Conversations with Peter Boghossian

Young people are having less sex. There are a lot of speculations as to why, e.g., digital distractions, increasing mental health issues, delayed independence and increased economic pressure, rising autism rates, changing cultural norms, etc., but ultimately, we don't really know why. Helping me unpack these issues is none other than Rikki Schlott, best-selling author, New York Post columnist, and friend of the show. Rikki is writing her next book about sex and dating, and I found it fascinating to learn about how sexual and dating norms were shifting. Watch this episode on YouTube and read the accompanying Substack post. Follow Peter Boghossian

Glen Weyl is an economist, researcher, and social technologist known for his work on political economy, technology, and democratic innovations. In this conversation, we talk about religion, tech, AI, and more. Watch this episode on YouTube and read the accompanying Substack post. Follow Peter Boghossian

Frances Widdowson is a former professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary. She was attacked by indigenous activists during a Spectrum Street Epistemology session at the University of Victoria in British Columbia. She tells her story in this episode of Conversations with Peter Boghossian. Watch this episode on YouTube. Follow Peter Boghossian

Should you fuck your first cousin? This most idiotic of questions now directly confronts us at scale. Instead of talking about myriads of other problems society faces, we are reduced to have a conversation about inbreeding. Why? Because this is standard practice among millions of people immigrating to Western countries. Dr. Colin Wright and I discuss inbreeding and its prevalence in different societies. Dr. Colin Wright is an evolutionary biologist and CEO/Editor-in-Chief of Reality's Last Stand. Watch this episode on YouTube and read the accompanying Substack post. Follow Peter Boghossian

Marcie Hume, a documentary filmmaker, shares her experience capturing Corey Feldman’s tumultuous journey in her film, following him and his 'angels' on tour. She discusses the complexities of fame, revealing how it shaped Corey's ambitions and behavior. The conversation delves into the cult-like dynamics surrounding him, the impact of childhood stardom, and the blurred lines between fame and art. Marcie also reflects on the human cost of public recognition and what she hopes audiences will glean from Corey's story.

Salih Hudayar, a politician and advocate for Uyghur independence, sheds light on the harrowing plight of the Uyghur people in China. He delves into the history of ethnic conflict, detailing mass internment and human rights abuses. The discussion touches on the geopolitical ramifications of Uyghur oppression and the silence from the global community. Hudayar critiques both the left's inaction and the Chinese Communist Party's tactics to suppress dissent. He emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and accountability in the fight for Uyghur sovereignty.

Adam Szetela, an author and scholar from Cornell, delves into the chaotic landscape of publishing in this discussion. He reveals how campus wokeness influences mainstream publishers and leads to book cancellations, including wild examples like a romance novel over Elon Musk. Adam discusses the role of sensitivity readers and the ideological echo chambers in major publishing houses. He suggests ways to diversify perspectives and tackle review-bombing. This candid conversation uncovers the tensions between creativity, censorship, and the current culture wars.

Allen Porter, a philosopher known for his work on continental philosophy and cultural critique, dives deep into the complexities of wokeism and transhumanism. He explores wokeism's origins in Marxism and its impact on institutions like HR and education. The conversation takes a turn toward transhumanism, debating the ethical implications of altering human nature and the inevitability of technological evolution. With a cautious perspective, Porter weighs the pros and cons of enhancement technologies while probing the moral boundaries of medical procedures.

Brett Hall, a keen commentator and philosophical thinker, joins the discussion to dissect the Apple TV show Pluribus. They find it rich with unpredictable science and philosophical themes, drawing intriguing parallels to other shows like Severance. Topics range from the implications of a shared collective consciousness to the nature of individuality, and the ethics of enforced happiness. The hosts also explore how such a collective impacts personal relationships, privacy, and knowledge, all while questioning what true autonomy looks like in a utopian society.

Hamza Andreas Tzortzis, an Islamic apologist and founder of the Sapience Institute, shares his profound insights on Islam as a comprehensive worldview. He reflects on his personal journey from a secular upbringing to embracing Islam, emphasizing submission to God beyond cultural identities. Hamza elaborates on the significance of the Five Pillars, the role of Jesus in the Quran, and the moral dimensions of fasting during Ramadan. The conversation highlights the importance of dialogue in fostering mutual understanding and the need for respectful discourse across cultural divides.