The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast

Billionaire investor and PayPal co-founder Peter Thiel sits down with Jordan Peterson for a powerful conversation about why real progress has stalled. Thiel argues that the last truly groundbreaking achievement may have been landing on the moon—and since then, we've slowed down. He explains how fear, red tape, and over-specialization have made us more cautious and less ambitious. They dig into how society has shifted away from building and inventing, toward digital distractions and endless talk. They also explore what’s been lost as faith and meaning have disappeared from public life. From broken universities to status-driven culture wars, this is a deep and thought-provoking look at the challenges facing the West—and what we might do to turn things around. Peter Thiel is a German-born entrepreneur, venture capitalist, activist, and billionaire who emigrated to the U.S. as a child, eventually settling in California after years of moving between countries. A Stanford Law graduate, he began his career as a clerk and derivatives trader before founding Thiel Capital with $1 million from friends and family. Despite early setbacks, he co-founded Confinity, which became PayPal, launching a streak of ventures including Palantir, Clarium Capital, and early investment in Facebook. Thiel is an openly gay supporter of the Republican party, advocating for both equal rights and certain conservative policies, making his political stance admirably nuanced. This episode was filmed on March 31st, 2025.  | Links | For Peter Thiel: X https://x.com/peterthiel?lang=en Read “Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future” https://a.co/d/fAfeXm8 

Tim Tebow, former professional athlete and philanthropist, shares his journey from MVP titles to founding the Tim Tebow Foundation, inspired by a transformative encounter in the Philippines. He and Jordan B. Peterson discuss the importance of masculinity in today's society and how competitive drive can be harnessed for service. Tebow emphasizes resilience, the value of accepting failure, and the need for a mindset shift toward growth. Their inspiring conversation challenges societal views on masculinity while highlighting the intrinsic worth of every individual.

In a captivating dialogue, renowned farmer Joel Salatin, co-owner of Polyface Farm and a leading voice in regenerative agriculture, shares his insights on the myths surrounding cows and climate change. He emphasizes the necessity of storytelling in business and how it can transform agriculture. Salatin discusses the joys of farming, the importance of routine for both animals and humans, and the revival of degraded lands through managed grazing. He also touches on the entrepreneurial journey of farmers, advocating for trust and sustainable practices in building customer relationships.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Ernst Roets, a South African author and activist, shares insights into the complex history and current socio-political landscape of South Africa. They explore the genetic and cultural diversity that defines the continent and the misconceptions surrounding its history. Roets emphasizes the need for decentralization and self-governance as solutions to challenges like poverty and inequality. The conversation also touches on the dangers of political rhetoric and the importance of community identity in fostering a more equitable society.

Dr. Jordan B. Peterson examines Mark Carney's rise to prime minister amid a complex political landscape in Canada. The discussion uncovers Carney's qualifications, critiques diversity and climate policies, and questions their economic implications. Key issues include the impact of renewable energy transitions, the challenges of net-zero goals, and the disconnect between political elites and ordinary citizens. The podcast invites listeners to ponder the realities of leadership and governance in today's socio-economic climate.

In this thought-provoking conversation, Jacob Howland, a philosophy professor and Dean of Intellectual Foundations at the University of Austin, delves into profound topics such as the intersection of AI and human values. He explores how man's limitations can spark infinite creativity and the philosophical implications of modern technology. The discussion also touches on the quest for meaning beyond mere happiness and the importance of navigating faith with humility in scientific inquiry, all while reflecting on ancient wisdom that resonates today.

Winston Marshall, co-founder of Mumford & Sons and host of 'The Winston Marshall Show,' engages in a thought-provoking discussion on identity and community. They dive into the complexities of British identity, balancing diversity with national unity. Marshall highlights the need for individual responsibility in preserving culture and critiques modern censorship and class distinctions. The conversation explores the relationship between politics and entertainment, emphasizing the moral implications within society today.

Mark Siljander, a former Congressman and ambassador known for his work in peacebuilding, shares his transformative journey from a pro-war stance to advocating for understanding between Muslims and Christians. He discusses his role in the Abraham Accords, challenges of military interventions, and the importance of interfaith dialogue. Siljander emphasizes the shared values of the Abrahamic faiths and the significance of empathy in resolving conflicts. His insights reveal the potential for unity and peace through meaningful communication and compassion in the face of deep-rooted disagreements.

In this discussion with Dr. Baland Jalal, a leading neuroscientist and expert on sleep paralysis from Harvard, fascinating insights emerge on the science of dreams and nightmares. They explore how the brain processes emotions during REM sleep and the potential connections between dreams and mystical experiences. Jalal also delves into the cultural narratives surrounding sleep paralysis, revealing how different societies perceive and cope with fear. Additionally, they touch on the rubber hand illusion and its implications for our understanding of embodiment and identity.

In this discussion, John Vervaeke, an associate professor at the University of Toronto, known for his work on wisdom and meaning, and Jordan Hall, an entrepreneur with a knack for systems thinking, dive deep into the nature of conscience and moral challenges. They explore the importance of meaningful dialogue and personal transformation through conversations. Additionally, they tackle the dynamics of power, societal hierarchies, and the quest for higher values, illuminating the relationship between creativity, agency, and existential dilemmas.