The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie

In this engaging conversation, John McWhorter, a Columbia University linguist and New York Times columnist known for his works on race and culture, explores the evolving landscape of wokeness and its impact on society. He argues for the decline of politically correct practices and the shifting dynamics in academia and the arts. McWhorter shares insights from his forthcoming book, 'Pronoun Trouble,' and discusses the complexities of identity politics, the emotional toll of affirmative action, and the importance of cultural mixing in today's discourse.

Jim O'Shaughnessy, a superstar investor and host of the Infinite Loops podcast, discusses the transformative power of free minds and markets. He highlights the lessons from his book 'Two Thoughts,' contrasting thinkers versus provers and emphasizing critical thinking. Their conversation dives into Biden's COVID-19 policies and AI regulation, speculating on a potentially fruitful second term for Trump. O'Shaughnessy also explores innovative societal solutions, suggesting a better approach to education and the pressing need to tackle rent-seeking behaviors.

Sean McMeekin, a historian from Bard College and author of "To Overthrow the World," delves into the surprising resurgence of communism as a governing ideology. He discusses the violent history of communism, exploring figures like Stalin and Mao, and critiques the 'whitewashing' of Marx's violent roots. McMeekin also reflects on American attitudes toward communism, the concept of 'permanent revolution,' and how the political landscape today mirrors past ideologies. His insights provoke a reexamination of civil liberties and the enduring appeal of leftist thought.

Nico Perrino, executive vice president at FIRE and director of the documentary 'Mighty Ira,' joins the conversation to discuss free speech in today’s political landscape. He critiques the Biden administration's speech record and explores whether free speech may fare better under Trump. The chat delves into Elon Musk's controversial impact on censorship and the challenges posed by social media. Perrino also reflects on shifting generational attitudes toward free expression and the complexities of campus speech in the current climate.

Join immigration policy analyst Alex Nowrasteh and economist Bryan Caplan as they advocate for a more open immigration system. They tackle misconceptions around the economic contributions of immigrants, dismantle the myths linking immigration to crime, and unpack the complexities of visa programs like H-1B. With insights on cultural dynamics, they argue that immigration positively enriches American society. Their candid discussion invites listeners to rethink widely held beliefs while addressing the current political landscape surrounding immigration reform.

Michael Shermer, founder of Skeptic magazine and author on rationalism, discusses the rising tide of conspiracy thinking and its political roots. He argues against the narratives of well-known conspiracies and critiques how wokeness impacts science, compromising research integrity. Shermer emphasizes the need for open discourse in academia and reflects on the evolution of individual rights, particularly in contentious areas like sports and morality. He also sheds light on the phenomenon of UFO sightings, likening it to social contagion and misinterpretation.

Christina Dent, founder of End It For Good, is on a mission to reshape addiction policy through a health-centered lens. A former foster mom, she shifted from a traditional conservative viewpoint to advocating for drug legalization as a compassionate response. During the discussion, she reveals the surprising history of the war on drugs, critiques the harmful impacts of criminalization, and emphasizes the need for personalized recovery approaches. Dent also highlights the importance of understanding addiction within families and promotes harm reduction over punitive measures.

"Tariff is the most beautiful word in the dictionary," says Donald Trump, who made many promises throughout the 2024 presidential race to raise the cost of imports from China, Mexico, and Canada—America's three biggest trading partners. But are Trump's tariffs a good idea or a terrible one? And is the era of free trade coming to a close? That's the topic of today's Reason Interview. Reason's Nick Gillespie talks with Dartmouth economist Douglas Irwin, author of Trade Policy Disaster: Lessons from the 1930s and Free Trade under Fire, now in its fifth edition. They talk about the negative impacts of the tariffs that Trump levied in his first term; why Presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden also trafficked in protectionism; and why free trade is always under attack despite its overall benefits. 0:00—Introduction 1:13—The fight for free trade 3:06—Donald Trump: "Tariff Man" 5:44—How tariffs affect consumers 9:03—Trump's political motivations behind tariffs 12:33—U.S. steel industry 15:15—The effect of protectionism on jobs 18:39—Automation, industry, and agriculture 25:40—China's protectionist policies 26:58—Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act 33:59—Free trade debates of the Ronald Regan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton eras 38:41—China's impact on markets 40:24—Populist arguments against free trade 44:49—The narrative about the baby formula shortage is wrong. 51:29—"Made in China" vs. "assembled in China" 52:41—The "Buy American" fallacy   Today's sponsor: The Reason Speakeasy. The Reason Speakeasy is a monthly, unscripted conversation in New York City with outspoken defenders of free thinking and heterodoxy that doubles as a taping of The Reason Interview With Nick Gillespie. The next one takes place on January 21 with two of the nation's most notable proponents of immigration liberalization, David Bier and Bryan Caplan, who will join Nick for a timely discussion about the state of U.S. immigration policy in 2025. They will discuss the implications of the incoming Trump administration's immigration proposals and make the libertarian case for why more immigration will make America great again. Video Editor: Ian KeyserThe post Douglas Irwin: Why Trump's Tariff Plans Are Dangerous appeared first on Reason.com.

Sister Helen Prejean, a prominent Catholic nun and activist, has spent decades fighting against the death penalty, inspired by her experience with a death row inmate. She discusses the moral complexities surrounding capital punishment, emphasizing compassion and dignity. Sharing insights from her acclaimed memoir 'Dead Man Walking,' she touches on the emotional toll of the justice system on victims' families. Prejean also advocates for an inclusive church that embraces feminism and LGBTQ rights, revealing her personal struggles with love and duty.

Jeffrey Edward Green, a political scientist at the University of Pennsylvania and author of 'Bob Dylan: Prophet Without God,' dives into the complexities of Bob Dylan’s enduring legacy. He discusses Dylan's unique blend of individual self-expression and social justice. Green argues that Dylan's evolution from acoustic to electric music mirrors the tumult of the 60s while addressing themes of faith and activism. The conversation also touches on Dylan's cultural relevance today, inspiring new generations and navigating the modern landscape of music and politics.