UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kyle Chan, a postdoctoral researcher at Princeton specializing in Chinese industry, discusses the seismic shifts shaping U.S.-China relations. He explores China's rapid rise in tech sectors, particularly AI and electric vehicles, and military implications tied to manufacturing dominance. Chan questions whether U.S. policies might inadvertently foster a 'Chinese Century' and highlights the urgency for the U.S. to enhance its competitiveness and rethink supply chains to offset reliance on China. The future of U.S.-China relations is cautiously optimistic yet fraught with challenges.

Ben Schiller, Managing Editor of Opinion at CoinDesk and a crypto industry expert, discusses the surprising pivot of Donald Trump towards cryptocurrency. They analyze Trump's newfound enthusiasm, his family's significant stake in crypto ventures, and the ethical implications of their involvement. Schiller highlights the launch of a $TRUMP memecoin and examines how political figures like JD Vance are shaping crypto regulations. The conversation raises questions about the intersection of politics and crypto, exploring whether this is a financial revolution or merely a strategic maneuver.

Yanis Varoufakis, the former Greek finance minister and a sharp critic of EU policies, joins German journalist Wolfgang Münchau to examine Europe's precarious future. They discuss the rise of populism in countries like Romania and Poland, highlighting the paradox of economic growth amid political instability. The duo emphasizes the widening East-West divide in the EU, the impact of nationalism on political dynamics, and the regions' complex economic interdependence, cautioning against the risks of fragmentation in Europe’s cohesion.

Ben Shapiro, a conservative political commentator and co-founder of The Daily Wire, dives into the fractures within the American Right. He candidly critiques Trump’s presidency, highlighting both his successes and missteps. The conversation covers the rising antisemitism and free speech challenges in today's political landscape. Shapiro also addresses the implications of Candace Owens' departure from The Daily Wire and explores the ideological rifts on foreign policy, particularly the shift towards less interventionism among conservatives.