Quillette Podcast
Quillette
The Quillette Podcast is a platform for rigorous, academic discussions rooted in common sense and free inquiry. Non-dogmatic and grounded in liberal values, the podcast serves as a beacon for thoughtful conversation on science, politics, philosophy, and culture. Quillette prides itself on intellectual honesty, avoiding ideological extremism in favor of evidence-based reasoning and progress. Hosted by leading voices in academia and journalism, past guests include evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, and journalist Douglas Murray, among others. Expect candid conversations that promote common sense and challenge anti-science and conspiratorial narratives from both the far left and right.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Oct 25, 2025 • 15min
Machetes in Melbourne
In this discussion, criminologist Andrew Bushnell, who holds a PhD in political philosophy, dives into the factors behind Melbourne's alarming crime surge. He highlights a dramatic rise in violent incidents like machete attacks, along with increased robbery and vehicle theft. Bushnell explains how policy changes, weakened bail laws, and urban densification contribute to this crisis. Lastly, he touches on the intricate political dynamics that complicate effective responses to rising crime in a city now exceeding five million residents.
21 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 37min
From Cult Child to Chess Wunderkind
Danny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer at Chess.com and author of the memoir Dark Moves, shares his extraordinary journey from the Church of Immortal Consciousness to chess fame. He discusses the therapeutic nature of writing his memoir and the emotional complexities of revisiting his past. Rensch candidly explains how intelligent individuals are drawn to cults, emphasizing the manipulation by charismatic leaders like Stephen Camp. He reflects on the burden of discovering chess as his 'ordained purpose' amid a tumultuous upbringing.
Oct 9, 2025 • 15min
Desexing the Language of Motherhood
Dr. Karleen Gribble is an Adjunct Professor at Western Sydney University, specializing in maternal and infant health. She shares insights on the rise of desexed language in women's healthcare, linking its origins to transgender inclusivity in clinical settings. Karleen argues that the COVID-19 pandemic hastened this language shift, affecting public health messaging. She questions the rationale behind using desexed terms for trans men in cervical care, highlighting gaps in body knowledge among young people and the challenges of clear communication in reproductive health.
10 snips
Oct 4, 2025 • 45min
Managing the Growing Gender-Critical Counterrevolution
Mia Hughes, the Director of Genspect Canada and a psychotherapist, dives into the complexities of gender identity and medicalization. She discusses the shifting landscape of trans activism and the need for a more nuanced approach to gender-related distress. Hughes critiques WPATH's standards and emphasizes the lack of solid evidence supporting adolescent medical transitions. She also highlights the dangers of treating trans identity as a natural phenomenon, which undermines effective psychological care. The conversation navigates through activism, ethics, and the implications for youth.
8 snips
Sep 25, 2025 • 15min
The End of Woke
Join Andrew Doyle, a writer and satirist known for his work on free speech, as he discusses his latest book on the cultural clash of woke culture and classical liberalism. Doyle critiques the misunderstandings surrounding liberalism, emphasizing its ideals of autonomy and responsibility. He advocates for the preservation of cultural institutions and the rule of law to ensure liberal principles thrive. With sharp insights into the nature of freedom versus license, Doyle sheds light on the essential traits of anti-authoritarianism and social responsibility.
Sep 20, 2025 • 35min
When New Netherland Became New York
Russell Shorto, a historian and author known for his in-depth exploration of New York's origins, delves into the dramatic transition of Manhattan from Dutch to British control in 1664. He highlights key figures like Peter Stuyvesant and Richard Nichols, discussing Nichols' royalist background and strategic negotiations. The talk explores the complexities of Native land claims, the unique cosmopolitan nature of Dutch New Amsterdam, and the evolution of slavery during this era. Shorto's insights illuminate how these elements shaped the city's development and legacy.
Sep 11, 2025 • 15min
Should Feminists Work with the Right?
Holly Lawford-Smith, a philosopher and author of "Feminism Beyond Left and Right," discusses the evolving landscape of feminist thought. She critiques the phrase 'the personal is political,' highlighting its potential to overshadow important distinctions. Lawford-Smith delves into the fragmentation within feminist movements and the competition for resources, questioning how to maintain solidarity. She also addresses the challenges of intersectionality and the implications of emotionality in advocacy, providing a thought-provoking analysis of modern feminism.
Sep 6, 2025 • 38min
RFK Jr.’s Unprecedented Attack on Life-saving Vaccines
Jake Scott, a board-certified infectious diseases physician at Stanford, dives deep into the dangers of rolling back vaccinations and the resurgence of vaccine misinformation. He debunks myths linking vaccines to autism and explains the science behind mRNA technology. The conversation highlights misconceptions about vaccine effectiveness and explores innovative treatments for RSV. Scott also sheds light on the political maneuvers eroding trust in health policies, emphasizing the urgent need for accurate public health communication.
10 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 15min
The Modular Mind
Rob Kurzban, an evolutionary psychologist and author of 'Why Everyone (Else) Is a Hypocrite,' dives into the intricacies of the modular mind. He discusses how our perceptions often conflict with societal norms, revealing the complexities of self-esteem and willpower. Kurzban also unpacks fascinating concepts like brain modularity through split-brain phenomena and explores how ignorance can be socially advantageous, demonstrating the unexpected benefits of self-deception in human interactions. Get ready for a mind-bending exploration of consciousness!
Aug 22, 2025 • 16min
A Jewish Girl in Revolutionary Iran
Managing Editor Iona Italia talks to Roya Hakakian about her extraordinary memoir, Journey from the Land of No: A Girlhood Caught in Revolutionary Iran. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
