The Bulwark Podcast

Smart, Conservative, Never Tribal

About the show

Charlie Sykes and guests discuss the latest news from inside Washington and around the world. No shouting, grandstanding, or sloganeering. Conservative, conscientious, and civil.

The Bulwark Podcast on social media

Episodes

  • Tom Nichols: Putin, Unhinged and in a Bubble

    February 24th, 2022  |  40 mins 15 secs

    How serious is Putin's nuke threat? How should the world react to the invasion of Ukraine? And thoughts on the GOP's entertainment wing.  Tom Nichols joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

  • Bill Kristol: MAGA Turns Anti Anti-Putin

    February 23rd, 2022  |  43 mins 43 secs

    In the middle of an international crisis, Trump is fawning over Putin, and the entertainment wing of the GOP loves it. But how will the elected wing respond? Is a pro-Putin party a bridge too far? Bill Kristol joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

  • Tim O'Brien: Trump Was Giving Putin Everything He Wanted

    February 22nd, 2022  |  38 mins 53 secs

    Trump's child-like fascination with "tough guys" like Putin is part of the reason why we are where we are today. Many Republicans are now following his lead — allying themselves with a foreign power that sows dissent and division here. Tim O'Brien joins Charlie Sykes today.

  • Will Saletan: Surprise, Trump Was in It for the Money

    February 21st, 2022  |  47 mins 52 secs

    Voters said they wanted a businessman for president. Now, he's making clear he treated our country as a vehicle for his own profit. Will Saletan is back for 'Charlie and Will Mondays.'

  • David Frum: O Canada!

    February 18th, 2022  |  46 mins 10 secs

    With two Arctic powers in crisis, David Frum joins Charlie Sykes to cover the waterfront.

  • Karen Tumulty: At Least One Party Kicked the Extremists Out

    February 17th, 2022  |  42 mins 53 secs

    Progressives revolted against progressives in San Francisco — and that could have national implications. Meanwhile, Republicans stand for only one thing, and they're shrinking their base. The Washington Post's Karen Tumulty joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

  • Garry Kasparov: Putin Is a Merchant of Doubt

    February 16th, 2022  |  40 mins 21 secs

    With Biden in the White House, Putin thought this was the time to deliver the final blow to NATO. But he has been surprised by the West's response to Ukraine. His game isn't chess, it's poker — and he may have overplayed his hand. Garry Kasparov joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

  • John Avlon: An Unconditional Surrender and a Magnanimous Peace

    February 15th, 2022  |  41 mins 58 secs

    In the last six years of his life, Abraham Lincoln sketched out a vision to win the peace after winning the war, principles that inspired future generations. CNN's John Avlon joins Charlie Sykes to share the story of Lincoln, the peacemaker.

  • Charlie and Will Monday

    February 14th, 2022  |  44 mins 34 secs

    Sexual anarchy, trucker protests, rumors of war, and Trump’s feral ego. Will Saletan and Charlie Sykes hash it out on today's @BulwarkOnline podcast.

  • Tim Miller: The Worst and the Dumbest

    February 11th, 2022  |  46 mins 20 secs

    Now that the Republican base is following the gazpacho soup lady, consider this Bulwark prediction for your Super Bowl weekend: Secession will be the next big thing in the MAGA-verse. Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes on the podcast.

  • Robert Draper: MAGA Martyr Michael Flynn

    February 10th, 2022  |  40 mins 40 secs

    On the right-wing road show, Michael Flynn is the second-biggest draw after Trump — his "deep state" victimization is central to MAGA mythology. Oh, and he's still trying to steal the 2020 election. The New York Times Magazine's Robert Draper joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

  • Jeremy Peters: The GOP’s Ongoing Insurgency

    February 9th, 2022  |  43 mins 50 secs

    From Pat Buchanan's culture war to Sarah Palin wearing her resentment on her sleeve, Trump's escalator ride was a long time coming. The New York Times' Jeremy Peters joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

  • Adam Kinzinger: McCarthy Looks Like a Weak, Feckless Man

    February 8th, 2022  |  41 mins 11 secs

    When Kevin McCarthy deposed Liz Cheney, he thought she'd just go away. Instead, he empowered his greatest enemy. And if he ever gets the speaker's gavel, he'll be held hostage to Marjorie Taylor Greene. Adam Kinzinger joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.

  • Will Saletan: It's Easy to Become an Authoritarian

    February 7th, 2022  |  45 mins 38 secs

    You don't have to renounce democracy or reject the Constitution — all you have to do is be persuaded to believe a few lies. Will Saletan joins Charlie Sykes today for the launch of our new 'Charlie & Will Monday' on The Bulwark Podcast.

  • Tim Miller: China, Zucker, Schumer, SCOTUS, Coups, and GOP purges

    February 4th, 2022  |  50 mins 10 secs

    On our weekend omnibus podcast, Tim Miller joins Charlie Sykes to vent about it all.

  • Scott MacFarlane: Jan. 6 Committee Is Connecting the Dots

    February 3rd, 2022  |  41 mins 56 secs

    Congressional committee hearings can be a hot mess. But the Jan. 6 committee is moving with strategic steps and a unified message — it fits the moment. CBS News' Scott MacFarlane joins Charlie Sykes on today's podcast.