The podcast explores the escalating legal assault on trans rights by conservative groups, focusing on nearly five hundred bills introduced across the country. It delves into Judith Butler's influential ideas on gender as a social construct and her identification as nonbinary. The discussion covers the backlash to trans rights, gender politics, identity fluidity, compassion in gender discourse, and the intricate relationship between gender beliefs and political narratives.

Judith Butler discusses gender as a social construct and the backlash to trans rights. They explore the concept of performativity in gender and the fear-mongering surrounding gender identity. Also, they talk about nonviolent solutions in political conflicts.

Famed American philosopher Judith Butler discusses the controversy surrounding their remarks on Hamas and armed resistance in Israel. Topics include crackdowns on student protests, academic freedom, and navigating the complexities of condemning violence while understanding historical context in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

Gender studies expert Judith Butler discusses gender, performativity, and clown dreams with panelists on a hilarious episode. Topics include jury selection challenges, a failed shrimp promotion, Bark Air - an airline for dogs, horror movie trivia, school drop-off chaos, quirky news, bizarre beauty treatments, and Red White Blue Lobster rebranding.

Judith Butler, a Distinguished Professor at UC Berkeley and a pioneer in gender theory, dives deep into contemporary issues. She discusses her upcoming book, "Who’s Afraid of Gender?", exploring the intricate dynamics of sex and gender. The conversation also delves into the political landscape of the 2024 election, focusing on candidates Trump and Harris. Additionally, Butler tackles the complex relationship between anti-Zionism and anti-Semitism, questioning prevalent narratives surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and advocating for equality and self-determination.

Judith Butler and Adam Shatz explore Jean-Paul Sartre's 'Anti-Semite and Jew,' discussing the philosophical scrutiny of anti-Semitism, the controversial suggestion of antisemites owing their identity to Jews, and the negative portrayal of Jews. They dive into the book's focus on bigotry in France, the creation of Jewish identity through the antisemitic gaze, and criticisms of Sartre's portrayal of Jews in entirely negative terms.

Renowned philosopher and gender theorist Judith Butler discusses Hannah Arendt's 'The Human Condition'. They explore the innovative approach to action, Arendt's relevance and shortcomings, surprising turns in the book, and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Judith Butler discusses the fluid nature of gender and challenges to traditional norms, highlighting the relationship between gender, power dynamics, and societal structures. The podcast explores gender binaries, societal constructs, and the importance of embracing complexities outside traditional norms. The discussion also addresses controversies surrounding gender identity, debates on gender-affirming care for teenagers, and the importance of solidarity in combating discrimination.

Judith Butler discusses the concept of self-defense, the individual sovereign subject, and the relevance of Sigmund Freud's essay. They explore the book 'The Force of Nonviolence' and its focus on developing a political ethos. They delve into the hidden web of dependency, violence in social and political frameworks, and the denial of grievability to certain populations.

Clare Bucknell, a literary contributor, and Colin Burrow, an expert on Austen, dive into the social intricacies of 'Emma,' especially a revealing picnic scene. Judith Butler, a leading philosopher, joins Adam Shatz to discuss misogyny and the dualities of womanhood from 'The Second Sex,' shedding light on societal constructs. Meanwhile, Emily Wilson and Thomas Jones unpack Herodotus' 'Histories,' exploring the narrative complexities of truth and empire, plus their insights on cultural practices that define Greek identity.