The Rational Policy Podcast

On Episode 35 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay return to our regularly scheduled show format, where we discuss a number of topics in the news this week. Naturally, we spend much of the podcast discussing the latest assassination attempt against President Trump – the fourth such attempt in less than two years. We explore the attempted assassin’s rationale, what it says about the apocalyptic rhetoric of the far-left vis a vis Trump, and how this particular attempt is especially worrisome. We also detail the security situation around the president – what worked and what needs to be changed – and how we may be able to move away from this growing cultural push to justify political violence. After that, we do a lightning round, hitting on a wide variety of topics in rapid succession. We talk about the war in Iran, focusing on the blockade and the news of the UAE leaving OPEC. We discuss the ideologically-suspect Spirit Airlines bailout. We touch on the bogus criminal case against James Comey. And we hit the Virginia gerrymander and the recently-decided Supreme Court voting rights case. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Welcome back to the Rational Policy Podcast! In this episode, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay once again plumb the depths of the events in the Middle East. We discuss the latest developments in the Iran War, including the escalating naval conflict and the potential for future negotiations with the regime in Tehran. Is this a lull in the war, or the start of a new phase? We explore the near-global American blockade, the continued Iranian threats to the Strait of Hormuz, and the impact on markets. We also talk about the increased prominence of American economic warfare in this conflict and the potential for success in this approach, continuing to drastically weaken the mullahcracy. We discuss the changes in Iranian leadership, the impact that has on negotiations, and how this conflict may end. The change in posture in the Gulf states, the American domestic political dimensions of the war, and the broader geopolitical implications of it all are detailed as well. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Episode 33 of the Rational Policy Podcast sees your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay deliver a sixth consecutive update on the Iran War. On this installment, we discuss the newly-implemented American blockade of Iranian ports, how it could impact the next steps of the conflict, and how it helps solve the biggest concern of critics thus far: the navigability of the Strait of Hormuz. We also talk about the possible endgame of the war, whether negotiations with the Iranians are ever worthwhile, and what may happen to the remaining nuclear material inside Iran. Other topics include the Lebanese front and the bilateral discussions between Beirut and Israel, the enormous economic pressure being put on Tehran, and even some talk about AI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 32 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay talk about something entirely different. Just kidding, we talk about the Iran War, obviously. We catch up on everything that has happened since we last convened, starting with the incredible combat search and rescue feat that our military pulled off over Easter weekend, safely evacuating a downed airman from Iranian territory. Next, we discuss the risible social media posts from President Trump threatening mass devastation on Iranian infrastructure, teasing out whether he was ever serious about them and how the overly outraged reaction (“He’s threatening genocide!”) undermined a very solid argument. Finally, we spend most of the podcast detailing the apparent ceasefire agreement between the US and Iran. Detailing may not be the right word given the complete lack of specifics and the seeming inability for anyone involved to agree on what terms were actually approved, but we break it all down regardless. We discuss whether this pause is necessary (it isn’t), if it will end the war (it won’t), and whether it will make it the full two weeks (doubtful). This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Episode 31 of the Rational Policy Podcast sees your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay discuss the developments in the Iran War after a month of intense fighting. First, however, we spend some time praising the incredible Artemis II mission and America’s return to the Moon, a beacon of national unity in a time of political strife. In the war update, we break down Trump’s address to the nation, mentioning the rhetorical successes and what was left on the cutting room floor. We talk about the stated rationale for the conflict, the progress detailed by the president, and the potential endgame for the war. Issues like the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear material, and the future of its ballistic missile and drone program are mentioned. We also discuss how this war is reshaping regional and global alliances, the role of outside actors in reopening the Strait, and the recent firing of a top Army official by Secretary of War Hegseth. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 30 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay recap another week of developments in the only story really worth discussing: the war against the Iranian mullahcracy. We talk about the current state of play, the possible challenges to come, and the vast successes thus far. We touch on the Strait of Hormuz and whether its temporary closure is as big a deal as it is being made out to be, the potential for the collapse of the regime, the global and regional realignments currently reshaping geopolitics, and the impact of this war on other theaters of future conflict, from Asia to Europe. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Welcome back to the Rational Policy Podcast! On episode 29 of the show, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay discuss the new developments over the past week of the Iran war. We talk about the extraordinary military success of the US and Israel, how the Iranian regime is being battered, and what sort of tactics and strategy we may be seeing in the coming weeks. We touch on the closure of the Strait of Hormuz - the impact on global energy flows, the Iranian ability to maintain the closure, and what we can do about it - the rise in Islamic terrorism here at home, and the potential for regime change in Tehran. We also detail the absurd media and internet reactions to this war, including the plethora of pundits and politicians who are obsessed with preemptively labeling it a failure, in spite of clearly observable reality. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

We’re back! After a brief hiatus, the Rational Policy Podcast has returned in its full glory - and not a moment too soon. Join your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay for a wide-ranging discussion on the one topic that matters right now: the war against the Iranian regime. In this episode, we break down what is happening, why it is happening now, how the war against the mullahcracy is in American interests, and how this may all shake out. We talk about the wild Iranian response and how it proves the danger the regime poses, our incredible military prowess, and whether the “day after” really matters as much as critics claim it should. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Episode 27 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosted by Mike Coté and Art Vandelay, is here! In this installment of the show, we discuss three of the week’s top stories: the Epstein file release, mass layoffs at the Washington Post, and the lapsing of the US-Russia nuclear arms limitation treaty known as New START. And be sure to stay tuned to the end of the show for a very special announcement and a programming note! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

The Rational Policy Podcast is back with Episode 26, hitting three stories, foreign and domestic, from the past week. Your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay start with the issue taking up almost all of the political oxygen: the chaotic situation in Minneapolis surrounding the enforcement of federal immigration law. We talk about the specific events that have made this an omnipresent story, the role of states and localities versus the federal government, how the situation can be rectified, and why everyone needs to turn down the temperature. Next, we move across the Atlantic to Davos, Switzerland, where the World Economic Forum held its annual conference. This year, the focus was the unreliability of America and the potential benefit of expanding relations with China; we detail how we got to this point, why our friends are charting a dangerous path, and how we can get them off of it. Finally, we discuss the most blatant violation of law by the president since his inauguration: the unilateral, unconstitutional reprieve he has repeatedly granted to the malign Chinese espionage/propaganda app, TikTok. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 25 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay break down the good, the bad, and the ugly from the first 365 days of Trump’s second term as president. We focus on the four most important domestic concerns in the 2024 election and the four key regions for American foreign policy. In the process, we give out letter grades for a whole slew of issues, ranging from the economy and immigration to Asia and the Americas. No holds are barred, no punches are pulled, and we tell it to you straight: where did Trump succeed and where did he fail? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

In episode 24 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay discuss three topics in current events, foreign and domestic. We start with what could easily be the biggest story of the year so far: the incipient revolution in Iran. Next, we touch on an idea that just keeps coming back: the annexation of Greenland. Finally, we dive into a broad domestic issue that has received relatively little coverage: the political radicalization of young women. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Episode 23 of the Rational Policy Podcast focuses on one topic and one topic only this week: the incredible US raid to capture Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro. We break down the events themselves, how the operation was executed, what comes next for Maduro, as well as the future of the Venezuelan people and their repressive government. Who is in charge of the regime in Caracas? When will there be a democratic transition, if ever? Is this a war? And how does this make us safer? Your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay answer these and many other key questions about a night that will truly go down in the history books. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 22 of the Rational Policy Podcast, your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay step away from the immediate news of the day to take a broad look at the year past. In this 2025 Year in Review show, we hit on seven questions about the events, ideas, and politics of the past 365 days - and the next 360. What was the biggest story of the year? The most undercovered issue? The biggest disappointment? And what are our bold predictions for 2026? Tune in for a whirlwind tour of the best, worst, and dumbest from 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

The Rational Policy Podcast is back with another Very Special Holiday Episode! On this show, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay avoid politics entirely, focusing instead on the greatest holiday of all: Christmas. We have a free-wheeling discussion about traditions, gifts, decorations, food, family, entertainment, and more. Merry Christmas! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 20 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay hit three topics, two foreign and one domestic. We lead off with the abhorrent antisemitic massacre during a Hanukkah celebration on Bondi Beach in Australia, carried out by an ISIS-inspired father and son duo. Next, we shift regions, if not topics, to touch on the killing of three Americans in Syria during an anti-ISIS operation. Finally, we ask and answer a question that will only grow in importance over the coming months and years: Is Donald Trump a lame duck? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 19 of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay delve into three international topics. First, we take a deep dive on the Trump administration’s military campaign against Venezuelan narcotraffickers affiliated with the Maduro regime. Is this a hot War on Drugs or a regime change operation in the making? After that, we talk about talks: the talks between American and Russian diplomats over the war in Ukraine. Finally, we touch on two news stories that showcase the issues with unassimilated Muslim refugees - a major Somali-led fraud operation in Minnesota and the terrorist shooting of two National Guard troops in Washington DC. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On this Very Special Episode of the Rational Policy Podcast, your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay skip the news of the day and talk turkey. Thanksgiving turkey, that is. We spend the whole episode in a wide-ranging conversation about this fabulous American holiday, touching on food, entertainment, traditions, and gratitude. If you work for Big Turkey, this may not be the podcast for you. But for everyone else, it’s a good one. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 17 of the Rational Policy Podcast, your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay do a deep dive on one topic and one topic only: the intramural fracas on the American right. We discuss the key players, break down the controversies that led up to the current infighting, and explain why this matters, even for those who aren’t terminally online. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

In Episode 16 of the Rational Policy Podcast your hosts, Mike Coté and Art Vandelay, start off by remembering former vice president Dick Cheney, who died this week at age 84. Next, we recap the elections in New York City, New Jersey, and Virginia. Will New York City come out unscathed from a Mamdani mayoralty? Finally, we do a lightning round trip through Donald Trump’s Asia sojourn, where he met with the leaders of Japan, South Korea, and China. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

In episode 15 of The Rational Policy Podcast, we hit on three topics ranging from executive authority to military policy to cultural sickness. First, we discuss the presidential pardon power in light of recent scandals with both former President Biden and his successor Donald Trump. Next, we shift gears and move to Venezuela, one of the biggest potential flashpoints for the American military in the coming weeks. Finally, we wrap up by detailing the latest sports gambling scandal and what it says about the world of modern sports entertainment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

The Rational Policy Podcast is back with Episode 14, diving into the biggest stories of the week. First, we discuss the defense of Democratic Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner against a series of awful news stories. Next, we give an update on the tenuous ceasefire deal in Gaza and touch on the ongoing war in Ukraine. Finally, we detail the No Kings protests and whether they will have a lasting impact. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On episode 13 of the Rational Policy Podcast, join your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay for a deep dive on two important subjects in today’s politics. First, we discuss the US-brokered hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, delving into the specifics, the reactions, and more. The second topic revolves around the rising trend on both left and right to avoid criticism of excesses, abuses, or issues on their own side of the aisle. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On episode 12 of the Rational Policy Podcast, your hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay dive into many of the week’s major news stories. We discuss the recent $150 million acquisition of The Free Press by Paramount/CBS. Next, we talk about the controversies around immigration enforcement across the country. Finally, Mike briefly rants on the ridiculously short prison sentence handed out to the would-be assassin of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Episode 11 of the Rational Policy Podcast discusses the week in news, from the severely under-covered to the aggressively over-covered. On the former front, we have the foiling of a foreign (likely Chinese) plot to take down New York City’s telecommunications system. Next, we touch on the heavily-covered indictment of former FBI director James Comey. Finally, we detail the new peace plan for Gaza. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On this episode of the Rational Policy Podcast, we discuss one topic and one topic only: the assassination of Charlie Kirk. We detail the case updates, including the arrest of the alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, what we know about him, and how he may have been radicalized. We then move to the reactions to the murder from both left and right. Lastly, we talk about where we go from here and how we may be able to bring Americans back to a place of normalcy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Episode 9 of the Rational Policy Podcast (recorded Wednesday 9/10) is a solemn one, discussing the assassination of 31-year-old conservative megastar Charlie Kirk. We follow that with another awful crime, the murder of a Ukrainian refugee by a lunatic repeat offender on public transit. We then break down the Russian drone incursion into Poland. Finally, we touch on the Israeli airstrike against Hamas leaders in Qatar. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On this episode of the Rational Policy Podcast, hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay dive into America’s targeted destruction of a Venezuelan narcoterrorist vessel, talking implications, legalities, and what may come next. Then, we briefly detail the insane ‘Trump Is Dead’ conspiracy theories. The main topic of discussion is the recent National Conservatism conference. We break down why they matter, how they’re wrong, and how to counter their ideas. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

The Rational Policy Podcast is back with Episode 7. We start off with a long discussion of Trump’s plan to take a 10% equity stake in Intel on behalf of the country and explain why this is a terrible idea. Next, we move to Israel to detail new developments there, namely the allegation of widespread famine. Finally, we talk about Islamic terrorism's new home base in Africa. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

Welcome back to the Rational Policy Podcast! In episode 6, your hosts Art Vandelay and Mike Coté break down the latest in current affairs. We start off by doing a deep dive into the US summitry of the past few days, exploring what happened in the meetings with Ukraine/Europe and Russia and explaining why we’re more optimistic than some. We talk about outcomes, reactions, and what could come next diplomatically, as well as how this diplomacy translates to the battlefield. Next, we touch on the Trump administration’s attempt to de-wokify the Smithsonian museums, discussing why the idea is necessary, but the messenger is flawed. Finally, we end with a disagreement on the social media topic du jour, California governor Gavin Newsom’s choice to mimic Trump’s unique online style.Give a listen and a share. Let us know what we should talk about next week! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

After a week hiatus, the Rational Policy Podcast is back! In episode 5 of the show, your hosts Art Vandelay and Mike Coté delve into some of the major news topics of the moment, from foreign to domestic policy.We start with some cultural commentary on the first two episodes of the new season of South Park, which has relentlessly (and hilariously) skewered the MAGA movement. Next, we move to the realm of international affairs, discussing the upcoming summit in Alaska between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin. Then, we shift back to the home front, talking about two big political brouhahas: the federalization of DC police and the proposed mid-decade gerrymandering of Texas.Give a listen and share it with friends! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

In episode 4 of the Rational Policy Podcast, your hosts Art Vandelay and Mike Coté break down the latest in world affairs. We start the show with a reminiscence on Hulk Hogan, followed by a long discussion about the latest events and narratives surrounding the Israeli mission in Gaza. We wrap up the show talking Hegseth at DoD and the Democrats in Disarray.Check it out! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

In Episode 3 of the Rational Policy Podcast, your trusty hosts delve into the news of the week. We discuss the sad death of the rock legend Ozzy Osbourne before diving into politics. The conversation runs the gamut from the Syrian crisis and the defunding of NPR to the cancelation of Stephen Colbert's late night show and the "new" Russiagate disclosures from DNI Tulsi Gabbard. Give a listen! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

On Episode 2 of the Rational Policy Podcast, we dive into a variety of subjects, including the coverage of Trump's health as compared to Biden's, the Biden autopen scandal and its fallout, and the stunning Trump reversal on Ukraine. We talk through the geopolitical implications of this shift, as well as the partisan politics of the moment. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com

The Rational Policy Podcast has returned! On this maiden voyage with your co-hosts Mike Coté and Art Vandelay, we discuss everything from Jeffrey Epstein and AI's turn into Hitler apologia to the devastating flooding in Texas and the Ukraine weapons transfer debacle. Listen in and let us know what you think! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.rationalpolicy.com