UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

In this captivating discussion, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, a lifelong pro-life activist, shares insights into her fight against abortion. Army veteran Adam Smith-Connor recounts his arrest for silently praying outside an abortion clinic, questioning the boundaries of free speech. Livia Tossici-Bolt, a retired scientist, discusses her conviction for holding a supportive sign, highlighting the contentious nature of public faith. Together, they examine the implications of buffer zones on personal freedoms, sparking a transatlantic debate over censorship and religious expression.

JD Vance, the US Vice President and author of "Hillbilly Elegy," discusses his vision for US-UK relations and the promise of a new trade deal. He comments on the complexities of the Ukraine conflict and the need for a more independent Europe. Vance critiques European defense spending while noting changing perceptions of Trump among European leaders. He also highlights how social media helps bridge the gap between high-ranking officials and the public, offering insights into modern political communication.

Douglas Murray, a British author and political commentator known for his provocative views, discusses his journey from literature to politics, shaped by his Oxford experiences. He addresses his controversial appearances, particularly on Joe Rogan's podcast, challenging mainstream narratives. With a focus on British culture and the misunderstood label of neoconservatism, Murray delves into the complexities of moral clarity in a relativistic world. He also shares insights from the ongoing conflict in Israel, highlighting the emotional weight of war and its implications for society.

Slavoj Žižek, the provocative Slovenian philosopher and psychoanalyst, dives into the chaos of contemporary politics. He critiques the paternal symbolism in leaders like Trump while probing the absurdity of modern authority. Discussing the intersection of power and psychoanalysis, he questions truth in political discourse. Žižek also reflects on Trump’s contradictory legacy and its impact on liberalism, suggesting that societal norms are shifting amidst an ongoing cultural revolution. With unique insights, he tackles themes of alienation and identity.

Wolfgang Munchau, an economic commentator and director of Eurointelligence, joins Anatole Kaletsky, chief economist at Gavekal, for a deep dive into the tumultuous state of global markets. They discuss how Trump's tariff policies are shaking up globalization and could lead to a recession reminiscent of 2008. The duo examines the potential shift away from American economic dominance and the challenges Europe faces in its relationship with China, along with the urgent need for new international trade alliances.

Robert Zubrin, an aerospace engineer and founder of the Mars Society, passionately argues for colonizing Mars. He outlines the significant challenges of manned missions, including advanced technology and sustainable living arrangements. Zubrin contrasts the agile approach of SpaceX with NASA's bureaucratic hurdles, reflecting on Elon Musk's impact on the future of space travel. He envisions a vibrant Martian society with innovative energy sources and agricultural methods, setting the stage for humanity's next frontier.

Claire Lehmann, founder and editor of Quillette, dives into the shifting landscape of free speech amid rising right-wing populism. She discusses how both extremes of the political spectrum suppress opposing views and highlights the complexities of maintaining editorial integrity. The conversation also touches on illiberalism in academia, the impact of social media on discourse, and the nuances of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Lehmann underscores the importance of courage in expressing controversial beliefs in today’s polarized environment.

Stephen Sackur, the iconic host of BBC’s HARDtalk, shares his journey through nearly three decades of rigorous journalism. He reveals the shocking closure of the show and the troubling decision-making process behind it. Sackur reflects on unforgettable interviews, especially with world leaders, and discusses the future of journalism in a rapidly changing media landscape. He critiques media bias, explores the essence of truth in podcasting, and examines the challenges of maintaining journalistic integrity while highlighting the evolving role of platforms like the BBC.

Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan, a seasoned neurologist from London's National Hospital and author of "It's All in Your Head," dives into the pressing issues of over-diagnosis in health. She highlights that 1 in 10 in England believe they have long COVID and questions the potential dangers of over-medicalization in mental health. O'Sullivan also discusses the complexities surrounding autism diagnoses and the need for nuanced understandings of health conditions to avoid mislabeling and unnecessary stigma. Her insights encourage a more holistic approach to health care.

Journalist and author Peter Hitchens joins Freddie Sayers to reflect on the world 5 years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As society grapples with the lasting impact of lockdowns, Hitchens questions whether those who advocated for severe restrictions should be forgiven.Hitchens explores whether the fervour surrounding the pandemic has been replaced by a new wave of political and media hysteria, particularly with the war in Ukraine.Is society moving from one crisis mentality to another? Are we learning from past mistakes, or doomed to repeat them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.