Honestly with Bari Weiss

Batya Ungar-Sargon, an insightful political commentator, joins David Faris, an astute political analyst, and Peter Savodnik, a keen observer of current events. They dissect the recent chaotic presidential debate where Trump bizarrely claimed immigrants are stealing and eating pets, leading to a fact-checking moment. The discussion dives into the candidates' contrasting performances, their appeal to voters, and the absurdity of the claims that emerged. Insights into the evolving political landscape and the impact of debates on voter sentiment add depth to the conversation.

Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and historian known for his works on military history, delves into contentious historical narratives surrounding World War II. He challenges traditional views, controversially reinterpreting figures like Winston Churchill while exploring the complex morality behind wartime decisions. Hanson also discusses the rise of anti-Semitism in modern political discourse, the impact of social media on historical understanding, and the intricate relationship between contemporary conservatism and historical revisionism.

Eli Lake, a Free Press columnist and expert on campus activism, delves into the turbulent landscape of American universities today. He discusses the chaos surrounding recent protests, particularly those targeting Jewish students, and historical parallels with radical movements like the Weathermen. Lake highlights how dedicated individuals can drive escalating violence within student protests and examines the financial influences backing these movements. The conversation sheds light on the dangerous potential of youthful fervor morphing into militant action.

David French, an evangelical conservative and opinion columnist, teams up with Sarah Longwell, a political strategist and founder of the Republican Accountability Project. They discuss the surprising trend of Republicans endorsing Kamala Harris, highlighting how Trump's presidency has reshaped conservatism. The duo explores the evolving political landscape and the internal conflicts among conservatives, emphasizing the importance of character in politics. They reflect on voter dynamics, moral alignments, and the challenges traditional values face in today's fragmented political environment.

In this discussion, Matt Taibbi, an intrepid journalist known for uncovering the Twitter Files and government censorship, dives into the alarming rise of global threats to free speech. He highlights recent authoritarian crackdowns in France, the UK, and Brazil, shedding light on the chilling effects on free expression. Taibbi also explores how perceptions of misinformation are reshaping attitudes toward free speech in the U.S. He argues against the futility of censorship and emphasizes the necessity of diverse viewpoints in fostering credible discourse.

John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market and a pioneer in conscious capitalism, shares his journey from a small health food store in Texas to revolutionizing the American food landscape. He discusses the complexities of promoting health amidst rising obesity rates and the role of capitalism in shaping consumer choices. Mackey also reflects on leadership, personal challenges, and the importance of financial independence beyond mere wealth accumulation, emphasizing that true fulfillment is found in creativity and purpose.

In this enlightening discussion, Richard Kahlenberg, an expert on economic disparities, Maud Maron, a passionate advocate for K-12 curricula in NYC, and Erika Sanzi, a former educator focused on defending education from ideological biases, share insights on the crisis plaguing American education. They tackle alarming statistics in literacy and math, the impact of socioeconomic segregation, and the controversial role of teachers' unions. The conversation also delves into the complexities of educational choice in NYC and the debates surrounding book bans, emphasizing the need for reform.

Ro Khanna, a progressive Congressman from California, joins political analyst John Avalon to dive into the current state of the Democratic Party. They discuss the stark divides within the party, examining the contrast between the energy at the Democratic National Convention and the protests outside. Key issues like economic challenges for the middle class and the role of immigration in shaping American values emerge. They emphasize the need for unity among Democrats to effectively address voter concerns and reclaim their foundational ideals in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Nate Silver, famed statistician and founder of FiveThirtyEight, discusses his insights on risk and success from his book, 'On the Edge: The Art of Risking Everything.' He explains how embracing risk is essential for achievement, contrasting the 'river' of innovation with the 'village' of established norms. Silver shares thoughts on election forecasting, the complexities of polling data, and the implications of figures like Sam Bankman-Fried on effective altruism. He highlights the valuable lessons poker teaches about decision-making, advocating for a long-term, strategic mindset.

A young Palestinian man from the West Bank risked his safety to speak out against Hamas after the October 7 massacre. He shares his inspiring journey from limited access to education and resources to earning three degrees in multiple countries and landing a tech job with an Israeli company. His courageous social media posts condemning violence led to severe backlash and threats against him. The podcast delves into the personal consequences of expressing dissent in a society where such views can be deemed traitorous, highlighting the struggle for empathy and coexistence amidst conflict.