Ross is insufferable and his voice is so difficult to listen to. He’s condescending to other hosts. Would prefer the show with fewer, more enjoyable to listen to hosts.

A handful of very smart people having allegedly smart conversations, all with one overwhelming perspective. Rather than 4 different flavors of ice cream, they are 4 varieties of vanilla. Friday they discussed religion in politics without any doubt that religion is valuable and the loss of it is bad. And by “religion,” they invariably meant Christianity. There was actually a rant at one point directing listeners to “go to church.” No real debate. Complete waste of time.

Excellent episode on Trump and abortion. Ross Douthat's coup de grace was his comment on Tom Wambsgans, who is the new Alfred E. Neuman.

They did an entire episode about n the dangers of Smartphones and did not once discuss the weaponization of algorithms. They discuss smartphones as if it was a 20th century problem like too much television, clearly demonstrating that they have no grasp for n modern day technology. Come back to this podcast if you want to hear elite New Yorkers debate the nuisances of high-end cuisine in the Upper East End, but don’t come here if you wish to listen to people with any sort of coherent grasp on the normal on-goings of society.

I loved the first iteration of this podcast, The Argument! Each episode spotlighted a point of contention in modern American society and hosted a back and forth between supporters of each side of the debate. Hosts David, Michelle and Ross, representatives of differing political poles, charitably participated. It was enlightening to witness honest and polite debates on hot issues. The show took a disappointing turn when this magnificent trio went their separate ways and I almost gave up. Then, to my relief, the Times bounced back with Matter of Opinion. Although it lacks the routine debate between guests, the show returned to giving me what I crave: honest, intelligent discussions of important issues between people of differing ideological stripes who also respect one another. That is what is sorely lacking in modern media as well as American culture. Once again, I am eagerly awaiting each new episode. Ross, Lydia, Carlos and Michelle, thank you for your dedication. Please continue your inspiring contribution to our national conversations!

I look forward every week to this entertaining, erudite bunch. Love how they agree to disagree, and add levity to grave issues (Hot and Cold — terrific!).

Some episodes are amazing and fantastic conversations covering fascinating topics. You have four true intellectuals here sharing opinions and having open and honest discussions. However, there are a few episodes where the conversation is unfocused and/or the hosts are talking past each other and not actually listening and responding to each other’s points. I get the sense that hosts may have trouble just admitting a point is valid even if they disagree with the overall argument being made, you can accept a fact or merit to an argument without having to accept the conclusion.

I’m willing to stomach Douthat’s conservatism (never wanting Trump to look TOO bad, etc.), but I wish he’d tone down the arrogance. In the episode of a Trump second term, he asks for everyone to comment. Then when it’s his turn, in a berating tone Douthat says how utterly surprised he is no one mentioned the ECONOMY. Maybe some of us (and some of your panelists) ALSO care about, I don’t know, civil rights? I guess that’s too much of a stretch for a conservative to be concerned. Ugh.

Sorry team, but watching other NYT podcast that is a Biden lovefest is not my bag. I I started watching this episode, because Ross kept it fairly, balanced, without him I don’t see a reason to listen.

Looking at all the one and five-star reviews reminds me how lonely it is to be moderate American these days. I came to this program hoping to hear intelligent voices who do not agree. What I heard was a simple echo chamber. Some of the voices seemed less informed than others. Three stars for the voices that have done their homework.

I understand that this a New York Times sponsored show but this is becoming a constant beat down of the one and only conservative! If you want this show to really be fair add more conservative host, it’s 3 against 1. Unfollowing!

We get it! He’s old! Anything else to discuss?? Its not unimportant but I also don’t think it’s a top ten factor in the race. Talk about abortion, racism, immigration, the economy, threats to democracy… anything that is substantive - I am begging!

Just finished “The Mental Fitness Test” episode and someone said Trump might be temperamentally incapacitated but with the right right people around him, you can have decent outcomes. Zero pushback from the other hosts. Were they all in a cryochamber from 2016-2020? Have they paid any attention to Project 2025? It’s the same old pundit normalization of an authoritarian candidate. Trump’s temperament IS the impairment that PREVENTS any decent outcomes.

I am late to the game having just started listening last week - but immediately devoured every episode retroactively because I enjoy the coterie of perspectives from this thoughtful crew so much. Everyone should listen to this podcast - it’s just what our nation needs. 🫶

Ignore the haters

I listen to this so I can hear Ross Douthat’s disarming chuckle and even, reassuring tone of voice, right before he minimizes or rationalizes some absolutely wicked, morally-bankrupt far-right position.

If you’re looking for heated, impassioned debate with combative sniping and forceful assertion, keep looking. This podcast has an air of old friends of different perspectives and backgrounds meeting up for coffee or having a conversation at dinner.

This podcast makes me look forward to Fridays a little bit harder and I generally enjoy the large scope of perspectives on the pod offers. BUT I have to say that Ross is 100% canceled after the Men Are From YouTube, Women Are From TikTok episode….

Awesome podcast, and I actually think they’re pretty funny. But I admit I’m kind’ve a nerd.

Ross is a nut who’s wrong about almost everything, but I don’t dislike him. His focus on birth rates is insane. The population is still growing and the crisis we’re facing is excess consumption and drowning in our own waste. Will lopsided age distributions be inconvenient, especially where labor movement is tightly controlled? Yes. But that is small beer compared to global warming and the sixth great wave of extinctions in the history of life.

Michelle Cottle’s rampant ageism of President Biden has become such a turn off for me that I can no longer listen to this podcast.

I have been listening to this podcast since it was The Argument, and I used to really love hearing both sides having a civil discourse. Now it has become decidedly more one-sided and not at all balanced, even with the episode titles, like “will THIS a lose Biden the presidency”. Stop the clickbait and get back to having real, necessary conversations.

I love listening to podcasts with different points of view represented but I just can’t listen anymore. Ross continues to lie and nobody offers pushback instead they giggle and treat it like it is apart of his personality. It was only recently that I find out he’s 44 years old. He honestly sounds like a tired old curmudgeon in his 60s with the get off my lawn attitude of a complete jerk. Piece of advice for you…lighten up and stop lying.

I guess I’m in the minority here, and maybe I’m just a hater, but Ross is the worst! His smugness and “I’m so above it all” affect are so repellent. Does he make some nuanced and insightful points? Yes, of course. But they’re drowned in the ocean that is his pompousness.

Always interesting, if you’re into politics.

I appreciate so much listening to the camaraderie among this group. It makes me wish that I had a group like this of my own with whom I could discuss politics. I look forward to every Friday.

Knowledgeable people actually having pleasant, civil conversation about current issues. Differing opinions with reasons to back them up. What do you know! They stay friendly! I feel like I’ve gotten to know this gang quite well!

I like the different takes from each panelist from conservative to liberal. And you all plainly like each other. So, you actually model a better USA. I love your humor, and often I laugh out loud. What could be better in a podcast? Thanks so much.

I listen to this podcast when I need my faith in humanity restored, or I don't know how I think or feel about a given topic and want to listen to a variety of informed opinions, or when Im making my kids lunch and just want something interesting on in the background. What makes this podcast so special is that there are 4 people with totally different viewpoints and values, but not only do they all seem to respect each other and want to hear each other's opinions, they actually seem to like each other! I enjoy listening to all 4 of them. The show is intellectual without being draining. I just love it.

Overall—a fine podcast. Good to hear different points of view from reasonable people. But they should cut back on efforts at humor. They are not funny. Jokey tone of Michelle Cottle almost unbearable in recent discussion of vice-presidential choices.

Lovethis podcast! Thank you for your informed insights coupled with cheerful , sometimes hilarious banter even during this precarious political time we are living through.

If you want to be informed without lectured, this is the podcast for you. Be ready for your assumptions to be challenged in a light and healthy way

This is a tidy little podcast. One that i listen to when I don’t want pure fluff, but also dont want to have my thinking cap all the way on. What makes the podcast for my is Lydia Polgreen. Besides her viewpoints - which i find clever- her voice itself is just super interesting and good on the ears. Anyway i had to google her and she seems very accomplished. So many absolutely impressive people in the world that it’s impossible to know them all. @ shauninparadise

I am a long time NY times fan, but recently discovered this podcast. I love the discussion with very different perspectives

Information is more important than opinion.

In my opinion this show has a good balance of banter and thoughtful discussion.

These 4 are delightful! Keep going!

Recent discovery. Such brilliant, funny, engaging, informed, and (yes!) opinionated conversations. A weekly joy to hang out on the sidelines while these four go at it. Free range columnists demonstrating how to have an elevated, super smart and respectful back and forth. Thank you!

There's a nice balance here. My default is way way left of the median here, but this show demonstrates that intelligent conversation from various perspectives provides a richer tapestry than a polemic bubble space of mirrored sentiments.

Always interesting. Hosts are so smart. Its a good format. I look forward to this each week. Thank you.

You actually listen and disagree. It’s an awesome show. Never liked an NYT podcast till this one.

Y’all are amazing, thank you for the work you all do and for your points of view. Happy holidays and PLEASE come back next year!

I’ve found myself looking forward to this, and it’s the first podcast I go to for its blend of opinion, news, humor, quirkiness. Despite the snark, it’s refreshing, and stands out due to its four commentators.

I teach “Critical Thinking and Communication” at the university level and have started playing segments from this show for students - it offers solid examples of context-giving and reason-giving along with respectful (and often humorous) agreement and disagreement. Keep it going, you four! Sincerely enjoy your discussions.

I have listened to many, many attempts at doing mixed viewpoint talk shows over the last 55 or so years, and think Matter of Opinion works the best of any of them. I am consistently and pleasantly surprised to find myself agreeing with most of what I hear on the program and respecting all of your opinions…most of the time. That says a lot, given that I am a 67-year man born into a conservative Methodist/lapsed Catholic family of 7 who grew up to be a Unitarian Progressive ( or perhaps a Progressive Unitarian? ) who styles himself a kindred spirit of Romney - George, not Mitt. Please keep up the good work.

Good podcast. Similar to Hacks on Tap in that it has fairly reasonable people from both sides of the aisle. Much better than The Argument. I prefer when they choose less frequently covered topics to discuss. But the episodes are too short — it would be better if they went more in-depth on the topics.

Thoughtful and always interesting discussions among a diverse group who often disagree - respectfully - on important topics

I didn’t know what to expect when I started listening but now I can’t stop. I love each and every one of the hosts because they bring a different and thoughtful perspective to each conversation. I enjoy the banter and the respectful challenge. I also feel respected and challenged just listening to this podcast! It’s like getting to listen in while your cooler friends talk about things. Thanks for this gem and absolute delight! More please!

This is such an insightful discussion podcast that brings great topics and perspectives with a great balance! Intelligent, honest and a breath of fresh air!

I love this podcast!! The questions and topics are informative and thought provoking. I always look forward to listening. Please renew!!!