The Ezra Klein Show
News & Politics
About
Ezra Klein interviews thinkers about politics, culture and ideas.
Episodes
- GLP-1s and the ‘Wild West’ of Wellness
Here’s a shocking number: One out of eight American adults is taking a GLP-1, like Ozempic or Zepbound, according to a KFF poll. GLP-1s are the biggest pharmaceutical story since antidepressants. But there’s still so much we don’t know. “W…
- The Book That Changed How I Think About Liberalism
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show explores the history of liberalism and its current state. Ezra Klein interviews Helena Rosenblatt, author of "The Lost History of Liberalism," to discuss her research and insights on the topic.
- What We Got Right — and Wrong — in ‘Abundance’
Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson reflect on their book "Abundance" a year after its release. They discuss its impact, reception, and criticisms with Marc Dunkelman.
- Stewart Brand, Silicon Valley’s Favorite Prophet, on Life’s Most Important Principle
Stewart Brand, founder of the Whole Earth Catalog, discusses technology, society, and his book "Maintenance: Of Everything, Part One" on The Ezra Klein Show. He talks about his early experiences in the internet and counterculture, as well…
- Why Are Palantir and OpenAI Scared of Alex Bores?
This episode features Alex Bores, a New York state assemblyman and congressional candidate. He discusses his campaign focus on AI policy, including transparency and profit redistribution, and addresses the super PAC-funded attacks against…
- Our Tax System Should Make You Furious
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show examines how the ultra-wealthy use legal techniques to significantly reduce their income tax obligations. It features a conversation with law professor Ray Madoff, who discusses her book "The Second Esta…
- Reckoning With Israel’s ‘One-State Reality’
Marc Lynch and Shibley Telhami discuss Israel’s "one-state reality," a concept from their book. The episode explores how this reality has become entrenched, citing settlement construction and other developments.
- Fareed Zakaria on the Moral Cost of Trump’s War
Fareed Zakaria joins Ezra Klein to discuss the moral implications of former President Trump's threats. They also explore the decline of American leadership and its global impact.
- Why Iran Believes It Has the Upper Hand
Suzanne Maloney, an Iran expert and vice president at the Brookings Institution, discusses the conflict between the United States and Iran. She analyzes potential military operations, the impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure, and the lon…
- Michael Pollan’s Journey to the Borderlands of Consciousness
Michael Pollan joins The Ezra Klein Show to discuss his research into consciousness, as explored in his new book, "A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness." He delves into various aspects of consciousness, including the body's role,…
- Will Iran Break Trumpism?
In this episode, Christopher Caldwell discusses his article, "The End of Trumpism," and his theory that the Iran war might lead to the decline of Trumpism. He further explains his understanding of Trumpism as a "democratic restoration" and…
- How Bad Could the Iran Oil Crisis Get?
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show features Jason Bordoff discussing the Iran oil crisis, its potential global economic impact, and the United States' strategies to mitigate it. The conversation also covers the geopolitical implications f…
- We’re All Living in the ‘Mirror World’ Now
Naomi Klein joins Ezra Klein to discuss her book "Doppelganger: A Trip Into the Mirror World," examining the political landscape and new coalitions. She explores what the left may have overlooked and the lessons to be learned from the rise…
- What Trump Didn’t Know About Iran
Ali Vaez discusses the miscalculations made by the Trump administration regarding Iran and the historical context of strained relations between the United States, Iran, and Israel. He explains how these nations came to view each other as t…
- I Asked a Former Trump Official to Justify This War
This episode features a discussion with a former Trump administration official regarding the conservative viewpoint on a potential conflict with Iran. The conversation explores the justifications for military action and strategic planning,…
- Why the Pentagon Wants to Destroy Anthropic
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show discusses why the Pentagon wants to end its contract with the A.I. company Anthropic, despite currently using its A.I. system. Dean Ball, a former White House adviser on A.I., offers his perspective on t…
- The Great Lie of War
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show features Ben Rhodes discussing the ongoing conflict in Iran and how Democrats should respond. The conversation also explores the foreign policy approach of decapitating regimes and controlling their succ…
- Trump’s Fantasy State of the Union
Ezra Klein and guest Aaron Retica discuss President Trump's State of the Union address. They examine the President's claims about the economy, immigration, and trade as presented in the speech.
- How Quickly Will A.I. Agents Rip Through the Economy?
This episode explores the economic impact of AI agents, discussing their potential effects on the economy and labor market. It also considers the policy changes needed in response to job displacement.
- Who Has the Power in Trump's White House?
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show features Ashley Parker and Michael Scherer discussing the inner workings of the Trump White House. They explore how decisions are made and who influences the President.
- The Infrastructure of Jeffrey Epstein’s Power
This episode analyzes the infrastructure of Jeffrey Epstein’s power based on released court records, emails, and texts. It examines his role in brokering information and connections for a part of the global elite and what this reveals abou…
- George Saunders on Anger, Ambition and Sin
George Saunders discusses his new novel “Vigil” and delves into themes of anger, ambition, and sin. He also explores his views on kindness and free will.
- We Didn’t Ask for This Internet
This episode features a discussion with Cory Doctorow and Tim Wu about the evolution of the internet. They explore challenges facing the modern internet and discuss potential policy solutions.
- Is Your Social Life Missing Something? This Is For You.
Ezra Klein and Priya Parker discuss the importance of intentional gatherings for building community. They explore how to host more meaningful gatherings to improve social lives.
- How the World Sees America, With Adam Tooze
Adam Tooze, a historian, explores the evolving global view of America and the implications of a potential shift in American influence. He discusses the decline of the old world order and what might emerge next.
- The Most Important Foreign Policy Speech in Years
This episode features Henry Farrell discussing Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum. Farrell explains "weaponized interdependence" and why this is considered a "rupture" moment in international relations.
- Minneapolis Reveals Where Trump's Deportation Agenda Is Going
Caitlin Dickerson joins Ezra Klein to discuss the evolving immigration enforcement infrastructure under President Trump. The conversation explores the current state and future implications of the administration's deportation policies.
- Has Trump Achieved a Lot Less Than It Seems?
Yuval Levin, director of social, cultural and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses the accomplishments of Trump's second term. The conversation focuses on policies that have had a lasting impact and the ab…
- Can James Talarico Reclaim Christianity for the Left?
State Representative James Talarico discusses his Christian faith and progressive political positions. He also talks about his bid for a Texas Senate seat.
- Venezuela, Renee Good and Trump’s ‘Assault on Hope’
M. Gessen joins Ezra Klein to discuss the recent events of January, the challenges of living under autocracy, and the implications of the seizure of the president of Venezuela for the global order of law, justice, and human rights.
- What Trump Wants in Venezuela
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show examines the Trump administration's operations in Venezuela, leading to the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. The discussion explores the reasons and implications of U.S. policy in Venezuela, question…
- This Question Can Change Your Life
Ezra Klein explores the practice of asking "What is this?" as a method for personal reflection, drawing on insights from Stephen and Martine Batchelor. The discussion connects this practice to Buddhist meditation, ethical living, and its r…
- ‘This Is Something That Traditional Economics Isn’t Prepared to Deal With’
Ezra Klein talks with Tracy Alloway and Joe Weisenthal about the current economy. They discuss why traditional economic measures may not align with public sentiment.
- The Opinions: Bernie Sanders and Ruben Gallego
On this episode of The Ezra Klein Show, Senators Bernie Sanders and Ruben Gallego share their perspectives on the Democratic Party and strategies for engaging working-class voters. Their conversations, presented as a pair, highlight both c…
- The Simplest Way to Save Lives With Your Money
Elie Hassenfeld, CEO of GiveWell, discusses the organization's work in identifying effective charities. He explains how GiveWell researches and recommends charities to help donors maximize the impact of their contributions.
- Best Of: Zadie Smith on Populists, Frauds and Flip Phones
Zadie Smith discusses her novel "The Fraud," written with Trump and populism in mind. She also explores the impact of smartphones and social media on individuals.
- The Contradictions of Gavin Newsom
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show features an interview with Gavin Newsom, discussing his political trajectory, his podcast interviews with right-wing figures, and his thoughts on the Democratic Party's strategy. He also addresses concer…
- What I Learned in 2025
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show features Ezra Klein and executive producer Claire Gordon. They answer listener questions about political lessons from 2025, the struggles of young men, and how the show handles criticism.
- Interesting Times: She Exposed Epstein and Shares MAGA’s Anger
Ross Douthat interviews journalist Julie K. Brown, known for her investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. This episode discusses the Epstein case and unanswered questions.
- Best Of: The ‘Quiet Catastrophe’ Brewing in Our Social Lives
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show features a conversation with writer Sheila Liming about the decline of social connection. They discuss the importance of "hanging out" and how to foster more fulfilling social lives.
- Fareed Zakaria Thinks Steve Bannon Got One Thing Right
Fareed Zakaria joins Ezra Klein to discuss the current political age. They explore the forces shaping this era and how the Democratic Party might respond to these changes.
- Patti Smith on the One Desire That Lasts Forever
Patti Smith is featured on The Ezra Klein Show, discussing her life, her new memoir "Bread of Angels," and the 50th anniversary of her breakthrough album, "Horses." She shares insights into her boundless curiosity, influential books, and c…
- Tucker Carlson, Nick Fuentes and the Right’s ‘Groyper’ Problem
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show discusses Tucker Carlson's interview with Nick Fuentes and the implications for the MAGA movement. It also touches on the roots of antisemitism on the right with political writer John Ganz.
- What Were Democrats Thinking?
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show discusses the Democratic party's strategy regarding the government shutdown, raising questions about their decisions and motivations.
- The Blue Wave Cometh?
On "The Ezra Klein Show," Ezra Klein and his column editor, Aaron Retica, discuss recent Democratic victories and the potential fracturing of the MAGA coalition. They also consider the implications for Democrats heading into next year's mi…
- This Is How the Democratic Party Beats Trump
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show explores how the Democratic Party can beat Trump. It suggests that Democrats need to win more people and more places, requiring a different approach.
- The Israeli Right’s Plan to Carve Up Gaza
Amit Segal, chief political analyst for Channel 12 News in Israel, discusses the Israeli right's plan to carve up Gaza. He explains why he believes a full withdrawal from Gaza is unlikely and how the conflict is shaping Israeli politics.
- Can Economic Populism Save the Democratic Party?
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show discusses whether economic populism can help the Democratic Party. It examines the "Democratic penalty" and theories on how the party can appeal to working-class voters, featuring insights from Jared Abb…
- The Rural Power Behind Trump’s Assault on Blue Cities
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show discusses the rural-urban divide in America and its impact on politics. Suzanne Mettler, a political scientist, explores how this division developed and what it means for democracy.
- Can the Israel-Hamas Deal Hold?
This episode of The Ezra Klein Show discusses the Israel-Hamas deal. Robert Malley and Hussein Agha join the show to examine the deal and its potential future.