Podcast Summary: The Commentary Magazine Podcast – "How Did We Podcasters Meet?"

Release Date: December 26, 2024
Host: John Podhoretz
Guests: Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, Matthew Continetti, Christine Rosen

Introduction

In the holiday edition of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, host John Podhoretz engages with his esteemed colleagues Abe Greenwald, Seth Mandel, Matthew Continetti, and Christine Rosen. The episode delves into the personal histories of the hosts, exploring how they first met and the enduring relationships that have shaped their collaborative efforts at Commentary Magazine.

Answering Listener Questions: How Did We Podcasters Meet?

Listener Michael Mann posed a thoughtful question: “How did you podcasters meet each other, and what were your first impressions?” The hosts take turns sharing their unique stories of connection, revealing the intricate tapestry of professional and personal interactions that brought them together.

John Podhoretz and Abe Greenwald ([02:42] - [05:48])

John recounts his initial meeting with Abe Greenwald, which began through an email exchange sparked by Abe’s contributions to a lesser-known Jewish website, Kerchief. Attracted by Abe's insightful pieces, John invited him for coffee alongside Sam Munson, the then-editor of the Commentary website. This meeting blossomed into a fruitful collaboration, eventually leading to Abe joining as a full-time writer for the Commentary blog. John reflects:

“When I got this call, I almost had to pinch myself. It was really that exciting to me.” ([05:58])

John Podhoretz and Seth Mandel ([07:33] - [10:14])

John shares the story of meeting Seth Mandel at a kosher steakhouse on the Upper West Side, facilitated by Seth's then-girlfriend, Bethany Shondark. Impressed by Seth’s writing and Bethany’s social media prowess, John hired both to contribute to Commentary. Seth humorously adds:

“[...] Bethany likes to say that you asked just to be sure you guys were serious because we were not married yet.” ([10:33])

John Podhoretz and Matthew Continetti ([14:15] - [23:30])

Matthew Continetti reminisces about meeting John at a 2003 reception hosted by the Collegiate Network in honor of John and Todd Lindbergh. Their relationship deepened through mutual professional engagements, including book parties and collaborative writing endeavors. Matthew notes:

“When I saw your name in my inbox, I hope he liked it. Don't want to make him angry.” ([16:45])

Christine Rosen’s Encounters ([17:28] - [23:38])

Christine Rosen recalls meeting Matthew at social events tied to the Ethics and Public Policy Center and eventually connecting with John at a Commentary event in New York. She highlights Matthew’s humorous side, contrasting it with John’s serious writing demeanor:

“[...] what people should know about Matt is that he's actually quite hilarious.” ([20:32])

The hosts collectively emphasize the blend of professional respect and personal camaraderie that underpins their interactions, fostering a dynamic and engaging podcast environment.

Book Recommendations

Listener Holly Fellows of Utah inquired about favorite books that the hosts admire but haven’t authored. Each contributor shares insightful selections that reflect their intellectual interests and cultural engagements.

Seth Mandel ([26:40] - [27:45])

Seth recommends "Fervor" by Toby Lloyd, a novel about a Jewish family in London grappling with supernatural elements tied to their Holocaust survivor grandfather. He praises its exploration of faith and the supernatural within a modern orthodox setting:

“It's a very good novel. Very interesting.” ([26:40])

Matthew Continetti ([27:53] - [28:45])

Matthew suggests two pivotal works for understanding cultural references essential to their podcast discussions:

1. "5001 Nights at the Movies" by Pauline Kael
2. "Cultural Amnesia" by Clive James

He underscores the importance of these books in providing a comprehensive cultural framework:

“If you read those two books and you can dip into them, you don't have to read them straight through. But if you, if you commune with those two books, you will know basically everything you need to know about the cultural background that informs so many of our conversations on the podcast.” ([28:45])

Christine Rosen ([28:50] - [29:47])

Christine shares her enduring favorites:

1. "Middlemarch" by George Eliot – Despite its worn condition, she treasures this novel for its deep-seated memories and literary prowess.
2. "From Dawn to Decadence" by Jacques Barzun – A sprawling cultural history that she frequently references to address cultural queries.

She emphasizes the lasting impact of these works on her intellectual and professional life:

“[...] I have no recollection of the first time we met in person more than 20 years ago.” ([29:47])

Additional Recommendations

John himself pulls a notable mention from behind him, highlighting Joseph Epstein’s essay collection "The Ideal of Culture." He lauds Epstein as a preeminent American literary and cultural essayist whose work has been a staple for Commentary readers for over six decades.

“[...] he is as a sast is pretty much without peer. I think it's almost universally acknowledged that he is the leading American literary cultural essayist of our time.” ([29:47])

Conclusion

The episode "How Did We Podcasters Meet?" offers an intimate glimpse into the origins and relationships of The Commentary Magazine Podcast team. Through shared stories and literary recommendations, the hosts illuminate the foundation of their collaborative spirit and intellectual synergy. As the holiday edition wraps up, listeners are left with a deeper appreciation of the personal bonds and cultural influences that enrich the discussions on the podcast.

Notable Quotes:

• John Podhoretz ([05:58]): “When I got this call, I almost had to pinch myself. It was really that exciting to me.”

• Christine Rosen ([20:32]): “What people should know about Matt is that he's actually quite hilarious.”

• Matthew Continetti ([16:45]): “When I saw your name in my inbox, I hope he liked it. Don't want to make him angry.”

• Seth Mandel ([26:40]): “It's a very good novel. Very interesting.”

For more insights and episodes, visit Ricochet.com and explore over 40 original podcasts from Commentary Magazine.