The Glenn Show

Glenn Loury II, son and conversational partner of the host, reflects on family ties and memory. They discuss how politics exposes old father‑son tensions. They talk about shifting into an adult parent‑child relationship and keeping Linda Datcher Loury’s memory alive. The conversation looks ahead to new generations and changing family roles.

Daniel Bessner, historian of international relations who critiques U.S. foreign policy, joins the debate. He explores historical tendencies toward concentrated power and questions continual military dominance. Short takes on Iran diplomacy, contrasts between compromise and projection of force, and whether hawkish postures remain popular today.

Conversation ranges from political strategy after a disruptive presidency to how personality and systems interact in shaping outcomes. They debate AI’s claims of consciousness and parallels between historic technology and modern automation. Literary references are used to probe political eras. The role of technical expertise in public debate is also questioned.

John McWhorter, linguist and commentator known for clear takes on language and culture, weighs in on Donald Trump as driven by personal a*****e rather than strategy. Short, punchy exchanges explore whether personality or deeper structural forces explain political chaos. Conversation touches on social media, comedic appeal, and debates over moralizing labels in public discourse.

Robert J. Sampson, sociologist known for research on neighborhood effects and community violence. He discusses how strong communal social bonds and community governance relate to reducing crime. He contrasts nonpunitive approaches with more effective policing methods. The conversation centers on violence levels, clearance rates, and what strategies might actually make high-crime neighborhoods safer.

Ben Peterson, political scientist and author of Governing the Social Commons, explores how families, churches, and neighborhoods keep order where law and markets fail. He discusses reputation and informal sanctions, the role of moral formation in racial inequality, the spiritual side of human agency, and how communities balance liberty with communal discipline.

Robert Cherry, an emeritus labor economist who studies discrimination and Arab citizens of Israel, joins to unpack modern realities. They debate UNRWA’s role and political purpose. They discuss how Arab states’ choices shaped refugee integration. Short, sharp conversations about policy, history, and contested responsibilities.

They spar over whether blind devotion to a political figure signals a break from reality. They debate the nature and limits of criticism in modern politics. The conversation touches on funding for foreign conflicts and the ethics of merit-based systems.

A heated debate on the U.S.-Iran conflict and whether strikes on Iranian leaders cross the line into assassination. A clash over what is driving the fighting and how it is being conducted. A tense discussion about leadership, strategic thinking, and the global consequences of normalizing targeted killings.

Steven Pinker, cognitive psychologist and bestselling author, unpacks how 'common knowledge' shapes social life. He uses vivid examples and short stories to show how shared awareness steers seduction, threats, markets, and political signaling. Expect sharp takes on euphemisms, plausible deniability, and why people hesitate to speak what everyone privately knows.