Conversations With Coleman

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.

Victor Davis Hanson, a classicist and military historian at Stanford’s Hoover Institution, delves into intriguing topics like the bizarre revisionism surrounding WWII, arguing against claims that Churchill began the war. He discusses Tucker Carlson's controversial platforming of fringe ideas and why it poses risks. Hanson also shares insights on Trump's political support, dissecting critiques of his character while emphasizing the systemic challenges he faces. With a unique perspective shaped by his farming background, he reflects on America's shifting political landscape.

Shilo Brooks, a professor and the host of the Old School podcast, dives into Thomas Sowell's A Conflict of Visions. They explore the tension between constrained and unconstrained visions in politics, discussing how these perspectives shape views on issues like crime and education. Shilo emphasizes the necessity of accepting trade-offs in a constrained view, while Coleman critiques the idealism of unconstrained thinkers. They also examine personal beliefs and their formation—are they chosen or shaped by experience? Their insights reveal the complexities of modern political discourse.

In this conversation, Carole Hooven, an evolutionary biologist and former Harvard lecturer, discusses her groundbreaking work on testosterone and sex differences. She shares her experiences with backlash for stating biological truths, highlighting the complexities of puberty blockers and hormones. Hooven explains the critical role of testosterone in development, aggression, and behavioral patterns, emphasizing the challenges of segregating sports by hormone levels. Her insights challenge cultural narratives, advocating for a clear understanding of biological evidence.

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!