Honestly with Bari Weiss

Esther Joy King, a former aid worker and current congressional candidate in Illinois, shares her harrowing journey of helping a young Afghan girl named Rahima escape the Taliban's brutal regime. They discuss the tumultuous circumstances for women in Afghanistan, the chaotic logistics of escape, and the formation of a modern Underground Railroad. Esther highlights the vital role of ordinary Americans stepping in where the government fell short, emphasizing community effort and the urgent need for global support for those still trapped.

Peter Boghossian, a philosophy professor and critic of ideological conformity in academia, discusses his resignation from Portland State University. He highlights how the institution shifted from free inquiry to prioritizing identity-based grievances. Peter shares his controversial experiences, including publishing hoax papers to expose flaws in academic publishing. The conversation tackles the challenges of upholding academic freedom while navigating a culture of fear and the importance of critical thinking amidst radical ideologies. He emphasizes the necessity of compassion and genuine dialogue in education.

Abigail Shrier, a lawyer and author of the provocative book Irreversible Damage, delves into the heated topics surrounding gender dysphoria in teenage girls. She discusses the rise in transgender identification linked to social media's influence and the implications on youth mental health. The controversy surrounding medical treatments for transgender youth is explored, alongside the challenges of navigating identity in today’s culture. Shrier advocates for open dialogue and courage amidst censorship, highlighting the importance of protecting vulnerable children.

Niall Ferguson, a renowned historian and author of nearly 20 books including "Doom: The Politics of Catastrophe," delves into the pressing issues facing America today. He examines the catastrophic withdrawal from Afghanistan and critiques the educational system's failures. Ferguson highlights the exacerbation of inequality during the pandemic and discusses the erosion of public trust in institutions. Ultimately, he argues that national decline is a choice, advocating for proactive leadership to avoid it and encouraging innovative governance to renew American culture.

Josh Rogin, a journalist and author of "Chaos Under Heaven," delves into the sweeping ambitions of the Chinese Communist Party. He outlines how past U.S. policy mistakes empowered China and the implications for global governance. Rogin discusses China's influence over Big Tech, Hollywood, and education, raising concerns about a potential Cold War. He also critiques the withdrawal from Afghanistan, framing it as a strategic blunder that opens doors for Chinese expansion. The conversation raises pivotal questions about democracy and American values in an increasingly authoritarian world.

Josh Rogin, a foreign policy columnist for the Washington Post and author of "Chaos Under Heaven," dives deep into the controversial origins of the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the lab leak theory, which he argues went from fringe to credible due to political influence and the role of the Chinese Communist Party. Rogin draws striking parallels between the CCP and organized crime, exploring the complexities of media narratives, U.S.-China relations, and the interplay of trust, trade deals, and journalistic integrity amid a global crisis.

H.R. McMaster, former National Security Advisor and three-star general, reflects on the U.S.'s tumultuous two-decade mission in Afghanistan. He discusses the alarming consequences of military deception and critiques leadership failures across multiple administrations. McMaster explores the flawed nation-building efforts, the implications of Biden's withdrawal, and the rise of isolationism in U.S. foreign policy. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic about America's future, calling for accountability and a renewed commitment to service.

Katie Herzog, a journalist known for her insightful reporting on shifts in American medicine, joins to uncover the ideological changes sweeping through hospitals and medical schools. She reveals how political correctness is stifling open debate, with doctors fearing repercussions for acknowledging biological realities. Herzog discusses the alarming trend of prioritizing identity politics over patient care and how self-censorship is reshaping medical education. The conversation highlights the critical need for honest discourse in an increasingly complex healthcare landscape.

Kmele Foster, a co-host of The Fifth Column podcast, interviews Amy Cooper, the Central Park dog walker infamous for her viral confrontation. Amy reveals the chaos that ensued post-incident as she faced public vilification and lost her job. They discuss media distortions, the racial dynamics at play, and the psychological toll of mob justice. Amy offers her perspective on fear, privilege, and accountability while challenging listeners to reflect on how society shapes narratives and perceptions.

Carole Hooven, an evolutionary biologist and Harvard lecturer, dives into the intriguing world of testosterone and its impact on behavior. She tackles pressing questions about male aggression, sex differences, and the complexities of gender in sports. Hooven shares insights from her book, emphasizing the importance of truth in discussing these sensitive topics. The conversation reveals the psychological effects of testosterone on identity and desire, while advocating for transparent dialogue in academia and society.