Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

Josh Szeps

The world has never been more connected. Yet never more divided. We yell at each other from inside our echo chambers. But change doesn’t happen inside an echo chamber. It’s time to get out, to stretch our legs, to step on some land mines. It's time to have an uncomfortable conversation with Josh Szeps. A DM Podcast

"The Great Aussie Rort" with Punter's Politics

"The Great Aussie Rort" with Punter's Politics

Varied are the ways in which political parties, media moguls and corporations screw you. One man who stands up to them all -- or who at least makes funny, informative, viral videos explaining their shenanigans -- is the phenomenon known as "Punters Politics". Millions of Aussies devour his Instagram and YouTube videos to learn how the system is ripping us off. Why is there a revolving door between politicians and the industries they regulate? What does Norway do that we should, too? And what doe

Feb 20, • 1:15:43

PREMIUM: "The Fallacy of Productivity" with Oliver Burkeman

PREMIUM: "The Fallacy of Productivity" with Oliver Burkeman

Productivity tips. Life hacks. Calendar apps. Magic mornings. Brain supplements.   None of it will free you from the sense that there's more to do than you possibly can. That's because you're finite. Your time is finite, your focus is finite, and you're going to die. No productivity hack can change that.   It's a liberating idea, if you look at it the way Oliver Burkeman does. Oliver was the second-ever guest on this podcast, at the height of the Covid pandemic, to discuss how to ignore the news

Feb 17, • 38:37

PREMIUM: Oct. 7th Survivor Natalie Sanandaji

PREMIUM: Oct. 7th Survivor Natalie Sanandaji

Natalie is a Jewish Iranian-American who grew up in New York. She was partying at the Nova Music Festival in Israel when Hamas attacked. Today, she uses her experience to advocate for the Combat Antisemitism Movement. She and Josh discuss Gaza, the Israeli occupation, hatred, love... and her experiences that day. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.

Feb 13, • 1:14:35

“Gay Sex on Stage” with Tony nominee Samuel Barnett & Marcelo Dos Santos

“Gay Sex on Stage” with Tony nominee Samuel Barnett & Marcelo Dos Santos

What's it like being a promiscuous young gay guy in the 2020s? How much freedom is there in random sex from hookup apps, versus how much shame? Do social conservatives have a point when they say fidelity and monogamy are the best model for life? The producer of "Fleabag" and "Baby Reindeer" -- both humongous British TV shows which started as one-person stage shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival -- has a new one-person stage show about a gay Brit looking for love. "Feeling Afraid As If Somethin

Feb 10, • 1:11:56

Josh on Trump on Gaza

Josh on Trump on Gaza

President Trump says the United States should take over the Gaza Strip and relocate its two million residents to neighbouring countries while we redevelop Gaza into the "Riviera of the Middle East." Josh has thoughts. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at Subscribe to Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps Josh Szeps on YouTube 𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙 𝕊𝕫𝕖𝕡𝕤 (@joshzepps) on X Instagram (@joshszeps) Josh Szeps on TikTok

Feb 6, • 34:43

"American Oddities" with David Farrier

"American Oddities" with David Farrier

Why do Americans use shower curtains instead of glass shower stalls? How do you explain the success of The Olive Garden? And is Los Angeles really as foul as Josh claims? David Farrier is a New Zealand documentarian living in L.A., where his whimsical podcast Flightless Bird is produced by Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert production company. David premiered at the Sundance Film Festival with his extraordinary feature-length documentary, Tickled, and is a frequent collaborator with Flight of t

Feb 3, • 1:13:05

Josh on Trump on Gender

Josh on Trump on Gender

How well is the legacy media covering President Trump's flurry of executive actions? Among the first deluge of White House orders is a decree defining "sex", "gender", "male" and "female". The reporting on this order -- and on LGBT and gender issues more broadly -- tells us a lot about ideological echo chambers, newsroom diversity, and how not to have constructive conversations in an era when they're more necessary than ever.

Jan 31, • 52:56

"How the Church can Defeat Trumpism" with Jonathan Rauch

"How the Church can Defeat Trumpism" with Jonathan Rauch

White, conservative, evangelical American Christians helped to bring Donald Trump to power. Their political activism is turbo-charged by populist right-wing "post-liberals" who believe traditions like civility and pluralism are passé -- people including entertainers like Tucker Carlson and Curtis Yarvin, as well as intellectuals like Sohrab Amari, Patrick Deneen and Rod Dreher. These "post-liberals" are correct in some of their criticisms of modern America but wrong in their solutio

Jan 27, • 1:30:29

PREMIUM: Triumph of the Karens with Meghan Daum

PREMIUM: Triumph of the Karens with Meghan Daum

Do women police each other's behaviour more than men do? Are they likelier to be busybodies, calling each other out online? Pouncing, denouncing, hounding, unfriending? That's the experience of the legendary dissident journalist Meghan Daum, a former Los Angeles Times columnist who has created a sanctuary for independent-minded women to support each other's intellectual freedom. Meghan lost her house in the LA fires just days after we recorded this conversation. Support her terrific podcast at w

Jan 23, • 24:04

Inauguration Episode Two: Josh & the Anti-Trumper, David Frum

Inauguration Episode Two: Josh & the Anti-Trumper, David Frum

Well, it's Trump's Inauguration. Again. On our previous episode, "Inauguration Episode One", Josh interviewed a pro-Trumper. Today, expand your thinking about the best- and worst-case scenarios of Trump's second term with a searingly cogent counter-opinion. David Frum is one of the most influential conservative "Never Trumpers". He worked in the White House as President George W Bush's speechwriter, and is now a staff writer at The Atlantic. He wrote the books Trumpocracy (2018) and

Jan 20, • 1:22:31

Inauguration Episode One: Josh & the Pro-Trumper

Inauguration Episode One: Josh & the Pro-Trumper

On Monday, Donald J Trump will be sworn in as president. Again. To help us understand the best-case scenarios and worst-case scenarios for his second term, Josh has invited two diametrically-opposed thinkers. Today, the pro-Trump case with Batya Ungar-Sargon. On Inauguration Day, the anti-Trump case with David Frum. Batya is the deputy opinion editor of Newsweek and one of the most articulate pro-Trump voices in America. She has a PhD in English from the University of California, Berkeley, and p

Jan 16, • 58:05

PREMIUM: "Multiculturalism & Identity" with Stan Grant

PREMIUM: "Multiculturalism & Identity" with Stan Grant

How can we flourish in 2025 in a world gripped by tribalism on the right and left? Friend-of-the-show Stan Grant returns to reflect on community, cancellation, wokeness and faith. Stan was CNN's Senior International Correspondent based in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Beijing, before returning to Australia as International Affairs Analyst for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He is arguably Australia's most experienced global journalist and the most famous Indigenous Australian.

Jan 12, • 28:59

JUST JOSH: L.A. On Fire

JUST JOSH: L.A. On Fire

As Los Angeles burns, our thoughts are with everyone in L.A. In this special episode, Josh reflects on natural disasters, leadership, and the anniversary of the Black Summer fires in Australia. You can watch this conversation on YouTube, and you’re missing out on our best ad-free content if you haven’t popped your details into the Uncomfy Convos Substack page. http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

Jan 10, • 32:48

PREMIUM: "A.I. for Humans" with Prof. Joel Pearson

PREMIUM: "A.I. for Humans" with Prof. Joel Pearson

Artificial systems are about to revolutionise your workplace, your school, your home, your phone… and, most of all, your head. How should we prepare for the inevitable human response? Professor Joel Pearson is a psychologist and neuroscientist who runs the Future Minds Lab at the University of New South Wales as well as MindX, a consultancy that works with companies like Samsung, Pixar, Saatchi and Google to help tailor products to how people’s minds actually work. &nb

Jan 6, • 27:25

An Interview With Josh

An Interview With Josh

For the first show of the year, an unexpected treat. A few months ago, Josh had an amazing conversation as a guest on a colleague's podcast. We bring this to you as a nice way to reset, to recalibrate, to reaffirm your mindset as we enter a fresh year. The show is called "A Lot to Talk About" and it's hosted by Bradley Dryburgh, a young guy whose parents were told his Cystic Fibrosis would ruin his life. Instead, he became an ultra-marathon runner, podcaster and motivational speaker. &nbs

Jan 2, • 1:26:42

"Beyond 2025" with Futurist Dr Ben Hamer

"Beyond 2025" with Futurist Dr Ben Hamer

Happy new year, human. Remember the Year 2000, the turn of the millennium? Well, you're about to enter the century's second quarter. This Wednesday, we'll be closer to 2050 than to the last millennium. The final half of the twenty-first century will be nearer than the twentieth. What might the next quarter of a century have in store? Josh argued it out with the whimsical and surprisingly youthful public speaker on futurism, Dr Ben Hamer. He's done projects at the World Economic Forum and as a vi

Dec 30, 2024 • 46:01

"Best & Worst Films of 2024" with Alexei Toliopoulos

"Best & Worst Films of 2024" with Alexei Toliopoulos

It's one of the biggest weeks of the year at the box office. What's your most overrated and underrated movie of the year? Today, comedian and film buff Alexei Toliopoulos joins secret cinema nerd Josh Szeps to reveal which flicks to delight in and which to avoid. Plus, honourable mentions, the worst film of the year, and what to look out for from Hollywood in 2025. Merry Christmas, humans. Check out Alexei’s podcast ‘The Last Video Store’ HERE Watch this conversat

Dec 25, 2024 • 1:08:23

Josh's Christmas Feast with Gary Kennedy

Josh's Christmas Feast with Gary Kennedy

One of the greatest characters Josh regularly interviews is Gary Kennedy, the iconoclastic food scientist who oversees international food safety protocols and can answer every weird, wonderful, arcane food question that has ever popped into your noggin. How long can you leave a Christmas ham in the fridge after it sat on the table for three hours? Can you use just one chopping board for the whole feast? Will reheating Chinese fried rice kill you? Does a "best before" date mean anyth

Dec 23, 2024 • 1:05:12

“The Elite 'Social Justice’ Scam” with Musa al-Gharbi

“The Elite 'Social Justice’ Scam” with Musa al-Gharbi

The full conversation is almost two hours long and sbolitely fascinating. Enjoy this free preview or, to hear the whole shebang, subscribe at Uncomfortableconversations.substack.com "Woke” is such a tired word. Yet there remains a cultural elite which uses the language of social justice to gain power and status, without helping the disadvantaged. What’s going on? Musa al-Gharbi is an assistant professor of sociology who studies how knowledge workers have improved their

Dec 19, 2024 • 33:38

“The Case for Assassinating CEOs” with Ethicist Tim Dean

“The Case for Assassinating CEOs” with Ethicist Tim Dean

After the slaying of one of America’s highest-flying health-insurance CEOs, the tenor of many reactions from the Online Left was: “Murder is never justified, BUT…” The chattering classes are now busy condemning such hot takes for seeking to “understand” a killer’s motives; for excusing the inexcusable. But neither reaction will convince the growing minority of Americans who believe that something is fundamentally broken, and that violence

Dec 16, 2024 • 1:01:07

ANDREW DOYLE on Satirising the Left

ANDREW DOYLE on Satirising the Left

How did the best satirists notice the comedic potential of “wokeness” in its earliest moments? And where does the evolution of the Left leave political satire now? Andrew Doyle writes for the fictional parody characters Jonathan Pie and Titania McGrath. He invented Titania as a caricature of social-justice activists (her Twitter bio describes her as an ecosexual radical intersectionalist poet with variable pronouns) but many people believed she was real, falling for her absurd

Dec 12, 2024 • 41:02

“Liberalism in 2025”: STAN GRANT

“Liberalism in 2025”: STAN GRANT

As Syria transforms, as Trump returns, as Putin prepares for victory, as China lies in wait, and as we all look towards a new year, Josh sits down with one of the smartest analysts of liberal democracy. Stan Grant was CNN's Senior International Correspondent based in Abu Dhabi, Hong Kong and Beijing, before returning to Australia as International Affairs Analyst for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. He is arguably Australia's most experienced global journalist and the most f

Dec 10, 2024 • 1:12:23

PREMIUM: Noam Chomsky's Co-Writer Nathan Robinson on America in the World

PREMIUM: Noam Chomsky's Co-Writer Nathan Robinson on America in the World

What should the role of America be? In their new book, "The Myth of American idealism: How U.S. Foreign Policy Endangers the World", Noam Chomsky and Nathan Robinson present a litany of American foreign policy missteps. Nathan is the founder of Current Affairs magazine, of which he is the editor-in-chief, and the author of Why You Should Be a Socialist. Here, Josh picks Nathan's brain... on the contrasts between Trump's populism and Bernie Sanders', the Ukrain

Dec 5, 2024 • 20:49

How QANTAS Corrupted Everything with Joe Aston

How QANTAS Corrupted Everything with Joe Aston

What happens to politicians when they're openly bribed -- *ahem*, sorry, "assisted" -- by a hugely powerful corporation? The saga of how Qantas peddles influence, wins subsidies, escapes regulation, and secures Australian government protection by showering politicians with first-class upgrades and secret airport club memberships is, frankly, bonkers. The legendary financial journalist Joe Aston, formerly a political staffer and Qantas communications man himself, spills the beans in his explosive

Dec 2, 2024 • 1:13:14

PREMIUM: "A Radical Vision for Palestine" with Palestinian Professor Omar Dajani

PREMIUM: "A Radical Vision for Palestine" with Palestinian Professor Omar Dajani

As Israel and Hezbollah cautiously observe a ceasefire, the prospect of a Palestinian state feels as remote as ever. But there are people working tirelessly to bring one about, impeded by radicals on both sides who see this as a war between Goodies and Baddies.   Omar Dajani is one of the visionaries. As a Palestinian-American professor, he and Josh disagree about much regarding the culpability and dysfunction of Gaza's misery. Omar was a negotiator for the Palestine Liberation Organization and

Nov 28, 2024 • 33:14

DAVID WALLIAMS & JOSH: Little Britain, Gender & Satire

DAVID WALLIAMS & JOSH: Little Britain, Gender & Satire

David Walliams is one of the most successful comedians in the world. On "Little Britain", his smash hit BBC sketch comedy show, he created characters whose catchphrases have become part of the culture: "I'm a lady", "Computer says No", and so many more.    David did ten seasons as a judge with Simon Cowell on Britain's Got Talent, and has written 43 children's books that have sold over 60 million copies.    Josh and David recently did a six-week, fifteen-show tour of Australia and New Zealand, w

Nov 25, 2024 • 1:25:22

JUST JOSH: "Me and Mr Jones"

JUST JOSH: "Me and Mr Jones"

This is the most uncomfortable conversation Josh has ever recorded. He used to work for Alan Jones, the most powerful broadcaster in Australia. Now, he's been arrested on sexual assault allegations. (Alan, that is. Not Josh. Phew) Sexual predation. Political power. Investigative journalism. Innocence until proven guilty. Josh has never spoken publicly about his own experiences while working with Alan Jones. Until now.    To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos

Nov 21, 2024 • 41:20

NIALL FERGUSON: How Civilisations Flourish (or Fail)

NIALL FERGUSON: How Civilisations Flourish (or Fail)

Why do some civilisations enlighten while others languish? Why do some conquer, and others collapse? Was the British Empire a bloody stain... or, on balance, a force for modernity?    Niall is one of Britain's most prolific and influential historians. His seventeen books, including the groundbreaking tomes Civilisation and Empire, define the modern historical canon.    Niall has become associated with heterodox concerns about wokeness and Western decline. But Josh wanted to probe deeper: How sho

Nov 18, 2024 • 25:24

URGENT "AUSTRALIA: Banning Misinformation... or Suppressing Speech?" with Professor Daniel Angus

URGENT "AUSTRALIA: Banning Misinformation... or Suppressing Speech?" with Professor Daniel Angus

It's crunch time for the Australian government's Orwellian-sounding "Combatting Misinformation and Disinformation" legislation.    The bill was passed last Thursday by Australia's House of Representatives and is currently stalled in the Senate. Right-wing populists are spreading hysteria that it would let the government throw you in jail for speaking your mind on social media.    The bill would not, in fact, punish you for posting on social media. But it could give government officials the power

Nov 14, 2024 • 20:45

STEPHEN FRY Visits Josh

STEPHEN FRY Visits Josh

Few Britons are as iconic as Stephen Fry.   On TV, he's an Emmy-winning comedy legend immortalised in shows like A Bit of Fry & Laurie, Jeeves & Wooster, and Blackadder. He has hosted the British Academy Film Awards twelve times and won six BAFTAs as the host of the smash-hit BBC television quiz show Q.I.    On stage, Stephen's adaptation of Me and My Girl won two Olivier Awards. He was nominated for a Tony for his performance in The Globe's production of Twelfth Night on Broadway.   On

Nov 11, 2024 • 1:14:35

JOSH'S TAKE On Trump's Win

JOSH'S TAKE On Trump's Win

Well, it's Trump. The morning after the election, Josh live-streamed his post-election analysis and his predictions for a second Trump term from Cambridge, England, and took live questions. Watch the video on Substack, or listen in right here.   To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/jos

Nov 7, 2024 • 34:37

"ELECTION DAY: SNL, MSG, OMG! An Autopsy of Two Campaigns" with Chas Licciardello

"ELECTION DAY: SNL, MSG, OMG! An Autopsy of Two Campaigns" with Chas Licciardello

You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code UNCOMFORTABLE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/UNCOMFORTABLE20   The full premium version of this episode is available as a free gift to you. This version here is just a teaser, but ALL ELECTION-RELATED CONTENT WILL NOT BE PAYWALLED if you access it on Substack. To hear this episode in its entirety, as well as all upcoming election episodes

Nov 5, 2024 • 21:45

2016 ELECTION TIME CAPSULE: Hear Josh's Reaction to Trump's First Election Win, with David Plotz

2016 ELECTION TIME CAPSULE: Hear Josh's Reaction to Trump's First Election Win, with David Plotz

The full premium version of this episode is available as a free gift to you. This version here is just a teaser, but ALL ELECTION-RELATED CONTENT WILL NOT BE PAYWALLED if you access it on Substack. To hear this episode in its entirety, as well as all upcoming election episodes in full, you need to leave this app – you will NOT need to pay anything – and listen on Substack here:    https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe   At 11:00 a.m. on November 9th, 2016, the day after Donal

Nov 1, 2024 • 20:40

"Escape the Echo Chamber" with Stephanie Lepp

"Escape the Echo Chamber" with Stephanie Lepp

You have a limited offer you can use now, that gets you up to 48% off your first subscription or 20% off one time purchases with code UNCOMFORTABLE20 at checkout You can claim it at: https://magicmind.com/UNCOMFORTABLE20 The full premium version of this episode is available as a free gift to you. This version here is just a teaser, but ALL ELECTION-RELATED CONTENT WILL NOT BE PAYWALLED if you access it on Substack. To hear this episode in its entirety, as well as all upcoming election episodes i

Oct 31, 2024 • 25:42

America in the World: A Live-Streamed Dialog with Michael Moynihan

America in the World: A Live-Streamed Dialog with Michael Moynihan

The full premium version of this episode is available as a free gift to you. This version here is just a teaser, but ALL ELECTION-RELATED CONTENT WILL NOT BE PAYWALLED if you access it on Substack. To hear this episode in its entirety, as well as all upcoming election episodes in full, you need to leave this app – you will NOT need to pay anything – and listen on Substack here:     https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe   Join Michael Moynihan of The Fifth Column and Josh Szep

Oct 30, 2024 • 24:20

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS ELECTION SURVIVAL GUIDE: "How Trump Will Dispute the Result" with Journalist Matt Bevan

UNCOMFORTABLE CONVERSATIONS ELECTION SURVIVAL GUIDE: "How Trump Will Dispute the Result" with Journalist Matt Bevan

Arm yourself with facts now, to stay sane on election night. This episode is your toolkit against the schemes to sow confusion, foment chaos and challenge the vote. The ABC journalist Matt Bevan reveals to Josh the extraordinary Trump strategy that'll kick in if Harris wins a narrow victory, and the weird ways it relates to the Jan 6th riots and the denial of that election. For everything you need to know to understand election night -- and the days and weeks beyond -- don't miss this one. Matt'

Oct 28, 2024 • 1:32:44

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Do Not Miss This Message!

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Do Not Miss This Message!

Get ready, humans. Josh is about to start pumping out extra shows all week long to keep you informed, inspired and resilient during the U.S. election. But to receive your sweet nuggets of sanity, if you're not a Substacker then YOU HAVE TO DO ONE SIMPLE, FREE THING. You'll kick yourself if you don't. Listen RIGHT NOW to find out what.    Head to the substack link below to get all the information you need for tomorrow's live show and to all the free content over the next week https://uncomfortabl

Oct 28, 2024 • 18:09

JOHN SAFRAN: Kanye, Jews & Satire

JOHN SAFRAN: Kanye, Jews & Satire

John Safran is a legendary provocateur and comedy documentarian. He is iconic Down Under for his outrageous explorations of taboo subjects (think: Sacha Baron Cohen or Louis Theroux). In his latest escapade, he tried to investigate modern anti-Semitism by flying to Los Angeles and illegally camping out at Kanye West's mansion.   He and Josh discuss online trolls, taboos, social media, satire, anti-Jewish conspiracies and living as a prominent Jew during the Gaza War. His new book is "Squat: A we

Oct 24, 2024 • 1:28:05

COLEMAN HUGHES: Live At The Festival of Dangerous Ideas

COLEMAN HUGHES: Live At The Festival of Dangerous Ideas

Are we too focused on race? Have recent anti-racist movements like Black Lives Matter abandoned the ‘colourblind’ spirit of the original civil rights movement?   Coleman Hughes is an American writer, podcaster and public intellectual known for his criticism of modern social-justice ideas about racism and racial inequality. In this live Festival Of Dangerous Ideas edition of Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps, Hughes articulates his vision for a future where individuals are judged by ‘th

Oct 21, 2024 • 59:50

JUST JOSH SPECIAL: Sinwar's Dead. Now Bibi, End the War!

JUST JOSH SPECIAL: Sinwar's Dead. Now Bibi, End the War!

Ding, dong, the psychopathic tyrant of Gaza is dead. Who was Yahya Sinwar? What does his death mean? Should Netanyahu declare victory and end the war? And why is Josh getting in trouble on Twitter over all this... again?   To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ http://tiktok.c

Oct 18, 2024 • 23:00

PREMIUM: “American Political Violence” with BBC Foreign Correspondent Nick Bryant

PREMIUM: “American Political Violence” with BBC Foreign Correspondent Nick Bryant

Is political violence “unAmerican”? Or is it as American as Thomas Jefferson, who wrote that "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants"?   Nick Bryant is one of the BBC’s greatest foreign correspondents. He has a doctorate in American politics from Oxford University and lived for years in Washington D.C. and New York City covering American politics for a global audience. One of his books sits on Joe Biden’s bookshelf in the Oval Office.   As

Oct 17, 2024 • 24:51

"Australia's Covid Response" with Economist Steven Hamilton

"Australia's Covid Response" with Economist Steven Hamilton

Australia's response to the pandemic was among the most aggressive -- and controversial -- in the world. What went right? What went wrong?    At last, we have a much-needed accounting of the lessons of Covid, from the Aussie academic who became an unlikely pandemic authority in the U.S. thanks to his position as an outspoken economics professor at George Washington University in Washington D.C.   Steven Hamilton's new book is a frank, factual, fierce recap of the Covid years. Written with his fe

Oct 14, 2024 • 50:31

"What's Israel Doing?" with WSJ Reporter Marcus Walker

"What's Israel Doing?" with WSJ Reporter Marcus Walker

One year on from the Hamas attack, Josh is sick of biased bickering about why Israel is in the right or in the wrong. Here, he brings you an informed, impartial, big-picture account of where Israelis and Palestinians find themselves. Marcus Walker is a senior reporter at the Wall Street Journal, and the friend to whom Josh turns when he needs to understand the Middle East. A Brit based in Rome, Marcus has been deployed to Israel as a journalist seven times since October 7th, interviewing the mos

Oct 10, 2024 • 1:03:03

Damien Cave: New York Times, America and Australia

Damien Cave: New York Times, America and Australia

Damien Cave is the Vietnam bureau chief and global affairs correspondent for The New York Times, covering shifts in power across Asia and the wider world.   He has spent most of the past 20 years as a correspondent for The Times. He’s been based in Baghdad and Miami, Mexico City and Sydney, and spent lengthy stints reporting from many other places, including Lebanon, India, Taiwan, Turkey and Cuba.   In 2017, He led a team opening The Times’s new Australia bureau, covering a region where both hi

Oct 7, 2024 • 1:10:03

CANDACE OWENS VS JOSH

CANDACE OWENS VS JOSH

Candace Owens is one of the most popular commentators in the world.   Initially critical of President Trump, she was a famous critic of Black Lives Matter and became the communications director for the conservative group Turning Point USA. Her talk show on the conservative website The Daily Wire, "Candace", was cancelled earlier this year after she made antisemitic remarks. She now runs her platform independently.   Ahead of her Australian tour, Josh wanted to understand what she's up to and wha

Oct 3, 2024 • 1:11:49

"The Alcoholism Myth" with Katie Herzog

"The Alcoholism Myth" with Katie Herzog

Do you drink too much? If there was a magic pill that made you not want a second drink, would you take it? You’d at least expect to have heard of it.   That’s what the journalist Katie Herzog thought as she sat through AA meetings, feeling like a failure for boozing. Then, she found naltrexone. Josh hasn’t had a drink in four years after having a different epiphany. Here, the two of them wrestle with myths, blind spots and revelations about drinking, addiction, introspection, and being a grown-u

Sep 30, 2024 • 1:29:24

PREMIUM: "Russia's Useful Idiots: Dave Rubin, Tim Pool, Uh-Oh" with Ross Anderson

PREMIUM: "Russia's Useful Idiots: Dave Rubin, Tim Pool, Uh-Oh" with Ross Anderson

Imagine being an innocent YouTuber, tricked into receiving millions of dollars from Russia just because you're a Putin hack. That's what the U.S. Department of Justice alleges has been happening, and worse. How are the enemies of liberal democracy shaping the information you see online?   Ross Anderson is an expert on right-wing YouTubers, the Life Editor at the world edition of The Spectator, and a regular contributor at The New York Sun. He explains the whole extraordinary shebang.     To get

Sep 26, 2024 • 30:15

KEITH URBAN VISITS JOSH

KEITH URBAN VISITS JOSH

Keith Urban is one of the world’s most popular musicians. He started out in Australia, moved to Nashville, worked his arse off, won a stack of Grammys and sold over 20 million albums.   He’s about to start a residency in Las Vegas and he'll tour Australia in 2025. His new album is “HIGH”.   Don’t miss the YouTube page to see Keith and Josh bantering in the flesh. And get more amazing conversations by popping your email address into our Substack supercomputer.   http://twitter.com/joshzepps http:

Sep 23, 2024 • 33:43

PREMIUM: "Free Speech" On Twitter with Andrew Lowenthal

PREMIUM: "Free Speech" On Twitter with Andrew Lowenthal

Can governments regulate “misinformation”? Or is that just a pretext for controlling what you can say? Were “the Twitter Files” a bombshell revelation of censorship, or a paranoid beat-up? How should Big Tech have grappled with issues like Russia, Covid, and the FBI?   Andrew Lowenthal worked with Matt Taibbi for months on the Twitter Files. He helped to create the Westminster Declaration to oppose any restrictions on online speech.   He used to work with leftie NGOs fighting for the digital rig

Sep 19, 2024 • 27:58

Pop Superstar Missy Higgins on Sexuality, Fame and Failure

Pop Superstar Missy Higgins on Sexuality, Fame and Failure

Missy Higgins is one of Australia's most successful musicians. She exploded onto the scene in 2004. Her debut single launched at No. 1, her first album debuted at No. 1, and, barely out of her teens, she won the ARIA, Australia's Grammy, for Best Pop Release.    Tabloid speculation swirled about her sexuality. Josh wants to know how she now thinks about gayness, love, fame and failure. Her new album, released exactly on the 20th anniversary of her first, is The Second Act.    To get more content

Sep 16, 2024 • 57:56

Kamala vs Trump with Chas Licciardello

Kamala vs Trump with Chas Licciardello

In the lead-up to every U.S. election of the past 12 years, Chas Licciardello has hosted a national primetime television comedy show called Planet America, covering the ins and outs of American politics.    He is a member of Australia's most famous comedy group, The Chaser, and starred in their satirical TV shows for nearly a quarter of a century: The Chaser Decides, CNNNN, The Chaser's War on Everything, Yes We Canberra! and The Hamster Wheel.   Chas and Josh sat down after the landmark preside

Sep 11, 2024 • 1:06:27

“Multiculturalism in the UK” with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer

“Multiculturalism in the UK” with Foreign Minister Alexander Downer

Outside Australia, Alexander Downer is best known as the diplomat who kicked off the Mueller Investigation by alerting the FBI that one of Trump’s advisors, George Papadopoulos, said the Russians had dirt on Hillary Clinton over drinks in London. Downer was Australia’s ambassador to the UK at the time.   Inside Australia, Downer is a household name. He is the most consequential Foreign Minister in decades (what Americans call the Secretary of State), serving for over a decade during 9/11 and the

Sep 9, 2024 • 1:01:26

“Why We’re Divided” with Jon Yates

“Why We’re Divided” with Jon Yates

Our societies are more diverse than ever, yet we spend more of our time with people just like us. Are we losing a sense of common life? Maybe the far left and the far right aren't the cause of our division, but a consequence of it?   Jon Yates is an entertaining, whip smart writer and activist who studies how to build a more united society. He says the problem is not that we're different from each other, but that we're distant from the other. We are not fractured because of Trump or Fox News or

Sep 5, 2024 • 1:00:54

PREMIUM: Coleman Hughes Live in Melbourne

PREMIUM: Coleman Hughes Live in Melbourne

Are we too focused on race? Have recent anti-racist movements like The Voice to Parliament and Black Lives Matter abandoned the colour-blind spirit of the civil rights pioneers?   Josh took to the stage for a special one-night-only Uncomfortable Conversations live event with Coleman Hughes, one of America’s most prominent authors and thinkers on the topic of race.   This is a 25 minute preview of the exclusive live show. If you want to hear the full 1 hour + event, as well as lots more similarly

Sep 2, 2024 • 26:30

JUST JOSH: Free Speech, Incitement & Elon Musk

JUST JOSH: Free Speech, Incitement & Elon Musk

"The debate over free speech, hate speech, online harms, algorithms and social media is tangling us up in knots. Let’s get back to first principles, because our ability to survive the 21st century depends on it."   So wrote Josh in Australia's top newspapers on the weekend, linked below. He had gotten into a stoush on the national TV panel show Q+A with Australia's eSafety Commissioner, whom Elon Musk calls a “censorship commissar”, over free speech on social media.   Thanks to you, the listener

Aug 29, 2024 • 48:39

“Cancel Culture at the NY Times” with Andy Mills

“Cancel Culture at the NY Times” with Andy Mills

Andy is the producer The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling and previously of the New York Times' groundbreaking podcast The Daily.   During the riots and racial reckoning after the killing of George Floyd, newsrooms were roiled by existential questions: Should journalists be activists? Do white male journalists hide behind "objectivity" to impose their bias? Do they get coddled by media companies who hide their misdeeds, or do they suffer extra scrutiny as targets for the social-justice mob?   Andy w

Aug 26, 2024 • 1:26:38

“Oscar-Winning Creativity” with Emile Sherman

“Oscar-Winning Creativity” with Emile Sherman

Can great TV & movies help us overcome political polarisation? Is being creative the same as being open-minded? Why are artists sometimes blinkered?   Emile Sherman is the Academy Award-winning producer of Heartstopper, Slow Horses, The King’s Speech, Top of the Lake, The Power of the Dog, Anthony Hopkins' latest film, One Life, and much more.   His new podcast, The Sandbox, interviews the key creatives behind his biggest shows and films about their creative process. His other podcast is Pri

Aug 22, 2024 • 30:15

"Trump = Hitler?" with Dennis Glover

"Trump = Hitler?" with Dennis Glover

What should you make of comparisons between the present day and the 1930s? Is the greatest risk that we're sliding towards Nazi-style fascism? Or that we're being drawn into a civil war where half the country are villains?   Dennis Glover has a PhD in History from King’s College Cambridge and works as a professional speechwriter and author. He has written policy and speeches for many of Australia's most influential left-wing politicians including Julia Gillard and Kim Beazley.   He's the author

Aug 19, 2024 • 53:20

Jesse Singal and Coleman Hughes

Jesse Singal and Coleman Hughes

Two of the internet’s most intellectual contrarians sit down in a park with Josh. Magic ensues.   Jesse is among the world's most astute analysts of internet nonsense. He became a lightning rod when his 2018 Atlantic cover story was the first deeply reported mainstream article to question child transgender medicine.   His punishment was swift and severe, driving him into the netherworld of Podcastistan where his hit show with Katie Herzog, Blocked and Reported, analyses the pieties and group thi

Aug 15, 2024 • 1:14:58

Senator David Pocock on "How to Be a Senator & World-Cup Athlete"

Senator David Pocock on "How to Be a Senator & World-Cup Athlete"

Why do some people have strong moral opinions but don't act on them, while other people effect real change? It's a question Josh wanted to ask Australia's most influential athlete-turned-politican. David Pocock was a rugby champion who played for Australia's national team, one of the world's most iconic rugby sides. He then became the first senator not aligned with any major political party to represent the Australian Capital Territory. He was one of the most prominent faces in a tsunami of inde

Aug 12, 2024 • 1:02:59

JUST JOSH: The Perfect Veep Pick

JUST JOSH: The Perfect Veep Pick

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate for the presidency, has chosen her running mate… and it isn’t one of the swing-state governors her pollsters were recommending.   Josh is surprised, impressed, and uncharacteristically chipper about what this means for Harris, for the election and for the future of the American left. Cheer up and dive in to everything you need to understand about the possible fiftieth vice president of the United States, Tim Walz.   To get more content like

Aug 7, 2024 • 25:51

“What Even Is the ‘Intellectual Dark Web’ Today?” with Dr Jamie Roberts

“What Even Is the ‘Intellectual Dark Web’ Today?” with Dr Jamie Roberts

DON'T MISS COLEMAN HUGHES AND JOSH LIVE IN MELBOURNE! GET TICKETS NOW AT https://bit.ly/Coleman-Szeps-Melb   Vaccine mandates. Wokeness in Hollywood. The female pay gap. Race protests. Diversity programs. Covid lockdowns. #metoo. The so-called intellectual dark web tackled it all. A loose grouping of dissenting intellectuals and commentators, they sought to buck taboos and open minds.   What happened? Who went down the rabbit hole to crazy town, and who maintained thier heads? And where is the

Aug 5, 2024 • 1:06:50

“Is Planet Earth Alive?” with Ferris Jabr

“Is Planet Earth Alive?” with Ferris Jabr

Have you ever wondered what’s up with Earth? Seriously. What the actual heck. Of all those trillions of space rocks, this one is all leafy and watery and lifey. What is it, this spaceship we’re on, this pale blue dot? Might it be a kind of living thing itself? ‌ This old hippy idea has been wrestled into a more fascinating, harder-headed thesis by the scientist and journalist Ferris Jabr. He's written for The New Yorker, The Atlantic, Harper’s, National Geographic, Wired and The Los Angeles Revi

Aug 2, 2024 • 1:18:30

“PROJECT 2025” with Skye Perryman

“PROJECT 2025” with Skye Perryman

Project 2025, technically the 2025 Presidential Transition Project, is a set of sweeping policy changes to be enacted on Day One of the next conservative administration. If Trump wins, that’s January 20th, 2025. Skye Perryman is one of the project’s leading opponents.   She’s the president and CEO of Democracy Forward, a non-profit that promotes democracy through court cases, lobbying and education. Washingtonian magazine named her one of this year’s Most Influential People Shaping Policy and he

Jul 30, 2024 • 1:02:28

Tim Minchin: "Arty Farty Echo Chambers"

Tim Minchin: "Arty Farty Echo Chambers"

How do you escape the shaming of the mob when you're a public figure with original ideas?   Tim Minchin is one of the most successful creatives Australia has ever produced. He wrote the music and lyrics for Matilda the Musical, which won more Olivier Awards than any other show in history at the time. Now in its 13th year, the show continues to sell out on the West End. The Broadway production was nominated for a stash of Tonys. The 2022 movie version is a riot.   Minchin went on to write the Bro

Jul 26, 2024 • 2:03:42

“Racial Identity in Europe” with Thomas Chatterton Williams

“Racial Identity in Europe” with Thomas Chatterton Williams

First things first: The Uncomfortable Conversations LIVE touring empire is expanding, with live shows in Sydney and Melbourne in August with the inimitable Coleman Hughes. Tickets are selling fast. Get yours now. Don’t miss out:   Sydney https://bit.ly/Coleman-Szeps-Syd Melbourne https://bit.ly/Coleman-Szeps-Melb   Meanwhile, the new YouTube page is going gangbusters. The episode you're listening to was shot as an outdoor TV interview on an early spring day in a Manhattan park. Check it out and

Jul 23, 2024 • 1:03:33

"Is Josh a 'Bad Gay'?" with Alastair Lawrie

"Is Josh a 'Bad Gay'?" with Alastair Lawrie

When Sydney's biggest broadsheet newspaper published an opinion piece by Josh on the occasion of the Mardi Gras Gay Pride Parade, it triggered a backlash from some in the LGBT+ community. One of Josh's attackers was a prominent activist, Alastair Lawrie, the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Justice and Equity Centre.   Instead of arguing with Alastair on Twitter, Josh invited him on the show to hash out their differences and discuss what challenges the LGBTQ+ community still faces.   To ge

Jul 17, 2024 • 43:44

“Trump’s Prognosis” with David Frum

“Trump’s Prognosis” with David Frum

Well, what happens now? Does Donald Trump win? Does he lose? To whom? What are we all in for?   On the eve of Trump’s coronation as the Republican presidential candidate at the party’s National Convention this week, he was narrowly shot in an apparent assassination attempt at a rally.   Is this the most dramatic election of our lives? David Frum is one of the most influential anti-Trumpers to come out of a Republican White House. As President George W Bush’s speechwriter, he's credited with the

Jul 15, 2024 • 1:42:00

"Is Trans Ideology Harming Transsexuals?" with Dana Beyer

"Is Trans Ideology Harming Transsexuals?" with Dana Beyer

"Transsexual" sounds like an old-fashioned term. But it describes a real medical condition in which your brain has the opposite sex from your body. Are transsexuals threatened by newer gender-queer, non-binary theories of sex?   Dr Dana Beyer says so. She's one of the most influential and effective trans activists in history. A medical doctor and self-described transsexual, she's been striding the hallways of power since the 1970s meeting with the likes of Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, Hillary C

Jul 12, 2024 • 2:07:12

“Boomers vs Millennials” with Dr Jean Twenge

“Boomers vs Millennials” with Dr Jean Twenge

Boomers. Millennials. Gen X. Gen Z. Are you actually in control of your feelings about gender fluidity, social media, streaming television, laptops, jumbo jets and the pill, or have you absorbed the norms of your generation?   Dr Jean Twenge is a psychology professor who's been studying large, national surveys of young people for decades, teasing out how the generations differ. Her books include an analysis of millennials ("Generation Me: Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive

Jul 8, 2024 • 1:04:12

“Authoritarianism in Europe” with Péter Krekó

“Authoritarianism in Europe” with Péter Krekó

Europe is holding its breath ahead of France’s parliamentary elections, in which a “far right” party could win power for the first time since WWII.   The hero of 21st-century right-wing European triumphalism is Hungary’s prime minister, Viktor Orbán. Many European far-right candidtaes are his devoted fan boys, as are farther-flung admirers like Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson.   This week, Hungary assumed the rotating leadership of the European Union presidency. Orbán’s first move was to swoop i

Jul 4, 2024 • 1:11:33

“So… What Can the Democrats Do Now?” with Yascha Mounk

“So… What Can the Democrats Do Now?” with Yascha Mounk

President Biden’s catastrophic debate performance has left many people worried about his electoral chances against Donald Trump. At this late stage, is there any way out? Here, you get a double feature. In the first half-hour, Josh shares his reaction to the debate and his advice on Democratic messaging. Then the iconic political scientist Yascha Mounk -- an expert in how democracies thrive or fail – joins us to explain the pathway to Democratic victory. But is Joe Biden part of the plan? Finall

Jul 1, 2024 • 1:19:16

JUST JOSH: Having a Dad with Alzheimer's

JUST JOSH: Having a Dad with Alzheimer's

Why does the death of some people punch us in the gut, and others slide by? Does your way of grieving indicate what you value in life? Judith Whelan died last night. She was 62. She was Josh’s mentor, his champion, his arch-defender, playmate, and confidante, despite being his boss’s boss’s boss. She is, in many ways, the person who made Josh’s current career possible. Another mentor and friend, Howard Fineman, died two weeks ago. And Josh’s father is in the death spiral of Alzheimer’s. Here, Jo

Jun 27, 2024 • 32:40

“Why the Kids Aren’t Alright” with Dr Billy Garvey

“Why the Kids Aren’t Alright” with Dr Billy Garvey

What's up with kids these days? ADHD. Autism. Bullying. Toxic boys. Self-harming girls. Social media addiction. Coddled teens. Anxious parents. A lot of folks are wringing their hands about the young-un's mental health. Josh thought he'd pick the brain of one of the world's leading experts who actually works at the coalface with troubled kids. Dr Billy Garvey is a senior specialist in child mental health at one of the largest tertiary paediatric hospitals in the world.   Billy challenges many of

Jun 24, 2024 • 1:10:56

JUST JOSH: PROTESTERS AT SEINFELD

JUST JOSH: PROTESTERS AT SEINFELD

Josh was at Jerry Seinfeld's Sydney show last night, which was disrupted by Palestinian protesters in the audience. Josh shares his initial reaction and reflects on Gaza activism and anti-Zionism.   To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

Jun 19, 2024 • 50:49

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson

Former Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson

On September 11th, 2001, the Australian prime minister, John Howard, was scheduled to meet with President George W Bush at the White House. While he was hunkered down in Washington during the terrorist attacks, Australia was being run by his deputy, the Acting Prime Minister, John Anderson. John was the equivalent of Australia’s Vice President during some of the most significant events in recent history.   Anderson is a Christian conservative who opposed same-sex marriage and the 2023 indigenous

Jun 17, 2024 • 59:07

Are Indigenous People Victims? with Anthony Dillon

Are Indigenous People Victims? with Anthony Dillon

Is it useful or debilitating to frame Indigenous people merely as victims of history? Anthony Dillon is an Indigenous Australian, an academic and commentator who rejects today’s popular ideologies about White Australia, invasion and racism. He and Josh wrestle with how to make progress on First Nations issues in an innovative way. This episode is part of Permission to Think, a collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney, thanks to Professor Alan Davison. It’s a taste of a longer episo

Jun 13, 2024 • 1:06:46

Peter Helliar: The Craft of Comedy

Peter Helliar: The Craft of Comedy

Peter Helliar is one of Australia's biggest stand-up comedians. He was on TV every night for eight years as a panellist on The Project. He had his own network sitcom, How to Stay Married. He's a rockstar of the Melbourne Comedy Festival. He was nominated for Australia's biggest TV award, a Gold Logie. Last year, he was a contestant on I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! When we sat down with him recently, he was playing the narrator in a live production of The Rocky Horror Show. This intervie

Jun 11, 2024 • 56:59

Osher Günsberg: Being a Man

Osher Günsberg: Being a Man

Andrew Tate. Jordan Peterson. Joe Rogan. From where are young males getting their models of masculinity? What does it even mean to Be A Man in the 21st century?   Osher Günsberg is the biggest TV host Down Under. For the past 21 years, he has been a mainstay of the country’s biggest shows as the host of Australian Idol, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and The Masked Singer, which were recently cancelled. He’s the narrator of Bondi Rescue, and his podcast, Better Than Yesterday, is one of the coun

Jun 7, 2024 • 1:02:41

Helen Lewis: The State of Britain

Helen Lewis: The State of Britain

As the U.K. prepares for a sudden national election in four weeks, Helen Lewis and Josh wrestle with the issues that dominate all around the English-speaking world. Anger about rising prices – check. Anxiety about immigration – check. Dislocation due to globalisation – check. A culture war about wokeness – check. Helen is arguably Britain's most insightful and entertaining journalist. Her interview with Jordan Peterson for GQ has nearly 70 million views on YouTube. She's done several terrific ra

Jun 3, 2024 • 1:05:33

JUST JOSH: On Resilience

JUST JOSH: On Resilience

Josh had a rough week. He shares his advice about how to live a resilient, productive life -- to himself as much as to you.    This is a preview of a longer monologue for paid subscribers. We hope you enjoy it. Thanks for listening.   To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ htt

May 30, 2024 • 22:28

“What's Become of the Left?” with Prof. Clive Hamilton

“What's Become of the Left?” with Prof. Clive Hamilton

Does being "left-wing" mean giving everyone equal opportunities? Or does it mean elevating historically excluded groups like gays, trans folks and people of colour? Professor Clive Hamilton is a professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University. He was active in the civil rights movements of the 1970s and he founded the country's most important left-wing think tank, the Australia Institute, thirty years ago. In additon to his many books about the threat from China and from climate change, h

May 27, 2024 • 1:08:34

TALKBACK: How Josh Keeps His Poise… and Are Christians Under Attack?

TALKBACK: How Josh Keeps His Poise… and Are Christians Under Attack?

We opened up the webcams for a live Zoom talkback episode. We discuss fascinating news stories, Josh shares a private essay he wrote to his friends who are having a dispute over Joe Rogan, and you’ll learn how he keeps his cool during testy conversations.   Keep an eye out for more live talkback sessions in the future, and make sure you’re signed up to http://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com to be part of the team. http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagr

May 24, 2024 • 35:52

Wendy Harmer ‘On Being Australia’s Ricky Gervais'

Wendy Harmer ‘On Being Australia’s Ricky Gervais'

Wendy Harmer is the most groundbreaking female comedian in Australia. She shattered the glass ceiling in the 1980s as a stand-up comic and TV host, before ruling the radio airwaves for decades. Her book is “Lies My Mirror Told Me: A frank, funny, fearless memoir”. Josh picks her brain about when she bombed hosting television’s night of nights.   This is a taste of a longer episode for premium subscribers. If you'd like to hear the whole thing, pop over to the Substack page at https://uncomfortab

May 22, 2024 • 40:51

Jaron Lanier: "There's No Such Thing as Artificial 'Intelligence'"

Jaron Lanier: "There's No Such Thing as Artificial 'Intelligence'"

In Silicon Valley, it's hard to overstate the significance of Jaron Lanier. He coined the term "virtual reality" and founded the first virtual reality company in the '80s. You may recognise him as the dreadlocked polymath in the The Social Dilemma, Netflix's documentary about the harms of social media.   Today, he is a leader of a dissident group of tech geniuses who believe the hype of A.I. is overblown, in both its capabilities and its risks. While many of his colleagues speak of artificial in

May 20, 2024 • 1:09:55

THE PANEL:  Taxpayer-Funded Prostitutes, Elon vs Australia, and Snakes in a Car with Claire Lehmann and Peter van Onselen

THE PANEL: Taxpayer-Funded Prostitutes, Elon vs Australia, and Snakes in a Car with Claire Lehmann and Peter van Onselen

Why is the Australian government in a court battle with Elon Musk? Should taxpayers be paying for disabled Australians to hire hookers? Should campus protestors be as upset about the plight of the Uighurs as of Palestinians? And why has a lady been driving around with a deadly snake stowed in her car for months? Josh breaks down the most intriguing stories of the week with two scintillating commentators: Claire Lehmann, the founder and editor of Quillette and a columnist for The Australian newsp

May 16, 2024 • 25:42

Simon Holmes à Court: Beyond Political Parties

Simon Holmes à Court: Beyond Political Parties

Could independent politicians kill off the two-party system and make politics more accountable? At the last Australian election, a decade of conservative government rule was brought to an end thanks largely to a wave of so-called "teal independents" supported by Simon Holmes à Court’s organisation.  The son of Australia’s first billionaire and the heir to generations of influential politicians and businessmen, Simon Holmes à Court has become one of the most significant figures in Australian poli

May 13, 2024 • 1:20:05

JUST JOSH: The Problem with the Conversation About Male Violence

JUST JOSH: The Problem with the Conversation About Male Violence

Australia is in the grip of a national reckoning about male violence against women. Last month, 11 women died at the hands of men, almost half of whom were killed in the Bondi stabbing. Countless news reports describe an epidemic of men killing women. Rallies all over the country emphasise the central message: Men Need To Do Better. But what do the facts say? How can we best fix the problem? And is Josh merely being a defensive, toxic male when he says it’s “not all men”? Josh seeks to bring rea

May 9, 2024 • 54:57

Meshel Laurie: Comedy, Cancellation, and Male Violence

Meshel Laurie: Comedy, Cancellation, and Male Violence

A legend of Australian comedy, Meshel Laurie has endured her share of woke social media pile-ons. The top-rating radio host, comedian and TV performer is invariably described as “divisive”. Why? Because she’s a woman? Because she’s uncensored?    Meshel’s podcasts are Australian True Crime and Can We Be Real. Here, she and Josh reflect on social media, alcohol, drugs, comedy, stardom, Buddhism, the pandemic, and how to discuss male violence without alienating men.   To get more content like this

May 6, 2024 • 1:07:06

TALKBACK: Nuclear Energy, Men’s Violence & Gaza Protests

TALKBACK: Nuclear Energy, Men’s Violence & Gaza Protests

We opened up the phones to field questions from the listeners for our first-ever live talkback episode. We discussed fascinating news stories as well as the hard-hitting topics the mainstream media refuses to touch, like why it's okay to eat dog.   Keep an eye out for more live ask-me-anything sessions in the future, and make sure you’re signed up to uncomfortableconversations.substack.com to get involved.   To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, h

May 2, 2024 • 53:54

Steven Rinella, The MeatEater

Steven Rinella, The MeatEater

He’s the man who introduced Joe Rogan to hunting. Steven Rinella hosts the long-running TV show and podcast MeatEater. He’s an outdoorsman, conservationist, writer and TV star who's written ten books about wildlife, hunting, fishing, and wild game cooking. But best of all, he’s a generous and wise thinker about ecology and animal suffering. Josh has never shot an animal in his life. Enjoy. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack pag

Apr 29, 2024 • 1:35:12

"The Psychology of Time" with Prof. Joel Pearson on The Buzz

"The Psychology of Time" with Prof. Joel Pearson on The Buzz

It's always a treat when Professor Joel Pearson stops by for The Buzz, to blow our minds about our minds.   On this visit, Joel and Josh wrestle with how you experience time. Why does time sometimes seem to move fast, and slow? Are some people naturally better at different times of day? How fooled can you be by tricks of time? Is there a biological timer in your brain? And why does time speed up as you age?   Joel is a professor of cognitive neuroscience who runs the Future Minds Lab at one of A

Apr 25, 2024 • 27:09

JIMMY CARR: Comedy Legend

JIMMY CARR: Comedy Legend

Jimmy Carr’s comedy career has spanned over two decades and seen him sell out arenas all over the world. Jimmy returns to Netflix with his latest stand-up special Jimmy Carr: Natural Born Killer. The show was seen by 1.2 million people in 45 countries and is the first special that Jimmy has directed. Now you get to see it at home. I sat down with Jimmy during my visit to London to discuss his new special as well as all things comedy, cancel culture, social media, the state of the world and much

Apr 22, 2024 • 59:14

Douglas Murray LIVE: Sydney Matinee

Douglas Murray LIVE: Sydney Matinee

For the first Uncomfortable Conversations live tour, Douglas Murray joined Josh in conversation on a sold-out five-city tour. This is the audio of the matinee show in Sydney, which was recorded live from the audience while protesters tried to make as much noise as they could outside. So our most sincere apologies for the quality of the audio, however, the YouTube shows were recorded with proper equipment and sound great!   Whether you agree or disagree with him, Douglas is one of the most import

Apr 18, 2024 • 1:12:25

Eiynah: Josh vs Anti-Zionism

Eiynah: Josh vs Anti-Zionism

Josh wanted to explore the perspective of a Western leftist who's been condemning Israel and who understands the Middle East.   Eiynah is a Pakistani-Canadian podcaster, illustrator and commentator who grew up in Saudi Arabia. Throughout the Gaza conflict, she has been vehement in her opposition to Israel.   Eiynah's podcast is called Polite Conversations and you can follow her @NiceMangos.   To get more content like this, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/

Apr 15, 2024 • 1:05:26

THE PANEL: Ben Fordham & Antoinette Lattouf

THE PANEL: Ben Fordham & Antoinette Lattouf

Sydney's #1 talk radio host, the legendary Ben Fordham, joins journalist, podcaster and explosive former ABC provocateur Antoinette Lattouf to debate the big stories of the week.    To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations   Follow Antoinette twi

Apr 11, 2024 • 1:02:40

"Trans Rights vs Women's Rights" with the feminist being sued for her women's app, Sall Grover

"Trans Rights vs Women's Rights" with the feminist being sued for her women's app, Sall Grover

This week, the Federal Court of Australia will hear a case with profound implications for women's rights and trans rights. It involves a women's app whose creator is being sued for discrimination by a trans woman because the app is exclusively for biological females. Here, the defendant shares her story.   Should women be allowed to exclude transgender women from female-only spaces? Or do trans women have a human right to be treated, anywhere and everywhere, as biological females?   Most of the

Apr 8, 2024 • 1:12:04

JUST JOSH: Insights From A Tour

JUST JOSH: Insights From A Tour

Nobody attended all seven live conversations with Douglas Murray. Nobody will ever hear them all. Except for Josh.   Here, he brings you into the inner circle. What takeaways did Josh get? Was he frustrated by Douglas' blind spots? Has Douglas changed Josh's mind on Gaza, Zionism, trans issues or wokeness?   This is a taste of a longer episode for premium subscribers. If you'd like to hear the whole thing, pop over to the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 4, 2024 • 11:46

Douglas Murray LIVE: The Final Show

Douglas Murray LIVE: The Final Show

For the first Uncomfortable Conversations live tour, Douglas Murray joined Josh in conversation on a sold-out five-city tour. This is the audio of the final show, in Melbourne.   Whether you agree or disagree with him, Douglas is one of the most important public intellectuals today. A journalist and bestselling author, he tackles controversial issues head on like nobody else.   Two of the live shows will be posted on YouTube (you won't hear those here to avoid duplication, so be sure to subscrib

Mar 31, 2024 • 56:03

PREMIUM PREVIEW: Douglas Murray LIVE Q&A

PREMIUM PREVIEW: Douglas Murray LIVE Q&A

Douglas Murray is one of the foremost conservative thinkers of our time. He's a journalist and author of numerous best-selling books who's appeared on some of the biggest stages around the world.  Douglas and Josh just completed the first ever Uncomfortable Conversations live tour at sold-out venues in five cities, debating topics as diverse as the conflict in Gaza, cancel culture, gender dysphoria and much more.  Here's the first taste of the tour: Two audience Q&A segments from the Brisban

Mar 28, 2024 • 23:38

"Why You're Misunderstood" with Charles Duhigg

"Why You're Misunderstood" with Charles Duhigg

Do you ever feel apprehensive about speaking up? Are you ever misunderstood? Do you ever find other people evasive, or abrasive? The Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Charles Duhigg caused a splash 12 years ago with his research into the formation of habits and his book "The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life." Now, he's studied super communicators to discover why you're misunderstood, and what you can do better. His new book is "Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of

Mar 25, 2024 • 49:47

POLITICS: The Future of Right & Left? with Australia's Best Political Analyst, Peter van Onselen

POLITICS: The Future of Right & Left? with Australia's Best Political Analyst, Peter van Onselen

This is a preview of an episode for paid subscribers.    What should we make of politics in the 2020s? Are we in an ascendant moment for the centre left? The US swung Democratic at the last midterm elections. The Australian conservatives were annihilated at the last poll. The same will happen to the UK Tories later this year.   Peter van Onselen is a professor of politics who has written multiple books about the rise and fall of almost every recent conservative prime minister. He has worked insi

Mar 21, 2024 • 11:59

PETER GARRETT: Rockstar Politician

PETER GARRETT: Rockstar Politician

Peter Garrett is one of the most iconic Australians. As the lead singer of Midnight Oil, he's had countless number one hits all over the world. He entered politics and reached the highest levels of government as a cabinet minister, including spearheading the campaign to ban Japanese whaling worldwide. As an environmentalist and indigenous rights activist, he has seen a half-century of social justice. Josh sits down with an Australian legend to pick his brain about modern culture, the left and th

Mar 17, 2024 • 58:38

UNLOCKED PREMIUM: Racism & Sam Kerr

UNLOCKED PREMIUM: Racism & Sam Kerr

Can a non-white person be racist? Or is racism something only white people do? The beloved captain of Australia's national women's soccer team, Sam Kerr, a woman of colour, was charged by UK police with racial harassment after allegedly calling a white male police officer a "stupid white bastard" in London.   Australia's commentariat has been twisting itself in knots trying to find the correct anti-racist hot take. The official consensus is that people of colour can't be racist, so she did nothi

Mar 15, 2024 • 39:24

JOSH IN NYC: The Fifth Column

JOSH IN NYC: The Fifth Column

When Josh left his ABC Radio show in December, keen observers recalled an appearance he'd made on the hugely popular US podcast The Fifth Column some months earlier, which had hinted that all was not well in paradise. For the first time since jumping off from the legacy media train, Josh sits down with the Fifth Colunmistas in New York City for a catch-up... and a review of the spiciest stories in the news.   This is a crossover episode with The Fifth Column podcast. If you've already heard it o

Mar 12, 2024 • 1:30:33

JUST JOSH: Is Josh a Zionist?

JUST JOSH: Is Josh a Zionist?

Yesterday we released a preview of this paid episode. Due to the reaction to the full episode on the paid feed, we are re-releasing it here for free as a public service.   Amid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, "anti-Zionism" has become shorthand for "anti-bombing-Palestinians". But what do we mean when we ask if someone opposes Zionism? Does being a “Zionist” mean you support Israel's brutality? Josh is being asked this question more and more. He tries to untangle an answer.   To get more c

Mar 7, 2024 • 24:21

JUST JOSH: Is Josh a Zionist?

JUST JOSH: Is Josh a Zionist?

Amid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, "anti-Zionism" has become shorthand for "anti-bombing-Palestinians". But what do we mean when we ask if someone opposes Zionism? Does being a “Zionist” mean you support Israel's brutality? Josh is being asked this question more and more. He tries to untangle an answer. This episode is only available in full for premium subscribers. If you're not a paid subscriber, enjoy a short taste -- or, to experience the full multicoloured glory of Uncomfortable Con

Mar 7, 2024 • 11:28

"Indigenous Woo-Woo or Wisdom?" with Tyson Yunkaporta

"Indigenous Woo-Woo or Wisdom?" with Tyson Yunkaporta

Do we fetishise indigenous culture? Praising timeless First Nations wisdom makes us feel warm and fuzzy. But what do land acknowledgements, smoking ceremonies and racial sensitivity classes have to do with the oldest continuous civilisation on earth and its future in the modern world?   Tyson Yunkaporta is an Aboriginal scholar at Deakin University in Melbourne. His new book is "Right Story, Wrong Story: Adventures in Indigenous Thinking". He and Josh have it out.   To get more content like this

Mar 4, 2024 • 1:02:41

JUST JOSH: Cancelling Douglas Murray

JUST JOSH: Cancelling Douglas Murray

Well, the knives are out. Later this month, Josh is touring Australia with the outspoken British journalist Douglas Murray. It's the first in a series of live tours that'll bring you the world's most interesting minds from across the entire political and ideological spectrum. You'll hear some of those events on this very pod. But now, the threat of cancellation looms. Activists are trying to force theatres to cancel the Douglas Murray events. Here, Josh shares his thoughts. This episode is only

Feb 29, 2024 • 11:26

"Worthless Twink" Tim Abbott: What's Wrong With Influencers

"Worthless Twink" Tim Abbott: What's Wrong With Influencers

The Worthless Twink is one of the most prominent gays on Instagram. But he's not called that any more. Tim Abbott is reinventing himself as a meme artist. He gets real and raw with Josh about influencers, the gays, and self-obsession. This episode was recorded before the tragic death of Sydney couple Jesse Baird and Luke Davies on Monday the 19th of February. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconve

Feb 26, 2024 • 1:00:03

THE BUZZ: Tech & Science News About Being a Human Being

THE BUZZ: Tech & Science News About Being a Human Being

Josh is joined by fan favourite Professor Joel Pearson, neuroscientist and psychologist, to discuss the biggest stories in technology... and how they'll affect your life. To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

Feb 22, 2024 • 16:56

THE PANEL: Mardi Gras, Doxxing & Psychedelics

THE PANEL: Mardi Gras, Doxxing & Psychedelics

This week, Josh is joined on the panel couch by Courtney Act, one of the world’s most iconic drag queens (or, rather, by her even more captivating alter ago, Shane Jenek) and by the ABC's National Technology Reporter, Ange Lavoipierre.   To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversations

Feb 19, 2024 • 1:10:06

"The Porn Star's Perspective" with Angela White

"The Porn Star's Perspective" with Angela White

Angela is Australia’s most successful adult film actress, and the most award-winning female porn star in history, anywhere. She graduated with First Class Honors and now runs a multi-million-dollar operation as one of the top 0.01% of OnlyFans creators. She and Josh discuss gender, sexual identity, Botox, porn and taboos.   To get more content like this and to join in the fun of the Uncomfy Convos multiverse, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http

Feb 16, 2024 • 55:41

JUST JOSH: The Rise of Woke Snitches

JUST JOSH: The Rise of Woke Snitches

Anti-Zionist Instagram mums are on the hunt. They plan to expose secret WhatsApp messages where sniveling, bloodthirsty Jews like Josh plot. What’s up with snitching these days? Can we quit it already?   Also, Josh bought a cat and needs your advice.   To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe http://youtube.com/@JoshSzeps_ http://twitter.com/joshzepps http://instagram.com/joshszeps/ tiktok.com/@uncomfyconversa

Feb 12, 2024 • 32:48

The Buzz: A Panel About the Future

The Buzz: A Panel About the Future

Neuralink brain implants. Apple Vision Pro virtual reality. Silicon Valley tech bros who plan to live forever. It’s been a big week in science and technology news, and who better to devour, digest and regurgitate it for you than neuroscientist Joel Pearson and technology journalist Angharad "Rad" Yeo (and their humble interlocuter nerd, Josh)? Joel’s book is The Intuition Toolkit and you can check out the show’s YouTube page to see our purdy faces. Let us know what you think of the episode on th

Feb 9, 2024 • 1:03:29

The Intuition Toolkit with Prof Joel Pearson

The Intuition Toolkit with Prof Joel Pearson

How does the moist grey meat between your ears create the kaleidoscope of sensations you experience as your life? How do other animals experience the world? And will A.I. ever feel like something?   Joel Pearson is a psychologist and neuroscientist who runs the Future Minds Lab at the University of New South Wales and is in charge of Innovation & Enterprise in their school of psychology. His new book is "The Intuition Toolkit: The New Science of Knowing What without Knowing Why."   Join Joel

Feb 6, 2024 • 1:05:24

JUST JOSH: Why 2024 Will Rock

JUST JOSH: Why 2024 Will Rock

The doomsayers are out in force, with plenty of gloomy prognostications for 2024. In this solo episode (also available on YouTube if you want to behold Josh’s staggeringly beautiful hair), Josh explains why — on climate, economics and politics — 2024 will be a helluva lot better than you think.   Josh Szeps 𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙 𝕊𝕫𝕖𝕡𝕤 (@joshzepps) on X Instagram (@joshszeps) Josh Szeps on TikTok

Feb 3, 2024 • 36:51

THE PANEL: Elon, Vapes & Lyin' Politicians

THE PANEL: Elon, Vapes & Lyin' Politicians

Josh had a tradition on his radio show. Each Friday, he’d banter with two celebrities about the news. Well, behold this first-ever inaugural grand honorary opening maiden extravaganza lollapalooza: The Uncomfortable Conversations Panel.   This week, our guests are the two most interesting people in the world: Sarah Wilson and Jessie Stephens. Sarah’s podcast is Wild, which you should listen to. She’s also a multi-New York Times best-selling author, social philosopher and keynote speaker. Jessie’

Feb 2, 2024 • 26:03

James Kirchick: Is Hate Speech OK?

James Kirchick: Is Hate Speech OK?

Should swastikas be banned? Should you be allowed to chant “Palestinians are terrorists”? What about “trans women aren’t women”? Or “Covid was a hoax”?   In an era of misinformation and hate speech, universities, governments and journalists are wrestling with whether to control what gets said. Should there be any limits?   You’ve seen James Kirchick on Bill Maher’s show. He’s a big free-speecher; a writer, columnist, and a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. He

Jan 30, 2024 • 1:13:21

Reflections on Australia Day

Reflections on Australia Day

Today, January 26th, is Australia's national day. It's hugely controversial, being the anniversary of the British Empire's arrival on indigenous land. On the morning of Australia Day, Josh reflects on race relations and the ongoing Australia-Day controversy.   To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed. Hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe Josh Szeps 𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙 𝕊𝕫𝕖𝕡𝕤 (@joshzepps) on X Instagram (@joshszeps) Josh Szeps on TikTok

Jan 26, 2024 • 40:30

Elie Honig: Will Trump Go To Jail?

Elie Honig: Will Trump Go To Jail?

Elie Honig used to prosecute the mafia in New York City. Now he’s CNN’s senior Legal analyst. As a seasoned prosecutor of organised crime, he helps Josh wrestle through Trump’s legal problems and their likely outcomes. Elie’s new book is “Untouchable: How Powerful People Get Away with It”.   To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed. Hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe Josh Szeps 𝕁𝕠𝕤𝕙 𝕊𝕫𝕖𝕡𝕤 (@joshzepps) on X Instagram (@joshszeps) Josh Sz

Jan 23, 2024 • 1:00:35

Meg Smaker: Rehabilitating Terrorists

Meg Smaker: Rehabilitating Terrorists

Meg made an astonishing documentary about Guantanamo terrorists who were released into a de-radicalisation program in Saudi Arabia. Then her film, The UnRedacted (Jihad Rehab), was cancelled… and so was she.   To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed. Hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe   *CORRECTION: The UnRedacted (Jihad Rehab) is not yet available to watch at JihadRehab.com but Meg is working on it and it will be ready in the very near future.

Jan 16, 2024 • 1:18:30

Nigel Biggar: Was The British Empire Good?

Nigel Biggar: Was The British Empire Good?

When we accuse a country of being a "coloniser", it's meant as a bad thing. But what if colonialism is okay? What if the British Empire was, on balance... good?   That's the position of @NigelBiggar, a Professor Emeritus at Oxford University whose new book, “Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning”, is making heads explode all over Britain. Join Josh as he tries to wrestle with the ethics of the Raj, indigenous rights, racism, and one of the greatest crimes – or greatest virtues? – in political history.

Jan 9, 2024 • 51:27

David Baddiel: The Jew Problem

David Baddiel: The Jew Problem

Are Jews a minority? Do they deserve the same social-justice protections as other identity groups? Or are they white—perhaps even the “whitest” of white privileged elites?   David Baddiel is a comedian and writer. He helped turn comedy into ‘the New Rock’n’Roll’ when he created the hit TV shows ‘The Mary Whitehouse Experience’ and ‘Newman & Baddiel in Pieces’. He’s appeared on the UK’s biggest comedy shows including ‘Little Britain’, ‘Skins’, ‘8 Out of 10 Cats’, and ‘QI’, and he performed to

Jan 2, 2024 • 1:10:00

Premium: Surviving Christmas Dinner with Gary Kennedy

Premium: Surviving Christmas Dinner with Gary Kennedy

How long can ham sit on the Christmas table before you shouldn’t eat it? Can fried rice kill you? Can you store butter out of the fridge? Why did Josh start spewing chunks just twenty minutes after eating a chimichanga? Gary Kennedy is a world expert in food safety and the managing director of Correct Food Systems. To help you survive your impending holiday feast (and every Chinese takeaway you’ll ever have), don’t miss this quirky, compelling, uncomfortable Christmas special.

Dec 21, 2023 • 16:07

Robert Sapolsky: Is Free Will An Illusion?

Robert Sapolsky: Is Free Will An Illusion?

How would your life change if you found out, beyond all doubt, that you're a robot? What if nothing you’ve ever done was your own free choice? What if your brain just tricks you into feeling like you’re choosing things it already planned? Josh can't believe that. But the Stanford Professor Robert Sapolsky, one of the world’s leading free-will sceptics, does. His latest book is “Determined: A Science of Life without Free Will”. Prepare to have your mind blown. If you have one. To subscribe to Jos

Dec 19, 2023 • 1:02:29

BONUS: Why Jews Are Literally Nazis - Reflections on a Collapsing Conversation

BONUS: Why Jews Are Literally Nazis - Reflections on a Collapsing Conversation

Today, over 3,200 of Josh’s arts-industry colleagues are engaging in a Palestinian Day of Action, wearing Palestinian scarves during performances nationwide. Josh, you’ll be shocked to learn, has some thoughts.

Dec 13, 2023 • 1:43:14

Peter McCormack: Digital Currencies & Spy States

Peter McCormack: Digital Currencies & Spy States

In a future of digital spying, inflationary economies, incompetent central banks and petty authoritarians, could Bitcoin be the guarantee of all your other freedoms? Josh was on Peter’s blockbuster podcast, What Bitcoin Did, and now Peter stops by the Uncomfy Convos studio on a recent trip to Sydney. He’s a super smart thinker about the role of the individual, the state… and your wallet. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.subs

Dec 12, 2023 • 1:30:05

David Pakman: How's America Doing?

David Pakman: How's America Doing?

David Pakman is a progressive American political commentator who hosts one of the world’s most popular left-wing talk shows, with over 1.8 million subscribers. Josh picks his brain about the state of the media, of the Left… and of America. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Dec 5, 2023 • 59:44

Premium: Ask Me Anything

Premium: Ask Me Anything

There's a LOT going on in the Uncomfy Convo world. You probably have a lot of questions. I'm here to answer them.

Dec 4, 2023 • 8:50

Paul Bloom: Against Empathy

Paul Bloom: Against Empathy

What's wrong with empathy? Is effective altruism better? How did you develop your sense of right and wrong? Is suffering necessary for pleasure? These are the questions the psychologist Paul Bloom wrestles with. Enjoy the ride.

Nov 28, 2023 • 1:13:38

Bari Weiss: Quitting The Mainstream Media

Bari Weiss: Quitting The Mainstream Media

Yippee-ki-yay, Josh has quit his ABC Radio show to double down on Uncomfortable Conversations. Starting in the new year, you'll get additional free episodes, a YouTube channel, a live tour and more. Before embarking on his adventure, Josh wanted to speak with the most successful person who has recently pulled it off. Bari Weiss was an opinion writer and editor at The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. She walked away to do her own thing at The Free Press. Now more than ever, we need you

Nov 21, 2023 • 1:12:01

Brian Dunning: What Are UFOs?

Brian Dunning: What Are UFOs?

Brian Dunning is an expert on critical thinking, science and skepticism. His weekly podcast, Skeptoid, debunks conspiracy theories, and his new film is “The UFO Movie THEY Don't Want You to See”. Here, Josh tries to get to the bottom of what’s really going on with UFOs. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Nov 14, 2023 • 59:50

Greg Lukianoff & Rikki Schlott: The Cancelling of the American Mind

Greg Lukianoff & Rikki Schlott: The Cancelling of the American Mind

Can you work at a corporation or university and openly contradict elite opinion? Can you freel y suggest that gender is binary, land acknowledgments are silly, that there are biological reasons why more men become CEOs, or that racial diversity quotas are patronising? Not without being punished, according to a tsunami of cases being catalogued by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Its CEO, Greg Lukianoff, who co-wrote the bestseller “The Coddling of the American Mind” , has a n

Nov 7, 2023 • 1:04:00

Julia Zemiro: Australian Legend

Julia Zemiro: Australian Legend

What does it take to sustain a career in the performing arts? Julia Zemiro is one of Australia’s most beloved perfomers. An actor, improv comic and TV host, she has hosted the official New Year's Eve telecast from Sydney Harbour, the music quiz show “RocKwiz”, and her own beloved television interview show “Julia Zemiro's Home Delivery”, I sit down with her to muse on what it takes to make it in a tough biz. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortab

Oct 31, 2023 • 1:14:00

BONUS: Should Israel Exist At All?

BONUS: Should Israel Exist At All?

Josh shares fresh thoughts on Gaza, Palestine and Israel in this special bonus episode. To subscribe to the premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 26, 2023 • 28:35

Eli Lake: Gaza & Israel

Eli Lake: Gaza & Israel

Eli Lake is the former senior national security correspondent for The Daily Beast and Newsweek. He’s a contributing editor to Commentary Magazine and the host of the Re-Education Podcast. He was a syndicated columnist for Bloomberg between 2014 and 2022 and a former reporter at the New York Sun, the Daily Beast and the Washington Times. He and Josh debate Israel’s responsibility for the current crisis in Gaza. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfor

Oct 24, 2023 • 1:08:55

Marcus Walker: Are We Handing Putin Victory?

Marcus Walker: Are We Handing Putin Victory?

How are you feeling about the war in Ukraine? We may be at a fork in the road and about to blow it. The Wall Street Journal's Marcus Walker recently returned from Ukraine. He shares with you everything from the fascinating little details to the bracing geopolitics. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 18, 2023 • 1:02:13

BONUS: Josh's thoughts on Israel & Gaza

BONUS: Josh's thoughts on Israel & Gaza

I’ve been asked many times about my thoughts on situation in Israel and Gaza…. So here they are.

Oct 17, 2023 • 18:54

Jack Latimore: What The Voice Referendum Really Means

Jack Latimore: What The Voice Referendum Really Means

On October 14th, Australians will vote about whether to recognise the country’s First Peoples in the Constitution by establishing a body called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice. Jack Latimore is a Birpai man and the Indigenous affairs journalist for The Age and the Sydney Morning Herald. He joins the show to explain it all. You can read Jack’s work at the link below.https://www.theage.com.au/by/jack-latimore-p4ywbz To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page

Oct 8, 2023 • 1:27:18

The Fifth Column Guys: LIVE FROM NEW YORK

The Fifth Column Guys: LIVE FROM NEW YORK

Josh is in New York, where he just stopped by the studios of one of America’s greatest podcasts, The Fifth Column, to record this special crossover pod. Find Michael Moynihan, Kmele Foster and Matt Welch at https://wethefifth.com and https://wethefifth.substack.com. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe Grab your Exclusive NordVPN Deal by going to nordvpn.com/Conversations to get a Huge Discount off your No

Oct 3, 2023 • 1:46:14

Premium: Dan Savage “The World Before Gay Marriage"

Premium: Dan Savage “The World Before Gay Marriage"

A long, long time ago, The Gays couldn’t marry. What was it like in that mediaeval nightmare? The world’s most popular sex advice columnist, Dan Savage, joined Josh in New York on the set of his television talk show in 2013. Enjoy this fascinating time portal, unavailable anywhere else on earth, except on the premium podcast feed at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Oct 1, 2023 • 14:24

Steve Stewart-Williams: The Ape That Understood The Universe

Steve Stewart-Williams: The Ape That Understood The Universe

Are there biological differences between male and female brains? How much of what you do is dictated by evolution? As a part of our Permission To Think collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney's Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, evolutionary psychologist Professor Steve Stewart-Williams describes how you came to be an ape who understands the universe. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 27, 2023 • 1:02:24

Bonus: Josh's Thoughts on The Voice

Bonus: Josh's Thoughts on The Voice

Australians are about to vote on whether to change the constitution to create a special advisory body for Indigenous Australians. Is it an overdue forum for justice? Or a risky, undemocratic game of identity politics? It’s the listener question Josh gets the most. Here, he tries to inject some sanity into an increasingly toxic debate. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 25, 2023 • 27:15

Yascha Mounk: The Identity Trap

Yascha Mounk: The Identity Trap

Yascha Mounk is one of the world’s most interesting thinkers about diversity, liberalism and democracy. His new book, The Identity Trap, is an ambitious account of the origins, consequences, and limitations of “wokeness”. How did a relatively marginal set of ideas – postmodernism, postcolonialism, critical race theory – come to rule the world? To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe Grab your Exclusive NordVP

Sep 19, 2023 • 1:19:05

Amna Khalid: Campus Craziness

Amna Khalid: Campus Craziness

Has Louis CK reeeeeeally been “cancelled” if he still has a face? I mean, he wasn’t beheaded, ergo, “cancel culture” doesn’t exist. Amna Khalid is an equal-opportunity defender of free speech—a professor who slams wokesters… at the same time as legally opposing Florida’s war on woke universities. Anna’s blog and podcast, “Banished”, are about the history of censorship. This episode is part of Permission to Think, a collaboration with the University of Technology, Sydney, where Josh is a visiting

Sep 12, 2023 • 46:26

Antony Loewenstein: Is Israel Immoral?

Antony Loewenstein: Is Israel Immoral?

Is Zionism a noble goal, or a form of colonial apartheid? Is a two-state solution possible? Desirable? Antony Loewenstein is a fierce critic of Israel and of the whole Zionist project. His new book is The Palestine Laboratory: How Israel Exports the Technology of Occupation Around the World. He and Josh debate the rights and wrongs of a Jewish homeland. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Sep 5, 2023 • 1:14:14

Premium: My Thoughts on Barbie

Premium: My Thoughts on Barbie

Is Barbie the triumphant feminist critique of modern society it claims to be? The dust has settled on the mega-hit, so Josh finds some time to weigh-in. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 30, 2023 • 29:51

"Is Josh Racist?" with Mawunyo Gbogbo

"Is Josh Racist?" with Mawunyo Gbogbo

Talk about uncomfortable. The journalist Mawunyo Gbogbo has has twice accused Josh of being a racist bigot. Rather than argue with her on Twitter, Josh invited her into the hot seat. Her memoir is “Hip Hop & Hymns: A memoir of loving hard, falling apart and fighting back.” Here, for better or worse, the two of them hash it out. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf

Aug 29, 2023 • 1:41:02

Premium: Australia vs America with Ed Kavalee

Premium: Australia vs America with Ed Kavalee

Ed Kavalee is a legend of Aussie radio, and a bloody funny bloke. Josh and Ed sit down to compare the best and worst of Australia vs America.

Aug 27, 2023 • 22:34

Toby Walsh: Your Wild A.I. Future

Toby Walsh: Your Wild A.I. Future

It’s being compared to the discovery of fire or of electricity. Either way, artificial intelligence will revolutionise human civilisation. How? Toby Walsh runs the AI Lab at UNSW and is a world-leading expert in AI. His most recent book is “Machines Behaving Badly: The Morality of AI.” Join him and Josh all the way down the rabbit hole. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 22, 2023 • 1:17:55

Premium: How Josh Quit Booze

Premium: How Josh Quit Booze

Josh used to drink a lot, and now he doesn't. One of the most frequently asked questions on our Ask Me Anythings, is how and why he quit. It deserves a longer explanation. Here it is.

Aug 17, 2023 • 22:43

David Volodzko: Fired For a Tweet

David Volodzko: Fired For a Tweet

“If you’re explaining, you’re losing,” said Ronald Reagan, who never had to explain himself to a baying Twitter mob. Respected journalist David Volodzko, an expert on political extremism, got the newspaper job of his dreams… and lost it all within days. If you’ve ever wondered whether cancel culture exists, don’t miss his stunning tale. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe And you can support David at his

Aug 15, 2023 • 1:02:46

Mark Normand: Comedy In An Age Of Cancel Culture

Mark Normand: Comedy In An Age Of Cancel Culture

Jerry Seinfeld personally chose Mark Normand to be his opening act. He’s a favourite of Joe Rogan and has appeared on CONAN, the Tonight Show & Late Show. Josh caught up with him, live and in-the-flesh, during Mark’s Australian tour. Mark’s new special Soup To Nuts is available on Netflix now. Check out the trailer HERE.  Follow Mark on Twitter HERE. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 8, 2023 • 1:19:11

Cory Clark: Why We're Tribal

Cory Clark: Why We're Tribal

Are you more forgiving of people you agree with than those you don’t? Have humans evolved to favour our own kind, to avoid ostracism, and to gain social status? Cory Clark is a behavioral scientist who studies tribalism and group identity. Her findings are shocking… but they offer us a path out of this mess. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Aug 1, 2023 • 1:13:26

Premium: When Josh Met Russell Brand

Premium: When Josh Met Russell Brand

In a TV interview that put Josh on the map, Russell Brand shows up at Josh’s New York studio for the wildest ride of Josh’s life. Nipples are tweaked. Laptops are ruined. Wild minds are in flight. It’s one for the history books. Enjoy. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 30, 2023 • 14:14

Destiny: Owning Right Wing Trolls

Destiny: Owning Right Wing Trolls

Destiny, aka The Omni Liberal, aka Steven Bonnell is the debater who most terrifies right-wing trolls on Twitter. He was among the first people in the world to stream video games online full-time and now live-streams political debates in which he crushes his conservative opponents. What makes him tick? To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 25, 2023 • 1:04:23

Premium: Sean Szeps - Not Like Other Dads

Premium: Sean Szeps - Not Like Other Dads

Josh's husband Sean’s memoir Not Like Other Dads was released in early June and has been a raging success. For this premium episode, they sit down and talk about the book, his motivations for writing it, and his experience, of their experience, of becoming parents.

Jul 21, 2023 • 13:00

"Who Killed Creativity?" with Andrew & Gaia Grant

"Who Killed Creativity?" with Andrew & Gaia Grant

Andrew & Gaia Grant study the world’s biggest companies and coach them to be nimbler, more creative, and more diverse. How did we get so uncreative… and what separates the best from the rest? To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 18, 2023 • 1:06:41

"The Next Level of Comedy" with Myq Kaplan

"The Next Level of Comedy" with Myq Kaplan

Myq is a New York comic who’s been on the Tonight Show, Conan, Letterman, James Corden, Seth Meyers, Comedy Central, Last Comic Standing, and America’s Got Talent. He also introduced Josh to ayahuasca. What happened next? To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Jul 11, 2023 • 1:00:24

"What Hitchens Would Make of the Left" with Matt Johnson

"What Hitchens Would Make of the Left" with Matt Johnson

Despite his reputation as a defector to neoconservatism, Christopher Hitchens was more faithfully committed to liberal principles than many on the left today: Free expression, internationalism, individual rights and universalism as opposed to identity politics. That’s the argument Matt Johnson makes in his book, How Hitchens Can Save the Left: Rediscovering Fearless Liberalism in an Age of Counter-Enlightenment. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed hit the Substack page at https://uncomfo

Jul 4, 2023 • 55:12

Premium: Travel Hacking 101

Premium: Travel Hacking 101

Josh is a travel hacker and aviation nerd. He's one of those people who knows all the ways to get as many frequent flyer miles as possible, and cash them in for luxury, first-class experiences on the world's best airlines. He sits down with producer Stef to take him through how the whole thing works.

Jul 1, 2023 • 21:29

"The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling" with Megan Phelps-Roper

"The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling" with Megan Phelps-Roper

Megan Phelps-Roper was brought up in one of the most hated sects of American Christianity – the Westborough Baptist Church. Now, she sits down with the woman at the centre of an equally vicious firestorm, J.K. Rowling, in a new podcast from The Free Press. Josh and Megan reflect on the trans wars, religion, and the power of the mob.

Jun 27, 2023 • 1:20:05

Premium: Ask Me Anything - Fitness, Ukraine, Gender Ideology & A.I.

Premium: Ask Me Anything - Fitness, Ukraine, Gender Ideology & A.I.

Josh answers all your questions about A.I., fitness, Ukraine, gender ideology, and vacationing in Europe in winter.

Jun 26, 2023 • 15:13

"RFK, Joe Rogan & Vaccines" with Michael Shermer

"RFK, Joe Rogan & Vaccines" with Michael Shermer

Presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr blew up the internet when he pushed anti-vaccine claims on Joe Rogan’s show. It’s déjà vu all over again for Josh, who had his own little vax run-in with Rogan last year. Should scientists and medical researchers do a better job of engaging with alternative media? America’s leading skeptic, Michael Shermer, thinks so. He and Josh hash it out.

Jun 21, 2023 • 1:06:48

Premium: Josh's First Podcast - The Dawn of #WeThePeople LIVE

Premium: Josh's First Podcast - The Dawn of #WeThePeople LIVE

On a summer night in Brooklyn in 2015, in the week when Trump descended a staircase to declare his ridiculous stunt candidacy for the Republican nomination, Josh launched his first ever podcast. Jim Norton, Abbi Crutchfield and Kevin Allison lit up a dive bar, guzzling cocktails and bantering about the news. Be transported back to that event. To get your very own premium version of Josh’s podcast, hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/listen

Jun 16, 2023 • 17:14

"Untangling Wokeness" with Sarah Haider

"Untangling Wokeness" with Sarah Haider

Sarah Haider is a Pakistani-American writer and a ferociously clear-headed thinker about culture, society, identity politics, religion, cancel culture, sex and gender. She’s been featured on the BBC and in The Economist and recognized as a “Freethought Heroine” for her work co-founding a non-profit that assists dissident Muslims. Her podcast, A Special Place In Hell, is co-hosted by the equally curious contrarian feminist Meghan Daum. Here, Sarah and Josh wrestle with the biggest questions of co

Jun 13, 2023 • 1:06:59

"The University Echo Chamber" with Katy Barnett

"The University Echo Chamber" with Katy Barnett

Permission to Think is a collaboration with the University of Technology, Sydney, where we debate the vigour, rigour and freedom of the academy. Today, the Melbourne University Law Professor Dr Katy Barnett sticks her neck out to argue against activist academics. To subscribe to Josh’s premium podcast feed. Hit the Substack page at https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Jun 6, 2023 • 1:03:02

"Will A.I. Take Over?" with Stephen Marche

"Will A.I. Take Over?" with Stephen Marche

The world’s leading A.I. researchers have released an open letter warning of the “existential threat” the technology poses to human civilisation. Stephen Marche begs to differ. He’ll go down in history as the man who created the world’s first mainstream novel written by A.I. To do so, he spent months interacting with Chat GPT. Join Josh as he and Stephen argue about the fate of artificial intelligence… and of humankind.

May 31, 2023 • 1:10:28

Premium: A First Date With Josh

Premium: A First Date With Josh

Do you know Josh? You may be surprised to hear his surprise when the show’s producer, Stefan Posthuma, turns the tables and puts Josh on the spot with some First Date Questions of his own.

May 26, 2023 • 17:07

Richard Dawkins: LIVE!

Richard Dawkins: LIVE!

In front of a packed crowd at a sold-out Brisbane City Hall, Josh interviews the world's most influential living biologist, Richard Dawkins.

May 23, 2023 • 1:39:08

"Why Conspiracy Theories Work" with Michael Shermer

"Why Conspiracy Theories Work" with Michael Shermer

Michael Shermer is a titan of the rationalist movement. He’s been on Oprah. He’s been on Donahue. He’s argued on TV with Deepak Chopra. He had a column in Scientific American for twenty-odd years. He’s the executive director of The Skeptics Society and the founding publisher of Skeptic magazine. His latest book is Conspiracy: Why the Rational Believe the Irrational.

May 16, 2023 • 1:16:45

Premium: When Josh Met Susan Sarandon

Premium: When Josh Met Susan Sarandon

Susan Sarandon is an Academy Award winning actor, philanthropist and progressive activist. She joined Josh on his old TV show to talk about her rise in Hollywood, gun laws, drug laws and being a “milf”.

May 12, 2023 • 20:45

"The Life of a Dominatrix" with Eva Oh

"The Life of a Dominatrix" with Eva Oh

Eva is a high-end dominatrix: A sex worker who flies around the world, servicing people’s most carnal desires. What makes them -- and her -- do what they do?1

May 9, 2023 • 57:11

Premium: Ask Me Anything

Premium: Ask Me Anything

What are your non-negotiable travel essentials? What catch phrase would you put on a billboard? What are your most left-wing and right-wing views? From deep and insightful to low-brow and fun - the audience asks Josh... anything.

May 5, 2023 • 21:08

"Is Polarisation Good?" with Shadi Hamid

"Is Polarisation Good?" with Shadi Hamid

Shadi Hamid is a Muslim-American writer and professor whose latest book is “The Problem of Democracy”. In his new Substack, Wisdom of Crowds, he makes the case against consensus… and in favour of polarisation. Josh wants to figure out what the hell he means.

May 2, 2023 • 1:15:35

Premium: Reflections On A Trip To West Africa

Premium: Reflections On A Trip To West Africa

As Josh comes to the end of his trip to West Africa. He sits down with his travel companion Dan to share their summary of the adventure.

Apr 29, 2023 • 33:53

"Fleeing Islam" with Yasmine Mohammed

"Fleeing Islam" with Yasmine Mohammed

After a dramatic youth that included a forced marriage to an Al-Qaeda operative, Yasmine became an activist for women’s rights in the Muslim world. Her charity, Free Hearts, Free Minds, helps ex-Muslims escape Muslim theocracies. Ironically, some of her toughest adversaries are western progressives, too timid to criticise Islam.

Apr 25, 2023 • 1:19:22

"Booze, Meat & Ultramarathons" with Rich Roll

"Booze, Meat & Ultramarathons" with Rich Roll

He’s a one-man wellness, publishing and podcasting empire. Rich Roll started getting fit in middle age and is now a world-renowned vegan ultra-endurance athlete.

Apr 18, 2023 • 1:33:48

Premium: When Josh Met Dick Cavett

Premium: When Josh Met Dick Cavett

Dick Cavett is one of the greatest television talk show hosts of all time. After being a writer on the original NBC Tonight Show (first with Jack Parr, then with Johnny Carson), Cavett got his own show in 1968. It ran for nearly 40 years and cemented him as a titan of American broadcasting, hosting seminal political debates as well as Hollywood’s biggest stars. A few years ago, Cavett appeared on Josh’s TV show. This is the audio of that encounter.

Apr 13, 2023 • 23:24

"Is Trump Insane?" with Anthony Scaramucci

"Is Trump Insane?" with Anthony Scaramucci

“The Mooch” was a wildly successful investment banker when he joined Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. He became the White House Communications Director in 2017. Anthony tells Josh about his time in the White House, his relationship with Trump, and what kind of a guy he really is.

Apr 11, 2023 • 48:44

Premium: Josh Is In West Africa!

Premium: Josh Is In West Africa!

Josh is backpacking around West Africa. As you do. What’s it like? He’s here to tell you, recorded live from the road (or the dusty track, as the case may be). Sign up below on our FREE Substack tier to hear the whole thing. https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Apr 7, 2023 • 18:10

"The Death of the University?" with Peter Boghossian

"The Death of the University?" with Peter Boghossian

Universities are now dominated by diversity, equity and inclusion mandates, says the philosopher Peter Boghossian… and the result is a stultifying climate of intellectual conformism. In this all-new instalment of Permission to Think, our collaboration with the UTS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Josh and Peter debate how universities, and our culture at large, can reclaim true intellectual freedom.

Apr 4, 2023 • 1:08:33

"Is Nuclear Power The Answer?" with Zion Lights

"Is Nuclear Power The Answer?" with Zion Lights

If you're a greenie, you're supposed to be anti-nuclear. That was true of the former Extinction Rebellion spokesperson Zion Lights... until she became one of Britain's most prominent advocates for nuclear power. But do her claims stand up to Josh's scrutiny?

Mar 29, 2023 • 1:33:35

Premium: Artie Lange, Jon Ronson, Guys We F****d

Premium: Artie Lange, Jon Ronson, Guys We F****d

Josh walked into a bar in Brooklyn and, in front of a packed crowd of drunks, argued about the news with some of the funniest, smartest people in New York. This is that event.

Mar 28, 2023 • 24:59

"Will Trump Be Arrested?" with James Kirchick

"Will Trump Be Arrested?" with James Kirchick

Jamie Kirchick knows everything about the secret, spooky, saucy, seedy side of Washington DC. Hear him hold forth on the secret history of gay spies, trans activists and, of course, the never-not-impending arrest of Donald J Trump.To hear the full episode for FREE, sign up to the free tier on Josh's Substack at: https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe

Mar 21, 2023 • 1:25:07

Premium: The Deep Questions - How Loudly May I Poo In Public?

Premium: The Deep Questions - How Loudly May I Poo In Public?

In this brand new venture, Josh addresses some of life's deepest questions as posed by his friend and work colleague Robbie Armfield. In this first episode, Robbie has anxiety about generating sounds and aromas in the office toilet cubicle. Robbie has questions. Josh has the answers.  You can find more from Robbie on his podcasts "Welcome to Meet You" and "Robbie's Modern Life".

Mar 17, 2023 • 20:33

"Getting Real On Race" with Coleman Hughes

"Getting Real On Race" with Coleman Hughes

The brilliant Coleman Hughes is an American writer, podcaster and musician. He burst onto the intellectual scene at a young age with his ruthlessly well-articulated opinions on race and public policy issues. He joins Josh this week with his giga-brained thoughts on race, equity and inclusion.

Mar 14, 2023 • 1:34:40

Premium: Zach Cregger - From The Archives

Premium: Zach Cregger - From The Archives

You probably know Zach Cregger from comedy shows like Wrecked and Whitest Kids U'Know. He also wrote and directed Barbarian, one of the horror films of 2022. This chat from the #WeThePeople LIVE archive is a conversation Josh and Zach had in Puerto Rico in 2016 where they spoke about the process of making good comedy, procrastination and how social media kills creativity.

Mar 11, 2023 • 18:23

"The Transgender Who Wasn't" with KC Miller

"The Transgender Who Wasn't" with KC Miller

For most transgender people, transitioning is one of the greatest experiences of their lives. For others, it deforms into crippling regret. KC Miller is one of them.

Mar 8, 2023 • 1:24:19

"Predictions Of A Scientific Futurist" with Dr Catherine Ball

"Predictions Of A Scientific Futurist" with Dr Catherine Ball

Dr Ball is a scientific futurist whose book is Converge: A futurist's insights into the potential of our world as technology and humanity collide." She and Josh wrestle with artificial intelligence, the future of food, radical life extension, and air fryers.

Feb 28, 2023 • 1:20:41

Premium: Ask Me Anything

Premium: Ask Me Anything

Remember a while ago Josh asked you, to ask him anything? Yep, he only answered one question - which turned into a full episode about JK Rowling... Well, there were many more tasty morsels in that cauldron of questions, so he's back to answer more!

Feb 23, 2023 • 23:03

"The Problem With Everything" with Tim Urban

"The Problem With Everything" with Tim Urban

Tim Urban’s first appearance on this show remains one of the all-time favourites. Now, this explosive thinker of cosmic, civilisation-level thoughts returns with a book: “What's Our Problem? A Self-Help Book for Societies”. He and Josh wrestle with what’s going wrong. Why is everything a mess? Why is everyone acting like a baby? When did things get so tribal? Why do humans do this stuff? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 21, 2023 • 1:42:32

Premium: Myq Caplan - From The Archives

Premium: Myq Caplan - From The Archives

From the #WeThePeople LIVE archives this week to a 2016 chat with the wonderful Myq Caplan. First and foremost Myq is comedian. Josh and Myq chat about what funny is, how he became funny, and the creative process he uses to stay funny. Enjoy.For the full episode sign up at uncomfortableconversations.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 19, 2023 • 24:35

"Left Is Not Woke" with Susan Neiman

"Left Is Not Woke" with Susan Neiman

Susan Neiman is one of the world's most respected living philosophers. She was born in America and educated at Harvard but now lives in Germany, where she's the director of the Einstein Forum and a member of the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences. She's a leading expert on the Enlightenment. Her new book is Left is not Woke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 14, 2023 • 55:03

Premium: Is JK Rowling Transphobic?

Premium: Is JK Rowling Transphobic?

This week, the world's biggest LGBTQI+ event, World Pride, kicks off in Sydney. Right on cue, activists are calling to boycott a new Harry Potter video game because Rowling is a famous anti-trans bigot. But... is she? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 11, 2023 • 30:50

"What Happened To The IDW?" with Ross Anderson

"What Happened To The IDW?" with Ross Anderson

The so-called "intellectual dark web" was supposed to shine a light on issues too thorny for the mainstream media to touch. Now, it's a basket case of kooks. The journalist Ross Anderson recently wrote an amazing feature on the "red-pilling" of the gay conservative online host Dave Rubin. He's here to explain what's going wrong. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 8, 2023 • 1:42:52

Premium: Can Journalists Be Impartial?

Premium: Can Journalists Be Impartial?

Josh shares his aeroplane-nerd thoughts about the end of the 53-year reign of the Queen of the Skies, and spars with Stan Grant - Australia's leading Indigenous commentator - about how to maintain journalistic distance from issues like marriage equality and Indigenous rights which directly affect our lives. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 2, 2023 • 23:25

"The Climate Optimist" with Saul Griffith

"The Climate Optimist" with Saul Griffith

Josh gets excited, at long last, about a realistic plan for fighting climate change while creating new jobs and a healthier environment. In short: electrify everything. For more about Saul, check out his website HERE.Subscribe to our Substack HERE. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 31, 2023 • 1:20:22

Premium: Oliver Burkeman - From The Archives

Premium: Oliver Burkeman - From The Archives

Going back some five years to Josh's first ever chat with the now Uncomfy Convos regular, the self-help psychology sage Oliver Burkeman. On this episode we talk about happiness, drawing on his 2012 book The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 29, 2023 • 16:04

"The New Gurus" with Helen Lewis

"The New Gurus" with Helen Lewis

Helen Lewis's new BBC Radio 4 show, The New Gurus, investigates why so many of us have turned away from mainstream medicine, mainstream politics and the mainstream media to embrace the power of charismatic individuals instead. Helen went viral in 2018 with her legendary interview with Jordan Peterson. She's a brilliant interrogator and a thoughtful critic of the culture wars, wokeness, gender ideology and the far right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 24, 2023 • 1:26:46

Josh's Soap Box: Josh Is Getting Sued!

Josh's Soap Box: Josh Is Getting Sued!

This week Josh reflects, in a somewhat heated way, on the surreal injustices of the justice system. Plus: Aussie-made shoulder-launched drone guns. And sharks in Sydney harbour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 21, 2023 • 42:20

Sam Harris: What The Hell Happened?

Sam Harris: What The Hell Happened?

Sam Harris is a best-selling writer, philosopher and neuroscientist who hosts one of the world's most influential intellectual podcasts, Making Sense. Josh wants to pin down, once and for all, Sam's feelings about his former associates in the "intellectual dark web" who've gone off the rails. They also discuss Elon, Twitter, and the best flavour of cookie.To subscribe to the premium podcast feed via substack head to: https://uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/subscribe Hosted on Acast. See

Jan 17, 2023 • 1:43:23

Premium: Scott Adams - From The Archives

Premium: Scott Adams - From The Archives

Scott Adams is the creator of the cartoon strip Dilbert. He rose to Twitter prominence ahead of the 2016 US election where he picked Trump as the winner, praising him as a master persuader. We leave Trump aside in this episode and focus on Scott's advice on creativity and success that he details in his 2014 book - How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 2023 • 15:11

The Best Of Vol. 3: Kurt Fearnley, Me & Alice Dreger

The Best Of Vol. 3: Kurt Fearnley, Me & Alice Dreger

For this last Best Of episode we have the amazing Kurt Fearnley - paralympian, media personalist and advocate, who brings an amazing perspective on the global experience of disability. Then, the show I get the most feedback on, my diatribe about gun laws. And finally, one of the world’s foremost experts on sex differences - the historian and bioethicist Alice Dreger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 10, 2023 • 56:28

Josh's Soap Box: Is It Racist To Ask Where You're From?

Josh's Soap Box: Is It Racist To Ask Where You're From?

This week, Josh airs what's on his mind. Did the NFL star Damar Hamlin suffer cardiac arrest because he was vaccinated, or because he was smashed in the chest by six-foot-four, 220-pound receiver? Was the musical editor of The Simpsons, who died this week, the greatest TV composer of all time? We revisit the best-ever Simpsons songs to find out! Is there anything redeeming about seagulls? And as we learn new facts about the Buckingham Palace racism scandal, Josh finds himself confused.

Jan 5, 2023 • 51:14

The Best Of Vol. 2: Andrew Denton, Tim Flannery & Ana Marie Cox

The Best Of Vol. 2: Andrew Denton, Tim Flannery & Ana Marie Cox

The holiday interlude continues with our top podcast moments. Andrew Denton is a giant of Australian media. Now out of the limelight, he focuses much of his work on voluntary assisted dying advocacy. Tim Flannery - ecologist, explorer, and Australian of the Year winner brings us an amazing perspective on what it is to understand nature, and humanity’s place within it. And finally Ana Marie Cox - one of the most uncomfortable conversations of the last year. We argue about cancel culture from the

Jan 3, 2023 • 50:28

Ask Me Anything - 2022

Ask Me Anything - 2022

Well what a year it has been! And as we end every year here on Uncomfortable Conversations, it’s time for me to answer your questions. What have you been noodling on in 2022? And what do I reckon about it all? It’s time to find out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 29, 2022 • 51:30

The Best Of Vol. 1: Tim Urban, Clementine Ford & Malcolm Turnbull

The Best Of Vol. 1: Tim Urban, Clementine Ford & Malcolm Turnbull

It's time for a Christmas interlude, the best parts of our favourite uncomfortable conversations. Tim Urban is still probably my all-time favourite guest. The creative genius behind the blog Wait But Why brings his brain melting takes on the world, and our place within it. Clementine Ford and I have some disagreements. Neither of us pull a punch. Our chat gets to the heart of what we’re trying to do here. And Malcolm Turnbull, Australia’s 29th Prime Minister. What an opportunity it was to quiz a

Dec 27, 2022 • 59:42

Premium: Rutger Bregman - From The Archives

Premium: Rutger Bregman - From The Archives

The Guardian has called Rutger Bregman "the Dutch wunderkind of new ideas". He has a forward thinking, earnest approach to the small task of making the world a better place for everyone - something he's been working on this since his early 20's. This episode is taken from the #WeThePeople LIVE archive.To get the full episode go to www.uncomfortableconversations.substack.com/listen Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 22, 2022 • 20:37

"The Intellectual Dark Web" with Eric Weinstein

"The Intellectual Dark Web" with Eric Weinstein

Eric runs the investment firm of the right-wing multi-billionaire Peter Thiel, the co-founder of PayPal and the first outside investor in Facebook. Yet Eric is a left-wing political dissenter. With a PhD in mathematical physics from Harvard, he’s a confounding genius. He coined the term “the intellectual dark web”. His journey is perplexing. His vision of the future is ominous. Join Josh on his journey down the Weinstein rabbit hole. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 20, 2022 • 1:26:36

Premium: Louis Theroux - From The Archives

Premium: Louis Theroux - From The Archives

On this special episode from Josh's archive, he speaks with legendary British documentarian Louis Theroux. For decades, Louis has thrust himself into strange and extreme worlds, casting a light on the fringes of the human experience. This interview took place at the time of the release of his first feature film: My Scientology Movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 17, 2022 • 18:18

"A Very Sober Christmas" with Bridget Phetasy

"A Very Sober Christmas" with Bridget Phetasy

Bridget is a podcasting and publishing phenomenon. She and Josh discuss everything from Peruvian ayahuasca ceremonies, to Joe Rogan, to cancel culture, to the Byron Bay cult she momentarily joined. Oh, and how motherhood has made her finally appreciate Christmas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 13, 2022 • 1:16:09

PREMIUM - Josh is on a Boat

PREMIUM - Josh is on a Boat

Josh is on his first ever cruise. A behemoth of the seas. From the discomfort of his stateroom, he shares surreal tales… and opines on the modern cruise industry, the Soviet Politburo, all-you-can-eat buffets, and the future of Communist China. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 11, 2022 • 11:41

"Who Screwed Millennials?" with Tom Ballard

"Who Screwed Millennials?" with Tom Ballard

Tom Ballard is one of Australia's most successful comedians. He may be the millennials’ most prominent, hilarious voice of fury against capitalism and boomers. Tom and Josh argue about the benefits and perils of 21st-century capitalism, free speech and liberalism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 8, 2022 • 1:14:24

Join the Josh Club!

Join the Josh Club!

We're launching a new Uncomfortable Conversations community. Get loads more content for free! This is the most important thing you'll hear this month. Don't miss it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 5, 2022 • 34:49

"The Fallout of #MeToo" with Kat Rosenfield

"The Fallout of #MeToo" with Kat Rosenfield

Kat is a feminist who takes no bullshit. She created a stir with her piece “Why I Keep Getting Mistaken for a Conservative”. She and Josh discuss the challenges faced by women and the fallout of the #metoo movement. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 29, 2022 • 1:20:08

"Off The Rails?" with James Lindsay

"Off The Rails?" with James Lindsay

James Lindsay is one of the most controversial figures on the American right. He was permanently banned from Twitter in August, until Elon reinstated him this week. He initially gained famed debunking the social-justice left. Since then, he has become notorious for increasingly dire warnings about an authoritarian leftist takeover of culture. Is he a crank, or a genius? Josh tries to figure him out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 22, 2022 • 1:32:01

"Is Everything A Hallucination?" with Anil Seth

"Is Everything A Hallucination?" with Anil Seth

When you see the colour blue, is it the same as when I see the colour blue? How does your brain create an image of the world... and of yourself? Dive into the wild world of the matrix with one of the world's leading neuroscientists, Anil Seth. His bestselling book is Being You: A New Science of Consciousness. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 17, 2022 • 1:11:43

Josh's Soap Box: What I Got Wrong About Covid

Josh's Soap Box: What I Got Wrong About Covid

Josh is being eviscerated on social media for spreading pro-vaccine misinformation. Did he? What did he, and we, get wrong about Covid? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 15, 2022 • 28:40

"The People vs Democracy" with Yascha Mounk

"The People vs Democracy" with Yascha Mounk

How do you stitch together diverse immigrant societies into a common future? How do you avoid collapsing into quarrelling tribes? Yascha Mounk is an optimistic academic who understands how democracies thrive... and decay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 8, 2022 • 1:20:12

Josh’s Soap Box: Twitter & Antisemitism

Josh’s Soap Box: Twitter & Antisemitism

Josh reflects on Elon Musk, Kanye, Israel, and the rise of online Jew-hate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 4, 2022 • 28:42

"Big Tech & Free Speech" with Jordan Guiao

"Big Tech & Free Speech" with Jordan Guiao

What will Elon Musk do with Twitter? Who wants to live inside Mark Zuckerberg's Metaverse? Should Facebook censor hate speech? Jordan Guiao lived and worked in Silicon Valley and he knows big tech inside and out. We was formerly a digital strategist and the head of social media for the ABC and SBS respectively, and is currently a Research Fellow at The Australia Institute’s Centre for Responsible Technology. His new book is Disconnect - Why We Get Pushed to Extremes Online and How to S

Nov 2, 2022 • 53:19

Josh’s Soap Box: Kanye, hijabs and Taylor Swift

Josh’s Soap Box: Kanye, hijabs and Taylor Swift

Josh reflects on Kanye's antisemitic meltdown, Taylor Swift's supposed fat shaming video and activism in Iran. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 29, 2022 • 33:13

"Maoism In The West" with Prof. David Martin Jones

"Maoism In The West" with Prof. David Martin Jones

David got his PhD in political thought from the London School of Economics and now teaches at King’s College London. He was a political science lecturer at the National University of Singapore and an associate editor of the University of Malaya’s South East Asian Studies journal. He explains the echoes he sees in the West of Mao's Cultural Revolution. A politics of rage. Intellectual conformism. Cancel culture. This episode is a collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney as part of i

Oct 28, 2022 • 1:09:29

"Should We Talk To Nazis?" with Academy Award winner Emile Sherman & Dr. Lloyd Vogelman

"Should We Talk To Nazis?" with Academy Award winner Emile Sherman & Dr. Lloyd Vogelman

Emile is the Academy Award-winning producer of Lion, The King’s Speech, Rabbit-Proof Fence and The Power of the Dog. His cousin is a high-flying corporate consultant and former anti-apartheid activist. They have a podcast, Principle of Charity, which seeks to find common ground between opponents on controversial issues. But how far can talk take us, really? Don’t miss this electrifying debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 2022 • 1:26:20

"Are Women And Men The Same?" with Louise Perry

"Are Women And Men The Same?" with Louise Perry

Should women aspire to the same things as men? Or have they been betrayed? Louise says we lie to young women about who they are and what they should want. She's a journalist, anthropologist, activist and the writer of the new book "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 14, 2022 • 1:01:26

BONUS: "Fact Check" with Jesse Singal

BONUS: "Fact Check" with Jesse Singal

On the previous episode of Uncomfortable Conversations, the trans activist Dianna Anderson alleged bad journalism by Jesse Singal, who wrote the bombshell 2018 Atlantic magazine piece, "When Children Say They're Trans". Josh left the issue dangling, agreeing that it deserved a fact-check. Don't listen to this episode until you've heard Dianna's. Here, Jesse responds. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 10, 2022 • 37:40

"Is Gender Made-Up?" with Dianna E. Anderson

"Is Gender Made-Up?" with Dianna E. Anderson

Dianna E. Anderson is a gender non-binary writer and activist whose latest book is “In Transit: Being Non-Binary in a World of Dichotomies”. They and Josh disagree on a lot: the reality of biological sex, journalists who criticise trans issues, and whether burqas are sexist. Here, they hash it all out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 5, 2022 • 1:27:22

"War Correspondent" Misha Zelinsky

"War Correspondent" Misha Zelinsky

Misha is a former trade union boss who now reports from Ukraine for the Australian Financial Review. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 2022 • 1:03:07

"When Whitefellas Talk With Blackfellas" with Tyson Yunkaporta

"When Whitefellas Talk With Blackfellas" with Tyson Yunkaporta

Tyson is a researcher, writer, and traditional wood carver. He works as a senior lecturer in Indigenous Knowledges and is the founder of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab at Deakin University. His podcast, "The Other Others", discusses how Indigenous knowledge can solve the world’s problems -- which is also the topic of his book, Sand Talk. He and Josh debate the far right, the woke left, structural racism, acknowledgments-of-country, and conspiracy thinking in Aboriginal communities.&nb

Sep 21, 2022 • 1:31:49

"Are Aussies Sexist?" with Sarah Wilson

"Are Aussies Sexist?" with Sarah Wilson

What's wrong with Australian men? What expectations do single, middle-aged women face? What happened to the Left? Sarah Wilson is a global phenomenon -- an activist, journalist, speaker, writer, podcaster and host. She joins Josh on this special crossover episode to wrestle with the biggest questions in our lives. NotesSarah mentions the following study during the show. Details here: A 2019 Harvard University study that looked at global economies and innovation found tha

Sep 13, 2022 • 1:05:15

"What Is Gender?" with Courtney Act (aka Shane Jenek)

"What Is Gender?" with Courtney Act (aka Shane Jenek)

What is a man? What is a woman? What is transgenderism? What is drag? When are we acting out gender stereotypes, and when are we just being ourselves? Shane is the man behind Australia’s most popular drag queen, Courtney Act. Josh and Shane debate gender, sex, and the imminent death of heterosexuality (maybe). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 2022 • 1:24:22

"The Scott Morrison Fiasco" with Peter van Onselen

"The Scott Morrison Fiasco" with Peter van Onselen

During the pandemic, did the Australian prime minister subvert democracy? One of Australia’s leading political commentators takes Josh deep into the bizarro world of Morrison’s multiple ministries. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 2022 • 1:19:55

"Would 'The Satanic Verses' Be Published Today?" with Sami Shah

"Would 'The Satanic Verses' Be Published Today?" with Sami Shah

As Salman Rushdie recuperates, Josh debates Islamophobia, blasphemy and cancel culture with the Pakistani-Australian writer and comic Sami Shah. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 24, 2022 • 1:41:03

"Why We Keep Secrets" with Michael Slepian

"Why We Keep Secrets" with Michael Slepian

Michael Slepian is an Author and Associate Professor of leadership and ethics at Columbia University. His new book is called The Secret Life Of Secrets - How Our Inner Worlds Shape Well-being, Relationships, and Who We Are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 17, 2022 • 58:11

"How To Be Happy" with Pandit The Monk

"How To Be Happy" with Pandit The Monk

Pandit Dasa was a monk for more than 15 years. Now he's ditched the robes and helps people ease their way into more thoughtful, generous, fulfilling mental states. Josh wants to know whether that's an invaluable contribution to modern life... or a spiritual cop out. Pandit's book is Closing The Apps: How to be Mindful at Work and at Home. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 10, 2022 • 1:12:32

"What IS 'Diversity'?" with Antoinette Lattouf

"What IS 'Diversity'?" with Antoinette Lattouf

Antoinette Lattouf is a journalist, author and diversity advocate. She co-founded Media Diversity Australia. Her new book is How To Lose Friends and Influence White People. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 3, 2022 • 1:10:50

"America's Next Civil War" with Stephen Marche

"America's Next Civil War" with Stephen Marche

Stephen Marche is a Canadian author and political commentator. He writes for The New York Times, The Atlantic and Esquire among others. His new book The Next Civil War is a bracing look at what Stephen believes is a likely culmination of US division. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 27, 2022 • 1:19:42

"Why The Doomsayers Are Wrong" with Tyler Cowen

"Why The Doomsayers Are Wrong" with Tyler Cowen

Tyler Cowen is a celebrated American economist, blogger, author and podcaster. He currently sits as the Holbert L. Harris Chair of Economics at George Mason University. He's also an optimist about how the division we face today might end. His new book is Talent: How to Identify Energizers, Winners, and Creatives Around the World. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 20, 2022 • 1:02:09

"The Slate Political Gabfest" with David Plotz

"The Slate Political Gabfest" with David Plotz

David Plotz was the editor of Slate magazine during its glory days. In fact, he was Josh's first guest after the election of Donald Trump in 2016. The two reconnect about how to have difficult conversations in the 21st century. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 14, 2022 • 1:29:00

"The War On The West" with Douglas Murray

"The War On The West" with Douglas Murray

Douglas is a gay English conservative, columnist, and the best-selling author of the new book The War on the West. He and Josh debate the collapse of faith in western liberal democracy, and the threat posed by Trump and illiberal leaders like Viktor Orbán, and woke culture in general. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 6, 2022 • 2:11:42

"Woke Capitalism" with Prof. Carl Rhodes

"Woke Capitalism" with Prof. Carl Rhodes

From Nike supporting Colin Kaepernick to Qantas supporting same-sex marriage, corporations are going woke. Carl Rhodes is the Dean of the Business School at the University of Technology, Sydney... and, perhaps surprisingly, a leftist. He decries "woke capitalism" so much that he's written a book about it. He and Josh wrestle with the threat of wokeness and ask: Should companies keep their noses out of cultural questions, or is a corporate social conscience better than none?

Jun 29, 2022 • 1:17:59

Do We Need Gay Pride?

Do We Need Gay Pride?

As part of Acast's audio pride parade, Josh shares his thoughts on growing up gay in Sydney, and what pride means to him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 21, 2022 • 34:24

"Are We Scientifically Illiterate?" with Prof. Luke O'Neill

"Are We Scientifically Illiterate?" with Prof. Luke O'Neill

How should we communicate science to the public? Celebrated scientist and popular Irish science communicator Professor Luke O’Neill joins Josh to plead for better scientific understanding in the general population. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 15, 2022 • 54:51

Peter Singer: Live - The World's Greatest Moral Philosopher

Peter Singer: Live - The World's Greatest Moral Philosopher

Peter founded the animal liberation movement in the 1970s and is a driver behind the Effective Altruism movement around the world. This is a recording of "An Evening with Peter Singer", a live Q&A which Josh moderated at Sydney's Enmore Theatre on March 27th, 2022. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 8, 2022 • 1:53:17

"Is Wokeness Made Up?" with Ana Marie Cox

"Is Wokeness Made Up?" with Ana Marie Cox

An argument between Josh and veteran progressive muckraker Ana Marie Cox about whether wokeness is a real problem or a phantom of the right. Ana Marie founded Wonkette, was the senior political correspondent for MTV News and wrote for the New York Times magazine, among much, much else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 1, 2022 • 1:15:01

Dr Drew - America's Favourite Doctor

Dr Drew - America's Favourite Doctor

Dr Drew is a physician, addiction medicine specialist and media personality. Since 1984 he has been beloved by American audiences for his candid communication of issues like AIDS, addiction & recovery, sexual health and harm reduction. His new book, co-authored with his daughter Paulina is It Doesn't Have To Be Awkward. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 25, 2022 • 1:18:18

"Would The US Defend Australia?" with Cecile Shea

"Would The US Defend Australia?" with Cecile Shea

Cecile was a US diplomat in Japan, Pakistan, Thailand, Scotland and Israel, and a political advisor to the US Marine Corps in the Pacific. As the Ukraine War drags on, she and Josh debate the limits of American power... and whether allies like Australia can depend, any longer, on a broken superpower. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 18, 2022 • 1:22:03

"Who's Really Disabled?" with Kurt Fearnley

"Who's Really Disabled?" with Kurt Fearnley

Kurt Fearnley, AO, is one of Australia's most successful paralympians. He began life crawling the dusty streets of Carcoar in central New South Wales and is now a disability rights advocate, humanitarian and media personality. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 2022 • 1:08:20

Roe v Wade: When Josh & Joe Rogan Debated Abortion

Roe v Wade: When Josh & Joe Rogan Debated Abortion

A leaked opinion from the US Supreme Court suggests that women's right to an abortion may be overturned in America. Who gets to decide hot-button cultural issues? What would this bombshell tell us about democracy? In 2017, Josh and Joe Rogan argued about exactly this. Today, Josh reflects on that exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 5, 2022 • 30:51

"The Language Of Woke Taboos" with Nick Enfield

"The Language Of Woke Taboos" with Nick Enfield

How do taboo words develop, and why do we seem to be getting worse and worse at understanding each other? N. J. Enfield is a professor and the chair of linguistics at the University of Sydney, and a research associate in the Language and Cognition Group at the Max Planck Institute. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 27, 2022 • 1:15:12

"Social Media Is Ruining Everything" with Jonathan Haidt

"Social Media Is Ruining Everything" with Jonathan Haidt

Jonathan Haidt is considered one of the world's most influential living psychologists. He's just penned a piece for The Atlantic titled Why The Past Ten Years Of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid that looks at how social media erodes trust, shared narrative and social capital. He joins Josh on this new instalment of Permission To Think - a collaboration with The University of Technology Sydney School of Social Sciences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 20, 2022 • 1:03:11

"The Man Who Predicted Covid" with Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding

"The Man Who Predicted Covid" with Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding

Eric Fiegl-Ding is a Harvard epidemiologist and health economist. In January of 2020 he became one of the first prominent scientists to raise the alarm about the potential of a Covid catastrophe through his viral HOLY MOTHER OF GOD tweet. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 12, 2022 • 1:24:42

"Will Europe Stand Firm?" with Nathalie Tocci

"Will Europe Stand Firm?" with Nathalie Tocci

Nathalie Tocci is a political scientist, Honorary Professor at the University of Tübingen, and international relations expert specialising in the EU's role in peacekeeping. She also directs the Istituto Affari Internazionali - a non-profit think tank which aims to contribute to the advancement of European integration and multilateral cooperation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 7, 2022 • 1:13:35

"Are Universities Too Woke?" with Lee Jussim

"Are Universities Too Woke?" with Lee Jussim

Lee Jussim is an American social psychologist and distinguished professor leading the Social Perception Laboratory at Rutgers University. He joins Josh for this fifth instalment of Permission To Think, in collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 30, 2022 • 58:40

Bonus: Michael Kimmage, Obama's Ukraine Chief

Bonus: Michael Kimmage, Obama's Ukraine Chief

Michael Kimmage held the Russia/Ukraine portfolio in President Obama's State Department. He's an expert on international affairs, U.S.-Russian relations and American diplomatic history. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 24, 2022 • 31:02

"Why Aren't We Happy?" with Scott Barry Kaufman

"Why Aren't We Happy?" with Scott Barry Kaufman

Scott is the founder of the Center for the Science of Human Potential and the host of the #1 psychology podcast in the world. His latest book is Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 22, 2022 • 1:11:10

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, ex-President of Estonia

Toomas Hendrik Ilves, ex-President of Estonia

Toomas Hendrik Ilves was the president of Estonia from 2006 to 2016. He led the country through Russia's invasions of Georgia and Crimea. Previously, as foreign minister, he had successfully lobbied for Estonia to join NATO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 16, 2022 • 1:11:26

"The Case For Heroin" with Dr. Carl Hart

"The Case For Heroin" with Dr. Carl Hart

Should all drugs be legal? Dr. Carl Hart - neuroscientist and Professor of psychology at Columbia University is an advocate for drug legalisation and responsible recreational drug use. His new book is Drug Use For Grown Ups: Chasing Liberty In The Land Of Fear. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 16, 2022 • 58:02

"Is The West To Blame For Ukraine?" with Eliot A. Cohen

"Is The West To Blame For Ukraine?" with Eliot A. Cohen

Eliot A. Cohen is a military expert, foreign policy academic and former advisor to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 2, 2022 • 1:11:28

"The Price Of Having Opinions" with Mike Pesca

"The Price Of Having Opinions" with Mike Pesca

Mike Pesca is an award winning journalist and host of the wildly successful daily podcast, The Gist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 23, 2022 • 1:11:25

“The Man Who Defied Trump” with Justin Amash

“The Man Who Defied Trump” with Justin Amash

Justin Amash was the first Republican member of congress to call for Donald Trump’s impeachment. He was subsequently described by Trump as “one of the dumbest & most disloyal men in Congress”. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 17, 2022 • 1:30:52

"The Problem With Covid Contrarianism" with Cathy Young

"The Problem With Covid Contrarianism" with Cathy Young

Cathy Young is a former Boston Globe columnist and contributing editor at Reason. She writes a weekly column on politics, social issues and culture at Arc Digital. Why have so many independent thinkers careened off into knee-jerk contrarianism and conspiratorial thinking during the pandemic? Feminist, journalist and contrarian herself, Cathy Young, has a theory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 9, 2022 • 1:19:57

"How I Lost Millions In Crypto" with Peter McCormack

"How I Lost Millions In Crypto" with Peter McCormack

Peter made millions in crypto, lost millions in crypto, and bought an English soccer club with crypto. He now hosts the world's biggest podcast about bitcoin. How the hell did he do it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feb 2, 2022 • 54:26

"Stop Being Such a F*%#ing Baby!" with David Frum

"Stop Being Such a F*%#ing Baby!" with David Frum

David Frum is the former George W Bush speechwriter who invented the phrase “an axis of evil”. He is now a senior editor at The Atlantic. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 26, 2022 • 1:34:37

Everything You Need To Know About Joe Rogan

Everything You Need To Know About Joe Rogan

It's been a hell of a week. Josh is back from America and jumps in solo to discuss the post-Rogan Twitter fallout, Myocarditis fact checking, what public health means, so-called "concentration camps" and some of the more stupid takes on the whole thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 19, 2022 • 46:41

"Can We Have Sex Back?" with Alice Dreger

"Can We Have Sex Back?" with Alice Dreger

What’s sex? What's sexuality? What’s gender? Are trans women “real” women? Are woke activists expanding womanhood, or deranging it? Alice Dreger is one of the world’s foremost academic experts on sex, sexuality and intersexuality. Her recent Quillette article is “Can We Have Sex Back?” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jan 13, 2022 • 1:01:12

Ask Me Anything

Ask Me Anything

For the last show of 2021, its about time we heard from you. Your questions, for Josh, answered. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 14, 2021 • 1:00:49

"Did We Go Too Far?" with Brigid Delaney

"Did We Go Too Far?" with Brigid Delaney

Did the pandemic turn Australia into a nation of paranoid, boot-licking dobbers? Brigid Delaney is a Guardian Australia columnist whose upcoming book is about Stoicism. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dec 7, 2021 • 54:31

"Are We Training Victimhood?" with Dr. Dina McMillan

"Are We Training Victimhood?" with Dr. Dina McMillan

The latest in of Permission To Think, a collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney - Josh speaks with social psychologist and the host of the podcast Unmasking The Abuser, Dr. Dina Mcmillan. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 30, 2021 • 1:40:05

"Why Eat Animals?" with Jamie Woodhouse

"Why Eat Animals?" with Jamie Woodhouse

Jamie Woodhouse is the founder of Sentientism, a movement for granting evidence, reason and compassion to all sentient beings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 16, 2021 • 1:21:15

"Are Men Toxic?" with Clementine Ford

"Are Men Toxic?" with Clementine Ford

Clementine Ford is Australia's most controversial, firebrand feminist. Her latest book is "How We Love". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 9, 2021 • 1:05:17

"Wait But Why?" with Tim Urban

"Wait But Why?" with Tim Urban

Why are you here? Are we alone in the universe? Will we extinguish ourselves? Why do you procrastinate? And what does social media reveal about your chimpanzee mind? Tens of millions of viewers watch philosopher-blogger king Tim Urban wrestle with these questions in TED Talks and on his comic blog, 'Wait But Why'. Spark up a reefer and join Josh on a cosmic journey into a genius mind. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 2, 2021 • 1:58:36

"Is Islam Sexist?" with Dr. Elham Manea

"Is Islam Sexist?" with Dr. Elham Manea

When a Muslim girl wears a burqini to the beach, is that religious freedom, or sexist oppression? Dr. Elham Manea is a Yemeni professor who lives in Switzerland. In this second instalment of 'Permission to Think', our collaboration with the University of Technology, Sydney, she makes a passionate case for the universality of human rights. This is one helluva chat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 26, 2021 • 1:26:59

"Freedom For Girls" with Ayaan Hirsi Ali

"Freedom For Girls" with Ayaan Hirsi Ali

Ayaan Hirsi Ali is one of the world's most prominent activists for the rights of women in Islam. She and Josh discuss coronavirus, immigration, fatherless families, Justin Trudeau... and Dave Chappelle. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Oct 19, 2021 • 1:20:52

"Will Bitcoin Fail?" with Mark Carnegie

"Will Bitcoin Fail?" with Mark Carnegie

You mightn't expect the founder of a billion-dollar asset management company to be a crypto nerd. But Mark Carnegie is one of the few big-time venture capitalists who actually understands Bitcoin. Most of what you hear about cryptocurrencies comes from evangelists who've drunk the kool-aid, or traditionalists who Just Don't Get It. Mark is neither. Enjoy this deep discussion of how -- and whether -- cryptocurrencies will revolutionise the world. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Oct 12, 2021 • 1:27:40

"Corporations Go Woke" with John Safran

"Corporations Go Woke" with John Safran

Before Ali G and Borat, John Safran blew up Australian TV as a troublemaker extraordinaire. His new book "Puff Piece: How Philip Morris set vaping alight (and burned down the English language)" is a gonzo glimpse into the bizarre future that tobacco companies are trying to build. He and Josh reflect on performative social justice, the gullibility of the modern left in falling for corporate moralising, and why the Mississippi lynchings were originally pitched as "wok

Oct 5, 2021 • 1:41:28

"What Is Creativity?" with Charlotte Wood

"What Is Creativity?" with Charlotte Wood

One of Australia's greatest novelists opens up about the pandemic, Twitter, and finding your voice amid the cacophony. Her new book is The Luminous Solution: Creativity, Resilience and the Inner Life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 28, 2021 • 1:18:51

"Do Universities Punish Free Thinkers?" with Peter Boghossian

"Do Universities Punish Free Thinkers?" with Peter Boghossian

Peter recently quit his job as an assistant professor of philosophy, saying that universities have sacrificed ideas for ideology. The more he spoke out against illiberalism on campus, the more retaliation he faced. This is the first episode of the "Permission to Think" series, a collaboration between Uncomfortable Conversations and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Technology, Sydney. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2021 • 1:17:10

"Permission to Think" with Prof. Alan Davison

"Permission to Think" with Prof. Alan Davison

The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at the University of Technology Sydney, where Josh is a Professional Fellow, is launching a series of conversations with world-class intellects. The mastermind behind the series, the Faculty’s Dean, explains why. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 22, 2021 • 36:28

Flashback: Norm Macdonald

Flashback: Norm Macdonald

Comedy legend Norm Macdonald died today. Revisit his deranged 2015 interview with Josh on HuffPost Live. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 15, 2021 • 38:35

"The Miracle of Science" with Tim Flannery

"The Miracle of Science" with Tim Flannery

Professor Tim Flannery received Australia's highest honour, the Australian Of The Year award, for his work as an ecological historian, explorer and environmentalist. He and Josh discuss tree kangaroos, climate change, anti-vaxxers, and giant dinosaur sharks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 14, 2021 • 1:09:44

Todd Sampson - Bodyhacking Mastermind

Todd Sampson - Bodyhacking Mastermind

Todd Sampson is an adventurer, advertiser, and award-winning documentary-maker whose new TV show, Mirror Mirror, looks at body image dissatisfaction. Oh, he also climbed Mt Everest before it was cool. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 7, 2021 • 1:18:23

"Has Australia Gone Too Far?" with Conor Friedersdorf

"Has Australia Gone Too Far?" with Conor Friedersdorf

Americans have been going craycray over Austraystray. From Fox News to social media, images of Australia's lockdowns are being presented as a descent into totalitarianism. The concern-mongering came to a head with an article in The Atlantic by Conor Friedersdorf entitled "Australia Traded Away Too Much Liberty: How long can a democracy maintain emergency restrictions and still call itself a free country?" Josh responded with a 25-tweet rebuttal which went viral. So the two men tra

Sep 7, 2021 • 33:28

"When Will Lockdowns End?" with Dr Stephen Duckett

"When Will Lockdowns End?" with Dr Stephen Duckett

As the Health Department Secretary, Dr Stephen Duckett was Australia's most senior health official. He now runs the health program at the think tank that helped shape Australia's hardline response to COVID-19. Josh is fed up with lockdowns, and wrestles with Stephen about the path back to life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 31, 2021 • 15:23

Bonus Rant: Vaccines & Lockdowns, Oh My!

Bonus Rant: Vaccines & Lockdowns, Oh My!

Record vaccinations in NSW, the National Cabinet plan to re-open, vaccine hesitancy, Covid is here for good. What a time for some more bonus Covid musings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 25, 2021 • 38:24

"In Defence Of Boys" with Christina Hoff Sommers

"In Defence Of Boys" with Christina Hoff Sommers

Christina Hoff Sommers is a feminist philosopher. She and Josh discuss gender, boys, cancel culture, and whether she is secretly her own Nixon-loving uncle in disguise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 24, 2021 • 1:08:51

"Are Psychedelics The Answer?" with James Mathison

"Are Psychedelics The Answer?" with James Mathison

James MathisonPsychedelic TV HostThe former host of Australian Idol makes a case for magic mushrooms in public life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 17, 2021 • 1:17:14

"Time Management For Mortals" with Oliver Burkeman

"Time Management For Mortals" with Oliver Burkeman

Oliver Burkeman describes himself is "unreasonably obsessed with the question of how people organise their days". He returns to the show for a chat about time, and how to use it. His new book is Four Thousand Weeks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 10, 2021 • 1:18:11

"Story of a Survivor" with Stuart Diver

"Story of a Survivor" with Stuart Diver

"Stuart Diver is the sole survivor of Australia's deadliest landslide. He was buried alive by a mountain of frozen sludge for 65 hours. His new podcast is The Elements." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 3, 2021 • 1:16:11

"Is Fiction Going Woke?" with Kat Rosenfield

"Is Fiction Going Woke?" with Kat Rosenfield

Kat is an author and culture critic. She and Josh discuss feminism, sexual assault, Woody Allen, and whether it's okay for a fantasy writer to discriminate against wolf-men. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 25, 2021 • 1:12:59

BONUS: Josh’s Covid Lockdown Thoughts

BONUS: Josh’s Covid Lockdown Thoughts

With violent freedom protests, bickering states, a bungled vaccine rollout and over half of Australia's population in lockdown, its time to talk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 25, 2021 • 46:47

Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull

Malcolm Turnbull was the 29th Prime Minister of Australia Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 18, 2021 • 1:14:59

"Is Politics Beyond Satire?" with Mark Humphries

"Is Politics Beyond Satire?" with Mark Humphries

Mark Humphries the preeminent political satirist on Australian TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 11, 2021 • 1:37:13

"Toxic Taboos" with Jesse Singal

"Toxic Taboos" with Jesse Singal

In the culture wars, Jesse Singal is either the world's supervillain or its superhero, depending on your point of view. His original Atlantic article is at https://bit.ly/3zZ9Msq and Jonathan Kay's article about the smear campaign against him is at https://bit.ly/3dgcShO. Jesse's new book, in real-world printed form, is "The Quick Fix". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 2, 2021 • 1:44:44

Tim Minchin Live - Part 2

Tim Minchin Live - Part 2

Part #2 of Josh's live show with musical comedy legend Tim Minchin. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 25, 2021 • 34:07

Tim Minchin Live - Part 1

Tim Minchin Live - Part 1

Musical comedy legend Tim Minchin joins Josh live on stage for a sold-out podcast performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 18, 2021 • 39:07

"Botox Feminism?" with Jessie Stephens

"Botox Feminism?" with Jessie Stephens

Is it feminist to f*#k with your face? Mamamia’s Jessie Stephens joins Josh on the comfy couch to unleash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 11, 2021 • 35:33

Andrew Denton

Andrew Denton

A giant of Australian media, Andrew Denton is a producer, writer and former television and radio star who now spends much of his time advocating for Voluntary Assisted Dying laws through his organisation Go Gentle Australia and his podcast Better Off Dead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 4, 2021 • 1:13:51

"Will We Ever Re-Open?" with Prof. Mary-Louise McLaws

"Will We Ever Re-Open?" with Prof. Mary-Louise McLaws

Do lockdowns work? Will we reach herd immunity? Will Australia ever re-open to the world? As Melbourne endures another lockdown, Josh grills Australia's leading epidemiologist, the World Health Organisation advisor Professor Mary-Louise McLaws, about how we might return to "normal". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 28, 2021 • 1:15:35

"Is Israel Doomed?" with Chloe Valdary

"Is Israel Doomed?" with Chloe Valdary

Chloe Valdary is the founder of The Theory of Enchantment, an anti-racism program. She and Josh discuss whether Israel can be redeemed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 21, 2021 • 1:05:43

"The Death of Policy?" with John Hewson

"The Death of Policy?" with John Hewson

He's been called "the best Prime Minister Australia never had". As Australia's Opposition Leader, John Hewson lost an unlosable election. Was his problem that he had big ideas? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 14, 2021 • 45:50

"Did The Left Create Trump?" with David Roth

"Did The Left Create Trump?" with David Roth

Just before Joe Biden's election, Josh sat down with the ferocious critic David Roth to discuss what Trump taught us about populism and power. Did wokeness help create a climate in which Trumpism could grow? And might it again? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 7, 2021 • 1:20:22

Jessie Stephens joins the Comfy Couch

Jessie Stephens joins the Comfy Couch

Jessie is a writer, podcaster, and the assistant head of content at Mamamia. When, she wonders, did bitching on Twitter become a full-time career? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2021 • 38:49

"Stop The Boats" with Dr Kim Huynh

"Stop The Boats" with Dr Kim Huynh

Border walls. Offshore detention. Kids in cages. What do we do about refugees? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 23, 2021 • 1:39:59

"Abolish Political Parties" with John Opdycke

"Abolish Political Parties" with John Opdycke

Imagine no Republicans. No Democrats. No Labor or Liberals. Would democracy flourish? Or corrode? John Opdycke is the president of Open Primaries, the non-profit that wants to end the stranglehold of the two-party system. In a hyper-partisan world, is the future of democracy supra-partisan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 16, 2021 • 1:06:16

Eddie Izzard

Eddie Izzard

One of the Britain's most prolific and influential stand-up comics sits down with Josh to discuss death, humour, marathons, gender fluidity and the American Civil War. Why not? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 9, 2021 • 23:55

"Is Cancel Culture Real?" with Katie Herzog

"Is Cancel Culture Real?" with Katie Herzog

Katie is a journalist and one of the most insightful commentators on the modern culture wars. co-hosts the podcast "Blocked and Reported" with Jesse Singal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 2, 2021 • 1:19:37

"America and Guns"

"America and Guns"

In the past 10 days, more than 20 Americans have been killed by three gunmen in a string of mass shootings. How should we understand America's gun curse... and is there any way to overcome it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 26, 2021 • 56:44

Darren McMullen joins the Comfy Couch

Darren McMullen joins the Comfy Couch

Every other week Uncomfortable Conversations brings you a Comfy Couch episode, in which Josh and a friend chat about whatever is on their mind. This week, the Australian host of The Voice, Darren McMullen, dives deep into the Clubhouse app and finds wokeness aplenty. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 19, 2021 • 31:40

"What Is Womanhood?" with Meghan Daum

"What Is Womanhood?" with Meghan Daum

Meghan Daum is a feminist, firebrand, and former opinion columnist for The Los Angeles Times. Her podcast is The Unspeakable. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mar 12, 2021 • 1:28:31

"What's Wrong With Men?" with Michael Ian Black

"What's Wrong With Men?" with Michael Ian Black

Michael Ian Black is one of America's most popular stand-up comics. His new book is "A Better Man: A (Mostly Serious) Letter to My Son." He and Josh discuss progressivism, toxic masculinity, and riding moose. Plus, a Szeps election rant. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nov 13, 2020 • 1:40:54

"The Madness Of Fame" with Osher Günsberg

"The Madness Of Fame" with Osher Günsberg

Osher is Australia's biggest TV star and the host of Australian Idol, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and The Masked Singer. He opens up to Josh about the pitfalls of mental illness, rockstar lifestyles, alcohol addiction, fame... and 9/11. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sep 20, 2020 • 1:37:14

"Are You Awake?" with Sam Harris

"Are You Awake?" with Sam Harris

Sam Harris is a neuroscientist, philosopher and New York Times best-selling author. He and Josh wrestle with what it means to be self-aware. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 28, 2020 • 2:07:11

"Will The Virus Win?" with virologist Peter Kolchinsky

"Will The Virus Win?" with virologist Peter Kolchinsky

Peter Kolchinsky is a scientist and biotechnology investor, with a deep understanding of how viruses outsmart us. His company, RA Capital Management, builds and invests in biotech companies. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aug 2, 2020 • 1:54:04

"Is Free Thought Dead?" with Claire Lehmann

"Is Free Thought Dead?" with Claire Lehmann

Claire is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Quillette, the magazine for dangerous ideas. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 25, 2020 • 1:09:17

"Ignore the News!" with Oliver Burkeman

"Ignore the News!" with Oliver Burkeman

Would we all be better off if we knew less about the world? If we took less, not more, responsibility for fixing distant problems? If we focused a bit more on our own practical concerns? It's an uncomfortable idea, but one that the Guardian columnist Oliver Burkeman called for in his seminal article "How the news took over reality". Oliver's book is "The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking". He joins Josh, mid-pandemic, from New York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p

Jul 18, 2020 • 1:36:08

"Am I Racist?" with Stan Grant

"Am I Racist?" with Stan Grant

Josh doesn't think he's racist. But maybe that's the surest proof that he is. Should he be cancelled? Should statues be torn down? Are race protests a victory for anti-racism, or a descent into mob rule? Stan Grant is arguably the world's most influential Indigenous Australian. The son of a Wiradjuri elder, he's an insightful analyst and intrepid former CNN reporter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jul 10, 2020 • 1:49:03

Switch to the Fountain App