The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Katie Herzog, author of 'Drink Your Way Sober' and co-host of the Blocked & Reported podcast, shares her journey with alcoholism and the innovative Sinclair Method, where naltrexone helps retrain the brain against alcohol's effects. She discusses the varied success of Alcoholics Anonymous and explores alternative treatments, emphasizing individual recovery paths. Herzog also reflects on the cancel culture that inspired her podcast, and shares insights on political polarization, activism, and the complexities of modern drug treatment.

Dr. Wolf von Laer, CEO of Students for Liberty, and Sean Themea, COO of Young Americans for Liberty, discuss the seismic shift in campus activism following Charlie Kirk's murder. They explore the emotional fallout, the urgency of free speech, and how the tragedy has reshaped their organizations' strategies. Wolf outlines the growth and educational focus of SFL, while Sean shares insights on confrontational politics and grassroots mobilization. The conversation delves into the importance of libertarian ideas in today's campus climate and their efforts to unite student voices.

Marcus Capone, a former Navy SEAL and co-founder of VETS, champions psychedelic therapies for veterans after his own transformative experience with ibogaine. Jon Shenk, an Oscar-nominated filmmaker, shares insights from his documentary 'In Waves and War,' showcasing veterans using psychedelic therapy to heal from PTSD and TBIs. They discuss the challenges veterans face due to FDA regulations, the stark realities of war, and the importance of integrating therapy with psychedelics to foster lasting recovery. Their mission is to raise awareness and influence policy for better veteran care.

Jake Tapper, CNN anchor and author of "Race Against Terror," dives into pressing issues around media and politics. He critiques how Trump's approach mirrors Obama's in dealing with terrorism and highlights the chilling effects of presidential pressure on journalism. Tapper also discusses the legacy media's failings, particularly regarding Biden’s decline and the complexities of censorship. As the media landscape shifts, he emphasizes the need for independent outlets to adapt and maintain journalistic integrity amid rising consolidation.

Jeff Flake, former U.S. senator from Arizona and U.S. ambassador to Turkey, shares insights on the Republican Party's transformation under Trump. He reflects on his principled stand against political degradation and the costs of compromise. Discussing immigration, Flake argues for expansion of legal pathways, linking anti-immigrant sentiment with protectionism. He emphasizes the need for political reforms to improve governance and warns of rising national debt. Flake's journey includes efforts in foreign diplomacy and hopes for a more engaged, responsible political culture.

In this engaging discussion, Ben Wizner, the ACLU's Deputy Legal Director and a key figure in civil liberties litigation, delves into the chilling effects of Trump’s second term on free speech. He compares today’s censorship climate to historical events like McCarthyism. Wizner highlights the ACLU's commitment to defending unpopular speech, including its controversial support for the NRA. They also explore the ongoing challenges of surveillance reform and the impact of whistleblowers like Edward Snowden, bringing a crucial perspective on civil liberties in today's political landscape.

Lionel Shriver, acclaimed novelist known for works like We Need to Talk About Kevin, discusses how society interprets tragedies, particularly in light of recent events. She critiques the notion of assigning meaning to violence while reflecting on the dangers of political polarization and the rise of 'political religion.' Shriver shares her views on immigration, expressing concerns about cultural assimilation, and hints at themes from her upcoming novel, A Better Life, which tackles the complexities of the migrant crisis.

Janine Younis, a civil liberties attorney and former public defender, talks about her pivotal lawsuits against the Biden administration, including Murthy v. Missouri, addressing social media censorship. She highlights the decline of free speech in America and the dangers posed by both political extremes. Younis passionately defends the First Amendment, asserting that all speech should be protected, even if it's controversial. She also discusses how government pressure can undermine free expression and emphasizes the need for constant vigilance in protecting civil liberties.

In a gripping discussion, Dan Krauss, a documentary filmmaker and director of Bodyguard of Lies, delves into the failures of the U.S. war in Afghanistan. He reveals how military leaders like Donald Rumsfeld used deception to justify a prolonged occupation despite early successes against Al-Qaeda. Krauss highlights the corruption that plagued Afghan governance and questions the lessons America learned from this 20-year conflict. He emphasizes the need for public accountability and urges skepticism towards official narratives, leaving listeners to ponder the true costs of the war.

In this engaging discussion, Joe Dolce, author of "Modern Psychedelics: The Handbook for Mindful Exploration," shares insights on the evolving perception of psychedelics beyond the hippie and tech bro stereotypes. He dives into the therapeutic uses of psychedelics, including the safety myths surrounding ketamine and the addiction-stopping potential of ibogaine. Dolce also explores microdosing for creativity and how generational shifts in attitudes are paving the way for mainstream acceptance of these substances. A thought-provoking listen for anyone curious about the future of psychedelic culture!