catastrophic,” “disastrous,” “corrupt,” etc. Playing it safe — in these alarming times — is the hallmark of the disingenuous.

This podcast is an exemplar of how to have meaningful conversations across ideological divides. I find it deeply challenging in a way that could go a long ways towards healing what ails our society. I also like that Ross is up front about his priors. It brings honesty and clarity to the conversation.

I love the NYT and most of their podcasts. This is a deeply unserious podcast. Ross needs to do more research prior to these conversations, and needs to push back a lot more. He gets railroaded by every. single. guest, and comes across as naive as a result.

Ross is awesome. I don’t agree with him on a lot of stuff, but he’s got the cajones to challenge his guest and make them clarify their position when they’re being mealy-mouthed or avoidant while still making them feel comfortable enough to express their genuine views. That is not an easy line to walk but Ross does it. If you want an echo chamber or a doormat host there’s plenty of options out there.

Ross wants to be the “conservative” Ezra Klein but lacks the courage, integrity and intellectual honesty to be even close.

Thank you for taking me outside of my left leaning perspective. Intelligent discussions/interviews!

Ross seemed a lot more interesting in MoO, where he was the different voice, the one willing to share his unique perspective, even when it didn’t align with the majority opinion. Here, he comes off as arrogant, often forgetting that he’s the interviewer and getting lost in sharing his own opinions. There’s way too much focus on religion, often beyond what’s relevant to the actual topic. (Ross would probably say this comment is coming from someone who isn’t religious.) I get that he’s passionate about it, but it’s just too much. Will I keep listening? Most likely, yes. I like a mix of opinions, and his are strong and different—just wish he’d let others talk more.

The reviews criticizing Ross for explaining a Christian perspective are ridiculous! These reviews are from bigots that hate any and all things Christian. Ross simply pointed out that true believers in Christ don’t find shallow statements about God very persuasive. There was nothing “heavy handed” about his explanation or questions. This is exactly why the Democrats party has a problem speaking to Christian voters. No skin off my nose. I just want to point out that this is a very good and refreshing podcast, and the criticism is unwarranted!

Some people has a face for radio, other one have a voice for opinion column. Rather unimpressive and cringey.

Why is Ross badgering Chris Murphy about being more religious? It felt very heavy handed and not at all in the spirit of actual curiosity. Ross, you are not a good example of Christianity. You come off as unkind and self righteous.

I enjoyed Mr. Douthat’s contributions in other NYT podcasts however this is too much…. I don’t find listening to him hector public officials about their religiosity or covertly fawn over conspiracy theorists to be a good use of my time. I can keep my mind open in a lot of other ways.

Ross is just so superior acting and patronizing.

Ross just said that only middle class and upper middle class families are concerned about their child’s social media addiction and that lower income families are not concerned about this, then tried to tie it to a loss of religion and one parent homes. Gross ignorance at best. Blatant misinformation. All families care about their kids being bullied in the cess pool SM has become. Do better Ross!

Douthat and his guest are trying to put on a veneer of intellectual validation on their shallow platitudes. Like lipstick on a pig. The logical fallacies thrown around by these pseudo intellectuals is ridiculous and offensive for any intelligent person and any Christian

I am so sad they cancelled the argument and then matter of opinion. The discussions with folks with different viewpoints made this podcast interesting and powerful. Right now it’s just right wing apologists. No way. Am unfollowing.

Nothing like laundering racism & bigotry through cultural discourse.

Ross Douthat’s podcast is a rare thing: a deep dive into political and cultural life that doesn’t flatten complexity into slogans. Instead of hot takes, you get careful thought, moral seriousness, and a real effort to understand what’s actually going on beneath the surface. It’s the kind of conversation that respects its listeners—and assumes they’re capable of nuance. For anyone tired of the noise, this is food for the soul and the mind.

These are guests I wouldn’t hear from if not for Douthat’s interviews. I rarely agree with him but respect his thoughtful questions and challenges to his guests.

I loved The Argument, and was genuinely sad when it was canceled, but quickly embraced MoO. The downward spiral to where we are now is just depressing. I don’t need an hour of right wing apologists or people telling me to ignore the evidence that my eyes see. I don’t need an hour of Ross’ navel gazing and self aggrandizing. I don’t need an hour of these clowns telling us that they have the answers and speak for what is true and right. Bring back the old format. Until then, I’m out.

Giving a platform to an alt-right incel was disappointing. How dare women want a career and then become successful, taking away jobs from white men. A woman’s job is to make babies and sacrifice her needs for a man’s comfort. How 1950s of you …

I was enjoying the pod until you had this fellow on. Not a coherent or interesting thought in that man’s body. Unless your goal is to show how dumb your subjects are, please get better guests.

The idea behind this podcast is promising, but Ross Douthat is too blinkered by his political biases to offer anything like a balanced approach to these interviews. Replace him.

I am a protestant, physically, moderate conservative with a lot of Micah 6:8 in me (for context). Ross is a voice that is greatly needed in the public square today. His interviews are fearless, his convictions firm, and I love that he knows how to challenge with his dissent without creating straw men. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for us in the months ahead!

A conservative trifecta and Mr. Douthat has his own show? Is the dawn of the Dauthat upon us? Has the reign of Ross begun? Anyways, what an interesting time to be alive— the show is a great listen 10/10 would recommend!

Personally I am not a fan of interview podcasts which are only as enjoyable as the guests that are invited even as a regular Ross listener. Ross himself is best as a contrarian shining light on the contradictions within the liberal framework, something that is so far missing without his co-hosts to tone him down, even as this skill leads him to ask interesting questions to his guests that other more partisan interviewers might miss Still if not always my cup of tea, I’ll continue listening for the unique perspective and will consider upgrading my rating if the show finds a more even footing

While Ross and I are on different ends of the liberal-conservative spectrum I nonetheless appreciate his thoughtful opinions. He’s no dummy, and I respect that.

Big fan. Douthat does a great job making potentially oppositional guests feel comfortable enough to have meaningful conversation for us NYT loyalists. That’s a major difference from the echo chamber we have become used to. Kudos to the podcast team.

Host doesn’t push back enough on obviously wrong or biased statements by guests.