Firing Line

News and Public Affairs Series / 8 Seasons

Join author, activist and commentator Margaret Hoover for a public affairs talk show that delivers a civil and engaging contest of ideas among the brightest minds and voices from across the ideological spectrum.

Watch: S2025 E14

26m 46s

Ross Douthat

S2025 E15 / 26m 46s

New York Times columnist Ross Douthat discusses his book, “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious.” He explains why he thinks Americans are looking for a higher power, defends organized religion, and reflects on the mystical side of UFO culture.

Jonathan Martin, Adam Nagourney, and Bob Shrum

S2025 E14 / 26m 46s

Jonathan Martin of Politico, Adam Nagourney of The New York Times, and Bob Shrum of the USC Center for the Political Future discuss the challenges facing legacy media, threats to press freedom around the world, and the future of journalism.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Katya Snytsina and Natalia Kaliada

S2025 E13 / 26m 46s

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, basketball star-turned-activist Katya Snytsina, and Belarus Free Theatre co-founder Natalia Kaliada talk about taking on Lukashenko’s dictatorship and the power of art and sports in politics.

Condoleezza Rice

S2025 E12 / 26m 46s

Former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discusses the perils of isolationism, the need for the U.S. to stand by Ukraine, her assessment of the war in Gaza, and putting pressure on Iran and its proxies in an interview recorded last October.

Lawrence Perelman

S2025 E11 / 26m 46s

100 years after the birth of William F. Buckley Jr., “American Impresario” author Lawrence Perelman discusses their friendship, Buckley’s love of music, and his life outside politics. He reflects on Buckley’s character and the values he represented.

Ross Douthat

S2025 E10 / 26m 46s

Conservative New York Times columnist Ross Douthat assesses President Trump’s address to Congress, his latest actions on Ukraine and trade, and the future of the GOP. Douthat also discusses his new book, “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious."

Kevin Hassett

S2025 E9 / 26m 46s

National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett discusses President Trump’s plans for tariffs, tax cuts, and spending cuts in an interview taped before Trump’s re-election. He defends the Fed’s independence and denies Trump is a threat to democracy.

Scott Lincicome and Jeff Ferry

S2025 E8 / 26m 46s

Economist Jeff Ferry of the Coalition for a Prosperous America and trade expert Scott Lincicome of the Cato Institute discuss the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on U.S. consumers, businesses, and the world in a forum at Hofstra University.

Philip K. Howard and Will Marshall

S2025 E7 / 26m 46s

Two government reform advocates, author and lawyer Philip K. Howard and Will Marshall of the Progressive Policy Institute, discuss Trump's deep state blitz, what DOGE is getting wrong, and their advice for Elon Musk in a forum at Hofstra University.

Richard Carmona

S2025 E6 / 26m 46s

As Robert F. Kennedy Jr. nears confirmation as Health and Human Services Secretary, former Surgeon General Dr. Richard Carmona discusses Kennedy’s controversial history, his potential impact on public health, and how to prepare for the next pandemic.

James Carville and Mike Murphy

S2025 E5 / 25m 56s

Two veteran campaign strategists, Democrat James Carville and Republican Mike Murphy, discuss the political fallout from the 2024 election, the chaotic early days of Donald Trump’s second term, and the challenges that lie ahead for both parties.

Newt Gingrich

S2025 E4 / 26m 46s

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich discusses his new PBS documentary “Journey to America” and makes a conservative case for legal immigration amid rising GOP skepticism. He also responds to President Trump’s executive orders and January 6th pardons.

Juan Williams

S2025 E3 / 26m 46s

Fox News analyst Juan Williams discusses his book “New Prize for These Eyes,” about what he sees as a second civil rights movement and the backlash against it. He reflects on the impact of right-wing media ahead of Trump’s inauguration and MLK Day.

Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Katya Snytsina and Natalia Kaliada

S2025 E2 / 26m 46s

Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Olympic basketball star Katya Snytsina, and Belarus Free Theatre co-founder Natalia Kaliada discuss the fight against Lukashenko’s dictatorship and the power of art and sports in politics.

Jonathan Haidt

S2025 E1 / 26m 46s

Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses his book, “The Anxious Generation," which explores how social media and phone-based parenting have rewired young brains, and he addresses what can be done about Gen Z’s tech-fueled mental health crisis.

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