Does Elitism Need Defending? My Interview with Joel Stein

If you were in any way surprised by Donald Trump’s victory in 2016 or if you feel even slightly freaked out by the current state of affairs as we live through this next election cycle, you will love meeting my guest Joel Stein.   Joel Stein has written one of the funniest books I’ve ever read— In Defense of Elitism: Why I’m Better Than You and You Are Better Than Someone Who Didn’t Buy This Book.   I was beyond grateful that in between interviews with Vanity Fair, NPR, and Goop, Joel Skyped in to talk about his new book. But don’t let the title fool you. In Defense of Elitism is not parody or satire, it’s a whole-hearted, intellectually curious, clear-eyed exploration of why populism vs. elitism (or gut-instinct vs. expertise) has become the ultimate philosophical cage fight.