The Dishcast with Andrew Sullivan

Tech journalist Karen Hao, known for her work at MIT Technology Review and Wall Street Journal, delves into the complexities of AI. She explores the environmental impact of AI and its implications for democracy. The conversation also covers the rise of OpenAI, the contrasting leadership styles of Sam Altman and Elon Musk, and the unique threats AI poses to white-collar jobs. Hao warns about misinformation in AI training data and critiques the competitive pressures driving the industry, emphasizing the need for balance between innovation and democratic values.

In a thought-provoking conversation, Charles Murray, a renowned social scientist and author, delves into his latest work, Taking Religion Seriously. He discusses how modern comfort has led to religious indifference and shares personal experiences with prayer and meditation. Murray explores the intriguing idea of spirituality's distribution and connects it to childhood wonder and existential questions. They also tackle the fine-tuning of the universe, near-death experiences, and the intersection of science and religion, offering fresh perspectives on belief and meaning.

Michael Wolff, a prominent journalist and author known for his in-depth reflections on Donald Trump, opens up about Trump's psyche and behavior. He discusses how Trump's defeat in 2020 fueled a narrative of false victory and how his relentless need for performance may stem from his reality TV background. Wolff also shares insights on Trump’s motivations for running again, shaped by legal challenges and his combative instinct. Furthermore, he offers a look into Trump's complex relationship with Melania and their shared social circles, touching on figures like Epstein.

Katie Herzog, a journalist and podcaster known for her work with Blocked and Reported, dives into her journey with alcohol in this engaging discussion. She shares the impact of her Irish-Catholic upbringing on her drinking habits and reflects on her experiences studying in England. Katie explores the difference between reward and relief drinkers, denial around addiction, and the challenges of AA’s abstinence model. She also discusses science-based methods like the Sinclair Method and the generational shift toward less drinking, making sober socializing a newfound joy.

Wesley Yang, an essayist and podcaster known for his insights on culture and identity, delves into the complexities of contemporary gender ideology. He discusses the troubling rise in young females seeking transition, attributing it to social contagion and online influence. Yang highlights the shift to self-attestation in gender clinics and critiques the abandonment of psychological gatekeeping. The conversation also explores the impact of gender identity politics on lesbian and gay communities, stressing the implications for public safety and social spaces.

In this insightful discussion, John Ellis, a veteran journalist and media consultant with ties to the Bush family, dives into the complexities of GOP history. He reflects on his political awakening during the 1968 Democratic Convention and shares personal anecdotes about his relatives, including George H.W. Bush. The conversation shifts to pressing global issues, including the rapid rise of AI and the intricate U.S.-China relationship, where Ellis advocates for cooperation despite tensions over Taiwan. His unique perspectives make for a captivating listen.

Jill Lepore, a Harvard professor and staff writer at The New Yorker, shares her insights on the U.S. Constitution. She delves into the Constitution's origins, highlighting the influence of Enlightenment thinkers and the complexity of early governance. Lepore discusses intriguing topics like FDR’s court-packing plan, the challenges of voting rights during the Jacksonian era, and the compromises that shaped the franchise. With personal anecdotes, she paints a vivid picture of how history intertwines with identity and the evolution of American democracy.

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and author, shares his insights on various pressing global issues. He reflects on the surprising end of the COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of China's tech capabilities amid economic challenges. Ferguson discusses declining fertility rates and their implications, alongside contrasting immigration policies in the UK and US post-Brexit. The conversation also delves into geopolitical tensions, analyzing Russia's resilience and Israel's complex regional dynamics. His historical perspective offers a thought-provoking lens on today's critical events.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comMy old and dear friend Johann has written four bestsellers: Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention (discussed on the Dishcast here), and Magic Pill: The Extraordinary Benefits and Disturbing Risks of the New Weight-Loss Drugs (discussed here). His upcoming book is about the tunnels below Las Vegas.Four years ago we aired a 2012 interview that Johann did with me — in two parts, here and here. In this new episode we cover: my first time doing shrooms — in Amsterdam with Matt and Trey; the perversion of many Germans; my first MDMA trip in the early ‘90s; fleeing rave parties to contemplate God; a disastrous trip I experienced when Johann was present — which he calls “a dystopian version of Fawlty Towers”; ego death; Michael Pollan’s How to Change Your Mind; Roland Griffiths; Johann’s psychedelic theory about A Passage to India; how religious peeps integrate bad trips better than non-believers; how early HIV drugs affected a psychedelic trip; feeling agape on drugs; why psychedelics often don’t affect monks and nuns very much; the 15 minutes I believed that God is evil; my mom’s mental illness; the adolescent event that made me a conservative; equity in education; my teenage years in The History Boys; growing up with Keir Starmer; his wild days; our frenemy debates; the Oxford Union; my introversion; coming to America; identity politics; what Foucault got right; Virtually Normal; the Dish blog covering Obama 2008 and the Green Revolution; the indy Dish in 2013; retiring the blog after my doctor said it might kill me; the BLM summer and getting fired from New York mag; Milo Yiannopoulos; Tucker Carlson; Hitchens; The Conservative Soul; Johann prodding about my sex life; Truman; and what I want to achieve in the third trimester of my life. I apologize for TMI.Chris and I are both now enjoying a summer respite from the news and work. Hope all Dishheads are able to get some time to do the same. Perspective is so critical right now, and our culture is designed to obliterate it. See you when the new season debuts at the end of August.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit andrewsullivan.substack.comScott is a war correspondent and author. His non-fiction books include Lawrence in Arabia, Fractured Lands, and The Quiet Americans, and his novels include Triage and Moonlight Hotel. He’s also a contributing writer for the New York Times Magazine. His new book is King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution: A Story of Hubris, Delusion and Catastrophic Miscalculation.For two clips of our convo — on Jimmy Carter’s debacle with the Shah, and the hero of the Iran hostage crisis — head to our YouTube page.Other topics: growing up in East Asia and traveling the world; his father the foreign service officer; their time in Iran not long before the revolution; Iran a “chew toy” between the British and Russian empires; the Shah’s father’s affinity for Nazi Germany; Mosaddegh’s move to nationalize the oil; the 1953 coup; the police state under the Shah; having the world’s 5th biggest military; the OPEC embargo; the rise of Khomeini and his exile; the missionary George Braswell and the mullahs; Carter's ambitious foreign policy; the US grossly overestimating the Shah; selling him arms; Kissinger; the cluelessness of the CIA; the prescience of Michael Metrinko; the Tabriz riots; students storming the US embassy; state murder under Khomeini dwarfing the Shah’s; the bombing of Iran’s nuke facilities; and Netanyahu playing into Hamas’ hands.Browse the Dishcast archive for an episode you might enjoy. Coming up: a fun chat with Johann Hari, Jill Lepore on the history of the Constitution, Karen Hao on artificial intelligence, and Katie Herzog on drinking your way sober. Please send any guest recs, dissents, and other comments to dish@andrewsullivan.com.