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
Sep 12, 2024 • 45min
Tracing the Rise of Radicalized Anti-Zionism on American Campuses
Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with author Paul Berman about the lingering influence of ’Black Power’ advocate Stokely Carmichael, who once infamously claimed that ’the only good Zionist is a dead Zionist.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sep 3, 2024 • 60min
'Israel: Germany's Reason of State'
In this engaging conversation, Gerfried Ambrosch, a Munich-based scholar with a background in punk culture, shares his insights on pro-Israel sentiments within the German Left. He discusses the complex dynamics of antisemitism among Muslim immigrants and the historical guilt that shapes Germany's ideological landscape. Ambrosch reflects on the evolution of leftist views, the radicalization in immigrant communities, and the impact of cancel culture on music scenes. His perspective invites a nuanced understanding of identity, integration, and political shifts in contemporary Germany.
Aug 28, 2024 • 39min
The (Other) Scandal at Oberlin College
Roya Hakakian, an author and journalist, joins Mohammad Jafar Mahallati, a former Iranian official turned peace advocate, to discuss Mahallati's controversial time at Oberlin College. They delve into Mahallati's complex past and the students' unawareness of his role in a regime linked to human rights abuses. The conversation covers the intricacies of post-9/11 peace efforts, the haunting legacy of Iran's mass executions in 1988, and the ethical dilemmas facing academic institutions when vetting their faculty.
Aug 21, 2024 • 52min
Bridging Divides Between Democrats and Republicans
John Wood, Jr. is an advocate at Braver Angels, dedicated to bridging political divides in America. He shares insights on fostering understanding between Democrats and Republicans. The conversation highlights the importance of dialogue workshops in cultivating empathy and reducing polarization. They also discuss a significant bipartisan debate watch party, showcasing the spectrum of political sentiments. Furthermore, they delve into the crisis of trust in American democracy and the historical influences that shape today’s political landscape.
Aug 15, 2024 • 25min
Should Imane Khelif be allowed to box against women?
In this intriguing discussion, Developmental Biologist Emma Hilton and gold medal-winning boxer Imane Khelif delve into the complexities of gender identity in sports. They explore Khelif's controversial eligibility in women's boxing, questioning fairness amidst biological differences. The conversation highlights the evolution of terminology surrounding intersex conditions, the ethical implications of scientific testing, and broader debates about gender and performance in athletics. Insights into safety concerns and the impact on competitors enhance this thought-provoking dialogue.
Aug 8, 2024 • 36min
How Gender Activists Took Over a Scottish Rape-Crisis Centre
Joan Smith, a writer focused on societal issues, and Mridul Wadhwa, a male trans-identified CEO caught in controversy, dive into the contentious management of the Edinburgh Rape Crisis Centre. They discuss the clash between traditional support for women and evolving gender ideologies, exploring allegations of bullying and accusations of transphobia among staff. The conversation sheds light on the implications for survivors and the broader political landscape regarding gender identity in Scotland.
Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 31min
'How We Form Our Political Beliefs' with Oliver Traldi
Oliver Traldi, author of "Political Beliefs: A Philosophical Introduction," engages in a thought-provoking conversation about how our political beliefs are formed and influenced. He explores the adversarial nature of politics and its connection to group dynamics. Traldi delves into the intricacies of identity, the impact of cultural narratives like Brexit, and the significance of symbols in political perception. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual boldness and critical self-reflection while navigating the complexities of political engagement.
10 snips
Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 11min
'Language vs. Reality' with Nick Enfield
Linguistic anthropologist Nick Enfield discusses the impact of language on different professions like lawyers and scientists. Topics include the role of language in social coordination, memory, perception, storytelling, and the influence of language on perception and thinking.
Jul 17, 2024 • 33min
The Freedom to Blaspheme
Jonathan Kay talks to Kushal Mehra about the similarities in censorship campaigns in India and Canada, discussing the impact of laws like the Herms Act and Section 295A on free speech. They delve into Canada's Online Harm Act, exploring the harsh penalties for hate speech and concerns about selective application of laws. The conversation also touches on blasphemy laws in different countries, the distorted perceptions of danger fueled by media exposure, and the influence of national core cohesiveness on free speech in diverse societies.
Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 21min
'Life on Mars' with Robert Zubrin
Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society, discusses the challenges and potentials of Mars exploration, including the role of Elon Musk's starships and the societal structure of a Martian community. The conversation explores the motivation behind sending humans to Mars, the vision for developing Martian cities, and the implications of Mars colonization on human physiology. Additionally, it delves into SpaceX's role in human settlement on Mars and upcoming Mars mission literature and conventions organized by the Mars Society.
