Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with University of Southern California scholar William Deverell about the enormous fires that have destroyed large swathes of the Los Angeles area. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iona Italia talks to eminent evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins about science, literature, and genetics.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Crowther, creator of the History of England podcast, digs into the Puritan disdain for Christmas celebrations and Oliver Cromwell's role in that narrative. He discusses how Christmas transformed into a grand festival in England, highlighting unique cultural practices. The conversation also touches on the blend of pagan traditions and societal norms, regional English dishes, and the misconstrued images of Roundheads and Cavaliers during the Civil War. Crowther's insights reveal the complexities of leadership and cultural shifts in historical contexts.

Iona Italia hosts Michael Muthukrishna, a cultural evolutionary theorist and author, who delves into dual inheritance theory—how our behaviors are shaped by both genetics and culture. He discusses the crucial role of energy availability in driving human innovation and its historical ties to societal transformation. Muthukrishna highlights the impact of cultural isolation on advancement and contrasts future scenarios shaped by resource scarcity versus those driven by innovation and equitable distribution.

Joan Smith, an English journalist and author with a keen focus on ancient Roman history, dives deep into the lives of women from Rome’s Julio-Claudian dynasty. She addresses the enduring propaganda against figures like Julia, challenging the misogynistic narratives that have distorted their legacies. Smith draws compelling parallels between ancient stories and contemporary gender issues, revealing how women's roles were shaped by political ambition and societal control. Her insights invite listeners to rethink history’s treatment of women.

Anna Gat, founder of Interintellect and host of The Hope Axis, shares insights on fostering intellectual discussions in modern society. She discusses her journey overcoming personal challenges and the emotional impact of familial upheaval. Gat also delves into the political landscape in Hungary, shedding light on the authoritarian shift under the Orbán regime and its effects on civic liberties. Additionally, she reflects on her creative evolution from poetry to technology, illustrating the connections between art and advancements in AI.

In a gripping discussion, the host delves into a controversy at the University of Western Ontario, where a student advocating for free speech faced backlash over her views on Indigenous reconciliation. The unfolding saga reveals deep tensions between academic freedom and the desire for institutional accountability. A tribunal ultimately vindicated the student, shedding light on procedural missteps and highlighting the importance of protecting diverse perspectives in academia.

Sam Bowman, Editor-in-chief of Works in Progress, dives into the roots of Britain's economic stagnation and offers innovative solutions. He critiques past policies and advocates for nuclear energy and improved housing. Bowman contrasts the inefficiencies in UK services with Australia's effective system, sharing personal anecdotes about declining living conditions. The discussion covers the challenges of the UK's energy transition, highlighting the need for regulatory reforms, and tackles the complexities of significant infrastructure projects like the Lower Thames Crossing.

Adam Kirsch, a Wall Street Journal editor and author of "On Settler Colonialism," dives into the troubling trends of radicalized academics labeling Western nations, especially Israel, as 'settler colonialist.' He discusses how this ideology shapes perceptions of identity and moral obligations tied to indigenous histories. Kirsch critiques the superficiality of land acknowledgements and explores the complexities of decolonization efforts, emphasizing the need for a deeper understanding of systemic inequities and the historical context of these narratives.

Nick Osmond-Jones, a former researcher at the Office of the Ombudsperson in British Columbia, discusses his resignation spurred by concerns over censorship and ideological pressures. He highlights the absurdities of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the Canadian public service. The conversation delves into the complexities of workplace sensitivity training, the implications of land acknowledgements, and the emotional burdens of performative allyship, revealing how these factors shape the dynamics of workplace interactions and investigative practices.