Sardar Pashaei is an Iranian-American athlete and democracy activist. He comes from a family of dissidents. Also a family of athletes. He and his brothers were wrestlers. One of them, Saman, is in prison. Sardar was World Youth Champion in 1998. (Also Asian Youth Champion.) His government denied him the right to compete in the Olympic Games. He has been in America since 2009. An extraordinary man.

<a href="https://twitter.com/sardar_pashaei?lang=en" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sardar Pashaei</a> is an Iranian-American athlete and democracy activist. He comes from a family of dissidents. Also a family of athletes. He and his brothers were wrestlers. One of them, Saman, is in prison. Sardar was World Youth Champion in 1998. (Also Asian Youth Champion.) His government denied him the right to compete in the Olympic Games. He has been in America since 2009. An extraordinary man.

A Wrestling Champion, and Human-Rights Champion, from Iran

Frederica von Stade—“Flicka,” universally—is one of the outstanding singers of our age. She is an American mezzo-soprano. With Jay, she talks about music and life. She even does a little singing, as a bonus. Get to know this remarkable person.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederica_von_Stade" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Frederica von Stade</a>—“Flicka,” universally—is one of the outstanding singers of our age. She is an American mezzo-soprano. With Jay, she talks about music and life. She even does a little singing, as a bonus. Get to know this remarkable person.

A Great Singer: Our Friend Flicka

Earlier, Jay spoke with Perry Link about Liu Xiaobo, the great Chinese democracy leader, of whom he has co-authored a biography. For that episode, go here. In the present episode, Jay speaks with Professor Link about being a China scholar—the language, the political pitfalls, and so on. As Jay says in his introduction, it is “a joy” to listen to Perry Link—“a joy and an education.”

Earlier, Jay spoke with Perry Link about Liu Xiaobo, the great Chinese democracy leader, of whom he has co-authored a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Have-No-Enemies-Legacy-Xiaobo/dp/0231206348/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PD5VL9Q2GCCW&amp;keywords=i+have+no+enemies+perry+link&amp;qid=1688933469&amp;sprefix=i+have+no+enemies+perry+link%2Caps%2C89&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">biography</a>. For that episode, go <a href="https://ricochet.com/podcast/q-and-a/a-great-man-from-china/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>. In the present episode, Jay speaks with Professor Link about being a China scholar—the language, the political pitfalls, and so on. As Jay says in his introduction, it is “a joy” to listen to Perry Link—“a joy and an education.”

Scholar, and Friend, of the Chinese

Liu Xiaobo was one of the great men of our age. He was a Chinese intellectual and democracy leader. In 2010, while in prison, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He died, still a prisoner, in 2017. Perry Link and Wu Dazhi have written a new biography: “I Have No Enemies: The Life and Legacy of Liu Xiaobo.” Jay talks with Professor Link, who is very interesting on this subject, as on so many others.

Liu Xiaobo was one of the great men of our age. He was a Chinese intellectual and democracy leader. In 2010, while in prison, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He died, still a prisoner, in 2017. Perry Link and Wu Dazhi have written a new biography: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Have-No-Enemies-Legacy-Xiaobo/dp/0231206348/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PD5VL9Q2GCCW&amp;keywords=i+have+no+enemies+perry+link&amp;qid=1688933469&amp;sprefix=i+have+no+enemies+perry+link%2Caps%2C89&amp;sr=8-1" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">I Have No Enemies: The Life and Legacy of Liu Xiaobo</a>.” Jay talks with Professor Link, who is very interesting on this subject, as on so many others.

A Great Man from China

Kyle Parker, of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is a fount of knowledge. He was key in the formation of the U.S. Magnitsky Act. That got him placed on Putin’s Most Wanted list. He was a guest on “Q&amp;A” in 2018. When it comes to the Ukraine war, he not only has facts, he has perspective. To listen to him is an education and a pleasure, even when the subject is grim. Utterly authoritative, Kyle Parker is.

<a href="https://www.magnitskyawards.com/bios/kyle-parker/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Kyle Parker</a>, of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is a fount of knowledge. He was key in the formation of the U.S. Magnitsky Act. That got him placed on Putin’s Most Wanted list. He was a <a href="https://ricochet.com/podcast/q-and-a/one-of-putins-wanted-the-excellent-kyle-parker/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">guest</a> on “Q&amp;A” in 2018. When it comes to the Ukraine war, he not only has facts, he has perspective. To listen to him is an education and a pleasure, even when the subject is grim. Utterly authoritative, Kyle Parker is.

On Ukraine and Russia, from an Authority

Sanaa Seif is a young woman from Egypt. She is a democracy campaigner. A human-rights campaigner. Egypt has about 60,000 political prisoners. One of them is Sanaa’s brother, Alaa. Sanaa herself has been in prison three times. She is very gentle, very soft-spoken—but obviously made of steel. Meet this extraordinary and compelling young woman.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanaa_Seif" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Sanaa Seif</a> is a young woman from Egypt. She is a democracy campaigner. A human-rights campaigner. Egypt has about 60,000 political prisoners. One of them is Sanaa’s brother, Alaa. Sanaa herself has been in prison three times. She is very gentle, very soft-spoken—but obviously made of steel. Meet this extraordinary and compelling young woman.

A Voice from Egypt

Nazanin Boniadi

Nazanin Boniadi is a British actress who has been seen in many movies and television shows. Among the former, “Hotel Mumbai.” Among the latter, “How I Met Your Mother.” For Jay’s purposes, however, she is a splendid advocate for human rights in the country of her birth: Iran. What she has to say is both informed and moving.

<a href="https://twitter.com/NazaninBoniadi?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Nazanin Boniadi</a> is a British actress who has been seen in many movies and television shows. Among the former, “Hotel Mumbai.” Among the latter, “How I Met Your Mother.” For Jay’s purposes, however, she is a splendid advocate for human rights in the country of her birth: Iran. What she has to say is both informed and moving.

Nazanin Boniadi, Actress and Human-Rights Activist

A sportscast, with Jay’s gurus David French and Vivek Dave. They begin with the new marriage between the Saudis and the PGA Tour. And then they get to basketball — the NBA in particular. Have a listen to two affable and knowledgeable fellows (plus Jay).

The Joker, Coach Spo, and More

Riccardo Muti is one of the most renowned musicians before the public today. Born in 1941, he has conducted in Milan, Vienna, London, Philadelphia—many places. Since 2010, he has been the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is leaving that position at the end of this season, which is nearing. After a recent concert, Jay sat with the maestro in his studio to talk about music, and life. A rich, interesting, frank, amusing, and sometimes poignant conversation. Lend an ear.

<a href="https://www.riccardomuti.com/en/biografia/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Riccardo Muti</a> is one of the most renowned musicians before the public today. Born in 1941, he has conducted in Milan, Vienna, London, Philadelphia—many places. Since 2010, he has been the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is leaving that position at the end of this season, which is nearing. After a recent concert, Jay sat with the maestro in his studio to talk about music, and life. A rich, interesting, frank, amusing, and sometimes poignant conversation. Lend an ear.

Maestro Riccardo Muti and His World

Bob McElroy is a powerful individual. He thinks, speaks, and acts powerfully. He has devoted his life to helping the homeless. He has been through all the problems they have. McElroy is the president and CEO of the Alpha Project, in San Diego. He is a “point of light”—so designated by Bush 41’s foundation. Jay wrote about McElroy in a piece on San Diego and homelessness. Homelessness is a problem—a scourge—throughout the country. Bob McElroy knows the why and wherefores. And he speaks with refreshing frankness. You will enjoy hearing him.

Bob McElroy is a powerful individual. He thinks, speaks, and acts powerfully. He has devoted his life to helping the homeless. He has been through all the problems they have. McElroy is the president and CEO of the <a href="https://alphaproject.org/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Alpha Project</a>, in San Diego. He is a “point of light”—so designated by Bush 41’s foundation. Jay wrote about McElroy in a <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/05/lucky-and-unlucky-ducks/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">piece</a> on San Diego and homelessness. Homelessness is a problem—a scourge—throughout the country. Bob McElroy knows the why and wherefores. And he speaks with refreshing frankness. You will enjoy hearing him.

Helper of the Homeless

Jay Nordlinger is a senior editor of National Review and the music critic of The New Criterion. His guests are from the worlds of politics and culture, talking about the most important issues of the day, and some pleasant trivialities as well.

Natan Sharansky has been a world hero since the 1970s. He was a prisoner in the Soviet gulag for nine years. Afterward, he wrote one of the great prison memoirs: “Fear No Evil.” On May 8, he published an op-ed piece in the Washington Post: “Why Putin’s repression is worse than what I endured under the Soviets.” With Jay, he talks about the Kremlin’s current political prisoners, and the war on Ukraine, and related subjects. To listen to Sharansky is a bracing and instructive experience.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Natan_Sharansky" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Natan Sharansky</a> has been a world hero since the 1970s. He was a prisoner in the Soviet gulag for nine years. Afterward, he wrote one of the great prison memoirs: “<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fear-No-Evil-Natan-Sharansky/dp/1891620029" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Fear No Evil</a>.” On May 8, he published an op-ed piece in the Washington Post: “<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2023/05/08/kara-murza-navalny-punishment-by-putin/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Why Putin’s repression is worse than what I endured under the Soviets</a>.” With Jay, he talks about the Kremlin’s current political prisoners, and the war on Ukraine, and related subjects. To listen to Sharansky is a bracing and instructive experience.

Sharansky on Russia and Ukraine, Oppression and Freedom

In journalism, Cathy Young is “an MVP of this era,” says Jay: “the era of the Ukraine war, and associated convulsions in the world.” Cathy Young is a writer at The Bulwark, in addition to contributing to Newsday, Reason, etc. She has been a columnist for many years. Born in Moscow, she grew up in the Soviet Union, coming to America at 17. With Jay, she talks about Russia, Ukraine, and America—and a bit more, including literature, music, and animals.

In journalism, <a href="https://twitter.com/CathyYoung63" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Cathy Young</a> is “an MVP of this era,” says Jay: “the era of the Ukraine war, and associated convulsions in the world.” Cathy Young is a writer at The Bulwark, in addition to contributing to Newsday, Reason, etc. She has been a columnist for many years. Born in Moscow, she grew up in the Soviet Union, coming to America at 17. With Jay, she talks about Russia, Ukraine, and America—and a bit more, including literature, music, and animals.

Soviet Girl, American Woman, Analyst of All

Daniel Johnson is a British writer and editor, now at The Article, of which he is the founding editor. With Jay, he talks about his father, Paul, the great journalist and historian. (For Jay’s appreciation of Paul Johnson, go here.) What a great subject Paul Johnson is. And Daniel knows that subject exceptionally well.

<a href="https://www.thearticle.com/contributor/daniel-johnson" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Daniel Johnson</a> is a British writer and editor, now at The Article, of which he is the founding editor. With Jay, he talks about his father, Paul, the great journalist and historian. (For Jay’s appreciation of Paul Johnson, go <a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/2023/01/the-life-of-johnson/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">here</a>.) What a great subject Paul Johnson is. And Daniel knows that subject exceptionally well.

Johnson (Daniel) on Johnson (Paul)

John Engler

John Engler was the governor of Michigan (Jay’s home state) for three terms: from 1991 to 2003. So, on this program, you have two Michiganders, talking about things Michigan and things national. The Republican Party, past and present. The Democrats, past and present. The media, presidents, abortion, American culture—Engler has a wealth of information, and a wealth of highly informed opinions. At the end, there is some talk of Detroit sports, which is not a happy subject of any Michigander, but about which there is always hope.

<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Engler" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">John Engler</a> was the governor of Michigan (Jay’s home state) for three terms: from 1991 to 2003. So, on this program, you have two Michiganders, talking about things Michigan and things national. The Republican Party, past and present. The Democrats, past and present. The media, presidents, abortion, American culture—Engler has a wealth of information, and a wealth of highly informed opinions. At the end, there is some talk of Detroit sports, which is not a happy subject of any Michigander, but about which there is always hope.

John Engler of Michigan

When something big happens in Israel, or to Israel, Jay and his listeners want to hear from Haviv Rettig Gur, the senior analyst of the Times of Israel. He knows the ins and outs, the views of the various parties and factions. He is an Israel-explainer par excellence. At the moment, Israeli society is being torn apart. A (rare) domestic crisis is upon the country. What must its external enemies think? In any event, the crisis needs explaining—and HRG is the man to do it.

When something big happens in Israel, or to Israel, Jay and his listeners want to hear from <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/writers/haviv-gur/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Haviv Rettig Gur</a>, the senior analyst of the Times of Israel. He knows the ins and outs, the views of the various parties and factions. He is an Israel-explainer par excellence. At the moment, Israeli society is being torn apart. A (rare) domestic crisis is upon the country. What must its external enemies think? In any event, the crisis needs explaining—and HRG is the man to do it.

The Israel-Explainer Returns

Of course, Jay has George F. Will talk baseball in this episode. The season is upon us. Significant rule changes are in place. Does GFW approve? (Yes, heartily.) Before there is baseball, however, there is a host of other subjects—among them the Ukraine war; higher ed and wokism; the political parties and their dysfunction; President Biden and age; Fox News and opinion journalism... Source

Of course, Jay has George F. Will talk baseball in this episode. The season is upon us. Significant rule changes are in place. Does GFW approve? (Yes, heartily.) Before there is baseball, however, there is a host of other subjects—among them the Ukraine war; higher ed and wokism; the political parties and their dysfunction; President Biden and age; Fox News and opinion journalism... <a href="https://ricochet.com/podcast/q-and-a/playing-ball-with-george-f-will/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a>

Playing Ball, with George F. Will

Matthew Continetti is a journalist and book-author, a top expert on the American Right. He is the author of “The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism.” These days, the Right is undergoing some serious changes when it comes to U.S. foreign policy and America’s place in the world. With Jay, Continetti discusses this and more. Enlightening. Source

Matthew Continetti is a journalist and book-author, a top expert on the American Right. He is the author of “The Right: The Hundred-Year War for American Conservatism.” These days, the Right is undergoing some serious changes when it comes to U.S. foreign policy and America’s place in the world. With Jay, Continetti discusses this and more. Enlightening. <a href="https://ricochet.com/podcast/q-and-a/ukraine-and-the-american-right/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a>

Ukraine and the American Right

Hannah Dreier is an investigative reporter, one of the best in America. In past years, she was a correspondent in Venezuela. Jay podcasted with her as that country was spinning out of control. Now, for the New York Times, Ms. Dreier has written a blockbuster report: “Alone and Exploited, Migrant Children Work Brutal Jobs Across the U.S.” She and Jay discuss this important piece of work... Source

Hannah Dreier is an investigative reporter, one of the best in America. In past years, she was a correspondent in Venezuela. Jay podcasted with her as that country was spinning out of control. Now, for the New York Times, Ms. Dreier has written a blockbuster report: “Alone and Exploited, Migrant Children Work Brutal Jobs Across the U.S.” She and Jay discuss this important piece of work... <a href="https://ricochet.com/podcast/q-and-a/on-migrant-child-labor-a-blockbuster-report/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a>

On Migrant Child Labor, a Blockbuster Report

Félix Maradiaga is a Nicaraguan democracy leader. From June 2021 until this month—611 days; about a year and eight months—he was a political prisoner. He and his fellow prisoners suffered terrible things in El Chipote, the notorious prison in Managua. Félix is well-known to listeners of this program. Jay podcasted with him in February 2019 (here); he podcasted with Félix’s wife, Berta Valle... Source

Félix Maradiaga is a Nicaraguan democracy leader. From June 2021 until this month—611 days; about a year and eight months—he was a political prisoner. He and his fellow prisoners suffered terrible things in El Chipote, the notorious prison in Managua. Félix is well-known to listeners of this program. Jay podcasted with him in February 2019 (here); he podcasted with Félix’s wife, Berta Valle... <a href="https://ricochet.com/podcast/q-and-a/felix-free/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a>

Félix, Free

In recent days, Kevin D. Williamson and Jay Nordlinger—among others—have been writing about our old friends, our old enemies, the federal budget deficit and the federal debt. (KDW, here; JN, here.) Something’s gotta give, right? We Americans have to act at some point, right? Jay and Kevin jaw it out. Source

In recent days, Kevin D. Williamson and Jay Nordlinger—among others—have been writing about our old friends, our old enemies, the federal budget deficit and the federal debt. (KDW, here; JN, here.) Something’s gotta give, right? We Americans have to act at some point, right? Jay and Kevin jaw it out. <a href="https://ricochet.com/podcast/q-and-a/debt-deficit-and-doom-a-cheerful-discussion/" rel="noreferrer noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Source</a>

Debt, Deficit, and Doom: A Cheerful Discussion

Jay uses his platform to highlight those resisting authoritarianism.

Stories of Freedom

Jay Nordlinger is an insightful interview. Well worth the listen.

One-on-one interviews

Jay Nordlinger is a senior editor of <a href="http://nationalreview.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><em>National Review</em></a> and the music critic of <a href="http://www.newcriterion.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><em>The New Criterion</em></a>. His guests are from the worlds of politics and culture, talking about the most important issues of the day, and some pleasant trivialities as well.

Q & A, Hosted by Jay Nordlinger

The best podcast episodes on parenting. Interviewing experts and talking through common issues surrounding parenting. This topic is filled with important lessons and insights for anyone listening. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!

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Best Parenting Podcasts

The best episodes for anyone looking to learn more about topics such as happiness, fulfillment, depression and psychology/mental health in general. With interviews with industry experts, personal stories of individuals, this topic has lessons applicable to everyone. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!