The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

Keonne Rodriguez, founder of Samourai Wallet, discusses his groundbreaking noncustodial bitcoin privacy software and the serious legal challenges he faces, including a five-year prison sentence. He explains the importance of privacy in digital cash, the technological nuances of his wallet, and the government's claims about criminal activity. Rodriguez confronts the implications of his case for privacy rights, innovation, and free expression. He reflects on the realities of his guilty plea and the risks for future developers in the cryptocurrency space.

Katherine Dee, a writer and internet ethnographer, shares her insights on the evolving landscape of online culture. She reflects on how the internet has shifted from a utopian playground to a source of anxiety. Dee introduces the concept of 'internet realism', emphasizing the importance of using the internet as a tool rather than losing oneself in it. They discuss the impact of COVID on online habits, the legitimacy of digital friendships, and concerns around AI and privacy, advocating for conscious engagement and boundaries in our digital lives.

Sarah McLaughlin, a senior scholar at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression and author of *Authoritarians in the Academy*, dives into the troubling influence of foreign governments on free speech in the U.S. She highlights how countries like China and the UAE exploit U.S. campuses to suppress dissent. The discussion also covers the nuanced implications of American comedians censoring themselves in Saudi Arabia and the financial pressures universities face to maintain foreign ties, often at the cost of academic freedom.

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.