The Karol Markowicz Show

Karol Markowicz sits down with Commentary Magazine senior editor Seth Mandel for a wide-ranging conversation about journalism, family, faith, homeschooling, and the future of media.

Seth shares how a local newspaper job launched his career, his journey from community journalism to Commentary Magazine, and what it's like being married to author and commentator Bethany Mandel. He also opens up about raising six children, homeschooling, balancing work and family life, and why he believes strong families remain one of society's greatest blessings.

Plus, Seth offers a surprising five-year prediction about the future of streaming, sports broadcasting...

What motivates a 19-year-old conservative activist to travel the country debating politics on college campuses despite security threats and intense opposition?

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with rising political commentator Brilyn Hollyhand, author of the upcoming book Make America Talk Again. Brilyn shares how a fourth-grade mock election sparked his passion for politics, how an early interview with Charlie Kirk shaped his career, and why he believes America’s biggest problem isn't that people talk too much—it's that they no longer talk to each other.

The conversation explores free...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with education reform leader Erika Donalds, founder of the Education Freedom Foundation, school choice advocate, entrepreneur, and wife of Florida gubernatorial candidate Byron Donalds.

Erika explains why she remains "still mad" about COVID school closures, how classical education is transforming student outcomes, and why America's education system needs a fundamental overhaul. She shares her journey from CPA and investment executive to education activist, discusses the rise of school choice across the country, and offers a bold prediction for how AI and customized learning will reshape education...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with National Review senior writer Noah Rothman to discuss his new book, Blood and Progress: A Century of Left-Wing Violence in America. Together, they explore the often-overlooked history of political violence on the American left, from anarchist bombings and Occupy Wall Street to the 2020 riots and recent attacks targeting law enforcement.

Noah explains why he believes America has failed to confront the full scope of political extremism, how media narratives shape public perception of violence, and why understanding both left-wing and right-wing radicalization is essential to...

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik joins Karol Markowicz to discuss her bestselling new book, Poisoned Ivy, and the growing controversy surrounding America's elite universities. Stefanik reflects on the congressional hearing that sparked national debate over campus anti-Semitism, the fallout from her viral exchange with former Harvard president Claudine Gay, and why she believes higher education has strayed from its founding mission.

The conversation explores the rise of ideological activism on college campuses, the challenges facing students and parents navigating the admissions process, and the institutions Stefanik believes are getting it right. She also shares her concerns about the growing...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with journalist, former Fox News producer, and author Kyle Becker to discuss his new fantasy novel, Hypernia: The Cursed Kingdom.

Kyle shares why he transitioned from political commentary and journalism into fiction writing, how the isolation of the COVID era inspired the story, and the deeper themes of purpose, courage, truth, and cultural renewal woven throughout the book. He also reflects on his background in Russian literature, psychology, and political science, and explains why storytelling may have a greater impact on society than politics alone.

On this episode, Karol Markowicz sits down with Eliana Johnson, Editor-in-Chief of the Washington Free Beacon and regular contributor to the Commentary Magazine podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on journalism, politics, family, and the cultural challenges shaping America today.

Eliana shares how an unexpected path led her from challenging professors at Yale and navigating liberal institutions to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in conservative media. She discusses her time in mainstream journalism, the evolution of political reporting beyond Washington, and why uncovering underreported stories on college campuses became a major focus for the Washington Free...

In this episode, Karol Markowicz sits down with Noam Blum, CTO of Commentary Magazine and producer of the Commentary Magazine podcast, for a wide-ranging conversation on AI, social media culture, podcasting, and the changing nature of creativity in the digital age. Noam shares his journey from anonymous internet personality to building a career through online communities and discusses how technology has reshaped media and modern life.

They dive into the promises and risks of artificial intelligence, from breakthroughs in medical research to growing concerns about education, online discourse, and AI-generated content. Noam also makes a fascinating prediction...

Journalist and Tablet Magazine correspondent Armin Rosen joins Karol Markowicz for a wide-ranging conversation on reporting, storytelling, and finding truth in a noisy world. Armin reflects on his biggest investigations, unforgettable assignments around the globe, media culture, optimism about America’s future, and why reading, faith, and exercise may be the surprisingly simple keys to a better life. Plus, thoughts on New York, journalism, family, and why society may be more resilient than people think.

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On this episode, Karol Markowicz sits down with Roy Altman, author of the New York Times bestselling book Israel on Trial, for a powerful conversation about October 7, the global reaction to Israel, and the growing wave of antisemitism on college campuses.

Altman explains what inspired him to write the book, why he believes the debate surrounding Israel has become morally and historically inverted, and how he uses legal reasoning to challenge accusations of colonialism, apartheid, and genocide. He also discusses the role of elite institutions, media narratives, Ivy League protests, and the future of the Middle East...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Mollie Hemingway to discuss her new book, Alito, and the lasting impact of Samuel Alito on the Supreme Court and the Constitution.

Mollie shares behind-the-scenes stories from the Court, explains why Justice Alito remains one of the most influential — and least understood — justices in America, and discusses major rulings including Dobbs, Hobby Lobby, and gerrymandering cases. The conversation also dives into media bias, the Russia collusion narrative, faith, family life, parenting, and why Mollie believes Americans will soon crave authentic, human-created content in an AI-driven worl...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Garrett Exner — former Marine Corps Special Operations Officer, Hudson Institute fellow, and Executive Director of the Public Interest Fellowship — for a conversation on faith, fatherhood, parenting, and rebuilding strong American families.

Garrett shares his journey from the military to Washington, D.C., the lessons he and his wife have learned raising resilient kids, why sports and discipline matter, and why America is hungry for more family-friendly, pro-American storytelling. They also discuss modern parenting, building confidence in children, the loss of trust in society, and how grat...

Tom Bevan, co-founder and president of RealClearPolitics, joins Karol Markowicz to discuss the evolution of political media, the birth of RealClearPolitics, and how polling averages changed election coverage forever. Tom breaks down why poll skepticism has grown, what the media still gets wrong about Trump voters, and how RealClearPolitics built one of the most trusted political data platforms in America.

They also dive into the future of legacy media, whether institutions like The Washington Post can survive the next five years, the role of faith in modern life, raising a family in today’s culture, and Tom’s bo...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol welcomes Buck Sexton for a deep dive into his new book, Manufacturing Delusion, exploring why conspiracy culture is growing, how people get pulled into false narratives, and what it takes to bring loved ones back to reality. Buck shares practical advice for navigating fractured relationships, rebuilding trust, and confronting the psychological pull of “special knowledge.”

Later, Karol sits down with Emil Pitkin to discuss his new book, The Penny Is Gone: Meditations of a Soviet Jew, a moving account of Soviet Jewish persecution, resilience, and the lessons history offe...

On this episode of the Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Amy Swearer, one of America’s leading voices on the Second Amendment, criminal justice reform, and mental health policy. Amy shares her journey from wanting to become a police officer to becoming a legal and policy expert shaping national conversations on gun rights, overcriminalization, and constitutional law.

They dive into the realities of gun violence, the role mental health plays in public policy, the future of Supreme Court battles over assault weapons bans, and why facts—not feelings—must guide policy decisions. Amy also opens up abo...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with David Reaboi—policy expert and author of the upcoming book Viral Libels—for a deep dive into what he calls the growing crisis inside conservative media and political culture.

Reaboi argues that the rise of social media and the “podcastification” of politics has blurred the line between entertainment and reality—fueling conspiracy thinking, weakening critical reasoning, and reshaping how millions of Americans understand the world. From the influence of major podcast platforms to the normalization of once-fringe ideas, the conversation explores how we got here—and whether...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol Markowicz sits down with Brad Polumbo to break down the shifting landscape of media, politics, and culture.

They dive into the rise of “fringe” voices in new media, the erosion of trust in traditional outlets, and why both the left and right are seeing growing pockets of extremism. Brad shares his perspective on Gen Z—are young people tuning out, or being pulled toward radical ideologies?

The conversation also explores the future of AI, misinformation, and whether audiences will be forced back toward verified sources as digita...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with political commentator and former presidential candidate Austin Petersen for a wide-ranging conversation on ideology, growth, and the future of American politics.

Petersen reflects on his journey from libertarian activist and 2016 presidential candidate to a more Trump-aligned conservative, explaining why he changed his mind—and why he’s not afraid to say so publicly. The two discuss the evolution of the Republican Party, the role of libertarian ideas in today’s political landscape, and whether fiscal conservatism has lost its place in modern politics.

They a...

On this episode of the The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Tablet Editor-in-Chief Alana Newhouse for a wide-ranging conversation on the collapse of trust in media, the rise of AI-driven information chaos, and what comes next for institutions in America.

Alana shares the origin story behind Tablet and how it evolved from a niche cultural publication into a broader voice tackling the failures of legacy media. She explains her concept of “brokenness” in modern institutions—and why Americans are increasingly skeptical of everything from journalism to higher education.

The conversation dives into:

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with New York City Councilwoman Inna Vernikov to discuss her journey from Soviet immigrant to attorney to elected official—and why she felt compelled to enter politics during a time of rising anti-Semitism and public safety concerns.

Vernikov shares how her background shaped her views on justice, policing, and government, and offers a candid look at the political divide within New York City—including tensions between moderates and the far-left. She also breaks down the realities of running for office, the personal sacrifices of public service, and...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Jan Jekielek—senior editor at The Epoch Times and host of American Thought Leaders—to discuss his explosive new book Killed to Order.

Jekielek exposes the chilling reality of forced organ harvesting in China, detailing how the Chinese Communist Party allegedly targets prisoners of conscience at scale. He explains how this system operates, why it requires state power, and how global institutions—including Western medical systems—may be complicit.

The conversation dives into the shocking logistics behind “on-demand” organ transplants, the role of propaganda a...

On this episode of the Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Susan Crabtree, National Political Correspondent for RealClearPolitics and author of Fool’s Gold, to break down the growing concerns surrounding California’s political future.

Crabtree explains why she’s pessimistic about the direction of the state, pointing to a lack of accountability, one-party dominance, and the collapse of local media institutions. The conversation dives into controversial practices like “behest payments,” the role of investigative journalism, and how corruption stories are increasingly being uncovered through both traditional reporting and citizen journalism.

They also discuss:

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Washington Examiner and Magnolia Tribune opinion writer Kimberly Ross for a candid conversation about modern womanhood, media, and the pressures shaping today’s cultural landscape.

Kimberly shares her journey into political writing—from blogging on Medium to becoming a nationally recognized voice—and dives into the issues she covers most: family, women’s roles, and life issues from a conservative perspective.

The conversation tackles the growing divide between the “girl boss” and “tradwife” narratives, and why most women don’t actually fit into either box. Karol...

In this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with radio host Chris Stigall to explore the evolution of media, the impact of COVID on culture, and the role of faith in overcoming life’s biggest challenges.

Chris shares his journey from aspiring radio DJ to nationally syndicated host, including the pivotal moments that shaped his career and worldview. He opens up about his battle with alcohol, his path to sobriety, and how faith transformed his life. The conversation dives into how 9/11 and COVID reshaped political and personal identities, and why today’s rapidly changing media...

What if the biggest threat to democracy isn’t politics—but information itself?

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with journalist and author Jacob Siegel to unpack his new book The Information State: Politics in the Age of Total Control. Together, they explore how “disinformation” evolved from a Cold War concept into a dominant force in modern politics—and how it’s being used to shape public opinion at scale.

Siegel breaks down the rise of algorithmic power, the role of media narratives in shaping reality, and why AI could accelerate t...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with constitutional law professor and former Chicago prosecutor Randy Barnett to discuss his gripping new book, Felony Review: Tales of True Crime and Corruption in Chicago.

Barnett shares firsthand stories from his time in Cook County’s felony review unit—where prosecutors determined whether criminal charges should be filed. From shocking murders to wrongful arrests, he reveals the reality of the criminal justice system and the surprising reasons why suspects confess—even without coercion.

The conversation dives into:

The psychology behind confessions and wh...

In this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Philip Reichert, founder of the new online magazine Junto, to discuss the growing problem of media silos, algorithm-driven echo chambers, and the decline of meaningful debate—especially within conservative circles.

Reichert shares his vision for Junto as a platform that fosters good-faith disagreement, intellectual diversity, and productive intra-conservative debate—a sharp contrast to today’s polarized and performative online discourse.

They dive into:

Why social media algorithms are fueling division and limiting real debate

The rise of independent media, Substa...

Why are millennials and Gen Z having less sex than previous generations? On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, neuroscientist and author Dr. Debra Soh joins Karol to discuss the growing “sex recession” and the cultural forces driving it.

Drawing from her new book Sextinction: The Decline of Sex and the Future of Intimacy, Dr. Soh explains how dating apps, social media, pornography, declining testosterone, and loneliness are reshaping modern relationships. She also explores how technology—from AI companions to sex robots—could dramatically change dating, intimacy, and even reproduction in the near future.

Karol an...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with political scientist, author, and Kentucky State University professor Wilfred Reilly. Reilly discusses his latest book Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me, where he challenges widely accepted narratives about American history taught in schools and universities.

The conversation explores Reilly’s journey from a working-class upbringing in the Chicago suburbs to becoming a law school graduate, PhD, and prominent voice in debates about education, culture, and politics. He also explains the mission behind his new venture, Unified Solutions America, a company helping organizations push back against DE...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with journalist and commentator Joel Pollak, the opinion editor of the newly launched California Post. Pollak explains the mission behind the new publication and why its founders believe there is a large, underserved audience in California looking for a different perspective on politics, culture, and daily life in the Golden State.

The conversation dives into the current state of California politics, including Governor Gavin Newsom’s policies, the state’s growing fiscal challenges, and controversial legislation affecting local governments and school districts. Pollak shares why he beli...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Jennifer Van Laar, managing editor of RedState and a leading investigative journalist known for uncovering major political stories.

Jennifer shares her unconventional journey—from 20 years as a courtroom stenographer working on murder trials to becoming one of the most impactful investigative voices in conservative media. She explains how her courtroom experience taught her how to build cases, analyze evidence, and ultimately break major political stories.

The conversation dives into the investigation that exposed former Rep. Katie Hill, the year-long reporting effort that scrutinized RN...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Algemeiner reporter Corey Walker for a wide-ranging and thought-provoking conversation on journalism, media narratives, and the cultural forces shaping today’s political discourse.

Walker shares his journey from the Daily Caller to covering Jewish issues and Middle East politics, offering insight into how longstanding narratives around Israel continue to resurface in modern debates. The conversation dives deep into media bias, the rise of “audience capture,” and how influencers and commentators shape — and sometimes exploit — public opinion.

Karol and Corey also explore the challenges of buildin...

In this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with journalist, historian, and Wall Street Journal contributor Dominic Green for a wide-ranging conversation on culture, politics, and the future of the West.

Dominic shares his unconventional journey from jazz musician to academic to respected columnist, offering sharp insights into the state of free speech in the U.S. and U.K., the cultural battles shaping modern society, and why America remains a land of opportunity—even amid growing chaos.

They also dive into:

The global fight over free speech and its na...

How does a former auto mechanic become one of the fastest-rising independent investigative journalists in America?

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Walter Curt to discuss his unconventional path into journalism, his rapid rise during COVID, and the shocking moment that changed everything—being swatted alongside multiple journalists.

Walter dives deep into his investigative work uncovering alleged government fraud, financial crime, and activist networks—explaining why “following the money” may reveal far more than the headlines suggest. He also shares insights into his biggest stories, including a controversial school-related scandal...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with columnist, radio host, and author Derek Hunter for a candid and often hilarious conversation about his unconventional path to media success.

From holding over 80 jobs—including some truly bizarre gigs—to becoming a nationally recognized voice at Townhall and WMAL, Derek shares how persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to fail shaped his career. He opens up about breaking into radio, navigating the media world without a roadmap, and why sometimes the best opportunities come from unexpected places.

The conversation also dives into personal grow...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with radio host and political commentator Ben Ferguson for a refreshing, deeply personal conversation that goes far beyond politics.

Best known for his years debating on CNN, The Ben Ferguson Show,  and co-hosting Verdict with Senator Ted Cruz, Ben opens up about his incredible journey—from starting in talk radio at just 12 years old to becoming a nationally recognized media voice. He shares behind-the-scenes stories from his early days with Bill O’Reilly, his time “fighting it out” on cable news, and how the media landscape has drama...

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with author, activist, and firearms instructor Yehuda Remer, widely known as “The Pew Pew Jew,” for a candid conversation about Jewish self-defense, gun ownership, and the cultural shift happening in the wake of October 7.

Why have so many American Jews historically been wary of firearms? How did the trauma of the Holocaust shape modern Jewish attitudes toward guns—and is that finally changing? Yehuda breaks down the historical roots of Jewish political alignment, the generational divide on Second Amendment rights, and why he believes Jews should be amon...

In this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol is joined by Stafford Palmieri-Sievert, Secretary of the Utah Republican Party, for a wide-ranging conversation about politics, values, and leadership in a changing America.

Stafford shares her personal journey from New York to Utah, how early life experiences shaped her worldview, and what led her to become deeply involved in conservative politics. She reflects on her time working with former Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, offering insight into leadership, public service, and the challenges of governing with principle.

The discussion explores the importance of education policy, the...

In this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol Markowicz sits down with Will Chamberlain, senior counsel at the Article 3 Project. Chamberlain shares his path into conservative legal advocacy and explains why building a strong social media presence has become essential in modern politics and law.

The conversation explores the inner workings of the conservative legal movement, the mission and impact of the Article 3 Project, and Chamberlain’s personal milestones along the way. They also look ahead to the future — from political trends to the surprising rise of self-driving cars — before wrapping up with practical life advice listene...

In this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with James Hassan, a former Army officer, attorney, and author, to discuss his journey from military service to writing—and what inspired his book on the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Hassan reflects on the failures of leadership exposed by the Afghanistan exit, the cultural narratives shaping views on marriage and parenthood, and where he believes society is headed next. The conversation also dives into the influence of social media on mental health, productivity, and family life, with practical advice on how stepping back from the dig...