UnHerd with Freddie Sayers
UnHerd
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
8 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 44min
Steven Pinker: Questions that shouldn't be asked
Renowned cognitive psychologist and Harvard professor Steven Pinker dives into his latest book, exploring common knowledge's influence on society. He discusses the tension between cancel culture and academic inquiry and the risks of avoiding taboo topics. Pinker critiques the impact of social media on public discourse and considers the decline of democracy. He also examines populist leaders who gain popularity by challenging societal norms. Despite these concerns, he ends on a cautiously optimistic note, emphasizing the need for active engagement to foster progress.
Oct 2, 2025 • 1h 4min
Lord Maurice Glasman: Could Blue Labour stop Reform?
Lord Maurice Glasman, a prominent Labour peer and founder of the Blue Labour movement, discusses the party's identity crisis and its drift from working-class roots. He critiques Keir Starmer's leadership style while emphasizing the need for an industrial strategy to revitalize job creation. Glasman warns of Nigel Farage's Reform movement gaining traction among disillusioned voters. He draws parallels between Blue Labour and the populist energy behind Trump, arguing for a renewed focus on vocational education and grassroots engagement to reclaim Labour's connection with the community.
38 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 1h 23min
Paul Kingsnorth: How to fight the Machine
In a captivating conversation, Paul Kingsnorth, a seasoned writer and former editor of The Ecologist, delves into the themes of his new book, Against the Machine. He critiques the dehumanizing grip of modernity and likens AI to the 'Antichrist.' Kingsnorth advocates for a radical rethink of cultural values, suggesting we let the contemporary West collapse to foster human-centric societies. He champions a thoughtful resistance to technology, emphasizes the need to protect childhood from screens, and explores the spiritual dimensions of our digital lives.
16 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 41min
James Lindsay: Beware Right-wing cancel culture
James Lindsay, an author and commentator known for his critiques of illiberal movements, joins the conversation to tackle the troubling emergence of cancel culture on the political Right. He reflects on the balance between free speech and accountability following violent events. Lindsay also discusses privacy concerns in leaked communications and the potential dangers of doxxing. He emphasizes the need for restraint and rebuilding civic norms to prevent further escalation of violence in today's polarized society.
15 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 30min
Dr Martin Kulldorff: What I told RFK Jr about vaccines
In this conversation, Dr. Martin Kulldorff, an epidemiologist and co-author of the Great Barrington Declaration, shares his insights on vaccine policies and the recent upheaval at the CDC. He discusses Sweden's ‘focused protection’ strategy during the pandemic and critiques the effectiveness claims surrounding COVID vaccines. Kulldorff emphasizes the importance of rebuilding public trust in vaccination efforts, diving into the ramifications of misinformation and political narratives that have influenced public perception of vaccines.
40 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 46min
Thomas Chatterton Williams: The centre cannot hold
Thomas Chatterton Williams, author of 'Summer of Our Discontent', dives into the shifts in American politics following the recent Charlie Kirk incident. He discusses the eerie parallels between now and 2020, examining media narratives and the polarization fueled by racial dynamics and societal tensions. Williams critiques the discontent with centrist politics and warns against the rise of extremist views while analyzing how the pandemic and elite distrust have radicalized opinions. He emphasizes the importance of real-life connections to bridge divides and restore meaningful discourse.
30 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 32min
Is Charlie Kirk's murder a tipping point?
Emily Jashinsky, host of the Undercurrents channel and White House reporter, joins Sohrab Ahmari, UnHerd's US Editor, to delve into the chilling aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination. They discuss the impact of this event on American politics, highlighting fears of escalating violence and the breakdown of civil debate. The guests explore potential government crackdowns and the intertwining of social media with extremist ideologies, emphasizing the urgent need for open dialogue amid a polarized climate.
30 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 45min
Matt Taibbi: Has Elon Musk ruined politics?
Matt Taibbi, a former Rolling Stone reporter and current publisher of Racket News, discusses Elon Musk's impact on political discourse following his acquisition of Twitter. He reflects on whether Musk has truly delivered a freer public square, or if X has become a platform rife with misinformation. The conversation also touches on the cultural battles around free speech in both the U.S. and the U.K., exemplified by controversies involving public figures and the regulation of harmful content versus protecting free expression.
Aug 30, 2025 • 33min
Lina Khan: How to break the monopoly machine
Lina Khan, the former chair of the Federal Trade Commission under Biden, dives deep into the antitrust landscape and corporate power dynamics. She discusses how corporations manipulate both woke and anti-woke rhetoric to shield their monopolistic practices. Khan critiques the challenges posed by lobbyist capture and mega-mergers, while questioning whether genuine economic populism can take root within the Democratic Party. The conversation also touches on the implications of non-compete clauses and how institutional investors affect housing markets.
83 snips
Aug 27, 2025 • 35min
Is this the Disenlightenment?
James Marriott is a cultural critic for The Times of London, while Jared Henderson is a YouTuber tackling philosophical concepts. They dive into the alarming decline in reading habits, especially among young men, linking it to broader cultural and educational crises. Marriott warns of a perilous 'post-literate society' where critical thinking fades, while Henderson offers solutions to rekindle reading interest. The discussion navigates the conflict between traditional reading and digital distractions, reflecting on literacy's evolution amidst the rising influence of technology.
