PODCAST · news
The Spectacle Podcast: The Official Podcast of The American Spectator
by The American Spectator
Commentary on current events and interviews with prominent figures in politics, media and culture.
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300
Does Gen Z Regret Voting For Trump?
A new study found that 31 percent of Gen Z regrets casting their vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Consequently, Gen Zers are the most pessimistic about America’s future compared to previous generations. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss the attitudes of Gen Z and whether or not they agree with the study’s findings. Lyrah and Madelynn explain how Gen Z’s craving for instant gratification has led Gen Z to look down upon America, and offer encouragement for their fellow peers. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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299
Democrats Are Regretting Their Wokespeak
Using terms like “birthing people,” “chestfeeding,” and “LatinX” is being discouraged by Democrats like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and even Gavin Newsom. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin expound on the Left’s retreat from their woke language and why their political messaging failed to resonate with voters. They discuss how the Democrats are desperate to resonate with voters once again, and what it means for future elections. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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298
Michigan AG Dana Nessel Invokes Queen Esther To Elect Abdul El-Sayed
In addressing Jewish Democrats, Dana Nessel suggested that they should follow in the footsteps of their ancestor, Queen Esther, and “sacrifice the comfort, safety, and security, and even the very future of our own people” to support Abdul El-Sayed’s bid for the Senate. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay criticize Nessel’s comments and offer the correct interpretation of the Biblical account of Esther. They address the anti-semitism problem festering on the Left, and examine why the Jewish community still supports the Democratic Party. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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297
Post-COVID Malone: Robert and Jill Malone Find Health in Homesteading
A growing number of Americans are learning to embrace self-sufficiency. New data from Curion found that nearly 70 percent of Americans make, grow, or preserve their own food at home. Robert and Jill Malone, authors of Homesteading for Health: One Farm Family’s Guide to Food, Land, and Self-Sufficiency, join The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay to discuss their homesteading journey and the lessons they’ve acquired along the way. The Malones expand on everything one should consider with homesteading (land, finances, resources, and skill sets) and its appeal to Americans who desire healthy and self-sufficient living. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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296
Understanding the Democrats’ Weird Relationship With Islam
What do Democrats like Kathy Hochul, James Talerico, and Gavin Newsom have in common? All three are paying homage to Islam for political gain. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss Hochul wearing a hijab, Talerico’s quoting an Islamic mystic during a church sermon, and Newsom recognizing two Islamic holidays as state holidays. They explain the Left’s double standard between other religions and Christianity, and call out the Democrats’ political pandering. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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295
Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Festival Donates $10 Million for Abortion Organizations
Ten organizations — including Planned Parenthood, the Center for Reproductive Rights and the National Women’s Law Center — are receiving more than $10 million in donations from Olivia Rodrigo’s Daisy Chain Festival. More than 45,000 people attended to hear music from Rodrigo and other artists such as Chappell Roan, Mitski and Doechii. On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss Rodrigo’s intentions with the concert and the pushback from peaceful pro-life protesters outside the event. Lyrah and Madelynn explain how abortion is not true female empowerment but rather a toxic message that celebrities like Rodrigo are pushing on young women. Tune in to hear their discussion.
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294
Bring Back Bullying: Make Better People!
Back in the day, there used to be social norms where people who didn’t get in line with what was accepted were typically teased or told to change their behavior. Now that social standards have collapsed, we have what Melissa calls “an overabundance of weirdos.” The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explain how the decline in public conduct warrants some sort of social correction. They discuss how people have become more sensitive to criticism and how parents, team sports, and structured environments can combat this issue. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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293
Get the Flock Outta Here!
Flock cameras are becoming a controversial topic over whether they violate an American’s civil liberties. With constant surveillance in public spaces and even homes, what are these companies doing with our information? The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay address their concerns about public surveillance and the problems within its infrastructure. Melissa and Scott point to increased crime and less enforcement as the reason why more Flock cameras are being used, and how the anti-Flock discussion could be benefiting a police body-camera company, Axon. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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292
It’s the Democrat’s Economy, Stupid!
President Trump placed a 90-day tariff relief on ground beef, allowing up to 300,000 metric tons of beef from importers. Trump has also indicated that the imported beef will be sold at 25 percent below market prices, noting that the price of ground beef reached a record average $6.89 per pound this year. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss Trump’s beef policy and the broader issue of America’s struggling economy. They cover how the rising costs of gas, cars, housing and maintenance point back to terrible policies enacted by Democrats. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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291
Has Sorority RushTok Gone Too Far?
University Greek life is in full swing as colleges start the new school year, and social media continues to blow up with “RushTok” — girls dancing to popular songs and attempting to convince prospective sorority sisters to join. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss the trends behind RushTok and how it is impacting young women’s college experiences. They debate whether these Rush experiences are worth it and whether it portrays toxic beauty standards. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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290
TikTok Moms Are Defending and Normalizing Lindsay Clancy’s Behavior
As closing arguments in Lindsay Clancy’s case are being made this week, a bizarre number of moms — in person and on social media — are showing their support for Clancy and defending her actions of murdering her three children. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin revisit the Clancy case and respond to the growing movement of women who are speaking out “in solidarity” with Clancy. Lyrah and Madelynn reject normalizing these behaviors and violent actions toward children, emphasizing that murder is murder and sympathy does not mean endorsement. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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289
How Jayden Daniel’s Momager Destroyed His Football Career
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who formerly played for Louisiana State University and won the Heisman trophy in 2023, became the target of a joke amongst sports leagues due to a dispute over not retiring his LSU number five. Regina Jackson (Daniels’ mom and manager) sent the university a cease-and-desist letter that they wipe all references and stop selling items related to Daniels and his likeness. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explain the damage that Jackson has done to her son’s professional football career, and the lessons that can be learned about keeping your brand reputation intact. They react to the memes of Daniels’ number, where even the MLB, NFL teams, and other corporations chimed in with hysterics. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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288
Why Did The FBI Ignore Audra Christiansen’s Epstein Case And Eric Swalwell’s China Connections?
Declassified documents from the FBI from an operation codenamed “Freshman 15” identified Christine Fang, or “Fang Fang,” as a Chinese intelligence spy connected with disgraced Sen. Eric Swalwell. Fang raised money illegally for Swalwell, had a sexual relationship with him, and placed Chinese-linked interns in Congress. In a separate case, court documents released this month also revealed that former Playmate Audra Christiansen’s story of being sexually assaulted and trafficked by Jeffrey Epstein was reported to the FBI by Playboy founder Hugh Hefner in 2005, but Christiansen’s case was neglected till after Epstein’s death in 2019. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay parse through the details of each case and how the FBI is complicit in letting evil people do evil things. Melissa and Scott debate whether the institution is worth saving, noting how FBI corruption traces back to its beginning and how The American Spectator has reported it. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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287
No Tears Shed For Jason Arday
Jason Arday, who was a former professor at the University of Cambridge, was found dead last week. In the weeks before his death, Arday had been the subject of controversy over alleged plagiarism in his academic papers and questionable achievements listed on his CV. The Spectacle Podcast host Scott McKay and Townhall senior columnist Kurt Schlichter go through the circumstances surrounding Arday’s death and why the Left is hailing him as a martyr ‘driven to death by racists.’ They discuss Arday’s tenure as a professor and how students have described him as the most abusive professor that they’ve had. Scott and Kurt also explain the decline in higher education and the decay of Ivy League institutions. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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286
Parents Sue Palo Alto School District Over a Mosque Field Trip
Parents part of the Community Members for Religious Neutrality in Public Schools sued the Palo Alto Unified School District for a field trip to a local mosque where students were pushed to participate in the religious practices of Islam as part of a “social justice pathway program.” During the trip, Qurans were handed out to students, female students were wearing hijabs, and photos of these students were posted on social media without consent. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss the details of the case, criticizing the trip’s one-sidedness to the religion of Islam and the school’s claim that Islam “uniquely promotes social justice.” Lyrah and Madelynn point out the double standards of how Christianity and Islam are treated in public settings. They also discuss the issue of public schools ignoring America’s roots in Christianity, and whether or not this district crossed the line of teaching religion or promoting it. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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285
Socialist Emily Gallagher Justifies Stealing as “Crimes of Poverty”
“People who are stealing things like toothpaste … like soap … if you’re stealing those things you need them,” Democratic socialist Emily Gallagher stated. Gallagher is an assemblywoman and represents New York City’s District 50, and her comments about “crimes of poverty” were widely criticized online. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin react to her statement and give context to how shoplifters are prosecuted in New York, and the ample resources given to New Yorkers who are struggling and in need of everyday essentials. Lyrah and Madelynn criticize Democratic socialists for blurring clear moral truths, and debunk the lies that these Democratic socialists attempt to sell. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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284
Who’s Your Favorite DSA Moron? Zohran Mamdani, Francesca Hong, Megan Romero, AOC . . . The List Goes On!
As the Democratic Socialists of America continue to take over the Democratic Party, DSA leaders like Zohran Mamdani, Francesca Hong, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (and much more) have graced the American public with a barrage of terrible ideas and dumb moments that are laughable. The Spectacle Podcast host Scott McKay and producers Grace Keller and Madelynn McLaughlin list off their favorite ‘DSA Morons’ and highlight key moments that make these communists extra special. Grace crowns Zohran Mamdani as the most consequential DSA member, Scott frames Francesca Hong as the archetype of the DSA, and Madelynn deems Megan Romero as the comic proof that many DSA candidates are underqualified for political office. Tune in to hear their discussion, and comment who your favorite DSA moron is!
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283
Burritogate Exposes Gen Z’s Affordability Crisis
“A burrito should not cost $20.” This statement is at the crux of a heated debate amongst conservatives regarding the affordability crisis and Gen Z’s financial situation. The Spectacle Podcast host Scott McKay and producers Grace Keller and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss ‘Burritogate’ and the underlying issues that keep Gen Z in financial straits — namely, student debt, useless college degrees, and DEI hiring practices. Grace, Madelynn, and Scott elaborate on urban housing and how Gen Z can’t afford to live in safe areas, sharing personal dangerous encounters with violence within cities that have ‘third-world’-like zones. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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282
The War on Moms and Babies: Lindsay Clancy Case, Fauci, and Vaccines
The Duxbury child killings case, in which Lindsay Clancy murdered her three children, is undergoing trial in Massachusetts. Clancy pleaded not guilty to three charges of first-degree murder, but is claiming a lack of criminal responsibility, as her defense team is emphasizing the 13 psychiatric medications that allegedly caused her postpartum psychosis. The Spectacle Podcast host Scott McKay is joined by podcast producers Grace Keller and Madelynn McLaughlin to unravel tragic details of the Clancy case that are pointing to the dangers of overprescribing SSRIs. Scott, Madelynn, and Grace also discuss the recent Anthony Fauci text message leak that revealed his uncertainties about pregnant women taking the COVID-19 vaccine, and President Trump’s recent executive order to reduce recommended childhood vaccines from 72 to 11.
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281
You Probably Have (Or Will Have) an AI Addiction
Countries such as Britain, Australia and China are implementing strict regulations or bans on social media use for children, citing concerns that social media addiction is contributing to mental health issues. A writer at the New York Times shared her concerns about how artificial intelligence could create similar problems down the road. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss the future of AI and its relational allure as a potential danger. They emphasize that AI should be regarded as a tool, not a replacement for human interaction, and encourage parents to discuss and regulate AI use with their children. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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280
AOC Freezing Her Eggs Is Not ‘Badass’ — It’s Bad
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who has been engaged to Riley Roberts since 2022, shared a video of herself injecting hormones as she announced that she will be freezing her eggs. On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin respond to her decision to freeze her eggs, offering criticism and discussing the negative reactions from conservatives, including Allie Beth Stuckey. Lyrah and Madelynn point out the risks associated with egg harvesting and the IVF process and address speculation that AOC is doing this as a performative stunt for a potential presidential run. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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279
Caitlyn Clark and Sophie Cunningham vs. The WNBA: We’re Fatigued
Caitlyn Clark and Sophie Cunningham are paving the way for the WNBA to receive more traction, but are woke politics withholding the women’s sport from garnering more attention? The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the internal culture problems in the WNBA, the controversy surrounding Angel Reese, and the resentment toward Clark and Cunningham. While Scott doesn’t care to watch the WNBA and argues that it relies on controversy to generate views, Melissa pushes back and argues that women’s basketball could be entertaining if the WNBA can distance itself from identity politics. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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278
In-N-Out Shooting: When The Good Guys Have Guns…
Police identified Chad Williams as the gunman who killed three people and injured seven at an In-N-Out in Twin Falls, Idaho. Two citizens with firearms stopped Williams — healthcare worker Jordan Salinas and an off-duty police officer. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay go through the root causes that fuel mass shooters, such as drug use, bad parenting, and radicalization. They criticize the purpose of “gun-free zones” and make the case that an armed public will reduce the amount of mass shootings. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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277
Will Fauci’s Fifth Cost Him a Contempt of Congress?
Anthony Fauci’s “plead the fifth” recitation at last week’s congressional hearing prompted Sen. Rand Paul to push for a committee vote to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the legal path forward following Fauci’s hearing and how his diary revealed his megalomaniac behavior. They review all of the COVID policy failures from Fauci and criticize the governmental overreach that occurred during the pandemic. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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276
The Overfunded and Understaffed NHS Is Neglecting Babies
U.K. political commentator Connor Tomlinson and his wife were infuriated by the treatment they received from the NHS during a maternity emergency, highlighting a significant problem that is not discussed enough: understaffing and a lack of patient care. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss Tomlinson’s account of mistreatment and explain how it is one of many stories from patients who have dealt with the NHS. They highlight broader concerns about government-run health care and express caution about adopting similar practices in the United States. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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275
We Need to Be Concerned for Ariana Grande
Ariana Grande’s team announced that she will be taking a step back from the public eye after her Eternal Sunshine tour amid “endless, ongoing public scrutiny.” The Wicked star has been the subject of intense online discussion regarding her gaunt appearance, dividing her fans. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin address concerns surrounding Grande’s health, noting her influence on young girls. Lyrah and Madelynn discuss the body positivity movement and why women should not compare themselves to toxic beauty standards. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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274
Don’t Trust China To Alter Your Genes
A six year old girl has passed away in China due to an experimental brain gene editing therapy gone wrong. The treatment, which cost over $800,000 to perform, involved injecting trillions of viruses with a base editor into her spinal fluid. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the dangers behind gene editing and how biotechnology has yet to be further studied. They bring up concerns revolving around tech billionaires and the elites attempting to become immortal, current experiments being done in the US and in China, and recent breakthroughs in gene editing. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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273
Did Nolan’s Odyssey Replace Homer?
Despite doing reasonably well in the box office, Christopher Nolan’s latest film The Odyssey continues to divide viewers over his casting choices. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss and debate the reasoning behind Nolan’s artistic choices in his adaptation of Homer’s epic. Scott argues that Nolan has strayed away from its historical context and opted for modern day political messaging. Melissa argues that the intentions behind the film were to expose Hollywood’s woke ideology for what it is rather than cater to it. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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272
Rubio Exposes Cuba’s Commie Exports In The US
Far Left organizations such as the Democratic Socialists of America, Code Pink, and others were revealed by the State Department’s recent report as Cuban-backed organizations. The report also details how Cuba has managed to infiltrate the United States and other countries with communism. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay dive into Rubio’s report and expand on Cuba’s underlying influence in spreading communist ideology. Melissa and Scott also discuss various models of communism from Cuba, the Soviet Union, and Mao Zedong’s CCP. They also explain current implications for the Trump administration in combating Cuba’s control. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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271
Woke Women Podcasters Claim Homeschooling Is For Dummies
Jennifer Welch and Angie Sullivan, hosts of the I’ve Had It podcast, claim that homeschooling is “a bad idea from soup to nuts.” The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo (who received a public school education), and Madelynn McLaughlin (who received a homeschool education) discuss and react to Welch and Sullivan’s outrageous comments about homeschooling. Lyrah and Madelynn draw on personal experiences growing up in different educational settings and defend the homeschool experience. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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270
Transgender Dolls Are Being Introduced To Kids
The University of Minnesota spent six years researching and developing transgender dolls — MyGender Dolls — that have interchangeable genitalia. These paper dolls are set to debut in select Minnesota classrooms for children as young as four. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin disdain the transgender dolls’ purpose and explain the adverse consequences of introducing transgender ideology to young children. They also call out the Left for encouraging sexual education at inappropriate ages and see this as an overreach into the parental role. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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269
Explosive Diarrhea and the Vegan Delusion
Veggie lovers took an abrupt halt from consuming iceberg lettuce due to an outbreak of Cyclospora — a microscopic parasite — that has caused explosive diarrhea for over a thousand people across the country. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the unfortunate lettuce recall and make the case that being a vegan or a vegetarian doesn’t make one healthier. They explain how class politics tie into food consumption and point out the nutritional deficiencies of vegetarians. Scott and Melissa bring down the moral high ground of vegetarians by debunking various claims about cow methane, sugar, and meat. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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268
The DSA Is Collapsing the Democratic Party
Democratic talking heads like James Carville, Van Jones, and Bill Maher are mourning the turnover of the Democratic Party to communists disguised as socialists. However, they have no one else to blame but themselves. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the downfall of the Democrats during this midterm, despite the DSA wins in low-turnout races. They explain how the Democrats have created the conditions for a socialist takeover, pointing to the previous Obama administration and other Democratic leaders like Bernie Sanders. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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267
Trump’s Election Integrity Speech That No Boomer Heard
President Trump gave an address to the nation last week, and mainstream media coverage was scant to none. Why? They knew that his speech would reveal what Democrats were trying to hide: their dependence on election fraud. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the broad support by Americans for voter ID and why honest elections are a huge threat to the Democrats. Melissa and Scott discuss comments from Elissa Slotkin about halting the passage of the SAVE Act and recent rulings that should propel election integrity efforts moving forward. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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266
While China Is Rejecting AI, Churches Are Embracing It
The use of AI by preachers has become a cause for concern among Christians. A Barna Group study found that roughly a quarter of pastors have used AI to help prepare their sermons. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin debate AI’s role in the church and how it has affected people’s relational needs. They also discuss China’s growing restrictions on romantic AI chatbots, noting the country’s declining birth rate. Lyrah and Madelynn express curiosity about the future of AI and impending legislation governing its use. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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265
Florida Transgender College Student Flips Out at Cop for ‘Misgendering’ Him
Released body camera footage of the arrest of 27-year-old Jarrett Vick, who identifies as transgender, went viral after Vick expressed outrage at a police officer for misgendering him. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin react to the altercation and criticize Vick for his reluctance to comply with authorities. They discuss why the video received widespread attention on social media, pointing to Vick’s childlike behavior and the broader implications of identity politics. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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264
Mexico’s Sheinbaum Sues America for Cartels Loss of Business
The foreign ministry of Mexico filed criminal complaints in the U.S. for 17 Mexican nationals who were killed while in ICE custody or in immigration raids. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced these complaints as a “human rights violation,” but she isn’t really acting out of concern. Rather, this is Sheinbaum’s way to serve the interests of the cartels that truly run the country. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay criticize Sheinbaum’s disingenuous efforts and the true outrage of migrants suffering to cross the border. Melissa and Scott also explain the cartel’s influence on the Mexican government and the question on if Mexico can influence American law enforcement outcomes. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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263
ACAB: All Communists Are Buffoons
The communists wearing democratic socialist clothing are buffoons making their idiocy known not just in America, but around the world, too! Just recently, Rep. Ro Khanna was called out for his dishonesty about his ‘detainment’ by Israelis while he was visiting the West Bank in Israel. Khanna tried to frame his visit’s interruption by the IDF as an “unprecedented, illegal detention of Americans by a foreign country.” The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay give a broad overview of the buffoonery of communists across the country and around the globe, and how this evil ideology has ruined places like China, Cuba, and Russia. Melissa and Scott explain why young people are likely to favor communism due to their lack of life experience and the propaganda through the education system. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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262
Mitch McConnell’s “Proof of Life” Really Proved Nothing
After three weeks of silence, Mitch McConnell and his staff set out to end the speculation about whether he is still alive by posting a “proof of life” photo of him and his wife together. However, that photo only left more questions than answers. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss McConnell’s political tenure, how he has been an obstruction to Trump’s agenda, and why he is a symptom of a broken system. Melissa and Scott explain the implications of replacing his Senate seat and offer arguments as to why the 17th Amendment should be repealed. They also discuss Lindsey Graham’s passing, his legacy, and the speculation around his death. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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261
Celebrities and Conservatives Are Reigniting the Baby Boom
Conservative commentators like Ben Shapiro, Allie Beth Stuckey, and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt have either welcomed new additions to their families or are currently expecting children. Celebrities like Barbara Sprouse, Anne Hathaway, and Natalie Portman are expecting mothers as well, indicating a growing trend among young adults who desire marriage and family. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin praise this new phenomenon, citing a study from the Institute for Family Studies’ 2026 State of Fertility Report. Lyrah and Madelynn discuss how these celebrities and influencers are shining a positive light on family values for younger generations. They also discuss their personal experiences with the blessings of raising a family, with Lyrah being a young mother and Madelynn being the oldest of 13 children. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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260
CNBC’s “Top States” Ranking Is the Top Flop of 2026
The worst state to live in is Tennessee, and the best state is Vermont — at least according to CNBC’s standards. On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin parse through CNBC’s annual “Top States for Business” study and discuss why many people think it is a joke. Lyrah and Madelynn examine the survey’s emphasis on each state’s inclusivity policies regarding LGBTQ issues, DEI and reproductive rights, which they argue caused conservative-leaning states to sink to the bottom of the list. They criticize the ranking for not only being biased but also for being tone-deaf to the true desires of Americans when choosing a place to settle down. Tune in to find out if you live in the best or worst state!
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259
Zohran Mamdani Wants America’s Flaws First — Not America First
Rather than reminding fellow Americans of what has made this nation great for 250 years, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke from George Washington’s desk and criticized the nation’s history. “You each hold a special power. The power to determine what America means. The powerful have always known their answer. America, in their view, is an arena of supremacy, where only a select few are allowed freedom, where not all are created equal,” Mamdani said. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin analyze Mamdani’s speech and criticize what they describe as his portrayal of America as a nation defined primarily by its flaws while overlooking its long list of accomplishments. They contrast Mamdani’s remarks with a message posted on X by Spencer Pratt, who offered a rebuttal by comparing love of country to love for a family home. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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258
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift Are ‘JusT&T Married:’ What Happened at the American ‘Royal Wedding’
Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift tied the knot this weekend at Madison Square Garden, celebrating with more than 1,000 guests in attendance. The lavish wedding included a complete transformation of the arena for the occasion and had a raffle with luxury prizes for their guests, including Cartier watches and Chanel and Dior handbags. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss details of the wedding that have emerged through leaks and offer their congratulations to the newlywed couple. Lyrah and Madelynn also respond to reactions from fans and critics, discussing Swift’s past relationships and how they ultimately led her to say “I do” to Kelce. They also share their thoughts on the values that contribute to a strong, lasting marriage, emphasizing the importance of finding the right partner and remaining committed through thick and thin. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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257
Boomers, Step Aside. The Gen X Moment Is Here.
Generation X leadership is desperately needed in our country, yet why are the aging Boomers still adamant about holding the reins? The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and ‘Gen X Spokesperson’ Scott McKay chime in on the debate over why Gen Xers should be running the country, arguing that Boomers are selfish and are not setting up the future generations for success. Melissa and Scott discuss the unique qualifications and upbringing of Gen Xers who have grown up with analog childhoods but adjusted to the digital world. They criticize Boomers for selfishly withholding what could be for future generations — pointing out the massive wealth, housing, and hoarding problems caused by the Boomers that are negatively impacting their offspring. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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256
The Democrats Walked So Democratic Socialists Can Run The Party
Democrats like Rahm Emanuel are still trying to diagnose what truly went wrong with their party, yet they don’t want to claim responsibility for enabling what led to their defeated state in the first place. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay go through the institutional problem with the Left, noting Emanuel’s observations of how the Democrats have officially ‘lost the plot’ by advocating for woke policies. Melissa and Scott discuss the slippery slopes with policies enacted by the Democrat Party, such as how Title IX provided the gateway for gay marriage and transgender ideology. They also talk about how far Leftist radicals like AOC, Jasmine Crockett, and Ilhan Omar have replaced the ‘establishment’ Democrats who would be considered more centrist today. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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255
Citizen Vigilante Is A Messy Movie You Want To Watch
Due to its ban in Germany and France, Citizen Vigilante rose to the top of the charts with help from Elon Musk posting the full movie on X. Armie Hammer, who plays an American ex-soldier in the film, goes on a mission to target and attack criminals after witnessing the corruption that’s enabled by the legal system. On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay offer their insight into Citizen Vigilante and the cultural significance that the film now holds. Melissa felt like her time was wasted watching the film, pointing out the heavy propaganda and lack of artistry. On the other hand, Scott points out that the overall message about the lack of assimilation — rather than the film’s technical aspects — is what made it shine. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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254
Why We Still Love America
As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss what truly makes America great and why they remain hopeful about the nation’s future. Lyrah and Madelynn reflect on the beauty of America’s founding, landscape and culture. They also share some of their favorite aspects of America and discuss their excitement about the upcoming Young Washington movie. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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253
Darializa Avila Chevalier: The Next AOC We Should Worry About
Pro-Palestinian doctoral student and community organizer Darializa Avila Chevalier secured the House seat for New York’s 13th Congressional District with the endorsement of New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani. Chevalier’s surprising win is making moderate Democrats worry about Mamdani’s influence in electing candidates on the far left and the broader influence of the Democratic Socialists of America within the Democratic Party. On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Lyrah Margo and Madelynn McLaughlin discuss Chevalier’s candidacy and socialist agenda, arguing that democratic socialists like Mamdani and Chevalier are reshaping the Democratic Party. Lyrah and Madelynn also examine Chevalier’s recently deleted X account, which featured numerous posts embracing communism, Marxism, and anti-American rhetoric. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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252
Is Israel Behind Colombia’s Elections?
Trump-backed Colombian politician Abelardo de la Espriella won the presidential election in Colombia, creating a big upset for the Left as they realize that even South Americans don’t want communist leaders to run their country. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay respond to the complaints from the Left of Espriella’s victory, such as Ben Norton’s political gobbledygook about the election as rigged by Israel and a “Neo-colonial assault” by President Trump and Marco Rubio. They also discuss the changes in Latin America since USAID was defunded, noting how six elections have been won by right-leaning candidates. Melissa and Scott discuss the importance of fair and honest elections that the Left disdains, and how stolen elections are how political violence foments. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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251
Keir Starmer’s Resignation Brings More Calamity For The Brits
The United Kingdom is bidding farewell to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and connections are being made that his resignation happened days after the rape gang reports have been released. The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss Starmer’s resignation, Andy Burnham as the potential successor, and what it means for the UK going forward. Melissa and Scott go through the horrific report and its findings of over 250,000 victims of Pakistani/Muslim rape gangs, criticizing Starmer’s government for prosecuting minor offenses and ignoring bigger evils. Tune in to hear their discussion!
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Commentary on current events and interviews with prominent figures in politics, media and culture.
HOSTED BY
The American Spectator
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