The Ben Shapiro Show: Sunday Special

Dr. Phil McGraw is a man that needs no introduction. I sit down with him to discuss the hot button issues he covers in his latest book, such as the dangers of teaching kids equality of outcome, the catastrophic effects of the school shutdowns in response to COVID-19, and the erosion of core American values through familial breakdown and fatherlessness in homes. All this and more in this episode of Sunday Special.

President of Argentina, Javier Milei, has captivated tens of millions of people with his outspoken criticism of fiscal irresponsibility, his advocacy for reducing the size of government, and his unique ability to connect with the disaffected voters of traditional politics. Though he champions a libertarian approach in a landscape traditionally dominated by populist and socialist policies, his journey to the presidency is not just a political story; it’s a narrative about challenging the status quo, advocating for radical change, and inspiring a movement. In this discussion, President Milei and I explore his incisive views on the current state of the West, Argentina's economic turmoil, the experiences that shaped his worldview, and the moments that propelled him from a renowned economist to a national leader. Join us for a riveting discussion that offers a glimpse into the mind of one of the most fascinating political figures of today. Thanks for being a DailyWire+ member. This show is

Sage Steele, a former ESPN broadcaster, climbed the ladder in the traditionally male-dominated field of sports broadcasting and established herself as one of the most prominent and effective voices in sports entertainment. Despite her success, Steele's perspectives on the escalating racial tensions within sports sparked significant controversy and criticism from progressive circles, leading to her eventual departure from ESPN. In our conversation, we explore how Steele's upbringing instilled in her a strong work ethic, independence, and a deep appreciation for her mixed-race heritage. She shares both the highs and lows of her career in broadcasting, and discusses the resilience she's found after her departure and her outlook for the future. Join us for an enlightening conversation that delves into the realities of public scrutiny and cancellation. Thanks for being a DailyWire+ member. This show is ad-free.

RFK Jr. is making waves as a candidate in the current presidential race, first as a Democrat and now as an Independent. Born into the Kennedy dynasty, his early life was marked by personal and family tragedies, including the assassinations of his uncle, President John F. Kennedy, and his father, Senator Robert F. Kennedy. His resilience is evident in his battles with addiction, giving way to a career as a lawyer and activist for the environment, Indigenous land rights, and public health. Today, we delve into RFK Jr.’s vision for America and hope for the Democratic party, discussing a range of topics from chronic disease, AI, culture and entitlements, to foreign policy and his position on abortion. Join us as we explore these critical issues with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., seeking insights into his campaign and what it represents for the future of American politics. Thanks for being a DailyWire+ member. This show is ad-free.

Ben sat down with author Abigail Shrier to discuss her new book 'Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up,' in which Shrier discusses the troubling trend of weaponizing mental health in education and parenting, and explores how an excessive focus on therapy tends to medicalize normal challenges faced by children. So, is the current trend in health practices transforming ordinary childhood challenges into pathological issues? Join us as we delve into this and much more on this episode of The Sunday Special.

Born in Mogadishu, Somalia, Ayaan Hirsi Ali's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Raised in a devout Somali Muslim family, Ayaan received a strict Muslim education and fled a forced marriage. Armed only with intellectual curiosity and unwavering determination, she sought refuge in the Netherlands, where she was first exposed to the ideas of the West. It was here that she found her voice, her passion for women's rights, and her commitment to challenging the status quo. Ayaan has become a prominent voice for reform within Islam and has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of women, minorities, and dissidents living under oppressive regimes. Tune in for a compelling dialogue with one of the world's most fearless voices.

Today, we welcome Coleman Hughes, a writer and podcaster known for his influential work on race, politics, and culture. Named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 in 2021, Hughes has written for major publications and testified before Congress against reparations. In his 2024 book, "The End of Race Politics: Arguments for a Colorblind America," he advocates for a colorblind approach to politics. We discuss his viral appearance on The View, race relations, and more, highlighting his commitment to fostering dialogue on contentious issues.

Don’t miss this episode of The Sunday Special as we sit down with Riley Gaines, the fearless athlete shaking up the sports world. From her roots in Gallatin, Tennessee, to becoming a swimming sensation at the University of Kentucky, Riley’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. She has boldly taken a stand against controversial policies allowing biological males in women’s sports, sparking a nationwide debate. We’ll dive into her remarkable career, her fierce advocacy, her outspoken critique of the Biden administration, and her ambitious vision for the future. Tune in for a riveting discussion with Riley Gaines, a true warrior for fairness and integrity in women’s sports.

Pete Hegseth is a prominent American television personality, author, and military combat veteran. As a co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend" and a frequent commentator on Fox News, he brings a unique blend of firsthand experience and keen analysis to the discussion of national security, veterans' affairs, and American values. In our conversation today, we’ll explore Pete’s journey from the battlefield to the newsroom and discuss his views on the current state of American politics, as well as the shocking state of the military. We'll also touch on his personal experiences, the lessons he's learned through his service, and his vision for a stronger, more united America.

John MacArthur is an American pastor, prolific author, and the host of the national Christian radio and television program, "Grace to You.” MacArthur’s expositional preaching and deep theological insights have made him one of the most respected and influential evangelical leaders of our time. In this episode, we discuss the decline of religious life in the West, the degradation of biblical teachings in American churches, the challenges of convincing the upcoming generation to live a life of faith, and the importance of cultivating a sense of community membership. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

We are excited to welcome Dan Bongino back to The Sunday Special this week. Bongino’s broadcasts at The Dan Bongino Show are characterized by his profound patriotism and a relentless pursuit of truth. In today’s episode, we forecast the 2024 election, discuss Trump’s unique political strengths, and potential presidential debate strategies for each candidate. We also weigh the merits of populist economics and the Right’s recent bifurcation on foreign policy. Tune in for another fantastic conversation on this episode of The Sunday Special.

Glenn Loury is an esteemed American economist, public intellectual, and author. In his recent memoir, Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative, Loury reflects on a lifetime of academic excellence and overcoming personal turmoil. In today’s episode, we discuss the difficulty of political messaging and policy crafting around racial inequality, the trajectory of American race relations since the Obama administration, and Glenn’s relationship with religion. Don’t miss Glenn Loury’s profound insights on racial politics and more, on this episode of the Sunday Special.

Bishop WC Martin is an American pastor, author, adoption advocate, and the inspiration for the upcoming Angel Studios film, The Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, releasing in partnership with DailyWire+. As the pastor of Bennett Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Possum Trot, Texas, Bishop Martin and his wife Donna adopted 4 children and persuaded their entire community to do the same. Ultimately, 77 children were adopted into 22 loving families in their small Texas town. In today’s episode, Bishop Martin and I discuss the problems within the current foster care system and the role of the church in successful adoption stories. Bishop Martin also shares personal anecdotes about raising his adopted children and a few behind-the-scenes moments from the making of the movie. Don’t miss this heartening conversation about family and faith on this episode of the Sunday Special.

Douglas Murray is a preeminent British author, journalist, and geopolitical commentator who stands at the forefront of our political discourse today. Murray has successfully challenged politicians and the establishment media on issues like immigration, identity politics, religion, and free speech. In today’s episode, Douglas and I discuss his experience visiting Israel, and how the relative comfort of the West has resulted in young people searching for excitement in all the wrong places. We also explore the contradiction at the heart of American isolationism, and the attitude shift that must take place in order for the West to course-correct. You won’t want to miss this profound conversation with Douglas Murray!

On this episode of the Sunday Special, Mike Rowe joins us for a conversation about America’s backbone–the American workforce. Best known as “the dirtiest man on TV” from the Emmy-award-winning TV series "Dirty Jobs," Rowe’s talent for storytelling and commitment to American labor are evident through his ongoing work to highlight hard-working citizens across the country. His latest project is a feature film called "Something to Stand For," where Rowe narrates the heroic tales of American patriots. In today’s episode, we discuss our nation’s forgotten institutions of community, Rowe’s best advice for high school graduates, and the implications of AI on white-collar workers. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation!

Victor Davis Hanson is a distinguished classicist, military historian, and prolific commentator on contemporary geopolitics. Hanson’s latest work, "The End of Everything: How Wars Descend into Annihilation," delves into the unsettling parallels between the conflicts of antiquity and our modern symptoms of decline. In today’s episode, we discuss the reverberations of the war in the Middle East, the merits of federalism, and the consequences of a possible Trump victory. As we navigate an era marked by rapid change and global uncertainty, Victor Davis Hanson's insights prove the enduring relevance of classical wisdom in today’s world. This is a conversation you don’t want to miss! Thanks for being a DailyWire+ member.

Matt Fradd is a Catholic apologist and the host of the popular podcast, "Pints with Aquinas." Fradd is an eloquent defender of the Catholic faith and a champion of civil discourse around even the most contentious topics, from cultural analysis to religious philosophy. In today’s episode, we dissect ideas like toxic skepticism, the West’s normalization of sin, and the pragmatic application of Catholic principles. We also explore what it means to be “free” and compare the ritual similarities between Catholicism and Judaism. Stay tuned and enjoy this episode of the Sunday Special! Thanks for being a DailyWire+ member.

In this episode of the Sunday Special, Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch joins us to discuss his latest book, "Over Ruled: The Human Toll of Too Much Law." With his signature judicial clarity, Justice Gorsuch explores the effects of our government’s expanding federal criminal code and the real-world consequences when seemingly innocuous activities entangle citizens with federal law. Justice Gorsuch shares the stories of Americans whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by overregulation, and why he remains an “incorrigible optimist” about the future of our nation. This conversation is essential listening from one of our country’s sharpest legal minds! Thanks for being a DailyWire+ member.

This week on the Sunday Special, Dennis Quaid joins us ahead of the premiere of the upcoming biopic Reagan, coming to theaters nationwide on Friday, August 30th. Quaid is quite the renaissance man–he is a 2x Golden Globe-nominated actor, musician, self-proclaimed golf addict, and licensed pilot. As an actor, he is best known for his versatility in films such as Breaking Away, The Right Stuff, The Big Easy, and The Parent Trap. In today’s episode, Quaid discusses how he prepared to portray Reagan, parallels between our current political moment and President Reagan’s era, offers a few predictions about the future of Hollywood, and shares a few of his all-time favorite films. Stay tuned for a fantastic conversation with the talented Dennis Quaid.

Spencer Klavan is an associate editor at the Claremont Institute, host of the Young Heretics podcast, and a scholar of ancient Greece. His astute political commentary ranges from critiques of the modern Left to philosophical explorations of the ancient world. In this episode, we explore Klavan’s latest book, “Light of the Mind, Light of the World,” where he rejects the popular notion that science and religion are incompatible, and instead forecasts a future where scientific discovery leads to a religious resurgence. We also discuss the symbolic relationship between Athens and Jerusalem, as well as the religious observations of great scientists like Galileo, Newton, and Einstein.

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is a world-renowned clinical psychologist, Professor Emeritus at the University of Toronto, and online educator known for his influential lectures on religious belief, narrative mythology, and personality analysis. In his latest DW+ series, Foundations of the West, Dr. Peterson travels to Jerusalem, Athens, and Rome to uncover the ancient roots of Western civilization. I was glad to join Dr. Peterson in the first part of the series, where we traversed the hills of Jerusalem and discussed the sacred stories at the heart of the West’s early flourishing. In today’s episode, Dr. Peterson shares a few behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the series’ filming, his personal religious journey, and his observations on the biblical themes of risk and sacrifice. Stay tuned and don’t miss Dr. Jordan Peterson’s latest insights, on this episode of the Sunday Special.

On today’s episode of the Sunday Special, I sit down with the man, the myth, the fearless leader of the Sweet Baby Gang, The Daily Wire’s very own Matt Walsh. Walsh’s knack for revealing lies with satire has been captured once again in "Am I Racist?”, where the toxicity of racial equity is on full display. In the film, Matt infiltrates a “White Privilege Grief Workshop,” disguises himself as a DEI consultant to the queen of the anti-racists, Robin DiAngelo, and all while threads the needle for us as viewers on the profound anti-Americanism that undergirds it all. All of us at The Daily Wire cannot wait for the rest of the nation to see the film, and grapple with the reality of the DEI industry. Don’t miss this inside look at "Am I Racist?", out in theaters September 13th. Welcome back to another episode of the Sunday Special.

Recently, a narrative was introduced to the public conversation that Adolf Hitler wasn’t really interested in continuing WWII, that he offered peace to Britain and France, and that Winston Churchill, driven by some mysterious personal vendetta, refused and kept the war going for his own perverse purposes. This is a gross misreading of history, and conveniently omits key facts about Hitler’s true intentions; anyone suggesting otherwise is engaging in dangerous revisionism. On this episode of the Sunday Special, Niall Ferguson leads us through these untruths. Ferguson is a Scottish historian who is best known for his in-depth analysis of economic history, empire, and global conflicts like WWI and WWII. He doesn’t just recite history—he tells you why it happened, what could have been different, and how the war reshaped our global order.

Vivek Ramaswamy is an American business leader, New York Times bestselling author, and former Republican presidential candidate whose standout performances on the debate stage and the campaign trail have made him a mainstay commentator on topics ranging from the latest electoral trends to the economy, Big Tech, and higher education. In his latest book, "Truths: The Future of America First," Vivek criticizes the Republican Party’s shortcomings and lays out a positive vision for the future of American conservatism. In this episode of the Sunday Special, Vivek and I discuss how the Trump campaign can win this election season, the failures of neoliberalism, and the need to redefine ‘Americanism’ in support of our country’s founding ideals.

Dr. Drew Pinsky is a board-certified internist and addiction medicine specialist with over 35 years of experience in national TV and radio, as well as a New York Times bestselling author and host of The Dr. Drew Podcast. From Celebrity Rehab on VH1, to his eponymous talk shows with leading experts in the medical field, Dr. Drew pushes forward our national conversation on topics like nutrition, medical technology, mental health, and addiction. In today’s episode, Dr. Drew shares his personal experience being censored by the legacy media, surveys the decay of the American medical establishment, and highlights the backward incentives in our governmental agencies which no longer effectively safeguard Americans’ health. While we navigate an extremely polarized political moment, the restoration of Americans’ physical and mental wellbeing should be of paramount importance to all of us. Don’t miss this important conversation with Dr. Drew Pinsky, on this episode of the Sunday Special.