UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

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.

Poppy Sowerby, a keen observer of modern relationships, joins writers Freya India, known for her insights on love, and Sheehan Quirke of The Cultural Tutor fame. Together, they unravel the complexities of romance in 2025, discussing the impact of dating apps on emotional connections. They explore the tension between convenience and authenticity, challenge stereotypes of male romance discussions, and advocate for reclaiming vulnerability in love. Amidst societal pressures, they inspire hope for a re-enchantment of romance in a digital age.

Economist Wolfgang Münchau, renowned for his expertise in European and German economies, shares insights on the dynamics of a tariff war. He highlights how tariffs can be used strategically in negotiations, viewing them as Trump's 'art of the deal.' The conversation navigates historical tariff impacts, the complexities of globalization, and the intricate U.S.-China trade tensions. Münchau also delves into the potential responses from the EU and the geopolitical ramifications, especially post-Brexit, painting a vivid picture of current global trade landscapes.

John Rapley, an economist and author of "Why Empires Fall," teams up with macroeconomist Philip Pilkington, host of the Multipolarity podcast. They delve into the significant decline in US tech valuations and the disruptive rise of the Chinese AI app Deep Seek. The duo analyzes potential indicators of a forthcoming market crash, debates the contrasting economic philosophies of the Trump era, and discusses the shifting investments of global elites at Davos. With a blend of skepticism and insight, they navigate the turbulent waters of today’s economy.