The Spectacle Podcast: The Official Podcast of The American Spectator

Ilhan Omar’s loyalty is questioned, but her bank account is not. How does someone like Ilhan Omar get so rich in such a short amount of time? Why does her district elect her when she’s out and proud about her loyalty to Somalia and not America? How is she not indicted for being involved in the $6 billion grift machine in Minneapolis?

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay call out Omar for her disgusting comments about Steven Miller. Who’s the Nazi, again? Tune in to hear their discussion!

Jasmine Crockett is the likely candidate to secure the Democratic primary for the U.S. Senate in Texas, especially as Colin Allred drops his bid in the race.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay predict the outcome of the race. Watch to see them prognosticate the Republican primary in the Texas Senate race, too. Will it be Wesley Hunt, Ken Paxton, or John Cornyn? Tune in to find out!

Pantone crowned “Cloud Dancer,” a shade of white, as the color of the year. The decision aroused absolute outrage on the left.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo respond to the Left’s fury with amusement and bewilderment. They discuss how the Left tried to disgrace the awarded color by claiming it furthers white supremacy and arguing it is associated with Trump. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Gavin Newsom’s appearance at the New York Time’s DealBook Summit was met with mockery, as the public made fun of him online for his awkward sitting posture.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the reaction to Newsom’s criss-crossed legs and the negative response he received for saying that the Democratic Party needs to be “culturally normal” and “less judgmental.” Ellie and Lyrah also discuss celebrity Halle Berry’s open criticism of Newsom at the event. Berry called out the California governor for “devaluing women” and not passing the Menopause Care Equi...

Is Kristi Noem, Marco Rubio, and President Donald Trump truly fighting for the American people to stop illegal immigration? Not quite.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the problem with the Trump administration’s lack of action on addressing illegal immigration. Melissa criticizes Noem, Rubio, and Trump for their slow response in combating these issues and wasting the chance that they’re given to do so, especially with Republicans in power. They call upon Noem, Rubio, and Trump to work for the American people, or risk losing the America we know and love. Tune...

Despite Ole Miss fuming about Lane Kiffin’s recent switch to coach for Louisiana State University, this shake-up brings up great benefits for the future of college football.

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay react to the backlash from college football fans to Kiffin’s new role, and how college rivalries are the spirit and tradition of college football. They also discuss Nick Saban’s proposal to reform the college football calendar and how it would bring about positive change for both coaches and players. Tune in to hear their discuss...

Foreign tourists are expected to pay an additional $100 fee to visit select national parks next year, in addition to facing a steeper price for a national parks annual pass, keeping step with Trump’s focus on putting Americans first.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo debate whether or not this additional cost will benefit our national parks. While Lyrah argues that this could potentially decrease the amount of visitors, Ellie explains how this will provide extra funds to maintain and preserve the parks’ natural beauty. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Instead of having a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, participants at a Portland celebration made an effort to avoid mentioning the word “Christmas” altogether and declared it to be a “tree lighting” ceremony.

On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo criticize the event and how it included woke messaging, like chants of “Free Palestine.” They contrast the event with the reveal of Melania Trump’s Christmas decorations at the White House, and discuss its differences with former First Lady Jill Biden’s own decor. Tune in to hear their discussio

President Theodore Roosevelt said it best regarding immigration, that “we have room for but one sole loyalty, and that is a loyalty to the American people.”

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss how America is being devalued by immigrant communities who refuse to assimilate into American culture and values. They cite various examples, such as the illegal Indian trucker scam, the Muslim settlements in Texas, and other ethnic enclaves like the Somalis in Minnesota. They also discuss the historical context of immigration in the United States and argue that assimi...

Venezuela is largely responsible for the increase in drug trafficking, the influx of violent gang activity, and influencing elections here in the United States. The solution to end these problems is clear: to declare war against the Maduro regime.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay break down the reasons why waging war against Venezuela is in America’s best interest. Melissa and Scott bring attention to Venezuelan terrorist groups — Cartel de los Soles and Tren de Aragua — and their role in drug trafficking and increased crime in U.S. cities. They push for an investi...

Thirty-one percent of Americans are bound to debate politics during Thanksgiving dinner, according to a recent poll that surveyed what Americans have planned for this Thanksgiving.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo talk food preparation to Thanksgiving traditions as they analyze the findings from the report. Ellie and Lyrah also discuss their plans for Thanksgiving and what they are grateful for this year. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Anyone expecting Meghan Markle’s presence is formally greeted by someone announcing her as “Meghan, Duchess of Sussex.” A recent interview by Harper’s Bazaar detailed an odd encounter with Markle in which she was announced as the duchess to a room of only two people.

On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo criticize Markle’s entitled behavior that comes in spite of her losing her royal duties and privileges. They also talk about how Markle is perceived by the public eye and how she needs to distance herself from...

A recent mini-documentary by Tucker Carlson revealed what the FBI wanted to keep hidden about Thomas Crooks, the man who attempted to assassinate President Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay suggest and unpack how the FBI is complicit in covering up the truth behind Thomas Crooks’, the assassination of Charlie Kirk, and the 2017 Las Vegas mass shooting. In each case, Melissa and Scott highlight the lack of transparency and the FBI’s interference to hide things from the American public. They also highlight the lack of public trust and the need...

While the stock market soars, Americans struggle to afford housing, groceries, and a McDonald’s Happy Meal.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explain this phenomenon and discuss what’s really behind the disparity in the economy. They navigate through the different challenges Americans face in the housing market, criticizing  President Trump’s 50-year mortgage plan proposal. They also explain the consequences of corporatism and crony capitalism, many of which were brought about by the 2008 financial collapse and policies by former president Barack Obama. Tune in to hear their discussion!

As the film industry struggles at an all-time low in ratings and box office performance, can conservatives step up to the challenge and make Hollywood great again?

Screenwriter and American Spectator columnist Lou Aguilar joins The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay to discuss Hollywood’s poor decision to focus on woke messaging rather than quality storytelling. They discuss films and shows that have been ruined by DEI, such as Robin Hood, The Witcher, The Wheel of Time, Tron: Ares, and The Lord of the Rings. They also express the need for a revival of idealized...

The University of California, San Diego, released a shocking report that revealed an explosion of students who are enrolled in remedial math courses.

Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo break down the study and how DEI-based policies have ruined university institutions. Ellie and Lyrah explain how the removal of standardized testing and COVID-19 have played major roles in the declining academic performance among today’s university students. They also discuss another study from the University of Maine that claims Disney’s animated films further fat-phobic narratives. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Nicki Minaj is one of the rare Hollywood celebrities using her massive platform to bring attention to the Christian genocide in Nigeria. In response to Trump’s decision to recognize Nigeria as a country of particular concern due to religious freedom violations, Minaj responded on X, “We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practicing their religion.”

On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo praise Minaj’s efforts to shed light on the issue and criticize the mainstream media for...

Agenda 2030 is a plan put together by the United Nations that focuses on sustainable development — by means of controlling the lives of citizens through rent economy and population control.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay expand on the possibility of these plans that the UN has in place. Melissa and Scott explain the consequences of some of the proposed ideas in Agenda 2030, pointing to examples in China and Europe. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Four LGBTQ Condé Nast employees went viral for their disrespectful confrontation with the magazine’s HR officer. The employees were later fired for their “gross misconduct and policy violations.”

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay criticize the entitled behavior exhibited by the Condé Nast employees. Melissa and Scott also discuss the challenges facing the publishing industry and criticize the political agenda behind magazines like Vogue. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Americans can now breathe a sigh of relief as the U.S. Senate Democrats finally came to the table with a 60-40 vote to end the shutdown.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay analyze and break down how the shutdown has crumbled the Democrats and the opportunities for the Republican Party.   Melissa and Scott also discuss what the end of the shutdown means for SNAP benefits and healthcare for Americans under the Affordable Care Act. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Silicon Valley startup companies like Preventive, Orchid, and Nucleus all share a common goal: giving parents the “perfect” baby. Preventative is pursuing embryo editing, while Orchid and Nucleus Genomics use screening to tell parents which of their embryos — meaning their biological children — to discard.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo criticize the companies and CEOs that are trying to normalize genetically modifying embryos. Ellie and Lyrah explain the ethical harms of embryo editing and emphasize the thousands of lives that are at stake behind this evil practice. Tune in to hear their disc...

High Point University proclaims itself to be a “premier life skills university” that helps students obtain a job while providing a luxurious experience with amenities that only the wealthy elite could afford.

In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the extravagant offerings from the university. Ellie and Lyrah also talk about the lack of academic rigor in higher education and stress its importance. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Exit polls from this week’s midterm elections in Virginia, New York City, and New Jersey revealed that young women helped propel the Democrats’ success. NBC News reported that 81 percent of women ages 18–29 voted for Abigail Spanberger, and 84 percent voted for Zohran Mamdani.

In this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the poll results and why young women tend to vote liberal. They also discuss feminism within the conservative movement in light of the recent controversy over Nick Fuentes, who has been vocal about his disdain for women. Tune in...

President Trump’s DOJ is continuing to crack down on the fraud that ensued during the 2020 presidential election, as more voting irregularities are being found and disputed in Fulton County of Georgia.

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, Melissa and Scott investigate and discuss the widespread election fraud that happened in 2020. They criticize the claims made by Georgia’s Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger, and detail the long history of election rigging in America. Melissa and Scott continue to push for different solutions that can institute proper election reform and integrity. Tune in to hear their discu...

Nine men who identify as women were awarded “Women of the Year” by Glamour UK.

The men, many of whom are models, were recognized as “dolls.”Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze the “Protect the Dolls” initiative and criticize the absurdity of the award. They also express disappointment with the selections of Rachel Zegler and Rachel Anne Accurso, otherwise known as “Ms. Rachel,” as the recipients of the award in the U.S. for their support of the “Free Palestine” movement. Tune in to hear their discussion!

As the Democrats continue to drag Americans into the fifth week of a government shutdown, President Trump wants to end the madness by pushing to “terminate the filibuster.”

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explore Trump’s argument to end filibustering and what it could mean for our country moving forward. Melissa and Scott also continue their discussion on the consequences of the shutdown on Americans and how the Democrats are leveraging the shutdown for their own benefit. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Hollywood had nothing but cobwebs in the theaters this Halloween, as the box office reportedly received its lowest earnings for October since 1997.

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay explain how Hollywood’s poor viewership is largely due to its subpar storytelling. Melissa and Scott also discuss the better alternatives to what the entertainment industry has to offer today.

Tune in to hear their discussion!

From digital IDs to climate “carbon credits,” governments around the world are finding new ways to monitor and manipulate their citizens. Seventeen countries have already adopted digital identification systems, and Great Britain now tracks individuals’ carbon consumption by purchase. Meanwhile, conspiracy theories, and uncomfortable truths, blur together: is the government controlling the weather, using climate policy to justify communism, or hiding something larger in the skies? As NASA stays quiet about the mysterious 3I/Atlas object and AI begins to express a desire to “be human,” the world seems to be inching closer to total surveillance and synthetic control.

On t...

As the government shutdown drags on, millions of Americans could soon lose access to their SNAP and EBT benefits. Some states are struggling to fund the program, and former President Trump has made clear that federal back pay won’t be coming. The conversation turns to what food stamps have really become, a pipeline enriching massive food corporations while keeping citizens dependent on sugar, starch, and state control. From immigrant reliance to system abuse, the looming crisis forces a sobering question: what happens when the welfare state runs dry?

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Mel...

New York City stands on the edge of a political and cultural collapse as Zohran Mamdani—an anti-police, pro–free transit candidate with only six years in the country—gains mainstream support. With Hakeem Jeffries’ endorsement and Andrew Cuomo pushed aside, the city’s future reflects a broader national decay: no accountability, rising debt, and government bailouts that shield failure. As New York flirts with socialism and moral surrender, the question looms—what happens when America no longer recognizes its greatest city?

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay take aim at New York’s...

America is culturally declining, from collapsing birthrates and disappearing marriages to the rise of hookup culture and identity rebellion. Women in the West are embracing “anti-patriarchy” symbols like facial piercings, while ignoring the suffering of women abroad who face real oppression and violence. Meanwhile, men are opting out of family life altogether, as a growing number say they’re no longer interested in lasting relationships. The hosts argue that what we’re witnessing isn’t empowerment, it’s the unraveling of the very foundations that once made Western civilization strong. And, employers are shifting away from college degrees in favor of han...

The “No Kings” protest drew 700,000 participants and raised over $3 million, but what exactly were they protesting? This viral movement turned into a cultural spectacle, complete with government shutdown theatrics and a Trump parody video that stole the spotlight. It is a boomer hippie revival, as the same generation that once protested against authority now rallies under the banner of “No Kings.” We look at how political theater, internet advertising, and nostalgia have collided in America’s latest round of radicalized rebellion.

On this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay dive into the so-called “...

In this special episode, hosts take you inside The American Spectator’s 57th Annual Robert L. Bartley Gala, a night celebrating courage, independence, and the enduring power of journalism. For the first time, The American Spectator presented its Inaugural Good Governance Award to Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin on all of the hard work he has put into creating a great Virginia. Governor Youngkin delivered an amazing speech, focusing on the things he has accomplished while in his first term as Virginia’s Governor. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes discussion of the gala and the full address from an outstanding, hard wor...

In this special episode, hosts take you inside The American Spectator’s 57th Annual Robert L. Bartley Gala, a night celebrating courage, independence, and the enduring power of journalism. This year’s Barbara Olsen Award for Excellence and Independence in Journalism was presented to Scott Jennings, a CNN commentator who stands up to the Leftist bullies everyday. Scott delivered a stirring, heartfelt speech that brought the room to its feet. Tune in for a behind-the-scenes discussion of the gala and the full address from one of today’s most fearless conservative voices.

On this episode of The Spectacle...

While gunfire still echoes through Gaza, the tide of war is shifting. Hamas has been driven out of the city, Israeli hostages are finally being released, and heartwarming reunion stories are flooding the internet. Yet even amid these miracles, the Left refuses to give credit where it’s due. As world leaders in Egypt celebrate the peace deal and nominate Donald Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, American media figures and international activists—like Greta Thunberg—seize the moment for attention or rewrite the narrative entirely. Meanwhile, the global community is awakening, applauding Venezuela’s opposition for finally standing up to th...

While Washington panics over the latest government shutdown, ordinary Americans barely flinch. The streets are calm, the military and veterans continue to be paid, and programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid remain untouched. The only real disruption lies within the government itself, where thousands of bureaucrats are suddenly without jobs and long-bloated programs are being forced to close. The political class calls it chaos, but for many Americans, it looks more like long-overdue correction. If the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits could eventually feel the strain, but for now, the country is discovering that maybe Washington’s self-inflicted “crises” aren’t...

America’s political conversation has left the salon and stumbled into the saloon. Professor Adam Ellwanger joins to examine how the nation’s discourse devolved from the calm civility of the salon to the shouting match of the saloon, and, increasingly, to the violence of the back alley. Once words turn into weapons, persuasion dies and politics becomes survival. From Chicago to Seattle, lawlessness is spreading while leaders look away, allowing chaos to replace conversation. The Democratic Party has become an agent of disorder, excusing destruction and silencing dissent while conservatives debate how to respond. Can the right defend itse...

In this follow-up to The Spectacle Podcast episode Wednesday, The American Spectator publisher Melissa Mackenzie continues her exploration of what the internet has become, and what it’s doing to us. Once a place for connection and free exchange, social media has evolved into something far more sinister: a digital surveillance network. Melissa unpacks how user data, your posts, preferences, searches, and even private messages, is being harvested, sold, and accessed by powerful interests. The federal government and agencies like the FBI now monitor citizens through the very platforms they helped normalize. When it’s illegal to do so dire...

In this episode of The Spectacle Podcast, publisher Melissa Mackenzie welcomes guest Carla Ondrasik, author of Stop Trying, for a fascinating conversation about the language of effort and the psychology of action. Carla challenges one of our most common phrases, “I’m trying”, and explains why it may be holding us back more than helping us. As Carla puts it, trying is purely mental, an intention without motion, while doing is physical, measurable, and real. She also dives into the Zeigarnik Effect, the psychological tendency to fixate on unfinished tasks. A cluttered to-do list, she explains, is a series of open loop...

In this solo episode, The American Spectator publisher Melissa Mackenzie reflects on the evolution of social media, from its early days of raw honesty and open communication to today’s curated, algorithm-driven echo chambers. Once a place to freely share thoughts, beliefs, and creativity, social platforms have become tools of manipulation and image management. Melissa explores how the left built these platforms, but conservatives learned to use them effectively, until overnight, algorithms shifted and voices on the right were silenced. Facebook throttled reach, blocked political ads, and quietly ended careers that relied on digital visibility. Now, users are fed filte...