Conversations With Coleman

Dave Smith, a stand-up comedian and libertarian foreign policy critic, dives deep into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and American foreign policy. He shares how Ron Paul shaped his views and discusses whether terrorism stems from grievances or ideology. The conversation tackles military intervention, the Iraq War, and the influence of the Israel lobby. They also ponder the future of U.S. support for Israel and debate the potential outcomes if this support ended, touching on Iran's nuclear ambitions and the risks of escalation.

Steven Pinker, a renowned cognitive psychologist and linguist from Harvard, shares fascinating insights about his book on common knowledge. He explains how it underlies everything from relationship dynamics to high-stakes negotiations. Discover how public signals can quickly create shared awareness and why authoritarian regimes fear coordination. Pinker also delves into the impact of comedy on common knowledge, offering humorous takes on serious subjects like political violence and relational tactics. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with intriguing observations!

Jane Coaston, a journalist known for her expertise on conservatism and the GOP, delves into her journey from libertarian roots to a keen observer of modern political shifts. She highlights the mainstream media's missteps in understanding grassroots conservatism and President Trump's unique appeal. Coaston also examines the increasing support among Black male voters for Republicans, and the impact of performative politics. Additionally, she addresses the potent conspiracy narratives surrounding issues like sexual abuse, explaining their political ramifications.

Janiyah Thomas, Black Media Director for Donald Trump's 2024 campaign, shares her insights on outreach to Black voters and her conservative influences. She discusses the dynamics of crime and family in communities like D.C. and sheds light on the motives behind Trump's National Guard deployment. The conversation also touches on media controversies, including responses to Charlie Kirk's assassination and the pressures faced by broadcasters like Jimmy Kimmel. Janiyah’s perspective offers a unique look into the intersection of politics and race.

Bhaskar Sunkara, the founding editor of Jacobin magazine and author of The Socialist Manifesto, dives deep into the realm of democratic socialism. He discusses the practicality of socialism amidst America's affordability crisis, emphasizing the need for rent controls. The conversation touches on the intriguing challenges of the populist left, identity politics, and the role of unions in advocating for workers' rights. Sunkara also sheds light on New York City’s housing complexities, especially in relation to mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's approach to tackling urban issues.

Ben Shapiro, a prominent political commentator and author, dives into his new book, *Scavengers and Lions*. He discusses the rise of 'intellectual scavengers' feeding on societal grievance versus 'lions' who advocate for responsibility and moral clarity. The conversation shifts to pressing issues like Trump, gun control, and the impact of wokeness on culture. Shapiro also critiques perceptions surrounding foreign aid, identity, and societal norms, urging listeners to reflect on the values shaping American society.

Dalia Cusnir-Horn, a passionate activist and sister-in-law of two kidnapped men, shares her relentless advocacy for their release. Tzvika Mor, father of a hostage, argues for a military approach, demanding total victory over Hamas. Talik Gvili, whose son fought against Hamas, echoes the call for military action. The conversation reveals a deep divide among families, highlighting their contrasting philosophies on negotiation versus military strategy in the urgent quest for hostage release during a tense ceasefire negotiation.

Greg Lukianoff, an attorney and president of FIRE, discusses nuanced perspectives on free speech, arguing he is not an absolutist. He reflects on how October 7 shifted the speech debate and the thin line between protest and illegality. The conversation touches on the impact of Trump’s tactics, the rights of visa holders, and the worrying climate for free speech in the UK. Additionally, Lukianoff highlights the biases in AI knowledge and the complexities surrounding hate speech laws, advocating for a more nuanced approach to free expression.

Adam Szetela, a writer and cultural critic known for his book That Book Is Dangerous!, explores the complexities of sensitivity readers in publishing. He argues that their influence may perpetuate a subtle racism by simplifying characters into mere symbols. The discussion highlights how moral panics and social media shape literary standards, impacting free speech and representation. Szetela addresses the tensions between cultural authenticity and the fear of stereotypes, ultimately advocating for more authentic, nuanced storytelling.

Dive into the world of conspiracy theories as the controversial claims about Brigitte Macron take center stage. Explore how Candace Owens' narratives reflect a broader trend of seeing patterns that aren't there. The discussion also delves into the impact of her outlandish theories on society and examines the surprising contradictions in her advocacy for anti-bullying amidst her divisive rhetoric. It's a thought-provoking look at the dynamics of belief in the digital age.