Is Every Snowflake Unique? Actually? | Ruminant

Jonah Goldberg uses a deeply personal and candid tone to announce the launch of a new, paywalled podcast series called 'Ruminant'—a departure from his usual political commentary. The episode centers on a provocative moment: the revelation that he and co-host Chris Starwalt filmed a full day of unscripted, sandwich-fueled conversations in Baltimore, inspired by the closing scene of *The Odd Couple*. This new show, while not officially part of The Dispatch, reflects a desire to explore culture, history, and human connection through food and friendship—away from the noise of politics. The core of the episode, however, pivots sharply to a scathing critique of Donald Trump’s slush fund proposal, which Goldberg calls a 'grossly unconstitutional' violation of the foundational principle that no man can be a judge in his own cause. He argues this case exemplifies Trump’s entire governing philosophy: a relentless pursuit of unchecked power, where legal precedents are weaponized and institutions are bent to personal ambition. The episode ends with a direct appeal to listeners to subscribe, framed not just as a business move but as a moral commitment to sustaining independent, intellectually rigorous journalism.