Podcasts about free expression

Africa Melane speaks to Nicole Fritz, Executive Director of the Campaign for Free Expression, who brings first-hand insight into how these influence programmes operate. Drawing on her experience with the political initiative Change Starts Now (CSN), Fritz explains that sophisticated campaigns using real people behind fabricated accounts are readily available to political actors. A recent article in News24 by Andrew Thompson, shed light into these campaigns. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What Arts-Based Tool & Tactics are Emerging to Meeting the MAGA Storm?This is the Arts Freedom weather report for February 11, 2026. In this episode you'll hear howArtists across the country are turning public space into sites of creative resistanceWhy local place based cultural responses in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Minneapolis and beyond are becoming frontline laboratories for cultural democratic practiceAnd how innovative artist led networks and cultural organizers are teaching resistance as a craft.NOTABLE MENTIONSPeopleBill ClevelandHost of ART IS CHANGE and founder of the Center for the Study of Art & Community.Renee Macklin GoodeMinneapolis poet and community member whose killing sparked mass protest, mourning, and cultural resistance. (Minnesota Public Radio)Nadya TolokonnikovaArtist and founding member of Pussy Riot; creator of Police State, referenced in connection with durational performance responding to ICE raids and militarization. (Museum of Modern Art)Daniel C. WalkerArtist whose work G Is for Genocide appeared in the New York exhibition Don't Look: A Defense of Free Expression.Khan Nguyen Hong GuArtist whose Miami Beach window installation protesting Gaza was removed; cited as an example of censorship pressure. (Artforum)Madeline DrunotDenver-based artist whose Little Saigon project became a flashpoint for debate over representation and censorship.Organizations, Networks & InitiativesCenter for the Study of Art & CommunityProducing organization for ART IS CHANGE.Fall of Freedom InitiativeGrassroots cultural protest effort coordinating hundreds of creative resistance actions nationwide.NYC Resistance SalonArtist-led network using digital billboards and public installations for political dissent.Banned Book BrigadeActivist effort highlighting censorship through public performance and visual protest. (PEN America contextual resource)New York Public LibrarySite of Banned Book Brigade actions and symbolic defense of intellectual freedom.

Emma Camp, Senior newsletter editor at Free Expression at The Wall Street Journal, on her recent newsletter piece “Your Heartbreak Probably Isn’t ‘Trauma,’” her upcoming book on Gen-Z risk aversion, and the affects on the generation’s romantic relationships; or lack thereof.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Minter Dialogue, Sarah McLaughlin discusses her new book "Authoritarians in the Academy" and the crucial topic of free speech on university campuses. With Minter Dial, she explores how foreign governments influence campus censorship, the complexity of cultural versus legal definitions of free expression, and why defending speech—even unpopular opinions—is vital for democracy.

Free expression in America isn't collapsing all at once — it's eroding quietly, often in ways the public barely notices. In a wide‑ranging conversation, First Amendment scholar Stuart N. Brotman warns that political pressure, platform power and public misunderstanding are reshaping the boundaries of press freedom in real time. Drawing on decades of experience across academia, government and media policy, Brotman makes the case that the next few years will be decisive. And he argues that local journalism may be the strongest remaining force capable of rebuilding trust, civic understanding and a shared commitment to free expression. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/scholar-stuart-brotman-sounds-the-alarm-free-expression-is-under-fire,259377    

Courtrooms, campus corridors, mountain slopes, and border tarmacs: we connect them through three rulings that change how you navigate rights, rules, and risk. We start with a Vancouver Island University protest case where banners, ladders, and megaphones escalated into disruptions of exams. The student fought a two‑year suspension, arguing misidentification, unfair process, and—most ambitiously—freedom of expression under the Charter. We walk through why the court said no, revisiting Dolphin Delivery and the baseline that the Charter restrains government, not institutions acting independently. In BC, universities aren't automatically treated as government actors, so Charter arguments usually fail unless legislation compels the action. The practical takeaway is clear: campus discipline lives under university policy and administrative law, not constitutional guarantees.Then we climb into the backcountry with a Wildlife Act prosecution that turned on what “full curl thinhorn ram” actually means. Is it age, horn length, or both? At trial, experts wrangled over true versus false annuli, and the hunter was convicted. On appeal, the court read the regulation's “or” as a real alternative: either eight years as proven by annuli or a horn tip that extends beyond the nose bridge plane when viewed squarely from the side. That interpretation aligns with field reality, where counting ridges through binoculars is guesswork. For hunters, this sets a safer path: document the side view and horn tip position to meet the length criterion without winning a lab fight over annuli.We land with a hard deadline at the border. A sniffer dog allegedly damaged a multi‑million‑dollar helicopter during a customs search. The owner complained immediately and filed a claim, but the later lawsuit missed a little‑known limit: the Customs Act requires claims within three months. The court enforced the clock and dismissed the case, even while acknowledging the fairness concerns. If border searches damage your property, act fast—document everything, get estimates, and file in the correct court before the window slams shut.Want practical law without the jargon? Press play for a grounded guide to: when free expression stops at the campus gate, how one word in a regulation can flip a conviction, and why a hidden limitation period can decide your whole case. If this helped you spot risks early, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review telling us which case hit home.Follow this link for a transcript of the show and links to the cases discussed.

Renée DiResta, Lawfare contributing editor and associate research professor at Georgetown's McCourt School of Public Policy, and Alan Z. Rozenshtein, Lawfare senior editor and associate professor of law the University of Minnesota, spoke with Jacob Mchangama, research professor of political science at Vanderbilt University and founder of The Future of Free Speech, and Jacob Shapiro, the John Foster Dulles Professor of International Affairs at Princeton University. The conversation covered the findings of a new report examining how AI models handle contested speech; comparative free speech regulations across six jurisdictions; empirical testing of how major chatbots respond to politically sensitive prompts; and the tension between free expression principles and concerns about manipulation in AI systems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After nearly three years of enlightening conversations, Gerry Baker's weekly Free Expression podcast is coming to an end. But you can still read his column every week in the Journal and he may even pop up from time to time in other places!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is Biola University staying true to its biblical mission? In this candid episode of the Think Biblically podcast, Biola University President Dr. Barry H. Corey joins hosts Dr. Sean McDowell, associate professor of Christian apologetics, and Dr. Scott Rae, senior advisor to the president for university mission and professor of philosophy and Christian ethics, for a conversation about the pressures facing Christian universities and what it takes to stay faithful in an increasingly hostile culture.With nearly two decades of presidential leadership behind him, Dr. Corey reflects on Biola's unwavering 117-year mission, the challenges of guiding a university in a polarized world, and his vision for raising up a generation that holds firmly to biblical truth while embodying the winsome fragrance of Christ.Together, they address some of today's most important questions facing Christian institutions, including:Has Biola experienced mission drift?How has the university course-corrected over the years?What role do critical theories play in higher education today?How are hiring practices shaped by theological conviction?Whether you're a Biola student, alumnus, parent, or someone following the future of Christian universities, this episode offers clarity, transparency, and hope rooted in biblical conviction.Further Reading:Biola University Theological PositionsArticles of Faith (included in the Red Book)Statement of Biblical PrinciplesPrinciples of Free Expression and Diversity of ThoughtAbout President CoreyBarry H. Corey is the eighth president of Biola University. Since assuming the role in 2007, Corey has led Biola into its second century with the launch of an ambitious 10‐year university plan, completing the largest fundraising campaign in Biola's history by exceeding its $180 million goal, creating four new academic schools and embarking on a major university transformation journey to position Biola to flourish for decades to come. He has done this while honoring the mission of the university and its unique contribution to the landscape of higher education.==========Think Biblically: Conversations on Faith and Culture is a podcast from Talbot School of Theology at Biola University, which offers degrees both online and on campus in Southern California. Find all episodes of Think Biblically at: https://www.biola.edu/think-biblically. Watch video episodes at: https://bit.ly/think-biblically-video. To submit comments, ask questions, or make suggestions on issues you'd like us to cover or guests you'd like us to have on the podcast, email us at thinkbiblically@biola.edu.

Media expert Stuart Brotman joins the program for an eye-opening conversation about the growing crisis of censorship and control in America. As an advisor to four U.S. presidents and one of the nation's leading authorities on media law and free expression, Brotman brings a unique and deeply informed perspective on how our digital environment is being shaped behind the scenes.Together, we dive into Section 230, the shifting legal landscape, and how the justice system is struggling to catch up with the power of today's tech giants. We confront the real-world consequences of these failures, including my own case: a smear campaign and explicit, defamatory associations that appeared on the front page of Google Search—damaging not only to me as a journalist, but to every American who depends on a fair and safe information ecosystem.This conversation is a clear warning: what happened to me can happen to anyone, and the public deserves transparency, accountability, and the right to their own reputation.To go deeper into these issues, you can purchase Stuart Brotman's groundbreaking new book here: https://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/9781510786752/free-expression-under-fire/See exclusives and more at https://SarahWestall.Substack.com

Artificial intelligence has gone from science fiction to an everyday reality in a few years. As the technology advances and transforms almost everything we do, the need to understand its potential - and how to harness it - grows by the day.  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with New York University professor Vasant Dhar, author of a new book “Thinking With Machines: The Brave New World of AI”. They discuss the difference between using AI as an effective tool and becoming over reliant on it and ponder how it may more deeply entrench our economic and social divisions.    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We sit down with Karin Deutsch Karlekar of PEN America. The organization's Writers at Risk programs advocate for journalists, advocates, and academics who face threats around the world. A recent crackdown on free speech has affected American writers and their work. We discuss the state of free speech and what organizations like PEN America are doing to help protect it. In studio:Karin Deutsch Karlekar, Ph.D., director of Writers at Risk at PEN America---Connections is supported by listeners like you. Head to our donation page to become a WXXI member today, support the show, and help us close the gap created by the rescission of federal funding.---Connections airs every weekday from noon-2 p.m. Join the conversation with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255) or 585-263-9994, email, Facebook or Twitter. Connections is also livestreamed on the WXXI News YouTube channel each day. You can watch live or access previous episodes here.---Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

To help us make sense of this pivotal moment in selecting the next National Director of Public Prosecutions , John Maytham is joined by Nicole Fritz, Executive Director at the Campaign for Free Expression. Nicole has been a leading voice on accountability, openness, and the independence of South Africa’s democratic institutions — and she joins us now to break down what this shortlist means for the future of justice in the country. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The time of year when we express our gratitude for our many blessings offer an opportunity to reflect on the importance of giving.  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with financier John Studzinski, who shares lessons learned from his own philanthropy in a new book, “A Talent for Giving, Creating a More Generous Society That Benefits Everyone.” They discuss the projects he started to show the difference between philanthropy and charity, why giving can be a currency for change, and what can be done to broaden what he calls the “community of mankind.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Once a defining principle of conservative governing economic policy, supply-side economics has taken some political hits in the last decade. The progressive left has always critiqued laissez- faire economics, blaming the pursuit of smaller government, tax cuts, deregulation and open trade for increasing inequality. But now large parts of the right seem to dislike supply-siders too. Populists oppose free trade and favor more government intervention in the economy, and while Donald Trump has achieved big tax cuts in both his terms in office, his signature economic measure is tariffs and he seems eager to expand government's role in the economy, from telling companies what they should be doing with prices to taking stakes in big American firms and directing foreign investment into favored industrial activities. Have the supply-siders lost? On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Matthew Elliott, member of Britain's House of Lords, and co-author with Arthur Laffer one of the godfathers of supply side economics and Michael Hintze, a London-based hedge fund founder, of a new book “Prosperity Through Growth.” They discuss the case for reviving conservative economic ideas, especially in the U.K., the risks of Trump's tariffs and trade policies, and whether Brexit, which fired the starting gun for populist economics, was a failure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can the U.S. win the new Cold War against its old Cold War adversaries? Donald Trump and Xi Jinping have come to a truce of sorts in their trade war, with the U.S. reducing tariffs and China agreeing not to block vital commodity exports. Russia's war against Ukraine rages on, with no signs of any negotiated settlement. President Trump seems to prize his relationships with Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, but what is the goal for the U.S. in this age of power rivalry? How can the United States maintain a dominant role in geopolitics, while keeping threats from its adversaries at bay?  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with former Ambassador to Russia and professor at Stanford University Michael McFaul, who details how the U.S. will handle these countries in his new book, “Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder.” They also discuss why Russia is a bigger threat than China to the United States and how China wants to wield its influence through the world economy, unlike Vladimir Putin's campaign of disruption. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textDiscover how CofC students are leading a movement for civil discourse. Hear their strategies for navigating tough conversations and why empathy is the key to bridging divides.Does pineapple belong on pizza? It's an easy yes or no question for most. It's an easier question to answer then one about politics or religion and it's the kind of question that the Civility Initiative Free Expression Fellows call “low stakes.” Resources from this episode:Want to join the conversation? Follow the Civility Initiative on Instagram at @cofc_civility or visit the Civility Initiative webpage for upcoming events.

Under the first phase of Trump 2.0, the First Amendment has been put through the wringer - and that's no more true anywhere than Texas college campuses. Progress Texas Executive Director Kathleen Thompson captured a recent live talk with civil rights lawyer J.T. Morris, Supervising Senior Attorney for FIRE, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, during which he details the current state of this fundamental American right, where it's headed, and what we can do to save it.Learn more about J.T. Morris and FIRE at https://www.thefire.org/about-us/our-team/jt-morris.Thanks for listening! Learn more about Progress Texas and how you can support our ongoing work at https://progresstexas.org/.

Reports of the death of the Democratic party appear to have been greatly exaggerated. The party made big gains across the country in Tuesday's off-year elections. The races for governor in New Jersey and Virginia produced wins for Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger, Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani fought off a challenge from Trump-endorsed Andrew Cuomo, and Gavin Newsom's plan for a Democrat-favorable redistricting in California won big. How big are the warning signs for the Republican Party and how do they respond? On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Joel Kotkin, professor of urban studies and expert on the culture and politics of American cities, about why large cities like New York and Chicago are moving further and further left, why affordability is the largest issue to urban voters, the changing nature of racial politics and how Donald Trump and Republicans need to respond.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Supreme Court's partial stay in a case against NIH has left dozens of public health studies in legal limbo. At the center are canceled grants focused on vaccine hesitancy, LGBTQ health, and racial disparities; topics critics say were targeted for political reasons. Here to explain the ruling and its impact on scientific independence are Dr. Susan Polan and Shalini Goel Agarwal. Dr. Polan is associate executive director for public affairs and advocacy with the American Public Health Association. Ms. Agarwal co-leads Protect Democracy's Free Expression and the Right to Dissent team.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

John Maytham speaks to Nicole Fritz, Executive Director for the Campaign for Free Expression, about Kat Matlala’s allegations against Senzo Mchnunu and Shadrack Sibiya. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today we're talking about the growing controversy surrounding America's relationship with Israel, and the disturbing pattern of censorship that follows anyone who dares to even question it. Why are discussions about foreign influence and government transparency being shut down? Why are prominent voices silenced the moment they speak against powerful interests? We're asking the uncomfortable questions no one in the mainstream media wants to touch, from the suppression of speech to the "alliances" shaping U.S. policy, and praising those few, like Candace Owens, who refuse to back down in the pursuit of real justice and truth.This episode isn't about taking sides, it's about demanding honesty, accountability, and the freedom to ask hard questions without fear.

American society has been transformed in the last half century by the entry into the workforce of large numbers of women. Equal gender opportunity has commanded a large consensus for most of that time, but there are some dissenters. Gerry Baker's guest this week on Free Expression is author and commentator Helen Andrews. She's made waves in this month with an article decrying the "Feminization of America" saying the explosion of woke ideas and cancel culture can be directly attributed to the large numbers of women who now work in the law, academia, and the media. Together they discuss the rise of women, its benefits and perils for society and whether it really means the rule of law in America is in peril. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Maytham speaks to Nicole Fritz, Executive Director of the Campaign for Free Expression, explains why South Africa’s response to the attempted service of court papers on UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese is more than a procedural issue—it is a critical test of the principles underpinning international law. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Online platforms have created unprecedented opportunities for individuals to share ideas and reach wider audiences. Supporters of these platforms point to how they have reduced barriers to participation, providing new and creative opportunities for discourse and connection. Critics, however, raise concerns that these platforms can allow the spread of misinformation, the amplification of offensive speech, or the power of private companies to shape which voices are heard and which are silenced. The internet has become a central arena in debates about the scope and limits of free expression.The United States has long valued the First Amendment's broad protections, but public support is waning. A 2024 Freedom Forum poll found that only 58 percent of Americans would ratify it today—down five points in four years. Critics argue that certain types of speech, while legal, can cause harm or suppress the voices of vulnerable groups. Free speech advocates warn that narrowing protections will risk government censorship and shrink the space for open debate.This tension raises an important question: Are current interpretations of the First Amendment sufficient to safeguard free expression in the digital age? To mark Free Speech Week, we are hosting two prominent scholars to debate this issue. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For most of the last few centuries, advances in scientific understanding have seemed to undermine arguments for the existence of God. Physical phenomena ascribed to a deity have been discovered to have natural explanations. But some think that recent scientific discoveries have actually strengthened the case for the existence of at least some supernatural original creator. A new book, by Michel-Yves Bolloré and Olivier Bonnassies, two French authors, argues for a science-based belief in God. On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Bolloré, one of the authors of “God, the Science, the Evidence”. They discuss how the Big Bang and the creation of the universe could be the first sign of a creator, how a belief in God is different from having faith, and whether reason can make the case that Jesus Christ was the Son of God.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's more going on in that infamous Republicans groupchat than most realize but the real issue isn't the gossip, it's how easily people trade conviction for comfort. In this episode, we talk about the growing weakness on the Right, the danger of valuing offense over free speech, and why all of our rights must be protected at all costs. We'll also cover more updates on the Charlie Kirk case and how Trump's failures in his second term (including his refusal to release the Epstein list and his submission to Israel) prove that no man should ever be placed where only God belongs.--https://policecoffee.com/collections/coffee

The Mayday USA organizers requested access to a traditional public forum home to frequent constitutionally protected expressive activity. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

We may be seeing peace break out in the Middle East, but it's still trade war elsewhere - especially with China. Donald Trump has threatened a 100% tariff on the rival superpower if Beijing goes through with its plan to impose tough restrictions on exports of the rare earth minerals critical to the U.S. economy. These could well be mere negotiating tactics but they're a reminder of the wider friction that now dominates global economic relations.   On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Neil Shearing, Group Chief Economist of Capital Economics and author of “The Fractured Age: How the Return of Geopolitics Will Splinter the Global Economy.” They discuss Shearing's argument that the world is dividing into two giant economic blocs and what that might mean for stability and peace. They also talk about some unusual developments in global markets of late, especially a weakening dollar and a soaring gold price - the last of which Shearing believes is driven by Chinese official policy.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if online harassment isn't random at all—but part of a strategy? In this explosive episode of The Healthier Tech Podcast, host R Blank talks with Viktorya Vilk, Director of Digital Safety and Free Expression at PEN America, about how governments, corporations, and tech platforms are turning the internet into a weapon against free speech. Viktorya reveals how political power, economic pressure, and digital surveillance now intersect to create an ecosystem where journalists, writers, and even librarians are targeted for speaking out. She breaks down how authoritarian tactics, media consolidation, and platform indifference have combined to make the online world hostile to truth—and what each of us can do to push back.   In This Episode: How the U.S. dropped to 57th in global press freedom rankings—and why that's not an accident The chilling new playbook: online harassment as a censorship tool Why Big Tech's business model thrives on surveillance, fear, and silence How Facebook and Google siphoned 70% of online ad revenue, collapsing local journalism Real-life examples of reporters attacked, arrested, and digitally terrorized for telling the truth The practical digital safety steps every person can take—starting today Why Viktorya refuses to give in to “tech nihilism” and insists users have power   Why You Should Listen This isn't just a podcast about harassment or privacy—it's about democracy, power, and your voice. Viktorya explains how the same digital forces that endanger journalists are eroding safety and free expression for everyone. But she also shares concrete tools to rebuild your sense of control online: from password hygiene and privacy audits to collective advocacy that pressures tech platforms to act responsibly. She makes one thing clear: silence is the goal of harassment—and awareness is the antidote.   Connect With Viktorya Vilk: Website: https://pen.org Social Handles: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktorya-v-a65b9235/ X: @VilkViktorya   Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Field Manual Against Online Harrassment: https://onlineharassmentfieldmanual.pen.org/  Online abuse & Digital Safety Programs: https://pen.org/online-abuse-digital-safety/  Treating online abuse like Spam: https://pen.org/report/treating-online-abuse-like-spam/ Shouting into the void: https://pen.org/report/shouting-into-the-void/  No Excuse for abuse: https://pen.org/report/no-excuse-for-abuse/    Connect with R Blank: For more Healthier Tech Podcast episodes, and to download our Healthier Tech Quick Start Guide, visit https://HealthierTech.co and follow https://instagram.com/healthiertech    Additional Links: EMF Superstore: https://ShieldYourBody.com (save 15% with code “pod”) Digital Wellbeing with a Human Soul: https://Bagby.co (save 15% with code “pod”) Youtube: https://youtube.com/shieldyourbody Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagbybrand/  Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bagby.co Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shieldyourbody  This episode is brought to you by Shield Your Body—a global leader in EMF protection and digital wellness. Because real wellness means protecting your body, not just optimizing it. If you found this episode eye-opening, leave a review, share it with someone tech-curious, and don't forget to subscribe to Shield Your Body on YouTube for more insights on living healthier with technology.

Timothy K. Minella, Senior Fellow at the Goldwater Institute's Van Sittert Center for Constitutional Advocacy, joins the show to discuss the urgent debate over free speech following the Charlie Kirk tragedy. He also talks about the Goldwater Institute's hit new podcast, Dismantling DEI, which dives deep into how Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs continue to shape college campuses and threaten open dialogue across America.

In America and much of the West, it's become axiomatic to regard colonialism as a stain on human history. The story told in classrooms and popular culture is one of unrelenting exploitation of hapless people of color by white imperialists. And the narrative has contemporary relevance: demands for reparations for the victims of oppression - But is the modern West's history really a litany of crimes against humanity? Should we pay reparations to the victims? On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker explores these themes with Nigel Biggar, author of “Reparations: Slavery and the Tyranny of Imaginary Guilt.” They discuss Lord Biggar's experiences in the “culture wars,” the attempts to silence him, and take a critical look at the belief that a debt needs to be paid to the descendants of slaves.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Morocco's theocratic monarchy claims to protect free expression, yet an activist faces jail time and denial of cancer treatment because she wore a t-shirt that said, "Allah is lesbian". This glaring contradiction exposes how religious authority uses caveats in the law to maintain control, proving that freedom of expression means nothing if the "right to offend" is stripped away. Her heroism in pointing out the system's flaws shows that where laws are unjust, speaking out is a duty, regardless of the staggering personal cost.  News Source: Moroccan woman on trial for blasphemy after wearing a shirt to that challenged religious authority By Akram Ubashir for Religious News Service August 28th, 2025

Drawn from the biblical story in the book of Genesis, “Babel” has come to stand for the challenge of communication across linguistic, cultural, and ideological divides—the confusion and fragmentation that arise when we no longer share a common tongue or understanding. Today's guest John Wihbey,  an associate professor of media Innovation at Northeastern University and the author of a new book titled Governing Babel: The Debate Over Social Media Platforms and Free Speech—And What Comes Next that tries to find an answer to how we can create the space to imagine a different information environment that promotes democracy and consensus rather than division and violence. The book is out October 7 from MIT Press.

Last week at the United Nations, Donald Trump derided the climate change movement, calling it a ‘con job,' a view that the Republican party signed onto as the president won his second term last year. While it may not be a hoax, there's growing evidence that the supposed catastrophe climate change represents has been way overblown. One person whose views have undergone a radical change in recent years is Ted Nordhaus, co-founder and director of the Breakthrough Institute. On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, Gerry Baker speaks to Nordhaus, who explains how he has stopped worrying and learned, if not to love, then at least to accept the limited cost of climate change. He argues that government incentives have created a ‘climate industrial complex' that continues to promote an alarmist message, but says the U.S. is actually on the right track in tackling climate change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The UK has unveiled BritCard—a mandatory digital ID eerily similar to China's social credit system. By 2029, Brits will need one to work or even rent a home. At the same time, “speech police” are arresting citizens in the dead of night for social media posts—even one man who simply wrote “F Hamas” about a designated terror group. We break down how digital IDs, online surveillance, and woke enforcement collide to crush free expression, why Big Tech is backing away from UK censorship, and why this fight could soon be America's future too.

In this episode, Maggie Tokuda-Hall speaks about refusing to write to market expectations. She reflects on her experience with censorship and her picture book Love in the Library—which ultimately led to her being a founding member of Authors Against Book Bans. Maggie also shares what it's like to author graphic novels, including The Worst Ronin and Squad, and to collaborate with artists throughout the process. She also highlights information on how listeners can fight book bans, as well as the most important action they can all take right now. On the topic, Olivia shares an opportunity for individuals to join a Banned Books Week Read-In this October to protest ongoing censorship. Read the full transcript: Use promo code: SWITCH when signing up for a new Libro.fm membership to get two additional credits to use on any audiobooks—meaning you'll have three from the start. About Maggie Tokuda-Hall: Maggie Tokuda-Hall has an MFA in creative writing from USF, and BA in art from Scripps College. She's the author of numerous award winning, best-selling children's and young adult books including Love in the Library, The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea duology, Squad, and The Worst Ronin. She has been called “... one of the most unflinching voices in contemporary genre literature.” Maggie is a founding member and national leader of Authors Against Book Bans. She is the co-host of the Failure to Adapt podcast. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, children, and objectively perfect dog. Get Maggie's Books: Love in the Library The Siren, the Song, and the Spy The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea Books discussed on today's episode: Cantoras by Caro De Robertis Ne'er Duke Well by Alexandra Vasti Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti Ladies in Hating by Alexandra Vasti Banned Books Week resources: Banned Books Week Read-In near you Ways to learn more about and fight bans

Chris Spangle, Harry Price, and Reinhold reunite for a new episode of We Are Libertarians. The hosts reintroduce themselves and reflect on the history of the show before diving into today's big issues. They discuss the speed of the news cycle, public trust in media, right- and left-wing biases, and why local journalism still matters. The conversation also explores libertarian principles, cultural debates, Christian nationalism, and the role of free speech in a divided society. Tune in for sharp analysis, humor, and spirited discussion as three different libertarian perspectives come together to debate politics and culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The murder of George Floyd in 2020 and the summer of rage that followed was a seminal event in U.S. politics. It was seized on by progressive ideologues who controlled most of the cultural and political discourse in America to assert an identity-based ideology and to marginalize dissent.    But their efforts to cement a woke revolution and cancel opposition has come back to haunt them. The re-election of Donald Trump last year represented in part a counter-revolution. And now he and his MAGA majority seem to be using some of the same tactics to squeeze their opponents from the public square.  How did we get here and how can we restore civility in an age of increasingly polarized intolerance?  On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Thomas Chatterton Williams, author of a new book ‘Summer of Our Discontent: The Age of Certainty and the Demise of Discourse.' They discuss how illiberalism turned university campuses into hotbeds of intolerance, why there is now a backlash against ‘identity politics,' and how Donald Trump's base is more multi-cultural than is portrayed by his critics.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A fierce debate about free speech has erupted in the U.S. in the wake of Charlie Kirk's killing. Government officials have encouraged reporting against Americans in their reaction to Kirk's death, with some, like talk show host Jimmy Kimmel having his show briefly suspended under government pressure.This debate over what is acceptable speech extends to Canada, as the federal government introduced a new bill in expanding Canada's anti-hate laws. The Decibel is joined by James L. Turk, director of the Centre for Free Expression at Toronto Metropolitan University, to talk about the state of free expression, censorship and what happens when speech crosses the line.Questions? Comments? Ideas? Email us at thedecibel@globeandmail.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today: A political booth pulled from the Ashland County Fair has sparked fierce online debate and raised questions about free expression, public decency, and where the line is drawn at community events.Support the show: https://richlandsource.com/membersSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The assassination of Charlie Kirk marked the latest escalation of politically motivated violence, and it may be a breaking point for the country. After the murder of Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota and the attempts on President Donald Trump's life last year, the U.S. seems to be returning to the dark days of half a century ago when politically motivated violence was almost routine. President Trump and his allies put the blame on the radical left and have threatened a crackdown.   On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker discusses the deteriorating political atmosphere with Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton of Massachusetts, who details his own experiences dealing with political threats. They also discuss the prospects for a government shutdown and the changes the Democratic Party needs to make if it is to re-earn the trust of American voters.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent incidents of political violence have instilled fear in many members of Congress. Those who worry they could be the next targets are requesting increased security and canceling public events. Tennessee Republican Congressmen Tim Burchett joins the Rundown to discuss his concerns about personal safety and what leadership can do to help protect Congressional members, their staff, and their families. The suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk is heading to court today. While many Americans mourn his death, some individuals are celebrating it on social media. Numerous posts have been flagged and circulated, leading to some of the authors losing their jobs. George Washington University professor and FOX News contributor Jonathan Turley joins the Rundown to discuss the fallout and what it reveals about free speech in today's political climate. Plus,  commentary from FOX News contributor Joe Concha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent incidents of political violence have instilled fear in many members of Congress. Those who worry they could be the next targets are requesting increased security and canceling public events. Tennessee Republican Congressmen Tim Burchett joins the Rundown to discuss his concerns about personal safety and what leadership can do to help protect Congressional members, their staff, and their families. The suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk is heading to court today. While many Americans mourn his death, some individuals are celebrating it on social media. Numerous posts have been flagged and circulated, leading to some of the authors losing their jobs. George Washington University professor and FOX News contributor Jonathan Turley joins the Rundown to discuss the fallout and what it reveals about free speech in today's political climate. Plus,  commentary from FOX News contributor Joe Concha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The assassination of Charlie Kirk and other recent incidents of political violence have instilled fear in many members of Congress. Those who worry they could be the next targets are requesting increased security and canceling public events. Tennessee Republican Congressmen Tim Burchett joins the Rundown to discuss his concerns about personal safety and what leadership can do to help protect Congressional members, their staff, and their families. The suspect in the assassination of Charlie Kirk is heading to court today. While many Americans mourn his death, some individuals are celebrating it on social media. Numerous posts have been flagged and circulated, leading to some of the authors losing their jobs. George Washington University professor and FOX News contributor Jonathan Turley joins the Rundown to discuss the fallout and what it reveals about free speech in today's political climate. Plus,  commentary from FOX News contributor Joe Concha. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Donald Trump's tariffs heading towards a Supreme Court showdown, his efforts to reshape the Federal Reserve in his own image intensifying, and another Washington battle under way over funding the federal government, the U.S. economy and markets face new uncertainties entering the fall.   On this episode of Free Expression, Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan tells Gerry Baker that despite the uncertainty, he sees no U.S. recession in the near future and thinks inflation remains contained. But he emphasizes the importance of Fed independence and offers his thoughts on tariffs and the growing fiscal crisis, and on the challenges and opportunities posed by crypto currency and artificial intelligence to the banking system. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With emerging signs that Donald Trump's revolutionary tariff regime may be starting to take a toll on U.S. economic prospects, what's the outlook for the immediate future? And how is the latest wave of technological change, allied with a new strand of government activism, going to change longer term economic performance? On this episode of the Free Expression podcast, Gerry Baker speaks with financier and philanthropist Glenn Hutchins about what the recent jobs and inflation numbers might mean for the economy, what the Federal Reserve should do in response, what the widespread adoption of artificial intelligence and the renewed focus on national priorities will mean. And as a long-standing supporter of Democratic candidates and causes, he offers a few thoughts on the future of the Democratic party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liberal democracy is under siege. Domestically, popular discontent with civic, cultural and political institutions is tempting voters in many democracies towards more authoritarian leadership. Globally, the axis of autocracies in Russia and China threaten to upend weaker democratic neighbors. Donald Trump's trade policies and diplomacy are weakening alliances and undermining faith in "the west.” Is democracy in retreat? Does it matter? On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker and former British prime minister Rishi Sunak discuss the state of democracy in the U.K. and the U.S, how liberal democracy can be strengthened, and how rapid technological change is affecting economics and politics. And the U.K.'s last Conservative prime minister offers his thoughts on the state of conservatism on both sides of the Atlantic.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While Israel continues to achieve great military successes against Hamas, Hezbollah and most recently Iran in its almost two year campaign, the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in Gaza are growing worse. There is growing evidence of famine throughout Gaza, caused by disruptions in the delivery of aid, and both sides are being accused of causing the crisis. International pressure on Israel is mounting. Last week, Emmanuel Macron of France announced he would recognize a Palestinian state and Keir Starmer, the British prime minister, has said he could do the same in September. So can Israel effectively finish its war in the face of the human cost and growing international isolation? On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker speaks with Israeli journalist and commentator Nadav Eyal about what it could take to settle the war between Israel and Hamas, the international reaction to the crisis, and how Israel can ultimately guarantee its own security and very existence. 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.