UnHerd with Freddie Sayers

UnHerd's Florence Read sits down with John Michael Greer, prolific author of over 50 books, including The Druidry Handbook, The Long Descent, and The King in Orange, and former Grand Archdruid of the Ancient Order of Druids in America. Greer explains what it means to be a Druid today, detailing the spiritual practices rooted in Celtic traditions, including rituals, meditation, and divination, and their connection to the living Earth.They discuss Greer's perspective on the modern world, blending ecology, spirituality, and societal decline. He describes magic as "the politics of the excluded," revealing its role in history and power dynamics. Greer also shares his provocative views on contemporary politics, including speculation on Donald Trump's destiny, suggesting he might follow the path of other transformative U.S. Presidents who died in office. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this two-part UnHerd TV episode, Editor-in-Chief Freddie Sayers delves into the volatile Iran-Israel crisis, presenting contrasting, thought-provoking analyses from two intellectual heavyweights.In Part 1, American International Relations realist theorist and renowned political scientist John Mearsheimer dissects Israel's strategy as a risky and flawed endeavor, arguing it's unlikely to succeed in curbing Iran's nuclear ambitions and warning that U.S. military involvement would be catastrophic, inadvertently strengthening Russia and China's geopolitical positions.In Part 2, Israeli-American philosopher and author of The Virtue of Nationalism Yoram Hazony, speaking from Jerusalem, passionately defends Israel's imperative to decisively block Iran's nuclear program, asserting it's both realistic and essential for national survival, while carefully debating the benefits and risks of U.S. support.Subscribe to UnHerd TV for this nuanced exploration of a deeply sensitive and intricate global issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating discussion, Iain and Philip ask what makes us who we are? Are we merely our brains, or does science only capture part of the human story? Is the universe conscious?Dr. Iain McGilchrist, renowned psychiatrist, neuroscience researcher, philosopher, and author of the critically acclaimed The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World, engages in a thought-provoking event at the UnHerd club with Professor Philip Goff, a leading panpsychist philosopher from Durham University and author of Galileo's Error: Foundations for a New Science of Consciousness.McGilchrist and Goff dive into the intersections of neuroscience, philosophy, and consciousness, exploring the limits of reductionist science, the nature of the self, and the profound implications of their work for understanding the human mind and its place in the cosmos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freddie Sayers interviews reporter and documentary filmmaker Leighton Woodhouse for an on-the-ground account of the LA protests that followed ICE immigration raids. Woodhouse was in the thick of it—witnessing firsthand the violence, the escalation, and the crumbling of the “peaceful protest” narrative that dominated mainstream coverage. In this in-depth interview, he describes what it felt like to stand in the middle of what at times resembled “pre-civil war” more than a political demonstration. What began as outrage over immigration enforcement quickly spiralled into something much more chaotic. Leighton details the street-level reality: smashed windows, street fires, armed standoffs, and moments where the rule of law appeared to vanish. He challenges the media portrayal of events, questions the motives of protest leaders, and unpacks the deeper constitutional implications of what unfolded. Were these protests truly peaceful? Who was escalating the violence—and why? At what point does protest cross into insurrection? Is this unrest contained to Los Angeles and California, or will it spread, and become something more? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this exclusive UnHerd interview, Steve Bannon, former Trump Chief Strategist, host of The War Room, and Elon Musk's strongest critic, dissects the dramatic rift between President Donald Trump and Musk, sparked by disputes over Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill”—a tax-cut and spending package Musk slammed as a “disgusting abomination” for inflating the $36.2 trillion national debt.Bannon brands Musk an “illegal alien”, possibly an agent of the CCP, and calls for his deportation and on Trump to seize SpaceX under the Defense Production Act, while defending Trump's America First agenda against Musk's fiscal critiques.With Tesla's stock dropping ~14% and Musk backpedalling on threats to decommission the Dragon spacecraft, the conversation probes whether this public feud signals the end of the Trump-Musk alliance, a potential MAGA “civil war,” and risks America's space and economic future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is China poised to dominate the global economy? UnHerd's Editor-in-Chief, Freddie Sayers, speaks to Kyle Chan, a Princeton University expert on Chinese industrial policy, to unpack the seismic shifts reshaping the U.S.-China economic rivalry, as explored in Chan's recent New York Times Op-Ed ‘In the Future, China Will Be Dominant. The U.S. Will Be Irrelevant.'Together, they dive into China's meteoric rise in high-tech sectors like AI, robotics, and electric vehicles, and dominance in manufacturing output, and aluminium, steel and battery production, and question whether U.S. policies—such as President Trump's latest tariffs and cuts to research funding—are inadvertently paving the way for a 'Chinese Century'.What are China's next steps to counter U.S. policies and global trade isolation? Can the U.S. reverse its talent drain and supply chain disruptions to stay competitive? And is the 'Chinese Century' inevitable, or will demographic and economic headwinds derail Beijing's ambitions? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Donald Trump cashing in on the crypto craze—or crossing ethical lines?UnHerd's Freddie Sayers and CoinDesk's Ben Schiller unpack the Trump family's sudden crypto conversion and what it means for politics, finance, and ethics. Once a vocal crypto critic, Trump now calls himself a “big fan,” with his family and inner circle making major moves in the digital asset world.Freddie and Ben look at the Trump family's 60% stake in World Liberty Financial—a $2.2B crypto venture backed by high-profile investors like Justin Sun and Abu Dhabi—and the controversial launch of the $TRUMP memecoin ahead of the 2025 election. Add to that Trump Media's $2.5B war chest reportedly aimed at a Bitcoin buying spree—are we witnessing smart strategy or something shadier?At Bitcoin2025 in Las Vegas, VP JD Vance pushed pro-Bitcoin policy and stablecoin regulation under the GENIUS Act, while Donald Trump Jr. and Eric Trump promoted their new crypto platform—pitched as a response to being shut out by traditional banks.With Bitcoin hitting $109K and political memecoins on the rise, is this a financial revolution or just another power grab?From institutional growth to making America the “crypto capital,” what's next for digital finance and the Trump administration's role in it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the European Union heading for a slow-motion collapse? In this unfiltered conversation, economist Yanis Varoufakis and journalist Wolfgang Münchau join Freddie Sayers to dive deep into the political and economic forces reshaping Europe—from the rise of populism in Romania and Poland, to the EU's failure to offer a compelling future to Eastern member states. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ben Shapiro joins Freddie Sayers for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of the American Right. They discuss what Trump has got right — and wrong — in his current tenure, Shapiro's public criticisms of the president, and his feud with Tucker Carlson.Also on the table: the growing divide on the Right over foreign policy and “America First,” the rise of antisemitism, free speech double standards, and Candace Owens' exit from The Daily Wire. One of the conservative movement's most influential voices, Shapiro doesn't hold back. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the anti-populist backlash already begun? Contributing editor and war reporter Aris Roussinos joins UnHerd from Romania, where he has been witnessing the final stages of a closely fought election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The warmer months are coming. Spring back into your health and fitness: go to lumen.me/UNHERD to get 15% off your Lumen.Freddie Sayers, host of UnHerd, interviews UnHerd's US Editor and practicing Catholic, Sohrab Ahmari, as they dive into the historic election of Pope Leo XIV, the first American Pope. In this in-depth discussion, Freddie and Sohrab explore who Pope Leo XIV (formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost) is, his political and religious background, and the potential global impact of his papacy.They unpack his pre-papal social media posts, including tweets critiquing Donald Trump and JD Vance, and his public stances on key issues like economics, sexual morality, immigration, and climate change. The conversation delves into the significance of his dispute with JD Vance over ordo amoris (the theological concept of ordered love) and what it reveals about his worldview, as well as covering why he chose the name Leo, evoking the legacy of Pope Leo XIII, a pivotal figure in modern Catholic social teaching.Is the new Pope Left or Right, or can he embody a unifying figure for both Liberals and Conservatives? Was he chosen to counter the Trump administration and rising populist movements? What will his papacy mean for the wider political and religious world? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the death penalty justice or revenge?With 2,474 people on US death row in 2025 and debates raging globally, UnHerd's Editor-in-Chief Freddie Sayers sits down with Peter in this latest episode, to go through his arguments, tackling such concerns like the risks of executing the innocent and the efficacy of deterrence, as well as how Peter - a committed Anglican - reconciles his position with his Christian faith.In the UK, despite capital punishment being abolished in 1965, new polling shows younger generations now favour it (even above some older groups), perhaps spurred by rising crime and cases like Axel Rudakubana's murder of three girls in Southport. But flaws in the criminal justice system continue to be exposed as news of the longest miscarriage of justice emerges with the freeing of Peter Sullivan, once convicted of the brutal 1986 murder of florist Diane Sindall, having served 38 years in prison.The conversation around capital punishment resurfaces once again amid increasing calls for it to be reintroduced, and MPs, like Lee Anderson and Richard Tice, demanding national debate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers interviews renowned economist and former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis and Eurointelligence founder Wolfgang Münchau as they dissect the escalating trade war between Europe and the United States. With the US recently striking a so-called trade deal with the UK, and news of India signing a comprehensive agreement with the UK, tensions are soaring as Europe, China, and others threaten retaliation against President Trump's aggressive tariffs. From economic fallout to geopolitical manoeuvering, they reveal why Europe risks losing ground and what's at stake for the global economy in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's Florence Read interviews outspoken pronatalists, Malcolm and Simone Collins, to dive into the urgent issue of population collapse.Is pronatalism the answer to demographic catastrophe, or does it skirt too close to eugenics and far-Right ideologies? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Freddie Sayers hosts Michael Ignatieff, former Canadian Liberal leader, to dissect the 2025 Canadian election and Mark Carney's leadership.Ignatieff breaks down Carney's global expertise, his strategy against Trump's tariffs, and the possibility of a grand coalition with Canada's Conservatives.While the Liberals narrowly edged out the Right, Ignatieff argues the results reflect a complex mix of liberal resilience, populist setbacks, and converging policies — hinting at a Canada craving change. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this interview, UnHerd's Editor-in-Chief, Freddie Sayers, questions Right-wing French philosopher Renaud Camus on his controversial theories of remigration and the "Great Replacement". Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's Florence Read interviews feminist journalist Julie Bindel on the UK's grooming gang crisis.Bindel exposes the history of these crimes, society's neglect and victim-shaming, and the political and cultural failures fuelling their persistence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Freddie Sayers for an exclusive deep dive with pro-life activists Adam Smith-Connor, Isabel Vaughan-Spruce, and Livia Tossici-Bolt, who share their experiences of being questioned and arrested for praying and holding signs near UK abortion clinics.With the US State Department and the Trump administration closely monitoring Adam and Livia's cases as critical tests of free speech, and Vice President JD Vance calling out Adam's conviction in his 2025 Munich speech, these stories have ignited a transatlantic row over censorship and religious freedom.Are these activists victims of a free speech crackdown, or is the UK justified in its actions? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's US Editor sits down with Editor-in-Chief Freddie Sayers, about his exclusive interview with US Vice President JD Vance. The interview marked the VP's first major interview with a European outlet since taking office and topped headlines across the Britain, Europe and America on Tuesday, sending the UK's FTSE ‘surging' on the VP's remarks of a potential US-UK trade deal in the works, prompting a positive response from Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government.In this reaction video, Sohrab and Freddie discuss the impact of the interview and the major news lines from the Vice President from his comments about Europe independence and ‘vassal state' status to how he uses social media to break the inevitable bubble his office brings. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this captivating UnHerd interview, Freddie Sayers sits down with Douglas Murray to trace his remarkable evolution from a young Oxford scholar immersed in cultural and artistic pursuits to a global neoconservative commentator.Murray reflects on his early days writing the acclaimed biography Bosie (2000), a deep dive into the life of Lord Alfred Douglas, Oscar Wilde's lover, and how his focus shifted quickly to fiery political debates on the world stage.From his 2005 book Neoconservatism: Why We Need It to his later bestsellers like The Strange Death of Europe (2017) and his new book Democracies and Death Cults (2025), Murray has become a polarising voice defending Western values and interventionism, particularly on Israel.The conversation also dives into Murray's recent viral appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience, where he sparked controversy by challenging the shapeshifting Right and the unchecked influence of podcasters.Join Freddie Sayers as he uncovers what drives Douglas Murray, how his past shaped his present, and why he's demanding more from today's media giants. Don't miss this in-depth look at one of the most provocative thinkers of our time. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dubbed “the most dangerous philosopher in the West”, Slovenian psychoanalyst Slavoj Žižek has singlehandedly led a revolution in punk political theory. Now, in the shadow of Donald Trump 2.0, he asks why democracy fails, sex sells and how rock bottom could be the best place to start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers sits down with Wolfgang Munchau and Anatole Kaletsky.UnHerd's Freddie Sayers holds an emergency roundtable with economic commentator and director of the Eurointelligence blog, Wolfgang Munchau, and Gavekal's chief economist, and author of Capitalism 4.0, Anatole Kaletsky.Trump's tariff trade war is impacting global stock markets. Has the economic world order been upended? Is UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer right that this marks the ‘end of globalisation'? Are governments teetering on the edge of a 2008-style recession, and what do they do next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's Flo Read meets Mars Society Founder, Robert Zubrin.Renowned aerospace engineer and President of the Mars Society - which advocates for human exploration and colonisation of Mars - gives us his case for a manned mission to Mars, and all the challenges that getting to the Red Planet may entail. Is Elon Musk one of them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers speaks to Quillette Founder and Editor, Claire Lehmann.Join Freddie Sayers on UnHerd as he sits down with Claire Lehmann, founder of Quillette, the Sydney-based magazine launched in 2015 that's become a global force for reason and free expression.With Trump powering through his first 100 days and Right-wing populism surging across the West, the free speech landscape is shifting. Are journalism and open debate now under threat from the Right? Has the Left's 'woke' orthodoxy given way to a new 'woke Right' menace? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join UnHerd's Freddie Sayers as he sits down with Stephen Sackur, the iconic host of BBC's HARDtalk, to discuss the shocking closure of the long-running show after nearly three decades.Sackur shares his personal story, reveals how the decision unfolded, and reflects on the highs and lows of his time grilling the world's most powerful figures. From unforgettable moments to the toughest interviews, he opens up about the best and worst of HARDtalk. Plus, Sackur weighs in on the future of journalism and the BBC in a rapidly changing media landscape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Award-winning author Dr. Suzanne O'Sullivan discusses her new book The Age of Diagnosis, and some curious cases of “over-diagnosis”.1 in 10 in England now believe they have long Covid. The UK's new Health Secretary, Wes Streeting, now says mental health is being “over-diagnosed”. Is Trump and RFK Jr's aggressively sceptical approach to public health the way forward? Are trends in neurodivergent and autism identification becoming a problem? Are we living in The Age of Diagnosis? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Journalist and author Peter Hitchens joins Freddie Sayers to reflect on the world 5 years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. As society grapples with the lasting impact of lockdowns, Hitchens questions whether those who advocated for severe restrictions should be forgiven.Hitchens explores whether the fervour surrounding the pandemic has been replaced by a new wave of political and media hysteria, particularly with the war in Ukraine.Is society moving from one crisis mentality to another? Are we learning from past mistakes, or doomed to repeat them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could a revival in Christianity reverse the West's loss of confidence? Cognitive scientist John Vervaeke, who coined the term ‘meaning crisis', debates host of The Sacred podcast Elizabeth Oldfield, live at the UnHerd Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UnHerd's Freddie Sayers sits down with Nigel Farage's closest former adviser and fired Head of Press for Reform UK, Gawain Towler, to delve into the party's internal strife.Towler shares the inside story behind the dramatic fallout with Rupert Lowe, the escalating civil war within the party, and what these tensions mean for Reform UK's future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start building your family tree and discover the incredible stories that make you, you. Head to https://bit.ly/UnHerd to begin your 14-day free trial journey.For years, Western politics has been dominated by a thematic drift to the populist right, as movements surged in Canada and beyond. But with Mark Carney's victory as Trudeau's successor, has the liberal establishment staged a dramatic comeback?Are we witnessing a revenge of the globalists? Can Mark Carney beat Pierre Poilievre at the inevitable next election? Who is better placed to take on Trump?Marshall Auerback joins UnHerd's Freddie Sayers for a conversation about the possible return of liberal managerialism, Mark Carney's vision, and the future of Canadian politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lord Maurice Glasman sits down with UnHerd's Freddie Sayers to share insider insights on the Trump administration, the debate between isolationism and intervention in Ukraine, and the shifting dynamics of the Right and Left within ‘MAGA square.‘ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Author of 'Beyond the Wall' Katja Hoyer joins UnHerd's Freddie Sayers to break down the results of Germany's era-defining general election. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From USAID to the FDA, Nathan Halberstadt reflects on his time at Boston Consulting Group and the DEI policies he helped impose on BCG's clients. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Start building your family tree and discover the incredible stories that make you, you. Head to https://bit.ly/UnHerd to begin your 14-day free trial journey.With increasing Western reliance on Chinese manufacturing, technology and communications, is bipolarity just a relic of another era? Geopolitical analyst NS Lyons joins UnHerd's Freddie Sayers to discuss the new world order and what it might bring for Britain and America. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Between incel culture, tradwifery, polyamory and online dating, what hope is there for modern romance? For a Saint Valentine's Day special join writers Poppy Sowerby, Freya India and Sheehan Quirke aka The Cultural Tutor to debate the state of sex and love in 2025. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are tariffs the 'art of the deal' in action? Economist Wolfgang Münchau joins UnHerd's Freddie Sayers to discuss the true cost of a trade war and how Trump could use European division to his advantage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Macroeconomists and market watchers John Rapley and Philip Pilkington join UnHerd's Freddie Sayers to investigate the apparent market slump set off by Chinese AI app DeepSeek. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On inauguration day, UnHerd gathers outspoken critics and cheerleaders of the new US President to debate the promise and peril of Donald Trump 2.0. Will the 47th leader of the free world really make America great again? Join writer Mary Harrington, academic James Orr and journalists Aaron Bastani and Peter Hitchens for a live debate at the UnHerd Club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did the UK only narrowly avoid a blackout last week? Freddie Sayers is joined by energy analyst Kathryn Porter to break down the National Grid numbers and find out how Net Zero might cause blackouts by 2030. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The slow-burn collapse of Canada's Liberal party seems to mark the end of the Obama era. What will follow it? And what might this moment mean for the rest of the world? UnHerd's Freddie Sayers is joined by economics analyst and friend of the show Louis-Vincent Gave. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After meeting Elon Musk in Florida, Reform leader Nigel Farage has doubled down on his reputation as a Mar-a-Lago insider. Could this moment mark a shift in British politics? UnHerd's Political Editor Tom McTague joins Freddie Sayers in the studio to discuss the apparent rise of a MAGA-Reform alliance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What is Project 2025? Kevin Roberts is the President of the Heritage Foundation and author of the federal policy blueprint for a radical restructuring of the US government under Donald Trump. He joins UnHerd's Freddie Sayers to discuss his 'revolutionary' plot to overhaul American politics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Donald Trump assembling the most disruptive cabinet in recent memory? UnHerd's Emily Jashinsky and Freddie Sayers debate the pitfalls and potential of the new MAGA recruits. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.