
The Unspeakable Podcast
Author, essayist and journalist Meghan Daum has spent decades giving voice—and bringing nuance, humor and surprising perspectives—to things that lots of people are thinking but are afraid to say out loud. Now, she brings her observations to the realm of conversation. In candid, free-ranging interviews, Meghan talks with artists, entertainers, journalists, scientists, scholars, and anyone else who’s willing to do the “unspeakable” and question prevailing cultural and moral assumptions.
Latest episodes

Feb 26, 2024 • 49min
How Tumblr Memes Became Political Ideas: Katherine Dee decodes the manosphere, Tumblr feminism, anime activism, and more
Discover how Tumblr memes influenced political ideas, from tradcels to girl boss backlash. Katherine Dee unpacks manosphere culture, Tumblr feminism, and more. Uncover the impact on dating, relationships, and societal norms. Explore the evolution of online discourse into mainstream politics and media circles, challenging gender perceptions and beauty standards.

Feb 19, 2024 • 60min
From Foster Care to the Ivy League: Rob Henderson on luxury beliefs, broken communities, and the path forward
Rob Henderson, a PhD in psychology and writer, discusses luxury beliefs, foster care experiences, and navigating Ivy League privilege. He delves into the concept of luxury beliefs observed at elite institutions, his challenging childhood in the foster care system, and the entitlement and fragility of privileged students at Yale.

Feb 12, 2024 • 55min
Is Dating A Lost Cause? Lori Gottlieb On How to Find Love In The Age of Apps, Ghosting, and Too Much Choice
Psychotherapist and writer Lori Gottlieb talks about finding love in today's dysfunctional society, the taboo of discussing female fertility, the negative impact of dating apps, and the prevalence of age gaps in relationships. She also suggests considering a matchmaker for older daters.

6 snips
Feb 5, 2024 • 50min
Artificial Intelligence For Dummies (Or At Least Normies): John Vervaeke and Shawn Coyne on Mentoring The Machines.
Artificial Intelligence For Dummies (Or At Least Normies): John Vervaeke, a philosopher, neuroscientist, and YouTuber, and Shawn Coyne, an editor and publishing entrepreneur, collaborate on a book series about AI. They discuss their backgrounds, the concept of AGI, the challenges of the publishing industry, alignment in programming, and the role of consciousness in intelligent behavior. A thought-provoking conversation about the implications and ethics of AI.

Jan 29, 2024 • 52min
Never Apologize - Katherine Brodsky On How To Survive Cancellation
Katherine Brodsky, cultural critic committed to fighting censorship and groupthink, discusses her new book 'No Apologies' and shares interviews with people who were canceled. Topics include the misapplications of cancel culture, toxic online communities, and dynamics of women in the culture war.

Jan 19, 2024 • 45min
Our Zip Codes, Ourselves - Seth Kaplan on the Fragile State of American Neighborhoods
Seth Kaplan discusses the impact of social fabric on American neighborhoods, exploring poverty alleviation initiatives, the causes of political unrest on the West Coast, and what he looked for in a neighborhood when moving his family. He also delves into the consequences of broken relationships, place-based inequality, and the pros and cons of gentrification.

Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 5min
When Israel and Palestine Share A Classroom - Bernard Avishai and Ezzedine Fishere’s Two-State Approach
Bernard Avishai and Ezzedine Fishere, Dartmouth professors teaching a joint course on Israeli/Palestinian politics, discuss their teaching approach, promoting dialogue, and understanding. They reflect on the challenges of discussing the conflict in the classroom, the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the importance of academic freedom. They also touch on issues of alleged anti-Semitism in Middle Eastern studies classes and the erosion of values in society.

Jan 5, 2024 • 20min
Travel Notes From A War - ChayaLeah Sufrin On Her Recent Trip To Israel
In a last-minute, new year’s special, Unspeakable regular ChayaLeah Sufrin stops by the pod to report on her recent trip to Israel with her family. Even though she’s been to Israel countless times, this trip was different in both expected and unexpected ways. ChayaLeah talks about the desperation of the families of hostages, the morale of Israeli soldiers, what Israelis think about America these days, and about visiting the site of the Supernovo Music Festival. She also explains (sort of) how the Iron Dome defense system works. Spoiler: it’s not Jewish space lasers. She also recounts a recent family trip to Kansas and reflects on how warmly her Orthodox family was greeted by locals. GUEST BIO ChayaLeah Sufrin is the co-host, with Yael Bar-tur, of the podcast Ask A Jew and Executive Director at the Hillel at California State University, Long Beach. Prior to Hillel, she spent 15 years teaching high school Jewish history and was the Education Director of Shul by the Shore. ChayaLeah has been married to her husband Boruch for 18 years and together they have 4 sons. Jewish education and building community are ChayaLeah’s two main passions - she also loves the New England Patriots. Want to hear the whole conversation? Upgrade your subscription here. HOUSEKEEPING ✈️ Unspeakeasy Retreats: See where we’re going to be in 2024! 🥂 Join The Unspeakeasy, my community for freethinking women. 🔥 Follow my other podcast, A Special Place in Hell.

Dec 19, 2023 • 1h 10min
What to Do When Kids Say They’re Trans - Sasha Ayad returns to The Unspeakable
Therapist Sasha Ayad discusses youth gender medicine, why medical protocols have changed in Europe, struggles faced by kids with gender dysphoria, and how parents can support their kids while setting limits.

Dec 12, 2023 • 18min
Is Civility Better Than Kindness?
Author Alexandra Hudson discusses her book 'The Soul of Civility' and the importance of civility in healing society. She shares her mother's career as an etiquette expert and explores the difference between civility and politeness. The speakers discuss respectability politics and the divide between liberal and progressive views.
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