TRIGGERnometry

Nick Buckley, founder of the Mancunian Way charity and MBE recipient, shares his journey after being dismissed for critiquing Black Lives Matter. He discusses the complexities of accountability and reputation in today’s society, emphasizing the vital role of fathers in youth development. The conversation also navigates the contentious debates around police presence, cancel culture, and misguided social interventions impacting inner-city youth. Through personal anecdotes, Nick highlights the importance of constructive dialogue in addressing these pressing issues.

Iain Dale, a prominent broadcaster and author, dives deep into the complexities of public discourse influenced by social media. He discusses the urgent need for civil debate amid rising polarization and the role of long-form interviews in fostering understanding. Dale also tackles media bias, especially regarding the BBC, and the charismatic leadership of figures like Boris Johnson during key political events. The conversation emphasizes the significance of personal narratives in healing societal rifts and promoting empathy across different perspectives.

Professor Karol Sikora, a leading oncology expert, provides a critical look at the COVID-19 lockdowns and their consequences. He argues that the lockdowns overlooked crucial long-term health care needs, particularly in cancer treatment. Sikora discusses the importance of focusing on hospitalization rates rather than mere case numbers, mental health issues arising from lockdowns, and the need for transparent public health data. With lessons learned, he advocates for better crisis management and personal choice in health decisions, highlighting the societal challenges around discussing death.

Douglas Murray, an insightful author and journalist, dives into the turbulence of today's society. He discusses how events like COVID-19 and the George Floyd protests have reshaped social discourse and increased societal tensions. Murray critiques the media's shift toward propaganda, stressing the need for accountability. He also emphasizes the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths about our history and the dangers of cultural conformity. Exploring multiculturalism's challenges, he advocates for bold conversations to address the complexities of today’s world.

Nigel Biggar is a Regius Professor of Moral & Pastoral Theology at Oxford, focusing on ethics and the morality of empire. In this engaging discussion, he navigates the controversy surrounding British colonial history and emphasizes the need for a balanced view of pride and shame. Biggar highlights the rise of cancel culture in academia and advocates for open dialogue about historical narratives. He stresses the importance of civility and virtue in discourse, arguing that morality is essential for fostering a healthy society amidst diverse beliefs.

David Swift, a Kreitman post-doctoral fellow and author, dives into the shifting landscape of leftist politics. He sheds light on the disconnect between the political left and ordinary voters, especially the working-class in Liverpool. The conversation unpacks the complexities of national pride, the left's struggle to remain relevant, and how minority communities are realigning politically. Swift emphasizes the need for the Labour Party to address everyday concerns like housing and the economy to regain voter trust.

Claire Lehmann, the founding editor of Quillette, dives into the evolving landscape of journalism, emphasizing the detrimental impact of activism on reporting. She discusses how identity politics and cultural responses to the pandemic have shifted societal norms across Australia, the U.S., and the U.K. The conversation also explores the profound changes brought by social media, likening its influence to that of the printing press. Lehmann advocates for a return to objectivity in media, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in journalism and the value of underappreciated professions.

Tom Latchem is a seasoned journalist and broadcaster known for his work during the '90s rave scene. He dives into the crisis facing modern journalism, highlighting the decline of tabloid media amidst digital challenges and public distrust. Latchem articulates the delicate balance between opinion and nuanced writing, revealing how current pressures shape narratives. He also shares insights from his exciting new project, R.O.A.R: The '90s Rave Podcast, where he reconnects with iconic figures from that vibrant era.

Debra Soh, a neuroscientist and former academic sex researcher, dives deep into the contentious topic of gender. She highlights the challenges academics face when challenging societal narratives around gender identity. Soh argues that gender is heavily influenced by biology, not just social constructs. She discusses the complexities of female sexuality and the implications of transitioning, particularly for children. Through her research, she calls for accountability in science, emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in addressing these critical issues.

James Lindsay, author and co-founder of New Discourses, dives into the complexities of social justice ideology and its rapid rise following significant societal events. He discusses the pervasive myths surrounding systemic racism and how they persist despite evidence. The conversation highlights the intricacies of political identity, advocating for centrist views while critiquing language manipulation in discourse. Lindsay also explores the evolution of civil rights and the importance of personal connections in reducing racism, balancing serious topics with humor.