Conversations with Peter Boghossian

Gender Trouble with Travis Brown Feb 28, 2025

In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker Travis Brown about his new series, "Uncomfortable Truths: the Reality of Gender Identity Ideology." This documentary comes with my highest recommendation, despite the deeply troubling nature of the subject matter and the irreversible harm the ideology is causing children. Travis is the video director for our YouTube channel, a visiting fellow at Danube Institute, content producer for Genspect, the president of a non-profit, and an international filmmaker and commentator known for his thought-provoking docuseries 'The Woke Reformation.' Contribute to Travis to help him finish the series: https://www.givesendgo.com/uncomfortabletruths Watch this episode on YouTube.

Are We Honest About Migration? With Omar Sayfo Feb 27, 2025

I sat down with Omar Sayfo to discuss migration in Europe. We unpacked where both the left and right get it wrong when talking about migration.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Taiwan, China, and the Fight for Democracy Feb 18, 2025

While in Taiwan, I sat down with Sona Eyambe from the Good Bike Mob YouTube channel to discuss cultural and political issues. Sona, originally from Texas, and I compared life in Taiwan to life in America.

One striking difference is the pristine streets, with people carrying their own trash—remarkable, considering there are no trash bins in sight. In fact, the first night we were there we wandered around looking for trash. After 30 minutes, we saw some tissues in a gutter. We stood around and looked at them, marveling.

Sona and I discussed the Taiwanese taking immense pride in their unique identity, which remains resilient despite the ever-present threat from China. He provides numerous example of that pride and how it manifests in daily life.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Saving America w/John Papola (Dad Saves America) Feb 17, 2025

Peter Boghossian and John Papola (Dad Saves America) discuss Trump, the Department of Education, current events, and more!

Watch this episode on YouTube.

"We Are Not Chinese" w/Taiwanese Commentator Lōa Ēng Hôa Feb 11, 2025

In my discussion with the popular Taiwanese figure Lōa Ēng Hôa, we explored various aspects of Taiwan. A key theme for Lōa is the importance of retaining the Taiwanese language, which he sees as vital in the face of Mandarin's dominance. (He views Mandarin as "the language of colonizers.") Lōa emphasizes that language is of ultimate importance and believes that the best way to wage war is through words.

We also discussed whether Taiwanese people consider themselves part of China or culturally Chinese, and how this perception impacts traditional Taiwanese culture. During my time in Taiwan, I observed the cleanliness and civility of society, especially in contrast to some leftwing cities in America, like Portland, Oregon and Los Angelos, California. Lōa posed an intriguing question: Is this civility a result of being "well-behaved," or is it a reflection of tyranny?

Watch this episode on YouTube.

"China Will Become the Next Superpower Immediately" | Jesús Jan 21, 2025

Jesús is a prominent cultural commentator and has one of the most popular Youtube Channels in Taiwan. His work includes man on the street interviews and insightful commentary on Taiwanese culture, immigration, and Taiwan's relationship with China. We discussed the troubling phenomenon that I describe as the "epidemic of cowardice," which is affecting not only the United States but the entire Western world—the consequence of this cowardice emboldens tyrants. Every time you fail to stand up you give away freedoms. It is particularly vital to not give into the fear tactics of any regime. Stand up for what is right. This is one reason we went to Taiwan, whose citizens live in fear of a Chinese invasion.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

How ‘Power + Prejudice’ Redefined Racism | Jake Klein Jan 15, 2025

In my interview with Jake Klein, we discuss his book Redefining Racism: How Racism Became Power + Prejudice. I read a pre-release of Jake’s manuscript some time ago, and I was struck by how thorough and well-researched it was. He does a fantastic job of really explaining the genesis of this concept and how it crept into our discourse.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Is Science a Tool of Colonization? | Kendall Clements Jan 14, 2025

While in New Zealand, I had the opportunity to interview Kendall Clements, a professor of biology at the University of Auckland. His name may sound familiar because, in 2021, Clements was the lead author of a controversial letter titled "In Defence of Science," published in The New Zealand Listener. The letter (commonly referred to as the “Listener Letter”) was a direct response to a proposed curriculum that sought to promote the discussion and analysis of how science has been used to support the dominance of Eurocentric views, including its role in the “colonization” of Māori peoples and the “suppression” of Māori knowledge.

The curriculum also proposed that science itself, as a Western European invention, could be viewed as a tool of European dominance over Māori and other indigenous groups. We discussed this and more.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Ditching Equity and Reclaiming Our Schools with Elizabeth Rata Jan 07, 2025

While in New Zealand, I had the privilege of sitting down with Elizabeth Rata, a sociologist of education at the University of Auckland. Elizabeth is the Director of the Knowledge in Education Research Unit (KERU), within the School of Critical Studies at the Faculty of Education and Social Work—and she is based! Her research includes knowledge in the curriculum, knowledge politics, ethnic revivalism, Māori education, research methods, and the history of New Zealand education. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Echoes of Totalitarianism: Lessons from Soviet History | Audrey Unverferth Jan 01, 2025

In today's conversation, I am joined by Audrey Unverferth, a visiting Fellow at Hungary’s MCC, whose research specializes in Soviet totalitarianism. Audrey draws parallels between Russian totalitarianism and current trends in the United States and across the Western world, highlighting how Russian history serves as a stark warning about the perils of totalitarianism and the fragility of democratic republics. Watch this episode on YouTube.

"The First Battle has to be the Last Battle" | Wang Kai Chun Dec 17, 2024

In this conversation with Wang Kai Chun (Steven), a foreign policy advisor at the Legislative Yuan R.O.C. in Taiwan, we discussed Taiwan-U.S. relations, military preparedness, foreign policy, and the implications of a potential Trump presidency for Taiwan. Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Government is CRIMINAL | Anarcho-Capitalism with Walter E. Block Dec 10, 2024

I had a delightful conversation with Professor Walter Block, a prominent economist and staunch anarcho-capitalist. Renowned for his extensive publications and contributions to the field, Block offered insightful perspectives on anarcho-capitalism, explaining its core principles and their relevance to contemporary society. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Why Americans SHOULD Care About Taiwan with Lin Fei-fan Dec 03, 2024

In Taiwan, I sat down with Lin Fei-fan (DPP), the former Deputy Secretary-General of the DPP, who gained prominence as the leading student activist during the Sunflower Movement in 2014. This year marks the 10-year anniversary of a movement that changed Taiwanese politics for a generation. His activism has resulted in being barred from entering China and Hong Kong.

We discussed the resilience of Taiwan’s defense against China, why Americans should care about Taiwan, the threats posed by China, the impact of Chinese sanctions, and the importance of retaining the Taiwanese culture amid rising immigration. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Taiwanese Military Defense Expert SPEAKS OUT: "Game of Deterrence" Against China Nov 29, 2024

In this intense conversation in Taiwan, I engage with one of the leading expert in military defense technologies responsible for Taiwan’s security. My guest is anonymous due to fears of being targeted (read: murdered) by Chinese spy agencies. We explore the complexities of China-Taiwan relations, emphasizing that these dynamics extend beyond who happens to be in politics at any particular time. Our discussion highlights the interconnections between economics, sanctions, technology, AI, drones, and semiconductors. This was an important conversation about a critical geopolitical issue that’s of indispensable importance to the United States. Watch this episode on YouTube and let me know what you think in the comments.

Does Trump Offer a New Dawn? | Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer [Part 2] Nov 19, 2024

In Part 2 of my conversation with Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer, Head of the Center for Applied History and IR Theory at MCC, Budapest, we explored the shifting dynamics of global power and its impact on the culture and values of nations. Our discussion spanned continents—from Africa to Asia, Europe to the Americas—covering the rise of BRICS, the future of the U.S. Dollar, migration, and the growing influence of the state on the family unit. In case you missed part 1, watch it here. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Never Bet Against Americans | Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer [Part 1] Nov 12, 2024

In this two-part series, we sit down with Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer, Head of Center: Applied History and IR Theory at MCC, Budapest. Ralph specializes in the cultural dimensions of identity formation and its impact on social cohesion. He offers incredible insights on understanding the current political climate in America, especially in light of the shifting dynamics in the country’s political landscape. Watch this episode on YouTube.

“I Have to Continue to… DEFEND my Home (Taiwan).” | Dr. Alexander Huang Nov 05, 2024

Meet Alexander Huang, Chairman of Taiwan’s Council on Strategic & Wargaming Studies. In this conversation, we focus on the geopolitical dynamics involving Taiwan, China, and the United States. Alexander emphasizes the critical importance of Taiwan’s ties with the West due to its strategic location and its role as a major producer of 90% of the world’s advanced semiconductors. He asserts that if Taiwan falls from Western influence, China emerges victorious. The discussion also covers Taiwan’s close watch on the U.S. election, which they believe will significantly impact their future. Additionally, we explore topics such as nuclear weapons, the potential gun rights for Taiwanese citizens, and the social resilience of the population during wartime. This intense conversation provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between Taiwan, China, and the United States. Watch this episode on YouTube.

“Trickle Down Ideology: It’s Like TOXIC" With Wael T Miller Oct 29, 2024

Wael Taji Miller is a Visiting Fellow at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium’s School of Psychology. Taji’s research focuses on the intersection of innovation, evolved psychology, and contemporary societal challenges. We discussed social and cultural evolution, particularly the implications of losing our capacity to engage differing viewpoints. We agreed that the erosion of the possibility of dialogue with those who hold opposing perspectives poses a threat to society. This is a kind of cultural decay that's linked not only to entrenched ideologies but also to the challenges posed by modern technology, which too often amplifies division rather than fostering understanding. Watch this episode on YouTube.

The TRUTH About Gender Mutilation | Mia Hughes (WPATH Files Report Author) Oct 21, 2024

Mia Hughes is an Ottawa-based British journalist and researcher for Michael Shellenberger's nonprofit, Environmental Progress. Mia authored the WPATH Files report, which exposed widespread medical mistreatment of children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults in the realm of gender-affirming care. We were both in Lisbon, Portugal, for the Genspect conference—which uncoincidentally coincided with WPATH’s conference. (NB I reached out to WPATH organizers and speakers to have a conversation about their reasoning for gender-affirming care. As expected, I received no responses. Throughout this conversation I made an effort to steelman WPATH arguments.) Mia and I began with the concept of "Gender Soul." This led to a discussion about medical interventions in gender-affirming care. Watch this episode on YouTube.

How AI Will End Academia w/Jozef Gherman Oct 18, 2024

StealthGPT can write academic papers. It can also write peer-reviewed papers and Ph.D. theses. And it can write them in such a way that they are undetectable by AI. In this conversation, I talk with Jozef Gherman, creator of StealthGPT.

Jozef on X

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Self-Sabotage: The Silent Killer | Africa Brooke Oct 15, 2024

In this conversation with author and consultant Africa Brooke, we discuss addiction, self-sabotage, and self-censorship. Africa shares her journey from Zimbabwe to the United Kingdom and how it shaped her understanding of the world and herself—including her struggle with a ten-year alcohol addiction. Writing became a lifeline as did helping others to understand and identify self-sabotage: what are we trying to escape from, and why do we fall into destructive patterns? Africa's book, "The Third Perspective" Watch this episode on YouTube.

“You’re a Relativist,” said the Atheist to the Christian! | Dr. Jan Bentz Oct 07, 2024

Dr. Jan Bentz is a lecturer and tutor at Oxford who specializes in the convergence of medieval and modern philosophy. We covered a wide range of philosophical themes, truth, delusions of utopia, applied epistemology, the importance of friendship, the nature of realism, and if we can claim to know something absent the “dogma” of the scientific method. How does caring for others influence our epistemology? Jan delved into the nature of identity, arguing that when it is rooted in the "I" (Descartes) it can lead to more problems than when it is based in a shared reality (which allows for the acceptance of others). Watch this episode on YouTube.

Ethical Dimension of Artificial Intelligence OR Are We in a Simulation? | Dr. Clinton Staley Oct 01, 2024

Dr. Staley has taught computer science at UC Santa Barbara, Cal Poly SLO, and Principia College. He has also built software, managed development projects, and co-founded several small software companies. We explored the age-old question of how to measure right and wrong, especially in the context of advancing technology, AI, and robotics. We also discussed the philosophical implications of AI and consciousness and more! Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Power of Literature w/Kirsten Hall Herlin, Assistant Professor at UATX Sep 24, 2024

I had the pleasure of conversing with Kirsten Hall Herlin, an Assistant Professor at UATX, a distinguished scholar of literature, and the managing editor of the Genealogies of Modernity Journal. We discussed the intricacies of writing and the role of literature in shaping our lives and understanding the world. Kirsten and I explored the impact of AI and Critical Social Justice on the humanities. Could AI ever win a Pulitzer Prize? Does human consciousness play a crucial role in the writing process? Are the nuances of personal experience, emotional understanding, and subjective thought beyond AI’s reach? Or can those be faked? We also considered how societal division has affected the humanities and whether great literature can help unite us. Watch this episode on YouTube.

How WEIRD Societies Shaped the World w/Evolutionary Biologist Joseph Henrich Sep 17, 2024

I had a conversation with Joesph Henrich, a distinguished anthropologist and evolutionary biologist at Harvard. Renowned for his interdisciplinary research on cultural evolution and the origins of WEIRD (Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic) societies, Joseph is a deep dude. We had a wide-ranging discussion on topics such as cultural learning, social contagion, and the WEIRD phenomenon. We explored the interplay between truth and religion, the economic and political impacts of kinship structures, and cognitive development in non-schooled environments. Additionally, we talked about David Deutsch’s work on falsifiability and its role in building systems of knowledge, divination, witchcraft, rationality, and the question of who might be considered the "weirdest" people in the world. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Do "Islamophobia" Accusations Silence Real Feminism? With Yasmine Mohammed Sep 12, 2024

Yasmine Mohammed and Peter Boghossian discuss women's oppression under Islam and Western Feminism's silence on the issue. Follow Yasmine:

Free Hearts Free Minds
Yasmine Mohammad Podcast
Yasmine's book, "Unveiled: How the West Empowers Radical Muslims"
Clarity Coalition
Yasmine on Instagram, Facebook, and X

Watch this episode on YouTube.

When You Step Outside the Matrix w/Alex Priou Sep 10, 2024

While in Denver with the University of Austin for the Life of Mind Tour, I had a deep conversation about philosophy with Alex Priou. Alex is a professor, philosopher, author, and contributor to The New Thinkery podcast. We talked about the fragility of civilization, what constitutes a good life, and what happens when one's beliefs have been hijacked by ideology.

Alex on X

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Free Speech Makes Free People w/Greg Lukianoff Sep 06, 2024

Greg Lukianoff (FIRE organization) is doing crucial work in promoting free speech and defending the rights of individuals who have faced repercussions for their speech. We discussed schools on FIRE's Free Speech List and the associated violators as well as the teacher’s unions’ ideological capture. The conversation took an unexpected turn when we began talking about people we know in the public space—Greg then used the phrase "name-dropping”. More from Greg:

Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression
Greg on X

Watch this episode on YouTube.

How Bad Ideas FLOURISH At Universities with Alan Davison Sep 06, 2024

Alan Davison is one of the leading international scholars in the field of cultural history of the long nineteenth century, focusing on the intersection of music and visual culture, portraits of musicians and the reception and representation of the famous Hungarian composer-pianist Franz Liszt. In this episode, Alan and Peter discuss Critical Theory, the ideological capture of universities, and why bad ideas flourish in academic settings. Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Only Acceptable Racism In America with Jeremy Carl Sep 04, 2024

Jeremy Carl is a senior fellow at the Claremont Institute and has had a varied career, primarily in the public policy arena. His work at Claremont examines nationalism, immigration, technology, and a variety of other subjects. Prior to joining Claremont, he served as Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Interior under President Trump. In this episode, Peter and Jeremy discuss Jeremy's new book, The Unprotected Class: How Anti-White Racism Is Tearing America Apart. They discuss this topic as well as Critical Race Theory, Social Justice, and more. Jeremy on X: https://x.com/realJeremyCarl Jeremy's website: https://www.jeremycarl.com/ Watch the episode on YouTube.

Liberalism vs Progressivism in America with Clint Chavarria (@ClassicLibera12 on X) Aug 30, 2024

Clint Chavarria, aka Classic Liberal, American patriot and family man, posts on X about Classic Liberalism, Scottish Realism and Anti-Communism. Peter and Clint discuss these topics and more. Links to charts mentioned:

Watch this episode on YouTube.

"Right to Die" Movement and Canada Under Trudeau w/Rupa Subramanya Aug 28, 2024

Writer Rupa Subramanya and Peter Boghossian discuss Canada's current affairs, the 2024 US Election, the "Right to die" movement, and more. Rupa Subramanya is a writer based in Ottawa, Canada. She began her writing career at the Wall Street Journal India with a weekly column focusing on the intersection of economics, politics, and public policy. Her work has been cited in the New York Times, Financial Times, and the Guardian among others. She currently writes a regular column for the National Post. Find Rupa on X. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Therapy, Masculinity, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu w/ Erik Anderson Aug 23, 2024

Peter and Erik talk about therapy, masculinity, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Erik Anderson is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice located in Los Angeles, California. He holds a third degree black belt in BJJ under Chris Haueter. More from Erik:

Erik's Therapy Practice
Train BJJ with Erik

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Guess Who Wants to Abolish the Child Welfare System w/Naomi Schaefer Riley Aug 21, 2024

In a recent conversation with Naomi Riley, a senior fellow at AEI and child welfare expert, Christina Buttons and I dived into a deeply disturbing topic: the factors damaging child welfare. Riley argues that the emphasis on anti-racism has inadvertently harmed child protection efforts in the United States. Antiracist ideology has led to the wholesale corruption of social work institutions (and individual social workers), which are crucial for protecting child welfare; this has had detrimental impacts on children in various settings, from foster care to homeless encampments. Watch this episode on YouTube.

The War Against the Past with Frank Furedi Aug 16, 2024

I just wrapped up a great conversation with author and public intellectual Frank Furedi, who is ever-interesting. Frank has a new book, The War Against the Past, which I haven’t read yet but is on my must-read list. Given Frank’s heterodox and thoughtful writings, I’ve put this on my “Must Read” list. Frank and I frequently cross paths at conferences, and I always find his commentary insightful and clear. Although we strongly disagree on some issues, I’ve always found Frank open to conversation, dialogue, and even friendly debate. We discussed the politicization of identity and his concept of "decivilization," which he explains in detail. I also asked him about his shift from the far left to his now conservative views. We touched on species relativism (versus cultural, moral, or epistemological relativism), as well as the impact of politicization on public discourse and his work with MCC’s think tank in Brussels. I’m looking forward to speaking with Frank at Genspect in Portugal and seeing him again in Hungary and possibly Romania. I hope you enjoy our episode. Thanks!

From Vibes Campaigns to Campus Jew Hatred: An Interview with Franny Block Aug 13, 2024

Killing America | Eli Steele Aug 07, 2024

I recently had a conversation with Eli Steele (son of the legendary author Shelby Steele), an award-winning documentary filmmaker. We discussed his incisive, engaging, and timely film, Killing America. Killing America exposes pervasive anti-Semitism in the school system, what keeps it there, and the sickeningly underwhelming responses to it. Eli’s sincerity and passion for improving America were evident throughout our conversation and indeed permeates his body of work. I highly encourage you to explore his films. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Ozempic: An Extraordinary Benefit or Disturbing Risk? | Johann Hari Jul 31, 2024

Johann Hari is a British-Swiss author and journalist, known for his books and his articles in The Independent and Huffington Post. Since 2015, his writing has primarily dealt with the war on drugs, mental illness, and decreasing attention spans. His books on these subjects include Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, Lost Connections, and Stolen Focus. In this video, Christina Buttons, Johann Hari, and Peter Boghossian discuss Johann's new book, "Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs". Watch this episode on YouTube.

Prism and Perception with Gurwinder Bhogal Jul 26, 2024

It was a distinct pleasure to speak with Gurwinder Bhogal (G), a British writer and public intellectual whom I respect tremendously. Our conversation covered a wide range of topics, including perceptions of Donald Trump, the implications of a Harris-Trump election, the recent assassination attempt on Trump’s life, and then shifted to philosophical issues. Previous interview with Gurwinder Watch this episode on YouTube.

Courageous Truth: Meeting Dr. Eithan Haim Jul 24, 2024

I traveled to Texas to meet Dr. Eithan Haim after losing a $1000 bet with Chris Rufo. Little did I know, losing a $1000 bet with Chris Rufo would lead to one of the most impactful conversations of my life with Dr. Eithan Haim, a courageous whistleblower who exposed Texas Children’s Hospital’s blatant lies regarding their transgender program for children.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Progressivism Does Not Work Jul 24, 2024

I had a conversation with Alex Balekian, a congressional candidate for California's 30th congressional district. I invited his political opponent, Laura Friedman, to join me for a discussion on the show, but she initially claimed not to have received the email and later said she was too busy. As a result, I engaged in a simulated debate with ChatGPT, where it represented her perspective. Watch this episode on YouTube.

30% of Democrats Wish the Attempted Assassination on Trump's Life had Succeeded w/Eric Kaufmann Jul 22, 2024

Eric Kaufmann recently authored the book "The Third Awokening: A 12-Point Plan for Rolling Back Progressive Extremism." Eric is a friend of the show and known for his data-driven, thoughtful analysis. During our conversation, Eric made a striking observation: "30% of Democrats wish the attempted assassination on Trump's life had succeeded." This statistic is deeply alarming and underscores broader societal tensions in the United States. In addition to discussing the attempted assassination of Trump, our conversation delved into sensitive topics such as race and IQ, Islam in the UK, and I even suggested that the UK might contemplate surrendering sovereignty at some point. We also touched upon the current political landscape, resulting in a spicy interview. Eric on X: https://twitter.com/epkaufm Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Fate of the American Republic Post the Attempted Assassination of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump Jul 18, 2024

I recently had a really interesting conversation with my dear friend Faisal Al Mutar. Faisal is from war-torn Iraq, and he’s the most American person I have ever met. He leads Ideas Beyond Borders, an organization dedicated to translating Enlightenment texts into Arabic, among other impactful initiatives. During our conversation, Faisal and I discussed the attempted assassination of Donald Trump and its implications, particularly in the context of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. We also explored Trump's choice for a new Vice President, contrasting Vice President Harris and discussing the Democratic Party's current situation. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Pro-Freedom & Anti-War with Luke Rudkowski Jul 17, 2024

Luke Rudkowski and Peter Boghossian engage in a candid conversation about current events affecting the West. Luke emphasizes his steadfast principles of advocating for free speech, opposing war, and decentralizing power, which have remained consistent despite external pressures. He also addresses the challenges of navigating a landscape filled with insincere individuals and emphasizes the need for sincerity and intellectual honesty in public discourse. Luke Rudkowski is a cultural commentator and host of "We Are Change". Watch this episode on YouTube.

Chris Martenson on America's Economic Decline: "We Did This To Ourselves." Jul 12, 2024

In Peter's second interview with Chris Martenson, the two analyze the precarious state of global economies, particularly focusing on Japan's economic trajectory as a cautionary tale for the United States. They advocate for honest dialogue and collective action to address impending economic catastrophes as brought on by an inability to pay the debt, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and the need for communities to unite in navigating during the coming economic calamity. Chris Martenson, Ph.D., MBA is an economic researcher and futurist, and founder of PeakProsperity.com. His COVID video series garnered more than 40 million views and has helped millions better understand, adapt, and prepare for the Pandemic of 2020. Peter's previous interview with Chris Watch this episode on YouTube.

Meghan Daum's “Unspeak Easy” Community Protects Women's “Problematic Thoughts” Jul 10, 2024

Author and journalist Meghan Daum is the host of "The Unspeakable Podcast," an interview show that questions prevailing narratives. She realized that women with heterodox views did not have a space to hash out thoughts about the current cultural moment, so she created one. Thus, “Unspeak Easy" was born, an online and in-person community where women can share their thoughts. In this interview, Meghan and Peter discuss various personal and societal perspectives on family, parenting, and ideological divides. Topics include parenthood, adoption, the choice not to have children, and more. Meghan Daum is an author, journalist, and the host of "The Unspeakable Podcast." Meghan on X: https://x.com/meghan_daum Watch this episode on YouTube.

A Candid Conversation about Autism with Jill Escher & Christina Buttons Jul 10, 2024

Peter Boghossian, Christina Buttons, and Jill Escher have a candid conversation about autism. They explore key issues in autism research and community support, limited genetic findings despite extensive study, the potential of AI in risk detection and support automation, and the impact of prenatal hormone exposure on autism and gender development. Jill notes that transgender identification is possibly linked to these factors. She stresses the need for nuanced understanding and empathy in autism discussions, emphasizing the field's complexity and unanswered questions. Jill Escher is an autism research philanthropist though the Escher Fund for Autism. Watch this episode on YouTube.

How DMT DEFIES Reality with Andrew Gallimore Jul 03, 2024

Peter Boghossian and Andrew Gallimore explore the profound effects of DMT (Dimethyltryptamine) on consciousness. They discuss DMT’s production of robustly coherent environments and “non-adaptable perceptions” as a casual explanation of DMT realms. Andrew also shares insights into DMT's entities and intelligences and they devise a test for evaluating the ontological status of DMT realms. Andrew Gallimore is a neurobiologist, chemist, pharmacologist, and writer interested in the relationship between psychedelic drugs, the brain, consciousness, and the structure of reality. He is based in Tokyo, Japan. Watch this episode on YouTube.

From Dojo to Democracy: Chris Haueter on Martial Arts and Politics Jul 03, 2024

BJJ legend Chris Haueter covers diverse topics from martial arts philosophy to political discourse. He links principles of Jiu-Jitsu to broader societal issues, discussing the balance between art, sport, and street applications in training. Haueter critiques modern political polarization and advocates for substantive dialogue over mudslinging. Chris is a 5th degree Black Belt and member of the dirty dozen (the first 12 non-Brazilian black belts). He was the first American to submit a Brazilian in competition, the first American to compete as a black belt at the Mundials in Brazil and he continues to travel the world spreading his Jiu-Jitsu philosophy of think street, train sport, and practice art. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Is Society ERODING? Exploring The Crisis of Meaning with King Crocoduck Jun 28, 2024

Peter Boghossian and popular YouTuber King Crocoduck explore the erosion of traditional sources of meaning and the growing reliance on corrupt alternatives. They emphasize the importance of robust epistemology necessary for societal progress and individual well-being. Topics include meaning in life, hedonism, the implications of naturalism and Darwinism, and more. King Crocoduck is a biomedical physicist, philosopher, and YouTuber. He asked to remain anonymous in this interview. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Jack Posobiec Unmasks Everything You Don't Know About Communism Jun 26, 2024

Jack Posobiec and Peter Boghossian discuss Jack's new book, Unhumans: The Secret History of Communist Revolutions (and How to Crush Them), for which Peter wrote a blurb. They explore the history of communism and its modern-day manifestations, and why Jack refers to the fomenters of communist revolutions as "unhumans". Peter pushes back on Jack’s thesis and other particulars in his book, and Jack responds to Peter’s criticism. Jack Posobiec is the senior editor at Human Events and host of Human Events Daily. He is the co-author of Unhumans: The Secret History of Communist Revolutions (and How to Crush Them). Watch this episode on YouTube.

Exulansic's Journey From Transgender to Discovering the Truth About Gender-Affirming Care Jun 26, 2024

Exulansic shares her personal journey from identifying as transgender to becoming critical of gender-affirming care. She discusses her experiences and doubts about the irreversible effects of gender transition surgeries, the lack of sufficient informed consent for patients, and the ideological biases in medical practices. Exulansic creates radical feminist/gender critical content in the form of reaction videos, interviews, and lectures for YouTube as well as articles for publications such as American Mind and Substack. Formerly a female who identified as trans and later as non-binary, Exulansic's work focuses on all angles of trans ideology, especially complications of gender-affirming medicine. NB Peter was sick during this interview. However, as Exulansic had to cancel their previous interview they decided to move forward and have the conversation. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Putting Critical Thinking Back Into Education w/Will Reusch Jun 21, 2024

Peter Boghossian and Will Reusch discuss critical thinking's pivotal role in fostering curiosity, challenging assumptions, and promoting intellectual humility. They explore educational methods like Socratic questioning and practical experiments, emphasizing openness to new ideas and rational discourse as essential for personal growth and societal progress. Will Reusch is an educator and mentor with a mission to promote viewpoint diversity & critical thinking in high school education. Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Politicization of Therapy with Andrew Hartz, Ph.D. Jun 19, 2024

Peter Boghossian and Andrew Hartz, Ph.D. discuss the influence of societal taboos like cancel culture on OCD symptoms. Andrew raises concerns about bias and ideological influences in mental health training, the politicization of therapy, and the misuse of therapeutic terms on social media. The conversation also covers emotional avoidance, optimal anxiety levels for performance, and the need for personalized therapeutic approaches amidst the negative impact of institutional ideologies on mental health practices. Andrew Hartz, Ph.D. is a professor of clinical psychology at Long Island University in Brooklyn. He uses evidence-based tools from CBT, DBT, and psychodynamic psychotherapies to address each patient's unique needs. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Mark Pellegrino Reflects on Objectivism, Life in Paris, National Debt, & More Jun 17, 2024

Mark Pellegrino covers diverse topics in this video, sharing insights from his life in Paris, evolving political views on individual freedoms and economic policies, and discussing philosophical perspectives on mental health and societal challenges. Mark and Peter also reflect on the community dynamics and personal growth lessons from practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Lies Our Liberal Society Told You w/Wilfred Reilly & Christina Buttons Jun 17, 2024

Wilfred Reilly, Peter Boghossian, and Christina Buttons critically examine societal issues from gender norms to the impact of media biases on public discourse. Topics include desistance rates among youth with gender dysphoria, critical race theory, top issues affecting the US, and more!

Wilfred's book, “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me”

Watch this episode on YouTube.

"Humor Can Challenge Societal Norms." Comedy In Modern Society w/Lou Perez Jun 14, 2024

Lou Perez and Peter Boghossian discuss comedy, self-defense, and resilience. They explore universal comedic elements like absurdity and timing, discusses how comedy challenges norms, and shares personal insights from Jiu-Jitsu and knife fighting. They also reflect on humor's cultural impact, question AI's creative abilities in comedy, and examine societal attitudes towards personal safety. Lou Perez is a comedian, writer, producer, and actor. He is the author of THAT JOKE ISN'T FUNNY ANYMORE: ON THE DEATH AND REBIRTH OF COMEDY. He is the host of The Lou Perez Podcast.

Lou on X
Lou's website

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Zuby's Top Tips for a Healthy Body & Mind Jun 12, 2024

Departing from the channel's usual content, Zuby and Peter discuss Zuby's career, his life in Dubai, and his advice on health, fitness, diet, and everything in between. Zuby is a musician, author, podcaster, public speaker, fitness expert, and life coach. He is a public figure and influential voice, whose unique perspective, authenticity, and positive energy have earned him nearly two million followers on social media and 50 million+ online video views. Watch this episode on YouTube.

How People's Worst Impulses Become Construed As Virtues w/Dr. Jonathan Shedler Jun 06, 2024

Peter Boghossian and Jonathan Shedler discuss various aspects of psychotherapy and societal dynamics. Jonathan highlights the importance of traditional therapy in fostering self-awareness and freedom and the necessity for therapists to understand psychological principles deeply. He also touches upon societal issues like rising healthcare costs and the influence of borderline traits on extreme political positions, suggesting open dialogue and cooperative scenarios as potential solutions. American psychologist Jonathan Shedler, PhD is known internationally as an author, consultant, researcher, and speaker. He is best known for his article The Efficacy of Psychodynamic Psychotherapy, which won worldwide acclaim for firmly establishing psychoanalytic therapy as an evidence-based treatment.

Jonathan's website

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Teaching Tactics To Redefine Education w/Warren Smith & Some Guy Named John Jun 04, 2024

Peter Boghossian and Educator Warren Smith discuss teaching methods, belief systems, and truth. Peter and Warren are later joined by some guy named John (Doug Pinecreek), who shares their approach to teaching life skills. They question John about his refusal to pay for his son’s college tuition. Watch this episode on YouTube.

An Economist Argues For OPEN BORDERS W/Bryan Caplan Jun 01, 2024

Economist Bryan Caplan joins Peter Boghossian to discuss Caplan's latest book "Open Borders”. They delve into the complexities of immigration's impact on origin and destination countries, addressing environmental concerns, fiscal contributions, and the scalability of immigration policies. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Academic Corruption, Psychedelics, & More: CALL-IN Show with Peter Boghossian & Doug Pinecreek (Recap) May 31, 2024

Doug Pinecreek and Peter Boghossian do a call-in show and discuss various topics like atheism, critical theory, education, and psychedelics. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Michael Shermer: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational, Skeptic Movement, & More May 24, 2024

Longtime friends Peter Boghossian and Michael Shermer sit down to talk about ideological capture in American institutions, skepticism, the Grievance Studies Affair, the Fermi Paradox, and more! Dr. Michael Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, the host of The Michael Shermer Show, and a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University where he teaches Skepticism 101. Michael wrote a monthly column for Scientific American for 18 years. He is the author of several books, including his most recent, "Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational" His next book is set to be published in Fall 2025. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Professor REPRIMANDED For Encouraging Discussion & Using Spectrum Street Epistemology w/Leigh Revers May 22, 2024

University of Toronto Professor Leigh Revers and Peter Boghossian discuss challenges in STEM education, including the integration of indigenous science and the use of diversity criteria in academic evaluations. Leigh highlights the need for academic rigor and criticizes oversimplified teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of maintaining intellectual diversity in education. His experience with this is firsthand - this year, the University of Toronto Mississauga sanctioned him for using Spectrum Street Epistemology in the classroom. Leigh Revers is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Management & Innovation at the University of Toronto Mississauga. Leigh on X Watch this episode on YouTube.

DEI: The Three Blind "Virtues," with Helen Pluckrose May 16, 2024

Island dweller Helen Pluckrose and continent inhabiter Peter Boghossian sit down to discuss the downfall of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Helen explains DEI's underpinnings, specifically postmodern thought and critical theory, and the blind pursuit of "equity" that drives this ideology. The two also address the need for institutions to transparently admit their mistakes and the crisis of legitimacy. Other topics include liberalism, the need for individualism, how people find meaning, and more! Helen Pluckrose is a British author and cultural writer known for critiques of critical social justice and promotion of liberal ethics, notably in the Grievance Studies Affair (along with Peter Boghossian and James Lindsay). More from Helen:

Substack
Twitter/X
The Counterweight Handbook, Helen's new book

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Tech & AI MANIPULATED With Identitarian Views? With Gurwinder Bhogal & Christina Buttons May 16, 2024

Driven by technology's inability to address societal issues rooted in biases, Gurwinder "G" Bhogal shifted his career from technology to debugging the human mind. He discusses biases in large language models (LLMs), their manipulation by left-leaning initiatives, and the challenge to test and correct AI biases. G, Christina Buttons, and Peter Boghossian analyze G's Twitter/X thread titled, "10 WAYS TO AVOID BEING FOOLED," where G gave "10 heuristics that will make you smarter." They discuss the importance of understanding opposing viewpoints, critically evaluating information sources, truth-seeking, news consumption habits, and more! Watch this episode on YouTube.

Society’s Issues & How To Fix Them w/Attorney Matt Bilinsky May 16, 2024

Matt Bilinsky and Peter Boghossian cover various topical stories such as plagiarism and academic corruption, the downfall of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, self-defense, and more. Matt Bilinsky is a Los Angeles-based media and technology attorney, as well as the host of The Prevailing Narrative podcast where he discusses the political, cultural, and social issues of the day. Matt is a frequent contributor to Fox News, Talk TV UK, and Axios. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Dave Rubin On The Direction of the Republican Party, 2024 Election, and America's Future May 07, 2024

Dave Rubin and Peter Boghossian sit down at Dave's studio in Miami, FL to discuss the Trump-Biden runoff, Critical Social Justice Ideology, and the current state of the country. Dave shares his thoughts on the Trump-Biden runoff, why homelessness is not prevalent in Florida, and the breakdown of law and order in Democrat-run cities. He also discuss the Republican Party's shortcomings on messaging around abortion and elections.

Peter Boghossian on The Rubin Report:
Dave Rubin plays Spectrum Street Epistemology

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VP Libertarian Candidate Clint Russell EXPOSES How The Federal Reserve Runs America Apr 30, 2024

Clint Russell is the host of Liberty Lockdown and the Co-Host of The Best Political Show. He is running for Vice President under the Libertarian ticket. The conversation begins with a discussion about Clint's run for VP, what Libertarianism is, and the problems presented by the political binary in America. Peter and Clint agree on how massive money printing causes many of America's economic ills, but goes largely ignored by both Trump and Biden. This leads to a fascinating conversation about the Federal Reserve System (the central bank), America's reckless foreign policy, WWIII fears, and much more. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Atheism vs Christianity: Is There EVIDENCE That God Exists? With Nate Sala Apr 30, 2024

Nate Sala and Peter Boghossian discuss the importance of engaging in respectful conversations and the need for cognitive liberty. They explore topics such as the nature of belief, logic, and the role of religion in society. Nate Sala is the founder of The Wise Disciple, a website and YouTube channel teaching Christians how to properly engage arguments against Christianity. Follow Nate on X. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Peter Boghossian and Julie Bindel DISAGREE About Women's Self-Defense Apr 29, 2024

Peter Boghossian and Julie Bindel discuss women’s self-defense and the challenges women face in dealing with male violence. They debate the effectiveness of self-defense measures and the responsibility of society in addressing the issue. Julie Bindel is a feminist campaigner, writer, and investigative journalist. Her latest book is Feminism for Women: The Real Route to Liberation (Little Brown, 2021), which explores the tsunami of misogynistic backlash that feminists have encountered this past decade and more. More from Julie:

Book, "Feminism for Women: The Real Route to Liberation"
Julie on X
Julie's Substack

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Destiny Cross-Examines Peter Boghossian’s Beliefs | Grifting, Virtue Signaling, Hungary, & More! Apr 24, 2024

Peter Boghossian and Steven Bonnell II, better known as "Destiny," have an intense 90-minute discussion in which the two explore social media’s intensification of political divides, virtue signaling, and what to do about toxic discourse. Peter invites Destiny to cross-examine his beliefs, which Destiny does with gusto. They also discuss people's reluctance to engage opposing views, "grifting," Hungary, virtue signaling, echo chambers, epistemology, and more! Destiny is a live-streamer, gamer, and political commentator. Destiny's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@destiny Destiny on X: https://twitter.com/TheOmniLiberal Watch this episode on YouTube.

High Court UPHOLDS Prayer Ban: An Inside Look At The UK's Strictest School w/Katharine Birbalsingh Apr 16, 2024

Katharine Birbalsingh is a British teacher and education reform advocate. She is the founder and Headmistress of Michaela Community School, a free school established in 2014 in Wembley Park, London. Despite achieving remarkable results for students, Michaela faces political resistance due to its traditional approach, and prioritizing hard work and academic rigor over identity politics. Katharine discusses this opposition (which mostly comes from the political left) as well as the importance of integration among students. The discussion extends to broader societal issues at the intersection of race and education. Katharine instituted a prayer ban at the school, and an incident between a Muslim student and the school was taken to the High Court of Justice. On April 16th, 2024, the High Court ruled in Katharine's favor. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Accepting Biological Sex IS Compassionate | Kara Dansky Apr 03, 2024

Kara Dansky is a feminist, lawyer, and author of The Abolition of Sex: How the “Transgender” Agenda Harms Women and Girls. In this interview, Kara's shirt reads "infamous TERF writer," a label given to her by commentator Sam Seder after he reacted to an interaction on Twitter/X between Kara and Christopher Rufo. The conversation begins with rapid-fire commentary on feminism, surrogacy, pornography, and other issues that affect women. This sets up the rest of the conversation, which deals with the encroachment on women's rights by the trans and gender identity movement. Kara touches on the political aspects of this cultural battle, concluding that neither Democrats nor Republicans are truly making a difference in women's rights issues. She explains the dangers of gender identity ideology to the main goal of radical feminism: protecting women. Kara serves as the president of the US chapter of Women’s Declaration International and previously served on the board of the Women’s Liberation Front. She started her law and policy career as a public defender and went on to serve as executive director of the Stanford Criminal Justice Center, senior counsel at the ACLU’s Center for Justice, and general counsel at the District of Columbia Sentencing Commission. Kara on X Watch this episode on YouTube.

"The Business Model Of Big Pharma Is Fraud" A Look At Rigged Medicine with Dr. Paul Marik Mar 26, 2024

Dr. Marik is an accomplished physician with special knowledge in a diverse set of medical fields, with specific training in Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Neurocritical Care, Pharmacology, Anesthesia, Nutrition, and Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. He is a former tenured Professor of Medicine and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) in Norfolk, Virginia.

In January 2022 Dr. Marik retired from EVMS to focus on continuing his leadership of the FLCCC and has already co-authored over 10 papers on therapeutic aspects of treating COVID-19. In March 2022 Dr. Marik received a commendation by unanimous vote by the Virginia House of Delegates for “his courageous treatment of critically ill COVID-19 patients and his philanthropic efforts to share his effective treatment protocols with physicians around the world.”

In this conversation at the FLCCC conference, Dr. Marik and I discuss fraud and corruption in medical institutions, as well as the distrust in Big Pharma after the pandemic.

More from Brian:

YouTube channel: Brian Callen Comedy
X/Twitter

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Illegal IMMIGRATION Will Cause A Political REBELLION in the UK | Peter Boghossian & Matt Goodwin Jan 16, 2024

Matt Goodwin is a professor of politics at School of Politics and International Relations at the University of Kent in Kent, UK. His writing and research primarily focuses on radical right-wing politics and Euroscepticism in the British context. Amongst others, his writing has appeared in publications such as The Daily Mail, The Telegraph, The Guardian, and the Evening Standard. He also serves on the Social Mobility Commission via the British Department of Education. In this conversation, Matt and I discussed the economic and political reality of immigration to the UK. Matt argues that, even though the UK is under a conservative government, the British population has been misled on the issue of immigration. We then discuss the future of Britain and the cultural effects of continued mass immigration. Connect with Matt:

Matt on X/Twitter
Matt's Substack

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“The Case For Colonialism:” What DEI Gets WRONG | Peter Boghossian & Bruce Gilley Jan 10, 2024

Bruce Gilley is a professor of political science at Portland State University. Bruce wrote an article in 2017 for Third World Quarterly titled, “The case for colonialism.” This enraged people who called for him to lose his academic position and be stripped of his PhD. The article was retracted due to credible death threats. In 2023, he published a book by the same name. Before his academic career, Bruce worked as a journalist in Hong Kong. This experience strongly influenced his views about colonialism. In 2021, we produced a series on my channel called, “Decolonize Explained” where Bruce debunks the myths around colonization. In this conversation, Bruce and I spoke about the Harvard plagiarism scandal, DEI, and the broader academic landscape. Then, we switched the topic to his book, “The Case For Colonialism.” We discussed the reality of colonialism and what history gets wrong, as well as what may have occurred absent colonialism. The conversation concludes with a discussion about what is next for Bruce’s career. More from Bruce:

Guest essay by Bruce on Peter’s Substack
Bruce’s series on Peter’s channel
Bruce’s research and book, “The Case For Colonialism”
Bruce on X

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Spectrum Street Epistemology with Nina Power and Carl Benjamin Jan 05, 2024

In Fall 2023, philosopher and author Nina Power and cultural critic and polymath Carl Benjamin joined Peter for a Spectrum Street Epistemology exercise in Hampstead Heath, London. They explored controversial claims about a variety of socio-political and cultural topics. Nina and Carl have been on Peter's channel before, but this is their first Spectrum Street Epistemology episode. Peter's interview with Nina Power / Carl Benjamin Nina received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Middlesex University and an MA and BA in philosophy from the University of Warwick. She was a senior lecturer in philosophy at Roehampton University and has taught at various British universities. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the British Philosophical Association. She co-hosts the podcast The Lack with Helen Rollins and Benjamin Studebaker. Carl Benjamin, AKA "Sargon of Akkad," is best described as a free-speech activist, staunch critic of identity politics, and champion of English Liberalism. When YouTube and Google shadowbanned his channel in 2019 for wrongthink, Carl continued creating content on Akkad Daily. In November 2020, he launched a new media venture: Lotuseaters.com. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Are Multiculturalism and Diversity Strengths? | Peter Boghossian & Eric Kaufmann Jan 02, 2024

Eric Kaufmann a Professor of Politics at the University of Buckingham. Originally from Vancouver, BC, Canada, he was born in Hong Kong and spent most of the last few decades in the UK. He is principally interested in cultural politics: ethnicity, national identity, left-wing ideology and religion, and has written extensively on these subjects.

After two decades, Eric decided to relinquish his full professorship in Politics at Birkbeck College, University of London for the University of Buckingham, stating his case in an article for The Critic called “From monoculture to counterculture: why I am leaving Birkbeck for Buckingham”.

Peter and Eric discussed multiculturalism and its effects on society, immigration policy, differences between the current state of the US, Canada, and the UK, meritocracy, how to solve the capture of elite institutions, Social Justice, and more. The two even place bets on the future of Critical Social Justice and other cultural issues and will revisit the bet in six months.

Follow Eric on X.

The European Conservative interview with Eric Watch this episode on YouTube.

At High School Debates, Debate Is Not Allowed | Peter Boghossian & James Fishback Dec 22, 2023

For years, James Fishback has been dedicated to formal debate as a competitor and coach. In 2019, James launched “Incubate Debate,” a nonprofit organization bringing no-cost, free-speech debate tournaments, workshops, and camps to students across Florida. The organization seeks to overcome economic hardship and increasing censorship in national debate events. In May, James wrote an article, “At High School Debates, Debate Is No Longer Allowed,” for The Free Press. He exposed the punishment debaters receive for “what they say and how they say it,” and the ideological constraints judges enact in tournaments. In June, James wrote a second article for The Free Press about tournament punishments based on debaters’ comments on social media—completely unrelated to their debate performance. In lockstep with the rest of academia, ideas on the debate stage are being censored on the basis of “safety” and ideological conformity. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Has the Enlightenment Failed? | Peter Boghossian & Faisal Al Mutar Dec 19, 2023

Iraqi-American Faisal Al Mutar is a human rights activist and the founder of Ideas Beyond Borders, a non-profit organization countering extremism and misinformation through global access to new ideas. He came to the U.S. as a refugee in 2013 and received the President’s Volunteer Service Award in 2016 for his commitment to education. This year, Ideas Beyond Borders won Atlas Network’s Middle East & North Africa Liberty Award. Peter and Faisal are close friends. In this conversation, they discuss the persistent attack on enlightenment values in the U.S. and how this affects young people. Peter and Faisal are both atheists and they consider how the decline of religious belief has opened doors to alternative manifestations of tribal and authoritarian impulses, including in groups of supposed heterodox thinkers. Faisal also shares his views on the role religion plays in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This podcast was filmed October 30, 2023 at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship Conference in London, England. More from Faisal:

“Are Western Values Worth Defending?" Peter Boghossian & Faisal Al Mutar with Freethinkers of PSU (2017)
Follow Faisal on X and Facebook.

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Gender Crusade | Peter Boghossian & Miriam Grossman, MD Dec 15, 2023

Psychiatrist Miriam Grossman has been exposing falsehoods in the sex and gender industry since 2006. Miriam has been a featured expert in many documentaries, including The Daily Wire’s “What is a Woman?” and Fox Nation’s “The Miseducation of America.” She has testified in Congress, lectured at the British House of Lords, and spoken before the United Nations. Her expert psychiatric opinion is frequently sought for witness testimony and court reports. Jordan Peterson wrote the foreword to Miriam’s recent publication, “Lost in Trans Nation: A Child Psychiatrist’s Guide Out of the Madness.” Her book offers practical advice to manage and prevent psychological and medical harm in the transgender assembly line. In 2009, Miriam published “You’re Teaching My Child What?,” an exposé on ideological sex education curriculum used in public schools. A paperback edition with a new preface will be released on September 26, 2023. Follow Miriam on Twitter Watch this episode on YouTube.

How the Left Can Make Its Way Back | Peter Boghossian & Umut Özkırımlı Dec 07, 2023

In 2018, Turkish-Swedish political scientist and author Umut Özkırımlı became the target of a state-supported cancelation campaign in Turkey and at Lund University in Sweden. He was finally vindicated after five years of harassment. He lost his young son to cancer during that time. Umut describes himself as a left-wing progressive, a democratic socialist, and a critic of right-wing censorship. But the ordeal he went through gave him a new perspective on left-wing extremism. The result is Umut’s new book, “Cancelled: How the Left Can Make Its Way Back from Woke.” He explores the similarities between right-wing populism and radical identity politics, suggesting a path for the left to return to liberal values. Umut Özkırımlı is a senior research fellow at Institut Barcelona d'Estudis Internacionals, a professor at Blanquerna, Ramon Llull University, and a senior research associate at Barcelona Centre for International Affairs. He is the author of “Theories of Nationalism,” “Contemporary Debates on Nationalism: A Critical Engagement,” and the editor of “The Making of a Protest Movement in Turkey,” among other books. His articles appear in many publications, including the Guardian, openDemocracy, Times Higher Education, and Huffington Post. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Billboard Chris Plays Spectrum Street Epistemology Dec 01, 2023

Peter Boghossian engaged Billboard Chris, Francis Aaron, and Digital Gnosis in a conversation at Speakers’ Corner, London. Peter presented a number of claims on the topic of gender transition, beginning with the statement on Chris’ billboard: “Children cannot consent to puberty blockers.” Chris and a self-described “woke” participant find some points of agreement, but the discussion becomes heated on the topic of transwomen in female sports. “Billboard Chris” Elston is an activist for public awareness of child sex “transitions” and children’s safety. Watch Peter’s recent interview with Billboard Chris here. Billboard Chris is on X and Instagram. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Changing Tide on Gender Ideology | Peter Boghossian & “Billboard Chris” Elston Nov 30, 2023

Chris Elston became an activist for the public awareness of child sex “transitions” more than three years ago. He’s been harassed, attacked, and even suffered a broken arm for the message on his billboard: “Children cannot consent to puberty blockers.” In this conversation with Peter Boghossian, Chris explains how the public reception of his message has changed alongside increasing awareness about the myths promoted by gender ideologues. Peter and Chris compare notes on their techniques for engaging strangers in controversial discussions in the public square. Chris shares various arguments he frequently hears from gender activists and how he addresses them. Peter highlights his use of the “real reason check” in Spectrum Street Epistemology to get to the foundation of a belief. They also discuss the difficulty people have changing their minds in real time, the coercive influence of tribal thinking, and who will be held accountable for medical malpractice on children. Chris briefly mentions the new Dutch documentary about the history of the Dutch Protocol for gender transition. This podcast was filmed October 30, 2023 at the Alliance for Responsible Citizenship Conference in London, England.

Billboard Chris on X and Instagram
Previous discussions with Billboard Chris: “Moving the Needle on Gender Ideology” (Billboard Chris, Andy Ngo, and others) “Nearly Impossible Conversations” (Billboard Chris & James Klug)
Law firm for Detransitioners

Pastor Paul VanderKlay & Peter Boghossian Play Spectrum Street Epistemology Nov 24, 2023

This is one of Peter’s favorite conversations. Pastor Paul VanderKlay is incredibly thoughtful, sincere, and open. He brings meaningful conversation beyond the walls of his church in California. Paul became a well-known YouTuber for his faith-based commentary on the philosophy of Jordan Peterson. Paul’s interest in sharing ideas among people who come from diverse backgrounds and beliefs inspired him to develop a conversation strategy called “Estuary” with his colleague, Pastor John Van Donk. Estuary groups now exist online and at locations around the world.

Paul joined Peter Boghossian for a Spectrum Street Epistemology conversation in London. They explore topics related to the curiosities each has about the limits of the other’s beliefs. Peter, an atheist, aims to understand Paul’s perception of heaven, the value of non-Christian religions, and the importance of spiritual health. Paul is curious about the fissure in the atheist community, how an atheist would respond to a question from God, and if atheism would be necessary in a world without pain. Various claims provide moments of reflection for both gentlemen in this profoundly honest conversation.

Pastor Paul VanderKlay serves the Living Stones CRC (Christian Reformed Church) in Sacramento, California. His podcast is available on YouTube and in audio format on various podcast platforms.

Follow Paul:

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Dave Rubin Plays Spectrum Street Epistemology Nov 21, 2023

Longtime friends Peter Boghossian and Dave Rubin met in London for a game of Spectrum Street Epistemology. They each presented claims of personal and global significance, ranging from the best states in the US to potential threats to gay rights. Several pointed claims were discussed regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and associated issues. Dave provides insight into his beliefs about anti-Semitism and the limits of free speech. Dave Rubin is the host of The Rubin Report, which was originally a segment on the progressive Young Turks Network (TYT). He co-founded the community platform Locals in response to censorship on Patreon. As a comedian, Dave interned on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and co-founded several comedy clubs in New York City. He is the bestselling author of “Don't Burn This Book: Thinking for Yourself in an Age of Unreason” and “Don't Burn This Country: Surviving and Thriving in Our Woke Dystopia.” Watch this episode on YouTube.

Trans Women are Men | Peter Boghossian and Debbie Hayton Nov 17, 2023

Debbie Hayton is a British physics teacher, trade unionist, and transgender person who rejects the concept of "gender identity." Debbie has written extensively about transgenderism and personal experience with autogynephilia in The Spectator, UnHerd, The Times, Daily Mail, Economist, Quillette and elsewhere. Debbie’s belief that trans people can be accommodated “without compromising the rights of other vulnerable groups” has been met with accusations of transphobia. You can read Debbie’s evidence submitted to the UK Parliament regarding gender accommodations below. Forum Press will release Debbie’s memoir, “Transsexual Apostate: My Journey Back to Reality,” in February 2024.

Debbie Hayton’s evidence submitted to Parliament
Follow Debbie Hayton on X

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Dialogue, Human Connection, and Psychedelics | Peter Boghossian and Alexander Beiner Nov 15, 2023

Author and journalist Alexander Beiner cofounded the media platform Rebel Wisdom and serves as one of the executive directors of Breaking Convention, Europe’s largest conference on psychedelic medicine and culture. His new book, “The Bigger Picture: How Psychedelics Can Help Us Make Sense of the World,” is an exploration of the transformative possibility of psychedelics beyond Big Pharma’s aim of profitable mental health care. He also produced “The Rise of Psychedelic Capitalism,” a short documentary about the ramifications of hallucinogens hitting the mainstream marketplace. Alexander facilitates courses, retreats, and events to foster inner development and human connectedness. His writing is published on Medium, UnHerd, Psyche Magazine, and Substack. Follow Alexander on X. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Sexual Freedom + Sexual Restraint - Peter Boghossian and Louise Perry Nov 08, 2023

British author and journalist Louise Perry rejects the notion that social change over time indicates “progress.” Instead, she says history is a series of trade-offs that does not guarantee improvements for humanity. In her book, “The Case Against the Sexual Revolution,” Louise proposes that increased sexual freedom has caused harm due to the lack of sexual restraint. Louise writes for the New Statesmen, The Daily Mail, and UnHerd. She is the press officer for “We Can’t Consent to This,” an organization addressing increasing incidents of women killed by sexual violence described as consensual. Louise hosts “Maiden Mother Matriarch,” a podcast about sexual politics. She studied anthropology and women’s studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies and the University of Oxford. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Abortion Claims: Triggernometry Hosts Play Spectrum Street Epistemology (Part 2) w/ Konstantin Kisin & Francis Foster Nov 08, 2023

Triggernometry co-hosts Konstantin Kisin and Francis Foster joined Peter Boghossian for Spectrum Street Epistemology (SSE) in London. The discussion was held in front of Middlesex Guildhall, the building housing the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Passers-by were welcome to join the discussion, and one did: Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, the co-director of March for Life UK. She participated in the analysis of claims regarding abortion rights. Konstantin Kisin is a Russian-British author, satirist, and cultural critic. He is the author of “An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West,” a bestselling book about free speech and cancel culture through the perspective of an Eastern bloc immigrant. Francis Foster is a cultural commentator, well-known comedian, and former teacher of English and drama. Before launching Triggernometry, he co-hosted the “Probably Offensive” podcast. Konstantin and Francis co-host Triggernometry, a podcast dedicated to free speech and open discussion of controversial topics. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Triggernometry Hosts Play Spectrum Street Epistemology (Part 1) w/ Konstantin Kisin & Francis Foster Nov 07, 2023

Triggernometry co-hosts Konstantin Kisin and Francis Foster joined Peter Boghossian for Spectrum Street Epistemology (SSE) in London. The discussion was held in front of Middlesex Guildhall, the building housing the Supreme Court of the United Kingdom. Peter offered more than a dozen claims to Konstantin and Francis, initially focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Topics include Hamas, “proportionate” military response, Israel’s right to exist, anti-Semitism, the incitement of violence, and the limits of free speech. This is part one of the conversation. Konstantin Kisin is a Russian-British author, satirist, and cultural critic. He is the author of “An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West,” a bestselling book about free speech and cancel culture through the perspective of an Eastern bloc immigrant. Francis Foster is a cultural commentator, well-known comedian, and former teacher of English and drama. Before launching Triggernometry, he co-hosted the “Probably Offensive” podcast. Konstantin and Francis co-host Triggernometry, a podcast dedicated to free speech and open discussion of controversial topics. Watch this episode on YouTube.

"Hate Speech" Laws Silence Dissent Peter Boghossian and Toby Young Nov 06, 2023

Front-Line Update on Women's Rights | Peter Boghossian and Kellie-Jay Keen (Posie Parker) Nov 03, 2023

British women’s activist Kellie-Jay Keen (aka Posie Parker) is the founder of Standing for Women and leader of international #LetWomenSpeak events. Kellie-Jay popularized “adult human female” as the proper definition for women beginning in 2018 with billboards in the UK. She designated 2023 as the Year of the TERF and hosts weekly TERF Talk Tuesdays. Kellie-Jay is a leading voice in the discussion of women’s rights and protection of women’s spaces. As such, her online content has been censored and she is frequently targeted by trans extremists. Peter Boghossian had his first conversation with Kellie-Jay following the extremist violence in Auckland, New Zealand that caused her to flee the country. More from Kellie-Jay:

Standing for Women/Let Women Speak
TERF Talk Tuesdays
Violence in Auckland
Peter’s first conversation with Kellie-Jay
Kelly-Jay on X (formerly known as Twitter) (Also @StandingForXX)

Watch this episode on YouTube.

Prepare for Violence | Peter Boghossian & Matt Thornton Oct 25, 2023

According to author, MMA coach, and one of the first people in the United States to receive a black belt in jiu-jitsu, Matt Thornton, violence is as natural to human evolution as sex and food. In his book, “The Gift of Violence: Surviving and Thriving in a Dangerous World,” Matt provides the tools and mindset necessary to avoid—and if necessary, engage in—violent encounters. Matt has been Peter Boghossian’s Brazilian jiu-jitsu coach for over a decade, and they are also close friends. In this intimate conversation, they discuss the practical value of jiu-jitsu and MMA training. Matt outlines specific moves to gain control in a fight and the importance of situational awareness and weapon training. According to Matt, many people have a glamorized view of violence and do not understand the limits of their own capabilities. Worse still, ideology has blunted people’s connection to defensive evolutionary instincts, resulting in dangerous encounters that could be avoided. Matt Thornton has taught functional martial arts for more than 30 years. He holds a 5th-degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu and is the founder of Straight Blast Gym International, training champion MMA fighters and world-class law enforcement instructors. Matt addresses policing, gang violence, and crime data in his series “Wokeness, Public Safety, BLM, & Antifa.” Watch this episode on YouTube.

Can Art Exist Without Free Expression? | Peter Boghossian and Rosie Kay Oct 24, 2023

In the spring of 2021, award-winning dancer and choreographer Rosie Kay performed a solo show to wide acclaim. The show included three pieces addressing women’s experiences in life and dance, with the final piece, “Adult Female Dancer,” serving as Rosie’s memoir. Just a few months later, she resigned from her own dance company following accusations of transphobia. In the fall of 2021, Rosie invited dancers from her production of “Romeo + Juliet” to her home for a dinner party. A late-night conversation about an upcoming production of Virginia Woolf’s “Orlando” revealed Rosie’s support for women-only spaces and her acknowledgment that biological sex is real. A handful of her dancers reported this “transphobia” to the Rosie Kay Dance Company board of directors, initiating investigations. The board wanted Rosie to be “re-educated.” Rosie resigned from the company she ran for nearly 20 years and launched a new company, K2CO. She only employs dancers who are committed to freedom of speech and artistic expression. Rosie Kay graduated from the London Contemporary Dance School in 1998. She performed internationally and founded The Rosie Kay Dance Company in 2004. She was the Leverhulme Artist in Residence at the University of Oxford, the choreographer for the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and received Special Commendation from the Royal Society of Public Health. Awards from Stuttgart’s International Solo Dance Festival, The Queen, and Bonnie Bird are among her many accolades. Her work has been featured on stage and in film. Rosie Kay on Unherd: “My body will never be erased” Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Canceling of the American Mind | Peter Boghossian and Rikki Schlott Oct 19, 2023

Rikki Schlott is a journalist and political commentator focused on free speech, civil liberties, and youth issues from a Gen Z perspective. Her new book with best-selling author Greg Lukianoff, “The Canceling of the American Mind,” is hot off the press! She and Greg co-authored this follow-up to “The Coddling of the American Mind” by Greg and NYU professor Jonathan Haidt. Rikki is a columnist at the New York Post and a regular contributor to numerous publications and television programs. She was a research fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights & Expression (FIRE) and a production intern for The Megyn Kelly Show. More from Rikki:

Rikki's new book, out now: “The Canceling of the American Mind: Cancel Culture Undermines Trust, Destroys Institutions, and Threatens Us All—But There Is a Solution”
Twitter/X

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Is Harvard a Critical Social Justice Madrassa? | Peter Boghossian & Rajiv Malhotra Oct 18, 2023

In this conversation, Peter and Rajiv Malhotra discuss anti-Semitism at Harvard and other Ivy League universities, Harvard’s cancellation of Hindu speakers, collaboration between leftist and Islamic radicals to undermine various civilizations they label “oppressive,” how China uses Harvard to undermine the U.S. and India, and much more. Bestselling author Rajiv Malhotra is a physicist, computer scientist, and founder of Infinity Foundation, a Princeton-based non-profit specializing in civilization studies. His books include “The Power of Future Machines: Essays on Artificial Intelligence,” “Snakes in the Ganga” (with a foreword by Peter Boghossian), and “Being Different: An Indian Challenge to Western Universalism.” Watch this episode on YouTube.

Are Men Ok? | Peter Boghossian & Nina Power Oct 16, 2023

Philosopher and writer Nina Power is senior editor and columnist at Compact Magazine. She is the author of “One Dimensional Woman” (2009) and “What do Men Want? Masculinity & Its Discontents” (2022). She left her position as Senior Lecturer of Philosophy at Roehampton University after more than a decade in academia. Peter Boghossian spoke with Nina about the current manifestation of the “battle of the sexes,” where men have become a socially permitted target of hatred and blame. Nina discusses the curious ideal of a homogenous human being, an aim to un-gender the sexes to make men and women interchangeable. She says it is a mistake that traditional masculine virtues—strength, judgment, responsibility—are being coded as right-wing values that must be dismantled alongside “the patriarchy.” Peter and Nina also discuss sex differences, male suicide, Nina’s break with the Labour Party, the state of philosophy, Aristotle’s categories of friendship, intellectual conformity, Ivan Illich, Rebecca Tuvel, activist attacks, leftism, the beauty of changing one’s mind, and more. Nina received a Ph.D. in philosophy from Middlesex University and an MA and BA in philosophy from the University of Warwick. She was a senior lecturer in philosophy at Roehampton University and has taught at various British universities. She is a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and a member of the British Philosophical Association. She cohosts the podcast The Lack with Helen Rollins and Benjamin Studebaker. More from Nina:

“What do Men Want? Masculinity & Its Discontents” by Nina Power
Compact Magazine
“The Lack” podcast
Nina on X
Nina on Substack

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Are Women Just D*ckless Men? | Peter Boghossian & Sall Grover Oct 13, 2023

Sall Grover is the Founder and CEO of “Giggle,” a social networking app “designed by women, for women.” She is currently battling a lawsuit from a trans-woman who calls himself “Tickle.” Tickle was kicked off the app in 2021 because he is a man. The outcome of this lawsuit (Tickle vs. Giggle) will impact women’s rights and protected spaces in Australia. Peter Boghossian spoke with Sall about the fundamental distinction between the sexes, why preferred pronouns must be rejected, free speech and cognitive liberty, the meaning of progress, and the future of the transgender fad. According to Sall, “women are not dickless men” and have the right to exclude men from their sports, prisons, and social apps. Further info on the Tickle vs. Giggle case:

fedcourt.gov.au
Quillette article Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Immorality of DEI | Peter Boghossian & Dorian Abbot Oct 04, 2023

In 2021, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) canceled a high-profile lecture by Dr. Dorian Abbot, a renowned geophysicist from the University of Chicago. The topic of the lecture was not the issue. Rather, Dorian was targeted by Social Justice activists because of his critique of DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) ideology. MIT buckled to the demands of a handful of ideologues, inadvertently contributing to discussions about academic censorship. MIT did not expect the blowback it received for hobbling scientific inquiry in favor of ideological conformity. MIT alumni formed the Free Speech Alliance and its faculty overwhelmingly voted to adopt a university statement regarding freedom of expression. Since then, Dorian has become a leading figure in the fight for academic freedom of thought, speech, and inquiry. In this conversation, Peter Boghossian and Dorian discuss the MIT fiasco, the proper aim of academia, the immorality of DEI, speech as “violence,” University of Chicago’s commitment to academic freedom, finding meaning through religion and naturalism, Dorian’s rejection of tyrannical “equality” mandates, and much more. Dorian Abbot is associate professor in the Department of the Geophysical Sciences at the University of Chicago. He has written more than 90 scientific papers on the climates of Earth and other planets. He is a member of the Council of the Faculty Senate, a co-founder of the faculty group U-Chicago Free, a founding member of the Academic Freedom Alliance, and a co-founder and moderator of the Heterodox Academy STEM Community. Dorian won the 2021 “Hero of Intellectual Freedom Award” from the American Council of Trustees and Alumni and the 2022 “Courage Award” from the Heterodox Academy. Read the MIT Freedom of Expression & Academic Freedom statement. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Race & Gender: Breaking Taboos | Peter Boghossian & Wilfred Reilly Sep 22, 2023

Author and cultural critic Wilfred Reilly is a gadfly to mainstream narratives concerning race, crime, and gender ideology. His books include "Taboo: 10 Facts You Can't Talk About” and "Hate Crime Hoax: How the Left is Selling a Fake Race War.” His upcoming book, “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me,” will be available in February 2024. Wilfred’s writing is also published in the Wall Street Journal, the National Review, USA Today, Commentary Magazine, Tablet, Quillette, and many other outlets. Wilfred is an Assistant Professor of Political Sciences at Kentucky State University. His research interests include international relations and prevention of war, contemporary American race relations, and empirical testing of political claims. He holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Southern Illinois University and a law degree from the University of Illinois. More from Wilfred:

Upcoming book: “Lies My Liberal Teacher Told Me”
Books: "Taboo: 10 Facts You Can't Talk About” and "Hate Crime Hoax: How the Left is Selling a Fake Race War”
Wilfred on Twitter

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Unholy Union: Atheists & Christians | Peter Boghossian & David Silverman Sep 21, 2023

Author and activist David Silverman is one of the best-known atheists in the United States. He has been a leading voice in the atheism movement for decades, previously serving as President for American Atheists and Executive Director for Atheist Alliance International. He broke ranks with these organizations when they were captured by the “religion of wokeism.” David is now the advisory board chair for Atheists for Liberty, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization promoting secularism, free speech, and enlightenment values. He is the author of "Fighting God: An Atheist Manifesto for a Religious World." He recently published an article in Reality’s Last Stand expressing his concerns about atheists aligning with Christians in the fight against woke ideology. More from David:

Reality’s Last Stand: “Reflections of a Firebrand” by David Silverman
YouTube
Atheists for Liberty
Twitter

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'Dead Name' Trans Documentary Censored as “Hate Speech” | Peter Boghossian & Taylor Reece Sep 21, 2023

Filmmaker Taylor Reece is the director of “Dead Name,” a documentary by Broken Hearted Films. "Dead Name" gives voice to parents managing the damage and trauma gender-affirming care has inflicted upon their children. The film was released in December 2022, but Vimeo removed the video from its platform in February this year. Vimeo accused the film of promoting “hate speech” and demeaning “Sexual Orientation Change Efforts (SOCE).” Interest in the film by the press and viewers surged following this censorship. Watch "Dead Name": https://www.deadnamedocumentary.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Science (and Pseudoscience) of Gender | Peter Boghossian & Colin Wright Sep 15, 2023

Evolutionary biologist Colin Wright is the founding editor of Reality's Last Stand, a publication dedicated to free speech, science, and reality. His articles on sex and gender have been published in The Wall Street Journal, The Times, New York Post, Newsweek, City Journal, Quillette, and other major news outlets and peer-reviewed journals. Colin is a Manhattan Institute Fellow, an Academic Advisor at the Society for Evidence-Based Gender Medicine (SEGM), and a member of Genspect’s Killarney Group. Colin received a Ph.D. in evolutionary biology from UC Santa Barbara in 2018. He left academia in 2020 when the fervor of gender ideology became an obstacle to scientific inquiry and free speech. Connect with Colin:

Further resources:

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The High Cost of Luxury Beliefs | Peter Boghossian & Rob Henderson Sep 06, 2023

Special thanks to Birch Gold Group for sponsoring today's episode. Text "PETER" to 989898 for your FREE info kit on gold. Writer Rob Henderson coined the term “luxury beliefs,” an apt description of empty slogans that signal high status among the elite. Proclaiming “Defund the police!” may confer status on students at Columbia, but do they understand the cost such a policy would inflict on the poor? (Spoiler Alert: No.) Rob attended Yale, earned his Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Cambridge, and served in the Air Force. His research interests include social cognition, prosocial behavior, and moral development and reasoning. He is a writer for The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, Quillette, and Substack and a Founding Faculty Fellow at the University of Austin, Texas. Rob’s memoir will be released in February 2024, titled “Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class.” It is available for preorder. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Anti-Racism & Disempowerment | Peter Boghossian & Erec Smith Sep 06, 2023

Erec Smith is an Associate Professor of Rhetoric at York College of Pennsylvania. Although he has eclectic scholarly interests, Smith’s primary work focuses on the rhetorics of anti-racist activism, theory, and pedagogy. He is the president of the Foundation for Free Black Thought. Smith’s recent books include A Critique of Anti-Racism in Rhetoric and Composition: The Semblance of Empowerment (2020) and The Lure of Disempowerment: Reclaiming Agency in the Age of CRT (2022). He tweets here.

Documentaries mentioned: "The Woke Reformation" by Travis Brown "The Reformers" by Mike Nayna Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Wrong Kind of Black Person | Peter Boghossian & Tabia Lee Aug 30, 2023

Dr. Tabia Lee is a longtime educator, pedagogist, and a founding member of Free Black Thought. In 2021, Tabia was hired at DeAnza College in California as the Faculty Director for the Office of Equity, Social Justice, and Multicultural Education. Tabia attempted to reform the toxic campus atmosphere characterized by many faculty and staff members as “too woke.” DEI colleagues at DeAnza rejected Tabia’s efforts to promote a “pro-human” approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives. Tabia, a black woman, was called a white supremacist, a racist, and a right-wing operative, among other accusations. In June this year, Tabia was fired. She is suing DeAnza College for violating her academic freedom and free speech rights. Find more from Tabia: Donate Free Black Thought

The Science of Happiness | Peter Boghossian & Gad Saad Aug 30, 2023

Bestselling author and evolutionary psychologist Gad Saad is a pioneer in the application of evolutionary psychology to consumer behavior. He is a Professor of Marketing at Concordia University where he held the Research Chair in Evolutionary Behavioral Sciences and Darwinian Consumption for a decade. As a leading public intellectual, Gad writes and speaks about a wide range of ideas, including “idea pathogens” destroying logic, science, reason, and common sense. He hosts "The Saad Truth" podcast. Gad is the author of the international bestseller, "The Parasitic Mind: How Infectious Ideas Are Killing Common Sense," "The Evolutionary Bases of Consumption," "The Consuming Instinct, Evolutionary Psychology in the Business Sciences," and numerous scientific papers. His latest book is "The Saad Truth about Happiness: 8 Secrets for Leading the Good Life," published July 2023. Follow Gad Saad: The Saad Truth podcast Website Twitter

The Meaningful Life | Peter Boghossian & Glenn Loury Aug 28, 2023

Special thanks to Birch Gold Group for sponsoring today's episode. Text "PETER" to 989898 for your FREE info kit on gold. Glenn Loury, one of the leading public intellectuals in the Anglosphere, is known for his astute observations and forthright delivery. He does not disappoint in this conversation with Peter Boghossian during the University of Austin’s Forbidden Courses program. Glenn and Peter discuss pressing social, racial, and economic topics of our era, including affirmative action, student debt relief, and criminal justice reform. Glenn explains his distrust of public policy to remedy social ills that should be managed through individual responsibility. He discusses disempowering narratives promoted by progressives and shudders at the “infantile, unserious arguments” of Ibram X. Kendi. Glenn also talks about how he derives meaning in life and his religious ambivalence. He shares his deep love for his wife in spite of political differences between them. When Peter asks Glenn about his hopes for his grandchildren, Glenn shares words of wisdom that reveal his deepest values. He also describes his favorite recent books: "A Certain Ambiguity" by Guarav Suri and "Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth" by Reza Aslan. Author, economist, and social critic Glenn Loury is the Merton P. Stoltz Professor of the Social Sciences and Professor of Economics at Brown University. He is the recipient of many honors, including a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Carnegie Scholarship. He hosts The Glenn Show, frequently joined by another friend of the show, linguist John McWhorter. Glenn’s publications include, “The Anatomy of Racial Inequality,” “Race, Incarceration, and American Values,” “One by One from the Inside Out,” and “Ethnicity, Social Mobility and Public Policy.” His memoir, “Late Admissions: Confessions of a Black Conservative,” is forthcoming. Glenn's Substack: https://glennloury.substack.com/ Watch this episode on YouTube.

Trans Ideology vs. Biology | Peter Boghossian & Luana S. Maroja Aug 28, 2023

Special thanks to Birch Gold Group for sponsoring today's episode. Text "PETER" to 989898 for your FREE info kit on gold. Luana S. Maroja is a renowned evolutionary biologist, Professor of Biology, and Chair of the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Program at Williams College. She was taken aback when the Society for the Study of Evolution released a statement promoting sex as a spectrum and declaring the validity of “lived experience” in sexual identity. What would inspire such a misguided, conspicuously anti-scientific declaration? In this conversation with Peter, she answers that question. In plain language, Luana explains chromosomal differences in mammals and how the sex binary is expressed in animals. She addresses popular arguments about exceptions to the binary, such as variations in sex chromosomes, hormone receptor failure, and developmental sex disorders. They also discuss: Moralistic and naturalist fallacies, bimodality, being “born in the wrong body,” social constructs, clown fish, non-biologists teaching bad biology, and trans racialism. Luana S. Maroja earned her undergraduate and master’s degree from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and her PhD from Cornell University. Her research interests include population ecology, speciation, population genetics, phylogeny, and phylogeography. Luana studies a variety of organisms, including small mammals, insects, and plants, and has published more than 35 scientific papers. Luana co-authored The Ideological Subversion of Biology, the cover article in the July/August 2023 issue of Skeptical Inquirer magazine. "The Ideological Subversion of Biology," Skeptical Inquirer https://skepticalinquirer.org/2023/06/the-ideological-subversion-of-biology/ Watch the episode on YouTube.

Language, Race, and the Woke Religion | Peter Boghossian & John McWhorter Aug 22, 2023

Bestselling author John McWhorter is a linguistics professor at Columbia University, host of “Lexicon Valley,” and a regular guest on “The Glenn Show” with Glenn Loury. John’s writing has been published in many venues, including The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, The New Republic, City Journal, Time Magazine, and Forbes. He writes a weekly opinion column for The New York Times. John’s most recent book is “Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America.” He has authored more than twenty books on language and race relations, including “Nine Nasty Words,” “The Language Hoax,” and “Talking Back, Talking Black.” Woke Racism by John McWhorter Lexicon Valley Substack New York Times articles Watch this episode on YouTube.

Vandals of Culture & History | Peter Boghossian & Michael Lind Aug 21, 2023

Author Michael Lind is co-founder of the New America Foundation and co-author of its manifesto, “The Radical Center.” He is a columnist for Tablet and has been an editor or staff writer for The New Yorker, Harper’s, The New Republic, and The National Interest. He is a contributor to The New York Times, Politico, The Financial Times, Foreign Policy, Salon, The International Economy, Forbes, UnHerd, and many other publications. Michael has authored nearly 20 books, including “The New Class War: Saving Democracy from the Managerial Elite,” “The American Way of Strategy,” and “What Lincoln Believed.” Michael’s latest book is "Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America," published in May 2023. Michael is a professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas, Austin, teaching courses on American democracy, political economy, and foreign policy. More about Michael: "Hell to Pay: How the Suppression of Wages is Destroying America" by Michael Lind Tablet Magazine New America Foundation Watch the episode on YouTube.

Why Audiences Hate Modern Movies | Peter Boghossian & The Critical Drinker Aug 18, 2023

Scottish author and critic Will Jordan, aka The Critical Drinker, offers biting, insightful, and often hilarious critiques of modern cinematography. His straightforward analysis of plots, characterization, dialogue, and ideological narrative in modern film has earned him over 1.7 million YouTube subscribers. The Critical Drinker is the author of the “Ryan Drake” novel series and co-authored “Deadly Cargo” with James Patterson. He is also Peter’s favorite movie and TV critic. Books by Will Jordan Follow Will on Twitter Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Cost of Unmasking Antifa | Peter Boghossian & Andy Ngo Aug 15, 2023

Special thanks to Birch Gold Group for sponsoring today's episode. Text "PETER" to 989898 for your FREE info kit on gold. Journalist Andy Ngo has been in the news regarding the conclusion of his civil lawsuit against Rose City Antifa. Members of the Portland “anti-fascist” group assaulted Andy multiple times since 2019, putting him in the hospital with a brain hemorrhage. Despite a plethora of video evidence, the jury cleared the assailants of responsibility on August 8. Andy and one of his lawyers discussed juror intimidation by the defense lawyer and other Antifa members with Laura Ingraham. Peter Boghossian and Andy had this conversation prior to the conclusion of the trial. They have been friends for years, first meeting at Portland State University in 2015 when Peter was a professor and Andy was a graduate student. Peter and Andy share their first-hand experience with the damage Social Justice ideology has inflicted on Portland, Oregon. They discuss the decline in crime prevention by police and citizens, including the national effect of former US Marine Daniel Penny’s indictment. Andy explains why left-wing violence is tolerated and even encouraged. Many academics have ties to violent extremists (or are violent extremists themselves) and activist journalists provide narratives that justify vitriol toward their ideological enemies. Andy explains how left-wing radicalization begins as early as elementary school. Andy and Peter were previously involved in secular activism. They consider the consequences of bartering fealty to traditional religions in exchange for Wokism. Peter describes his Pollyanna expectation for a new age of rational flourishing and his surprise at the secular pseudo-religious outcome. Also discussed: moral triaging, identity vs. class, epistemological paralysis, Billboard Chris, trans militancy, preferred pronouns, and the ineffectiveness of anonymity. Andy Ngo is the author of the #1 national bestseller, Unmasked: Inside Antifa’s Radical Plan to Destroy Democracy. His articles can be found in The Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Quillette, New York Post, Fox News, and other publications. Andy is Senior Editor at The Post Millennial. Website: https://www.andy-ngo.com/ Locals: https://ngolocals.com/ Detailed report: Civil Trial against Rose City Antifa https://townhall.com/tipsheet/miacathell/2023/08/09/andy-ngo-antifa-trial-hacker-testimony-n2626762 Post-Trial Interview with Laura Ingraham https://www.patreon.com/posts/87462476?pr=true Watch this episode on YouTube.

Tyranny of Zealots and Spirals of Silence | Peter Boghossian & Jonathan Rauch Aug 14, 2023

Award-winning author Jonathan Rauch is a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and contributing editor of The Atlantic. Jonathan defends objective truth and free inquiry in his latest book, “The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth.” He is the author of eight books on public policy, culture, and government, including “Kindly Inquisitors: The New Attacks on Free Thought” and “Beyond Queer: Challenging Gay Left Orthodoxy.” Jonathan's Website: https://www.jonathanrauch.com/ Braver Angels: https://braverangels.org/what-we-do/debates/ Articles referenced by Jon: https://www.cnn.com/2022/12/15/media/twitter-musk-journalists-hnk-intl/index.html https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2023/04/elon-musk-twitter-still-banning-journalists https://www.persuasion.community/p/the-medias-covid-success https://twitter.com/jon_rauch/status/1509752156605276160 Watch this episode on YouTube.

Peter Boghossian & Kathleen Stock: Lesbians Don’t Have Penises Aug 06, 2023

Special thanks to Birch Gold Group for sponsoring today's episode. Text "PETER" to 989898 for your FREE info kit on gold. Kathleen Stock is a British philosopher, author, and gender critical feminist who recently left mainstream academia. She resigned her professorship at Sussex University at the end of 2021 due to ideological censorship and death threats from trans activists. Like Peter Boghossian, Kathleen is a Founding Faculty Fellow at the University of Austin, Texas (UATX). Peter and Kathleen were both participating faculty in UATX’s Forbidden Courses program this summer and met for a conversation. Kathleen talks about the strange new world LGBTQ+ activists have created for gay men and lesbians, particularly defining gay identity as “same gender attracted.” Kathleen, herself a lesbian, is concerned about the confusing messages young lesbians receive from gender ideologues—like the notion that “lesbians can have penises.” Peter and Kathleen also discuss preferred pronouns, cultish qualities in trans activism, the new Virgin Mary (any pregnant trans man), the callow misuse of philosophy, the effect of morally fashionable beliefs on philosophers, ruined academic disciplines, Wittgenstein, women’s competitive nature, the Substitution Hypothesis, the ethics of gender transition, backward reasoning, and hope for the next generation. Kathleen Stock’s latest book is "Material Girls: Why Reality Matters for Feminism." She is a columnist for UnHerd and recently launched The Lesbian Project with Julie Bindel. Follow Kathleen's work: The Lesbian Project Unheard Twitter Watch this episode on YouTube.

Counter-Revolution: Abolishing DEI, CRT, & Other Woke Menaces | Peter Boghossian & Christopher Rufo Aug 05, 2023

Filmmaker and writer Christopher Rufo is a senior fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Chris has produced documentaries for PBS, Netflix, and international television. He’s also a contributing editor at “City Journal,” where his articles address critical race theory, gender ideology, homelessness, addiction, crime, and the decline of American cities. Chris just published his first book, “America's Cultural Revolution: How the Radical Left Conquered Everything,” an instant New York Times bestseller. Find more of Chris's work:

Trust Science, Not Scientists | Peter Boghossian & Brian Keating Aug 04, 2023

Cosmologist Dr. Brian Keating a Distinguished Professor of Physics at the University of California, San Diego and the Associate Director of the Arthur C. Clarke Center for Human Imagination. He is the author of "Losing the Nobel Prize: A Story of Cosmology, Ambition, and the Perils of Science's Highest Honor" and "Into the Impossible: Thinking Like a Nobel Prize Winner." Keating hosts the "Into the Impossible" podcast. "Losing the Nobel Prize: A Story of Cosmology, Ambition, and the Perils of Science’s Highest Honor" by Brian Keating "Into the Impossible: Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner" by Brian Keating YouTube Podcast "Into the Impossible" Center for Human Imagination Website Twitter Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Poetry of Reality | Peter Boghossian & Richard Dawkins Jul 31, 2023

Peter Boghossian has been inspired by the work of preeminent evolutionary biologist, author, and atheist Richard Dawkins for years. In this conversation, they discuss various impingements of delusional thinking on rationality. Richard is unsettled by the substitution hypothesis—the proposal that as one religion fades, another will take its place. Yet, he recognizes the transfer of religious structures into Woke dogma, including the replacements of white privilege for Biblical original sin and trans ideology for Catholic transubstantiation. Richard says he’s wasted his life if humans are destined to embrace a default level of delusional thinking from one source or another. Peter and Richard consider whether some delusions are more benign than others and if the lesser of the evils should be accepted. Richard proposes that scientific thinking and evidence-based belief could replace irrationality, saying the wonders of science provide a “nearly spiritual experience.” Also discussed: Fermi’s paradox, natural selection, extraterrestrial genetics, skeletal gender, Lamarck vs Darwin, the ideological capture of science journals, tribal belief, and two mysteries unanswered by science. Richard Dawkins is a bestselling author and award-winning evolutionary biologist. He is an advocate for scientific literacy and an outspoken critic of creationism. His most notable books are The God Delusion and The Selfish Gene, both selling millions of copies internationally. Richard’s latest book is Flights of Fancy: Defying Gravity by Design and Evolution. Richard hosts The Poetry of Reality podcast and is on the board of the Center for Inquiry. Website: https://richarddawkins.com/links Watch this episode on YouTube.

Civilizational Decline Through Self-Contempt | Peter Boghossian & Benedict Beckeld Jul 31, 2023

Dr. Benedict Beckeld is a philosopher and author. He explores the denigration of social customs, history, and values in his latest book, “Western Self-Contempt: Oikophobia in the Decline of Civilizations.” Beckeld’s writing can be found in Quillette, City Journal, The American Conservative, and the Salisbury Review, among other publications. “Western Self-Contempt: Oikophobia in the Decline of Civilizations” by Benedict Beckeld https://www.amazon.com/dp/1501763180 Website http://www.benedictbeckeld.com/ YouTube: / @benedictbeckeld Twitter https://twitter.com/BenedictBeckeld Watch this episode on YouTube.

The Reality of Gender Affirming Care | Peter Boghossian & Stephanie Winn Jul 27, 2023

Stephanie Winn is the host of the You Must Be Some Kind of Therapist Podcast. She is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Portland, Oregon. She also appears in the upcoming documentary film, "No Way Back: The Reality of Gender Affirming Care". Watch this episode on YouTube.

Woke Subjectivism: Feelings Over Facts | Peter Boghossian & Mark Goldblatt Jul 27, 2023

Mark Goldblatt is an author, essayist, and theologian. In his recent book “I Feel, Therefore I Am: The Triumph of Woke Subjectivism," Goldblatt examines the tension between subjective belief and the inescapable demands of reality. Goldblatt is an education professor at SUNY's Fashion Institute of Technology. His other books include “Might as Well Be Dead,” the "Twerp" series, and "Bumper Sticker Liberalism." Goldblatt's essays can be found in The New York Times, Newsday, The New York Post, USA Today, Reason Magazine, and many other publications. Watch the episode on YouTube.

Gender Affirming Care In Oregon | Peter Boghossian & Oregon State Representative Ed Diehl Jul 25, 2023

Ed Diehl is an Oregon State Congressman. He has debated the chair of Behavioral Health over the bill HB 2002. This episode can also be watched on YouTube.

The American Cultural Revolution | Peter Boghossian & James Lindsay Jul 19, 2023

James Lindsay is a bestselling author, mathematician, and a leading expert on the ensuing culture war. He is the founder of “New Discourses,” a website and podcast analyzing the theory behind, effects of, and solutions to "Woke Marxism". James speaks widely on language, education, and Social Justice ideology. In May, he spoke to the European Union Parliament about this evolved form of Marxism in Western culture. James' books include “Cynical Theories,” which he wrote with Helen Pluckrose, “How to Have Impossible Conversations,” which he wrote with yours truly, "Race Marxism: The Truth About Critical Race Theory and Praxis", and also his most recent book, “The Marxification of Education: Paulo Freire's Critical Marxism and the Theft of Education.” Watch this episode on YouTube.

UFOs (and more): Examining the Evidence | Skeptic Michael Shermer & Peter Boghossian Jul 18, 2023

The world’s leading skeptic, author Michael Shermer, explains what it would take for him to believe claims of extraterrestrial visitation. Michael follows Pierre-Simon Laplace’s principle, popularized by Carl Sagan: “Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.” Michael has bet $1,000 that irrefutable evidence of human contact with aliens will not materialize by the end of next year. So far, he has no takers. Peter and Michael discuss the brain as “an engine of belief” and how the human desire for transcendence and moralization leads people to extend their confidence beyond the warrant of the evidence. Education is one antidote to this cognitive malady, and Michael promotes teaching children statistics, probability, and how to “think like scientists”. Peter and Michael also discuss organizational splintering (including in the skeptic and atheist movement), fashionable beliefs, why believers in alien visitations aren’t interested in SETI, Bayesian reasoning, the deep state, true conspiracies, Dr. Paul Hotez vs. RFK Jr., childhood gender transition, and Michael’s forthcoming book, Truth. Dr. Michael Shermer is the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine, the host of The Michael Shermer Show, and a Presidential Fellow at Chapman University where he teaches Skepticism 101. Michael wrote a monthly column for Scientific American for 18 years. He is the author of several books, including the New York Times bestsellers Why People Believe Weird Things and The Believing Brain. His latest book is Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational.

Twitter: @michaelshermer You can watch this conversation on YouTube!

The Epistemology of UFOs & Lab Leaks | Michael Shellenberger & Peter Boghossian Jul 12, 2023

Michael Shellenberger appreciates the challenge skeptics offer regarding the existence of UFOs (also termed UAPs, "Unexplained Aerial Phenomena"). Skeptics, true believers, and everyone in between have taken note of Michael’s reporting on the topic. In this conversation with Peter Boghossian, Michael explains his level of confidence about visitations by non-terrestrial spacecraft. (Peter says the verified discovery of alien spacecraft would be a revolution comparable to humanity’s domestication of fire—and he wants it to be true but requires evidence.)

Peter and Michael also discuss a more down-to-earth possible cover-up regarding the source of COVID-19. They explore free speech, censorship for adults vs. children, the Orwellian “Institute for Strategic Dialogue,” levels of societal hate, “crazy-making,” the attitudinal disposition to the truth as a basis of friendship, their friendship, and much more. Michael Shellenberger is an author, investigative journalist, and the founder & president of Environmental Progress, a nonprofit research organization. He also co-founded the California Peace Coalition, an alliance of parents of children killed by fentanyl and parents of homeless addicts. Michael is the author of Break Through: From the Death of Environmentalism to the Politics of Possibility (with Ted Nordhaus), Apocalypse Never: Why Environmental Alarmism Hurts Us All, and most recently, San Fransicko: Why Progressives Ruin Cities. He also coauthored An EcoModernist Manifesto. Twitter: @shellenberger Skeptic Michael Shermer also spoke with Michael Shellenberger about his reporting on alien spacecraft. Next week, we’ll hear Peter's interview with Shermer! Watch this episode on YouTube

“Mother Nature is a TERF” | Helen Joyce & Peter Boghossian Jul 03, 2023

Helen Joyce is causing a lot of trouble. YouTube recently removed her conversation with Jordan Peterson (due to vague accusations of “hate speech” and “inciting violence”) and the BBC doesn’t invite her on air anymore. Among her heresies, she is guilty of believing there are two sexes and saying it out loud.

Helen, an Irish journalist, bestselling author, and director of advocacy at Sex Matters, spoke to Peter Boghossian about the differences between men and women. In many arenas, the differences don’t matter, but they are a matter of consequence regarding women’s privacy, vulnerability, and physical competition.

Peter and Helen discuss the definition of sex, why trans men should be allowed in women’s spaces, the tragedy of the commons, fa’afafine, evolution, the “thought-terminating cliché,” the tribal fear of rejection, the cultivation of mental illness, why institutions are losing their North Stars, and much more.

Trans: When Ideology Meets Reality by Helen Joyce Helen Joyce on Twitter: @HJoyceGender Watch this conversation on YouTube!

The New Pride | Andrew Doyle & Peter Boghossian Jul 02, 2023

“Is the trans movement anti-gay?” In honor of Pride Month, Peter Boghossian begins this conversation with an investigation into the increasing rejection of trans ideology by the LGB (without the T) community. Peter’s guest is Andrew Doyle, acclaimed author, comedian, and host of Free Speech Nation on GB News. Here’s an important piece of information to better understand this conversation: Andrew is gay.

Andrew explains the impact the trans movement has inflicted on gay people over the last several years, including the rise of abusive language toward gays he “hasn’t seen since the ‘80s." Lesbians are labelled “sexual racists” or “transphobes” if they reject trans women as partners. (The same is true for gay men rejecting trans men—that is, women—but the abuse is not as pervasive.) Peter and Andrew discuss the incoherence of gender ideology, the nature of sexual attraction, how predators manipulate gender self-ID, and the sterilization of gay youth.

Also discussed: Bad woke art, sensitivity readers, primary education, censorship, standpoint epistemology, critical thinking, the long history of human fantasy and folly, and more. Andrew Doyle is a journalist, playwright, satirist, and comedian. He is the creator of Titania McGrath, “a radical intersectionalist poet committed to feminism, social justice and armed peaceful protest.” He is the host of Free Speech Nation and an unabashed lover of art and literature. Watch this conversation on YouTube!

Med School, Merit, and Discrimination | Kenny Xu & Peter Boghossian Jul 02, 2023

According to journalist and author Kenny Xu, progressives fail to grasp the importance of merit in academic admissions and degree conferral, particularly in medicine. While Xu supports the long-held liberal ideal of equal opportunity through education, he argues that the university is not the place to address group achievement gaps. Instead, educational interventions need to begin much earlier—ideally in kindergarten.

In this conversation, Peter Boghossian and Xu discuss holistic admissions vs. merit in medicine, overcoming “diversity statements,” calculating competence, the elevation of kindness over data, discrimination against Asian students, what the SAT measures, why merit requires objectivity, the humility of the scientific method, the unsustainability of “kind lies,” violence against Asians, and much more.

Kenny Xu is a journalist, author, and president of Color Us United, a non-profit organization advocating for a race-blind America. His forthcoming book is School of Woke: How Critical Race Theory Infiltrated American Schools and Why We Must Reclaim Them (August 1, 2023). Xu reported on academic discrimination against Asians in his former book, An Inconvenient Minority: The Harvard Admissions Case and the Attack on Asian American Excellence. Watch this conversation on YouTube!

Escaping the Cult of Illiberalism | Keri Smith & Peter Boghossian Jun 29, 2023

Keri Smith says she was in a cult for twenty years. It wasn’t NXIVM, Peoples Temple, or Heaven’s Gate, but something more widespread and insidious. Keri was a self-described Social Justice Warrior.

Peter Boghossian talks to Keri about how Women’s Studies classes at Duke University provided the gateway to her conversion through new words, new definitions, and exposure to oft-repeated axioms. Keri describes her former self as a “woke evangelist,” spreading newfound truths about the patriarchy and righteous censorship. She became a Wikipedia editor to “correct history” and limited her media consumption to news, books, and speakers approved by the ideology.

Keri lost friends and job opportunities when she left the Social Justice tribe, but she emerged with valuable experience. She shares advice about how to help others obtain freedom from illiberal dogma. Spoiler Alert: Facts aren’t enough to break the spell.

Keri Smith is the host of Deprogrammed with Keri Smith where she interviews notable thinkers like Helen Pluckrose, James Lindsay, William Allen, Samuel Sey, Charles Murray, Barbara Kay, and Dr. Bret Weinstein You can find her writing in Human Events, Fee.org, and The Dissenters Project, a collection of essays on the price of dissent. Keri has been a guest on many podcasts, including Timcast, Nerdrotic, Triggernometry, and Real Talk with Zuby. She recently hosted Mindsfest 2023 in Austin, Texas. Watch this interview on YouTube!

"Pretendians" (Indigenous Frauds) in Academia | Jacqueline Keeler & Peter Boghossian Jun 26, 2023

There is an epidemic of primarily white people—and white women in particular—who are pretending to be Native Americans for professional gain. Dubbed “Pretendians,” these individuals are predominantly active in academia and hold tenured faculty positions or even department chairs. To help make sense of this institutionally supported fraud, Peter Boghossian spoke with Jacqueline Keeler, a Native American author and journalist who’s an expert on the phenomena of Pretendians. Keeler names names and pulls no punches in this conversation. In light of Peter's experience at Portland State University (PSU), he was only mildly surprised to hear Keeler’s report that three of its leading Indigenous Nations faculty are Pretendians: Ted Van Alst, Grace Dillon, and Judy Bluehorse Skelton. Jacqueline Keeler: https://linktr.ee/jfkeeler Watch this conversation on YouTube!

Moving the Needle on Gender Ideology | Conversations with Peter Boghossian May 31, 2023

You can watch this episode on YouTube! Billboard Chris is a child protection advocate who travels the world talking to people about gender ideology. When Chris came to Oregon, Peter Boghossian joined him for street conversations at Portland State University (PSU) and the University of Oregon. The night before their visit to PSU, Peter hosted a meeting with Chris, journalists Andy Ngo and Savanah Hernandez, author Matt Thornton, and activist Honey Badger. Videographer Reid Nicewonder filmed the discussion. Peter’s guests have experienced public violence from far-left activists. They discuss the decline of civil discourse and the rise of speech suppression, particularly on university campuses. They consider possible explanations for how police respond to violence by trans activists—often ignoring it or arresting victims to appease the mob. Billboard Chris explains his moral and philosophical opposition to the life-long medicalization of children through “gender affirming” puberty blockers, hormones, and surgery. He argues that while gender ideology permeates many institutions and dominates corporate messaging, public opposition is widespread and bipartisan. Don’t miss this conversation. You’ll hear stories from the trenches about the struggle to shine light on one of the most contentious issues of our time.

"When Race Trumps Merit" with Heather Mac Donald & Peter Boghossian ("Mr. Lefty") May 23, 2023

This conversation can be viewed on YouTube When Race Trumps Merit: How the Pursuit of Equity Sacrifices Excellence, Destroys Beauty, and Threatens Lives is the latest book by bestselling author Heather Mac Donald. Mac Donald sounds an alarm about the erosion of meritocracy through “disparate-impact” ideology in science, medicine, jurisprudence, and art. While concerns about civilizational decline are not a laughing matter, Peter Boghossian injects a playful element to this interview by taking on the role of a progressive and challenging Mac Donald to defend her claims. Mac Donald shares her research and views on equity, the scientific method, credentials in medicine and law, colorblind meritocracy, classical music, crime, and the skills gap, all while affably referring to Peter as “Mr. Lefty.”

Heather Mac Donald is the Thomas W. Smith Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, a contributing editor of City Journal, and a New York Times bestselling author. Her writing has appeared in various publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, The New Republic, and The New Criterion. Her numerous honors include the Integrity in Journalism Award, the Eugene Katz Award, and the 2005 Bradley Prize.

Kellie-Jay Keen (Posie Parker) & Peter Boghossian: Gender Ideology Unhinged Apr 07, 2023

This conversation can also be viewed on YouTube! Peter Boghossian had the good fortune to be in Australia in March, the same time Kellie-Jay Keen brought her Let Women Speak (LWS) tour to Australia and New Zealand. They were scheduled to meet, but Kellie-Jay’s tour was cut short when a violent mob of TRAs (trans rights activists) threatened her life.

On March 25, Kellie-Jay was at Albert Park in Auckland for a planned LWS event. These gatherings have a very simple structure: women are invited to speak about women’s issues. Men are also allowed to speak, but they must wait until the end. Hundreds of TRAs came to Albert Park to protest Kellie-Jay, turning violent before the speakers even got started.

The mob toppled metal barriers, dumped tomato sauce and water on Kellie-Jay, and one (a man) punched an elderly woman multiple times in the face, cracking her skull. The mob attacked Kellie-Jay, and according to police, she was lucky to have survived. (Andrew Doyle provides a solid assessment of the situation with clips from the event here.) Obviously, the event was canceled, as was the event planned in Wellington the following day. New Zealand police put Kellie-Jay under protection and advised her to leave the country immediately due to credible threats on her life.

Peter didn’t meet with Kellie-Jay in Sydney as planned. But they did have an extended conversation following this authoritarian display of speech suppression and violence against women. In this conversation, we hear about what happened in Auckland, how she was defamed by Australian media before she arrived, why she’s not “anti-trans” (or a Nazi), why she rejects the idea of gender, what we should do about activist educators, why voting for truth takes precedence over other political issues, and how we can overcome this illogical, authoritarian, and increasingly violent ideology.

Peter Boghossian Interviews Canceled UCF Professor Charles Negy Mar 29, 2023

Associate Professor of Psychology Charles Negy was canceled by an online mob for “offensive” speech on Twitter in June 2020. Within weeks, the University of Central Florida (UCF) launched an investigation, firing him six months later. In 2022, an arbitrator ruled that UCF did not have just cause for the termination and Negy was reinstated. In this interview with Peter Boghossian, Negy details his experience with university officials throughout the 2-year ordeal and considers how universities can be saved from illiberal ideology. Peter also introduces Negy to Hanna, a UCF student who was part of the mob that canceled him. Hanna explains her experience of indoctrination in the Social Justice movement and how she became a free speech advocate. Negy has filed a lawsuit against UCF’s board of trustees for violating the First and Fourteenth Amendments, negligence, abuse of process, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. You can watch this interview on YouTube. Follow Peter Boghossian Substack YouTube Twitter Instagram Facebook Donate to National Progress Alliance

Peter Boghossian & Carl Benjamin | Rationality, Moral Facts & Universal Principles Jan 31, 2023

In this episode, Peter Boghossian interviews Carl Benjamin. This is what Peter said about the discussion: Carl Benjamin, AKA "Sargon of Akkad," is best described as a free-speech activist, staunch critic of identity politics, and champion of English Liberalism. When YouTube and Google shadowbanned his channel in 2019 for wrongthink, Carl continued creating content on Akkad Daily. In November 2020, he launched a new media venture: Lotuseaters.com.

Carl and I have fundamental differences about our core principles, but we are able to explore these differences constructively. Carl challenged my views and I find his take on social and cultural issues to be insightful, refreshing, and unhindered by moral fashions. We discussed myriad topics over more than two hours; I’m sharing the most interesting segment, where the issue of national sovereignty sparks a deep inquiry into the value of rationality, the possibility of “moral facts,” the attainment of objective universal principles, and the possible pitfall of a doctrine of human rights. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

For further reading on ideas discussed, check out Michael Oakeshott, John Rawls, Richard Rorty, J. L. Mackie, Jürgen Habermas, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Michael Shermer. You can watch this conversation on YouTube.

"The New Puritans" | Peter Boghossian Interviews Andrew Doyle (Titania McGrath) about Social Justice Jan 12, 2023

In "The New Puritans: How the Religion of Social Justice Captured the Western World," Andrew Doyle reveals the similarities between the destructive irrationality of 17th-century witch trials (and executions) in Salem and the illiberal collective mania afflicting modern society. Peter Boghossian interviews Doyle about themes explored, including the sly use of progressive language by Social Justice activists, the infection of major institutions, new segregation, “academic shibboleths,” gender stereotypes, trans medical scandals, whistleblowers, the meaning of “left” and “right” ideology, the instinct for authoritarianism and much more. Buy Andrew Doyle's book Andrew Doyle on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andrewdoyle_com Titania McGrath: https://twitter.com/TitaniaMcGrath

Discussion: Viewer Feedback Nov 19, 2022

Watch the video of this conversation here. Now that the first season of All Things Re-Considered has concluded, Peter Boghossian and Matt Thornton met to discuss viewer feedback. The vast majority of feedback has been positive, but a few criticisms are addressed: why Peter and Matt used Rachel Levine’s preferred pronouns, the “Kazoo Dilemma” (who is responsible for its inclusion and who performed the devil’s instrument), why we chose to examine NPR, if/how NPR could be fixed, the possibility that NPR “has always been this way,” what news we can trust, and the future of All Things Re-Considered. We received several requests to release excerpts from the episodes that would be easier to share with friends than full videos. We think that’s a great idea, so individual show segments will be available over the next few weeks—just in time for lively discussions with friends and family throughout the holiday season.

Episode 5: NPR Coverage of Fat Acceptance & George Floyd/Buffalo Massacre Nov 14, 2022

Fat identity/justice/liberation, intersectionality, saving public radio, interracial violence, George Floyd, Waukesha, Tony Timpa, Buffalo, data data data, qualified immunity and much more. This is our final episode of All Things Re-Considered for the season. We will release a conversation about what we learned next week. This is a great time to leave feedback about the show and suggest other topics for re-consideration (besides NPR)! Watch the series on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYNjnJFU-62s5cNuqeB-D-7QPymF6myk_

EXTRA: Update to NPR's Trans Dinosaur Emoji Story Nov 05, 2022

Gina, host of "Morning Sedition" on All Things Re-Considered, shares an update regarding the dinosaur emoji story from Episode 3 (https://youtu.be/Latb4tOUG-0) All Things Re-Considered received an interesting critique about the trans dinosaur emoji story we analyzed in Episode 3. We criticized the story for failing to include events explaining why feminists (so-called T*RFs) used the dinosaur emoji in September 2021. YouTube user “Fake Chuck” claimed NPR’s story DID provide the background information and he shared a link to prove it. Unfortunately for Fake Chuck, the link he provided was not to the story NPR ran, but to a former version of the story. While this former version does mention David Lammy’s dinosaur insult and feminists’ subsequent embrace of dinosaur emojis, NPR chose to redact this information when it released the story on its website and to public radio stations for broadcast. Knowing this is quite enlightening. You can view this episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABiQYnlRpB4&t=27s

Episode 4: NPR Standards, Rachel Levine, & the Diversity Training Ban Nov 05, 2022

Topics include NPR vs. Public Radio, Trump trigger warning, cultivating fragility, holding powerful people accountable, not holding Rachel Levine accountable, ideology vs. science, divisive training, and much more. View this episode at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHnGHhWnTP0

Episode 3: Dinosaur Emojis & NPR's Compassionate Look at Antifa Oct 31, 2022

Welcome to Episode 3 of All Things Re-Considered: Dinosaur Emojis & NPR's Compassionate Look at Antifa. We learn about T*RF demands, trans dinosaurs, bad journalism, objectivity, nonbinary alligators, the hyper-morality of Antifa, and much more. We also hear from three more former listeners (one masked) about their departure from NPR and public radio. Enjoy!

Episode 2: NPR Coverage of Professor Harassment & Elon Musk (Free Speech) Oct 21, 2022

Episode 2 of All Things Re-Considered explores the dangers of free speech, James Damore, academic harassment, where NPR gets its "experts," how Ira Glass broke a woman's heart, how the ACLU is breaking Ira Glasser’s heart, similarities between NPR and Fox News, and much more. A former public media journalist explains how NPR’s fashionable ideology facilitates bad journalism and former listeners share the stories that pushed them over the edge. This podcast is taken directly from the video released on YouTube. To watch: https://youtu.be/U2RsN9g6huo. Connect with Peter Boghossian and the team at https://boghossian.substack.com/

Episode 1: NPR Coverage of Kyle Rittenhouse & Ibram X. Kendi Oct 16, 2022

Welcome to the first episode of All Things Re-Considered! This 5-episode series is an analysis of NPR journalism. In this episode, we hear from former NPR listeners about falling out of love with NPR, insights from a former public media journalist, and conversation between Peter Boghossian and Matt Thornton about NPR's coverage of Kyle Rittenhouse and Ibram X. Kendi. This podcast is taken from the original YouTube video. To watch, visit https://youtu.be/PPvNucxB7TI Episode 2 will be released Wednesday, October 19, so stay tuned!

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