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Joe Rogan welcomes Peter Boghossian, a philosophy professor at Portland State University and an advocate for atheism and critical thinking. They discuss Boghossian's background in martial arts, including his experiences with various styles and how they shaped his views on reality and critical thinking. He emphasizes the importance of training against resisting opponents, like in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, as a way to align beliefs with reality. Boghossian argues that jiu-jitsu serves as a corrective mechanism for understanding truth, contrasting it with fantasy-based martial arts that lack real-world applicability. He believes that the ability to test ideas through rigorous practice fosters critical thinking and self-awareness. The conversation shifts to the current state of academia, where Boghossian expresses concern over the rise of regressive ideologies that stifle open discourse. He highlights the dangers of trigger warnings and safe spaces, arguing they inhibit honest conversations and the pursuit of truth. He believes that the focus on identity politics and privilege undermines meritocracy and the ability to engage in meaningful discussions. Rogan and Boghossian discuss the implications of these ideologies on society, particularly regarding the treatment of marginalized groups. They agree that while promoting diversity and inclusion is important, it should not come at the expense of merit or the ability to engage in open dialogue. Boghossian shares anecdotes from his teaching experiences, illustrating how students often react defensively to challenging ideas. He stresses the need for a culture that encourages questioning and revising beliefs rather than one that punishes dissent. The discussion also touches on the absurdities of modern identity politics, including the complexities surrounding gender pronouns and the expectations placed on individuals to conform to certain narratives. They argue that this creates a culture of fear and confusion, where people are hesitant to express their thoughts for fear of backlash. Ultimately, Rogan and Boghossian advocate for a return to honest, open discourse as a means of fostering understanding and progress in society. They emphasize the importance of critical thinking and the need to engage with differing perspectives to navigate the complexities of modern life.

In this episode of *Conversations with Tyler*, Tyler Cowen interviews sociologist Musa al-Gharbi about his book, *We Have Never Been Woke: The Cultural Contradictions of a New Elite*. Al-Gharbi discusses the concept of the "great awokening," suggesting it peaked around 2021 and is now declining. He identifies two key predictors for such movements: elite overproduction, where more individuals aspire to elite status than can be accommodated, and the cyclical nature of elite fortunes versus those of non-elites. Al-Gharbi notes that while the academic job market remains challenging, some indicators suggest that the worst aspects of the 2010s economic crunch are fading, which correlates with the decline of wokeness. He also explores the historical context of previous awokenings, arguing that they share similarities but differ in significant ways. Al-Gharbi highlights the role of social media and the feminization of symbolic professions in shaping contemporary discourse. He reflects on the relationship between neuroticism and political ideology, suggesting that left-leaning individuals may experience higher levels of anxiety due to their heightened awareness of social justice issues. Finally, he considers how cultural contexts, such as Muslim societies, may influence the dynamics of wokeness and activism.

In this episode of the All-In podcast, hosts Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, David Sacks, and David Friedberg interview Jonathan Haidt, author of several influential books, including *The Happiness Hypothesis* and *The Coddling of the American Mind*. Haidt discusses the impact of modern technology on human behavior, particularly focusing on the "Anxious Generation," which refers to children born after 1995 who have grown up with smartphones and social media. Haidt emphasizes that the rapid changes in technology have outpaced human psychological evolution, leading to significant societal issues. He notes that while technology offers instant access to information and experiences, it also creates unhealthy behavioral patterns, particularly among adolescents. The addictive nature of platforms like TikTok, driven by algorithms that exploit human psychology, is a major concern, as it fosters a culture of instant gratification and diminishes the quality of social interactions. He proposes four foundational norms to address these issues: no smartphones before high school, no social media until age 16, phone-free schools, and encouraging free play and independence in childhood. Haidt argues that collective action among parents can help restore a healthier childhood experience for children. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of these changes for democracy and societal cohesion, with Haidt expressing concern over the fragility of American democracy in the face of rapid technological shifts. He critiques the current state of higher education, where intimidation and a lack of free speech have become prevalent, and calls for a return to a more balanced discourse. Overall, Haidt's insights highlight the urgent need for societal reflection on the effects of technology on youth and the importance of fostering resilience and independence in future generations.

Dave Rubin hosts a roundtable with Carol Martz and Gad Saad, discussing recent events including Tucker Carlson's interview with Vladimir Putin and the implications of Joe Biden's cognitive abilities. They analyze Putin's comments on Ukraine and the media's polarized reactions to Carlson's interview. Carol corrects a misinterpretation of Putin's statements, emphasizing the importance of context. Gad highlights the challenges of changing people's minds despite evidence, while Carol expresses skepticism about Biden's chances for reelection, suggesting he remains the Democrats' best option. They also critique Sunny Hostin's reaction to discovering her ancestry linked to slaveholders, discussing the contradictions in her beliefs about reparations. The conversation shifts to Tiffany Henyard, the mayor of Dalton, Illinois, who defends her spending of taxpayer dollars amid scrutiny. The panel concludes with a sense of cautious optimism about the waning influence of wokeness, stressing the need to focus on educating children against progressive ideologies. They emphasize the importance of addressing these issues in K-12 education to combat the progressive agenda effectively.

Exhausted by woke culture, the speaker declares a climate of constant judgment draining him and his audience. He describes a fatigue that seems universal: pressure to care about every issue, every day, and to police language and identity at every turn. He relates personal irritation with terms like illegal, and notes how online mobs spill into real life, stifling creativity and relationships. He argues that transactions, ads, and media feel tracked and curated by virtue signaling. He recalls friendships fraying under disagreement and a culture where authentic conversation is hard to sustain. He traces an arc from the 80s and 90s battles over political correctness to the rise of performative activism in the 2010s. Language policing, safe spaces, and diversity trainings are cited as early signs, followed by the 2014 rebranding of woke as a pervasive mindset. The speaker recounts episodes: Halloween costume controversies, kneeling protests, corporate partnerships with activists, and the 2020 upheaval after George Floyd, including Blackout Tuesday and trigger warnings. Platforms like TikTok accelerate polarization, while white fragility enters mainstream discourse and language becomes both protective and punitive in classrooms, workplaces, and ads. The result is a culture where fear of offense governs public discourse and deviation invites punishment. Despite the sharp critique, the speaker says the impulse to improve the world began with good intentions but has fractured communities into rival moral tribes. He argues that people can be decent when left to their own devices, but constant emphasis on identity, guilt, and language erodes cohesion. The fatigue is real, the costs are high, and many feel pushed away from public life, art, and humor. He concludes that mutual respect remains possible, even amid disagreement, if society reduces policing and moral certainty that now characterize much discourse.

In this episode, Dax Shepard welcomes Jonathan Haidt, an American moral psychologist and professor at NYU's Stern School of Business, to discuss his work and new book, *The Coddling of the American Mind*. Haidt shares his experiences transitioning from teaching at the University of Virginia to NYU, where he observed students becoming increasingly sensitive to ideas and discussions that were previously considered acceptable. He notes the emergence of concepts like trigger warnings and safe spaces around 2014, which he attributes to a generational shift beginning with students born in 1995. Haidt emphasizes that the issues of free speech and sensitivity are primarily concentrated in elite universities, particularly on the coasts, and that the majority of colleges in the U.S. are not experiencing the same level of conflict. He discusses the phenomenon of "call-out culture," where students seek to publicly shame others for perceived transgressions, often leading to demands for sensitivity training and even firings. The conversation delves into cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and how it relates to the current climate on campuses. Haidt explains that students are exhibiting cognitive distortions, such as catastrophizing and mind reading, which can lead to a heightened sense of victimhood. He argues that this culture of victimhood is detrimental to students' development, as it discourages resilience and the ability to cope with adversity. Haidt also discusses the moral foundations of different political ideologies, explaining that liberals tend to prioritize care and fairness, while conservatives value loyalty, authority, and sanctity. He believes that understanding these moral foundations can help bridge the divide between opposing political views. The episode touches on the importance of allowing children to experience risk and failure to develop coping skills, contrasting modern parenting styles with those of previous generations. Haidt advocates for a return to more independent play for children, suggesting that overprotective parenting may contribute to rising anxiety and depression rates among young people. Throughout the discussion, Haidt emphasizes the need for open dialogue and the importance of understanding different perspectives, arguing that both sides of the political spectrum have valuable insights to offer. He concludes by encouraging listeners to engage with his book and promote discussions about these critical issues in educational settings.

Political correctness is described as enforcing a party line that disregards factual correctness, leading to troubling developments in the West. Konstantin Kisin highlights the censorship on platforms like Twitter, where stating historical facts can result in bans. He emphasizes the importance of Twitter as a public square for discourse, noting that the culture of censorship has broader societal implications. Kisin discusses the origins of political correctness in the Soviet Union, asserting it was designed to enforce ideological conformity rather than promote respect or kindness. He reflects on his immigrant experience from the Soviet Union to the UK, emphasizing the importance of context in understanding societal issues. Kisin advocates for a balanced approach to immigration, supporting legal immigration while expressing concern over illegal entries. He critiques both extremes of political ideology, warning that the far left's excesses could provoke a backlash from the far right. Kisin argues that the current cultural climate, characterized by identity politics and divisive rhetoric, undermines societal cohesion and invites external threats. He references Yuri Bezmenov's insights on destabilization tactics, emphasizing the need for strong, united societies to resist external pressures. Ultimately, Kisin expresses hope for a return to moderation and a recognition of the value of Western culture, urging a collective effort to address current challenges while appreciating the progress made.

In a discussion between Jordan Peterson and Dr. Eric Kaufmann, they explore the cultural and ideological shifts in Western societies, particularly focusing on the concept of "woke" culture and its implications. Kaufmann presents findings from surveys in the US, Britain, and Canada, indicating a significant public opposition—approximately two to one—against what he terms the "woke position," which includes ideas like the inherent racism of countries and the existence of multiple genders. He argues that the majority supports political neutrality in education and that conservative politicians should prioritize cultural issues. Kaufmann's new book, *The Third Awokening*, posits that current cancel culture and historical critiques are continuations of left-liberal ideas dating back to the early 20th century. He identifies three "awokenings," with the first in the late 1960s, the second in the late 1980s, and the most recent post-2010, all linked to the elevation of marginalized identities to a sacred status. This emotional attachment to identity groups drives contemporary ideological conflicts. The conversation also touches on the role of women in academia, noting a trend where young women are more progressive than their male counterparts. Kaufmann suggests that this shift may be influenced by educational ideologies and social media, particularly platforms like TikTok. He emphasizes the importance of K-12 education in shaping beliefs, arguing that exposure to critical race and gender theories significantly affects students' views. Kaufmann advocates for a balanced curriculum that includes diverse historical perspectives and calls for conservative politicians to engage more actively in cultural debates. He warns that without addressing these issues, the ideological divide will continue to deepen, affecting broader societal trust and cohesion. The discussion concludes with a focus on the need for a cultural vision that promotes human flourishing while navigating the challenges posed by cultural socialism.

A provocative conversation about political violence begins with the Charlie Kirk incident, a discussion of how violence on the left and right poisons public discourse and how the lunatics on one's own side can make opponents look reasonable by comparison. The guests examine how mainstream voices on the left appeared to justify murder after Charlie Kirk's death, and how some on the right have long tolerated harsher rhetoric. They compare the boundaries between disagreement and violence, arguing that freely engaging with opposing views—going into the lion's den and hosting speakers with whom you disagree—is essential to protecting free expression. They dissect how language can dehumanize, with terms like fascist or Nazi used as broad insults, and how miscontextual clips can distort a person's position. A study by Fire is cited, suggesting a troubling trend among younger liberals toward justifying violence on occasion. They pivot to the rise and fall of woke culture, arguing that woke ideology has damaged liberal norms, from DEI programs and gender-identity debates to the closure of Tavistock and a UK Supreme Court emphasis on biological sex. Doyle contends that wokeness is dying as a social force, but warns that a new form of authoritarianism may emerge from the right. He discusses the UK policing and hate-speech regimes, non-crime hate incidents, and the tension between law and activist zeal. The conversation ventures into immigration, Islam, and gay rights, arguing that liberalism requires the rule of law, critical thinking, and a long-term culture of debate rather than top-down censorship. With a move to the United States, Doyle pivots to creative work—new TV concepts, Shakespeare lectures, and plans for Friendly Fire Studios—while still writing and speaking about freedom, truth, and the danger of misused language. He cites literature as a bulwark against fanaticism, naming Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground, The Gulag Archipelago, and Robin DiAngelo’s White Fragility, along with his own book The End of Woke. He argues that liberalism survives only if it resists both left and right authoritarian impulses, preserves free speech, and prizes evidence over narrative. The dialogue closes on a hopeful note about returning to thoughtful, humane debate and the ongoing task of defending liberal principles in a fractured public square.

In a discussion with Steven Bartlett, Konstantin Kisin critiques the ideology of wokeness, arguing it risks undermining the freedoms enjoyed in the West. He believes that viewing individuals through a lens of group identity and victimhood creates a simplistic and harmful narrative that weakens society. Kisin emphasizes the importance of recognizing Western privilege and the unique opportunities available in Western societies compared to others, particularly those he experienced growing up in the Soviet Union. Kisin shares his background, including his family's rapid changes in fortune and his journey to the UK, where he co-hosts the podcast "Trigonometry." He expresses gratitude for the freedoms and opportunities in the West, warning that cultural self-criticism could lead to societal decline. He argues that civilizations often collapse from internal division rather than external threats, highlighting recent geopolitical tensions as evidence of Western weakness. He critiques the political landscape, suggesting that both the right and left misuse political labeling to silence dissenting opinions. Kisin believes that ideology can cloud judgment, leading to a lack of critical thinking. He advocates for a more nuanced understanding of issues, particularly around immigration and societal challenges, emphasizing the need for pragmatic solutions rather than ideological extremes. Kisin discusses the rise of wokeness, tracing its origins to social media and its promotion of victimhood and a hierarchy of oppression. He argues that this perspective fails to address the root causes of societal issues and instead perpetuates division. He warns that focusing on past grievances rather than fostering resilience and individual agency can lead to cultural suicide. The conversation touches on the impact of social media on public discourse, the importance of free speech, and the dangers of censorship. Kisin argues for the necessity of open dialogue, even when it involves uncomfortable topics. He expresses concern over the decline of Western civilization, attributing it to internal conflicts and a failure to appreciate the values that have led to its success. Kisin concludes by urging listeners to recognize the privileges of living in the West and to teach future generations about the importance of freedom, individual responsibility, and the historical context of their society. He emphasizes that while challenges exist, the potential for success remains if individuals are encouraged to take ownership of their lives and contribute positively to society.

John McWhorter discusses the evolution of the term "woke," which has shifted from a positive connotation of political awareness to a pejorative term for a certain type of radical leftist behavior. He describes "woke racism" as a phenomenon where individuals prioritize the display of anti-racism over genuine concern for the well-being of Black communities, often leading to harmful outcomes. McWhorter argues that this obsession with race, intensified by the pandemic and social media, has created a new religion of anti-racism that disregards logic and promotes virtue signaling. He highlights the complexities of racism in America, noting that while societal inequities persist, they often stem from historical legacies rather than current racism. McWhorter critiques influential figures like Robin DiAngelo and Ibram X. Kendi, labeling their works as fundamentally flawed and harmful to Black individuals. He emphasizes that anti-racism efforts often misdirect resources away from addressing violence in Black communities. The conversation touches on the concept of "whiteness" and cultural appropriation, with McWhorter arguing that the current discourse can be condescending and detrimental. He advocates for a pushback against the prevailing ideology, suggesting that many people are beginning to recognize the flaws in this narrative. Ultimately, he calls for a return to more pragmatic discussions about race and societal issues, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and critical thinking.