Uncomfortable Conversations with Josh Szeps

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". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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

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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Border walls. Offshore detention. Kids in cages. What do we do about refugees? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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? See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Meghan Daum is a feminist, firebrand, and former opinion columnist for The Los Angeles Times. Her podcast is The Unspeakable. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Claire is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Quillette, the magazine for dangerous ideas.

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.

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.