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We travel from America to Europe, Russia, China, and more places to answer the question: Is there a global free speech recession? Guests: - Sarah McLaughlin: FIRE senior scholar, global expression - James Kirchick: FIRE senior fellow - Jacob Mchangama: FIRE senior fellow Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 03:52 Free speech global surveys 07:49 Freedom of expression deteriorating 11:43 Misinformation and disinformation 18:05 Russian state-sponsored media 24:55 Europe's Digital Services Act 29:26 Chinese censorship 34:33 Radio Free Europe 54:57 Mohammad cartoons 01:04:14 Outro Read the transcript here. Enjoy listening to the podcast? Donate to FIRE today and get exclusive content like member webinars, special episodes, and more. If you became a FIRE Member through a donation to FIRE at thefire.org and would like access to Substack's paid subscriber podcast feed, please email sotospeak@thefire.org. Show notes: - Authoritarians in the academy: How the internationalization of higher education and borderless censorship threaten free speech Sarah McLaughlin (2025) - “The First Amendment created gay America” So to Speak (2022) - “Secret city: The hidden history of gay Washington” James Kirchick (2022) - “Who in the world supports free speech?” The Future of Free Speech (2025) - “V-DEM democracy report 2025: 25 years of autocratization — democracy trumped?” V-Dem Institute (2025) - Global risks report 2024 World Economic Forum (2025) - “Gay reporter kicked off Kremlin network after protesting anti-gay law” Washington Free Beacon (2013) - Free speech: A history from Socrates to social media (paperback) Jacob Mchangama (2025) - Europe's Digital Services Act (DSA) (2022) - Careless people: A cautionary tale of power, greed, and lost idealism Sarah Wynn-Williams (2025) - “The Voice of America falls silent” The New York Times (2025) - Text of Havel's speech to Congress The Washington Post (1990) - Voice of America wins in court, for now, as judge blocks Trump administration from firing staff AP News (2025)
Nerds' candy sales have surged 10x to become the #1 top selling sugar candy in America — So we're explaining why Nerds is doing its 1st Super Bowl ad.The Las Vegas Sphere just shared its first full quarter of earnings… and actually had a profit — Because The Sphere is the nuclear power plant of entertainment.And Bill Gates & Jeff Bezos both invested in KoBold, a mining startup for our sustainable future — Because they've created a Google Maps for underground. $HSY $SPHR $TSLASubscribe to our newsletter: tboypod.com/newsletterWant merch, a shoutout, or got TheBestFactYet? Go to: www.tboypod.comFollow The Best One Yet on Instagram, Twitter, and Tiktok: @tboypodAnd now watch us on YoutubeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Live from STUDIO G- in the heart of America- I'm STEVE GRUBER- saying the things you wish you could -every day- Fighting for you from the Foxhole of Freedom and defending this great nation— This is THE STEVE GRUBER SHOW! Here are 3 big things you need to know right now— Number One— Here is a big update for you—the UAW wants taxpayers to pay for pensions—not only in Ukraine but here too—they are fine with an open border and are pushing the failing idea of EV's for everyone— Number Two— It is primary day in New Hampshire—and I would have started there today—but we were betrayed by a couple of other people—I will cover the voting and the two people left—but it will have to wait— Number Three— And why does the primary in New Hampshire have to wait? Because two allegedly conservative justices on the United States Supreme Court have made it clear—the rule of law is no longer of any interest to them— Chief Justice John Roberts—was joined by an alleged conservative Amy Coney Barrett—and all 3 far left justices to deny the right of Texas to uphold the law of the land and to uphold the rule of law at all— It is truly a breathtaking opinion—that's right by a vote of 5-4—the US Supreme Court just green-lit the ongoing invasion at the Southern Border—because unless the Texas National Guard is ordered to stay—there is nothing else stopping millions of illegals from flooding into America—and changing our once great Republic forever—and destroying once and for all the nation in which we were born— And that of course is the obvious plan—because the only time the Biden Administration is willing to fight for the border—it is fighting to keep it open— They sued Arizona when shipping containers were placed along the border to slow down the flood—they sued when Texas put a barrier in the middle of the Rio Grande River—and now they are suing to remove razor wire and any other barrier that would stymie the mass influx of millions of people—that are coming here with no job, no place to live, to way to eat—it truly is the destruction of our nation—and it is what the Democrats clearly want—and it is what Chief Justice Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett want too— The other 4 justices rejected the lawsuit—and dissented openly—Thomas, Alito, Kavanaugh and Gorsuch all rejected the US governments refusal to enforce the very clear laws regarding the American border— We are at war today—with the people in Washington who don't care at all about our sovereignty—because if they cared about this country and its future they would have stopped this insanity long ago— But as my mother always said to me—actions speak louder than words—and right now every action taken by this President and this administration is an affront to law abiding and hard working Americans in every single corner of this nation— The only thing left—is to do everything possible to secure a win in November—for if we don't—by the time we get to the next election—it will be, in my opinion too late to turn this thing around— It may be too late already—BUT I do see hope with the German farmers—and Argentina's Javier Milei—and some other bright spots in places like Italy and the Netherlands—BUT this globalist movement—funded by the Chinese Communist Party and others has exactly one major goal—getting rid of the last thing standing in their way—America— So with that in mind—lets talk about the primary being held today in New Hampshire—where former President Donald Trump has been leading in the polls—but Nikki Haley is still going—and with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis out of the race—we need to see how the voting will shake out— But despite her refusal to exit the race—Nikki Haley is facing a stiff uphill climb—and those on the left that would clearly like to see her on the November Ballot—admit, its not likely to get the also-ran in the mix— The Battle between Trump and Haley—as you know has already turned personal—and it didn't get any better on Monday— But there are questions about the path to the White House for Donald Trump—whether some people want to admit it or not—and not all of those questions are rooted in voting machines or mass mail in ballots—as it turns out—there are plenty of people who just do not like the guy for a host of reasons— BUT for a growing number of Republicans—and a growing number of Americans—the time to make a change in Washington is becoming more clear—and more urgent by the day—and the GOP is rounding up more of its voters every single day—and herding them into line— Will it be enough to have Trump come out on top in New Hampshire—I think so—but will it be enough to carry the 45th President to the inauguration to become the 47thPresident— I think so—BUT we are a long way from November 5th and the Democrats and their allies in courtrooms and newsrooms are all working overtime to damage the former Presidents image at every turn—and some are hoping one conviction out of the 91 felony indictments could be enough to keep Donald Trump from returning to the Oval Office—
It's the first weekend of the new baseball season, and despite having some of the most recognisable names in world sport playing the game, baseball has suffered a dip in popularity in recent years. Some suggest it's become too slow, even a bit dull. The MLB, the governing body, have introduced new rules this season to speed up the game, but could they take a few notes from the creator of the hugely successful and fast moving Banana Ball? Jesse Cole, is the creator and owner of the Savannah Bananas and explained to Sportshour's Katie Smith how it works, why it's so successful, and why he was wearing a bright yellow tuxedo for the interview!?The Power of Ping Pong: French born Cameroon Olympic table tennis player Sarah Hanffou tells us about the work and remarkable results of her foundation ‘Ping Sans Frontireres'. The foundation uses the sport to create opportunities for communities all over the world to improve local economies and improve daily life. Sarah is also a passionate environmentalist and has made Ping Sans Frontireres a beacon of what can be achieved in sport and business whilst being ecologically friendly. A lawyer by profession she's tells us about her Paris 2024 Olympic dreams and how the her life changing work off the table is only just beginning.March Madness, is the name of the tournament that ends the College basketball season. The NCAA's billion dollar competition sees the very best of men's and women's college basketball compete in March Madness. It might be college level, but it will completely dominate the sports schedules in America So what puts the Mad into March Madness. Someone who knows and has been competing this year is New York University's Belle Pellecchia. She's has also been explaining about competing in the Inaugural EcoAthlete Collegiate Cup, a competition aimed at improving awareness around climate change and feeding off the natural colligate rivalries.Running in a Man's world: Lauren Fleshman had a long successful athletics career, winning the 5,000m at the USA championships, twice. Drawing on her lifetime of experience Lauren has just published her memoir 'Good for a Girl: A Woman Running in a Man's World'. Lauren has been telling us about just how challenging it can be to be a woman running in a man's world, what's improved in recent years and what still need to be done.Photo: Savannah Banana Malachi Mitchell flips in the air as the team cheers before the start of a banana ball game (CREDIT: Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Live from the no panic zone—I'm Steve Gruber—I am America's Voice— I am a man on a mission to make this nation better—and yes I am proud to say I believe in America First— Here are three big things you need to know right now— ONE— Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs is not ready to let go—and says he is in, to challenge Kevin McCarthy for the job of Speaker of the House—and it could get ugly— TWO— Chinese hackers stole millions of dollars from U-S Covid relief benefits—that according to reports from the Secret Service—But I'll bet under Joe Biden's iron fisted leadership its all fine now— THREE— I know its all we've talked about for several days—BUT it is the obsession of everyone—except of course those in the drive media—that think if they ignore him long enough—Elon Musk will just go away—and maybe their entire Twitter nightmare will come to an end— But I have bad news for the Ostrich crowd—sticking your head in the sand will not un-ring the bell— The FBI, the Biden team both before and after the election—the people working inside of Twitter and yes Facebook too have been caught—they have been outted for dirty dealing and censorship of conservatives at every turn— And now that Twitter is back in the hands of the Free Speech crowd it really appears things might change—NOW I am not bold enough yet to say things will change—BUT it does feel differently right now—so I am hopeful that ending the leftist monopoly on information on social media platforms will create a new surge in curiosity—a new age of people actually asking questions and challenging the accepted narrative— Maybe it will even rub off on our kids and grandkids—maybe the twinkle will return to their eyes too—and they might start asking a few questions—but that could be a bit too optimistic— One of the bright spots I pointed out from the first big dump of the Twitter files—was Democrat Congressman Ro Khanna—who challenged his Twitter pals—that were censoring the Hunter Biden story at the direction of the FBI and the Biden campaign for President—and told them they were out of bounds and the censorship actually had no place in America— So for Congressman Khanna is the ONLY Democrat to voice any disapproval of playing dirty—possibly illegal tricks to push Joe Biden ahead of Donald Trump on Election Day—but it's a start—I have to say that— And the Congressman says its time to have honest answers about the collusion that was going on and who was involved—no matter how high it goes— And I want to share some of the things I have been finding out during my afternoon TV program America's Voice Live on Real America's Voice— We have gone all in trying to find the truth for you—and Kash doesn't thing Elon has been fully open about what he has—and he wants it all—every bit of it on the table—so we know from Baker to Christopher Wray—to the kids behind the curtain at Twitter—who was involved, what did they do—when did it start—and who should be going to jail— And one of the people that should maybe be in jail first is of course Hunter Biden himself—I mean by just about any metric he has committed a series of felonies including buying a gun illegally—crimes that would have put you or me behind bars— And then there is this from the computer repairman and whistleblower—that started this all back in 2019—
Marc Wendt… on the backroads of America… So, we start with COVID coming back – unfortunately. We decide poverty is not a joke. We have an instance of deja vu; thanks to me, discuss the creator of our logo and Bent Duo… And a new piece of equipment is needed for me to get my […]
The NYC stop of the Hella Mega Tour (feat. Green Day, Weezer, The Interrupters and originally Fall Out Boy) marked Matt and Zach's first concert since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in America… So how did it feel to see live music after nearly two years of no shows? Did the experience make them feel confident in the concert industry's “return”, or do they still feel uneasy? That's what Matt and Zach discuss in the latest episode of “Am I Missing Something?,” a podcast where we analyze popular or unpopular bands, albums, songs or music trends in an attempt to figure out what we seem to be “missing.” The goal isn't to ridicule, but rather to gain a better understanding of what a majority of fans see or don't see in something that Matt and Zach simply can't wrap their heads around. Sponsored by Lucky 13 Beard Co. - head over to https://lucky13beardco.com/ and use the code EFP10 to receive 10% OFF your order of quality, made-to-order beard care products! #LiveMusic #Concerts #ReturnOfConcerts #ReturnOfLiveMusic #Festivals #MusicFestivals #ReturnOfMusicFestivals #CanceledConcerts #COVID #Pandemic #Tours #Touring #HellaMegaTour #HellaMega #GreenDay #FallOutBoy #Weezer #TheInterrupters #BillieJoeArmstrong #RiversCuomo #PunkRock #Rock #Punk #RockShow #StadiumShow #StadiumRockShow #PunkRockShow #CitiField #Queens #QueensNY #NYC #NY #EpicFootnote #EpicFootnoteProductions #EFP
Today on the Rundown. First Lidia and AOC agreed. Now Lidia and Vladimir Putin? What's the world coming to? Mom's continue to call out schools for pushing their own personal narratives. We know White Supremacy isn't the biggest threat to America - So what is? Governor David Patterson in studio. Michael Nussbaum joined the show.
Today on the Rundown. First Lidia and AOC agreed. Now Lidia and Vladimir Putin? What's the world coming to? Mom's continue to call out schools for pushing their own personal narratives. We know White Supremacy isn't the biggest threat to America - So what is? Governor David Patterson in studio. Michael Nussbaum joined the show.
Since 1980, the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards have recognized those who go above and beyond to protect and enhance First Amendment rights. On today’s episode of So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast, we are joined by Christie Hefner, who founded and chairs the awards, to discuss the awards’ origins and this year’s awardees in the categories of law, book publishing, journalism, arts & entertainment, education, and lifetime achievement. From 1988 to 2008, Christie Hefner — daughter of Playboy founder Hugh Hefner — was Chairman and CEO of Playboy Enterprises, making her the longest-serving female CEO of a U.S. public company. For three years, she appeared on Forbes’ “100 Most Powerful Women” list. Show notes: Attend: 2020 Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Awards, Oct. 19 6 p.m. ET 2020 Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment awardees MightyIra.com (Ira Glasser documentary) “Rap on Trial: Race, Lyrics, and Guilt in America” (So to Speak podcast) Immigration Nation documentary www.sotospeakpodcast.com Follow us on Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/freespeechtalk Like us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sotospeakpodcast Email us: sotospeak@thefire.org
3,311 miles from New Jersey to San Diego. Brady Silverwood is an entrepreneur turned running maniac. He Co-Founded & Sold @sunnycoclothing, a viral bikini brand and wasn’t content afterwards so he picked up his running shoes after a drunk night out and started running 3, 4, and 5 miles. Soon after, he hit a marathon and then thought, “why don’t I run across America?” So he did, and raised lots of money for charity too! This is the story of his run from from New Jersey to San Diego! He talks about the peaks and valleys of the journey and how he pushed through the hard times. This was a super motivational story for me, to hear and you’ll enjoy it too! Hit that subscribe button! Brady’s instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradymsilverwood/ Brady’s New Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/start-start-start/id1466384529?i=1000466399718 My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chatswithmax/ My Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOlMEFXDoLIgwilYNTeTo9Q?sub_confirmation=1 Kim’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kim.rose.art/ Kim’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbrReADbVukSAghu824SlzQ
Olive Garden’s Pasta Yule-Log and Rats Schitt’s Creek! The United Sandwiches of America So, Are We Moving or What? What Is The Family Stone?
NASA astronaut John Herrington became the first ever Native American to travel to space during a historic mission to the International Space Station. He lives in the Idaho wilderness, flies his own plane, has cycled over 4000 miles cross-country from Washington to Florida and for his most recent adventure features as one of two inspiring U.S. trailblazers exploring America in Brand USA’s incredible film “Into America’s Wild”. His inspirational stories have landed him a well suited role as a motivational speaker and will surely both inspire and motivate you here on the Big Travel Podcast… On this episode we cover: Space…what it’s like to be out there Launch…how it feels to be blasted into the sky David Bowie’s Space Oddity How you could be lost in space Chris Hadfield singing Bowie from space General Tom Stafford from Oklahoma The story behind the International Space Station Orbiting the earth every 90 minutes The app you can use to track the space station! Hurtling through the sky at 28,000 kmph The earth really is round… Being in constant free fall around the earth Having to fly beneath the space station to dock Docking at 10ft per second Being responsible for running the computers What it feels like to do a space walk (note; you hang on tight!) What it feels like to see earth from space The breath-taking the moment of seeing the Bahamas float into view from space How being in space makes you feel very insignificant Riding a bike across the United States The beauty of the earth at night Trying to sleep whilst floating Seeing London, Paris, the Middle East and more from space Taking 20 minutes to go from Sydney to LA How you get back into the atmosphere If you worry about it you shouldn’t be there Being sick on arrival back in gravity Being the ‘bartender’ on board The stand out moment on the end of the space station ‘the ultimate cliff’ Whether we are alone in this universe ‘Life has to be out there’ The closest star being 70,000 years away at current propulsion Life on earth being pretty bizarre too Were aliens here before us..? Being the first native American astronaut The ancestors making incredible structures that still stand today Being from the Chickasaw tribe His childhood in Oklahoma, Colorado, Wyoming and Texas Always liking being in nature Being in the navy for 13 years before NASA Being in NASA for 6 years Losing his friends on the Columbia shuttle disaster Going to work for a space tourism millionaire Setting off to cycle across America Flunking out of college How certain people can help you turn your life around Being the inspiration for young people to become engineers If you can’t see it you can’t become it Growing up watching astronauts on TV But taking time to realise he could actually be them His off the beaten path film for xxxxx Ariel Tweto Flying Wild Alaska The lessons he learnt about America So many beautiful things to do in the US But the importance of travelling further afield Living surrounded by wilderness central Idaho Owning an aeroplane! Rowing a rubber raft on the Lower Salmon River in Idaho His family having lived in Morocco and West Africa Wanting his grandkids to experience life outside the US – Europe, Africa and more Travel being expensive – but there being ways of doing it How you can just get on your bike and go! Dusting the ice of his tent in Colorado near Rocky Mountain National Park Living on the Trans American route from Oregon The Japanese man peddling the length of the US Sleeping on his boat and looking up at the Milky Way and thinking wow… Watching the space station going over on his app Visiting fellow pilot Philippe Perrin in Toulouse being a favourite trip Not feeling scared in space… …but being terrified when lost in a mission between Russia and Alaska The plane that had the annoying habit of its wings falling off (!) Feeling happiest playing with his grandson and children in the mountains The Willie Nelson song about travel that inspires him
COMMENT:The election of Boris Johnson to leader of his party, and thus Prime Minister of Britain, raises an interesting question.How much do we want cult of personality these days? And how much personality is too much?Love or hate Johnson, and he's polarising enough that most people feel strongly one way or the other, you can't argue that he's not bringing colour. And by colour I mean, crazy content. He's adding to the drab grey-suited world of politics - a splash of really bright fluoro.I spoke to the deputy director of a British thinktank yesterday who wrote him off, he said BoJo is Britain's worst nightmare come true, he's "ego made flesh". He said he's a guy who's based his entire career on not taking anything seriously.And that I think is what we're seeing edge its way into politics these days. Amid all the virtue signallers and the moral high ground takers, we are getting the fringe creeping into the mainstream. Those who've not taken much seriously at all in life throwing their hat into the ring for a bit of politics.It happened in America in 2016, with Donald Trump, it happened in the Ukraine recently with the stratospheric rise of a comedian to president and it's happened now in the UK.The other trait we are seeing here: leaders who don't mince words. Leaders less interested in the musings on social media or opinion polls, and more interested in just saying what they think. Often offensively sure, but nonetheless they cut to the chase and seemingly don't care about the consequences.Now I'm not saying this is a good thing, in fact time and time again it's proven offensive or racist or inappropriate or just downright cray cray.But somewhere in the electorate, there's an appetite for this stuff. Otherwise how do these guys get here?Boris said he wants Britain out of the European Union by the end of October: deal or no deal.His detractors, and the man I spoke to yesterday was one of them, say that'll be catastrophic.Britain will end up with a "senseless calamitous wreck of a no-deal crash out" of Brexit he told me.He claims Boris won't last more than a few months at Number 10. He may well be right. There may well be too much colour and crazy there to go the distance.Or will we see what we have in America? So much crazy, and yet look where they're at? They can't write Trump off, he may even get a second term.It seems for all our buttoned up sensibilities, political correctness and modern day virtues colourful personalities - even offensively so - still have appeal.
Mystic, Instinct or Valor? OMG AJ is excited for Tekken DLC! Skull Girls news! Netflix cancels shows that aren’t even out yet? Bowser taking over Nintendo of America? So much... Read more »
It's his first episode back Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr. and Mrs. America So we talk about the recovery so far and how plans for 2019 are changing - Are they?
Rodney Mack has beat people up from WWE, ECW and all over the Indy Scene. In this exclusive interview Mack talks about everything from his Uncle "Junkyard Dog", brawling with XPW on behalf of ECW, his thoughts on racism in Pro Wrestling and thoughts on #UFC Champion Daniel Cormier. This is the interview everyone will be talking about folks. Hear all about what it's like being one of the most respected and feared men in all of Pro Wrestling. Other Highlights Include: * Gail Kim talks racism in #WWE * EVOLUTION is the top PPV of th year * Crown Jewel is the worst PPV of the year * #Trump continues to be the biggest heel in America * So much more! Listen, Subscribe, SHARE!!-- *Creative Commons Licenses* "Zanzibar" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/b. All sound efx Licensed Under Creative Commons By: PacDV.Com Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 creativecommons.org/licenses/b. All sound efx Licensed Under Creative Commons By: PacDV.ComSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/dukelovesrasslin. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Bayard Winthrop got his inspiration from Silicon Valley. If we could put a touch-screen computer in the palm of everyone's hand, why couldn't we actually make the next great American clothing brand … in America? So five years ago, Winthrop shipped his first American Giant sweatshirt, made in the U.S.A. from domestic cotton. Now he's producing thousands of shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and sweatpants for men and women every month. And it's not all lounge gear: he's just introduced the brand's first cotton dress. This is Fortt Knox, rich ideas and powerful people. I'm Jon Fortt. This is a weekly podcast bringing you the highest achievers from business, entertainment, philanthropy, and sport. I'm going to learn how the very best climbed to the top, and take notes to help you up the mountain. If that sounds good to you, make this a habit: subscribe on Apple's Podcast app or Google Play. And once you've done that, tell a friend — these talks are definitely conversation starters. There's lots of talk about bringing manufacturing jobs back to America these days. American Giant is actually doing it, and doing it the hard way. The company owns its factories in North Carolina where Winthrop says he employs hundreds of workers sewing clothes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Awareness Night on GrindHard Radio Hosted by: Virginia Slim, Dangerous Tactics and Jit Chronicles. Join us as we raise awareness for "Homelessness in America" So join the cause by Call-in Live @ 323-693-3043 and press "1" to speak to the hosts. Random calls will be taken and music will be played.