Firing Line with Margaret Hoover
Season 8
2025 • 20 Episodes
Episodes
1. Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Katya Snytsina and Natalia Kaliada
January 10, 2025
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.
2. Juan Williams
January 17, 2025
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.
3. Newt Gingrich
January 24, 2025
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.
4. James Carville and Mike Murphy
January 31, 2025
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.
5. Richard Carmona
February 7, 2025
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.
6. Philip K Howard and Will Marshall
February 14, 2025
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.
7. Scott Lincicome and Jeff Ferry
February 21, 2025
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.
8. Ross Douthat
March 7, 2025
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."
9. Lawrence Perelman
March 14, 2025
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.
10. Jonathan Martin, Adam Nagourney, Bob Shrum
April 4, 2025
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.
11. Glenn Hubbard
April 18, 2025
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.
12. Josès Andrès
April 25, 2025
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.
13. Robert Lighthizer
May 2, 2025
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.
14. Kelsey Grammer
May 9, 2025
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.
15. Niall Ferguson
May 16, 2025
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.
16. Fei-Fei Li
May 23, 2025
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.
17. Chris Hughes
June 13, 2025
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.
18. Jason Riley
June 20, 2025
“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.
19. Lisa Murkowski
June 27, 2025
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.
20. Mike Pence
July 11, 2025
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.