Conversations With Coleman

Gelet Martínez Fragela, a Cuban-born journalist and political refugee, shares her harrowing experiences and insights into life under the Castro regime. She illuminates the realities behind Cuba’s ration cards, labor camps, and soaring incarceration rates. Gelet challenges misconceptions about the U.S. embargo and exposes the regime's pervasive disinformation tactics. She also discusses the significance of the July 2021 protests and emphasizes how Chinese training bolsters Cuba's anti-riot police. Her call for targeted U.S. sanctions is a crucial takeaway.

Explore the shocking murder of Detroit leader Samantha Woll, brutally taken from her community. Delve into the twists of the investigation that ruled out a hate crime, raising questions about justice. Hear from those who doubt the official account and recount the bizarre details surrounding her tragic death. Join Frannie Block as she unveils the promising investigative journey and emotional impact of this haunting case on the city.

Dr. Gad Saad, an evolutionary psychologist and author of Suicidal Empathy, dives deep into the concept of empathy that has gone awry. He shares his childhood in Lebanon, highlighting the impact of identity politics on his worldview. Gad critiques the rise of 'suicidal empathy'—where victims are overlooked in favor of their perpetrators. He argues this phenomenon predominantly originates from the political left, while acknowledging empathy misapplications exist on both sides. The conversation challenges listeners to consider the balance of moral judgment.

Nicholas Wade, a former science writer and author of influential books on evolution, discusses provocative topics like race and genetics. He explores the genetic clustering of racial groups and their limited biological relevance for policy. Wade delves into the fertility crisis, linking economic factors to declining birth rates. He argues that political systems must align with human nature and examines how modern dynamics replace tribalism with polarization. Ultimately, he tackles the implications of evolutionary insights on family structures and national politics.

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.