Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

Nick Cave, the iconic Australian musician and figurehead of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, candidly discusses the intersections of grief, faith, and creativity. Drawing from his profound experiences, he shares poignant reflections on loss, shaping personal creativity, and the nature of authentic connections in a digital age. As a philosopher king of sorts, Cave navigates the tension between faith and doubt, while also critiquing the role of AI in music. He emphasizes the importance of embracing life’s beauty and the bittersweet journey of legacy.

In this lively conversation with Jimmy Carr, one of the most successful stand-up comics globally, they explore the wild world of crowd work and the comedic highs that come from live performances. Jimmy shares hilarious tales from a bizarre New York sauna visit and reflects on the evolving political identities in comedy today. They dive into the impact of streaming on comedic television, the duality of envy as a creative force, and the importance of laughter in uniting people, all while preparing for his extensive world tour.

Coleman Hughes, a thought-provoking writer, podcaster, and musician, discusses race and identity in America with incisive clarity. He reflects on the evolving political landscape, the challenges of identity politics, and the changing dynamics within the Democratic Party. Hughes also critiques the impact of Trumpism on political messaging and societal discourse. With his jazz trombone background, he draws parallels between music and politics, highlighting the importance of art as a medium for dissent and cultural reflection.

Join humorist and cultural critic Meghan Daum as she chats about untamed conversations in today's society. From the complexities of gender identity legislation to the quirks of enjoying solo adventures in LA, Meghan shares her comedic takes. She recounts her unexpected fame on The Oprah Winfrey Show and discusses the nuances of cancel culture. With insights from her community, The Unspeakeasy, she emphasizes the value of safe spaces for open dialogues, all while adding a dash of humor about wild encounters in Australia.

Join Rich Roll, an ultramarathoner and bestselling author who champions endurance and personal reinvention, as he dives into the implications of America's obsession with personal liberty. He argues that this fixation may actually hinder our freedoms and fuels a loneliness crisis. The conversation explores the shift in community dynamics due to modern distractions, the nuances of sobriety, and the evolving nature of relationships in an AI-driven world. Rich also reflects on legacy, meaning, and the pursuit of purpose over mere happiness.

Kmele Foster, Editor-at-large of Tangle and co-host of The Fifth Column, dives deep with Josh into race and identity. They explore parenting in racially charged environments and the struggle for understanding amid polarizing narratives. Kmele critiques the concept of wokeness, arguing against enforced equality and emphasizing personal experiences. The conversation touches on the complexity of privilege, the power of literature in shaping identity, and the role of mindfulness in navigating life's challenges. It's a thought-provoking, engaging discussion!

Sam Harris, an influential podcaster and neuroscientist known for championing mindfulness, dives into some intense topics. He tackles the responsibility of podcasters in voicing controversial ideas while questioning the ethics of AI and its impact on warfare. Harris discusses the complexities of consciousness, ethical dietary choices, and his personal stance on sensitive social issues. His fearless engagement with topics like jihad and modern ideologies reveals a captivating journey through reason and the challenges of navigating critical conversations in today's world.

Join Matt Welch and Kmele Foster, co-hosts of The Fifth Column podcast, for a fiery live panel at the Comedy Cellar. They discuss the evolving role of satire in politics and how humor can challenge authority. The duo tackles the media's collapse and the rise of podcasting as a news source. They debate the ethical dilemmas of platforming controversial voices while sharing hilarious anecdotes, including one about Epstein's Island. It’s a night of laughter, insightful critiques, and the absurdities of today's media landscape.

Tyler Cowen, a renowned economics professor at George Mason University and influential blogger at Marginal Revolution, dives into pressing topics like urban inequality, critiquing traditional solutions like rent control. He discusses the nuanced relationship between immigration policies and economic sustainability amid societal concerns. Cowen also explores the tensions around free speech in academia and the intersection of AI with intellectual discourse, weaving in personal insights about happiness and the future of knowledge.

Sarah Haider, co-founder of Ex-Muslims of North America and outspoken advocate for those leaving Islam, opens up about her transformative journey from atheism to exploring spirituality. She addresses the unsettling religious undertones within progressive ideologies, revealing her disillusionment with the existing atheist movement. The conversation also dives into the emotional complexities of belief, the struggle for meaningful dialogue in cultural debates, and the moral imperatives that shape ethical frameworks in today's society.