The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "What Do We Podcasters Read?" – Episode Summary

Release Date: December 27, 2024
Host/Author: Commentary Magazine
Description: Commentary is America’s premier monthly magazine of opinion: General, yet Jewish. Highly variegated, with a unifying perspective. Listen to The Commentary Magazine Podcast, along with more than 40 other original podcasts, at Ricochet.com. No paid subscription required.

Introduction

In this special holiday edition of The Commentary Magazine Podcast, the hosts—John Podhoretz, Abe Greenwald, Matthew Continetti, Christine Rosen, and Seth Mandel—delve into two listener-submitted questions. The episode primarily focuses on the hosts' reading habits and their favorite vacation spots, providing listeners with insights into their daily podcast preparation and personal preferences.

Listener Question 1: Podcast Preparation and Reading Habits

Howard Boxer from Canada engages the hosts with two questions:

1. What do the hosts read to prepare for their daily podcasts?
2. Recommendations for good reads, referencing previous suggestions like "Replay" by Ken Grimwood and "Long Island Compromise" by Taffy Brodess or Achner.

Discussion Highlights:

• Matthew Continetti's Preparation:

  • Reads approximately ten newsletters daily.
  • Quote [04:48]: "I wake up in the morning and immediately begin preparing for the podcast. Typically, I read, I don't know, 10 newsletters before we record the podcast."
  • Mentions newsletters such as Mark Halperin's, Axios Playbook, Semaphore, SitRep Umbra by John Schindler, The Dispatch Morning Newsletter, and The New York Times newsletter.
  • Scans front pages of subscribed newspapers to ensure coverage of major stories.

• Christine Rosen's Approach:

  • Starts with the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times.
  • Quote [07:50]: "I also read newsletters. I actually start Mark Halperin's newsletter. Amazing."
  • Incorporates John Ellis’s News Items for curated insights, especially on science and China.
  • Explores tabloids like the Daily Mail and the New York Post for diverse perspectives.
  • Utilizes platforms like Arts and Letters Daily and Chronicle of Higher Education for academic and cultural insights.

• John Podhoretz’s Routine:

  • Begins with Mark Halperin’s newsletter.
  • Quote [10:10]: "I check the Times of Israel every morning for what’s the latest reliable story going on in the Middle East."
  • Monitors The Washington Post and Real Clear Politics for agenda-setting topics.
  • Relies on social media (specifically X, formerly Twitter) to gauge trending stories.

• Abe Greenwald’s Method:

  • Keeps up with newsletters like Mark Halperin's, Punchbowl Dispatch, and The Dispatch.
  • Quote [09:40]: "I read stuff late at night before I go to bed, sort of get my sense of what's in the New York Times and the Washington Post around 11pm."
  • Follows conversations on X to identify emerging news stories.

• Seth Mandel’s Strategy:

  • Emphasizes improvisation and daily momentum.
  • Quote [17:09]: "You just have to be ready... the daily repertoire that we have is the rapport that we have."
  • Attributes the ability to stay prepared to the continuous, collaborative discussions among the hosts.

Key Insights:

• Diverse Sources: The hosts utilize a blend of newsletters, traditional newspapers, online tabloids, and social media to stay informed.

• Collaborative Preparation: Regular interactions and a shared rapport among the hosts facilitate a dynamic and responsive podcasting environment.

• Adaptability: Particularly noted by Seth Mandel, the ability to improvise and adapt to unfolding news is crucial for their daily format.

Listener Question 2: Vacation Spot Recommendations

Barry Kelly from Scottsdale, Arizona, seeks recommendations for vacation destinations, both specific and general, without a political angle.

Recommendations by Hosts:

• Christine Rosen:

  • Big Sur, California: Renowned for its stunning coastline and natural beauty.
  • Acadia National Park, Maine: Ideal for families, offering activities like canoeing, swimming, biking, and camping.
  • Quote [25:02]: "It is a wonderful vacation spot for families... It is just a beautiful, beautiful place."

• John Podhoretz:

  • Deer Isle, Maine: Praised for its picturesque landscapes and cultural offerings.
  • Prague, Czech Republic: Highlighted for its walkability, rich history, and architectural beauty.
  • Quote [29:13]: "It's not only very beautiful, very rich in political and Jewish history, but I love Prague because it is so walkable."

• Seth Mandel:

  • Old Jaffa Port, Israel: Celebrated for its historical significance and vibrant atmosphere.
  • Deer Valley, Utah: Noted for its breathtaking mountain scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Lake Powell, Utah: Described as a pristine body of water offering a surreal natural experience.
  • London, UK: Valued for its theaters, museums, history, and efficient public transportation.
  • Quote [39:29]: "London... is the what you can do in London. Theater, art, history, walking around, wonderful transportation."

• Matthew Continetti:

  • Disney World: Embraced as a family-friendly destination with exceptional crowd management and entertainment.
  • Quote [33:27]: "I think it's just a great vacation and I make no apologies for that."

• Abe Greenwald:

  • Maine and Los Angeles, California:
    • Maine: Reiterates recommendations for Acadia National Park and Deer Isle.
    • Los Angeles: Offers diverse activities from beach outings to cultural visits, despite notorious traffic.
  • Quote [41:26]: "They have great museums, they have great restaurants, they have great everything. The problem is the traffic."

Key Insights:

• Variety in Preferences: Hosts recommend a mix of natural retreats, culturally rich cities, and family-oriented destinations, reflecting their diverse interests.

• Emphasis on Experience: Recommendations focus not just on the location but the quality of experiences offered, such as historical exploration, outdoor activities, and efficient infrastructure.

• Personal Anecdotes: Each host shares personal experiences to illustrate why a particular destination holds significance for them, adding authenticity to their recommendations.

Conclusion

The episode "What Do We Podcasters Read?" offers a comprehensive look into the intellectual and personal lives of the Commentary Magazine Podcast hosts. By sharing their reading habits and vacation preferences, the hosts provide listeners with a deeper understanding of their perspectives and the methods that inform their daily discussions. This transparency not only fosters a closer connection with the audience but also underscores the diversity and thoughtfulness that define the podcast's content.

Notable Quotes:

• Matthew Continetti [04:48]: "I wake up in the morning and immediately begin preparing for the podcast. Typically, I read, I don't know, 10 newsletters before we record the podcast."

• Seth Mandel [17:09]: "The daily repertoire that we have is the rapport that we have... Just settle in and you're there for two days, three days, four days, however long you're going for."

• Christine Rosen [25:02]: "It is just a beautiful, beautiful place and it's a reminder of the need... I'm a huge fan of our national park system."

• John Podhoretz [29:13]: "It's not only very beautiful, very rich in political and Jewish history, but I love Prague because it is so walkable."

• Matthew Continetti [33:27]: "I think it's just a great vacation and I make no apologies for that."

This episode serves as an insightful guide for listeners interested in the behind-the-scenes aspects of podcasting and the personal interests of its hosts, enriching the overall listening experience.