

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

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.

6 snips
Aug 8, 2024 • 37min
Silkie Carlo: Get ready for the crackdown
Silkie Carlo, a representative from Big Brother Watch, dives into the pressing issues of civil liberties and government surveillance. She discusses the potential misuse of facial recognition technology by the UK police, highlighting its dangers without public consent. The conversation also addresses the balance between free speech and the challenges posed by misinformation on social media. Carlo underscores the urgent need to defend civil liberties, particularly in times of crisis, while navigating the evolving landscape of state censorship and personal freedoms.

Aug 6, 2024 • 32min
Aris Roussinos: Ethnic conflict has come to Britain
Aris Roussinos, a columnist for UnHerd, shares compelling insights from the frontlines of recent riots across the UK. He discusses how these civil clashes are rooted in ethnic conflict rather than typical gang violence, drawing parallels to Northern Ireland's historical divisions. Roussinos explores troubling trends, including rising violence against immigrant businesses and the complex dynamics of identity politics. He highlights how demographic shifts and migration policies are fueling unrest, ultimately reshaping the future of British society.

Aug 1, 2024 • 26min
Olympic boxing scandal: Sex and the science of fair sport
Algerian boxer Imane Khelif made headlines by winning an Olympic match by default after Italian Angela Carini protested her participation due to Khelif's XY chromosomes. Sports scientist Tommy Lundberg delves into the swirling controversies surrounding gender identity, intersex athletes, and fair competition in boxing. The trio discusses the ramifications of testosterone levels and the ongoing debates about inclusion in women's sports. This poignant conversation sheds light on the complexities of maintaining fairness while navigating the evolving landscape of athletic competition.

Jul 26, 2024 • 58min
Nina Power: Free speech on trial
Nina Power, a philosopher focused on free speech and the role of artists, explores the complex tensions surrounding controversial ideas. She shares insights from her legal battles involving defamation claims and the impact of cancel culture on personal well-being. The discussion emphasizes the necessity of engaging with taboo subjects to foster understanding. Power reflects on the ramifications of leaked private messages and societal pressures, advocating for a resilient approach to open dialogue amid scrutiny.

Jul 19, 2024 • 23min
Emily Jashinsky: It was a new Donald Trump... for ten minutes!
DC Correspondent Emily Jashinsky discusses the Republican National Convention, analyzing Trump's speech evolution and the theme of divine protection. They explore the shift in tone at the convention, the unity and potential cult-like aspects within the Republican Party, and speculate on Joe Biden's potential exit.

Jul 16, 2024 • 39min
Oren Cass: The philosophy of J.D. Vance
Oren Cass, policy strategist and founder of American Compass, discusses J.D. Vance's potential impact on American politics. They talk about trade policy, reimagining value in the economy, Senator Vance's controversial stances on Ukraine and NATO, US strategic interests in relation to China, worker power evolution in the Republican Party, and potential policy changes under a Trump administration.

Jul 15, 2024 • 32min
Donald Trump now seems invincible
Political commentator Emily Jashinsky discusses the recent assassination attempt on Donald Trump with UnHerd's Freddie Sayers. They analyze Trump's image, potential shifts in his speaking tone for the Republican Convention, and the impacts of near-death experiences on political strategies. The discussion also covers the political landscape amidst recent events and the influence on Trump and Biden's election prospects.

Jul 8, 2024 • 32min
Louis-Vincent Gave: Has populism been thwarted in France?
Louis-Vincent Gave discusses the surge in left-wing support in France's recent elections, questioning if it marks the end of populism. They analyze the misrepresentation of election outcomes by journalists, the impact of Israel on French politics, and the rise of populism in Europe. The conversation also explores the potential outcomes of the U.S. presidential election on global politics and the challenges faced by populist parties in French governance.