Podcasts about free expression

The hottest properties in the Democratic Party at the moment are self-described democratic socialists. Zohran Mamdani won the party's nomination for New York City mayor last month while Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders (who's not even a Democrat) are in the forefront of the party's campaigning against President Donald Trump. The trend alarms the party's leadership and mainstream establishment, who see it as a quick route to electoral oblivion. Can the next wave of Democratic candidates for local and national elections appeal to the middle, or is the distaste for President Trump making the party hostage to its more radical elements? On this episode of Free Expression, former Commerce Secretary and White House Chief of Staff William Daley tells Gerry Baker about his concerns for the direction of the Democratic party, what it can learn from the mistake from the Tea Party movement of the GOP, and who he thinks are the party's most electable candidates for president.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is misinformation really a new crisis—or just the latest chapter in a centuries-old debate over truth, speech, and power? In this episode, Cato Institute's Jennifer Huddleston and David Inserra unpack the cultural and policy panic surrounding misinformation and disinformation in the age of AI, deepfakes, and viral tweets. Who should decide what counts as truth online? Plus, why humility, media literacy, and a competitive internet might be better solutions than censorship.Show Notes:Jennifer Huddleston, "AI and the Future of Our Elections" Testimony, September 27, 2023Jennifer Huddleston and David Inserra, "Oversight Board Comment on Misinformation and Manipulated Media: The Importance of Free Expression in the Debate over Misinformation" cato.org, October 25, 2023Jennifer Huddleston, "The Rush to Regulate AI Coule be the Death of Parody" National Review (Online), January 26, 2024David Inserra and Jennifer Huddleston, "Actually, Tim Walz, the First Amendment Does Protect Misinformation and ‘Hate Speech'" National Review, August 11, 2024Jennifer Huddleston and Emma Hopp, "What the Past Can Teach Us about Our AI Fears" Reason, October 29, 2024David Inserra and Brent Skorup, "Comments in Response to FCC “Delete, Delete, Delete” Initiative" cato.org, April 11, 2025David Inserra, "The Misleading Panic over Misinformation" Policy Analysis No. 999, June 26, 2025 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump and the Republicans in Congress set a July 4th deadline to pass a spending package the President and others gave the moniker the “One Big, Beautiful Bill.” Getting the measure to the president's desk hasn't been plain sailing - the Senate version passed this week only with a tie-breaking vote by Vice President JD Vance. Now fiscal conservatives in the House are battling over some of the details, but it seems likely to become law soon enough.  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with economist and former director of the Congressional Budget Office Douglas Holtz-Eakin about the bill's likely positive impact on the economy as well as the nation's dire fiscal situation, how the nation's budget challenges still require reform of entitlements that seems politically elusive, and what this signature piece of domestic policy says about the direction of Trump's Republican Party.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Amid escalating federal pressure on universities, Stanford Law School alum Greg Lukianoff, JD '00, joins host Professor Pam Karlan for a sharp look at the free speech firestorms engulfing universities like Harvard and Columbia. First Amendment champion, president of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), and co-author of The Coddling of the American Mind, Lukianoff recently penned an essay for The Atlantic titled “Trump's Attacks Threaten Much More Than Harvard.” In this episode, Lukianoff expands on his essay, breaking down the Trump administration's tactics to punish elite institutions, from defunding threats and faculty interference to student visa crackdowns, while also calling out universities themselves for stifling dissent and eroding public trust in higher education.Links:Greg Lukianoff  >>> FIRE pageThe Canceling of the American Mind >>> web pageThe Coddling of the American Mind >>> web page“Trump's Attacks Threaten Much More Than Harvard” >>> The Atlantic pageConnect:Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast WebsiteStanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn PageRich Ford >>>  Twitter/XPam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School PageStanford Law School >>> Twitter/XStanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X(00:00:00) Introduction of Greg Lukianoff(00:05:01) Free Speech and Academic Freedom(00:10:01) Challenges to Free Speech(00:15:01) Legal Cases and Free Speech(00:20:01) Free Speech and the Government (00:30:01) Future of Free Speech

A shockwave rippled through New York politics this week as little-known 33-year old assemblyman Zohran Mamdani toppled Andrew Cuomo, whose political lineage could not compete with his scandal-ridden tenure as governor, to win the Democratic primary nomination for the city's mayoral election. Mamdani mobilized a coalition of young voters, ethnic minorities and others behind a hard-left platform that called for even higher taxes than New Yorkers already pay and expanded government programs. He has voiced strong support for Palestinian causes and has called to “globalize the intifada” whatever that means. Meanwhile, current mayor Eric Adams plans to run as an independent as a way to head off the new young radical's path to Gracie Mansion. What does Mamdani's stunning success say about Democrats - in New York and in the country as a whole.  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker and political analyst Heather Mac Donald look at some of Mamdani's more radical views, break down just who voted for each candidate, and what the latest far left Democratic plans for a major city may do to New York's economy and financial sector.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

#1,074 - Douglas Young - Fifth Interview Douglas Young joins The Paul Leslie Hour for his fifth interview! Are you here? It's episode 1,074 of The Paul Leslie Hour, and we're thrilled to welcome back Douglas Young for his fifth personal interview on the show!  This time Dr. Young and your host dive into two under-the-radar Bob Dylan albums from the ‘80s, Empire Burlesque and Knocked Out Loaded, as well as explore the truth about so-called gentlemen's lounges, and then dissect Woody Allen's The Curse of the Jade Scorpion.  These topics spring from Young's book, Not Just Political: Essays on Life, Family, Education, Free Expression, the Arts, and Entertainment.  Want to keep the show rolling? Head right here, and lend a hand! We depend on you! Heeeere's Douglas Young, back for his fifth spin keeping it real.

We started the Fully-Booked Podcast episode with some personal updates and our latest reads. Meaghan had just finished The Housemaid by Freida McFadden, a fast-paced thriller that she found both fun and perplexing in terms of what to expect from its sequels. She mentioned how Shirin tends to dive into one author's entire catalogue when she discovers a book she enjoys, and this time it was her turn to follow suit.Shirin, on the other hand, had just wrapped up Sunrise on the Reaping, the most recent Hunger Games novel. Neither of us is a die-hard fan of the series, but we both appreciated certain elements, especially when previous entries focused on characters like President Snow.Shirin noted that while the book was fine, it felt repetitive, echoing Katniss' journey in the original trilogy. She admitted she might not have read it had the movie already been out, highlighting how closely these books and films tend to mirror each other.The ALA's 2024 Challenged Book DataThe main focus of this episode was the alarming increase in book censorship across North America, especially in the United States. Shirin had been diving into data from the American Library Association (ALA), and the numbers were staggering. In 2024 alone, there were 4,190 book titles challenged, mostly pushed by pressure groups and influenced decision-makers, not just concerned parents. For context, from 2001 to 2020, an average of only 46 titles were challenged each year.What really stood out was how the nature of these censorship efforts had shifted. Back in the early 2000s, only 6% of challenges came from organized groups. In 2024, that number skyrocketed to 72%. Most of the targeted books contained LGBTQ+ themes, racial identity, social justice, or stories of personal trauma and coming-of-age.This prompted us to ask: Why are people so threatened by lived experience, empathy, and diversity in storytelling? It seems that instead of aiming to protect children, these groups are trying to erase stories that reflect the reality of many people's lives.Exploring The Top 10 Most Challenged BooksWe broke down the top 10 most challenged books of 2024, and unsurprisingly, they shared common themes; queer identity, racial struggle, gender exploration, addiction, and trauma.Books like All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson and Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe were high on the list, both memoirs focused on LGBTQ+ identity. We also saw classic literary staples still getting flak, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison being one of them, which surprised us because it's been around since 1970. Apparently, we're still not ready to have honest conversations about race.Titles like Looking for Alaska, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Me and Earl and the Dying Girl were also included, all of which cover complex teenage emotions and situations: suicide, sexuality, and death. Other books like Crank and Sold dealt with heavy, real-world issues like drug addiction and human trafficking.We asked each other: What exactly are people afraid of here? Why is it seen as dangerous to talk about these subjects when they're happening in real life? It feels absurd to ban a story about a teen struggling with meth because it might "influence" readers, when in fact these stories can educate and offer emotional insight. The irony is almost unbearable.The Situation in CanadaWhile the U.S. tends to get most of the attention in these discussions, we didn't let Canada off the hook. Meaghan brought up that even here, we're seeing a troubling rise in book challenges. In 2024, 119 titles were challenged, with another 30 already flagged in early 2025. The primary reasons echoed those in the U.S., objections to LGBTQ+ themes, “explicit” content, and gender diversity.The data came from the Canadian Library Challenges Database, which is backed by Toronto Metropolitan University's Centre for Free Expression. A lot of the concerns were about age appropriateness, but even that excuse feels like a smokescreen for discomfort with difference.However, there was a silver lining. BookNet Canada reported that LGBTQ+ fiction sales actually rose by 34% in the last quarter of 2024. Clearly, when you try to silence something, it can make people even more curious. People want stories that represent who they are, and thankfully, we're in a time where those books are being written, published, and read.The Power of Storytelling and RepresentationThis episode ultimately came down to a shared belief in the importance of storytelling and the power of representation. We reflected on how bookstores and libraries are fighting back. Displays of banned books are becoming more common, and institutions like Barnes & Noble and public libraries are leaning into the controversy by highlighting these works.Nearly half of public libraries now offer banned book displays, up 15% since 2020. Publishers also continue to support these stories, showing there's still a demand, and that matters. If publishers stopped backing these authors, then we'd really be in trouble.We ended by reaffirming that censorship doesn't protect, it stifles. If someone finds a topic uncomfortable, they can choose not to read it. That's their right. But trying to take that right away from others? That's not okay.In the end, we were fired up, but hopeful. Because for every book banned, there's a reader who finds it and feels seen. That's the kind of power stories have, and that's worth protecting.

Israel's air assault on the heart of Iran's nuclear program has shifted the balance of power in the Middle East. Iran's bid for regional hegemony and the survival of the Islamic regime itself is now under serious threat. But can Israel finish the job on its own or does it need the U.S. to tighten the vise on Teheran? While Donald Trump still says he wants to see a deal made, his administration is also weighing whether to join Israel's assault. As the conflict continues, who will eventually define the future of the Middle East? On this episode of Free Expression, Middle East policy analyst Marc Reuel Gerecht tells Gerry Baker how much more assistance the U.S. should provide Israel, how Russia and China are reacting to the conflict, and how Iran's future might look.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few people have lived the entertainment world like Barry Diller. Over 60 years in the business, he has run movie studios and TV networks and most recently built a portfolio of digital media properties. In the process he has seen the sector move from a studio-and producer-driven model to the increasingly tech-dominated business it is today.  On this episode of Free Expression, Diller speaks with Gerry Baker about his life in the entertainment business, how modern tech domination has diminished the value of creativity and why Hollywood went woke and progressive. Discussing his newly published memoir, “Who Knew?,” he also reveals what he calls the “sexual nuance” of being gay while being married to a woman, his wife of 25 years, the fashion designer, Diane Von Furstenberg.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The House of Representatives has passed Donald Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” and now the Senate is pondering its version. Chief among the concerns for some senators is how much it will add to the federal debt. Already at $36 trillion, how much is too much? Are we on the brink of a major fiscal crisis? On this episode of Free Expression, Bridgewater founder and investor Ray Dalio talks to Gerry Baker about the risks of a debt calamity if bond markets take fright. They also talk about his new book, “How Countries Go Broke: The Big Cycle”, which chronicles the history of governments with unsustainable debt and offers his “3%”, three-part solution for ensuring fiscal health.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Parents' rights groups are pressuring the Alberta government to pull what they deem to be "pornographic" books from school libraries. The government's putting it to public consultation before introducing new policy ahead of the next school year. Who's best equipped to decide which books are appropriate for which ages, and what literature belongs in libraries? In this episode, we get into it with Laura Winton from the Library Association and Jim Turk from the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University (4:00). 49:30 | Real Talkers have their say in the Live Chat powered by Park Power. "Touring Zebra" shares a theory (1:17:45) about the looming book ban. TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: talk@ryanjespersen.com  FOLLOW US ON TIKTOK, X, INSTAGRAM, and LINKEDIN: @realtalkrj & @ryanjespersen  JOIN US ON FACEBOOK: @ryanjespersen  REAL TALK MERCH: https://ryanjespersen.com/merch RECEIVE EXCLUSIVE PERKS - BECOME A REAL TALK PATRON: patreon.com/ryanjespersen THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING OUR SPONSORS! https://ryanjespersen.com/sponsors The views and opinions expressed in this show are those of the host and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Relay Communications Group Inc. or any affiliates.

Improbable as it would have once seemed, Donald Trump is the dominant political figure of the first quarter of the 21st century, creating a populist movement not seen in recent American history. But is he really a conservative, and what are the defining characteristics of the way he has bent the Republican party to his will? On this episode of Free Expression, former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich talks to Gerry Baker about his new book, “Trump's Triumph: America's Greatest Comeback,” why the lack of coverage of Joe Biden's cognitive decline is one of history's greatest scandals, and why the courts should not have the power and authority over Donald Trump's executive power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Non-Prophets, the panel unpacks a troubling new bill—The Interstate Obscenity Definition Act—that threatens to redefine what counts as “obscene” in America. Framed as protecting public decency, the bill could lead to sweeping censorship of porn, LGBTQ+ content, art, and personal expression. The hosts expose the vague language, moral posturing, and religious overtones driving the legislation, and explore how it could impact everything from adult entertainment to free speech. It's not about protecting children—it's about control.News SourceInteresting Engineering, “New obscenity bill could trigger anti-porn prosecution”By Aamir Khollam, May 12, 2025https://interestingengineering.com/culture/new-obscenity-bill-could-trigger-anti-porn-prosecutionThe Non-Prophets 24.13.24 with Helen, Rob, Tracy, E.J. The Porn Panic Is Back: A 1950s Morality Reboot

Actor Kelsey Grammer is known for his many acting roles, most notably as radio psychiatrist Frasier Crane in the long running TV sitcom “Frasier.” But behind the comic mask lies a lifelong story of pain and grief. Fifty years ago, his beloved sister Karen was abducted, raped and murdered. In a new memoir, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” he writes of how the tragedy shaped his own life. On this episode of Free Expression, Grammer speaks with Gerry Baker about his sister as a source of joy in his life, his spiritual reunion with her and his evolving Christian faith. A rare conservative in Hollywood, Grammer also discussed the current political climate in America and how the pursuit of individual freedom remains his guiding philosophy.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Donald Trump celebrated a “reset” with China, lowering tariffs and signaling a major thaw in the trade war between the two countries. Meanwhile, as the President traveled to the Middle East, House Republicans announced their framework for the “big, beautiful” spending bill looking to make changes to Medicaid and reduce the budget deficit. Where does Donald Trump's wider economic agenda now sit? On this episode of Free Expression, Harvard economics professor Greg Mankiw tells Gerry Baker why the President has to stop thinking the U.S. is an economic “loser,” and how the U.S. under Trump is starting take on some of the appearances of an unstable emerging market and gives his perspective on academic freedom on the Harvard campus and elsewhere after the administration's unprecedented campaign against institutions of higher learning.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

WUWM Digital Producer Graham Thomas spoke to vendors and librarians at Milwaukee Zine Fest — an event celebrating print media, DIY publishing and free expression.

Clarisse Rosaz Shariyf, interim co-CEO of PEN America, and Mia Couto, Mozambican author and recipient of this year's PEN/Nabokov Award for Achievement in International Literature, discuss the work of PEN America promoting free expression and this year's 61st annual Literary Awards Ceremony at Town Hall.

The conclave of Cardinals to choose the 267th pope, bishop of Rome and leader of the Catholic Church opened Wednesday at the Vatican. Whoever is chosen by the 133 voting Cardinals from all over the world will follow Pope Francis, the first Jesuit Pope who died last month. What kind of leader are the cardinals looking for and where is the church headed? On this episode of Free Expression, theologian, author and commentator George Weigel talks to Gerry Baker about what goes on in the conclave, why he thinks the Cardinals will choose a different character than the autocratic Francis, and how the growth of the Catholic faithful outside its traditional heartland of Europe could be changing the church.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's been a month since Donald Trump celebrated his “Liberation Day,” announcing a wide range of what he called reciprocal tariffs on a number of countries, with China facing the steepest. Since then matters have been on a roller coaster ride as the President first fiercely defended the plan and then paused it for most countries except China. While fears about the impact on the U.S. and the world have escalated, the economy seems to be toddling along. But great uncertainty remains - not just on tariffs but on the scope and scale of Republican tax plans and the budget. On this episode of Free Expression, Director of the National Economic Council of the United States Kevin Hassett discusses the latest job numbers to come out, how the tariffs began as a place of negotiation, and how the tax plan is progressing through Congress.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Hoover Institution | Stanford University The Hoover Institution Center for Revitalizing American Institutions webinar series features speakers who are developing innovative ideas, conducting groundbreaking research, and taking important actions to improve trust and efficacy in American institutions. Speaker expertise and topics span governmental institutions, civic organizations and practice, and the role of public opinion and culture in shaping our democracy. The webinar series builds awareness about how we can individually and collectively revitalize American institutions to ensure our country's democracy delivers on its promise. The sixth session discussed How Foreign Speech Restrictions Affect American Free Expression with Jacob Mchangama and Eugene Volokh on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, from 10:00 - 11:00 am PT. Much of our speech to each other uses technology created by companies that operate throughout the world such as Google, Meta (Facebook), X, Microsoft, Amazon, and Apple. Because these companies operate worldwide, they are potentially vulnerable to pressures from the countries in which they operate—if Google has assets or people in Germany or Turkey, then the German or Turkish government can force them to comply with German or Turkish law. So long as countries have tried to regulate what tech companies do in their countries (e.g., what information Google shows to readers in Germany or Turkey), foreign restrictions end up having relatively little effect on what Americans can say to other Americans. But foreign countries are increasingly asking for worldwide restraints on things that are said on various multinational platforms (for instance, anything said anywhere about those countries' citizens or politicians), sharply risking undermining American's free speech rights.

President Donald Trump's multi-front attempt to remake America and the world is meeting with mixed success. His administration has ended the crisis at the border and is aggressively moving against illegal migrants. But elsewhere the picture is murky. The war in Ukraine rages on, the Middle East continues unsettled and above all, his restless back-and-forth on tariffs and international economics is causing profound damage to faith in U.S. economic stability. And some of his actions suggest an authoritarian style inimical to American values.   On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker sits down with Admiral William McRaven, former head of US special operations, to discuss Trump's leadership. McRaven draws on the themes of his new book, "Conquering Crisis: 10 Lessons to Learn Before You Need Them," to assess the first 100 days of Trump's second term, but also the wider challenges of leadership in crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Freedom of expression stands as democracy's most essential and most vulnerable foundation. In this conversation, Danish journalist and author Flemming Rose shares profound insights from his experience at the center of the 2005 Muhammad cartoons controversy that sparked global protests and death threats.Rose offers a surprising revelation: free speech is fundamentally unnatural. "Free speech is a consequence not of culture, not of nature," he explains. "The natural inclination among human beings is not to accept free speech." This counterintuitive truth helps explain why even those who claim to champion free expression often only support it for views they find agreeable—a contradiction that becomes increasingly problematic in multicultural societies.We discuss how the publication of twelve cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad wasn't simply an isolated incident but emerged from an ongoing national debate about immigration, integration, and self-censorship. Most alarmingly, Rose identifies a global "freedom recession" affecting even established Western democracies. As societies become more diverse and face increasing instability, governments frequently respond by imposing greater restrictions on expression—a trend accelerated by terrorist threats, wars, and the chaotic information landscape of social media. Despite this bleak assessment, however, Rose maintains some hope, noting that throughout history, free speech has served as the primary tool for marginalized groups fighting for equality.For anyone concerned about the future of democracy, especially under this second Trump presidency, this episode offers essential context for understanding the delicate balance between free expression and social cohesion. As authoritarian impulses gain strength worldwide, including in the United States, Rose reminds us why we must actively cultivate tolerance—that rare capacity to live peacefully alongside ideas we find objectionable without resorting to suppression or violence.Recommended:The Tyranny of Silence - Flemming RoseAfter America Podcast Series-------------------------Follow Deep Dive:BlueskyYouTube Email: deepdivewithshawn@gmail.com Music: Majestic Earth - Joystock

The CRTC determines which foreign channels can be distributed in this country. In 2022, it banned RT and RT France, state-controlled Russian TV channels. Now some are arguing Fox News deserves the same treatment, as hosts on the network are questioning Canadian sovereignty and ratcheting up the trade-war rhetoric. But would dropping the channel be a threat to free speech? When does free speech become propaganda, and when - if ever - should propaganda be banned? To discuss, I'm joined by In Calgary, Peter Menzies Senior fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and former vice-chair of communications for the CRTC In Ottawa, Christopher Dornan Former professor at the School of Journalism and Communication, Carleton University And in the studio... Joanna Baron Executive director of the Canadian Constitution Foundation and Jeffrey Dvorkin Senior Fellow at the University of Toronto's Massey College, formerly of NPR News and CBC Radio News See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aubrey speaks to Anton Harber, Executive Director of the Campaign for Free Expression, about the accusation that South Africa has an alarming number of racial laws – 142, to be precise. But is this statistic truly reflective of the country's legislative landscape, or is it a case of ideological spin?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hearts of Oak speaks with former Canadian lawyer turned media personality Viva Frei. The conversation delves into free speech, Canada's political climate, and Viva's transition to the U.S. after finding the Canadian legal system stifling and oppressive. He discusses his frustrations with the left-leaning political landscape, particularly regarding the implications of licensure on free speech and the lack of principled leadership within Canadian parties, including his experiences running for the People's Party of Canada.  Connect with Callum... X/TWITTER      Viva Frei (@thevivafrei) / X WEBSITE           VivaBarnesLaw RUMBLE            vivafrei Connect with Hearts of Oak. . .

Send Wilk a text with your feedback!Censorship in the Arts and the Fight For Free ExpressionToday's episode is part of our ProHuman Foundation Board of Advisors series, where we have been highlighting voices committed to promoting our shared humanity, open dialogue, and diverse perspectives.My guest today is someone who embodies those values in her work and advocacy. Rosie Kay is an internationally renowned dancer and choreographer whose career has taken her across the world, using the power of movement to explore deep societal issues. She's the founder of K2CO and Freedom in the Arts, a vital organization dedicated to protecting artistic freedom and defending artists against cancel culture.Rosie is also a fellow board advisor for the ProHuman Foundation, where we work alongside other thought leaders to push back against the growing culture of division. Her own journey in the arts has come with its challenges—particularly as political ideologies and conformity have taken hold in creative spaces. She's been at the center of debates on gender ideology, free expression, and the role of self-discipline in art, and today, we're diving into all of it.We'll explore how self-censorship is creeping into the arts, why gender ideology is impacting women's rights and spaces, and why open debate is essential for understanding one another. Rosie's perspective is a powerful reminder that courage, resilience, and a return to shared humanity are more important than ever.TakeawaysDance is a powerful medium for expressing societal issues.Artists often face pushback for challenging the status quo.The arts have become increasingly conformist in recent years.Self-discipline is essential for artists alongside self-expression.Political alignment in the arts can lead to self-censorship.Fear and loathing have created a hostile environment for artists.Gender ideology impacts women's rights and spaces.Art connects the body, mind, and spirit in profound ways.Open debate is crucial for understanding differing viewpoints.The Pro Human Foundation promotes shared humanity and diverse beliefs.photo credit ~ Brian SlaterLearn more about and connect with Rosie Kay by getting the full show notes What have you done today to make your life a better life? What have you done today to make the world a better place? The world is a better place if we are better people. That begins with each of us as individuals. Be kind to one another. Be grateful for everything you've got. Make each and every day the day that you want it to be! Please follow The Derate The Hate podcast on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter(X) , YouTube Subscribe to us wherever you enjoy your audio or directly from our site. Please leave us a rating and feedback on Apple podcasts or other platforms. Not on social media? You can share your thoughts or request Wilk for a speaking engagement on our site's contact page: DerateTheHate.com/Contact If you would like to support the show, you're welcome to DONATE or shop Amazon by going through our Support Us page and I'll earn through qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. I look forward to hearing from you!

As the breach between the U.S. and its allies widens following President Trump's Oval Office bust-up with Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky and his imposition of tariffs on Canada and Mexico, what can history tell us about today's tumult?  On this episode of Free Expression, deputy national security advisor to Trump in his first term Nadia Schadlow shares with Gerry Baker the parallels she sees between Donald Trump and Richard Nixon as both faced a tense and rapidly changing international climate. They discuss how Trump and Nixon both believed in peace through strength, in the importance of a global balance of power and in the opportunity provided by negotiation - sometimes with unexpected partners. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicole Fritz, Executive Director of The Campaign for Free Expression, joins John Maytham to discuss recent treason allegations against AfriForum and Solidarity and why CFE finds these statements deeply concerning. With Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, Hawks head General Godfrey Lebeya, and ANC MP Nomasonto Motaung suggesting possible prosecution, CFE argues that such rhetoric is inconsistent with democratic values and risks undermining free expression in South AfricaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During the week that marked the three-year anniversary of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Donald Trump met with a flurry of world leaders to discuss ending the war, as well as announcing a potential commercial deal with Ukraine over mineral resources. Meanwhile, the U.S. voted against a U.N. resolution condemning Moscow's actions even as Ukrainian forces fought on to expel Russians from their territory. So what does all the activity mean for the future of the conflict and is there any end in sight?  On this episode of Free Expression, military historian and analyst Fred Kagan tells Gerry Baker why Vladimir Putin is the only world leader who doesn't want the war to end, reviews the latest conditions on the battlefield, and argues the Trump administration should not be willing to give concessions to Russia in the name of peace nor give up on NATO.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In lieu of our regular programming this week, we're sharing Litigation Director Christine van Geyn's recap of yesterday's court hearing on the City of Calgary's ban on specified protests outside of recreational centres and libraries. We'll be back next week with a regular episode!

Anton Harber, Executive Director of the Campaign for Free Expression and a long-time advocate for press freedom, joins John Maytham to unpack the implications of the South African Competition Commission’s provisional report. The report, following a 16-month inquiry, examines the impact of digital platforms on the news industry and recommends measures to ensure fair value sharing between tech giants and local media. Will these recommendations reshape the media landscape? Could tech companies face financial penalties for non-compliance? And what does this mean for the future of journalism in South Africa?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg Marchildon speaks with Julian Sher about his book, The North Star: Canada and the Civil War Plots Against Lincoln. The North Star explores the complex and often overlooked role of Canada during the American Civil War, focusing on its unexpected involvement in both supporting the Confederate South and plotting against President Abraham Lincoln. The book reveals the darker side of Canada's history, which contrasts with its widely recognized support for escaped slaves. It highlights key figures such as Anderson Abbott, Emma Edmonds, and Edward P. Doherty, as well as the Canadian elite's ties to the Confederacy, including funding operations and hiding conspirators. Through vivid portraits of cities like Montreal and Toronto, the book uncovers Canada's hidden role in the war, offering a meticulously researched and relevant account of historical events. Julian Sher is an award-winning journalist and author of seven books, including Until You Are Dead and White Hoods. He has worked as an investigative reporter for the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail and was Senior Producer for CBC's The Fifth Estate. His documentaries, like Nuclear Jihad and Ghosts of Afghanistan, have won major awards. Sher also advocates for media freedoms as a Senior Fellow at Toronto Metropolitan University's Centre for Free Expression. Image Credit: Penguin Random House If you like our work, please consider supporting it: bit.ly/support_WTY. Your support contributes to the Champlain Society's mission of opening new windows to directly explore and experience Canada's past.

Has the U.S. flipped sides in the great strategic contest of the last century? With his secretary of state calling for a new "partnership" with Russia, his vice president decrying Western Europe's political condition and the president himself seemingly blaming Ukraine for the war that started on its territory three years ago, Donald Trump seems to be executing one of the most dramatic shifts in American foreign policy. Is this the end of the transatlantic alliance and what might it mean for America's larger strategic goals? On this episode of Free Expression, international relations scholar Hal Brands and author of a new book. "The Eurasian Century", tells Gerry Baker how a negotiated settlement between Russia and Ukraine was always going to be a goal for the United States no matter who won the 2024 election, how Trump may be trying to prise Russia away from China and why the U.S. still needs NATO and European allies. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump has been working at a breakneck speed during his first three weeks in office, prompting alarms from his critics that he is plunging the nation into a constitutional crisis. Many of the administration's executive actions, including abolishing birthright citizenship, and the initiatives launched by Elon Musk and DOGE, have already faced judicial challenges. So is Donald Trump just testing the limits of his power, or is the criticism of his approach warranted? On this episode of Free Expression, constitutional law professor John Yoo tells Gerry Baker why a more active Congress would prevent Donald Trump from taking such drastic action to get things done, how the Supreme Court will factor into many of these executive orders, and which of those orders might ultimately fail.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Donald Trump making the elimination of diversity, equality, and inclusion programs in the federal government a high priority, there is no doubt the effort will extend to other aspects of society as well. And there are no institutions that are in need of an overhaul from these policies more than American universities. Will years of cancel culture and the obstruction of alternate views on campuses be coming to an end? On this episode of Free Expression, University of Chicago president Paul Alivisatos tells Gerry Baker about the shift he is seeing towards the Chicago principles of free speech, and the incredible advances being developed in the field of artificial intelligence.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With strong enforcement on immigration, executive orders ending DEI initiatives in the federal government, and confirmations of many members of his cabinet, Donald Trump spent most of his first two weeks in office showing the world he's everything Joe Biden wasn't. But what about the politics of what the administration is doing? On this episode of Free Expression, veteran pollster Mark Penn and Gerry Baker discuss the fallout after the pardons issued to the Jan. 6 defendants, what could happen if Donald Trump drifts too far to the right, the role tech CEOs will have over the next four years, and how the world at large will work alongside Donald Trump on foreign policy and tariffs.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, the second Trump administration began with a flurry of executive orders and comments from the President about how he plans to approach Vladimir Putin and the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, threatening possible sanctions on Russia if a deal can't be reached. So what are the prospects for peace, and what is the future for military aid for Ukraine with a Republican majority in both the House and Senate? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, investor Bill Browder tells Gerry Baker the desperate lengths Vladimir Putin will go to stay in power and conquer Ukraine, what the mood in Europe is like now that Donald Trump has taken office and has tariffs on his agenda, and how the destruction of NATO's credibility could be Putin's “ultimate prize” to shake up the world order.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump has big plans for the economy. His Treasury Secretary nominee Scott Bessent has set an ambitious triple goal of 3-3-3 - three percent growth; a three percent fiscal deficit and a three million a day increase in US oil production. But as Trump prepares to take office clouds are forming over the economic outlook with market interest rates up sharply on growing fears about lingering inflation and the federal deficit.  On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, economist and former dean of Columbia Business School Glenn Hubbard and Gerry Baker discuss whether Trump can achieve his goals, whether the Fed will be cutting or raising rates this year, and how Trump's police's may help or hinder growth and price stability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Poll Question: Should Meta focus more on protecting free expression or on combating misinformation? Listen here to Michael's take! The Daily Poll Question is a thought-provoking query each day at Smerconish.com on a political, social, or other human interest issue. Entirely non-scientific, it always begins a great conversation. Michael talks about it in this podcast each weekday. Listen, then vote at Smerconish.com, and please leave a rating and review of this podcast.

Free Expression's final episode of 2024 features some of Wall Street Journal editor at large Gerry Baker's best interviews of the year, including conversations with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., former Trump National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien, Republican Majority Leader Rep. Steve Scalise and Richard Fontaine and Robert Blackwill, foreign policy commentators and co-authors of “Lost Decade: The US Pivot to Asia and the Rise of Chinese Power.”  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump's political comeback, the decline and fall of Joe Biden's presidency, Kamala Harris' big defeat and continuing geopolitical earthquakes in the Middle East all contributed to one of the most tumultuous years in recent history. What does a first draft of history tell us about the significance of 2024 and what may come next?  On this special year-in-review episode of Free Expression, Commentary editor and podcast host John Podhoretz talks with Gerry Baker about the dramatic changes at home and abroad, politically, geopolitically and culturally and looks ahead to the big trends in 2025.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Doug Sprei has organized hundreds of debates reaching thousands of college students since 2018. One stands out. When We Disagree is on holiday break until January 8, 2025. Tell us your argument stories! Email guest and topic suggestions to us at whenwedisagree@gmail.com Follow us on Instagram

Host Alex Pierson is joined by Josh Dehaas, the counsel with the Canadian Constitution Foundation and co-author of “Free Speech in Canada: A beginner's guide from ancient roots to current controversies” to talk about why the Mayor of Emo, Ontario is having his bank account garnished for standing up to a local Pride group, and if this could be a violation of free expression. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Has the law become the ultimate political weapon to be wielded by Republicans and Democrats? To the surprise of almost no one, Joe Biden issued a pardon to his son Hunter, the scope of which was far more sweeping than most legal experts expected. The move comes after four years in which Democratic prosecutors and Biden's Justice Department have been pursuing Donald Trump through the courts. Now President-Elect Trump has promised a major overhaul of the FBI and the Department of Justice. His choice of Kash Patel to lead the FBI suggests this will be a top priority, but Patel has also unnerved people with his calls for retribution against some of Trump's opponents. On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, conservative attorney Mike Davis tells Gerry Baker why Kash Patel and Pam Bondi are the right people for the respective jobs they've been chosen for, what Hunter Biden's pardon means for the legal future for the entire Biden family, and what kind of reforms will be part of a second Donald Trump administration. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textNot often do we find people who make the case for how race, liberty, and equality belong together. Even less often do we find them making arguments in the height of racially and economically troubled times. And EVEN LESS do we find audio clips of them doing so. These people are inspiring. They stand up against the currents of the time to speak their minds, for the benefit of everyone. In doing so, they garner respect and build coalitions across ideological lines, because they have to. We can learn from them and aspire to be like them today.In a really unique episode, I am excited to welcome David Beito to the podcast to talk about Rose Wilder Lane's column, "Rose Lane Says," and how she brought together these three concepts of race, liberty, and equality to make an appealing case for freedom. He shares with us a clip of Lane herself, speaking on these issues. Want to explore more?Timothy Sandefur on Freedom's Furies, a Great Antidote podcast.Nico Perrino on Individual Rights and Free Expression, a Great Antidote podcast.Rachel Ferguson on Black Liberation Through the Marketplace, a Great Antidote podcast. Alice Temnick, Prudence on the Prairie, at Speaking of SmithMustafa Akyol, Liberty Was Islam's First Call, at the Online Library of LibertyNever miss another AdamSmithWorks update.Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Donald Trump has been quickly filling his cabinet and senior administration positions with a flurry of nominations to his cabinet. The key members of his economics team are still unclear, however. On Tuesday we learned Howard Lutnick will be nominated for Commerce Secretary, taking him out of the contest for Treasury, where the names of Scott Besent, Kevin Warsh, and Marc Rowan continue to circulate. Who will get the top jobs and what will they mean for economic policy in the second Trump term?  On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, Fox Business host and former chairman of the National Economic Council Larry Kudlow discusses with Gerry Baker the Trump economic policy team, and explains why he decided not to pursue being Treasury Secretary himself after meeting with Donald Trump, why extending the Trump tax cuts will be the “first order of business” when the new administration takes over, and why tariffs are the way to fix a broken global trading system.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

OPEN MIKE w/Michael Thiessen ~ November 01, 2024In this episode of Open Mike, Dr. Michael Thiessen interviews James S.M. Kitchen to discuss the ongoing legal case of Josh Alexander, who faces expulsion from school due to his Christian beliefs regarding gender. They explore the legal arguments surrounding religious discrimination, the role of school administration, and the implications of the case for future legal precedents. The discussion highlights the complexities of balancing freedom of expression with anti-bullying policies in educational settings. In this conversation, James Kitchen and Michael Thiessen discuss the ongoing legal battle involving Josh Alexander and the Renfrew County Catholic District School Board. They explore themes of unlawful actions by the school board, the implications of career advancement tied to social fads, the challenges of navigating legal consequences, and the complexities of religious discrimination in the context of current cultural issues. The discussion also touches on the impact of COVID-19 on religious rights, the cultural warfare surrounding these issues, and the importance of collective action in supporting legal battles against institutional resistance. SUPPORT OUR LEGAL ADVOCACY - Help us defend Canadians' God-given rights and liberties: https://libertycoalitioncanada.com/donate/; https://libertycoalitioncanada.com/liberty-defense-fund/our-legal-strategy/;SHOW SPONSORS:Invest with Rocklinc: info@rocklinc.com or call them at 905-631-546; Diversify Your Money with Bull Bitcoin: https://mission.bullbitcoin.com/lcc;BarterPay: https://barterpay.ca/; Barter It: https://vip.barterit.ca/launch;Get freedom from Censorious CRMs by singing up for SalesNexus: https://www.salesnexus.com/;Ready to own your own business? Join the Pro Fleet Care team today!: https://profleetcare.com/;Sick of Mainstream Media Lies? Help Support Independent Media! DONATE TO LCC TODAY!: https://libertycoalitioncanada.com/donate/ Please Support us in bringing you honest, truthful reporting and analysis from a Christian perspective.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SHOWS/CHANNELS:LIBERTY DISPATCH PODCAST: https://libertydispatch.podbean.com; https://rumble.com/LDshow; OPEN MIKE WITH MICHAEL THIESSEN: https://openmikewithmichaelthiessen.podbean.com; https://rumble.com/openmike;CONTACT US:Questions/comments about podcasts/news/analysis: mailbag@libertycoalitioncanada.com;Questions/comments about donations: give@libertycoalitioncanada.com;Questions/comments that are church-related: churches@libertycoalitioncanada.com;General Inquiries: info@libertycoalitioncanada.com. STAY UP-TO-DATE ON ALL THINGS LCC:Gab: https://gab.com/libertycoalitioncanada Telegram: https://t.me/libertycoalitioncanadanews Instagram: https://instagram.com/libertycoalitioncanada Facebook: https://facebook.com/LibertyCoalitionCanada Twitter: @LibertyCCanada - https://twitter.com/LibertyCCanada Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/LibertyCoalitionCanada YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@liberty4canada - WE GOT CANCELLED AGAIN!!! Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, RATE & REVIEW and SHARE it with others!

Plus: A team of Belgian ultrarunners set a truly punishing record by running a 6.7 kilometre loop every hour ... until they just can't anymore. And: Samar Abu Elouf sits down with Nil in studio. The Palestinian photojournalist and New York Times contributor was honoured this week by Canadian Journalists for Free Expression. 

What will a second Trump term's foreign policy look like? How will it differ from the first term?   On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, former Trump National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien looks at the multiple challenges that Trump would face if he wins the election next month and how his “America First” approach might play out with multiplying tensions around the world. He tells Wall Street Journal Editor at Large Gerry Baker it would “make sense” for Israel to attack Iran's nuclear facilities as it seeks to reduce Teheran's threat. He also says a deal to settle the Russia-Ukraine war is possible but that the U.S. must show support for Kyiv to bring pressure on Moscow. And he responds to claims in a new book by Bob Woodward that Donald Trump personally sent Vladimir Putin American Covid tests during the pandemic, and that the two world leaders had multiple conversations after the election of Joe Biden.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Biden Administration asks the Supreme Court to reinstate its student-loan forgiveness program after losing at the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals. Will Donald Trump make this expensive taxpayer write-off a campaign issue? Plus, the University of North Carolina launches a new school dedicated to classical liberal political thought. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices