Conversations with Peter Boghossian

Raymond Ibrahim, a US scholar and author known for his works on Islamic history and Western civilization, discusses the often ignored challenges of Muslim immigration in Europe. He dismantles the myth of peaceful Muslim-Christian relations by tracing historical conflicts and doctrinal divisions. Ibrahim highlights how political correctness stifles honest discourse about these issues. He critically examines Islamic laws affecting non-Muslims and questions the failures of Western leadership in addressing these complex societal changes.

In this engaging discussion, Australian science educator Brett Hall challenges Richard Dawkins' claim that the universe is queerer than we can suppose. He argues that our understanding of the universe is not limited by evolutionary constraints and emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives in science. The conversation delves into the implications of quantum mechanics and the complexities of human perception. Hall also highlights the progress made in fields like black holes and encourages a more optimistic view of our evolving scientific journey.

Brett Hall, a speaker on the history of bad ideas, joins Mia Hughes, who focuses on transgender ideology and its effects on children. They tackle the unsettling parallels between historical events like the Salem Witch Trials and today's trans issues. The duo discusses the complexities of gender identity, societal pressures around pronouns, and the concerning normalization of medical interventions for minors. They also highlight the narratives of detransitioners and the importance of open dialogue regarding youth welfare in the trans movement.

Katharine Birbalsingh, headmistress of Michaela Community School, and Ian Rowe, founder of Vertex Partnerships Academy, challenge the status quo in education. They advocate for timeless virtues like resilience and wisdom over contemporary narratives of victimhood. The conversation highlights the importance of personal responsibility and civic duty in shaping character. They emphasize creating a culture of courage that empowers students, critiques smartphone policies, and explores the necessity of moral values in education to foster a sense of belonging and ambition.

Robert McKenzie, an expert from the Cayre Art Group focusing on contemporary and post-war art, dives into the fascinating world of art valuation. He argues that art’s worth can be objectively assessed and explores the tensions between originality and influence through Pollock’s work. The conversation highlights the emotional impact of art, reflecting on how personal and societal contexts affect its appreciation. McKenzie also discusses the changing definitions of beauty in the age of postmodernism and the intriguing intersection of AI and creativity.

Psychedelic historian Tom Hatsis was an atheist until he tried psychedelics. Then he went from atheist to theist. Psychedelic encounters reshaped his understanding of the divine. In our conversation, Hatsis and I dove into the enigmatic world of psychedelics, exploring their history, safety, and transformative potential. Hatsis, a meticulous researcher, unpacked the distinctions between DMT, Ayahuasca, psilocybin mushrooms, and 5-MeO-DMT, each offering unique pathways to altered states of consciousness.  Tom's new book, "Psychedelic Injustice"  Watch this episode on YouTube.

Join Jacob Mchangama, the founder of The Future of Free Speech and a research professor at Vanderbilt, as he dives into vital discussions about free speech's role in democracy. They debate how best to frame free speech, with Jacob emphasizing its moral weight as a cornerstone of human dignity. The conversation also touches on the contrasts of free speech between authoritarian regimes and democracies, the challenges posed by religious beliefs, and the implications of AI on culture. A thought-provoking exploration of free expression and its significance!

My guest for this episode was Jamie Roberts, author of the excellent Intellectual Dark Web: A History (and Possible Future). We traced the IDW’s rise, fragmentation, and legacy. The Intellectual Dark Web (IDW) emerged as a loose alliance of heterodox thinkers—figures like Sam Harris, Jordan Peterson, and the Weinstein brothers—who challenged mainstream narratives on free speech, identity politics, and meritocracy. Watch this episode on YouTube.

My friend Tim Urban, author of one of the most important books of the last 50 years, What’s Our Problem? We dove straight into the deep end—discussing the three existential threats facing the West. From there we segued into the urgency of clear writing and habits of thought to the role of reasoning and truth-seeking in the age of AI. Then we explored the question on everyone’s mind: Is Western society collapsing before our eyes? Watch this episode on YouTube.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Elmasri, author of 'Wounded by Faith' and a vocal critic of religious dogma, shares his experiences as a former Coptic Christian. He delves into the impact of Islam on European society, the complexities of immigration and cultural integration, and the struggles of identity in a predominantly Muslim environment. Elmasri emphasizes the need for respectful dialogue regarding faith and ideologies, encouraging listeners to explore personal beliefs and the societal implications of religious tensions in a multicultural world.