Freedomain with Stefan Molyneux

This lecture examines societal perceptions of obesity, focusing on moral judgments and individual choice. The speaker discusses the complexities of criticizing overweight individuals, particularly those with medical conditions, and how exceptions complicate accountability and dialogue. Using a predator-prey analogy, the talk illustrates the destabilizing effect of uncertainty in moral reasoning. Emphasizing the need for clarity, the lecture argues that critiques should center on those capable of making health-related choices, concluding with a call to recognize the assumptions underlying moral criticism to foster meaningful discourse on personal agency and societal expectations.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

9 April 2025 Wednesday Night LiveThis episode features a lively Wednesday night discussion, inviting listener engagement on diverse topics. The host highlights a troubling survey revealing that 75% of U.S. scientists may leave the country due to changes in federal research policies, exploring the implications for the scientific community and public trust in science. The dialogue also touches on AI advancements, societal trends like the rise of OnlyFans among young women, and critical issues such as mental health, particularly among men.Listeners' questions lead to discussions on family dynamics, parenting, and the challenges of addiction. The host speculates on the changing job market due to AI, including concepts like universal basic income. Capping the episode, the host reflects on personal growth through childhood experiences and emphasizes the importance of work ethic, while encouraging ongoing community conversations.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Dear Stef,I need your help. I've been a long time listener and sought out therapy as soon as I turned 18. Between then and now I have made very limited progress chipping away at my armor and processing my childhood. I'm panicking at how long its taking when I want to cross the desert, meet a virtuous woman and maketh the babies.I think biggest hurdle is that I'm quite split between my emotional and intellectual. I'm really strong on the intellectual side, identifying patterns, reasoning through healthy behavior, and making theoretical connections with my past. I've learned this alone doesn't work. With me, it doesn't touch my beliefs or really change how I feel or even open a door for me to explore or interact with that realm. I feel hopelessly broken.To be more fair, I have occasionally made connections between these two worlds but only briefly a handful of times in therapy. That's not enough. I still have many dysfunctional behaviors from my near death experience called childhood. I had no bond, was not parenting and was constantly in danger of violence from my middle brother and abandonment from my sadistic mother.I'm baffled that I can logically understand how bad I had it but still lag behind so much with my emotions and lack of empathy for myself. Typically in your call-in, once people understand, they connect. I am so fucking frustrated. No matter what I've tried with two therapists and journaling, I'm not touching it.I am not without emotions, I can feel them strongly. I do try to suppress them until their intensity overpowers the suppression.Talking about suppressing, I've been experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome(self diagnosed) for the past 10 years. I've been to alternative, normal and specialist doctors and ruled out all kinds of illnesses, infections and deficiencies. I'm left with a "*shrug*, we don't know what's wrong with you". I have a working hypothesis that it's mental with physiological effects. I both overuse my fight-or-flight and ignore/suppress the feedback of my body. I just keep pushing through and at some point, my body has burnt out and has trouble repairing muscle damage. You are supposed to repair when you are safe!On another note, fair warning, my mom fights with fog. Prior to writing this, I have tried to overthink this conversation you and I'll have. I kept looping in those conversations because my inner mom would lose to inner Stef. She tried fighting tooth and nail to get by with "I don't know" and 'I don't remember". When she couldn't outwit or play dumb/passive or manipulate, I felt unspeakable danger will occur, like I'd die. Contrary, I think this is when SHE dies and I can be free to be vulnerable.In my experience, most of my past is a grand canyon chasm of fog so thick you can cut a slice of it and serve it as meringue. Only a few plateaus (memories) peek out with little sense of depth. On the same note, in a therapy setting, when I try to bring awareness to what I'm feeling, I get nothing, like going to a play with a white curtain in front of the performance the whole time. The cast is doing something behind there and no matter what, the curtains never part.There's quite a trail of blood leading to my mother in the my present day disfunctions: Whipping myself verbally, rounding down my accomplishments, believing I'm worthless and feeling unsafe in social situations to the point where its easier to avoid most interactions, and fear of dating due to risk of abandonment.My ACE score is 6 or 7 of 10. Not sure on the whether the one about parent being assaulted counts. There was no drug use, prison, or sexual abuse (not counting early exposure to pornography through unfettered internet access). My mother is a malignant narcissist, father a workaholic, middle brother is really fucked up, oldest brother seems kinda okay but sides with my mother. I've been torturing myself for the past 3 weeks straight trying to ask for your help. I've been strongly avoiding and fearing it and yet strongly intent to make it happen. Something tells me that I did a good job providing enough info in this email alone to for you to help me get unstuck.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

How to understand and deal with anxiety of women?Hey StefanHope all is wellHave you and your daughter been on any adventures?Father daughter memories?What’s something you’d like to experience with your family while you’re here in this life together ?Are you allowed in New Zealand?!It would be nice to make a series on the Examination of the major European philosophers and philosophic movements of the 17th and 18th centuries. Particular attention paid to the transition out of the medieval period into the Age of Enlightenment.Happy with the bitcoin price?Why does no one talk about what happened to Rhodesia?Do you still support fluoridation given it is now a known neurotoxin?If you still experience pain thinking about a toxic relationship you walked away from, does this mean you haven’t processed the morality properly? I’m still thinking about my sister that I don’t speak to anymore. My therapist said that it will always be a “pain point.” What are your thoughts? (asking again- apologies if you answered in a previous stream and I missed it.)Dear Stef, I am currently at a bar on a late Saturday night, I just ordered a drink and the bartender said to me after I ordered a beer, ‘Is that all lovely?’. It was strange to hear this but also flattering to hear a young female bartender refer to me as ‘lovely’. It made me believe that this young bartender was probably flirting with me. I don’t recall any other bartender using the word lovely towards me. whilst the term ‘lovely’ is often used by older women to refer to younger people, this woman was approximately in her early 20’s about 10 years younger than me. She looked reasonably attractive, blonde hair, bright blue eyes but she was also a little chubby, so I wouldn’t date her to be frank, but my question still stands, if a younger woman says to a man ‘Is that all lovely?’. 1. Would she say that to a man she is not attracted to?2. Would you say it is flirting to use the term ‘Is that all lovely?’. I’ve been to my local bar for the past 10 years and I never recall hearing a bartender say to me ‘Is that all lovely?’. If you dothink it is flirting, doyou think it is appropriate to ask her out as I’m ordering or should I attempt to find her after work or when she is on her lunch break when there is a bit more privacy away fromother customers?Dear Stef are nightclubs and bars in Canada known as a place where people meet, but the only people who meet there are generally trashy people? I ask because I am currently in a bar trying to find a girlfriend, I am sitting alone because I don’t feel the need to bring male friends with me and to be frank I don’t have any male friends not that that bothers me because I would just use male friends as wingman to meet women. Anyway I don’t live in Canada anyway, I live in the continent of Australia, anyway I’m listening to this terrible hip hop music playing which is strange because there aren’t many African people living in Australia, I see people talking and socialising at this bar late on Saturday night and I am just perplexed by the whole experience which I find just almost miserable to be honest. Stef what chance do I have to find a girlfriend at a place like this? it may seem like a strange question but it’s not like there are alternative ideal places a man can go to meet women and ask them out? Anyway why is the West infected with this terrible hip hop music especially in Australia where there are virtually no black people, this music really infects my mind to be frank?What do you think about Saylor starting a fund that buys so much BTC?If you’ve researched it: Is it a good thing or bad thing?Hi Stef, I asked this question the other day? I was wondering if you had an opinion on outsourcing. Large companies sending jobs to third world countries, and paying pennies on the dollar. Its a part of the free market and capitalisms, and wonder if it could be considered predatory, or just supply and demand. The consumer loses out on jobs, but benefits on cheaper goods and services, and the third world although paid a low wage, still benefit from a better job otherwise provided by their society. Thoughts?Also do you have any thoughts on the United Healthcare CEO being murdered. Again, there seems to be a lot of happiness over a man being murdered. People feel that he caused the deaths of many people because the company denied a lot of claims. But is that just the jealousy of the poor, who do not appreciate the value of the insurance company and want free healthcare, or again the free market at work once again?GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

In this conversation, Stefan discusses marital challenges with a caller and his wife, Alice, centered around parenting three young children. The couple struggles with disconnection and resentment, particularly concerning physical intimacy since the birth of their twins. Alice shares her anxiety stemming from a difficult upbringing, while the caller reflects on his father's emotional unavailability.Stefan emphasizes the importance of addressing unresolved traumas, mutual respect, and open communication to meet each other's emotional needs. He offers actionable advice on establishing boundaries and highlights the significance of intimacy as a vital element of their relationship. The conversation underscores the complexities of marriage and the necessity of fostering connection amid parenting challenges.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Sunday Morning Live 6 April 2025In this episode, I navigate a wide array of engaging topics, including the evolving economic landscape influenced by the pandemic and geopolitical shifts. I examine the role of Bitcoin as a refuge during economic instability and delve into the complexities surrounding gender identity and social constructs, addressing the nuances between subjective experiences and objective realities. I explore the societal implications of labels like "sexist" and "misogynist," emphasizing accountability in discussions. The conversation also touches on emotional integrity in relationships and the need for clear communication. I reflect on the decline of manufacturing quality and the shift to disposable consumerism, while also highlighting the importance of maintaining familial bonds. We conclude with inspiring narratives of personal growth from listeners, celebrating their resilience amid societal pressures.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Friday Night Live 4 April 2025In this episode, I critically analyze the Stanford Prison Experiment in light of Thibaut Le Texier's recent book and Russell T. Warne's critique, which questions the experiment's integrity and ethical violations. I challenge the notion of an inherent capacity for cruelty within humans, advocating for a more hopeful perspective on human nature. Discussions on societal perceptions of morality and the impact of social norms on self-worth lead to an emphasis on honesty in relationships. As I critique sensationalized narratives that foster mistrust, I encourage listeners to reflect on their instincts and engage in genuine connections while advocating for moral accountability amidst life's complexities.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Dear Stef I was recently having some fun with ChatGPT and I was asking it if various historical figures such as Kant, Schopenhauer and Churchill are sexist to which it replied ‘Yes’. I then asked it ‘Is Stefan Molyneux sexist?’ to which it replied (quoting):‘Yes, Stefan Molyneux, a controversial figure known for his online videos and advocacy of various far-right and anti-feminist viewpoints, has been widely criticized for promoting sexist ideas. His views on gender are often seen as regressive and aligned with traditionalist, anti-feminist beliefs.Here are some ways in which Molyneux has expressed sexist views:1. Misogyny and Gender Essentialism: Molyneux often promotes a rigid view of gender roles, suggesting that men and women have inherently different, and complementary, roles in society. He believes that men are naturally suited to leadership, rational thinking, and public life, while women are biologically inclined toward nurturing, domesticity, and emotional roles. These views align with an essentialist understanding of gender, where biological differences are used to justify inequalities in power and opportunity.2. Criticism of Feminism: Molyneux has been an outspoken critic of feminism, frequently claiming that it has "ruined" society by promoting the idea of gender equality and undermining traditional family structures. He dismisses feminism as a harmful ideology, accusing it of promoting victimhood and entitlement among women, while downplaying issues like domestic violence against men.3. Views on Relationships and Marriage: Molyneux often espouses a controversial view of relationships between men and women, promoting the idea that women are hypergamous (i.e., they are primarily interested in marrying men of higher status or resources) and that men should be wary of women's desires for financial support and social status. He has also advocated for "alpha male" behavior, claiming that men should assert dominance in relationships to maintain control and avoid being exploited by women.4. Denial of Gender Equality: Molyneux rejects the idea that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities in many areas of society, often citing his belief in traditional gender roles. For example, he has suggested that women are not suited for leadership roles in politics or business because they are driven by emotionality rather than reason.Molyneux’s views are deeply controversial and are considered by many to be deeply sexist and out of step with contemporary gender equality movements. His rhetoric has been widely criticized for promoting harmful stereotypes about both women and men and for encouraging a backlash against feminist progress.’There seems to be an acknowledgment of some of your beliefs & truthful statements you have made but there also seems to be an unusual framing of your philosophy around women. Anyhow if you believe that ChatGPT is misrepresenting your views what would be your response to it?GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

Wednesday Night Live 2 April 2025This episode covers socio-economic issues, focusing on tariffs and trade barriers, while tackling listener questions. I analyze G20 tariff rates, the implications for America's trade position, and the market response to tariff announcements. We also discuss ideological motivations behind tariff beliefs and the disproportionate crime rates attributed to a small population segment. The conversation shifts to honesty in relationships, the impact of deceit, and cultural reflections on Val Kilmer's films and media franchises like Star Wars. I emphasize the importance of fostering meaningful dialogue and encourage audience participation in future discussions.GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025

"Should a moralist ignore consequence and argue for UPB purely on the basis of epistemology and pure philosophical merit, while ignoring the elephant in the room, which is the question we all subconsciously ask. “How does this benefit my survival?”"UPB isn’t validated or invalidated by its consequences, but at the same time, discussions of UPB inevitably involve consequences. How do we reconcile this? Especially since free will is in the picture and we don’t want predictions about the future to invalidate choice."For example, when asked about your thoughts on the success of UPB close to 20 years after publication, you mentioned reductions in violence against children with the expectation that this trend would continue if UPB continues to be spread. Would the theory and observation that UPB leads to reductions in violence against children be a deterministic portrayal of human beings? If we avoid discussing consequences to avoid this issue, then if someone wants to discuss UPB on the merit of usefulness towards themselves and society as a whole, do we stick to purely philosophical merit? Or do we say there are no guarantees, but it will make a desirable outcome more likely."If we use terms such as 'more likely' in order to maintain philosophical integrity, how do we out compete those who are certain/dogmatic, benefiting from the momentum of societal norms in order to ‘validate’ their false theories."Regarding the first question about the relationship between moral frameworks, their consequences and free will. I was thinking that if your definition is used where free will is defined as our ability to compare proposed actions to ideal standards then UPB provides ideal standards, increasing our capacity for free will. With this increased capacity, it becomes more likely for moral outcomes to occur..."GET MY NEW BOOK 'PEACEFUL PARENTING', THE INTERACTIVE PEACEFUL PARENTING AI, AND THE FULL AUDIOBOOK!https://peacefulparenting.com/Join the PREMIUM philosophy community on the web for free!Subscribers get 12 HOURS on the "Truth About the French Revolution," multiple interactive multi-lingual philosophy AIs trained on thousands of hours of my material - as well as AIs for Real-Time Relationships, Bitcoin, Peaceful Parenting, and Call-In Shows!You also receive private livestreams, HUNDREDS of exclusive premium shows, early release podcasts, the 22 Part History of Philosophers series and much more!See you soon!https://freedomain.locals.com/support/promo/UPB2025