

Honestly with Bari Weiss
The Free Press
The most interesting conversations in American life happen in private. This show brings them out of the closet. Stories no one else is telling and conversations with the most fascinating people in the country, every week from The Free Press, hosted by former New York Times and Wall Street Journal journalist Bari Weiss.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
Jan 17, 2023 • 1h 15min
America’s Broken Immigration System: An Honest Debate
In this engaging discussion, Alex Nowrasteh of the Cato Institute advocates for free immigration, arguing its economic benefits. In contrast, Jessica Vaughan from the Center for Immigration Studies pushes for stricter policies, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on American workers and public services. The pair delve into the complexities of the current immigration crisis, the political maneuvering surrounding it, and the cultural divides it exacerbates. With a focus on the balance between humanitarian needs and economic security, it's a captivating debate on America's immigration future.

5 snips
Jan 13, 2023 • 1h 7min
Raw & Unclassified: A Friday Roundtable
This conversation features Shadi Hamid, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution known for his insights on political dynamics, and Suzy Weiss, a Free Press columnist who brings expertise in food and culture. They dive into the complexities of classified documents and political accountability across the spectrum. The talks extend to the raw milk revolution, where they discuss food authenticity versus regulation, and the role of education in shaping societal beliefs. The roundtable tackles timely issues with wit and critical analysis.

12 snips
Jan 5, 2023 • 1h 20min
Bad Moms with Emily Oster
In this lively conversation, Emily Oster, a Harvard-educated economist, challenges traditional parenting norms with her data-driven insights on pregnancy and child-rearing. Joined by Nellie Bowles, they discuss navigating parenting dilemmas during the pandemic. Oster's thoughts on controversial topics, like reopening schools and differing maternal health guidelines, create sparks. With a blend of humor and research, they redefine informed parenting, emphasizing personal choice over societal pressure while sharing personal anecdotes from their own parenting journeys.

4 snips
Dec 22, 2022 • 1h 18min
A Holiday Treat with David Sedaris!
David Sedaris, the beloved American humorist known for his sharp wit and insightful essays, offers a hilarious and candid look at family life, cultural dynamics, and modern society. He discusses the complexities of personal relationships during COVID, the evolving nuances of race and identity, and the clash between humor and cultural sensitivity. Sedaris also reflects on the absurdities of life through personal anecdotes, including memories of his time as a Christmas elf. It's a delightful blend of humor and deep observation perfect for the holiday season.

6 snips
Dec 16, 2022 • 1h 7min
The Twitter Files and the Future of the Democratic Party With Silicon Valley's Congressman
Ro Khanna, a progressive congressman from California's tech hub, discusses the critical state of American manufacturing and the effects of globalization. He advocates for transparency in big tech, recalling his stance on the Hunter Biden laptop story amidst censorship debates. Khanna highlights the shifting dynamics in politics, where the GOP captures the working-class narrative, urging Democrats to reconnect with their values. He also touches on the importance of collaboration between private and public sectors to revitalize the economy.

4 snips
Dec 9, 2022 • 1h 42min
The State of the Black-Jewish Relationship in America: A Roundtable
Join journalist Eli Lake, NYT columnist Bret Stephens, host Kmele Foster, and bigotry advocate Chloe Valdary as they navigate the fraught landscape of Black-Jewish relations in America. They delve into the historical context of shared struggles and tensions, sparked by recent inflammatory remarks from celebrities like Kanye West. The discussion highlights the complexities of addressing rising antisemitism, the moral dilemmas of public dialogue, and the essential need for genuine connections to foster understanding and build unity between communities.

Nov 30, 2022 • 1h 5min
Bibi Netanyahu: Israel's New Prime Minister. Again.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel and author of "Bibi: My Story," discusses his dynamic return to power and the implications of forming a government with far-right parties. He reflects on his moral compass as a leader and revisits the heroic Entebbe rescue mission, showcasing Israel's resilience. The conversation delves into coalition complexities, shifting global alliances, and the evolving Jewish identity. Netanyahu's insights reveal the tangled web of politics in a volatile region and the profound impact of personal history on governance.

8 snips
Nov 23, 2022 • 1h 13min
A Better Way to Disagree
Daniel Bergner, a New York Times writer and author of The Mind and the Moon, dives deep into the nuances of mental health and treatment. He confronts the complex discourse around the Hearing Voices Movement and critiques the lack of diverse perspectives in mental health reporting. The discussion highlights the societal implications of mental illness, particularly how cultural narratives shape our understanding. Bergner also emphasizes the importance of compassionate dialogue and the necessity of embracing differences in mental health experiences.

Nov 16, 2022 • 59min
Nuclear War Games with HR McMaster
H.R. McMaster, a three-star Lieutenant General and former National Security Advisor, delves into the critical implications of the Ukraine conflict. He discusses the serious risks of nuclear warfare and outlines U.S. military strategies to respond to potential attacks. McMaster emphasizes that U.S. investment in Ukraine is essential to deter Putin and prevent his aggression from escalating. He scrutinizes Putin's miscalculations and how they shape the broader geopolitical landscape, urging a strong and unified response to safeguard international stability.

Nov 9, 2022 • 1h 18min
The Midterms No One Saw Coming: A Postmortem
In a riveting discussion, Mary Katharine Ham, a sharp political commentator, joins Axios's Josh Kraushaar, Newsweek's Batya Ungar-Sargon, and New York Magazine's Olivia Nuzzi to dissect the surprising outcomes of the recent midterms. They explore the unexpected failure of the anticipated Republican 'red wave' and how cultural and economic issues influenced voter decisions. The panel also examines the significance of abortion rights following the Dobbs decision and the evolving political landscape, particularly in key states and demographics.


