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
Jan 17, 2026 • 35min
Understanding Journalistic Groupthink
In this discussion, Graham Majan, a seasoned TV journalist and former BBC reporter, dives into the BBC scandal and the troubling shift toward narrative-driven journalism. He argues that the BBC, once a paragon of impartiality, has lost its way, succumbing to groupthink and bias. Majan critiques the oversimplified media coverage of conflicts, like Israel and Gaza, and links the rise of modern narratives to societal polarization. He explores how journalism has transformed from objective reporting to partisan storytelling, leaving audiences longing for true impartiality.
Jan 8, 2026 • 15min
Fighting for Freedom in Iran
Roya Hakakian, a Jewish-Iranian poet and journalist, sheds light on the current wave of protests in Iran. She contrasts today’s demands for the removal of the supreme leader with past protests like the 2009 Green Movement. Discussions delve into the impact of Mahsa Amini's death and the regime's geopolitical weaknesses. Hakakian highlights the complexities of foreign intervention and the challenges of regime change, pondering who still supports the government and the potential for exile options for its leaders.
Jan 2, 2026 • 15min
How to Think Like a Human
David Weitzner, an Associate Professor of Management at York University and founder of the Artful Intelligence Institute, delves into the fascinating distinctions between human cognition and AI. He critiques the overhyped portrayals of AI shaped by sci-fi, asserting that large language models are merely probability calculators, not true intelligence. Weitzner urges a balanced understanding of AI's capabilities, emphasizing the pitfalls of misleading product labeling and the misleading claims of machine consciousness. He navigates the ongoing debate about AI's practical skills, pushing for a rational perspective amidst the hype.
Dec 24, 2025 • 31min
Christmas in Byzantium
Historian Robin Pierson, host of the History of Byzantium podcast, dives into the rich tapestry of Christmas traditions in Byzantine culture. He explores the transition from pagan festivals to Christian observances during Justinian's reign. Robin shares insights on church attendance, the joyful yet solemn nature of celebrations, and the popular kalanda caroling. He discusses the East–West differences in Christian practices, the origins of iconoclasm, and the impact of Byzantine iconography on faith. The conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into how history shaped the holiday.
Dec 19, 2025 • 31min
Sri Lankan by Birth, Tamil by Heritage, Canadian by Choice
Roy Ratnavel, a Tamil-Canadian business executive and author of 'Prisoner #1056', shares his remarkable journey from being imprisoned in Sri Lanka to thriving in Canada's finance sector. He discusses the complexities of immigration and emphasizes the importance of integration and personal responsibility. Ratnavel contrasts past forced integration with modern ethnic enclaves that can impede assimilation. He also reflects on the political evolution of the Tamil community in Canada and critiques performative DEI efforts, advocating for merit-based advancement.
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 22min
The Genius of Jane Austen
Join John Mullan, a Jane Austen scholar from University College London, in a delightful exploration of Austen's literary genius. Mullan highlights her daring narrative techniques, including free indirect style, as demonstrated in 'Persuasion.' He reveals how Austen's unique insights into marriage and societal norms, particularly through characters like Charlotte Lucas, expose the economic pressures of her time. Mullan also emphasizes her skill in character portrayal and reader engagement, all packaged in her deceptively simple prose.
6 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 15min
Marriage and Divorce in America
Nicholas Wolfinger, a sociologist and expert on family dynamics, dives into the fascinating evolution of marriage and divorce in America from the 1950s to today. He highlights the paradox of rising divorce rates after a stable 1950s, as well as a notable decline in marriage rates and an increase in later marriages. Wolfinger challenges common beliefs on the impact of welfare policies and dissected the myth that no-fault divorce laws triggered a divorce boom, all while sharing personal anecdotes that enrich the discussion.
9 snips
Nov 30, 2025 • 46min
A Gay Author’s Escape from Cults, Drugs, Queer Radicalism, and ‘Scrupulosity’
Ben Appel, a writer and memoirist, shares his gripping journey from a cult-like childhood in the Lamb of God community to navigating addiction and his queer identity. He reflects on the culture shock after leaving at age 12 and the emotional turmoil that followed. Appel delves into his struggles with scrupulosity, linking obsessive rituals to addiction. He also recounts his dark nights of substance abuse, a harrowing psychotic break, and his transformative experience in recovery programs, drawing eerie parallels to his past.
10 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 53min
Jesse Brown’s Rude Awakening
Jesse Brown, founder and editor of Canadaland, shares his tumultuous journey navigating the rise of antisemitism in Canada. He reveals how his stance sparked backlash from his own progressive audience, leading to subscriber cancellations and advertiser pressure. The conversation dives into the complexities of modern antisemitism, the blurred lines between anti-Zionism and antisemitism, and the challenges of maintaining editorial independence. Brown reflects on personal ideologies and the shifting dynamics within his own community.
17 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 37min
Ancient Christianities: The First 500 Years
In this engaging discussion, biblical scholar Paula Fredriksen delves into her book on early Christianities, highlighting the rich theological diversity before the fourth century's Nicene Christianity. She reveals the complexities of reconstructing early heresies from competing narratives. Fredriksen discusses the groundbreaking Nag Hammadi discovery and its impact on understanding suppressed voices. The conversation also touches on the gradual separation of Christianity from Judaism and the philosophical debates surrounding the nature of God in early Christian thought.
