Economist and professor Branko Milanovic discusses the history and trajectory of global inequality, focusing on his famous 'Elephant Curve' graph. They also delve into globalization's impact on geopolitics and power balance, shifts in globalization and its effects on Western middle classes, and the implications of Western political concern with democracy as a form of imperialism.

Mary Harrington, author of Feminism Against Progress, joins Yascha Mounk to discuss second-wave feminism, the unintended effects of industrialization and contraception, and the commodification of female sexuality. They also explore the impact of technology on the women's movement and question the notion of progress in feminism.

Philip Pettit, Professor of Politics and Human Values at Princeton University, discusses small-r “republicanism” and how to make sure people don’t suffer from domination. Topics include intellectual traditions of liberalism and republicanism, freedom from domination versus freedom from interference, and the role of the state in making people free.

Tara Isabella Burton, author of 'Self Made: Creating Our Identities from Da Vinci to the Kardashians,' joins Yascha Mounk to discuss the rise of à la carte spirituality, challenges of creating community, and pursuing self-creation while fulfilling our obligations as citizens of a liberal society. They also explore cultural appropriation, Kardashianism's impact on society, redefining religion and identity, and the need for models and guidance in constructing a worthwhile life.

Tim Urban, writer and author of the blog Wait But Why, discusses developing strong productive habits, the human tendency towards 'chronocentrism,' and the need for courage to find real solutions. They also explore the complexities of choosing a career, the impact of technological advancements, and the threats liberal democracy faces.

Bethany Allen, China reporter at Axios, discusses China's abuse of its economic might. They delve into China's unique "party-state capitalism," its impact on global conformity and free speech, and the future of Taiwan.

Neuroscientist and primatologist, Robert Sapolsky, debates the existence of free will and its implications on criminal law, love, and friendship. Chapters explore the influence of identity synthesis on institutions, the absence of free will and determinism, the concept of agency, and the implications on human behavior and relationships. The podcast also discusses societal intuition and the evolution of judgment.

Anshel Pfeffer, senior correspondent and columnist for Haaretz and the Israel correspondent for The Economist, discusses Israel's strategy for defeating Hamas, the global left's failure to understand the horrors of 10/7, the implications of the war for Jewish life in Europe and America, and the urgent need for Israel to resolve internal tensions.

David Brooks, a writer and columnist at the New York Times, discusses the role of character development in building strong liberal societies. They cover topics such as the term 'bourgeois bohemians,' inspiring social connections between individuals of all backgrounds, the spread of ideologies through social media, loneliness and lack of close friendships, liberalism's ambivalence, and defending liberal values while remaining open to critiques.

Jonathan Rauch, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and author of The Constitution of Knowledge: A Defense of Truth and The Happiness Curve: Why Life Gets Better After 50, discusses how our sense of satisfaction with life is age-related, the U-shaped well-being curve, navigating midlife dissatisfaction, and shifting the social narrative around aging.