
UnHerd with Freddie Sayers
Freddie Sayers from online magazine UnHerd seeks out top scientists, writers, politicians and thinkers for in-depth interviews to try and help us work out what’s really going on. What started as an inquiry into the pandemic has broadened into a fascinating look at free speech, science, meaning and the ideas shaping our world.Due to popular demand here is a podcast version of our YouTube — available to watch, for free here or by searching ‘LockdownTV’.Enjoy! And don't forget to rate, like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 40min
Helen Thompson: Rare earths - the next war?
Helen Thompson, a Cambridge University Professor of Political Economy and author of "Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st Century," discusses the geopolitics of rare earth elements. She reveals how China's dominance poses a threat to the West, impacting everything from electric vehicles to military tech. The conversation touches on the strategic importance of rare earths, the complexities of U.S.-China relations, and the potential for future conflicts over resources, including the intriguing possibility of lunar mining. Thompson highlights the looming crisis if the West can't break free from dependence on China.

7 snips
Jul 9, 2025 • 57min
Michael Tracey: Jeffrey Epstein and the end of the conspiracies
Michael Tracey, a journalist and commentator, dives into the fallout of the Jeffrey Epstein files and the conspiracy theories surrounding them. He critiques the Trump administration's failed promises of explosive revelations while shedding light on the disillusionment among conspiracy theorists. Tracey draws parallels to the JFK documents, highlighting the political benefits gained from sensational conspiracies. He also discusses the intricate relationships between government, media, and the populism that fuels such beliefs, revealing their implications on public perception and governance.

Jul 7, 2025 • 40min
Grindr CEO: Are gays behaving more like straights?
George Arison, CEO of Grindr and a transformative leader in the LGBTQ+ dating landscape, discusses his journey from the Soviet Union to spearheading the world’s largest hookup app. He explores the changing dynamics of gay culture, questioning if gay men are adopting more conventional life goals like marriage and children. The conversation delves into Grindr’s evolution from a casual hookup platform to a tool for diverse relationships, and the ongoing challenges in LGBTQ+ political representation, highlighting shifts in attitudes within both Democratic and Republican circles.

11 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 48min
Fiona Hill: The West must wake up
Fiona Hill, a renowned expert on Russia and former Senior Director in the Trump administration, dives into the complexities of global politics. She analyzes the '12-day war' between Israel and Iran and the U.S. military response, discussing its implications for world peace. Hill emphasizes the urgent need for NATO to enhance defense spending and European autonomy amid rising nuclear threats. The conversation also touches on the shifting landscape of foreign policy and the risk of escalating global conflicts, questioning whether we are inching closer to World War III.

5 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 40min
Pentagon insider Dan Caldwell: How the hawks won
In this insightful discussion, Dan Caldwell, a former senior adviser to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Iraq War veteran, shares his perspectives on U.S. military actions against Iran's nuclear sites. He examines the motivations behind these strikes and their effectiveness, questioning their alignment with America's true interests. Caldwell highlights the risks of escalation and the potential for catastrophic consequences, stressing the importance of diplomatic approaches over military involvement in the volatile Middle East.

Jun 19, 2025 • 48min
Druid John Michael Greer: Trump, druidry and barbarian politics
In this engaging conversation, John Michael Greer, a prolific author and former Grand Archdruid, explores what it means to be a modern Druid. He delves into the roots and evolving practices of Druidry, underscoring its significance in today’s world. Greer discusses the interplay of magic and politics, suggesting that spirituality offers solace for the marginalized. He provocatively speculates on Donald Trump's political fate, comparing him to historical leaders who met untimely ends, while examining the cultural shifts and dynamics that shape contemporary society.

22 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 9min
DEBATE: John Mearsheimer & Yoram Hazony on Israel vs. Iran
In a thought-provoking discussion, John Mearsheimer critiques Israel’s strategies toward Iran, warning that U.S. military involvement may backfire and empower rivals like Russia and China. He paints a picture of a flawed approach destined to escalate tensions. Contrastingly, Yoram Hazony ardently defends Israel's stance, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent Iran's nuclear development as crucial for national survival. Together, they explore the nuanced geopolitical landscape, covering the risks of military action and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.

85 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 31min
Iain McGilchrist & Philip Goff: Is the universe conscious?
In this thought-provoking discussion, Iain McGilchrist, a psychiatrist and philosopher, is joined by Philip Goff, a panpsychist thinker and author. They explore whether the universe itself is conscious and challenge the limitations of traditional views on consciousness. The conversation delves into panpsychism, the interconnectedness of individual and universal consciousness, and the nuances of belief and spirituality. They even tackle how childhood intuitions about existence often fade with age, urging listeners to maintain an open mind about cosmic questions.

Jun 10, 2025 • 29min
Los Angeles: Is the US headed to civil war?
Leighton Woodhouse, a reporter and documentary filmmaker, shares his gripping account of the LA protests triggered by ICE immigration raids. He describes the chaotic scene he witnessed, where peaceful demonstrations descended into violence and disorder. Woodhouse challenges mainstream media narratives, questioning who truly escalated the unrest and what it means for civil rights. He reflects on the broader implications of these protests and whether they signal a shift in activism beyond California. His firsthand experiences offer a stark lens into this complex and evolving situation.

13 snips
Jun 6, 2025 • 19min
Steve Bannon: Elon Musk should be deported
In a fiery discussion, Steve Bannon, former Trump Chief Strategist and host of The War Room, vehemently criticizes Elon Musk, labeling him an 'illegal alien' and suggesting deportation. Bannon dives into the fallout between Trump and Musk over financial controversies, asserting that this rift could signal the end of their alliance. He argues for Trump to seize SpaceX, linking Musk’s actions to national security threats. The conversation highlights the clashes within the populist movement and examines the potential implications for America’s economic future.