Honestly with Bari Weiss

David Sacks, an influential venture capitalist and member of the PayPal Mafia, discusses the troubling dominance of Big Tech over free speech. He highlights the rise of a social credit system and how a few billionaires dictate discourse in the digital realm. Sacks delves into the suppression of dissenting views, including the dangers of debanking based on political beliefs. He also critiques corporate coordination in censorship and the broader implications for civil liberties, advocating for a more open and democratic digital landscape.

Peter Robinson, a former speechwriter for President Reagan and host of the Hoover Institution's Uncommon Knowledge podcast, dives into pressing cultural issues. He discusses how social movements have reshaped identities and the growing divide in American society. Together, they address conformity within media narratives, the complexities surrounding anti-Semitism, and the challenges of modern communication fueled by technology. They also explore innovative approaches to journalism and education, advocating for fresh, diverse perspectives in a polarized landscape.

Katerina Sergatskova, editor-in-chief at Zaborona Media; Vladislav Davidzon, founder of the Odessa Review; and Maria Avdeeva, a security analyst in Kharkiv, share their gripping experiences as unintended war correspondents in Ukraine. They discuss the profound emotional shifts brought on by the conflict, the harrowing realities of life under constant danger, and the resilience of ordinary Ukrainians fighting to defend their nation. The conversation reveals deep insights into the impact of war on identity and the importance of truthful reporting amid chaos.

Yuval Levin, a respected journalist and author known for his work on American political philosophy, discusses the interconnected crises facing society. He argues that the rise in suicide and addiction rates is linked to a broader loss of trust in institutions. Levin explores the historical roots of polarization, the influence of elite college cultures, and the role of the family in societal issues. He emphasizes the urgent need to rebuild trust and foster community connections to address these deepening fractures.

The podcast dives deep into Ukraine's resilience and the remarkable courage displayed by its people under President Zelensky's leadership. It prompts reflection on American apathy versus the virtues of duty and sacrifice. The discussion extends to the impact of war on individual liberty, warning against the dangers of collective guilt and mob mentality. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of defending personal freedoms amidst rising authoritarianism and calls for a moral response to global tyranny.

Eli Lake, a national security journalist, teams up with Damir Marusic, an expert on European geopolitics, to delve into the pressing crisis in Ukraine. They explore the urgent and complex debate surrounding a proposed no-fly zone, discussing potential humanitarian benefits and the risks of escalation. Lake shares poignant insights on the emotional toll of war reporting, while Marusic examines the political dynamics in Washington. Together, they dissect the moral obligations of the U.S. and NATO in a challenging global landscape.

Lia Thomas, a groundbreaking transgender swimmer from the University of Pennsylvania, has skyrocketed from being ranked 462nd in men's swimming to leading women's competitions. She discusses the exhilaration of breaking Ivy League records and her ambitions for the 2024 Summer Olympics. The conversation dives into the heated debates surrounding fairness in women's sports amid her success. Lia shares personal insights on navigating public scrutiny and the emotional challenges faced by athletes in the context of gender identity.

Niall Ferguson, a historian at the Hoover Institution, Walter Russell Mead, a Bard College professor and Wall Street Journal columnist, and Francis Fukuyama, a political scientist at Stanford, dive into the crisis in Ukraine. They discuss Putin's motivations for the invasion and the West's responses. The trio explores the sharp contrast between the leadership of Putin and Zelensky, the implications for NATO, and the complexities of energy politics. They ponder whether the current conflict marks the dawn of a new Cold War and assess America's role in defending democracy from tyranny.

Zoe Strimpel, a British-American journalist, dives into the alarming state of American foreign policy and the ramifications of ongoing isolationism. She highlights the decline of U.S. military readiness and its impact on global stability. With tensions rising, Strimpel critiques the moral relativism that has shaped attitudes toward war over decades. The podcast also sheds light on Ukraine's harrowing fight amidst conflict and the brave protests of Russian citizens, illustrating the broader implications of America’s retrenchment.

Condoleezza Rice, former Secretary of State and current director of Stanford's Hoover Institution, shares her inspiring journey from a segregated childhood to becoming a powerful political leader. She discusses pressing issues like race, immigration, and the future of democracy in America. Rice reflects on the impact of Trump's rise in the GOP and emphasizes the need for diverse opinions in politics. She also analyzes U.S.-China relations and the geopolitical tensions with Russia, advocating for America’s role in promoting global democracy.