The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Privateering Edition

The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Privateering Edition

Author: Ricochet August 29, 2026 Duration: 1:14:47
The band is back together again this week as John Yoo ends his truancy, and we take up the fresh legal and constitutional disputes of the moment, starting with the Supreme Court's recent rulings about mail-in ballots and the Trump Administration's efforts to enlist the Postal Service on behalf of election integrity. From there we move on to the novel proposal to bring back prize courts and authorize old fashioned "privateers" to capture Iranian shipping on the high seas and profit from their cargoes—something United States hasn't done since around the time of Andrew Jackson (Trump's favorite president, perhaps not coincidentally). Then, on to the emerging controversy over Flock cameras, and whether we can trust the government not to abuse them or use them to spy on and harass us. 

This week's cameo appearance is from our favorite classicist Alex Priou, who joins us to discuss his terrifically cheeky recenbt essay, "How to Be an Elitist." And our listener question this week is: why does the president get to select the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Shouldn't that be up to the members of the Court? The president doesn't get to appoint the Speaker of the House, after all, and the language on this matter in the Constitution is incomplete or ambiguous. Hmmm.

Grab a glass and settle in for 3 Whisky Happy Hour, where the week's news and cultural shifts get a thorough-and spirited-examination. Hosts Steven Hayward, John Yoo, and the enigmatic "Lucretia" blend their expertise in law, philosophy, and political commentary, offering a perspective that’s as substantive as it is refreshingly unscripted. The conversation flows like a good pour, moving from the immediate headlines to deeper, often overlooked principles that shape current events. This isn't a dry recap; it's a lively, meandering discussion where complex ideas become accessible, and analysis is always accompanied by a sense of camaraderie. You'll find the tone is that of a sharp, informal debate among friends who aren't afraid to challenge conventional wisdom. Produced by Ricochet, this podcast stands out in the crowded fields of news and politics by prioritizing genuine dialogue over partisan soundbites. Each episode feels like you’ve pulled up a chair at a table where wit and insight are always on the menu. Whether they're unpacking a Supreme Court decision or tracing a philosophical concept through modern politics, the hosts ensure the discourse is both enlightening and thoroughly engaging. For anyone looking to understand the 'why' behind the news with a dose of character, this is your regular invitation to a different kind of happy hour.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

3 Whisky Happy Hour
Podcast Episodes
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Thomas Derangement Syndrome? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:03
Move over Trump Derangement Syndrome! The left is clearly afflicted now with a full-blown case of Thomas Derangement Syndrome—after Justice Clarence Thomas's speech last week about the Declaration of Independence, which,…
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Almost Live from Tampa [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:30
For the second week in a row, the 3WHH gang (minus one) were on the road, this time recording live in the corner of a hotel lobby before the annual meeting of the Philadelphia Society. The sound quality of this episode i…
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Live from Tulsa! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:12
This week the 3WHH podcast "went mobile people!", venturing to the University of Tulsa's College of Law for a live-taping before an enthusiastic audience of law students, faculty, and some loyal listeners. We departed sl…
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Send the TSA to Iran? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:03:55
Be afraid, be very afraid, as this livestreamed edition of the 3WHH featured special effects for the first time. Steve has a new toy—a soundboard that comes with the classic sound effects. These turn out to be quite usef…
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Shots Fired—Winning Here, Losing There [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:23
This week we raise the Jolly Roger against an imitator podcast that is intruding on the 3WHH's exclusive right of commentary on all things McDonald's, but then we move on to our own balance sheet about the Iran War (verd…
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Int'l Law and Lawlessness at Home [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:00
To paraphrase—awkwardly—that 70s-era lyric, "International Law! What Is It Good For? Absolutely. Nothing! Good God!" Lucretia host's this week's episode, which combines her skepticism of international law, especially as…
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Newsom, Clinton, Tigers and Bears Oh My! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:58
This week we went round-robin format—or the podcast equivalent of potluck—with each bartender bringing a subject on their mind. John wonders whether the Clinton deposition about Epstein is really sensible, Steve wonders…
The Three Whisky Happy Hour: Can You Tariff a Vibe Shift? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:13
Was the Supreme Court's tariff case Friday a no-lose case for conservatives, as Steve argues in this fast-paced episode, or a serious setback for President Trump? We were just surprised John Yoo had any voice left at all…