Firing Line with Margaret Hoover
Season 2025
202538 episodes
Episode 1
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Katya Snytsina and Natalia Kaliada
Jan 10, 202527m
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.
Episode 2
Juan Williams
Jan 17, 202527m
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.
Episode 3
Newt Gingrich
Jan 24, 202527m
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.
Episode 4
James Carville and Mike Murphy
Jan 31, 202527m
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.
Episode 5
Richard Carmona
Feb 7, 202527m
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.
Episode 6
Philip K Howard and Will Marshall
Feb 14, 202527m
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.
Episode 7
Scott Lincicome and Jeff Ferry
Feb 21, 202527m
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.
Episode 8
Ross Douthat
Mar 7, 202527m
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."
Episode 9
Lawrence Perelman
Mar 14, 202527m
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.
Episode 10
Jonathan Martin, Adam Nagourney, Bob Shrum
Apr 4, 202527m
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.
Episode 11
Glenn Hubbard
Apr 18, 202527m
Conservative economist Glenn Hubbard discusses the impact of Trump’s tariffs and other ways to rebalance the economy. The former adviser to Pres. George W. Bush doubts the return of manufacturing jobs and assesses the risks of a trade war with China.
Episode 12
Josès Andrès
Apr 25, 202527m
Chef and World Central Kitchen founder José Andrés discusses his approach to humanitarian aid, his work in Ukraine and Gaza, and his new book, “Change the Recipe.” He comments on the Trump administration, immigration, and threats to the rule of law.
Episode 13
Robert Lighthizer
May 2, 202527m
Robert Lighthizer, who served as U.S. Trade Representative in Trump’s first term, defends the president’s tariffs and makes the case for more balanced trade. He discusses the impact of tariffs on prices and the future of American manufacturing.
Episode 14
Kelsey Grammer
May 9, 202527m
Actor Kelsey Grammer discusses his new book, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” transcending tragedy after his sister’s murder, and its impact on his life and his work. He also talks about being conservative in Hollywood in the age of Trump.
Episode 15
Niall Ferguson
May 16, 202527m
Historian Sir Niall Ferguson assesses the first 100 days of President Trump’s second term. He discusses the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs, efforts to end the war in Ukraine, and the current and future challenges posed by China.
Episode 16
Fei-Fei Li
May 23, 202527m
AI pioneer Dr. Fei-Fei Li discusses ethical development of artificial intelligence and the challenge of establishing effective regulations. She addresses government funding of research, diversity in science, and ensuring child safety as AI advances.
Episode 17
Chris Hughes
Jun 13, 202527m
Facebook co-founder Chris Hughes discusses his book, “Marketcrafters,” about policymakers on the left and right who have shaped markets to achieve social and political goals. He also comments on social media regulation and the Meta antitrust trial.
Episode 18
Jason Riley
Jun 20, 202527m
“The Affirmative Action Myth” author Jason Riley argues race-based college admissions policies failed Black students. The Wall Street Journal columnist discusses racial disparities in education and responds to Trump’s assault on universities.
Episode 19
Lisa Murkowski
Jun 27, 202527m
GOP Sen. Lisa Murkowski discusses the U.S. strikes against Iran, the Senate debate over Trump’s tax cuts, and protecting the powers of Congress. She talks about her new book, representing Alaska, and why that sometimes means defying her own party.
Episode 20
Mike Pence
Jul 11, 202527m
Former Vice President Mike Pence assesses President Trump’s second term so far, defends Trump’s tax cut bill and strikes against Iran, and raises concerns about his former running mate’s handling of tariffs, the TikTok ban, and the nation’s debt.
Episode 21
Elissa Slotkin
Jul 18, 202527m
Senator Elissa Slotkin lays out her economic “war plan” for Democrats and discusses divisions within the party. The Michigan Democrat also comments on support for Ukraine, the MAGA rift over the Epstein files, and fighting Trump’s domestic agenda.
Episode 22
Jessica Riedl
Jul 25, 202527m
Conservative economist Jessica Riedl discusses the impact of Trump’s tariffs and trade deals, the cost of his tax cuts, and potential entitlement reforms. She assesses the Republican Party’s shift toward populism and the threat posed by rising debt.
Episode 23
Mike Lawler
Aug 1, 202527m
GOP New York Congressman Mike Lawler discusses the impact of Trump’s tax cut bill, his response to critics of its cost and Medicaid provisions, new developments in Gaza, and the challenge of representing a Democratic-leaning district as a Republican.
Episode 24
Sam Tanenhaus
Aug 22, 202527m
Author Sam Tanenhaus discusses his biography of William F. Buckley Jr. and responds to critics of his portrayal of the leader of the American conservative movement. He reflects on Buckley’s views on race and faith and how he impacted modern politics.
Episode 25
Sam Tanenhaus Part 2
Aug 29, 202527m
In part two, author Sam Tanenhaus further discusses his biography of William F. Buckley Jr., the leader of the modern American conservative movement. He defends his exploration of Buckley’s sexuality and reflects on his influence on the GOP today.
Episode 26
Chris Coons
Sep 5, 202527m
Democratic Sen. Chris Coons discusses China’s efforts to reshape the world order and the U.S. response. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee member assesses Trump’s handling of the war in Ukraine and his National Guard deployments in the U.S.
Episode 27
John Malone
Sep 12, 202527m
Cable TV titan John Malone reflects on his career as an industry pioneer and assesses the state of the media today. He discusses the need to regulate Big Tech, the danger of political dysfunction, and his views on President Trump’s second term.
Episode 28
Cynthia Miller-Idriss
Sep 19, 202527m
Extremism expert Cynthia Miller-Idriss assesses the shooting of Charlie Kirk, the Trump administration’s response, and the rise of political violence in America. She discusses forces that fuel radicalization, especially among young men and boys.
Episode 29
Cindy McCain
Sep 26, 202527m
World Food Programme Executive Director Cindy McCain discusses the global hunger crisis–including famine in Sudan and Gaza–the impact of humanitarian aid cuts by the U.S. and other nations, and her message to world leaders at the UN General Assembly.
Episode 30
Alberto R. Gonzalez
Oct 3, 202527m
Former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales comments on the indictment of James Comey, the relationship between the White House and the Justice Department, the erosion of norms under President Trump, and Congress' failure to check the executive branch.
Episode 31
Audrey Tang
Oct 10, 202527m
Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s ambassador-at-large and former minister of digital affairs, discusses how technology can advance democracy, the dangers posed by social media and artificial intelligence, and why Taiwan’s independence from China matters.
Episode 32
Anthony Kennedy
Oct 17, 202527m
Anthony Kennedy discusses his decades on the Supreme Court and the legacy of his landmark decisions. He assesses challenges facing the court in Trump’s second term, including incivility among the justices, and warns of threats to American democracy.
Episode 33
Andrew Cuomo
Oct 24, 202527m
Andrew Cuomo discusses the New York City mayoral race and his pitch to voters to choose him over democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani. He addresses threats the city faces from President Trump and reflects on his primary defeat and past controversies.
Episode 34
Michael McFaul
Oct 31, 202527m
Former Ambassador Michael McFaul discusses Trump’s Asia trip, the state of the war in Ukraine, and a new era of U.S. competition with Russia and China. He addresses Trump’s second term foreign policy, sanctions on Russia, and negotiating with Putin.
Episode 35
Andrew Ross Sorkin
Nov 7, 202527m
Andrew Ross Sorkin, author of "1929," discusses the 1929 stock market crash, the causes of the Great Depression, and how lessons from it can be applied today. He also reassesses the impact of Presidents Coolidge, Hoover and Roosevelt on the crisis.
Episode 36
Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein
Nov 14, 202527m
Filmmakers Ken Burns and Sarah Botstein discuss their new PBS series “The American Revolution” that expands and updates the story of America's founding ahead of its premiere this Sunday.
Episode 37
Dave Wiskus
Nov 21, 202527m
Dave Wiskus, founder and CEO of streaming service Nebula, discusses the rise of the creator economy, how the rapidly growing industry is changing the traditional media ecosystem, and what it means for entertainment, content moderation, and politics.
Episode 38
Mark Hertling
Dec 12, 202527m
Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling assesses the Trump administration’s National Security Strategy and what it means for U.S. allies and adversaries. He discusses U.S. strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats, the war in Ukraine, and countering China.