The Jonah Podcast Is Here

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Dear Listener,

"Wait, what?" you ask?

Longtime readers of the G-File could probably benefit from a speed-reading course, depending on how long it takes them to read it. ("If this 'news'letter lasts more than 4 hours please consult a phonics instructor."). But that's not important right now.

I normally start off my digital epistles with a "Dear Reader" gag. But this isn't a normal missive. I'm here to announce the launch of my new podcast, "The Remnant, with Jonah Goldberg."

I recorded the first one last week for inclusion in the G-File. But I soon discovered that there is a Pentaveret-like consortium of Internet barons who must approve every single new podcast before it can be included in podcast feeds (Charlie Cooke tells me the members of this Star Chamber are iTunes, Google, the Knights of Malta, the Scheinhardt Wig Company and the Cook County Department of Sanitation). So we had to wait until after the weekend to announce it. This email marks its annunciation. Huzzahs all around.

As for the first episode, I'm very conflicted about it. On the one hand, I don't think it's bad. Ben Sasse surprisingly decked-out in Juggalo make-up, held up his end just fine.

It's just that I've been thinking about doing this for so long, it falls far short of my expectations. I was more nervous than I thought I would be. I'm the first to admit that, like Flamenco Dancing or buffalo taxidermy, solo podcasting doesn't come naturally to me. I don't want to be an "interviewer." Conversation good, Q&A boring. So I went into this with no notes and nothing prepared.

I'm hoping it will be remembered as the podcast equivalent of the Seinfeld pilot – fun, but a bit forced yet with a lot of potential – rather than the pilot of "Madame President" – "My God, what were they thinking?"

I know what you're thinking: "I should eat more meals over the sink." But you're probably also thinking, "Why is Goldberg selling this thing so badly?"

Well, here's the thing. I grew up – figuratively speaking – as a writer on NRO by relying on the feedback from you Dear Readers, and I really hope to replicate the process with you, my hopefully soon-to-be Dear Listeners. That means I'm going to take risks – just wait for the all-mime episode! And I want you guys to be in for the ride.

In my imagination, I want it to be like being stuck in an airport bar with a relatively sober Hunter S. Thompson, a tipsy William F. Buckley and a few entertaining strangers in the mix. I really hope you guys will help me get there.

And, in the meantime, as a young Bill Clinton told the hooker after his first time, "I promise I'll get better."

So, please hop on board the ground floor and subscribe.

I once read that when Auguste Rodin was asked how he would sculpt an elephant he said he would take a block of marble and remove everything that wasn't an elephant. He never really said that, but who cares? The point is I want you to help me remove everything that isn't a perfect podcast (save the host!). So send me your feedback. Send me your ideas for guests. Send me scotch. Just send it all. And, please, if you can subscribe, that will help keep the suits off my back.

Thank you.

Jonah