Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry

Charles Murray, a political scientist and author, dives into the intriguing interplay between intelligence, class, and spirituality. He critiques the cognitive elite's isolation and its role in political polarization, revealing how elite education can foster secular beliefs. Murray shares his personal journey of reconnecting with faith and discusses the virtues of community support in maintaining spirituality. He also explores modern masculinity, the dangers of elite contempt, and the implications of globalization, giving listeners a thought-provoking perspective on societal divides.

Rob Henderson, a commentator on media and culture, joins to dissect Jacob Savage's viral article on discrimination against white men in creative fields. They dive into why such pieces resonate widely and explore the shifting dynamics of diversity initiatives. The discussion touches on the impacts of personal identity on career trajectories and the ideological divides between the humanities and sciences. Henderson’s reflective insights reveal how personal experiences shape views on equity and opportunity in today's creative landscape.

In this thought-provoking discussion, Ronan McCrea, a constitutional law professor, critiques the fragility of recent gay rights wins. Julie Bindel, a journalist and activist, shares her feminist insights on the effects of queer activism on lesbians. Meanwhile, Matthew Vines, an advocate for same-sex relationships within Christianity, emphasizes the need for moderate strategies in the movement. The trio explores complex issues like the tension between liberation and respectability, the implications of demographic shifts, and the risks posed by radical activism.

In this engaging conversation, Ed West, a British journalist known for his insightful takes on culture and politics, shares why conservative Americans obsess over Britain's decline. He explains how social media shapes perceptions through shocking depictions of urban decay. The duo explores violent crime trends and the impact of improved medical care on survival rates. They also discuss the contrasting experiences of segregation in the US versus the UK's compact communities and how this influences political dynamics and national unity.

Geoffrey Miller, an evolutionary psychologist and Chief Science Advisor at Keeper, dives into the fascinating world of AI matchmaking. He discusses how decades of research can enhance dating strategies and the unique approach of his platform focused on marriage-minded individuals. Geoffrey breaks down the importance of intelligence, personality traits, and even parental involvement in finding the right partner. He also warns about the potential risks of AI in relationships, including unrealistic expectations and its impact on fertility. A thought-provoking conversation on modern love!

Meghan Murphy, a writer and commentator on gender and social issues, dives into a lively debate with Louise Perry about housework and emotional labor. They discuss how differing cleanliness standards can lead to conflict and why women often take on more domestic responsibilities. Meghan shares insights from her upbringing with a single dad and critiques the notion of ‘just do less’ in relation to domestic tasks. Their conversation explores the nuanced dynamics of respect, status, and the unseen burdens of household management.

Wendy Wang, a demographer at the Institute for Family Studies, and Jenet Erickson, an associate professor at Brigham Young University, explore the nuanced relationship between motherhood and happiness. They argue that married mothers often report higher levels of happiness, attributing this to the benefits of physical touch and deeper community connections. Discussion includes the contrasting experiences of married versus cohabiting women and the profound sense of purpose that children provide. The episode challenges common perceptions about maternal dissatisfaction, revealing a more complex reality.

Nina Power, a cultural critic and writer, dives into the intriguing phenomenon of hybrisophilia—women's sexual attraction to criminals. She shares personal insights from her prison visits, revealing the surprising dynamics between female officers and inmates. The conversation explores how paraphilias manifest differently in men and women, and they discuss the complex layers of female sexuality, including the ties to erotic fiction. Power's candid analysis highlights the darker, stranger aspects of what drives female desire.

Jean Twenge, a psychology professor and author known for her work on generational differences, discusses the alarming shifts in adolescent mental health linked to smartphones and social media since 2012. She highlights how device use has plunged teens into loneliness and depression, advocating for limits on screen time. Twenge also explores alternatives like basic phones to preserve youth well-being, emphasizing the need for enforceable rules over mere conversations about tech use. Parents are encouraged to foster community norms that prioritize healthier, more traditional interactions.

Rob Henderson, a keen commentator on sexual politics and education, joins the discussion to unpack some contentious ideas. They explore whether men really care if a potential partner holds a degree and the impact of educational achievements on dating dynamics. The conversation dives into why attractive, educated women attract backlash from less competitive men and examines how different academic fields can spark varying levels of online outrage. Their insights challenge conventional thinking on education as a signal in the mating market.