Political scientist Diana Schaub from Loyola University, Maryland discusses Lincoln's speeches, emphasizing the importance of reason in self-government and the challenges of finding worthy leaders. The conversation contrasts Lincoln and MLK's approaches to unjust laws, explores Lincoln's belief in constitutional majority, and reflects on the power of oratory in shaping public narratives.

Novelist Mark Helprin discusses his new book exploring the connections between wartime service and love. He shares insights on leadership in war and at sea, his writing routine, analysis of Israel's war against Iran, and thoughts on American culture today.

International law expert Eugene Kontorovich discusses the legal issues of Israel's occupation of the West Bank, sovereignty, and the Oslo Accords. The conversation also touches on the UN Partition Plan, determining borders in new countries, complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, potential annexation of the West Bank, and Israel's security challenges.

Stanford University scholar Cynthia Haven discusses René Girard's theories on desire, mimesis, and conflict. They explore how imitation leads to competition, violence, and the role of religion in controlling chaos. The conversation touches on the power of forgiveness to break the cycle of conflict and violence. Reflecting on Girard's gentle personality and impact on those around him.

Duke University economist Michael Munger discusses the history of government intervention in response to market failure, exploring debates on maximizing happiness through allocation, the role of trial and error in decision-making, product innovation, and the challenges of industrial policy. The conversation delves into government failure in decision-making processes, expert committees in governance, and perceptions of bureaucracies.

Yuval Levin, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, discusses how the Constitution unified the U.S. at its founding and can still bring the country together. Topics include the balance between majority rule and minority rights, advantages of the electoral college, and the importance of understanding constitutional constraints in today's polarized political landscape.

Poet, lawyer, and MacArthur Fellow Dwayne Betts shares his emotional journey of finding solace in Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' during his time in prison. The conversation explores themes of justice, compassion, defiance against unjust laws, personal growth, unexpected connections, and the transformative power of literature and education in prison.

Epidemiologist Vinay Prasad discusses the mistakes made in implementing the Covid vaccine, costs of these mistakes, and how to improve next time. Topics include vaccine platforms, school closures' impacts, ethical challenges in trials, political influence on mask-wearing, analyzing vaccine side effects study, and navigating medical decision-making.

Oxford philosopher Nicholas Bostrom explores a post-work society with advanced AI where leisure, art, and religion take center stage. They discuss the pursuit of artificial bliss, creating virtual avatars for human connections, parallels between technology and religious ideals, and the importance of enchantment in modern life.

Economist and social critic Glenn Loury discusses his memoir 'Late Admissions' in a candid conversation, reflecting on his academic journey, struggles with addiction, and ideological evolution. Topics include personal growth, cultural reflections, and navigating challenges in self-control and faith.