Quillette Cetera

As missiles fly between Tehran and Tel Aviv, I'm joined by Iranian dissident Danial Taghaddos to make sense of a rapidly escalating war—and what it means for the future of Iran, Israel, and the region. Danial moved to Australia in 2018 and became politically active during the 2022 Mahsa Amini protests. A royalist and advocate for a return to constitutional monarchy under the Pahlavi dynasty, he's emerged as a compelling voice in the Iranian diaspora, challenging both the Islamic Republic and the Western narratives that often obscure the regime's abuses.In this episode, we talk about Iran's nuclear ambitions, what the regime actually wants from this war, and how Zoroastrianism and Persian identity shape Iranian views on Israel. We also unpack how the Iranian diaspora organizes abroad, why many Iranians support Israel despite the regime's propaganda, and how the West continues to misunderstand the Islamic Republic. From public executions to political repression—and threat of Islamism and regime spies operating in the West—this conversation is a sobering look at the human cost of Tehran's ambitions, and a hopeful one about the people resisting from within and without. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Quillette's Zoe Booth sits down with Dr Giancarlo Dimaggio—an internationally recognised psychiatrist and psychotherapist best known for his work on metacognitive therapy and the treatment of personality disorders. Based in Rome, Dr Dimaggio is the co-founder of the Centre for Metacognitive Interpersonal Therapy and has published extensively on narcissistic, borderline, and avoidant personality disorders. With a Hirsch index of 56, he is one of Italy's most highly cited psychotherapists. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Clinical Psychology: In Session and as a Senior Associate Editor of the Journal of Psychotherapy Integration. Their conversation explores the intricacies of narcissistic personality disorder and the broader challenges of diagnosing and treating personality disorders. They unpack common misconceptions about narcissism, reflect on how early experiences shape personality, and examine what makes therapy effective for patients often deemed "difficult to treat." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maarten Boudry is a Belgian philosopher of science and a prominent public intellectual known for his work on pseudoscience, secularism, and ideological bias. He is a research professor at Ghent University and a vocal advocate for free inquiry and Enlightenment values.In this episode, Zoe Booth speaks with Maarten Boudry about the growing discomfort around discussing Israel in academic settings—particularly following the October 7 Hamas attacks. Maarten shares how the backlash to Israel's response prompted him to re-evaluate his own views and take a keener interest in the region.They explore why Israel has become a third-rail topic in universities, the role of antisemitism in shaping public narratives, and the broader challenges of defending liberal values in a climate of ideological conformity. The conversation covers academic boycotts, preference falsification among students, and the leftward shift in higher education. Zoe and Maarten also reflect on Quillette's role in challenging dogma and protecting open inquiry from ideological capture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mental health isn't just about avoiding illness—it's about learning how to thrive. In this episode, mental health researcher Dr. Matthew Iasiello explains the “dual-continuum” model: a framework that sees mental illness and well-being as distinct but connected. With insights from his podcast Researching Happy and his work at SAHMRI and Be Well Co, Matt joins Zoe to unpack the idea of languishing, why we need better ways to measure well-being, and how culture shapes our mental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Zoe Booth speaks with Will Shackel, an 18-year-old energy advocate and founder of Nuclear for Australia, a youth-led campaign pushing for the inclusion of nuclear power in the country's energy mix. They discuss the rising cost of electricity and the structural challenges facing the national grid. Shackel makes the case for nuclear energy—particularly small modular reactors—as a reliable, low-emission solution. Together, they explore the history of Australia's nuclear ban, the political divisions surrounding the issue, and the need for a science-based, bipartisan approach to energy policy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quillette's Senior Editor, Jonathan Kay reflects on his time ghostwriting Justin Trudeau's memoir and shares his take on Trudeau's political trajectory—from golden boy to polariser-in-chief. We get into the highs of his early leadership, his pivot to hardcore social progressivism, the fallout from the truckers' protest, and the growing anxiety around immigration. Kay also weighs in on the rise of Pierre Poilievre, the new conservative contender shaking up Canada's political scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Richard Hanania is an American political scientist and commentator, known for his right-wing perspectives and as president of the Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology. He faced controversy in 2023 when his past writings under a pseudonym advocating white nationalism resurfaced, which he has since disavowed. His book, The Origins of Woke, critiques identity politics and has sparked both praise and criticism. In this conversation, Richard shares his journey from academia to becoming a public commentator, discussing his views on nervousness, political identity, and the complexities of group differences. He reflects on his libertarian beliefs, the challenges of academia, and the role of media in shaping public perception. The dialogue explores the nuances of political views and the importance of individual liberty, while also addressing the market dynamics of controversial topics. In this conversation, Richard discusses his experiences with media, his views on political engagement, and the current state of American politics. He expresses concerns about the Republican Party's direction and reflects on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing the need for a realistic approach to peace in the region. Richard also shares insights on the implications of Trump's policies and the future of Middle Eastern relations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the 23rd of October, I sat down in Sydney, Australia, with the esteemed ethicist and theologian Nigel Biggar—Regius Professor Emeritus of Moral and Pastoral Theology at the University of Oxford—to discuss King Charles' visit to Australia, whether Australia should cut ties with the British monarchy and become a republic, what it means to be a patriot, far-left activism, cancel culture, and whether we should be ashamed of our colonial past. I deeply enjoyed Nigel's 2023 book, Colonialism: A Moral Reckoning, which was reviewed in Quillette. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Until recently, David Benatar was a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, where he also directed the university's Bioethics Centre. He is widely known for his controversial and challenging views on topics like antinatalism—captured in his groundbreaking book Better Never to Have Been: The Harm of Coming into Existence—which argues that bringing new life into the world inevitably leads to suffering. In addition to his work on antinatalism, Benatar has written extensively on practical ethics, morality, and human suffering, and his most recent contributions to Quillette have focused on the conflict in Israel and rising antisemitism in the Anglosphere. In this conversation, we reflect on the anniversary of 7 October and the ethical questions it raises. The conversation concludes with a discussion of his new book, Very Practical Ethics: Engaging Everyday Moral Questions (2024). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Roger Berkowitz discusses the profound influence of Hannah Arendt on political thought, her practical philosophy, and the relevance of her ideas in contemporary society. He explores Arendt's views on truth, opinion, the role of intellectuals, and the dangers of bureaucracy. The discussion also delves into the complexities of Zionism, anti-Semitism, and the importance of friendship and disagreement in politics. Berkowitz emphasizes the need for critical thinking and engagement with Arendt's work to navigate today's political landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justo Antonio Triana reflects on his experience growing up in Cuba under a dictatorship, highlighting the pervasive poverty, lack of freedom, and challenges faced by Cuban women. He debunks the myth of Cuba's healthcare system and explores how tourism exacerbates the struggles of ordinary Cubans. Coming from a family of professors, he sheds light on the different social classes in Cuba and the difficulties they encountered in academia, compounded by political indoctrination and severely limited access to the internet and media. Triana critiques the idealized vision of Cuba that never aligned with reality and speaks to the deeper history of the country, revealing the failed promises of the regime. His personal journey led him to the United States, where he discovered Quillette and FIRE, organizations dedicated to free speech—an issue close to his heart, particularly in observing challenges to open discourse on American campuses. A poet with a forthcoming novel about a Cuban escaping communism, he emphasizes the enduring need for free expression and hopes for a future in which the Cuban regime falls, allowing true freedom for his homeland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This conversation covers two main topics. Firstly, liberalism and "new theism", an idea popularised by Tom Holland and Ayaan Hirsi Ali, who believe that the secular west is spiritually bankrupt. The second half of the conversation involves a critique of political realism and in particular, John Mearsheimer's work on the Israel Lobby and the Russia-Ukraine war. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Mike Israetel is a well-known figure in the fitness and bodybuilding community, recognized for his expertise in sports science, particularly in the areas of hypertrophy (muscle growth), strength training, and nutrition. He holds a PhD in Sport Physiology and has a background in competitive bodybuilding, powerlifting, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As someone with a keen interest in bodybuilding, I've been following Dr. Mike for a while and appreciate how he blends his expertise in sports science with witty humor and quips on "woke" ideology. Bodybuilders aren't often known for their intelligence, but Dr. Mike is an exception. His interest in philosophy, politics, and free-market economics led him to discover Quillette. When I saw that he started following Quillette's Instagram page, I invited him on the podcast to talk, not about protein, squats, and bench-presses, but about the Enlightenment, religion, war, and anti-semitism. For those of you who know Dr. Mike, I hope you enjoy seeing his more philosophical, political side. For those of you who don't know him, I hope this conversation inspires you to not only train your brain (by reading Quillette) but also train your body. As Dr. Mike says in this conversation, "I think challenging yourself in the gym can become something that teaches you a little bit more about the deeper wisdom in life," something that Ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates would probably agree with. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Warren Farrell discusses his latest book, 'From Rolemate to Soulmate,' which draws on his decades of counseling couples. He highlights the importance of effectively handling criticism in relationships and the consequences of not feeling heard. Dr. Farrell also explores the different forms of violence in relationships and challenges the notion that men are the sole perpetrators. He emphasizes the need for couples to create a conflict-free zone and learn to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives. Additionally, he discusses the importance of compatibility in relationships and the role of communication in bridging ideological differences. The conversation covers topics such as monogamy vs. non-monogamy, the challenges of polyamory and open relationships, the impact of children on relationships, the importance of communication, the struggles faced by men in modern society, and the concept of consent. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Drew Pavlou is an Australian student and activist. He made international news after he led protests at the University of Queensland in Australia, supporting Hong Kong and criticizing the university's ties to China. His actions led to a high-profile disciplinary case against him by the university, and a $3.5 million lawsuit which was recently settled. While his methods of protest have softened over the years, he remains a vocal advocate for liberal democratic values, attracting the ire of the far-Left and far-Right. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Graham Linehan has experienced cancel culture firsthand. After building a huge following for his work on the popular TV shows "Father Ted," "Black Books," and "The IT Crowd", Graham became concerned about unscientific gender ideology, including self-identification, males competing against females in women's sports leagues, and experimental gender medicine, including puberty blockers. Since speaking publicly about his concerns, he as faced severe personal and career repercussions. Graham is in Australia as part of his book tour with the Free Speech Union of Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this conversation, Zoe Booth and Freya India discuss the trend of opening up about mental health online, particularly among women. They explore the influence of mental health companies and the glamorization of mental health struggles on social media. They also discuss the risks of sharing personal information online and the pressure to document and share every aspect of life. The conversation touches on the fear of missing out (FOMO), the impact of social media on relationships, and the shift in perspective on social justice ideology. They conclude by highlighting the importance of personal responsibility and critiquing the patronizing marketing of mental health products. The conversation explores the idea of constant reassurance and intervention for women's mental health, the importance of resilience and risk-taking, the need to think less about oneself, and the value of getting out of one's own head. It also discusses the shift from victim mentality to victor mentality, the concept of Amazonian feminism, the double standard of strength and vulnerability, the power of discipline and responsibility, and the emptiness of empty cliches. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Claire and I discuss the concept of confected radicalism, which refers to young activists who seek out radical causes despite the success of past movements. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are Ashkenazi Jews indigenous to the Middle East? Is Palestinian a distinct ethnicity, different to other Arabs? Why do some races have bigger noses or eyes or butts or boobs? Are some ethnicities more homogenous than others? Is inbreeding actually terrible for your genetics or can it make them stronger? All that and more in this episode of the Quillette Cetera podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dara Macdonald, a lawyer and director of the Free Speech Union in Australia, discusses the need for a free speech union in the country and shares examples of free speech issues. She explains the support provided by the union and the Australian flavour it brings to the cause. Dara also talks about her background and interest in free speech, the Andrew Bolt Section 18C case, the importance of drawing the line between actions and speech, and the challenges of immigration and cultural values. She concludes by discussing the Great Misinformation Panic and the opposition to the draft law. This was recorded 13 October 2023 in Sydney, Australia. Read Dara's work in Quillette here: https://quillette.com/author/daramacdonald/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiAzoeuBhDqARIsAMdH14EVdHI5KK7AOI3kJSn6VRDbnKPmmsXZnWvc2EWJ7zcCkVvwEdQHssAaAihbEALw_wcB Visit the FSU Australia website here: https://freespeechunion.au/quillette Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoe speaks with the British-Palestinian writer, data scientist and peace-activist John Aziz about his viral Atlantic piece, how he came to support Zionism, and how Palestinians have a responsibility in achieving peace. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oliver Traldi is a John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the James Madison Program in American Ideals and Institutions in the Department of Politics at Princeton University. In this episode we discuss Oliver's latest piece for Quillette, a review of the latest book by Costin Alamariu, a polarising author and influencer who enjoys a cult-like following under the pseudonym Bronze Age Pervert. Tune in for commentary on Nietzsche, Strauss, bodybuilding, feminism and the "New Right". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Limbrick is a Libertarian Member of Parliament in Victoria's upper house. He has been a Quillette reader since its inception in 2015 and came along to our Quillette Social in Melbourne in September 2023. Zoe asks David about the work he's done in pushing for a "watchful waiting" approach to treating children with gender-dysphoria in Victoria, his attendance at the Let Women Speak rally, the decriminalisation of marijuana, nuclear power, and the recent election of Javier Milei. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quillette contributor and author of Woke Antisemitism: How a Progressive Ideology Harms Jews, David Bernstein, joins Zoe to discuss the ways antisemitism manifests on the Left and Right, and to explore how universities should promote free speech on campus. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Social scientist, Quillette contributor and Heterodox Academy member, Andrew Glover, joined me in September to talk about the current issues facing Australian universities when it comes to viewpoint diversity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julian McBride is a former US Marine who served in Afghanistan and then saw active warfare in Yemen while working for the United Nations. Now trained as a forensic anthropologist, he has taught Middle Eastern History at NYU and works as a military consultant and independent journalist. After suffering PTSD, Julian found solace in art-therapy, which lead him to found a not-for-profit called the Reflections of War Initiative (ROW). Julian joins me on the podcast to debunk some of the myths that Israel's detractors level at it, and tells me about his experiences seeing true genocides and war-crimes up close. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Just how much cronyism exists in Australia? Is it true that younger generations are worse off economically than baby boomers? Is home-ownership good metric for economic success? Is there a perfect number of immigrants that Australia should allow in? Why is Sydney's property market so expensive? All these questions and more are answered in this episode with Dr. Cameron Murray, an economist specialising in property and urban development, environmental economics, rent-seeking and corruption. His latest book is "Rigged: How networks of powerful mates rip off everyday Australians" and is available for purchase on Amazon. His website: http://www.fresheconomicthinking.com His Twitter: @drcameronmurray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Brooks is an evolutionary biologist who focuses on the evolutionary consequences of sexual reproduction. His areas of interest include the evolution of mate choice, the costs of being attractive, sexual conflict, the reasons animals age, and the interconnectedness of sex, diet, obesity, and mortality.  Leading a dynamic research group known as the SEX LAB, Rob collaborates with other researchers to explore the evolutionary and ecological implications of sexual reproduction. His work is primarily curiosity-driven and often funded by fundamental research programs like the ARC's Discovery program. Rob is motivated to study evolution because of its power to illuminate both nature and the human condition. Currently, he is especially interested in the interplay between evolution and economics, human life histories, sex differences in aging and longevity, the escalating obesity crisis, the relationship between evolution and equity feminism, the evolution of human physiques, the cultural role of Rock 'n' Roll, and the limitations of drawing moral conclusions from the natural world. Rob's first book, "Sex, Genes & Rock 'n' Roll: How Evolution has Shaped the Modern World," received the 2012 Queensland Literary Award for Science Writing. He also writes a regular column for The Conversation called "Natural History of the Present," which explores how an evolutionary view can enrich our understanding of the modern world and the human experience. In recognition of his contributions to science communication, Rob was awarded the 2013 Eureka Prize for Communicating Science & Research. His research primarily involves model organisms like guppies, field crickets, and mice, although he also has ongoing projects involving human subjects. Rob currently holds the position of Professor of Evolution and Director of the Evolution & Ecology Research Centre at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. The public is invited to participate in various studies led by his team. Check out Rob Brooks' writing for Quillette here: https://quillette.com/author/rob/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zoe interviews Virginia Tapscott, a freelance journalist and mother of four from rural New South Wales, Australia. They discuss the concept of care feminism, which emphasizes the value and importance of women's care work, whether it is paid or unpaid. Care feminism is contrasted with dominant feminist rhetoric that sometimes aims to minimize or avoid care work altogether. Additionally, they discuss Virginia's podcast, My Sister's Secrets, which explores the stories of Virginia and her late sister, Alex. Both were sexually abused by a family member during their infancy. They examine whether this abuse influenced Virginia's perception of men and her desire to have a family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Quillette Cetera, Zoe sits down with Christopher HF Mitchell and Jayan Nandagopan, two Australia-based artists whose show, The Marvellous Elephant Man Musical, is now showing at the Sydney Fringe Festival. The absurdist dark comedy is a crowd favourite and the winner of the Adelaide Fringe 2023 Critics' Circle Award. However, its carefree gags have ruffled many feathers in politically correct circles, so much so that one activist asked that the public boycott the show or demand refunds for tickets already purchased. We discuss cancel culture in the arts, the story of Joseph Merrick (the Elephant Man), the ethics of casting people with different abilities, identity politics, and much more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire and Zoe discuss how overblown the Luis Rubiales and Jenni Hermoso scandal was, and how much they enjoyed Heather Mac Donald's piece about it in Quillette. Then they go on to discuss the Australian referendum on the Voice to Parliament and how impressed they were by Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's address to the National Press Club, where she made the controversial claim that colonisation had a "positive impact" on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a Christian lesbian and non-woke artist, Melody Rachel has always felt isolated from the communities she gets grouped into. But as Melody shows, perhaps happiness comes from accepting your own identity as an individual, not from demanding acceptance as a member of an identity group. Melody Rachel is a multifaceted artist from New Zealand who currently resides in Sydney. Melody hosts the enlightening "You Know I" podcast, where she delves into a myriad of thought-provoking topics—ranging from gender and religion to challenging ideological orthodoxy in the arts. Melody is gearing up for her one-woman show "Demo" at the Sydney Fringe Festival. The show explores her complex feelings of alienation and polarization as she navigates through various communities—being a lesbian, a Christian, and an artist who thrives on challenging norms. Melody's Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melodyrachelk Melody's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@melodyrachel Info about Melody's show at Sydney Fringe: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/demo/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do we live under a patriarchy? Should women boycott sex with men? What's the Nordic approach to prostitution? Is masculinity celebrated more than feminity? We cover all that + more in this conversation with Holly Lawford-Smith, a philosopher and academic whose work primarily focuses on topics in political philosophy. Holly has been the subject of much public discussion and debate due to her views on various topics, most notably her advocacy for the protection of women's sex-based rights and her criticism of self-identification laws for people who identify as trans. She's also a Visiting Academic in the School of Law at the University of Reading, and a Network Member of the Open University #GenderCritical Research Network. Check out her monthly contributions to Quillette: https://quillette.com/author/holly-lawford-smith/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Claire and I discuss a complaint lodged with the Australian Press Council concerning one of Claire's articles in The Australian. In her piece, Claire compares Australia's method of treating children with gender dysphoria to Finland's more nuanced approach, which neither affirms nor denies gender identities. This raises the question: Has the Australian Press Council been influenced by trans advocacy groups like GLAAD?  Towards the end of the episode, we examine the widespread tendency among both the Left and Right to romanticize the past. We argue that this inclination is not only irrational but can be countered by a thoughtful reading of history, which can provide valuable perspective on contemporary struggles. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2018, Nancy L. Segal an American evolutionary psychologist and world-renowned twin expert, was gripped by a news headline saying that US immigration had threatened to break up twin boys born to gay fathers by refusing a visa to one twin. What followed was Nancy's five year journey of documenting the story of Andrew and Elad Dvash-Banks and their twins Ethan and Aiden. It culminated in the publishing of her latest book, Gay Fathers, Twin Sons: The Citizenship Case That Captured the World, Rowman & Littlefield (August, 2023).  I speak to Nancy about her new book and the future of twin research in the latest epsiode of Quillette Cetera.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Find out why Iona and Zoe hated the new Barbie movie. Iona Italia is an associate editor at Quillette. She is also the editor of Areo Magazine and host of the Two for Tea podcast. She writes for Substack at The Second Swim. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spicy topics this week, as usual. Find out about the flaws in Australia's #CSIRO #Gencost report on #renewableenergy (it's not as cheap as they say), why environmentalists are hostile towards #nuclear energy, and why grifters like #pearldavis do themselves a disservice when they fall for anti-semitic #conspiracy theories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire and Zoe discuss the tragic death of Richard Bilkszto, a Toronto educator who took his life after being falsely smeared as a white supremacist by a DEI trainer. We recently published an article by Quillette editor Jon Kay who recounts Richard's story, you can read it on our website. We also discuss how mainstream feminism devalues motherhood and undermines the importance of biology. Could this have to do with the declining birth rate in the West? Plus, what are Claire's thoughts on the Barbie movie? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michel Houellebecq, the controversial French author, has consistently produced novels that explore societal challenges, often tracing back to the cultural revolution of the 1960s. His new book, "Quelques Mois dans ma Vie" (A Few Months in My Life), which was published in May 2023, reveals two recent scandals that have embroiled his life.In this episode I interview RJ Smith, an Australian author who lives in Paris. Quillette recently published RJ's critical review of Houellebecq's new book, which you can read here: https://quillette.com/2023/06/26/the-sorrow-and-the-self-pity/ Aside from discussing Houellebecq's life and work, we delve into France's tumultuous colonial history and its modern day ramifications in the form of tensions between French citizens of Maghrebi descent and the broader French population. The term "Maghrebi" refers to people from the Maghreb region of North Africa, including Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.Just last month riots took place after Maghrebi teen Nahel Merzouk was killed by French police. We discuss that and the gilets jaune (yellow jacket) protests which kicked off in 2018 and are still going to this day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why do women post sexy selfies? And why does this behaviour anger some people? Claire Lehmann and Zoe Booth discuss the complex world of intrasexual female competition and their experiences with it, concluding that the more we know about human behaviour, the more empowered we are to make good decisions. "Slut shaming" can also be referred to as sexual shaming, sexual bullying, sexual stigmatization, or promiscuity shaming. It refers to the practice of criticizing or mocking someone, usually a woman, for their real or presumed sexual behavior, including for dressing in a sexual manner, having premarital, casual, or promiscuous sex, or for behaving in ways that deviate from traditional or socially accepted gender expectations. "Thirst trapping" is a term that originated in online and social media culture. It refers to the act of posting provocative or tantalizing images or messages on social media platforms to attract attention, particularly of a sexual or romantic nature. The intention behind a "thirst trap" is to elicit compliments, admiration, or even expressions of desire, often called "thirst," from others. While it's commonly associated with photos that emphasize physical attractiveness, a thirst trap can also be a post that highlights other desirable qualities or achievements to gain attention or admiration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire and Zoe discuss how large corporations such as BHP, Coles, Woolworths, and the Big Four banks, leverage ESG scores issued by rating agencies to boost their reputation, despite their involvement in wage theft scandals, underpaying workers, and breaching laws. This practice of investing in ESG to deflect attention from controversies is known as 'wokewashing'. A recent example of this is them getting behind the Yes campaign regarding the Voice to Parliament, a proposed advisory body in Australia that would provide a formal role for Indigenous Australians to give advice and input into matters of legislation and policy that impact them. Claire and Zoe also discuss the new Instagram Threads application. Keywords: ESG initiatives, wokewashing, corporate scandals, social justice, green technology, diversity and inclusion, World Economic Forum, Australian corporations, BHP, Coles, Woolworths, Big Four banks, voice referendum, LGBTQ+ festivals, business practices, government, unions, media, academia, non-profit sectors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Australia, thousands of children and teenagers are increasingly refusing to attend school due to anxiety, a phenomenon known as "anxiety-based school refusal". Over half of students were chronically absent last year, defined as missing over 20 days of school annually. This trend has been attributed to the impact of Covid lockdowns on mental health and the influence of excessive screen time. Social isolation during lockdowns has led to increased social anxiety, with school becoming a perceived threat. However, the trend of school refusal predates the pandemic, with experts warning of rising child anxiety rates. Contributing factors include doom-laden messages about climate change from the media, and the negative effects of social media on sleep and genuine friendships. Overparenting is also considered to be a significant issue, as it denies children the necessary challenges that foster resilience. In the face of school refusal, allowing a child to stay home can reinforce the belief that school is a threat and attendance is optional. We suggest a better approach is graded exposure therapy, a method widely recognized as the most effective treatment for various anxiety disorders. This method can be likened to exposing a person with a phobia to the object of their fear gradually until they become desensitized. In the context of school refusal, this could involve rehearsing school drop-offs and working in partnership with schools and psychologists until the child can do it alone. We should be teaching children that discomfort is not necessarily a problem to be solved, but a part of life to be endured, and that it's a mistake to believe good mental health means feeling good all the time. Therefore, allowing children to struggle with their problems, rather than stepping in to solve them, can be more beneficial in the long term. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Claire and Zoe discuss Queensland's new self-ID laws, how the pendulum has swung so far that "trad" is now counter-culture, and Zoe's online escapades messaging trolls who hate Quillette. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In Episode 5, Claire and Zoe discuss updates on the Brittany Higgins scandal, which suggest that Higgins (and journalists such as Lisa Wilkinson) rode the #MeToo wave for personal gain. We also discuss sexual dynamics in general, including some talk of sexual assault and how to prevent it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A researcher from the University of Cincinnati who is conducting seminars on "far-right radicalization" in the United States characterises Quillette, an Australian-based liberal-centrist organization, as being more "radicalizing" than Fox News and comparable to InfoWars. This "researcher" has been awarded over $300,000 from the US Department of Homeland Security. Maybe us being characterised as a "terrorist organization" by the DHS may explain our consistent inability to run ads on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Reddit? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Quillette's community manager, Zoe Booth, asks her friend and PR whizz, Emilie Dye, on the podcast to debate the Australian government's crackdown on vapes: "The Government will work with states and territories to close down the sale of vapes in retail settings, ending vape sales in convenience stores and other retail settings, while also making it easier to get a prescription for legitimate therapeutic use." Read the Health Minister's media release here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/taking-action-on-smoking-and-vaping Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'"Woman. Noun. Adult human female,” read the sticker applied to Queensland MP Shannon Fentiman's office window. Walking past the window at the Waterford Shopping Centre in Logan, one might have assumed the sticker belonged to Fentiman. She was, until Thursday, Queensland's Minister for Women. But one would've been mistaken. “I know the sticker doesn't look like it says much, and most people will be lucky enough to be unaffected by what it says,” Fentiman wrote on her Instagram page. “But for some people in our community, these stickers represent much more – they represent a movement which discriminates against them and denies their existence.”' -------- Welcome to Episode 2! Today with better placement of our microphones and less mmms. Today we discuss Claire's latest column in The Australian- Trans activists have no right to pervert the English language, by Claire Lehmann: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/trans-activists-have-no-right-to-pervert-the-english-language-writes-claire-lehmann/news-story/a3809b3716c4c068c629e5df6b5224a9 Sorry all- the audio wasn't great in this episode. I'm still working out how to do this. Expect better quality audio, and even, wait for it, intro music, in the coming weeks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the first of a series of conversations, Claire Lehmann (Quillette founder) and Zoe Booth (Quillette Community Manager) discuss Claire's latest essay in The Australian about teen mental health and talk more broadly about victimhood ideology, feminism and audience capture. Claire's article The Australian can be read here: https://www.theaustralian.com.au/commentary/progressive-ideologies-send-the-wrong-message-to-our-kids/news-story/f383e56897c4b455d4495328f56af7b6 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices