City Journal Audio

City Journal is America's premier source of insightful policy analysis, sophisticated cultural commentary, and bold investigations that legacy journalists are too timid to touch. From incisive interviews to lively panel discussions, our podcasts extend CJ's trademark rigor and wit beyond the written page to the dynamic world of streaming audio. Listen today.

Reforming Child Welfare: The Hidden Crisis No One Talks About 04/29/2026

Reforming Child Welfare: The Hidden Crisis No One Talks About Naomi Schaefer Riley and Rafael Mangual discuss the complexities of the child welfare system in the U.S. They explore controversial policies surrounding child protection, neglect, and foster care, emphasizing the need for transparency and reform. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/41064950

Pre-Industrial Life Was Worse 04/24/2026

Pre-Industrial Life Was Worse Chelsea Follett joins Brian Anderson to talk about how technology has improved urban living from earlier times. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/41006215

Supreme Court Opinion Roundup (with Ilya Shapiro) 04/23/2026

Supreme Court Opinion Roundup (with Ilya Shapiro) Ilya Shapiro and Rafael Mangual discuss the Supreme Court’s most consequential recent decisions and anticipate the legal battles that could define the future of American law. From landmark rulings to looming cases, they offer sharp analysis of issues like birthright citizenship, the scope of executive power, and the role of independent agencies—while examining how judicial philosophy continues to influence the Court’s approach. They also look ahead to what’s next: potential retirements, shifting dynamics on the bench, and high-stakes cases such as Childs v. Salazar. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40990405

Reforming Therapy: Addressing Bias and Building Trust 04/16/2026

Reforming Therapy: Addressing Bias and Building Trust Founder of the Open Therapy Institute Andrew Hartz and Rafael Mangual explore the growing influence of political bias in psychotherapy and what it means for both therapists and clients. Hartz makes the case for an approach to mental health care that respects personal beliefs while still promoting growth and well-being. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40900650

Affordability Roundtable (Part 2): The Hidden Costs of College and Food Delivery: How Regulations Drive Up Prices 04/09/2026

Affordability Roundtable (Part 2): The Hidden Costs of College and Food Delivery: How Regulations Drive Up Prices Jarrett Dieterle, Neetu Arnold, and Rafael Mangual discuss surprising parallels between the soaring costs of higher education and the price of food delivery. What’s driving these increases—and who’s really paying for them? They examine how government regulations, subsidies, and market dynamics shape affordability in both sectors. Their conversation challenges conventional thinking about cost, value, and opportunity in today’s economy. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40784635

City Journal Affordability Roundtable (Part 1) 04/02/2026

City Journal Affordability Roundtable (Part 1) Judge Glock, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual discuss key factors affecting urban affordability. From the hidden impact of sales taxes to the role of density in shaping livable cities, they examine how policy decisions affect housing costs, public services, and quality of life. Whether you're a policymaker, city resident, or just curious about the future of urban living, this episode offers sharp insights into what makes cities affordable. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40711795

Mamdani’s First Three Months 04/02/2026

Mamdani’s First Three Months Nicole Gelinas joins Brian Anderson to discuss Zohran Mamdani’s performance as mayor and the fiscal condition of New York City. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40711180

Reclaiming Liberty & Equality: What the Founders Got Right—and What We Forgot (with Professor Robert George) 03/25/2026

Reclaiming Liberty & Equality: What the Founders Got Right—and What We Forgot (with Professor Robert George) Professor Robert P. George and Rafael Mangual explore the enduring foundations of American constitutionalism and what they reveal about human nature, power, and freedom. Drawing on the vision of the Founding Fathers, George explains why structural limits on authority—not just good intentions—are essential to preserving liberty. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40618340

Who We Are: City Journal 03/11/2026

Who We Are: City Journal City Journal Editor Brian Anderson and Rafael Mangual explore the magazine’s history, its influence on urban policy, and the challenges associated with technological change. They discuss City Journal’s distinctive approach to policy journalism and the importance of style and accessibility in conservative media. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40396825

Who We Are: Economics 03/04/2026

Who We Are: Economics Allison Schrager and Rafael Mangual discuss the nuances of conservative economics, the importance of free markets, the role of incentives, and the impact of regulation. They explore the philosophical underpinnings of economic thought, the significance of risk tolerance, and the influential thinkers who contributed to modern economic understanding. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40310995

Who We Are: Homelessness Crisis 02/25/2026

Who We Are: Homelessness Crisis Stephen Eide and Rafael Mangual sit down for a hard-hitting conversation on homelessness, mental illness, and the policies shaping America’s cities. The discussion explores the breakdown of family support systems, the limits of government intervention, and the thorny questions surrounding institutionalization and public safety. Eide argues for a more realistic, balanced approach—one that confronts the realities of serious mental illness while pushing for practical, effective reforms. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40227935

A Novel of New York City’s Migrant Crisis 02/20/2026

A Novel of New York City’s Migrant Crisis Lionel Shriver discusses her new novel, A Better Life, with Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Douglas Murray. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40178745

Who We Are: On Western Values 02/18/2026

Who We Are: On Western Values Author and cultural critic Douglas Murray joins Rafael Mangual to talk about the growing challenges facing the West. They discuss the rise of anti-Semitism, the failures of socialism, and the erosion of free speech, especially in the U.K. Murray makes a clear case for defending Western values with courage, clarity, and action. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40152170

Who We Are: Gender Ideology 02/12/2026

Who We Are: Gender Ideology Leor Sapir and Rafael Mangual dive into one of the most polarizing issues of our time: gender ideology. They explore how gender discourse evolved over the past decade, including cultural and policy shifts during the Obama administration, and how these developments reshaped institutions, media narratives, and social norms. A major focus of their conversation is the medical treatment of gender dysphoria in youth. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40086835

The Rich Are Good for Democracy 02/06/2026

The Rich Are Good for Democracy John O. McGinnis joins Brian Anderson to discuss his forthcoming book, Why Democracy Needs the Rich: The Hidden Benefits of Wealth in a Free Society. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/40021520

Who We Are: On Civil Terrorism 02/03/2026

Who We Are: On Civil Terrorism Manhattan Institute Legal Policy Fellow Tal Fortgang and Rafael Mangual explore the differences between civil terrorism and civil disobedience. Fortgang explains how some organizations exploit legal loopholes to avoid accountability for lawless behavior, and why current laws often fail to address coordinated disruption and destruction. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39983240

Who We Are: Psychology, Behavior, and Society 01/28/2026

Who We Are: Psychology, Behavior, and Society Rob Henderson, Theodore Dalrymple, and Rafael Mangual examine the real drivers of antisocial behavior and crime—and the growing disconnect between policymakers and the communities most affected by violence. They explore how elite “luxury beliefs” shape public narratives around criminality, often minimizing harm while insulating decision-makers from the consequences of their ideas. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39913610

Who We Are: Race and Meritocracy 01/21/2026

Who We Are: Race and Meritocracy Jason L. Riley, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and one of the most incisive voices in today’s debates over race and public policy, joins Rafael Mangual to discuss how the Left frames racial disparities to advance a victimhood mentality, rather than solutions rooted in responsibility, opportunity, and community empowerment. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39811515

Who We Are: The Conservative Legal Movement 01/14/2026

Who We Are: The Conservative Legal Movement In this episode of our “Who We Are” series, Ilya Shapiro, James Copland, and Rafael Mangual discuss the work of the Manhattan Institute and City Journal in the context of conservative legal thought and jurisprudence. They examine the rise and influence of the conservative legal movement—tracing its roots, chronicling some of its internal debates, and examining how it has reshaped American law, courts, and legal education. They also examine how the Federalist Society transformed legal education and elite institutions, and why significant challenges remain for conservatives seeking to achieve lasting legal change. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39730425

Who We Are: Crime and Public Safety 01/07/2026

Who We Are: Crime and Public Safety In the first episode of our new “Who We Are” series, Rafael Mangual and Heather Mac Donald discuss the work of the Manhattan Institute and City Journal on crime and public safety over the years. They cover Broken Windows policing, disparate impact, the reality of interracial crime, why public order matters, and what Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s policies will mean for daily life in New York City. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39644820

The City Journal Podcast: A Year in Review 12/29/2025

The City Journal Podcast: A Year in Review In this year-in-review episode of the City Journal Podcast, we look back at the most compelling conversations from recent months. From Douglas Murray to Heather Mac Donald and Abigail Shrier, the episode features engaging, timely cultural debates and in-depth policy discussions, offering listeners a snapshot of City Journal’s podcast coverage. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39557955

City Journal Podcast Highlights 12/23/2025

City Journal Podcast Highlights As 2025 comes to a close, the City Journal Podcast revisits some of its best conversations from the past few months. From discussing Sydney Sweeney’s “jeans” to analyzing Zohran Mamdani’s victory in New York City’s mayoral race, this compilation episode brings together some of our most thought-provoking moments. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39516615

Enduring Lessons of Christmas 12/17/2025

Enduring Lessons of Christmas In this special edition of the City Journal podcast, Daniel Di Martino, Josh Appel, and Rafael Mangual reflect on the magic of the holiday season in New York City. They share some of their favorite traditions, discuss the enduring lessons of movies like It’s a Wonderful Life, and consider deeper questions about individualism versus social obligation. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39445045

Mamdani’s Extreme Ideas 12/11/2025

Mamdani’s Extreme Ideas Rafael Mangual, Judge Glock, and Adam Lehodey talk about New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s pledge to end homeless encampment clearances. They discuss the small group of supporters who believe sheltering outside is a human right, explain why relying on the shelter system is preferable, and consider the implications of letting the homeless occupy the city’s limited public spaces. They also examine the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, which would give nonprofits the first right of refusal to buy housing. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39368930

Fighting Covid School Closures 12/05/2025

Fighting Covid School Closures Natalya Murakhver joins John Tierney to discuss her film 15 Days and her efforts to resist the shutdown of schools during the Covid-19 lockdown. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39295880

Mamdani vs. Trump: Who Holds the Cards in New York City? 12/04/2025

Mamdani vs. Trump: Who Holds the Cards in New York City? Tal Fortgang, Jim Copland, and Rafael Mangual discuss the developing political relationship between Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump, exploring how Mamdani’s anticipated approach to immigration enforcement and public safety could reshape the city’s political landscape. They consider the consequences when local policy collides with federal authority, and whether New York could be headed toward a new wave of protests or civil unrest. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39267325

How Did Zohran Mamdani Win? 11/19/2025

How Did Zohran Mamdani Win? Rafael Mangual, Renu Mukherjee, and Santiago Vidal Calvo discuss New York City’s mayoral election and the demographic groups that propelled Mamdani to victory. They also examine the changing electorate and what the results could mean for progressive policies in other cities. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39100720

Inside the DSA’s Growing Influence 11/12/2025

Inside the DSA’s Growing Influence Is socialism gaining ground in America—or just getting a rebrand? In this episode, Rafael Mangual, Daniel Di Martino, and Stu Smith examine the shifting perception of socialism in U.S. politics and the growing visibility of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Long seen as a political nonstarter, socialism is finding new support among younger voters and progressive movements. What’s behind this change—and what does it mean for the future of American democracy and the traditional two-party system? /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/39013600

Socialism and Social Cohesion in New York City 11/07/2025

Socialism and Social Cohesion in New York City Stephen Eide joins Brian Anderson to discuss “Scandinavia on the Hudson,” his story from City Journal’s Autumn 2025 issue. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/38952255

City Journal Reacts to Election Night 11/05/2025

City Journal Reacts to Election Night Charles Fain Lehman, Rafael Mangual, John Ketcham, and Pirate Wires's Mike Solana analyze the results of New York City’s mayoral election. /episode/index/show/10blocks/id/38930375

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