

American Thought Leaders
The Epoch Times
At a time when our nation is portrayed as increasingly polarized, media often ignore viewpoints and stories that are worthy of attention. American Thought Leaders, hosted by The Epoch Times Senior Editor Jan Jekielek, features in-depth discussions with some of America’s most influential thought leaders on pertinent issues facing our nation today.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 19, 2025 • 56min
From Gene-Edited Babies to ‘Bodyoids,’ the Brave New World of Modern Medicine | Dr. Aaron Kheriaty
Dr. Aaron Kheriaty, an expert in medical ethics and bioethics, discusses the troubling shift away from the Hippocratic Oath in modern medicine. He highlights the rise of euthanasia and utilitarian ethics prioritizing societal good over individual patient care. Kheriaty warns against the implications of germline gene editing and the controversial concept of 'bodyoids'—lab-created humans devoid of consciousness. He critiques the commercialization of healthcare and urges a return to ethical medical practices that respect human dignity.

Nov 15, 2025 • 59min
He Refused Billions From China. Now They’re Trying to Destroy His Company | Declan Ganley
Declan Ganley, a telecommunications entrepreneur and CEO of Rivada Networks, illuminates the looming dangers of global internet infrastructure dominated by Chinese influence. He discusses his revolutionary Outernet project, designed to bypass vulnerabilities associated with subsea cables through a network of interconnected satellites. Ganley shares insights on the legal battles he faces after refusing billions in partnerships with China, outlining the strategic implications of lawfare and the urgent need for secure global communications to resist CCP control.

Nov 14, 2025 • 43min
How School Closures Irrevocably Harmed a Generation | Natalya Murakhver
Filmmaker Natalya Murakhver, co-founder of Restore Childhood and director of the documentary '15 Days,' explores the lasting effects of pandemic school closures. She reveals how remote learning severely hampered student engagement and led to tragic mental health declines. Natalya discusses her advocacy efforts in New York, including filing a lawsuit for in-person schooling and mobilizing parents. She also highlights the importance of preserving stories from this turbulent time and warns of ongoing challenges in education governance.

Nov 12, 2025 • 49min
How I Discovered a Possible Cure for My Son’s Incurable Disease | Patrick Girondi
Patrick Girondi is an author, musician, and the founder of San Rocco Therapeutics, established after his son Rocco was diagnosed with thalassemia. In this engaging conversation, he shares his journey from high school dropout to successful entrepreneur, driven by a father's love. Girondi discusses developing gene therapies, navigating challenges in the pharmaceutical world, and the importance of accessible treatments for rare diseases. He reveals exciting advancements with patients, including his son, and outlines a vision for universal access to innovative cures.

Nov 8, 2025 • 48min
The Myths We’re Told About Climate Change | Michael Shellenberger
Michael Shellenberger, author of "Apocalypse Never" and founder of Environmental Progress, argues against prevailing climate change narratives. He discusses manipulated data on sea level rise, asserting no long-term acceleration exists. Shellenberger reveals how improved human resilience and better disaster management are often overlooked. He champions nuclear energy's growing acceptance while critiquing alarmist claims about extreme weather, emphasizing that recent evidence shows many disasters are misrepresented. He calls for truth and free speech amidst a shifting cultural landscape.

Nov 7, 2025 • 49min
It’s Time to Ban Transplant Tourism to China | Rep. Neal Dunn
Congressman Neal Dunn, a former U.S. Army surgeon and current Florida representative, dives into urgent topics including the illicit organ trade in China and his BLOCK Act aimed at banning transplant tourism. He highlights alarming practices like forced organ harvesting, stressing the need for U.S. legislative action. Dunn also explores China's biowarfare threats, its economic strategies concerning rare earth minerals, and the geopolitical significance of Pacific islands. His insights shed light on America's strategic competition with China.

Nov 5, 2025 • 38min
Canning, Compost, and Chickens: How to Stop Relying on Others for Food | Special Episode
Join John Miller, co-founder of the Food Independence Summit, as he dives into the resurgence of homesteading and self-sufficiency, especially post-COVID. He discusses transforming food systems and local community roots. Meet canning expert Sarah Thrush, who shares pressure-canning techniques for ingredient control and economic savings. Plus, physician Julian Douwes highlights his innovative whole-body hyperthermia therapy for chronic Lyme disease, drawing significant interest from attendees eager for alternative treatments.

Nov 1, 2025 • 25min
New Evidence Shows SSRI Antidepressants Can Cause Permanent Harm to Sexual Function | Dr. Irwin Goldstein
Dr. Irwin Goldstein, a leading sexual health physician and director of San Diego Sexual Medicine, sheds light on the troubling phenomenon of post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD). He reveals that SSRIs can cause lasting sexual issues like erectile dysfunction and loss of libido, even after treatment stops. Goldstein discusses the lack of awareness among clinicians about PSSD risks and the potential for permanent damage. He emphasizes the need for informed consent and further research into genetic predispositions, challenging the belief that these side effects are purely psychological.

Oct 31, 2025 • 36min
David Green and Bill High: How One Family Built a Billion-Dollar Company That Gives Away Half Its Profits
David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, and Bill High, CEO of Legacy Stone, discuss their unique faith-driven approach to business. They share how Hobby Lobby, which prioritizes ethics over profit, grew from a $600 garage start to over a thousand stores. The duo explores the reasons behind their controversial business decisions, such as closing on Sundays and not selling Halloween products. They emphasize the importance of developing family governance and a strong legacy, advocating for stewardship and giving half of profits to charity.

Oct 30, 2025 • 39min
Here’s How Trump Can Leverage the CCP’s Greatest Vulnerability | Ambassador Sam Brownback
Join former U.S. senator and international human rights advocate Sam Brownback, who highlights how America's strongest weapon against the Chinese Communist Party isn't military, but the fight for human rights. He urges confronting the CCP on its human rights abuses, including the treatment of Uyghurs and Tibetans. Brownback also calls for symbolic actions to embarrass the regime and emphasizes the importance of religious groups as a form of civil society. He believes that leveraging moral ideals can significantly impact U.S.–China relations.


