

American Thought Leaders
The Epoch Times
At a time when our nation is portrayed as increasingly polarized, media often ignore viewpoints and stories that are worthy of attention. American Thought Leaders, hosted by The Epoch Times Senior Editor Jan Jekielek, features in-depth discussions with some of America’s most influential thought leaders on pertinent issues facing our nation today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

32 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 17min
What Americans Aren’t Told About Psychiatric Medications | Robert Whitaker
Robert Whitaker, an investigative journalist and author known for his work on psychiatric treatment, challenges the long-held belief that psychiatric drugs fix chemical imbalances in the brain. He reveals how this myth helped expand the pharmaceutical industry despite a lack of supporting evidence. Whitaker discusses alarming findings on long-term outcomes for schizophrenia and the potential harm of psychiatric medications, which can lead to chronic symptoms. He advocates for alternative approaches like Finland's Open Dialogue, suggesting a shift in how mental health is treated.

Dec 13, 2025 • 1h 29min
Former US Army Pacific Chief Reveals What’s Missing in US Taiwan Strategy | Gen. Charles Flynn (Ret.)
Gen. Charles Flynn (Ret.), a former four-star general and Pacific commander, delves into the intricacies of Taiwan's defense strategy against China. He highlights how China's rapid military mobilization could threaten Taiwan and stresses the importance of a strong U.S.-Asian alliance. Flynn warns of the urgent need to adjust military resources and strategies to counter China's regional ambitions. He also discusses the necessity for partner nations to bolster their own defenses while advocating for innovative military diplomacy and public-private partnerships.

Dec 12, 2025 • 48min
Future of European Security and Russia-Ukraine Peace Efforts: Latvia Foreign Minister Baiba Braze
Baiba Braže, Latvia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, is a champion of Baltic security and transatlantic cooperation. She shares insights on Latvia's strong defense spending, aiming for 5% of GDP, and its geographical importance against Russian expansion. Braže discusses the need for a Ukrainian-led peace deal and the vital role of increased pressure on Russia. She also outlines Latvia's shift to U.S. energy sources and emphasizes the importance of NATO’s collective security while addressing broader global priorities.

10 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 29min
Former CDC Director Calls for Removal of mRNA Vaccines for COVID-19 | Dr. Robert Redfield
Dr. Robert Redfield, former director of the CDC and expert in HIV/AIDS, advocates for the removal of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, stressing the need for accountability from vaccine manufacturers. He discusses the possible lab origins of SARS-CoV-2 and criticizes America's pandemic response. Redfield calls for a focus on vulnerable populations rather than broad vaccine mandates and emphasizes the importance of natural immunity. He also highlights the distinction between long COVID and vaccine injuries, urging transparency and improved health policies.

Dec 6, 2025 • 41min
Robert Kiyosaki: Why America’s Middle Class Keeps Getting Poorer
In this engaging dialogue, Robert Kiyosaki, the acclaimed author of 'Rich Dad Poor Dad', dives into the crumbling state of America’s middle class amid rising inflation. He highlights the dangers of unchecked monetary policy by the Federal Reserve and shares insights from witnessing hyperinflation in Zimbabwe. Kiyosaki emphasizes the importance of financial education, skill development for entrepreneurs, and using debt wisely to create wealth. His perspective challenges conventional views on prosperity, advocating for innovation over fixed resources.

9 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 55min
Does the Soul Exist Outside the Brain? Insights from a Neurosurgeon | Dr. Michael Egnor
Dr. Michael Egnor, a pediatric neurosurgeon and author, challenges conventional neuroscience, arguing for the soul's existence beyond the brain. He discusses his transformative journey from atheism to dualism, revealing that reason and free will aren't just brain functions. Egnor references historical insights and presents compelling case studies, like individuals functioning without large brain sections. He also explores near-death experiences, emphasizing their scientific significance and implications for understanding consciousness.

Dec 3, 2025 • 52min
From Statins to Paxil, Here’s What’s Wrong With a Lot of Medical Research | Maryanne Demasi
Maryanne Demasi, a former medical scientist and now an independent investigative journalist, dives deep into the unsettling world of pharmaceutical trials. She highlights how industry manipulation leads to the suppression of crucial drug data, particularly with statins and psychiatric medications like Paxil. Demasi candidly discusses the dangers of corporate influence in medical research, revealing systemic problems including hidden trial harms and censorship of dissenting voices. Her insights on the need for transparency and accountability in healthcare are both alarming and thought-provoking.

Nov 29, 2025 • 32min
Exclusive: Kash Patel Talks China Fentanyl, Violent Networks, ‘Burn Bags,’ and More
Kash Patel, a former FBI Director known for his work in counterintelligence and narcotics enforcement, dives deep into pressing issues. He reveals the crackdown on fentanyl from China, using strategic partnerships and inspections to shut down precursor shipments. Patel discusses the dramatic rise in local policing effectiveness, showcasing a 25% reduction in murder rates. He explains the FBI's operations against the online 764 network and highlights the agency’s mission in recovering missing children, asserting a commitment to public safety and transparency.

Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 6min
Why These 9 Institutions Must Be Reformed Post-COVID | Jeffrey Tucker
Jeffrey Tucker, a senior economics columnist and founder of the Brownstone Institute, discusses the urgent need for institutional reform post-COVID. He reveals how the pandemic uncovered deep flaws in American society and advocates for a new approach to education and independent thought. Tucker critiques the influence of Big Pharma and mainstream media while proposing alternatives to current academic publishing systems. He emphasizes the importance of rebuilding trust, protecting dissent, and revitalizing public spaces for a healthier democracy.

Nov 22, 2025 • 44min
How a Little Known Technology Can Break China’s Rare Earths Stranglehold | Dr. James Tour
Dr. James Tour, a synthetic chemist and nanotechnologist at Rice University, discusses revolutionary flash Joule heating technology that could free the U.S. from dependence on Chinese rare earth resources. He explains how this method extracts critical minerals from waste and mine tailings, emphasizing its environmental advantages and cost-effectiveness. Tour also outlines the potential for creating localized recycling plants and the strategic importance of these innovations for national security. This could reshape supply chains and bolster the economy.


