The Glenn Show

Robert Patton-Spruill, filmmaker and writer with deep roots in Boston's creative scene, reflects on his personal journey and film career. He discusses connections to cultural figures like Chuck D and Public Enemy. Conversation explores how music, business instincts, and community shaped careers and practical paths to progress.

John McWhorter, linguist and cultural commentator, joins for a wide-ranging Q&A. He discusses labeling wokeness as a religion and why that concept provokes liberals. Listeners ask about AI and PhDs, campus debates over Israel, university discourse, and responsibility in crisis reporting. Short, engaging exchanges with subscriber voices throughout.

John Mearsheimer, a University of Chicago realist on great-power politics, and Robert Wright, author and commentator on religion, tech, and world affairs, discuss the unraveling rules-based international order. They debate US hypocrisy, Trump’s unilateralism, Gaza and international law, NATO’s future, Greenland and Venezuela, and how identity politics shapes global and domestic tensions.

A tense debate about the killing of a detained ICU nurse and whether immigration agents should operate in city streets. A discussion on federal versus local authority over immigration enforcement and how to balance resources and priorities. A dive into Davos reactions to shifting global economic power and the risks of a more confrontational U.S. posture.

Michael Shermer, founding publisher of Skeptic Magazine and author on belief and truth, joins to probe conspiracy thinking and the collapse of institutional trust. He catalogs major conspiracies, explains cognitive biases that fuel them, and defends Bayesian, evidence‑based reasoning. They also debate immigration enforcement, media credibility, QAnon’s appeal, and whether leaders uniquely threaten democratic norms.

In this discussion, historian and foreign policy analyst Daniel Bessner critiques American primacy and the flaws of realism in U.S. foreign policy. He highlights the downsides of interventions, particularly in Venezuela, and warns against the domestic effects of militarization. The conversation delves into the pitfalls of a massive defense budget and its potential to reshape society, increase inflation, and exacerbate inequality. Bessner questions whether a war-driven revival of the industrial sector is viable, ultimately advocating for a more nuanced understanding of U.S. global engagement.

Dive into the complexities of Jeffrey Epstein's ambiguous financial empire and his influence within elite circles. Explore the U.S.'s controversial involvement in Venezuela, unpacking the hidden motives of American foreign policy. The heartfelt discussion on the tragic shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent highlights the urgent need for careful fact-checking amidst heated public responses. Thought-provoking insights on immigration, enforcement actions, and the nuances of resistance add depth to this compelling conversation.

David Beito, a historian and professor emeritus, dives deep into his critical perspective on Franklin D. Roosevelt. He discusses the myth of FDR as a heroic figure, arguing that power and reelection often took precedence over progressive ideals. Beito critiques the New Deal's long-term effects, internment of Japanese Americans, and FDR’s attitudes toward civil liberties and refugees. He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of FDR's legacy, urging educational reforms to present a balanced view of his policies and impact.

Patricia Agupusi, an assistant professor and expert on political violence in Nigeria, delves into the complex landscape of terrorism and corruption. She reveals that Boko Haram's attacks target both Christians and Muslims, challenging the idea of a simple religious conflict. Patricia highlights the failures of the Nigerian government, which neglects many communities and perpetuates tensions. She discusses the impact of U.S. military intervention and advocates for accountability and reforms instead of strikes, emphasizing local political dynamics as key to understanding the violence.

Join John McWhorter, a Columbia University linguist and insightful commentator, as he navigates weighty topics like the recent shooting at Brown University and the Hanukkah massacre in Australia. He explores the complexities of anti-Zionism and its possible links to America's racial narratives. The duo also reflects on how global conflicts, particularly the Israel-Palestine issue, draw public interest differently, and they touch upon Trump's incendiary comments regarding violent incidents. Lastly, John shares his reluctance to pen a memoir, diving into the burden of audience expectations.