Honestly with Bari Weiss

Colin Campbell, author of "Finding the Words," shares his heartbreaking journey through grief after losing his two children in a tragic car accident. He criticizes societal norms around grief, calling them cruel and inadequate. Colin discusses the importance of open dialogue about loss and how avoiding the topic only leads to isolation. He introduces concepts like 'hate du jour' to cope with emotional turmoil, and emphasizes embracing grief as a path toward healing. Colin also reflects on family love, fostering, and finding purpose post-loss.

Vivek Ramaswamy, the first millennial Republican presidential candidate, has a fascinating background as a Harvard-educated entrepreneur. In this discussion, he boldly claims that America needs a 'second American revolution' to revive its foundational ideals. Ramaswamy outlines his radical proposals, from dismantling the Department of Education to redefining foreign policy. He critiques mainstream narratives, particularly around immigration and the Ukraine conflict, while calling for deeper civic engagement, especially among young voters.

Walter Russell Mead, a fellow at the Hudson Institute and an expert on foreign policy, discusses the paradox of technological progress making us safer, yet more vulnerable to human-caused threats. He argues that we are in a pre-war era and emphasizes the importance of addressing the decline of trust in institutions and the rise of populism. Mead explores America's shifting role in global politics, critiques past foreign interventions, and highlights the necessity of strategic engagement amidst rising challenges from powers like Russia and China.

Larry Summers, renowned economist and former Secretary of the Treasury, discusses the shifting landscape of American higher education post-Supreme Court ruling against race-based admissions. He explores the future of legacy admissions and whether current reforms go far enough. Summers critiques the emphasis on superficial accomplishments in applications, urging a focus on intellectual curiosity instead. He also examines the implications of eliminating certain sports from elite athletic programs and grapples with the role of standardized testing in maintaining meritocracy.

Peter Turchin, a complexity scientist and author of "End Times," brings a unique perspective blending evolutionary biology with historical analysis. He discusses his controversial predictions about political instability in the U.S. leading up to 2020, which eerily came true following a tumultuous year. Turchin explores societal dynamics and cycles of chaos, drawing parallels to current upheavals while emphasizing the crucial role of elites and grassroots movements in shaping the future. His insights shed light on potential crises ahead, particularly around the pivotal year of 2024.

Hannah Barnes, an award-winning investigations producer at the BBC's Newsnight, discusses the UK's groundbreaking decisions to ban puberty blockers for children and close the Tavistock Gender Clinic. She explores the long-term implications of these changes, the ethical dilemmas in pediatric gender care, and the influence of political divisions on healthcare practices in the U.S. Barnes emphasizes the importance of informed consent and the shift toward psychotherapy, urging a reevaluation of how gender dysphoria is treated in the medical landscape.

Harry Litman, an attorney and former Supreme Court clerk, Jeannie Suk Gersen, a Harvard Law professor, and Sarah Isgur, a columnist and former Justice Department spokeswoman, explore recent Supreme Court rulings. They discuss the controversial end of affirmative action in college admissions and a decision allowing discrimination against same-sex couples under the guise of free speech. The conversation raises critical questions about civil rights, the Constitution's interpretation, and the widening political divide in America.

Chris Christie, the former Governor of New Jersey and current Republican presidential candidate, candidly discusses his evolution from a Trump supporter to a fierce critic. He argues that past lessons were ignored in the current crowded Republican field and shares his bold strategy to confront Trump directly. Christie doesn't hold back, labeling Trump as a self-serving “mirror hog” and a “petulant child.” He reflects on the critical need for authenticity in politics, the challenges of fundraising, and the importance of connecting with diverse voter demographics.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., an environmental lawyer and Democratic presidential candidate, challenges mainstream narratives as he navigates his political journey. He discusses growing support among disillusioned voters seeking alternatives to Biden and emphasizes the shifting trust in media. The conversation dives into his controversial views on vaccines and public health, advocating for parental choice in vaccination. Kennedy also explores the implications of U.S. military dominance on global politics, calling for a focus on domestic issues and civil discourse around critical topics.

In this lively discussion, Richard Reeves, a Brookings Institution fellow and author, Ryan Holiday, a writer and host, and Ian Rowe, an education advocate, dive into modern fatherhood. They tackle the evolution of masculinity and parenting roles, questioning traditional expectations. Topics like the significance of unconditional love in family dynamics and the complexities of adoption are explored. With personal anecdotes and insights, they highlight the need for empathetic parenting and the changing landscape of fatherhood in today’s society.