Best John Bierly Podcasts (2025)

1
Another Antisemitic Attack 58:06

4h ago58:06

58:06

What was meant to be a gathering to support Israeli hostages held by Hamas turned into a crime scene in Boulder, Colorado on Sunday when a man attacked Jewish attendees with Molotov cocktails and a makeshift flame thrower. This is just the latest in a series of heinous assaults on Jewish people in America. Joining the show to discuss is Michael Ber…

1
Unpacking Trump's Targeting of Universities & Foreign Students 42:34

2d ago42:34

42:34

As President Trump and his allies escalate the administration's battle on colleges, and on Harvard specifically, Steven Levitsky, Harvard professor and author of “How Democracies Die,” joins Christiane to discuss the reshaping of knowledge in America. Then, best-selling German author Daniel Kehlmann speaks with Christiane about his new book “The Di…

1
Is Putin Serious About Peace? 59:08

3d ago59:08

59:08

At the same time Russia is ramping up its attacks on Ukraine, the Kremlin claims it's ready with a peace plan for ceasefire talks in Turkey next week. But President Zelensky says they have not seen any draft plan. Meantime, President Trump is said to have given Putin a two-week window to show a genuine intention to end the war. Fiona Hill was Presi…

1
The Trump Administration's Attack on Harvard 58:04

4d ago58:04

58:04

As Harvard students celebrated the end of their academic journey, just six miles away the school's lawyers were in court, fighting back against President Trump's attempt to ban international students. That is only one front in a sustained attack by this administration on Harvard. For scholars of democracy, targeting higher education is both shockin…

1
Protests, Suffering Mark 600 Days Since Hamas Attack 58:09

5d ago58:09

58:09

Protestors are blocking highways and raising their voices in Israel today, calling for the release of hostages, as they mark 600 days since the horrors of the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. One of those hostages was Omer Shem Tov, who was kidnapped by Hamas and held for more than 500 days before being released in February. Bianna Golodryga spoke …

1
Israel Warns of 'Unprecedented Attack' 57:56

6d ago57:56

57:56

Israeli strikes have killed dozens in Gaza in the past few days alone, with the death toll there now well over 50,000. The IDF has issued evacuation orders for most of southern Gaza. It warns an "unprecedented attack" is coming as Israel plans to occupy 75% of the enclave in two months. CNN correspondent Jeremy Diamond joins from Jerusalem. Also on…

1
John Kerry on a New Era of Foreign Policy Under Trump 27:44

8d ago27:44

27:44

Former Secretary of State under President Barack Obama and Joe Biden's climate envoy, John Kerry discusses the current administration's climate U-turn, and what it means for China. He also speaks to Christiane about the administration's Ukraine policy and what kind of deal Trump might be able to negotiate with Iran. Then, Bridget Brink, the former …

1
Former US Secretary of State John Kerry 57:50

10d ago57:50

57:50

Secretary of State Marco Rubio was called to Capitol Hill to defend the Trump Administration's agenda this week. Perhaps no policy has felt the Trump undoing as much as climate change. John Kerry is someone who has led the US on all of these issues, as President Biden's Special Climate Envoy as well as Secretary of State under President Obama. He j…

1
Deadly DC Attack Brings Condemnation, Questions 57:57

11d ago57:57

57:57

Officials from around the world are condemning the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington DC. The attack comes at a time of heightened threats towards Israeli embassies globally, and a global rise in antisemitism, amid outrage over the country's conduct in Gaza. Correspondent Alex Marquardt joins the show from Washington, DC to discuss.…

1
Why the US Needs to Support Ukraine 43:26

12d ago43:26

43:26

Russia continues to pound Ukraine, with drone attacks overnight coming just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke to his American counterpart Donald Trump. Last month Bridget Brink resigned her post as US Ambassador to Ukraine in protest over the Trump Administration's marked change in policy towards Russia and Ukraine. She joins the s…

1
Keith E. Whittington & Charles Fain Lehman: Does Federal Involvement Safeguard or Endanger Free Speech on College Campuses? 33:51

12d ago33:51

33:51

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about whether federal involvement safeguards or endangers free speech on college campuses. First on the show is Keith E. Whittington, is the David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School and founding chair of the Academic Freedom Alliance. La…

1
Israel in the Diplomatic Crosshairs 58:08

13d ago58:08

58:08

The UK is making its frustration with its ally Israel known today, summoning its ambassador, pausing trade negotiations and sanctioning West Bank settlers. France and Canada also threatened to take "concrete action" against Israel. CNN's Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond joins the show from Tel Aviv. Also on today's show: Rim Turkmani, Directo…

1
The Trump-Putin Phone Call 57:55

14d ago57:55

57:55

First: Last week, President Donald Trump said, “Nothing’sgoing to happen until Putin and I get together.” Now they have on the phone. Butwhat will it mean for Ukraine. Then: Hundreds of people were killed in Gaza in a matter ofdays as Israel ramps up airstrikes and its ground offensive. Israeli journalistRonen Bergman joins the show to discuss. Plu…

1
Takeaways From Trump's Middle East Trip 42:43

16d ago42:43

42:43

With Israel conspicuously absent from Trump's first major Middle East trip, Christiane speaks with Biden's former Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman about the ethical concerns surrounding his overseas deals and meetings, the U.S. role in the war in Gaza, and new revelations about efforts by Biden's inner circle to conceal his decline ahead of …

1
How The World Economy Impacts Africa 57:56

17d ago57:56

57:56

Africa has been uniquely impacted by the economic rollercoaster of 2025, with the African Development Bank warning that tariffs could send "shockwaves" through the dozens of nations impacted, reducing trade and raising debt. The ADB aims to reduce poverty and living conditions for Africans across the continent, and its President Akinwumi Adesina jo…

1
Peace Talks Missing Presidents 57:59

18d ago57:59

57:59

Delegations from Russia and Ukraine are due to meet in Turkey for peace talks but the leaders of both countries will not be present, despite President Putin proposing the talks take place. Moscow has notably withheld its top diplomatic heavyweights, which according to Zelensky, means the nation is "not serious" about peace. US President Donald Trum…

1
What's Trump Up To in the Gulf? 57:44

19d ago57:44

57:44

President Trump received a lavish welcome in Qatar today, the second stop on his tour of Gulf nations. While the primary focus of his trip is making deals -- yesterday he announced a $600 billion deal with Saudi Arabia -- he also said he's lifting all sanctions on Syria that were imposed during that country's brutal civil war. Correspondent Jeff Ze…

1
The Significance of Trump Bypassing Israel 58:15

20d ago58:15

58:15

Today US President Donald Trump landed in Saudi Arabia, the first stop on his first major foreign trip since returning to office. After Riyadh, he'll go on to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. Notably absent from his itinerary is Israel. On Monday, the US went around Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to secure the release of Edan Alexander, the fi…

1
American Hostage Released, But Others Remain 58:11

21d ago58:11

58:11

Hamas has released Edan Alexander, the last living American hostage, saying it's part of steps towards a ceasefire deal and an end to the Israeli blockade that has lasted more than two months. Edan’s release is a moment of hope for Israel but there are still hostages trapped in Gaza and their loved ones continue to live in this nightmare. Among the…

1
Europe Marks VE Day as Trump Tests Transatlantic Alliance 42:40

23d ago42:40

42:40

Eighty years since Nazi Germany surrendered, Europe marks VE Day as the once unbreakable transatlantic bond faces new pressure under the "America First" president of Donald Trump. Christiane speaks with Finland's President, Alexander Stubb, about his relationship with Trump, the future of NATO and Ukraine, and the Russia-China anti-Western alliance…

1
Finnish President Alexander Stubb 57:41

24d ago57:41

57:41

As Europe celebrates the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, Ukraine is still under brutal Russian attack. And while Donald Trump vowed to end the war in 24 hours, three months into his second term the negotiations have stalled. Christiane speaks with a man who might have an insight into Trump's tactics: Finnish president Alexander Stubb. …

1
Assessing America's Role 80 Years After WWII 53:59

25d ago53:59

53:59

Today's 80th anniversary of victory over the Nazis in Europe feels like an occasion for reflection, as threats escalate in India and Pakistan and Russia’s brutal war of aggression in Ukraine drags on. So, is America still the indispensable nation, able to facilitate peace? Or has that historic role evaporated? Leon Panetta has been Congressman, Whi…

1
India vs. Pakistan 1:01:35

26d ago1:01:35

1:01:35

India and Pakistan's long-simmering tensions burst out in the open today, when India struck Punjab province and Pakistan's side of Kashmir, killing nearly 30 people. The military action comes on the heels of a militant attack in April that killed 26 people on the Indian side of Kashmir. Correspondent Nic Robertson has been following this story clos…

1
Carney Meets Trump 57:47

27d ago57:47

57:47

Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney came face to face with US President Donald Trump at the White House today. The old, steady alliance is now more fraught than ever, with President Trump slapping tariffs on his neighbor and threatening to make it the 51st state. Frank McKenna is former Canadian Ambassador to the US, and he joins the show from …

1
Oren Cass & Iain Murray: Can the Use of Tariffs Help Improve the U.S. Economy? 37:02

27d ago37:02

37:02

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about tariffs. First on the show is Oren Cass, Chief Economist at American Compass. Later, we hear from Iain Murray, Vice President for Strategy and senior fellow at the Competitive Enterprise Institute. You can find Oren on X @oren_cass and Ia…

1
Are Trump's Policies on Illegal Immigration Legal? 58:04

28d ago58:04

58:04

President Donald Trump says it's his hardline stance on immigration that helped put him back in the White House. Opponents say Trump's deportation spree is running roughshod over the Constitution. Immigration law expert Marielena Hincapié joins the show to discuss. Also on today's show: Vickie Patton, General Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund; La…

1
Trump 2.0 After 100 Days & America's Illiberal Roots 42:31

1M ago42:31

42:31

The first 100 days of the Trump administration have been deemed chaotic and overzealous, even by Americans, with multiple polls this week showing the President's approval rating underwater, even on his signature issues like the economy and mass deportations. There is an uneasy feeling that Trump is pushing America and the world away from democratic…

1
America's Reputation Under Trump 57:37

1M ago57:37

57:37

For more than 100 days, President Trump has tested the very limits of executive power by defying the courts, pressuring universities and law firms, and deporting people to foreign prisons. It is prompting some soul searching abroad and at home: what exactly does America now represent on the world stage? Two leading historians - Jill Lepore and Timo…

1
Assessing US-Ukraine Minerals Deal 58:09

1M ago58:09

58:09

Could today's critical minerals deal be a win-win for the United States and Ukraine? It marks a hard turn from the bitter oval office meeting between Presidents Trump and Zelensky in February. Now the deal must be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament, where Oleksandr Merezhko chairs the foreign affairs committee. He joins the show to discuss. Also …

1
Immigration Expert David J. Bier 58:12

1M ago58:12

58:12

Today immigration authorities finally released detained Palestinian Columbia University student Mohsen Mahdawi following a judge's order. He was arrested earlier this month after arriving for an interview for his US citizenship petition. This news comes as a a new CNN poll shows a majority of Americans say the President Trump has gone too far on im…

1
What Liberal Carney's Win Means for Canada 58:08

1M ago58:08

58:08

In a stunning turnaround, Canada’s Liberal party, under the new leadership of economist Mark Carney, has won re-election. Just a few months ago, the Conservative opposition were the favorite to win, but US President Donald Trump's tariffs and threats to Canada's sovereignty reshaped the race. Andrew Coyne is a longtime journalist at Canada's The Gl…

1
Trump Sinks to New Lows 58:22

1M ago58:22

58:22

According to a new CNN poll, President Donald Trump's approval rating stands at 41%. That's a steep drop from Trump's support just before the election, and the lowest for any US president at this point in his term going back to at least the 1950s. Will these negative ratings spell doom for the rest of the president's term? Or are they just one more…

1
Gaza Priest on Pope Francis 57:57

1M ago57:57

57:57

At the end of a week of mourning for Pope Francis, Christiane speaks with Father Carlos Ferrero, a parish priest in Gaza who spoke daily with the Pope until his final call to them on Saturday. He discusses the Pope’s pastoral care for those trapped in Gaza, and the humanitarian situation right now. Also on today's show: The International Rescue Com…

1
How Ukraine is Dealing With Trump 57:01

1M ago57:01

57:01

First: After Russia conducts major strikes on Kyiv, President Trump urges both sides to embrace his peace proposal. Oleksiy Goncharenko, Ukrainian MP, joins from Ukraine to discuss how his country is being pressured by the Trump Administration. Following that, the EU’s Sanctions Envoy David O’Sullivan discusses a key point of leverage on Russia. Pl…

1
Assessing the Legacy of Pope Francis 58:12

1M ago58:12

58:12

First: We take a look at the Pope’s legacy and future of the Church with Ireland’s former president and canon lawyer Mary McAleese. Next: As President Trump’s tariff and economic policies cause market ructions, how should the Democrats respond? Christiane puts this to President Obama’s former top strategist David Axelrod. Then: Is the campus crackd…

1
The Search for a New Pope 58:24

1M ago58:24

58:24

With mourners pouring into the Vatican to pay their respects to Pope Francis, we take a look at his legacy and what comes next – including the all-important conclave. Christopher Bellitto is Professor of History at Kean University and an expert in the Church, and joins the program live. Also on today's show: Former NOAA administrator Rick Spinrad; …

1
The Life & Legacy of Pope Francis 57:57

1M ago57:57

57:57

Pope Francis, the leader of the Catholic church, is dead. We get the latest from Vatican City, plus reflections from Cardinal Blase Cupich of Chicago, who will be one of the few people to choose the next pope. Then we bring you insight from a reporter who interviewed Francis and was knighted by him. Plus, religious scholar David Gibson joins the sh…

1
The War on America’s Elite Universities and Colleges 42:40

1M ago42:40

42:40

As the Trump administration intensifies its attempts to reshape U.S. colleges and universities, Christiane Amanpour speaks to those who are pushing back. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey talks about her concerns as her state is targeted by the Republican White House and Wesleyan University President Michael S. Roth discusses why he believes the …

1
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey 58:03

2M ago58:03

58:03

When Donald Trump re-entered the White House less than three months ago, he began with a flurry of executive orders, and now the impact of those policies is hitting home. Maura Healey is the Democratic governor of Massachusetts and an influential voice in her party. She says Americans must stand up for what they believe in, and she joins the show f…

1
Former Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell 58:28

2M ago58:28

58:28

Countries around the world are asking whether it is in their best interest to align more closely with China or the United States. Kurt Campbell helped guide US- China policy through multiple administrations and was Deputy Secretary of State under Joe Biden. He joins Christiane for his first TV interview since leaving government. Also on today’s sho…

1
Fighting Back Against Trump 57:49

2M ago57:49

57:49

Harvard University has refused to bow to President Trump's demands to drop DEI measures and punish student protesters. While some universities like Columbia buckled under the financial pressure and Trump's demands, Harvard is not alone in resisting. Among those fighting back is Wesleyan University, whose own federal funding has been threatened. Sch…

1
Ukrainian MP on Latest Russian Attack 57:57

2M ago57:57

57:57

Ukraine is still reeling from a massive Russian attack on civilians after two ballistic missiles struck the heart of the city of Sumy, killing almost three dozen people. Ukrainian MP and Chair of the Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee Oleksandr Merezhko joins the show to discuss how Ukraine can navigate a fraught relationship with the White Hou…

1
Johan Norberg & Derek Scissors: How Should the U.S. Economically Engage With China? 34:45

2M ago34:45

34:45

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about trade with and investment in China. First on the show is Johan Norberg, senior fellow at the Cato Institute. Later, we hear from Derek Scissors, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. You can find Johan on X @johanknorberg an…

1
What to make of Tariff 'Exemptions' 57:48

2M ago57:48

57:48

In the hours between Friday and Sunday, the White House announced exemptions on some Chinese tech products, only for the Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to say these are just "temporary" and that the electronics will still face other levies. Greg Mankiw, a former economic adviser to President George W. Bush, and Ernie Tedeschi, who was chief econ…

1
The Impact of Trump's Trade War and Abrupt Reversal of Tariffs 42:40

2M ago42:40

42:40

A week after the meltdown of markets everywhere and Trump's sudden pause on most new tariffs for 90 days - with the exception of China, economists say the trade war is still on, the damage has already been done and the likelihood of a recession remains. Long time allies now view America with suspicion and trust has been badly damaged. To contextual…

1
Former NH Governor Chris Sununu 57:55

2M ago57:55

57:55

Donald Trump has taken the global economy on a dangerous roller coaster, and it's not over yet. Chris Sununu was the Republican Governor of New Hampshire. He was a backer of Nikki Haley but ultimately endorsed Donald Trump. He's just ruled out a Senate run in the state, much to the President's disappointment. He joins the program from New York. Als…

1
US-China Trade War Escalates 49:56

2M ago49:56

49:56

Donald Trump suddenly paused his new tariffs today on all effected countries ... with the notable exception of China. Before the pause, China announced plans to raise tariffs on American imports to 84%. Trump retaliated by raising tariffs on China to 125%. This all came after Vice President JD Vance offended Beijing by referring to “Chinese peasant…

1
Effect of Latest SCOTUS Rulings 58:02

2M ago58:02

58:02

Two Supreme Court rulings will impact critical Trump Administration deportation cases. First, the court allowed the White House to continue using the Alien Enemies Act, which gives them sweeping wartime authority to rapidly deport alleged gang members. In a second case, the Court extended a deadline for returning Maryland father Kilmar Abrego Garci…

1
Tariff Turmoil 58:10

2M ago58:10

58:10

Markets continue to tumble across the world after President Trump said he won’t back down from his aggressive trade policies. Unlike previous economic crises, the pain is entirely self-inflicted. Betsey Stevenson is a former economic adviser to President Obama and a Professor of Economics at the University of Michigan. Justin Wolfers is also a Prof…

1
Europe's Reaction to Trump's Sweeping Tariffs 42:39

2M ago42:39

42:39

With Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs going into effect on Saturday, world leaders are grappling with how to respond to the chaos hitting markets across the globe. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock joined Christiane from NATO headquarters in Brussels to discuss how Europe plans to retaliate. Then, as Hungary withdraws from the International …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

John Bierly Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide