Q & A, Hosted by Jay Nordlinger

Earlier, Jay spoke with Perry Link about Liu Xiaobo, the great Chinese democracy leader, of whom he has co-authored a biography. For that episode, go here. In the present episode, Jay speaks with Professor Link about being a China scholar—the language, the political pitfalls, and so on. As Jay says in his introduction, it is “a joy” to listen to Perry Link—“a joy and an education.” Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Liu Xiaobo was one of the great men of our age. He was a Chinese intellectual and democracy leader. In 2010, while in prison, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He died, still a prisoner, in 2017. Perry Link and Wu Dazhi have written a new biography: “I Have No Enemies: The Life and Legacy of Liu Xiaobo.” Jay talks with Professor Link, who is very interesting on this subject, as on so many others. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Kyle Parker, of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is a fount of knowledge. He was key in the formation of the U.S. Magnitsky Act. That got him placed on Putin’s Most Wanted list. He was a guest on “Q&A” in 2018. When it comes to the Ukraine war, he not only has facts, he has perspective. To listen to him is an education and a pleasure, even when the subject is grim. Utterly authoritative, Kyle Parker is. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Sanaa Seif is a young woman from Egypt. She is a democracy campaigner. A human-rights campaigner. Egypt has about 60,000 political prisoners. One of them is Sanaa’s brother, Alaa. Sanaa herself has been in prison three times. She is very gentle, very soft-spoken—but obviously made of steel. Meet this extraordinary and compelling young woman. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Nazanin Boniadi is a British actress who has been seen in many movies and television shows. Among the former, “Hotel Mumbai.” Among the latter, “How I Met Your Mother.” For Jay’s purposes, however, she is a splendid advocate for human rights in the country of her birth: Iran. What she has to say is both informed and moving. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

A sportscast, with Jay’s gurus David French and Vivek Dave. They begin with the new marriage between the Saudis and the PGA Tour. And then they get to basketball — the NBA in particular. Have a listen to two affable and knowledgeable fellows (plus Jay). Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Riccardo Muti is one of the most renowned musicians before the public today. Born in 1941, he has conducted in Milan, Vienna, London, Philadelphia—many places. Since 2010, he has been the music director of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He is leaving that position at the end of this season, which is nearing. After a recent concert, Jay sat with the maestro in his studio to talk about music, and life. A rich, interesting, frank, amusing, and sometimes poignant conversation. Lend an ear. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Bob McElroy is a powerful individual. He thinks, speaks, and acts powerfully. He has devoted his life to helping the homeless. He has been through all the problems they have. McElroy is the president and CEO of the Alpha Project, in San Diego. He is a “point of light”—so designated by Bush 41’s foundation. Jay wrote about McElroy in a piece on San Diego and homelessness. Homelessness is a problem—a scourge—throughout the country. Bob McElroy knows the why and wherefores. And he speaks with refreshing frankness. You will enjoy hearing him. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

Natan Sharansky has been a world hero since the 1970s. He was a prisoner in the Soviet gulag for nine years. Afterward, he wrote one of the great prison memoirs: “Fear No Evil.” On May 8, he published an op-ed piece in the Washington Post: “Why Putin’s repression is worse than what I endured under the Soviets.” With Jay, he talks about the Kremlin’s current political prisoners, and the war on Ukraine, and related subjects. To listen to Sharansky is a bracing and instructive experience. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe

In journalism, Cathy Young is “an MVP of this era,” says Jay: “the era of the Ukraine war, and associated convulsions in the world.” Cathy Young is a writer at The Bulwark, in addition to contributing to Newsday, Reason, etc. She has been a columnist for many years. Born in Moscow, she grew up in the Soviet Union, coming to America at 17. With Jay, she talks about Russia, Ukraine, and America—and a bit more, including literature, music, and animals. Get full access to Onward and Upward at www.jaynordlinger.com/subscribe