Quillette Podcast
Quillette
The Quillette Podcast is a platform for rigorous, academic discussions rooted in common sense and free inquiry. Non-dogmatic and grounded in liberal values, the podcast serves as a beacon for thoughtful conversation on science, politics, philosophy, and culture. Quillette prides itself on intellectual honesty, avoiding ideological extremism in favor of evidence-based reasoning and progress. Hosted by leading voices in academia and journalism, past guests include evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and journalist Douglas Murray, among others. Expect candid conversations that promote common sense and challenge anti-science and conspiratorial narratives from both the far left and right.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 21, 2024 • 46min
Is Israel Really Committing Genocide in Gaza?
University of Florida historian Norman Goda discusses South Africa's genocide accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice. He critiques the lack of evidence connecting inflammatory statements to actual policy. The podcast explores the complexities of proving genocide and analyzes biased reporting by the UN special rapporteur for Israel. It also delves into the International Court of Justice's interim ruling on the allegations and controversies surrounding a recent court decision on a ceasefire in Gaza.
Jan 28, 2024 • 32min
Leaving MAGA
Rich Logis, a former fervent Donald Trump supporter, shares his journey of leaving MAGA and discusses his concerns with COVID public health measures and the January 6 riot. He reflects on his political journey, dissatisfaction with the two-party system, and support for a third-party candidate. The speaker experiences the struggle of leaving MAGA, confronts propaganda and conspiracy theories, and emphasizes the importance of diversifying news sources. They discuss their project 'Reading MAGA' and the need to humanize and reconcile with MAGA voters for a functional democracy.
Jan 16, 2024 • 33min
The Fine Line Between Denouncing ‘Settler Colonialism’ and Supporting Terrorism
Exploring the weaponization of academic doctrines to delegitimize the existence of Israel and Western societies. Discussion on the origins and significance of the term 'Turtle Island' and its association with creationist beliefs. The impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous societies in the Americas, including conflicts between Native American tribes. Exploring the battle between identity politics and class-based politics within the left. Delving into the complexities surrounding settler colonialism and its implications for Israel. Examining sentiments on Israel and Palestine, including a disturbing chant calling for a pre-Israel era.
5 snips
Dec 4, 2023 • 46min
How ‘Intersectional Feminism’ Got Hijacked by Men
Veteran feminist activist Julie Bindel discusses the misappropriation of the term 'feminist,' the distortion of 'intersectional feminism' by men, controversial trans issues, challenges faced by the LGB Alliance, controversy surrounding gender clinics, and contradictions in feminism.
9 snips
Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Justinian
Cambridge historian Peter Sarris discusses his book on Justinian the Great, detailing his rise to power, architectural wonders, and remaking of Roman law. The podcast explores Justinian's wife's influential role in legislation, his focus on Christianizing the Empire, and the scandalous secret history of his reign.
Nov 1, 2023 • 26min
The October 7 Terrorist Attacks, in Historical Perspective
Israeli historian Benny Morris discusses Hamas' acts of mass murder, the Israeli response, and the future of Gaza. The podcast explores the stagnant relationship between Jews and Palestinians, the devastating impact of terrorist attacks on kibbutzim communities, Israeli army's approach in targeting Hamas members, the sense of fatalism and victimhood in Israeli society, and the use of the term 'apartheid' in relation to Israel's treatment of its Arab citizens.
Oct 20, 2023 • 38min
Eric Kaufmann’s New ‘Centre for Heterodox Social Science’
Political scientist Eric Kaufmann discusses cancel culture, academics' need for honest immigration conversations, and challenges in academia. The conversation also covers his personal background, views on wokeness, and navigating the complexities of immigration.
4 snips
Oct 18, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Extraordinary Life of Tom Nash aka DJ Hookie
The podcast explores the extraordinary life of Tom Nash aka DJ Hookie, a quadruple amputee. Topics include handling mistaken identities, accents and audiobook recording, overcoming disabilities and finding independence, blending in and standing out, creating feedback loops in DJing and dancing, adapting to different environments, and exploring post traumatic growth and personal resilience.
6 snips
Oct 2, 2023 • 45min
Parents with Inconvenient Truths about Trans-Identified Children
Psychotherapist Stella O’Malley and parent Josie A. discuss the importance of listening to parents before affirming a child’s desire for gender-transition therapies. They explore topics such as school policies, children's autonomy in gender identity, extreme activist movements, the influence of anime on trans identification, challenges for fathers of trans-identified children, and the need for support and guidance for parents.
5 snips
Sep 13, 2023 • 60min
Tracing the Roots of the Ideological Movement (Formerly) Known as Wokeness
Johns Hopkins University professor Yascha Mounk explores the origins of 'wokeness' and its rejection of liberalism and Marxism. They discuss the influence of Karl Marx, Michel Foucault, Edward Said, and Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, as well as the impact of social media on self-chosen identities and the difficulty of making counterarguments in that space.
