Conversations With Coleman

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.

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.