The Karol Markowicz Show

In this episode, Karol Markowicz sits down with Noam Bloom, 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 about the future value of “human-made” work in an AI-driven world and explains why stepping away from screens may be more important than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 following the Israel-Iran conflict. Plus, Roy shares why he remains optimistic about the next generation of Jewish students standing up for Israel and America despite mounting pressure on campuses nationwide. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 world. Plus, Karol and Mollie discuss journalism, conservative culture, raising children, and the future of political storytelling in America. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 gratitude and faith can transform your life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 bold prediction about American journalism. A must-listen conversation on politics, polling, media trust, family, and faith. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 offers in today’s fight against anti-Semitism. Together they explore family legacy, freedom, and why preserving truth matters more than ever. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 about marriage, ambition, and her philosophy on “strategic topography” — choosing the right hills to die on in life and politics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 there’s a way back. They also examine the role of foreign influence campaigns, the collapse of trust in institutions, and why viral misinformation may be more dangerous than ever in shaping public opinion. Can the conservative movement course-correct? Or are we entering a new era of information chaos? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 digital content becomes harder to trust. Plus, Brad offers a surprising prediction about technology, class, and why being “offline” could soon become the ultimate status symbol. They wrap with a candid discussion on relationships, routines, and practical advice for building a better life in a chaotic, hyper-digital world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 also dive into global issues, including the future of Iran, rising geopolitical tensions, and why understanding cultural and ideological conflicts matters more than ever. Plus, Petersen shares personal insights on leadership, community impact, and the importance of small, consistent steps in building a meaningful life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Plus, Alana offers a simple but powerful tip to improve your daily life in a world dominated by social media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the challenges facing NYC today—from affordability to crime. Plus, Vernikov gives her five-year outlook on New York’s political future, explains why she believes the current leadership may “implode,” and offers a hopeful vision for a return to common-sense governance. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and dehumanization, and how awareness has shifted in the wake of COVID-era revelations. Jekielek also shares his perspective on the future of China, the potential collapse of the CCP, and what a free China could mean for the world. Plus, hear his personal reflections on investigative journalism, gratitude, and how individuals can better understand global human rights crises. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: Plus, Crabtree shares her personal journey from Washington, D.C. to California, her passion for investigative journalism, and practical advice on staying grounded in a fast-moving, high-pressure world. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 and Kimberly also explore the impact of online culture on relationships, rising loneliness in younger generations, and the challenges of building real-world connections in a digital-first society. Plus, Kimberly opens up about her personal experience with infertility, motherhood later in life, and why not caring what others think might be the ultimate superpower. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 landscape is forcing creators to adapt—or get left behind. They also tackle the rise of AI, the decline of traditional radio, and why the future may actually bring a renewed demand for authentic, human connection. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 the shift away from individual sovereignty toward centralized information control. Drawing on his experience as a U.S. Army intelligence officer, he connects modern information warfare tactics to what we’re seeing today in America’s political and digital landscape. They also discuss: Plus, Siegel shares personal insights on resilience, fatherhood, and how to stay grounded in an age of constant information overload. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 why people talk to police Inside Chicago’s unique felony review system and how it prevented wrongful charges The transition from prosecutor to leading constitutional law scholar Lessons about justice, ethics, and the legal system Why real-life crime is often more complex—and stranger—than fiction Barnett also reflects on his career, offers insight into the pursuit of justice, and shares a powerful piece of life advice: live your life as if you’ll one day write a memoir. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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, Substack, and podcasting as the future of journalism Whether conservatives are losing the ability to challenge their own ideas How Junto plans to feature both sides of key issues in one place The tension between building your own audience vs. legacy media validation The conversation also explores personal themes, including: Balancing career ambition with family priorities The challenges of working in media while raising a young family Why putting family first can come at a professional cost—but is worth it Plus, Reichert offers a powerful perspective on gratitude, American exceptionalism, and service, drawing from his time in the Army and experiences witnessing global conflict. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.