John Anderson: Conversations

John Anderson speaks with James Orr to examine the deeper moral, cultural, and institutional pressures shaping Britain and the wider Western world. Drawing on political philosophy, social analysis, and recent events, Orr challenges the prevailing assumption that economic management and procedural politics can sustain a stable society. He argues that questions of identity, belonging, and shared obligation now sit at the centre of national renewal. This conversation traces the erosion of social trust, the limits of rights-based politics, and the consequences of demographic and cultural fragmentation. It is a measured discussion that reorients political debate toward the moral and cultural foundations required for long-term national stability, rather than short-term policy adjustments. Dr. Orr holds a PhD and MPhil in Philosophy of Religion from the University of Cambridge and a BA in Classics from Oxford. He is a political philosopher, writer, and commentator whose work focuses on conservatism, political theology, identity, and the cultural preconditions of liberal democracy, with particular attention to Britain’s institutional and civilisational inheritance.

John Anderson speaks with Ted Baehr, founder of Christian film review site Movieguide, to examine what contemporary film choices reveal about the moral instincts of society. Drawing on decades of data, Baehr challenges the prevailing narratives around the relationship between a film's content and its success. He argues that popular entertainment is quietly moving in a different direction from elite commentary, with films centred on family, moral clarity, and hope consistently outperforming darker and more transgressive content.This conversation traces the historical rhythms of Hollywood, from early moral storytelling to periods of decline and renewal. This is a grounded conversation that reorients the cultural debate around what audiences reward rather than what critics promote. Dr. Ted Baehr is Founder and Publisher of Movieguide: The Family Guide to Movies and Entertainment and Chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission ministry, as well as a noted critic, educator, lecturer, and media pundit. His life’s purpose is to be used of God to redeem the values of the media while educating audiences on how to use discernment in selecting their entertainment.

Julian Leeser, a Liberal Party MP and expert on legal issues, discusses the alarming rise of anti-Semitism in Australia. He traces its historical roots and links it to recent global events, specifically after the October 7 attacks. Leeser critiques the Australian government's responses, accusing it of legitimizing extremism and failing to protect its Jewish community. He also emphasizes the crucial need for foreign policy that aligns with democratic values and warns against the normalization of anti-Israel sentiments in universities and arts.

Michelle Manook, Chief Executive of FutureCoal, dives into the complexities of Australia's energy landscape. She challenges misconceptions about coal, arguing for its role in a mixed energy future alongside game-changing technologies like Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and High Efficiency Low Emission (HELE) power plants. Manook emphasizes the economic stakes of coal exports, the need for energy reliability, and the importance of practical solutions over ideology. Their discussion highlights coal's versatility beyond combustion, supporting its necessity in a resilient energy strategy.

Connor Tomlinson, a sharp political commentator focused on immigration and cultural issues, dives into the complexities of Britain's identity crisis. He challenges definitions of Englishness, tackles the impact of mass immigration, and discusses rising sectarianism. The conversation highlights troubling attitudes post-October 7, cultural divergence, and the erosion of public Christianity. Tomlinson advocates for bold reforms, cultural renewal, and critiques the UK’s political landscape, all while emphasizing the importance of national cohesion to restore confidence in Britain’s future.

Helen Joyce, former Britain editor at The Economist and director of advocacy at Sex Matters, delves into the controversial world of gender ideology. She reveals how Australia’s clinics adopt radical practices like puberty blockers and surgeries for children, contrasting them with the UK's return to evidence-based medicine. Joyce criticizes the erosion of safeguarding principles and the manipulation of medical narratives. She emphasizes the right of children to experience natural puberty and advocates for clarity in policy and ethical medical practices.

Dave Rubin, commentator and host of The Rubin Report, shares impactful insights on the societal repercussions of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. He explores the alarming rise of identity politics and how it fuels political violence, along with the erosion of Enlightenment values. Rubin recalls Kirk's legacy as a bridge-builder and discusses the urgency of reestablishing civic courage and trust in institutions. They also tackle rising antisemitism and the need for a cohesive cultural narrative to safeguard Western ideals.

David Eubank, a former U.S. Special Forces soldier and founder of the Free Burma Rangers, and Sean Turnell, an Australian economist and former advisor to Aung San Suu Kyi, delve into Myanmar's crisis. They discuss Eubank’s frontline humanitarian efforts and Turnell's harrowing 650-day imprisonment. The conversation explores the human cost of conflict, China's strategic ambitions through the Belt and Road Initiative, and the moral challenges facing democracies. They share personal stories of resilience and the importance of standing up for justice and freedom.

Join Tony Abbott, former Prime Minister of Australia and author, as he dives into Australian history and cultural identity. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the past to shape a better future and critiques modern historiography. Abbott argues for the preservation of Australia’s Anglo-Celtic ethos while celebrating its Indigenous heritage. He discusses early legal reforms, the significance of Christian faith in social changes, and the nation's resilience. This engaging conversation challenges listeners to reflect on Australia’s unique identity and legacy.

Join Josh Hammer, a senior editor at Newsweek and host of The Josh Hammer Show, as he delves into the moral crises facing the West through the lens of Israel's challenges. He discusses how the global reaction to the October 7 attacks uncovers deep civilizational confusion. Hammer emphasizes the importance of biblical foundations to counter rising relativism and threats like anti-Semitism. He argues that understanding these dynamics is crucial for safeguarding Western values and calls for solidarity between Jews and Christians.