On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Jennifer Van Laar, managing editor of RedState and a leading investigative journalist known for uncovering major political stories.

Jennifer shares her unconventional journey—from 20 years as a courtroom stenographer working on murder trials to becoming one of the most impactful investigative voices in conservative media. She explains how her courtroom experience taught her how to build cases, analyze evidence, and ultimately break major political stories.

The conversation dives into the investigation that exposed former Rep. Katie Hill, the year-long reporting effort that scrutinized RNC leadership and spending, and the pressures journalists face when reporting critically on their own political side. Jennifer also discusses the evolving mission of RedState, why intellectual honesty matters in political media, and how conservative outlets balance breaking news with opinion.

Karol and Jennifer also explore the future of California politics, the fallout from the Palisades fire, Governor Gavin Newsom’s leadership, and whether the political pendulum could swing back in the Golden State.

Plus, Jennifer reflects on her personal life—raising three sons as a single mother, finding purpose through storytelling, and why discovering your strengths and “staying in your lane” may be the key to long-term success.

Topics Covered in This Episode:


Jennifer Van Laar’s path from court reporter to investigative journalist


The RedState newsroom and conservative media today


Major investigations that changed political careers


Reporting on corruption within your own party


California politics and the future of the state


The importance of storytelling in journalism and life

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Jennifer Van Laar, managing editor of <a href="https://redstate.com/">RedState</a> and a leading investigative journalist known for uncovering major political stories.
Jennifer shares her unconventional journey&mdash;from 20 years as a courtroom stenographer working on murder trials to becoming one of the most impactful investigative voices in conservative media. She explains how her courtroom experience taught her how to build cases, analyze evidence, and ultimately break major political stories.
The conversation dives into the investigation that exposed former Rep. Katie Hill, the year-long reporting effort that scrutinized RNC leadership and spending, and the pressures journalists face when reporting critically on their own political side. Jennifer also discusses the evolving mission of RedState, why intellectual honesty matters in political media, and how conservative outlets balance breaking news with opinion.
Karol and Jennifer also explore the future of California politics, the fallout from the Palisades fire, Governor Gavin Newsom&rsquo;s leadership, and whether the political pendulum could swing back in the Golden State.
Plus, Jennifer reflects on her personal life&mdash;raising three sons as a single mother, finding purpose through storytelling, and why discovering your strengths and &ldquo;staying in your lane&rdquo; may be the key to long-term success.
Topics Covered in This Episode:
<ul data-start="1666" data-end="2013">
<li data-start="1666" data-end="1742">
Jennifer Van Laar&rsquo;s path from court reporter to investigative journalist
</li>
<li data-start="1743" data-end="1797">
The RedState newsroom and conservative media today
</li>
<li data-start="1798" data-end="1853">
Major investigations that changed political careers
</li>
<li data-start="1854" data-end="1903">
Reporting on corruption within your own party
</li>
<li data-start="1904" data-end="1955">
California politics and the future of the state
</li>
<li data-start="1956" data-end="2013">
The importance of storytelling in journalism and life
</li>
</ul>

Hosted by New York Post and Fox News columnist, and co-author of the best-selling book, “Stolen Youth,” The Karol Markowicz Podcast expands on the topics that drove Karol’s most popular columns and conversations, namely, the cultural and social issues that affect us all. What's marriage really like? Why are we lied to about what it's like to have children? What does it mean to succeed in your career? In each episode, Markowicz aims to find real answers to the deep questions that really matter, while taking listener questions and welcoming some of the biggest names in news, politics and entertainment for candid conversations. Get ready to lean in and listen! Subscribe now to The Karol Markowicz Show - new episodes post every Wednesday and Friday on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by New York Post and Fox News columnist, and co-author of the best-selling book, &ldquo;Stolen Youth,&rdquo; The Karol Markowicz Podcast expands on the topics that drove Karol&rsquo;s most popular columns and conversations, namely, the cultural and social issues that affect us all. What's marriage really like? Why are we lied to about what it's like to have children? What does it mean to succeed in your career? In each episode, Markowicz aims to find real answers to the deep questions that really matter, while taking listener questions and welcoming some of the biggest names in news, politics and entertainment for candid conversations. Get ready to lean in and listen! Subscribe now to The Karol Markowicz Show - new episodes post every Wednesday and Friday on the iHeartRadio App, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Karol Markowicz Show

On this episode of The Karol Markowicz Show, Karol sits down with Jennifer Van Laar, managing editor of RedState and a leading investigative journalist known for uncovering major political stories.  Jennifer shares her unconventional journey—from 20 years as a courtroom stenographer working on murder trials to becoming one of the most impactful investigative voices in conservative media. She explains how her courtroom experience taught her how to build cases, analyze evidence, and ultimately break major political stories.

The Karol Markowicz Show: Jennifer Van Laar on Investigative Journalism, RedState, and Challenging the Political Establishment

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/dbe79f90-d8c2-4f9c-9b2b-b403015994c1/transcript