Conversations With Coleman

Niall Ferguson, a leading historian and senior fellow at Stanford's Hoover Institution, joins the discussion to dissect the current wave of protests in Iran. He highlights the unprecedented shift from economic grievances to open calls for regime change. Ferguson examines the regime's crisis of legitimacy and the implications of international sanctions. He delves into how America's past foreign policies and Trump’s unpredictable approach impact the situation. Additionally, they explore the potential outcomes for Iran and the region amidst rising tensions.

Thor Halvorssen, a Venezuelan human rights activist and founder of the Human Rights Foundation, shares his gripping journey into activism sparked by his mother's ordeal with regime violence. He explicates how Venezuela operates as a cartel-state, blending oil, narcotics, and foreign alliances in a unique geopolitical disaster. Discussing media misrepresentation, Halvorssen highlights the regime's deep-rooted corruption and humanitarian crisis. He also outlines a realistic approach to political transition, emphasizing the necessity of sustained international attention.

Gelet Martínez Fragela, a Cuban journalist and activist, dives deep into the intricate ties between Cuba and Venezuela under authoritarian regimes. He highlights how economic mismanagement paved the way for figures like Maduro and discusses the vital role Cubans played in his military support. Gelet reveals the chilling landscape of illicit economies, including drug trafficking and human rights abuses. He also sheds light on the implications of U.S. foreign policy, the Castro-Chávez alliance, and what the future might hold for Venezuelans post-Maduro.

Dr. Anna Machin, a British evolutionary anthropologist at the University of Oxford, explores the science of love, focusing on how attraction and attachment are often misunderstood. She reveals that love is less about emotion and more of a physiological need. Anna critiques the impact of dating apps on our natural mate-finding instincts and discusses the distinctions between attraction, sexual desire, and love at first sight. Myths around pheromones and love languages are debunked, while the nuances of attachment styles and modern relationships are examined, offering practical tips for finding lasting love.

Explore the intriguing dynamics of President Trump's media strategy and its cultural implications. Delve into the causes of declining global birth rates and why cash policies often fall short. Discuss the cautious promise of psychedelics in therapy and the need for regulatory measures. Unpack the relationship between AI and the future of work, emphasizing evolving job demands. Find out why children should limit social media use and hear thoughts on agnosticism, gun reform, and the merits of free markets. A thought-provoking journey through current societal challenges!

Tim Miller, a leading Never Trump conservative and MSNBC analyst, dives into the Republican Party's transformation and what it means for the future of U.S. politics. He shares his experience as an openly gay Republican, highlighting the personal challenges faced in a changing political landscape. Tim discusses the collapse of Trump's favorability among certain voter groups, the controversial drug-boat strikes, and the persistent issues of conspiratorial media. He raises thought-provoking questions about the potential for future GOP nationalism and the lessons Democrats could learn for 2028.

Reid Hoffman, entrepreneur and LinkedIn co-founder, dives into the complexities of political prosecutions and their effects on trust in institutions. He reveals his own experiences with the Department of Justice under the current administration. The conversation explores how technology, including social media and AI, contributes to societal suspicion, alongside debates on inequality and the existence of billionaires. Hoffman emphasizes the need for balance in truth-oriented platforms and warns of the normalization of politically motivated tactics.

In this engaging conversation, Andy McCarthy, a former chief assistant U.S. attorney and now a National Review columnist, dives into the intricate world of modern lawfare and justice. He examines the prosecutions of Donald Trump and his political rivals, arguing that many crossed the line into lawfare. McCarthy also highlights the implications of high-profile cases, assesses the shifting dynamics in American justice, and advocates for a return to ethical prosecution standards that prioritize serious crime over political agendas.

In this conversation, Warren Smith, a professor and filmmaker, dives into the viral moment that cost him his job—a challenge to students about J.K. Rowling’s alleged bigotry. He discusses the fallout of his firing, reflecting on campus culture, wokeness, and identity politics. Warren compares modern protests to historic civil rights movements and critiques how postmodernism influences student narratives. Their discussion touches on the role of professors in shaping discourse, the implications of taxpayer funding for elite universities, and potential reforms in higher education.

Award-winning political journalist Astead Herndon, who has reported for The New York Times and CNN, explores the shifting dynamics of Black voters and their growing support for Trump. He delves into the implications of Mamdani’s victory in NYC politics, emphasizing a generational shift and trust issues with the political establishment. Astead critiques polling methods and discusses the factors driving Black men toward the Right, including economic concerns and targeted messaging, revealing a complex landscape of American politics.