City Journal Audio

How should we think about automated license-plate readers, surveillance cameras, drones, and other public safety tools? Rafael Mangual sits down with Rahul Sidhu of Flock Safety to discuss the backlash against ALPR technology, the legal and privacy concerns surrounding surveillance, and the safeguards meant to prevent misuse. They also explore the real-world benefits of these tools in helping police solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and respond faster in emergencies.

In this episode of the City Journal Podcast, Ralph Clark, CEO of SoundThinking (formerly ShotSpotter), discusses the technology of acoustic gunshot detection, its impact on public safety, and the arguments surrounding its use. Host Rafael Mangual and Clark explore how the technology saves lives, enhances policing, and addresses community concerns. They also consider the future of surveillance technology in law enforcement.

Are puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones for gender dysphoric minors supported by strong scientific evidence? Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Leor Sapir and Zhenya Abbruzzese, Co-Founder of the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine, examine the findings of the Utah review on hormonal treatments for minors experiencing gender dysphoria and discuss what the evidence says about pediatric gender care.

What did journalists know about terrorism before 9/11? How has national security reporting changed? Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Judith Miller reflects on her long career covering global conflicts, terrorism, intelligence, and the Middle East. Drawing from decades of frontline reporting, Judith discusses her experiences covering major events in the Middle East, the growing threat of terrorism before the September 11 attacks, and the complex relationship between journalism, government policy, and national security. She also reflects on her time in jail and defending the First Amendment, and shares her perspective on the challenges facing modern journalism and the responsibility of reporters covering high-stakes international issues.

Seth Barron joins Brian Anderson to discuss his new book, "Weaponized: The Left's Capture and Destruction of America's Sacred Institutions."

Award-winning crime journalist Joe Marino joins the podcast for a candid, in-depth conversation on crime, policing, and public safety in New York City. Marino examines the complex issues shaping today's justice system, from criminal-justice reform and evolving policing strategies to recidivism, media narratives, and the human behavior behind the headlines. Drawing on years of frontline reporting, he offers sharp insights into how policy, politics, data, and public perception collide—and what it all means for crime and accountability in America's largest city.

What does it take to write books that make the establishment uncomfortable—and keep writing them anyway? Manhattan Institute Senior Fellow Abigail Shrier joins Rafael Mangual for an engrossing conversation. The author of two national bestsellers, Irreversible Damage and Bad Therapy, Shrier has spent years investigating what's gone wrong in the institutions educating and treating America's children—and speaking honestly about the consequences.

Ben Sasse addresses the centrality of the family and the challenges of technology in accepting the Manhattan Institute's Hamilton Award.

America's children are in crisis—and the system designed to help them is breaking down.

Christina Buttons, Naomi Schaefer Riley, Scott Dziengelski, and Carolyn Gorman explore one of the most urgent and overlooked issues in public health: the severe shortage of residential treatment beds for young people struggling with mental illness. What happens when children need intensive care and there's nowhere to send them?

We dig into the real story behind treatment facilities, cutting through the media sensationalism to show what quality mental health care for kids really looks like. Our discussion pulls no punches on how flawed legislation is making a fragile system even worse—and how the right reforms could make a difference.

Is America trading excellence for ideology? In this episode, Rafael Mangual sits down with Heather Mac Donald—author of When Race Trumps Merit—for a frank conversation about affirmative action, diversity mandates, and what happens when institutions prioritize identity over ability. They dig into the real-world consequences of diversity-driven policies in education and the workplace, the growing skills gap, and the cultural factors that shape outcomes. It's a provocative and engaging discussion of issues many people try to avoid talking about.

Naomi Schaefer Riley and Rafael Mangual discuss the complexities of the child welfare system in the U.S. They explore controversial policies surrounding child protection, neglect, and foster care, emphasizing the need for transparency and reform.

Chelsea Follett joins Brian Anderson to talk about how technology has improved urban living from earlier times.

Ilya Shapiro and Rafael Mangual discuss the Supreme Court's most consequential recent decisions and anticipate the legal battles that could define the future of American law. From landmark rulings to looming cases, they offer sharp analysis of issues like birthright citizenship, the scope of executive power, and the role of independent agencies—while examining how judicial philosophy continues to influence the Court's approach. They also look ahead to what's next: potential retirements, shifting dynamics on the bench, and high-stakes cases such as Childs v. Salazar.

Founder of the Open Therapy Institute Andrew Hartz and Rafael Mangual explore the growing influence of political bias in psychotherapy and what it means for both therapists and clients. Hartz makes the case for an approach to mental health care that respects personal beliefs while still promoting growth and well-being.

Jarrett Dieterle, Neetu Arnold, and Rafael Mangual discuss surprising parallels between the soaring costs of higher education and the price of food delivery. What's driving these increases—and who's really paying for them? They examine how government regulations, subsidies, and market dynamics shape affordability in both sectors. Their conversation challenges conventional thinking about cost, value, and opportunity in today's economy.

Judge Glock, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual discuss key factors affecting urban affordability. From the hidden impact of sales taxes to the role of density in shaping livable cities, they examine how policy decisions affect housing costs, public services, and quality of life. Whether you're a policymaker, city resident, or just curious about the future of urban living, this episode offers sharp insights into what makes cities affordable.

Nicole Gelinas joins Brian Anderson to discuss Zohran Mamdani's performance as mayor and the fiscal condition of New York City.

Professor Robert P. George and Rafael Mangual explore the enduring foundations of American constitutionalism and what they reveal about human nature, power, and freedom. Drawing on the vision of the Founding Fathers, George explains why structural limits on authority—not just good intentions—are essential to preserving liberty.

City Journal Editor Brian Anderson and Rafael Mangual explore the magazine's history, its influence on urban policy, and the challenges associated with technological change. They discuss City Journal's distinctive approach to policy journalism and the importance of style and accessibility in conservative media.

Allison Schrager and Rafael Mangual discuss the nuances of conservative economics, the importance of free markets, the role of incentives, and the impact of regulation. They explore the philosophical underpinnings of economic thought, the significance of risk tolerance, and the influential thinkers who contributed to modern economic understanding.