William Ramsey Investigates Can I Say That?: Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly with Dr. Chloe Carmichael.
Dec 5, 2025
Dr. Chloe Carmichael, a licensed clinical psychologist and bestselling author, dives into the significance of free speech in today's society. She discusses the pervasive issue of self-censorship driven by fear and social pressures, and its psychological costs on individuals. Chloe highlights how silencing leads to loneliness and anxiety, emphasizing the connection between speech and identity. She offers practical tools for engaging in honest dialogue and fosters hope for overcoming groupthink culture in institutions.
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Leaving To Speak Up
- Dr. Chloe Carmichael left New York for Florida because she objected to masking her three-year-old during COVID.
- Publishing an article about masking children triggered her to stop self-censoring and pursue the topic publicly.
Manipulated Social Consensus
- Government pressure on platforms distorted perceived social consensus and increased self-censorship.
- That manufactured unanimity changed what people thought was safe to say publicly.
Self-Censorship Erodes Identity
- Repeated suppression becomes automatic repression and can lead to denial and loss of self-knowledge.
- Long-term self-censorship can make people forget what they truly think or feel.
