Who We Are: Race and Meritocracy

Jason L. Riley, senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute and one of the most incisive voices in today's debates over race and public policy, joins Rafael Mangual to discuss how the Left frames racial disparities to advance a victimhood mentality, rather than solutions rooted in responsibility, opportunity, and community empowerment.

In this episode of our "Who We Are" series, Ilya Shapiro, James Copland, and Rafael Mangual discuss the work of the Manhattan Institute and City Journal in the context of conservative legal thought and jurisprudence. They examine the rise and influence of the conservative legal movement—tracing its roots, chronicling some of its internal debates, and examining how it has reshaped American law, courts, and legal education. They also examine how the Federalist Society transformed legal education and elite institutions, and why significant challenges remain for conservatives seeking to achieve lasting legal change.

In the first episode of our new "Who We Are" series, Rafael Mangual and Heather Mac Donald discuss the work of the Manhattan Institute and City Journal on crime and public safety over the years. They cover Broken Windows policing, disparate impact, the reality of interracial crime, why public order matters, and what Mayor Zohran Mamdani's policies will mean for daily life in New York City.

In this year-in-review episode of the City Journal Podcast, we look back at the most compelling conversations from recent months. From Douglas Murray to Heather Mac Donald and Abigail Shrier, the episode features engaging, timely cultural debates and in-depth policy discussions, offering listeners a snapshot of City Journal's podcast coverage.

As 2025 comes to a close, the City Journal Podcast revisits some of its best conversations from the past few months. From discussing Sydney Sweeney's "jeans" to analyzing Zohran Mamdani's victory in New York City's mayoral race, this compilation episode brings together some of our most thought-provoking moments.

In this special edition of the City Journal podcast, Daniel Di Martino, Josh Appel, and Rafael Mangual reflect on the magic of the holiday season in New York City. They share some of their favorite traditions, discuss the enduring lessons of movies like It's a Wonderful Life, and consider deeper questions about individualism versus social obligation.

Rafael Mangual, Judge Glock, and Adam Lehodey talk about New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's pledge to end homeless encampment clearances. They discuss the small group of supporters who believe sheltering outside is a human right, explain why relying on the shelter system is preferable, and consider the implications of letting the homeless occupy the city's limited public spaces. They also examine the Community Opportunity to Purchase Act, which would give nonprofits the first right of refusal to buy housing. 

Natalya Murakhver joins John Tierney to discuss her film 15 Days and her efforts to resist the shutdown of schools during the Covid-19 lockdown. 

Tal Fortgang, Jim Copland, and Rafael Mangual discuss the developing political relationship between Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump, exploring how Mamdani's anticipated approach to immigration enforcement and public safety could reshape the city's political landscape. They consider the consequences when local policy collides with federal authority, and whether New York could be headed toward a new wave of protests or civil unrest.

Rafael Mangual, Renu Mukherjee, and Santiago Vidal Calvo discuss New York City's mayoral election and the demographic groups that propelled Mamdani to victory. They also examine the changing electorate and what the results could mean for progressive policies in other cities.