UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

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advocated for severe restrictions should be forgiven.Hitchens explores whether the fervour surrounding the pandemic has been replaced by a new wave of political and media hysteria, particularly with the war in Ukraine.Is society moving from one crisis mentality to another?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.

Elizabeth Oldfield, host of The Sacred podcast, and John Vervaeke, a cognitive scientist at the University of Toronto, explore how faith might combat the West's growing 'meaning crisis.' They discuss the personal journeys of faith and the transformative power of community connections. The duo critiques cultural Christianity while advocating for a more relational understanding of belief, urging a deeper approach to meaning that transcends modern isolation. Their conversation weaves in themes of love, ethics, and the role of digital connections in contemporary spirituality.

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers sits down with Nigel Farage's closest former adviser and fired Head of Press for Reform UK, Gawain Towler, to delve into the party’s internal strife.Towler shares the inside story behind the dramatic fallout with Rupert Lowe, the escalating civil war within the party, and what these tensions mean for Reform UK's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start building your family tree and discover the incredible stories that make you, you. Head to https://bit.ly/UnHerd to begin your 14-day free trial journey.For years, Western politics has been dominated by a thematic drift to the populist right, as movements surged in Canada and beyond. But with Mark Carney’s victory as Trudeau’s successor, has the liberal establishment staged a dramatic comeback?Are we witnessing a revenge of the globalists? Can Mark Carney beat Pierre Poilievre at the inevitable next election? Who is better placed to take on Trump?Marshall Auerback joins UnHerd’s Freddie Sayers for a conversation about the possible return of liberal managerialism, Mark Carney’s vision, and the future of Canadian politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Maurice Glasman, a Labour peer and founder of Blue Labour, shares his insights on the complexities of modern politics. He dives into the contrasts between isolationism and interventionism, particularly regarding Ukraine. Glasman explores the intricate ties between British politics and American populism, revealing how the MAGA movement influences both sides of the Atlantic. He also critiques the current Labour government’s approach and discusses the evolving identity of political parties amidst shifting public sentiments.

Katja Hoyer, author of 'Beyond the Wall' and expert on German politics, discusses the AfD's dramatic rise and its impact on the electoral landscape. She examines the stark political divide in Germany, particularly the party's stronghold in East Germany and the historical roots of this division. Hoyer highlights the traditional parties' struggles amidst rising right-wing sentiments and explores the controversial immigration policies promoted by the AfD. Her insights shed light on changing voter demographics and the potential future of German governance.

Nathan Halberstadt, a former consultant at Boston Consulting Group, shares his eye-opening experiences with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. He delves into the pressure to conform within corporate environments and critiques the accountability issues in consulting firms. Halberstadt highlights the disconnect between DEI goals and actual outcomes, revealing ethical dilemmas in consulting practices. He advocates for restoring individual agency and innovation, urging a shift in how the younger generation perceives consulting and the role it plays in decision-making.

N.S. Lyons, a geopolitical analyst and Substack writer with deep insights into China, delves into the evolving global landscape. He challenges the waning Bipolarity and critiques the bureaucracies limiting free speech in Europe. The discussion touches on the clash of traditional values and modern 'woke' ideologies, exploring how the pandemic exposed the limitations of technocratic authority. Lyons emphasizes the need for grassroots movements and critiques the disconnect between liberal democracy and individual engagement, bringing urgency to discussions of nationalism and sovereignty.