
Conversations with Peter Boghossian
“No dogma. Just dialogue.”
Conversations with Peter Boghossian features candid, intellectually rigorous dialogues with leading thinkers, dissidents, and public figures on today’s most divisive cultural, political, and philosophical issues.
Latest episodes

Nov 29, 2024 • 1h 7min
Taiwanese Military Defense Expert SPEAKS OUT: "Game of Deterrence" Against China
In this gripping discussion, a leading Taiwanese military defense expert, who remains anonymous due to safety concerns, shares insights on Taiwan's precarious position amid rising tensions with China. They explore the critical role of technology, particularly semiconductors, in Taiwan's defense strategy. The conversation delves into asymmetric warfare tactics, the implications of potential military scenarios, and Taiwan's aspirations for autonomy and deterrence against Chinese aggression. The importance of U.S. support and the delicate balance between democracy and authoritarianism are also highlighted.

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 31min
Does Trump Offer a New Dawn? | Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer [Part 2]
Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer, head of the Center for Applied History and IR Theory at MCC, Budapest, discusses the shifting dynamics of global power, focusing on the rise of BRICS as a significant player against Western dominance. He examines cultural impacts stemming from geopolitical shifts, including changes in migration policies and the role of the state in family life. The conversation also touches on the implications of Canada's political landscape and the complexities surrounding immigration in Europe, emphasizing the need for informed dialogue amid rapid societal changes.

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 24min
Never Bet Against Americans | Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer [Part 1]
In this two-part series, we sit down with Dr. Ralph Schoellhammer, Head of Center: Applied History and IR Theory at MCC, Budapest. Ralph specializes in the cultural dimensions of identity formation and its impact on social cohesion. He offers incredible insights on understanding the current political climate in America, especially in light of the shifting dynamics in the country’s political landscape. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Nov 5, 2024 • 49min
“I Have to Continue to… DEFEND my Home (Taiwan).” | Dr. Alexander Huang
Dr. Alexander Huang, Chairman of Taiwan’s Council on Strategic & Wargaming Studies, shares vital insights into Taiwan's geopolitical landscape. He discusses the importance of Taiwan's ties with the West and its crucial role in semiconductor production. The conversation highlights Taiwan's resilience amid the threat of invasion and their potential path toward nuclear armament. Huang also emphasizes how the upcoming U.S. election may shape Taiwan's future and explores the delicate balance of military readiness and diplomatic relations with China.

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 55min
“Trickle Down Ideology: It’s Like TOXIC" With Wael T Miller
Wael Taji Miller is a Visiting Fellow at the Mathias Corvinus Collegium’s School of Psychology. Taji’s research focuses on the intersection of innovation, evolved psychology, and contemporary societal challenges. We discussed social and cultural evolution, particularly the implications of losing our capacity to engage differing viewpoints. We agreed that the erosion of the possibility of dialogue with those who hold opposing perspectives poses a threat to society. This is a kind of cultural decay that's linked not only to entrenched ideologies but also to the challenges posed by modern technology, which too often amplifies division rather than fostering understanding. Watch this episode on YouTube.

5 snips
Oct 21, 2024 • 1h 30min
The TRUTH About Gender Mutilation | Mia Hughes (WPATH Files Report Author)
Mia Hughes is an Ottawa-based British journalist and researcher for Michael Shellenberger's nonprofit, Environmental Progress. Mia authored the WPATH Files report, which exposed widespread medical mistreatment of children, adolescents, and vulnerable adults in the realm of gender-affirming care. We were both in Lisbon, Portugal, for the Genspect conference—which uncoincidentally coincided with WPATH’s conference. (NB I reached out to WPATH organizers and speakers to have a conversation about their reasoning for gender-affirming care. As expected, I received no responses. Throughout this conversation I made an effort to steelman WPATH arguments.) Mia and I began with the concept of "Gender Soul." This led to a discussion about medical interventions in gender-affirming care. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 4min
How AI Will End Academia w/Jozef Gherman
StealthGPT can write academic papers. It can also write peer-reviewed papers and Ph.D. theses. And it can write them in such a way that they are undetectable by AI. In this conversation, I talk with Jozef Gherman, creator of StealthGPT. Jozef on X Watch this episode on YouTube.

Oct 15, 2024 • 1h 11min
Self-Sabotage: The Silent Killer | Africa Brooke
Africa Brooke, an author and consultant specializing in self-sabotage and self-censorship, shares her powerful journey of overcoming a decade-long alcohol addiction. In this conversation, she unpacks the roots of self-sabotage and how societal pressures contribute to destructive behaviors. Africa discusses the importance of radical self-honesty, the allure of compassion in unexpected encounters, and the complexities of love and identity post-sobriety. Her insights on navigating these challenges provide a refreshing perspective on personal growth.

Oct 7, 2024 • 1h 47min
“You’re a Relativist,” said the Atheist to the Christian! | Dr. Jan Bentz
Dr. Jan Bentz, a lecturer at Oxford specializing in medieval and modern philosophy, delves into a variety of thought-provoking topics. He explores the interplay between friendship and philosophy through the Socratic method, emphasizing constructive criticism. Bentz critiques utopian ideals and discusses the complexities of human nature, belief, and suffering, highlighting the importance of genuine connections. He also examines the limits of scientific inquiry and argues for a nuanced understanding of knowledge, advocating for communal understanding in navigating modern existential risks.

Oct 1, 2024 • 1h 15min
Ethical Dimension of Artificial Intelligence OR Are We in a Simulation? | Dr. Clinton Staley
Clinton Staley, Professor emeritus of computer science at Cal Poly and Principia College, shares insights on the ethical dilemmas of AI and its philosophical implications. He discusses how to measure morality in technology and the differences between human and artificial intelligence. The conversation also explores the limitations of AI in making ethical decisions and the prospect of AI consciousness. Additionally, they tackle the intriguing idea of humanity living in a simulation, weaving in thoughts on extraterrestrial life and science fiction influence.