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
Oct 24, 2024 • 32min
Glenn Loury: Why black men are warming to Trump
In this engaging discussion, Glenn Loury, an acclaimed economist and the first African American tenured professor at Harvard, delves into the evolving political landscape. He explores what a post-election America might resemble, contrasting potential leadership styles of Kamala Harris and Trump. Loury sheds light on identity politics and its effectiveness in attracting Black voters while revealing surprising trends in support for Trump among diverse groups. His unique insights into voter dynamics and cultural perspectives make for a thought-provoking conversation.
8 snips
Oct 17, 2024 • 47min
Mattias Desmet: Are you suffering from mass formation psychosis?
In this engaging conversation, Mattias Desmet, a psychology professor at the University of Ghent and author of 'The Psychology of Totalitarianism', dissects mass formation psychosis, particularly its rise during the pandemic. He delves into how loneliness fuels herd mentality and explores the crucial need for dissenting voices. Desmet highlights the potential for a movement toward sincerity and truth as a counter to manipulation, urging a return to empathy and ethical resilience to combat totalitarianism, and emphasizing the power of authentic expression in challenging collective pressures.
Oct 11, 2024 • 40min
Rosie Duffield: Why I quit the Labour Party
Rosie Duffield, the Independent MP for Canterbury and former Labour member, shares her compelling journey of resignation from the party just months after her election. She compares her experience under Keir Starmer's leadership to an 'abusive relationship.' Duffield exposes the rift between party leadership and members, revealing feelings of neglect and disconnection. She also critiques the leadership's approach to rural constituencies and gender issues, emphasizing the struggles of backbench MPs in today's political landscape.
Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 21min
David Owen: A radical life
David Owen, former Labour MP and Foreign Secretary, dives deep into his political journey, highlighting his disillusionment with the Labour Party and the founding of the Social Democratic Party. He discusses the challenges facing current Labour leadership under Keir Starmer and critiques the UK's political landscape. Owen shares insights on populism versus democracy, touching on historical events like the Suez Crisis. He remains optimistic about Britain's future role in global defense, particularly regarding support for Ukraine, and reflects on the complexities of constituency engagement.
Oct 2, 2024 • 37min
Robby Soave: "I'm sick of one-sided fact-checking"
Robby Soave, a sharp commentator on political debates and media narratives, joins to dissect the recent vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz. He digs into the debate's dynamics, addressing crucial topics overlooked by the candidates, like censorship and political trust. Soave also highlights the emerging complexities in abortion policy and the urgent need for the Republican Party to rebuild voter confidence. The conversation extends into foreign policy, emphasizing the pressing geopolitical tensions that demand strategic thought.
Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 12min
Liz Truss: I think I was right
Liz Truss, a former UK Prime Minister known for her tumultuous 49-day tenure and advocacy for free market libertarianism, discusses her new book, ‘Ten Years to Save the West.’ She delves into the lessons learned from her time in office and the intense scrutiny surrounding her economic policies. Truss examines the challenges within the Conservative Party, the impact of COVID-19 on leadership, and the disconnect between political elites and public sentiment. She also shares insights on Trump's foreign policy and advocates for accountability in governance.
52 snips
Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 30min
Curtis Yarvin: Welcome to the Dark Enlightenment
Curtis Yarvin, a provocative political theorist and author known for his writings as Mencius Moldbug, dives deep into the complexities of democracy and the dangers of concentrated power. He critiques modern governance, highlighting the historical skepticism towards democracy by America's founders. Yarvin discusses the contradictions in societal views on democracy, the pitfalls of relying on experts, and the instinctual behaviors of power and rebellion. His unique perspective invites listeners to rethink contemporary political narratives and the role of oligarchy in America.
Sep 2, 2024 • 34min
Katja Hoyer & Thomas Fazi: Political earthquake in East Germany
Katja Hoyer, an expert on East Germany, and Thomas Fazi, a columnist focusing on Sarah Wagenknecht, dive into the recent political upheaval in East Germany. They discuss the surprising electoral rise of the AfD and Wagenknecht's new party, signaling a significant shift in political alliances. The conversation highlights the discontent with traditional parties and the urgent need for centrist strategies to re-engage voters. They also advocate for a redefined sense of security, emphasizing economic stability alongside social issues.
Aug 23, 2024 • 23min
Freddie Sayers and Emily Jashinsky: What’s Kamala up to?
Emily Jashinsky, a sharp political commentator and writer, joins Freddie Sayers to discuss Kamala Harris's recent speech at the DNC. They delve into the cautious tone of her address, which lacked bold initiatives and diverged from Hillary Clinton's gender-centric messaging. The conversation highlights the complexities of Harris's political maneuvers, especially her balancing act in foreign policy and the shifting polling landscape ahead of the elections. Jashinsky and Sayers assess Harris's chances against Donald Trump, considering the strategic challenges she faces.
Aug 20, 2024 • 51min
Who really blew up the Nord Stream pipeline?
Journalist Bojan Pancevski dives deep into the explosive controversy surrounding the Nord Stream pipeline. He explores various conspiracy theories about potential perpetrators, including Russia and Ukraine, and discusses Ukraine's contentious role in the incident. The conversation highlights the political intrigues affecting accountability within Ukrainian politics and the complex logistics behind the covert operation. Pancevski also addresses the broader implications of national narratives amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, shedding light on the intricacies of modern warfare.
