UnHerd with Freddie Sayers
UnHerd
Freddie Sayers from online magazine UnHerd seeks out top scientists, writers, politicians and thinkers for in-depth interviews to try and help us work out what’s really going on. What started as an inquiry into the pandemic has broadened into a fascinating look at free speech, science, meaning and the ideas shaping our world.Due to popular demand here is a podcast version of our YouTube — available to watch, for free here or by searching ‘LockdownTV’.Enjoy! And don't forget to rate, like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
11 snips
Mar 21, 2026 • 39min
Joe Kent: Why I resigned over Iran
Joe Kent, a decorated Green Beret and former Director of the National Counterterrorism Center who resigned over the Iran war, speaks candidly. He outlines internal hawk vs restraint splits and claims Israeli influence pushed U.S. policy. He recounts blocked investigations, personal costs, risks of escalation, and proposes ways to de-escalate through regional diplomacy.
14 snips
Mar 20, 2026 • 18min
The age of drone warfare has begun
Shashank Joshi, defence editor at The Economist and military tech analyst, breaks down how low-cost drones, smart mines and autonomous boats are reshaping naval conflict. He maps risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. He discusses electronic warfare limits, how cheap weapons lower the price of coercion, and whether military steps can meaningfully secure crucial sea lanes.
41 snips
Mar 19, 2026 • 28min
Was closing the Strait of Hormuz part of Trump’s plan?
Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge who studies energy markets and geopolitics, examines whether US strategy weaponised Gulf disruptions. She discusses how a Strait of Hormuz closure reshapes energy flows and harms China. She explores alternate routes, insurance and convoy impacts, Europe’s growing US energy dependence, and a possible new Suez-style realignment of global power.
42 snips
Mar 17, 2026 • 35min
Prof. Robert Pape: Is Iran winning the war?
Robert Pape, University of Chicago political scientist known for military strategy research, explains how Iran leverages the Strait of Hormuz with drones and missiles. He outlines a multi-stage escalation model. They debate tactical US strikes versus Iran's asymmetric campaign and the looming ground-power dilemma threatening global trade and alliances.
9 snips
Mar 12, 2026 • 45min
The boom in British exorcisms
Professor Helen Hall, law scholar and Anglican priest, outlines safeguarding and legal complexities. Reverend Dr. Jason Bray, deliverance minister and Dean of Llandaff, describes modern practical rituals and case examples. Dr. Francis Young, historian of Christian exorcism, gives historical context. They discuss the surge in demand, Gen Z’s interest, social media’s role, multicultural influences, and risks around unregulated practices.
15 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 45min
What happens next inside Iran?
Arta Moeni, Iran analyst who highlights the regime's layered resilience. Edward Luttwak, strategist and historian of grand strategy who studies coup and regime-change dynamics. They clash over Iran’s trajectory. Short bursts on whether strikes can force a pivot, the strength of Iran’s decentralized state, risks of civil war, asymmetric responses, and prospects for eastward alignment or internal political shift.
35 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 43min
War in Iran: How the Neocons won
Saurabh Amari, US editor and commentator on American politics and foreign-policy factions. He maps competing Trump-era foreign-policy camps and the rise of hawkish interventionism. He traces who pushed the president toward strikes, the silence from some Republican figures, and the likely regional and political fallout. The conversation highlights shifting power inside the right and immediate strategic costs.
20 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 47min
Avi Loeb vs. Michael Shermer: The Aliens Debate
Michael Shermer, historian of science and founder of Skeptic Magazine, offers skeptical, evidence-first critique. Avi Loeb, Harvard astronomer and leader of the Galileo Project, pushes active searches for extraterrestrial artifacts. They debate UFO sightings versus interstellar probes. They discuss research methods, data triangulation, and how science and secrecy shape the search for life.
Feb 20, 2026 • 45min
Michael Tracey: In defence of Prince Andrew
Michael Tracey, investigative journalist known for challenging mainstream narratives, offers a skeptical read of the Andrew arrest. He questions the strength of Virginia Giuffre’s claims and highlights FBI memos and documents. He explores alleged media credulity, mass hysteria, and whether misconduct-in-office charges fit the facts.
Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 3min
Anton Jäger: The Far-Right's route to victory
Anton Jäger, historian and Oxford lecturer and author of Hyperpolitics, explores how politicization surged while institutions faded. He traces digital mobilization, the 2008 shock, Brexit and mass protests. He contrasts one-day online flare-ups with old party durability and considers why the right often wins in this new landscape.
