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
May 12, 2026 • 53min
Adrian Wooldridge: Why Labour should keep Starmer
Adrian Wooldridge, journalist and historian of ideas formerly at The Economist, gives a brisk diagnosis of Britain’s leadership crisis. He compares Labour and Conservative failures. He warns about institutional decay, followership problems, and market risks from turmoil. He argues for reinvigorating the centre, tackling immigration and tech, and shows signs liberalism can revive.
18 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 40min
The stage is set for a new WWI
Odd Arne Westad, Yale historian of the Cold War, outlines why today mirrors the late 19th/early 20th century rather than a Cold War. He explores multipolar rivalry, regional contests around Ukraine and Taiwan, technological-driven strategic fear, alliance pressures and how miscalculation could cascade into wider conflict.
20 snips
Apr 13, 2026 • 27min
Orbán's defeat is not a liberal victory
Aris Roussinos, investigative reporter and former war correspondent covering the European right, reports from Hungary. He describes Orban's fall as a rebrand of the Right, not a return to liberalism. Conversations cover the election atmosphere, who backed Tisza, continuity with Fidesz, policy shifts on Europe, immigration and Russia, and what Hungary’s choice means for the wider European right.
71 snips
Apr 12, 2026 • 1h 7min
Iain McGilchrist: How to escape left-brain thinking
Iain McGilchrist, neuroscientist, philosopher and author of The Master and His Emissary, explores how our culture leans on analytical left-hemisphere thinking. He contrasts narrow, focused attention with broad, relational perception. He discusses myth versus logic, the limits of science, the cultural impact of Christianity, and practical ways to rehabilitate right-hemisphere capacities.
Apr 10, 2026 • 35min
John Bolton: Trump should finish the job
John Bolton, former National Security Advisor and UN Ambassador known for hawkish regime-change views. He argues for a total blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and dismantling Iran’s nuclear and proxy capabilities. He critiques recent limited strikes and stresses prepping for a larger campaign and securing maritime routes.
26 snips
Apr 1, 2026 • 29min
US General: Hegseth will be tried at The Hague
Major General Randy Manor, retired U.S. Army leader with 35+ years and strategic operations experience, critiques plans to seize Kharg Island. He outlines the extreme tactical risks of amphibious and airborne assaults. He discusses economic fallout from targeting oil infrastructure. He questions military leadership qualifications and warns about legal and constitutional dangers of reckless orders.
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.
