When Trump floated the idea of the U.S. acquiring Greenland, some called it a random brain fart. But there is a real conversation among security experts about control of the Arctic in the 21st century. As climate change opens up new avenues for shipping, spying, mining, submarining and warfare, the far North Atlantic matters more and more. Sherri Goodman was the Pentagon's chief environmental officer in the Clinton Administration. Her specific expertise is in the polar regions, Russian nuclear subs, climate chaos, and Arctic security. She's a Senior Fellow with the Polar Institute and the Environmental Change and Security Program with the Woodrow Wilson International Center, and her latest book is "Threat Multiplier: Climate, Military Leadership and the Fight for Global Security". Josh picks her brain about the threats and opportunities of climate change… and why Greenland does, in fact, matter. For more conversations that expand your mind, don’t sleep on the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

Last week, Arab leaders gathered in Egypt for a Palestine Summit. The 22-nation Arab League emerged with a re-energised Arab Peace Initiative to solve the Israel-Palestinian Conflict once and for all. Australia's largest and most trusted news organisation, the ABC, covered the event in an article entitled "This Plan Would End the Israel-Palestinian Conflict, But Israel Doesn't Like It". Josh has thoughts. This is a recording of an episode of Szeps Live, a weekly Substack Video Livestream. Most episodes will not be released in this feed. To watch or listen to Szeps Live (either live or delayed), subscribe for free to our Substack mailing list here. http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

Senator Dave Sharma, representing New South Wales, offers a sharp perspective on Australia's political landscape and international relations. He delves into the current challenges faced by the Labor government and the rise of populism. The discussion touches on the complexities of the Gaza conflict and the implications for global communities, while also critiquing political figures like Trump. Sharma advocates for nuclear energy and examines the effects of AI on society, ultimately reflecting on the future of liberalism in an increasingly fragmented political climate.

Justin Trudeau's political career will end this weekend when his replacement is elected as the Canadian Liberal leader. This happens at a moment of extraordinary uncertainty for Canadians. As the U.S. launches a painful trade war, Canadians are being forced to rethink their economic and strategic future. What's going on up there? Who are the candidates you need to know? How do they perceive the Trump tariffs? Jen Gerson is a writer who worked for the Economist, Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail. She's now the co-founder of The Line, a Canadian Substack commentary website and podcast. Here, she gives you everything you need to know about the Great White North. Watch this conversation on YouTube. And you’re missing out on our best ad-free content if you haven’t popped over to the Uncomfy Convos Substack page. http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

In a riveting discussion, Alan Davison, the incoming president of Australia's Free Speech Union and former Dean of Social Sciences, dives into the complexities of free speech and hate speech laws in Australia. He argues that addressing hate speech might mask deeper societal issues like bigotry and ignorance. The conversation touches on the responsibilities of artists facing political pressures, the delicate balance between civility and free expression, and the pressing need for open dialogue about race, identity, and gender in an increasingly polarized world.

Sam Roggeveen, a former intelligence officer and an expert in foreign policy at the Lowy Institute, dives into the nuances of middle power struggles against superpowers like China. He reveals insights into Australia's defense strategies amid recent Chinese naval exercises and discusses the complexities of the AUKUS pact. They explore how smaller nations can navigate economic coercion, the broader implications of China’s military assertiveness, and the importance of strengthening regional alliances in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.

Ben Westhoff, an investigative journalist and author of "Fentanyl, Inc.,” goes undercover in a Chinese drug lab to unveil the origins of fentanyl, the leading cause of opioid deaths in the U.S. He discusses the alarming rise of counterfeit pills and their health risks. Westhoff explores societal perceptions of addiction, the evolution of opioid dependency, and the dark web's role in drug trafficking. His firsthand experiences shed light on the complexities of the crisis and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating this deadly epidemic.

In this engaging conversation, Konrad, the mastermind behind the viral Punter's Politics series, breaks down the chaotic landscape of Australian politics. He humorously critiques the revolving door between regulators and industries, while advocating for political literacy among citizens. The duo tackles the disparities in resource management, drawing lessons from Norway, and dives into the quirks of Aussie culture, from hairstyles to housing woes. With a mix of insight and laughs, they explore how to navigate the murky waters of democracy and make informed choices.

Oliver Burkeman, a journalist and author renowned for "Four Thousand Weeks," dives into the futility of productivity hacks. He argues that our finite existence makes endless to-do lists pointless, advocating instead for embracing limitations. The conversation explores the interplay between ambition and anxiety, and critiques the myths of AI-enhanced productivity. Burkeman also reflects on the paradox of self-help trends and the disconnect between external successes and inner fulfillment, all while contemplating the essence of human existence.

Natalie Sanandaji, a Jewish Iranian-American and survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack, shares her gripping story from the Nova Music Festival in Israel. She discusses the nuances of anti-Semitism, highlighting the distinction between real hatred and legitimate criticism of Israel. The conversation delves into her bilingual upbringing, the culture of trance music, and the surreal experience of facing armed terrorists. Amidst the chaos, she emphasizes human connections, survival instincts, and the lingering impact of trauma.