The Spectacle Podcast: The Official Podcast of The American Spectator

The Left is in anguish over a new policy paper from the Heritage Foundation that encourages pro-family values to save America. Jessica Grose, an opinion writer for the New York Times, expressed her disdain for Heritage’s “retrograde” claim that traditional marriage is the cornerstone of civilization. The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze the claims made by Grose and provide reasons why Heritage is right about the family. Ellie and Lyrah also explain the importance of a healthy marriage and family for a flourishing civilization and a child’s well-being. Tune in to hear the...

In her new fashion book, The Look, Michelle Obama shares her philosophy and insight behind her style choices as the former first lady. Obama received backlash on social media for sharing her preference for wearing pieces from people of color, and her earlier comments in 2025 on her avoidance of wearing the color white. On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss Obama’s comments and criticize the racial motivation behind her fashion choices. They also talk about Obama’s recent appearance on Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy podcast, where Obama and Co...

The University of Kansas caught backlash for offering a course called “Angry White Male Studies” — yet another example of indoctrination disguised as education.

Join The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay as they discuss higher education and the growing political bias on campus that is increasingly targeting conservatives. Melissa and Scott talk about the different challenges that conservatives face in academia, such as the political climate and university staff being inundated with crazed liberals. They discuss possible solutions to make universities a place for conservatives to thrive, such as state action, dismantling biased research grants and fu...

Anti-ICE protesters, including former CNN host Don Lemon, interrupted a church service in Minnesota to stage a takeover. The “activists” infiltrated the religious service due to word that the pastor worked for ICE.

Unlicensed Punditry author Michael Smith joins The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay to address illegal immigration and the escalation of violence from the Left happening across the country. Michael, Melissa, and Scot emphasize the need for government action and urge President Trump to invoke the Insurrection Act. Michael draws on historical comparisons from the Bolshevik and Maoist Revolutions, while Melissa recalls 9/11 and...

On this “grab bag” segment of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay debunk and discuss various news and controversies surrounding China, technology, immigration, and more!

Melissa opens the conversation by exploring a Chinese mathematician’s claim that China’s population is closer to 300 million rather than the 1.2 billion that the country reports. They discuss the various factors that led to China’s low demographic, such as its one-child policy and poor living conditions. They also discuss China’s technology exploration with robots and whether test-tube babies are within China’s foreseeable future. Melissa and Scott also disc...

The Iranian regime is crumbling from within, with varying death tolls going into the thousands, hinting at an eventual collapse.

Join The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay as they explore the various geopolitical challenges facing the regime and the Iranian people. Scott points out Iran’s severe water shortage and overpopulation as major issues that need to be addressed by a competent government. Melissa and Scott also explore the consequences if these issues are left unresolved, such as another mass migration crisis. Can the United States help Iran with a peaceful transition and avoid anoth...

Judicial Watch is cracking down on election fraud by suing states for having dirty voter rolls. One of the states being sued —Oregon— was found to have over 800,000 inactive voters, which accounts for 20 percent of Oregon’s registered voters.

Listen to The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay as they discuss Oregon’s new directives to clean up their voter rolls. Melissa and Scott weigh the pros and cons of mail-in ballots and how they can influence election outcomes. They also call out the Republican National Committee for their delayed action toward election fraud and the Democra...

Former President Barack Obama’s concrete-slab presidential center, which is estimated to cost over $850 million, faces controversy over its DEI hiring practices as well as its promotion of leftist ideology on public land.

On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo unpack the controversy surrounding Obama’s center and the $40 million lawsuit between two of Obama’s construction contractors, alleging racial discrimination. Ellie and Lyrah contrast Obama’s extravagant center with Biden’s proposed presidential library, which is struggling to meet its $200 million goal. Tune in to hear their discussion!

New York City’s newly elected mayor, Zohran Mamdani, partnered with YouTube star “Ms. Rachel” (Rachel Accurso) to sing “The Wheels on The Bus” and “If You’re Happy And You Know It” to a classroom of preschoolers. The duo highlighted the city’s plan to enact “2 Care,” a free, universal childcare program for 2-year-olds.

Listen to The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo as they criticize the pair for their sentiments toward Hamas and the Free Palestine movement, citing Ms. Rachel’s recent controversies that connect her to the Left’s ideology. Ellie and Lyrah al...

What didn’t work in 2025 and still won’t work in 2026? DEI, transgender ideology, vaccines — just to name a few.

Listen to The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss lessons for the new year and what to leave behind in 2025. Melissa unleashes her grievances about her number one pet peeve of the phrase “I don’t prefer it” and the usage of pronouns. She also discusses the perverse consequences of DEI and the strong need for DEI to be rooted out of society. Melissa also calls out the vaccine industry and how new research is showing the...

The Democrats continue to sympathize with Nicolás Maduro’s arrest, such as Rep. Delia Ramirez condemning the U.S. intervention in Venezuela and Sen. Mark Kelly encouraging active duty military members to disobey “illegal orders.”

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay continue their discussion on the reactions and implications of Maduro’s arrest, both domestically and globally. Scott responds to Ramirez’s complaints of U.S. intervention with the economic and human rights violations of the Chavez/Maduro regime. Melissa and Scott offer historical insight into the U.S. relationship with Venezuela and how communis...

2026 is off to an explosive start, with President Trump’s arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro.

The Spectacle Podcast hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay unpack what Maduro’s arrest means for America, Venezuela, and the rest of the world. They explain how the Cuban regime has exploited Venezuela’s natural resources and ripped off the Venezuelan people. Melissa and Scott also debunk Democrats’ false allegations against the operation and bring up the legal precedent behind the arrest of Maduro. Now that Maduro’s out, what does that mean for the economic future of Venezuela, China, Russia, and...

A growing number of job recruiters are returning to heavily relying on elite colleges to find top applicants, a Veritas Insight study finds.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss the factors that play into the phenomenon — such as the usage of AI and the consequences of DEI. They also discuss the growing problem of the lack of academic rigor in higher institutions and offer solutions to the hiring process. Tune in to hear their discussion!

A Chick-fil-A location in Utah prompted controversy for publically posting support of same-sex marriage, contrary to the Biblical principles that Chick-fil-A is founded on.

Join The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo as they speculate why the franchise is bowing to DEI ideology. They scrutinize the company’s response to the incident and call on Chick-fil-A to uphold their reputation by standing firm to their Christian values. Tune in to hear their discussi

Joy Reid furthered yet another woke message by reposting a video that criticized the beloved Christmas tune “Jingle Bells” as a song written to make fun of black people.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo point out the absurd claims about the song’s origin. They also criticize the woke Left for their attempts to ruin Christmas. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Climate change, which former president Joe Biden once hailed as the “number one issue facing humanity,” went on the Left’s back burner this year.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo discuss why and how the Left is distancing themselves from climate change. They point to Bill Gates’ recent blog post critiquing ‘doomsday’ climate change claims and how Greta Thunberg averted the climate platform to support Palestine instead. Tune in to hear their discussion!

On this special episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss the growing trend of younger generations returning back to church and express joy at witnessing faith and American values making a comeback.

Side discussion: Why are conservative talking heads at each other’s throats in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death?

Tune in to hear their discussion!

President Trump has been tossing around the idea of extraterrestrial life and called for the release of UAP (Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena) records.

On this conspiracy watch episode of The Spectacle Podcast, hosts Melissa Mackenzie and Scott McKay discuss aliens, CERN portals, and underground obelisks claimed to be found underneath the pyramids. While Scott links a fictional example with the Apple TV+ show Pluribus, Melissa cites historical evidence from ancient civilizations and groups who have supposedly contacted aliens. Are aliens a government conspiracy? Or is the government covering up a conspiracy about aliens?

Tune in to dis...

The Seattle Public School system is forcing students — from kindergarten to fifth grade — to read books that push and teach fluid gender identity.

On this episode of The Spectator P.M. Podcast, hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo analyze the woke curriculum and how there are still cracks of indoctrination in the education system. They discuss the ridiculous lessons taught in different gender identity books such as Introducing Teddy, My Princess Boy, and Red: A Crayon’s Story. Tune in to hear their discussion!

Three months after the assassination of Charlie Kirk, Erika Kirk faces constant criticism for her every move.

The Spectator P.M. Podcast hosts Ellie Gardey Holmes and Lyrah Margo express disappointment with how the public is treating Erika Kirk and the conspiracy theories surrounding Charlie’s death. They also discuss Candace Owens and her baseless accusations about Erika and Turning Point USA. Tune in to hear their discussion!

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!