

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

May 22, 2024 • 59min
'Recovery from Rape' with Larissa Phillips
Expert Larissa Phillips discusses preventing rape and promoting recovery. Topics include evolving definitions of rape, nuances of consent, societal narratives on sexual violence, balancing sexual freedom with personal responsibility, post-rape vulnerabilities, victimhood fetishization, and navigating resilience and justice post-rape.

11 snips
May 6, 2024 • 50min
Experiencing Autogynephilia
Quillette podcast host Jonathan Kay talks to self-described 'Transsexual Apostate’ Debbie Hayton about the link between male sexual self-attraction and transgender self-identification. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mar 28, 2024 • 42min
Fighting Back Against Progressive ‘Neo-Racism’
Writer Coleman Hughes discusses his book 'The End of Race' and critiques of progressive 'neo-racism'. Topics include slavery reparations, cancel culture, racial biases, social media impact, and navigating race discussions for a colorblind society.

Mar 15, 2024 • 40min
Creating a Safe Space for ‘Problematic’ Women
The podcast explores the concept of 'Unspeak Easy' as a safe space for women to discuss challenging topics. It touches on divisive issues like the Gaza conflict and highlights the importance of creating comfortable environments for open conversations. Additionally, it features a humorous tale of cultural misunderstanding involving disc golf in London.

Feb 21, 2024 • 46min
Is Israel Really Committing Genocide in Gaza?
University of Florida historian Norman Goda discusses South Africa's genocide accusations against Israel at the International Court of Justice. He critiques the lack of evidence connecting inflammatory statements to actual policy. The podcast explores the complexities of proving genocide and analyzes biased reporting by the UN special rapporteur for Israel. It also delves into the International Court of Justice's interim ruling on the allegations and controversies surrounding a recent court decision on a ceasefire in Gaza.

Jan 28, 2024 • 32min
Leaving MAGA
Rich Logis, a former fervent Donald Trump supporter, shares his journey of leaving MAGA and discusses his concerns with COVID public health measures and the January 6 riot. He reflects on his political journey, dissatisfaction with the two-party system, and support for a third-party candidate. The speaker experiences the struggle of leaving MAGA, confronts propaganda and conspiracy theories, and emphasizes the importance of diversifying news sources. They discuss their project 'Reading MAGA' and the need to humanize and reconcile with MAGA voters for a functional democracy.

Jan 16, 2024 • 33min
The Fine Line Between Denouncing ‘Settler Colonialism’ and Supporting Terrorism
Exploring the weaponization of academic doctrines to delegitimize the existence of Israel and Western societies. Discussion on the origins and significance of the term 'Turtle Island' and its association with creationist beliefs. The impact of settler colonialism on Indigenous societies in the Americas, including conflicts between Native American tribes. Exploring the battle between identity politics and class-based politics within the left. Delving into the complexities surrounding settler colonialism and its implications for Israel. Examining sentiments on Israel and Palestine, including a disturbing chant calling for a pre-Israel era.

5 snips
Dec 4, 2023 • 46min
How ‘Intersectional Feminism’ Got Hijacked by Men
Veteran feminist activist Julie Bindel discusses the misappropriation of the term 'feminist,' the distortion of 'intersectional feminism' by men, controversial trans issues, challenges faced by the LGB Alliance, controversy surrounding gender clinics, and contradictions in feminism.

9 snips
Nov 22, 2023 • 1h 7min
The Extraordinary Life and Legacy of Justinian
Cambridge historian Peter Sarris discusses his book on Justinian the Great, detailing his rise to power, architectural wonders, and remaking of Roman law. The podcast explores Justinian's wife's influential role in legislation, his focus on Christianizing the Empire, and the scandalous secret history of his reign.

Nov 1, 2023 • 26min
The October 7 Terrorist Attacks, in Historical Perspective
Israeli historian Benny Morris discusses Hamas' acts of mass murder, the Israeli response, and the future of Gaza. The podcast explores the stagnant relationship between Jews and Palestinians, the devastating impact of terrorist attacks on kibbutzim communities, Israeli army's approach in targeting Hamas members, the sense of fatalism and victimhood in Israeli society, and the use of the term 'apartheid' in relation to Israel's treatment of its Arab citizens.