Conversations with Peter Boghossian

Jennifer Sey, former CMO of Levi's and founder of XX-XY Athletics, advocates for fairness in women's sports and discusses the impact of branding on cultural beliefs. She critiques Nike's marketing choices and argues that corporate-funded research skews perceptions of athletic viability. Sey emphasizes why biological differences justify women's sports and debates fairness versus inclusion in competition. She also addresses the health risks of extreme body positivity and advocates for parental guidance on media influence.

The event at UC-Berkeley was filled with tension, with chaos outside and police presence inside. Peter Boghossian offers tools for having difficult conversations, emphasizing the need to rethink political disagreements by focusing on shared goals. He advocates for listening, asking what it takes to change minds, and celebrating common civilizational threats. Simple acts like handshakes can foster bridges between different faiths. Surprisingly, many people are eager for truth and productive dialogue when listened to genuinely.

Coleman Hughes, a renowned writer and public intellectual, joins comedian Dov Davidoff for a live event brimming with candid dialogue. They dive into the complex realms of masculinity, exploring topics such as the pressures of modern identity, the ethics of life choices like abortion, and whether heroism can be defined in today’s culture. The fast-paced discussions also tackle the nuances of relationships and dating in contemporary society, all while Dov’s humor keeps things lively and engaging.

Mia Hughes, Director of Genspect Canada, advocates for clinical clarity on gender-related distress. She discusses her recent campaign that critiques current gender-affirming practices and reveals her experiences with backlash after her talk in Albuquerque. The conversation digs into the implications of Genspect being labeled a hate group by the SPLC and highlights the experiences of detransitioners. Mia calls for compassion towards those misled by medical narratives while emphasizing the need for rigorous debate and clear definitions in the discourse on gender identity.

Jesse Peltan, an energy expert often dubbed Elon Musk's energy consigliere, brings his encyclopedic knowledge to discuss urgent energy issues. He emphasizes the U.S. must ramp up solar and battery storage to stay competitive globally. Jesse critiques current energy policies, advocates for distributed solar, and highlights the importance of energy independence. He also explores innovations like parking lot solar and the potential of AI in energy demand. With a mix of technical insight and policy recommendations, Jesse outlines a future where energy freedom empowers consumers.

Mia Hughes, a dedicated journalist and researcher on transgender medicine, dives deep into the controversial practices surrounding gender identity. She exposes the flawed language and ethical dilemmas that allow these procedures, especially for minors, to persist. The discussion includes shocking cases, such as a London surgeon linked to a castration crime, and the role of social media in shaping trends. Mia also explores the complexities of paraphilias and the political dynamics influencing trans medicine, making a compelling case for critical scrutiny of these urgent issues.

Frances Widdowson, a former Mount Royal University professor and activist, recalls her harrowing experience of being attacked by Indigenous protesters during a Spectrum Street Epistemology session at the University of Winnipeg. She discusses the aim of probing beliefs and the violent opposition she faced, including intimidation tactics against her cameraman. Widdowson also explores deeper topics like land ownership claims, institutional complicity, and the implications of narratives on Indigenous healing, while advocating for open inquiry on campuses.

In this engaging conversation, Ridvan Aydemir, known as Apostate Prophet, shares his experiences as an ex-Muslim critiquing Islam. He discusses the serious issues surrounding Islamic teachings, especially regarding Jews, Christians, and violence. Ridvan reveals troubling doctrines on apostasy and homosexuality, arguing that many Muslims are influenced by harsh traditional beliefs. He offers insights into the normalization of crime in parts of Europe and explores solutions, all while defending the necessity of critiquing these ideologies for societal improvement.

Rarely have I met anyone whose beliefs and broad view of the world comport so well with my own. So, it was a genuine pleasure to sit down with Lionel Shriver in person (our last interview was online, and I don't like those nearly as much) and solve some of the world's problems. Watch this episode on YouTube and read the accompanying Substack post. Follow Peter Boghossian

Farzad Mesbahi, a technology commentator and Tesla expert, navigates the future of automation in this enlightening discussion. He dives into how robo-taxis will transform urban design and transport economics, positing that Tesla's advantage in data and manufacturing will disrupt ride-hailing giants like Uber. Farzad also forecasts rapid advancements in robotics for repetitive tasks, raising concerns about mass unemployment and the need for policymakers to adapt. With a focus on energy challenges and societal implications, this conversation offers a hopeful yet cautionary look at tomorrow.