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
Aug 2, 2024 • 1h 31min
'How We Form Our Political Beliefs' with Oliver Traldi
Oliver Traldi, author of "Political Beliefs: A Philosophical Introduction," engages in a thought-provoking conversation about how our political beliefs are formed and influenced. He explores the adversarial nature of politics and its connection to group dynamics. Traldi delves into the intricacies of identity, the impact of cultural narratives like Brexit, and the significance of symbols in political perception. He emphasizes the importance of intellectual boldness and critical self-reflection while navigating the complexities of political engagement.
Jul 24, 2024 • 1h 11min
'Language vs. Reality' with Nick Enfield
Linguistic anthropologist Nick Enfield discusses the impact of language on different professions like lawyers and scientists. Topics include the role of language in social coordination, memory, perception, storytelling, and the influence of language on perception and thinking.
Jul 17, 2024 • 33min
The Freedom to Blaspheme
Jonathan Kay talks to Kushal Mehra about the similarities in censorship campaigns in India and Canada, discussing the impact of laws like the Herms Act and Section 295A on free speech. They delve into Canada's Online Harm Act, exploring the harsh penalties for hate speech and concerns about selective application of laws. The conversation also touches on blasphemy laws in different countries, the distorted perceptions of danger fueled by media exposure, and the influence of national core cohesiveness on free speech in diverse societies.
Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 21min
'Life on Mars' with Robert Zubrin
Robert Zubrin, President of the Mars Society, discusses the challenges and potentials of Mars exploration, including the role of Elon Musk's starships and the societal structure of a Martian community. The conversation explores the motivation behind sending humans to Mars, the vision for developing Martian cities, and the implications of Mars colonization on human physiology. Additionally, it delves into SpaceX's role in human settlement on Mars and upcoming Mars mission literature and conventions organized by the Mars Society.
Jul 3, 2024 • 34min
Protest? Polite Pass
New York Times columnist Pamela Paul discusses why she prefers not to protest, reflecting on the exhausting nature of yelling slogans. The podcast explores the effectiveness of protests in bringing about change, contrasting protest activities at different universities, and the impact of language in influencing perceptions of demonstrations.
Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 31min
'Parsi Bombay Then and Now' with Nev March
Author Nev March discusses her novel set in 19th-century India, unsolved deaths at Rajabai Tower, historical events in pre-independence India, Parsi community history, cuisine, and traditions, debunking myths, and encountering old fortifications in Pakistan.
Jun 14, 2024 • 19min
Justin Trudeau’s Ominous Online Harms Act: ‘Minority Report’ Comes to Canada
Conor Friedersdorf discusses Trudeau's Online Harms Act, which allows punishment for future actions. They delve into extreme provisions like life sentences for advocating genocide, sparking concerns about free speech and governmental control.
Jun 10, 2024 • 40min
Supporting Trans People Without Denying the Facts of Biology
Duke University law professor Doriane Lambelet Coleman discusses the challenges of maintaining fairness in elite female sports while respecting biological differences. They explore the implications of transgender individuals in sports, the role of testosterone in sex testing, and the importance of recognizing biological sex in discussions of transgender rights.
Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 5min
Technology Is Not the Problem
Author Timandra Harkness discusses the impact of technology on self-expression and society, from personalized experiences to data profiling. She delves into controversies around trans rights advocacy and navigating authenticity in a curated online world, reflecting on identity and digital doppelgangers.
May 22, 2024 • 52min
The (Culture) War Diaries of Nellie Bowles
Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay speaks with Morning After the Revolution author Nellie Bowles about her tragicomic journalistic adventures amid progressive true believers and ideological enforcers—from the offices of The New York Times to the streets of Seattle and San Francisco. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
