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
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.
Nov 10, 2025 • 53min
Finding Humor in Dark Places
Join Matthew Pettit, a stand-up comedian and founder of Healing Roar, as he shares his inspiring journey from trauma and addiction to advocacy. He candidly discusses using comedy to process childhood abuse and the healing it brings. Pettit highlights challenges in recovery, the failings of the justice system, and the importance of restorative justice over punishment. He shares insights on trauma's role in addiction, the need for genuine care in treatment, and how confronting his abuser was part of his healing process.
12 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 14min
A Crisis of Tolerance
In this discussion, Harry Saul Markham, author of The Melted Pot, dives into the troubling rise of Islamism and antisemitism in the UK. He shares insights from a Parliament event where diverse voices united in defense of liberal democracy. Markham stresses the need for cultural reckoning, combating denial, and the dangers of an overly assimilated society. He recounts his firsthand experiences during a violent pro-Israel counter-protest, highlighting the silencing effects of fear among communities. The conversation blends personal narrative with urgent social critique.
10 snips
Nov 1, 2025 • 34min
Is There a Politically Motivated ‘War on Science’? (And If So, Who’s Waging It?)
Join renowned theoretical physicist and cosmologist Lawrence Krauss as he delves into the ideological threats facing the scientific community. Krauss shares examples of 'wokeness' infiltrating hard sciences and the fears that silence academics. He discusses his anthology project, showcasing diverse perspectives on these issues, and debates whether recent initiatives truly support or undermine meritocracy in science. The conversation also touches on how historical barriers and recent events like the George Floyd protests have shaped current dynamics in academia.
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.
