The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Matt Ridley, a science writer and author known for works like The Rational Optimist and Viral, discusses the politicization of science and its impact on public trust. He critiques the missteps during the COVID-19 pandemic that eroded confidence in experts, while also exploring the waning of climate alarmism and the prospects for innovation in an overregulated landscape. Ridley advocates for transparency in science to rebuild trust and expresses optimism about America's potential technological resurgence, highlighting the benefits of deregulation and advancements in AI and nuclear power.

In an engaging discussion, filmmaker Ken Burns, renowned for his historical documentaries, revisits the American Revolution. He critiques the sanitized narratives of the past, emphasizing the war's bloody reality and global context. Burns explores the contradictions of slavery and liberty during the revolution, urging for nuanced storytelling rather than ideological extremes. He discusses the role of Native nations and the unpredictable nature of historical events, highlighting how these lessons relate to today's political polarization. Additionally, he defends public broadcasting's role in fostering complex historical narratives.

U.S. Senator Rand Paul from Kentucky discusses major political issues with a focus on individual freedom. He defends his push to release Jeffrey Epstein files for transparency and criticizes President Trump's tariffs as harmful and unconstitutional. Paul expresses concern over military interventions, particularly against Venezuela, and warns Congress about the risks of unchecked executive power. He reflects on the fading influence of the Tea Party and hints at a potential presidential run in 2028 while advocating for true libertarian principles.

Adam O'Neill, the editor of The Washington Post's Opinions section, discusses his mission to promote personal liberties and free markets. He explores the challenges of engaging a predominantly left-leaning audience with classical liberal principles. O'Neill expresses concerns about government pressure on free speech and the dangers of government ownership in business. He reflects on how his upbringing in California influenced his views and emphasizes the need for a nonpartisan editorial voice that embraces debate and diverse perspectives.

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.