Podcast appearances and mentions of Peter Robinson

Victor Davis Hanson—fifth-generation rancher in California's San Joaquin Valley, classicist, military historian, Hoover Institution senior fellow, and author of more than two dozen books, including The Case For Trump, The Second World Wars, and The Dying Citizen—joins Peter Robinson to discuss the American founding and its critics.   Drawing on ancient Greece and Rome, Magna Carta, the French Revolution, the Civil War, Woodrow Wilson's administrative state, and the Trump era, Hanson argues that the genius of the American system lies in its difficult but durable structure: checks and balances, ordered liberty, and a Constitution built for flawed human beings. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Recorded on Tuesday, June 16, 2026 Book Talk starts at 20:05   Our Charity KAL has begun!  Knit or crochet anything for any charity Post pictures in the FO thread for a chance to win a prize. June 1, 2026 - September 1, 2026 EVENTS The 2nd Annual 2 Knit Lit Chicks Get-Together - September 24-27 2026 in Zephyr Cove, Nevada. There is one more spot open for someone willing to have a roommate. For more information, please check out our Ravelry Board.     KNITTING Barb has finished:  1.  Stephanie's One-Row Scarf using Caron Upside Down Cake in the Peanut Butter colorway   2.   Cinched Up Hat by Debi Stone using Knit Picks Felici Worsted in the Rainbow colorway     Tracie has finished:   1.  4 bears- 2 knit for baby gifts, 1 knit in Sirdar Snuggly Baby Fair Isle Effect, and 1 in Plymouth Toybox Confetti in plus charity bears 346 & 347   2.  Haltermelon by Alana Dakos, using Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted and Paintbox DK   3.  Early Bloomer by Heidi Kirrmaier in Knit One Crochet Too Babyboo in Poppy and Wool and the  Gang The One Cotton in White Chalk     Barb is still working on:  1.  Effortless Cardigan by Zabeth, using Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Worsted, in the Dove Heather colorway.  This one may be destined for the bin!   Tracie cast on:   1.  Tolsta Tee by Rebecca Clow in "mystery" rayon worsted from destash   And is still working on:   1. Hello From My Colors by Jessie Made Designs in 5 different fingering weight yarns from stash- MC is Lisa Souza Deluxe Sock in Cornflower   2.  lillgardens Lisa The Baby Blanket by Perilla Eriksson in Scheepjes Stonewash in Coral   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  The Slaying in the Suburbs: The Tara Grant Murder by Steve Miller -3 stars   2.  99 Ways to Die and How to Avoid Them by Ashley Alter - 5 stars   3.  The Perfect Couple by Jackie Kabler - 3 stars     Tracie read:     1.  Out of Control: The Clara Harris Murder Story by Steven Lang - 3.5 stars     2.  The Purity of Vengeance (Dept. Q #4 )by JussiJussi Adler-Olson - 4 stars   3.  Careless Love (Inspector Banks #25) by Peter Robinson - 4 stars   4.  The Pike (DC Walker Crime Thrillers #2)  - by J.J. Richards - 4 stars   5.  The Knapdale Murders (The Scottish Highland Killings #1) by Daniel Sellers 4 -.5 stars   6.  The Bat (Harry Hole #1) by Jo Nesbo - 3 stars    

America's 250th birthday is just a few weeks out, and festivities are underway. But, leaving aside disputes about fist fights and daring stunts on the White House South Lawn, a question emerges about what a serious celebration of the American way looks and feels like. To consider this and more, Charles, James, and a visiting Peter Robinson sit down with Matthew Mehan, author and Associate Dean of Hillsdale College's graduate school in Washington, D.C., to discuss The American Book of Fables.The gang thinks through the meaning of our civic inheritance and the endeavor to pass on the baton to the young. Matt's here to remind us that the arduous effort can be joyful and that hopefulness is a trait that marks the serious thinker. Our trio also kvetches (and then some!) over the Iran deal, winces at the newly unveiled Obama Presidential Center, and chortles with bewilderment at the accusation that a Pride-themed baseball cap was "desecrated" by a Bible verse.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-ricochet-podcast--5817275/support.

Why is America struggling to keep pace with China? Can Silicon Valley help rebuild US military power? And what happens when artificial intelligence transforms warfare? Anduril founder Palmer Luckey joins Peter Robinson to argue that America must rethink everything from defense procurement to manufacturing, innovation, and national identity itself. Luckey explains why he founded Anduril Industries after selling Oculus to Facebook, why he believes the US has become dangerously dependent on China, and how autonomous weapons, AI fighter jets, and drone warfare are reshaping the future battlefield. Luckey also takes aim at Pentagon bureaucracy, Silicon Valley globalism, America's hollowed-out industrial base, and what he calls the “national divorce” between tech and national security. It's a provocative discussion about patriotism, innovation, deterrence, and whether the United States still has what it takes to defend itself in a rapidly changing world. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Peter Robinson was Autocar's European Editor for 16 years as part of a 54 year career as a full-time motoring journalist. As the Editor of Wheels magazine, 'Robbo' gave Steve Cropley his first job in motoring journalism. And given he was in the UK, we couldn't not get Peter to appear on the podcast to catch up with Cropley and Prior.Join our trio as they talk cars new and old, plus some of Peter's career highlights and lowlights. And if you want to read some of the greatest stories ever written in a car magazine, you can do so by subscribing to Autocar and gaining access to the full 131 archive, by clicking here. There's even a special offer at the link. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ricochet's beloved former editor Mollie Hemingway is back with a new book, Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution. We're so thrilled, in fact, that we couldn't even keep Peter Robinson away. So Mollie leads our embarrassment of hosts through her exclusive scoop on the Supreme Court's most enigmatic justice. Tune in for an in-depth report covering everything Alito—from the political dramas starting with his confirmation to the leak of his best-known Dobbs opinion, and analysis of the particulars of his legal philosophy, his mastery over oral proceedings, and ultimately his influence over the increasingly originalist branch of government.And with investigative journalism in mind, our quartet digs into reports about rampant Medicaid fraud in Ohio, and James tries to pin the panelists down on their stance on aliens, UFOs and G-man plots. The gang also guffaws at the Virginia Supreme Court's redistricting rebuff and manages to find quibblible claims against the common understanding of invasive species.

Ricochet's beloved former editor Mollie Hemingway is back with a new book, Alito: The Justice Who Reshaped the Supreme Court and Restored the Constitution. We're so thrilled, in fact, that we couldn't even keep Peter Robinson away. So Mollie leads our embarrassment of hosts through her exclusive scoop on the Supreme Court's most enigmatic justice. […]

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis joins Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson at the Governor's Mansion in Tallahassee to explain how Florida transformed from a razor-thin swing state into one of the fastest-growing and most politically distinct states in the country. DeSantis outlines his governing philosophy—pairing conservative policy with a focus on competence—and details the results: rapid population growth, rising revenues without an income tax, debt reduction, and a dramatic political realignment. He reflects on controversial decisions during COVID, his approach to education reform and school choice, and high-profile battles with corporations, universities, and cultural institutions. The discussion also explores broader themes, including the decline of identity politics, the future of the Republican Party, and the enduring relevance of America's founding principles. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Peter Robinson sits down with mathematician John Lennox, philosopher of science Stephen Meyer, and chemist James Tour to examine what modern science really suggests about the origin of the universe and life itself. Moving from the Big Bang and the discovery of cosmic beginnings, to the fine-tuning of the physical constants that make life possible, to the extraordinary complexity and information embedded in DNA, the conversation explores whether these developments point to blind, undirected processes—or to the activity of an intelligent mind. The trio challenges long-held materialist assumptions, revisits classic scientific debates, and reflects on what these questions mean not only for science but also for our understanding of human existence and purpose. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Pippa Hudson speaks to Matthew Greenwood and Peter Robinson from the Texpand Robotics team, who’ll represent SA at the World Champs in Houston,Texas. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to explore, taste, read and reflect. The show - presented by former journalist, baker and water sports enthusiast Pippa Hudson - is unashamedly lifestyle driven. Popular features include a daily profile interview #OnTheCouch at 1:10pm. Consumer issues are in the spotlight every Wednesday while the team also unpacks all things related to health, wealth & the environment. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Lunch with Pippa Hudson Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 13:00 and 15:00 (SA Time) to Lunch with Pippa Hudson broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/MdSlWEs or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/fDJWe69 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.

Would you like to know more? Flick me a message!Well we did it!! 200 episodes is no mean feat. Thank you to everyone who has helped along the way, joined me on interviews, or just the most important part - you the audience!!! A huge thanks to all my supporters and Patrons, I couldn't do it without you!!We had to move locations due to the weather so apologies for the noise but I trust you will enjoy the interviews with some great fellow aviators!!!Support the showEmail: info@trentrobinsonaviation.com.auOnline Training http://courses.flighttrainingaustralia.com.auAffiliate Links:Pilot LogbookDigital Excel spreadsheet logbook for a one off payment. Podcast listeners get 20% Off!!Nav & CoPilot Nav Bags - Get $10 off using the code FTAPODCASTSocial Media Links:Facebook: http://www.facebook.com.au/trentrobinsonaviationInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/trent_robinson_aviationYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flighttrainingaustraliaTikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@flighttrainingaustraliaPodcast Episodes: http://www.flighttrainingaustralia.com.au

Is conservatism losing its way? Ben Shapiro says yes—and explains why. In this candid interview, Shapiro takes aim at conspiracy culture, fractures inside the right, and the growing distrust of institutions reshaping American politics. From college campuses to foreign policy to the future of media, this is a blunt assessment of where the movement stands—and where it could be headed next. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Peter Robinson is joined by Zohar Palti — Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the Hoover Institution and former head of the Intelligence Directorate in Israel's Mossad— for a rare, inside account of how Israel thinks about war, deterrence, and survival. From the shock of October 7 to the current campaign against Iran, Palti explains why Israel sees both nuclear capability and ballistic missiles as existential threats—and why waiting is not an option. The conversation explores the logic of preemptive war, the limits of intelligence when it comes to predicting regime change, and the realities of fighting a modern conflict—from missile defense and drone warfare to the vulnerability of global energy routes. Palti also reflects on Israel's internal challenges, the resilience of its people under constant attack, and the enduring partnership with the United States.  A candid, strategic, and deeply personal look at how one of America's closest allies fights—and why it believes it must. Recorded on March 11, 2026. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" talks about a reporter regretting asking Marco Rubio if Israel is telling Donald Trump how to conduct the war against Iran; NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani being unable to answer a reporter's question about the people of Iran being better off without Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in power; Fox News' Bill Melugin exposing Hakeem Jeffries' hypocrisy for calling Trump's war on Iran illegal, while Democrats like Nancy Pelosi justified Barack Obama's attack on Libya without seeking congressional authority; Scott Jennings silencing CNN's Josh Rogin with a barrage of facts about how Iran has been waging war on Americans for 47 years; Ben Shapiro getting Gavin Newsom to admit that his calling ICE agents "state-sponsored terrorism" in response to the shooting Renée Good was a bad idea; Thomas Sowell telling "Uncommon Knowledge's" Peter Robinson why most immigration policy is pointless due illegal immigrants constantly being allowed to flood into the country; and much more. Support the families of fallen soldiers: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo... https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-fo... WATCH the MEMBER-EXCLUSIVE segment of the show here: https://rubinreport.locals.com/ Check out the NEW RUBIN REPORT MERCH here: https://daverubin.store/ ---------- Today's Sponsors: Rumble Wallet - Don't let the big banks freeze your accounts. Own Tether Gold - real gold, on the blockchain and get direct ownership of physical gold bars, each one fully allocated, verifiable by serial number, purity, and weight. Download Rumble Wallet - now with USA₮ - and step away from the big banks — for good!  Go to: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVRoUk1SUVhWbHNhNVlnZW45b2lNWFdwRmxld3xBQ3Jtc0tsM3FNUkQtNE5SUFhKVWgycnl3amtJMUNZcU5YT2tqeWFuTVJUMF92VHpKWjRVd2REWXE0TUt3aUdmbE9raEk2UmltYVpUSlpjWmtrTk9RMmV2WjdRR1NYMTZmUjJLNjdPRXNfbDR6UVNVYWd2LTFRUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Frumblewallet.onelink.me%2FbJsX%2Frubin&v=Pwi1hHgrGXU

Former US ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul returns to Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson to discuss his new book, Autocrats vs. Democrats: China, Russia, America, and the New Global Disorder. McFaul explains why Vladimir Putin, Xi Jinping, and today's autocratic leaders fundamentally do not think like we do—and why that misunderstanding has shaped some of America's most consequential foreign-policy mistakes. Drawing on decades of scholarship and firsthand experience inside the Kremlin, McFaul traces Russia's post–Cold War slide back into autocracy; challenges the claim that NATO expansion caused the rupture with Moscow; and argues that the true threat to authoritarian regimes is democratic example rather than Western military power. He examines the war in Ukraine, its implications for Taiwan, the limits of transactional diplomacy with ideologues like Putin, and the enduring lessons of Cold War statecraft. He also reflects on his unlikely journey from Butte, Montana, to Spaso House —the Moscow home of the U.S. ambassador to Russia— and why he remains convinced that democracy, however fragile, is still the West's greatest strategic advantage. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

In December 2025, former US Senator Ben Sasse announced that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer. That's the primary topic for this far-reaching conversation about mortality, faith, and what truly matters when time is short. Sasse reflects on “redeeming the time”—holding ambition lightly, loving family more deliberately, and resisting the urge to make politics or professional success the center of life. The discussion also covers Sasse's thoughts on the failures of Congress; the dangers of a fragmented, attention-starved republic; the crisis of higher education; and the moral challenges of technological abundance. Sasse speaks candidly and movingly about regret, forgiveness, prayer, and suffering—arguing that while death is a real enemy, it does not get the final word. Recorded on February 9, 2026.  Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Thomas Sowell delivers a sweeping critique of American education, affirmative action, and modern universities, drawing on his own life story—from Harlem classrooms to Ivy League institutions—decades of research, and hard data. Sowell argues that ideology has replaced knowledge and that well-intentioned policies often harm the very people they are meant to help. He explores intersecting issues of race, charter schools, universities, AI, and the future of American institutions—with his usual clarity, candor, and unmistakable intellectual force. Recorded on September 30, 2025. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Is math something humans invent—or something we discover? And why does it describe the universe so uncannily well? In this episode of Uncommon Knowledge, Peter Robinson sits down with mathematicians David Berlinski, Sergiu Klainerman, and Stephen Meyer to explore one of the deepest mysteries in science and philosophy: the reality of mathematics. From the simple certainty that 2 + 2 = 4 to the mind-bending mathematics behind black holes and quantum physics, the conversation asks why abstract numbers—created in the human mind—map so perfectly onto the physical world. Is mathematics purely logical, or does it point to a deeper structure of reality that isn't material at all? Along the way, the panel explores beauty in science, the “unreasonable effectiveness” of math, and whether the concept of materialism can really explain the world we live in. This wide-ranging discussion blends mathematics, physics, philosophy, and metaphysics into a fascinating conversation about truth, beauty, and the nature of reality itself.   Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Last show of the year! Today, we listened back to some highlights: Sof's kōrero with Georgia Arnold about her practice and solo exhibition Ritual at Melanie Roger Gallery in November Maya's kōrero with Sophie Greig about her practice and work in Provenance III at Ivan Anthony in September Sof's kōrero with Peter Robinson about Differences in kind and rhythm with Georgio Griffa at Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery in June  And Maya's kōrero with Tui Diprose about their solo exhibition Rituals at RM Gallery in June Thank you for listening this year

Pianist and conductor Ignat Solzhenitsyn reflects on growing up in exile as the son of Nobel laureate Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, moving from Soviet persecution to a quiet childhood in rural Vermont. Ignat recounts how music, faith, and Russian culture sustained his family far from home, how cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich helped set him on a musical path, and what it meant to carry a historic name while forging his own life between Russia and America. The conversation ranges from the moral legacy of his father's The Gulag Archipelago to the emotional power of Russian music, the meaning of freedom, and the enduring truth that the line between good and evil runs through every human heart. It's a deeply personal conversation on memory, exile, and the choices that shape a life. The episode concludes with Ignat at the piano performing a section from Bach's Cantata No. 208, Sheep May Safely Graze. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

For the second edition of the George P. Shultz Memorial Lecture Series, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, Hoover Institution Director Condoleezza Rice, and Hoover Senior Fellow Michael Boskin assemble for a wide-ranging conversation on the economic mind and legacy of George P. Shultz. From his early career as a labor economist at MIT and the University of Chicago to his battles in the White House cabinet over wage and price controls, the closing of the gold window, and inflation that defined the Nixon and Reagan eras, Shultz emerges as a rare figure who fused intellectual rigor with political pragmatism. The panel explores how his beliefs in free markets, personal integrity, and “trust as the coin of the realm” shaped his actions, from collective bargaining and desegregation to global diplomacy—right up to his famous economic tutorials for Mikhail Gorbachev in the Kremlin. This is a timely look at how one man's economic philosophy helped steer American policy for half a century. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Peter Robinson sits down at Yale University with the “dean of Cold War historians,” John Lewis Gaddis—Pulitzer Prize–winning biographer of Long Telegram author George F. Kennan and one of America's most influential thinkers on grand strategy. From the origins of the Cold War to the nuclear age, from Vietnam to détente, and from Ronald Reagan to Mikhail Gorbachev, Gaddis offers a masterclass in how nations think, plan, and learn from history. Gaddis explains why students today often have little grasp of the Cold War, how the atomic bomb reshaped global politics, why George Kennan predicted the Soviet collapse decades before it happened, and why détente faltered in the 1970s. He revisits the debates around Vietnam, assesses Ronald Reagan's strategic instincts, and reflects on how the Cold War ultimately ended. The discussion then turns forward: the future of American grand strategy, the challenges posed by China and Russia today, the tension between promoting democracy and maintaining global stability, and why understanding the past is essential for navigating the 21st century. Along the way, Gaddis shares stories of teaching grand strategy, the influence of the classics, his unexpected path from small-town Texas to Yale, and why he remains optimistic about the humanities—and about America. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

How does the Supreme Court really work—and how does one of its youngest justices balance life, law, and seven children? In this in-depth conversation, Justice Amy Coney Barrett discusses her new book, Listening to the Law: Reflections on the Court and the Constitution. Barrett explains the principles behind originalism, the Court's reasoning in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, and how the Court reached a decision in landmark cases like Casa de Maryland v. United States and handled a debate over the major questions doctrine. Barrett also opens up about her clerkship with Justice Antonin Scalia, how the Court builds consensus, why stare decisis matters, and how her faith and family life shape her character—but not her judicial reasoning. With the discussion ranging from the Warren Court to the Roberts Court, from Roe v. Wade to Dobbs, this is a very candid and illuminating conversation with a sitting Supreme Court justice. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

This special episode of Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson features our most requested guest: Hoover senior fellow and acclaimed economist and author Dr. Thomas Sowell. But rather than discussing Sowell's many books, this conversation explores the full arc of Sowell's life — from his childhood, along a dirt road in North Carolina, through his years in Harlem, the Marine Corps, Harvard, and ultimately to his long tenure at the Hoover Institution. Through rich storytelling and candid reflection, Sowell recounts his early struggles and triumphs: growing up in poverty yet surrounded by love, discovering books and ideas in a Harlem library, working his way through school and menial jobs, and eventually earning degrees from Harvard, Columbia, and the University of Chicago. Along the way, he shares how experience and evidence—not ideology—shaped his transformation from a young Marxist to one of America's most influential champions of free markets and individual responsibility. The interview reveals the wit, humility, and intellectual rigor behind the man who has spent decades challenging conventional wisdom. From tales of family and resilience to his enduring skepticism of government programs, Sowell's reflections illuminate a life defined by hard work, empirical reasoning, and independence of mind. This is Thomas Sowell's American story—told in his own words. Recorded on December 19, 2024. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Charles Murray's inquiries into social science have resulted in the publication of a number of the most important (and controversial) academic books of the past half-century. It's safe to say he enjoys complexity and taking a stand — and yet there's one big question that Mr. Murray spent half his life dismissing, and the second half marveling at without quite settling. Today, he sits down with Steve, Charlie and a visiting Peter Robinson to discuss his most personal work yet, the just-released Taking Religion Seriously.Plus, our trio of merry hosts basks in the Democrats' disarray and they take a closer look at the Supreme Court's hearing in the Callais case that will settle the contradictions between the 14th Amendment and Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.Sound clip from this week's open: Justice Brown Jackson spars with an attorney during the Callais v. Louisiana hearing.

Yale historian and memoirist Carlos Eire recounts his extraordinary journey from being an 11-year-old Cuban boy in Operation Peter Pan—sent to the United States to escape Fidel Castro's regime—to becoming a National Book Award–winning author and chaired professor at Yale. Eire discusses the painful separation from his family, the challenges of assimilation, and the lifelong tension between his Cuban and American identities, themes he explores in his acclaimed memoirs Waiting for Snow in Havana and Learning to Die in Miami. The conversation also delves into Eire's recent book They Flew: A History of the Impossible, which examines early modern testimonies of levitation, bilocation, and miracles, and how belief, culture, and skepticism shaped their reception. Eire also reflects on Cuban history, the failures of the Castro regime, the broader Hispanic experience in America, and the enduring clash between materialist skepticism and openness to mystery. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Yale historian and memoirist Carlos Eire recounts his extraordinary journey from being an 11-year-old Cuban boy in Operation Peter Pan—sent to the United States to escape Fidel Castro's regime—to becoming a National Book Award–winning author and chaired professor at Yale. Eire discusses the painful separation from his family, the challenges of assimilation, and the lifelong tension between his Cuban and American identities, themes he explores in his acclaimed memoirs Waiting for Snow in Havana and Learning to Die in Miami. The conversation also delves into Eire's recent book They Flew: A History of the Impossible, which examines early modern testimonies of levitation, bilocation, and miracles, and how belief, culture, and skepticism shaped their reception. Eire also reflects on Cuban history, the failures of the Castro regime, the broader Hispanic experience in America, and the enduring clash between materialist skepticism and openness to mystery. Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

Is humanity running out of people? Demographer and American Enterprise Institute scholar Nicholas Eberstadt joins Peter Robinson to explain why birthrates are collapsing across the globe—from China and Japan to Europe and the United States—and what this means for the future of prosperity, freedom, and global power. Can immigration save America? Will Africa remain the great exception? And is there any way to reverse the “baby bust”? Subscribe to Uncommon Knowledge at hoover.org/uk

August 15th, 2025 is the 80th anniversary of the surrender of the Japanese to Allied Forces in the Pacific, ending World War II . To mark the occasion, Peter Robinson sits down with Jonathan Horn and Ian Toll to examine the most contested decision of World War II: the use of atomic weapons against Japan. Building from the brutal endgame—Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and Curtis LeMay's incendiary raids—the conversation explores what leaders actually faced in mid-1945: a fanatical no-surrender ethos, mass civilian suffering across Asia, Allied casualty forecasts for an invasion, and the timing of the Soviet entry into the war. Horn and Toll probe the evidence and the arguments on both sides: claims that Hiroshima and Nagasaki were the quickest way to stop the killing versus the case for alternatives (continued blockade, demonstration blasts, waiting for Moscow's shock) and the later misgivings voiced by senior U.S. commanders. Along the way, they revisit MacArthur's return to the Philippines, the devastation of Manila, and Midway's pivotal shift from Japanese “fighting spirit” to American industrial might—context that frames the bomb debate not as a tidy thought experiment, but as a wartime choice among terrible options. The discussion concludes by contemplating how to teach this history—through people, decisions, and consequences—to generations for whom WWII is fast fading from living memory. Recorded on June 5th, 2025.

On today's episode, enjoy the second half of a discussion between philosopher of science Dr. Steven Meyer and synthetic organic chemist Dr. James Tour about the origin of life and the explanatory power of intelligent design. The conversation, hosted by Peter Robinson, transitions from the "dead end" of current origin of life research to the crucial concept of information. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Look for Part 1 in a separate episode. We're grateful to the producers of Uncommon Knowledge for permission to share this conversation here. Uncommon Knowledge is a production of the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Source

How did life originate? Does Darwin's theory of evolution have an answer for the origin of life? On this ID The Future, enjoy the first half of an insightful conversation between philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer and synthetic organic chemist Dr. James Tour as they unravel important issues around the origin of life. Dr. Tour is a professor at Rice University, renowned for his work in nanotechnology and his skepticism toward the current scientific models explaining the origin of life. Dr. Meyer is author of Darwin's Doubt: The Explosive Origin of Animal Life and the Case for Intelligent Design. The pair are interviewed by Peter Robinson, host of Uncommon Knowledge. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Look for Part 2 in a separate episode. Source

Was Woodrow Wilson a visionary statesman—or a reactionary bigot? Peter Robinson sits down with historian and former SEC Chairman Christopher Cox to discuss his latest book, Woodrow Wilson: The Light Withdrawn, Cox's meticulously researched biography of the 28th president of the United States. Together, they explore Wilson's complicated legacy: his towering achievements as a reformer and wartime leader and his deeply troubling record on race, gender, and civil rights. From his opposition to women's suffrage and his resegregation of the federal government to his embrace of the film, The Birth of a Nation, Cox reveals how Wilson's Southern upbringing and elitist worldview shaped both his presidency and progressivism itself. This conversation offers a sobering reappraisal of one of America's most consequential and controversial leaders—and asks what it means to judge historical figures by the standards of both their time and ours.

Need help with a negotiation? Text us and we'll feature your question on the show.In this episode, John Lowry sits down with Peter Robinson — former director of the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine — to explore the foundational skills every negotiator needs. Peter shares stories and lessons from decades of teaching and practicing negotiation around the world, emphasizing the power of empathy, self-awareness, and preparation. You'll learn how to uncover the real interests behind people's demands, manage expectations effectively, and avoid common mistakes—like negotiating on autopilot or giving away too much too soon. Whether you're navigating conflict, closing a deal, or just starting your negotiation journey, this conversation offers timeless wisdom and practical advice.Get My Newest Book: Negotiation Made SimpleSchedule a Live WorkshopSchedule a Private WorkshopGet Private Coaching from MeGain Access to My Online CourseFollow Me on LinkedIn

Has the Fed lost its way? Hoover Visiting Fellow Kevin Warsh thinks it has and offers solutions on how to fix it. Kevin Warsh is the Shepard Family Distinguished Visiting Fellow in Economics at the Hoover Institution, a partner at Duquesne Family Office LLC, the investment firm of Stanley Druckenmiller, a former governor at the Federal Reserve, and on the short list of candidates to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve.  In this conversation, Warsh offers a candid, in-depth critique of the US central bank's recent performance. Drawing on his firsthand experience during the 2008 financial crisis and his continuing work as a macro investor and Hoover Institution fellow, Warsh argues that the Fed has strayed from its core mandate of price stability. He discusses the dangers of inflation, the legacy of quantitative easing, and the institution's growing entanglement with fiscal policy. Along the way, Warsh revisits the insights of Milton Friedman, Paul Volcker, and Alan Greenspan, warns against institutional complacency, and outlines a vision of reform—not revolution—for the Fed. Despite the turbulence, Warsh remains bullish on America's economic future, driven by innovation, productivity, and the enduring dynamism of its people. Recorded on May 28, 2025.

Every Friday we pull a gem out of our archive for those who may not have enjoyed it yet. On today's ID the Future out of the vault, Oxford's John Lennox, Lehigh University's Michael Behe, and Darwin's Doubt author Stephen Meyer continue a probing conversation with host Peter Robinson on what they see as the growing evidence for intelligent design and the scientific and philosophical problems with Darwinian materialism. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. This interview appears on ID The Future with the kind permission of Peter Robinson and the Hoover Institution. Source

On today's ID the Future out of the vault, Uncommon Knowledge's Peter Robinson sits down with Michael Behe, John Lennox, and Stephen Meyer, three of the leading voices in science and academia on the case for an intelligent designer of life and the universe. In the first half of a wide-ranging conversation in Fiesole, Italy, they explore the growing problems with modern evolutionary theory and the increasing amount of evidence, uncovered by a rigorous application of the scientific method, that points to intentional design of the physical world. The conversation appears here with the generous permission of Peter Robinson and the Hoover Institution. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Source

In 1987 Uunied States President Ronald Reagan spoke at the Berlin Wall. In his speech he called on the leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev to "Tear down this wall". The famous words were met with applause and cheers by the large crowd of West Berliners who had lived in a divided city since 1961 when the wall was built. However, that phrase was very nearly omitted from the address. The speechwriter, Peter Robinson, tells Tim O'Callaghan what happened.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from football in Brazil, the history of the ‘Indian Titanic' and the invention of air fryers, to Public Enemy's Fight The Power, subway art and the political crisis in Georgia. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: visionary architect Antoni Gaudi and the design of the Sagrada Familia; Michael Jordan and his bespoke Nike trainers; Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal; and Görel Hanser, manager of legendary Swedish pop band Abba on the influence they've had on the music industry. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the time an Iraqi journalist hurled his shoes at the President of the United States in protest of America's occupation of Iraq; the creation of the Hollywood commercial that changed advertising forever; and the ascent of the first Aboriginal MP.(Photo: Ronald Reagan speaking outside the Berlin Wall and Brandenburg Gate in 1987, Credit: MIKE SARGENT/AFP via Getty Images)

Peter Robinson interviews Speaker of the House Mike Johnson about the contentious passage of the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping budget reconciliation measure crafted to implement core elements of the Trump agenda. Johnson defends the bill against criticism from Elon Musk and others, arguing it delivers historic tax cuts, $1.6 trillion in savings, and crucial investments in border security and national defense. The conversation delves into the arcane rules of Congress, the realities of leading a narrow majority, and the significance of the DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) effort—driven in part by Musk—to root out waste and fraud. Johnson positions the legislation not only as fiscally responsible but also as a turning point in restoring constitutional governance and federal oversight. Recorded on June 5, 2025.

Peter Robinson speaks with Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a former Stanford professor and epidemiologist, and the newly appointed director of the National Institutes of Health. Once labeled a “fringe epidemiologist” by the previous administration at NIH, he now leads the world's largest biomedical research agency and its $50 billion annual budget. Their conversation explores the structural flaws in America's public health institutions, including the replication crisis, the culture of scientific risk aversion, and the NIH's growing failure to address the rise of chronic disease. Dr. Bhattacharya outlines his vision for reform—emphasizing transparency, innovation, and restoring public trust in science. He also addresses the politics of scientific funding, the need for better vaccine evaluation standards, and the rationale behind the administration's new restrictions on gain-of-function research. It is a candid and thoughtful discussion with a scientist now tasked with reshaping the very system he was once attacked by. Recorded on May 21, 2025.

We're living in a new moment—one where truth is winning, normalcy is making a comeback, and the Left has finally overplayed its hand.In this best of episode of The Kevin Roberts Show, we revisit some of the most powerful conversations about the cultural realignment happening right now—from the role of artists and new media to […]

We're living in a new moment—one where truth is winning, normalcy is making a comeback, and the Left has finally overplayed its hand.In this best of episode of The Kevin Roberts Show, we revisit some of the most powerful conversations about the cultural realignment happening right now—from the role of artists and new media to the collapse of elite institutions and the spiritual hunger rising in America.Hear Andrew Klavan reflect on building conservative cultural infrastructure, John Rich on how pain awakened the American people, and Spencer Klavan on why the end of materialism may spark a revival. This episode is a roadmap for conservatives ready to press the advantage—and rebuild a culture rooted in truth, beauty, and freedom.

On this ID The Future, enjoy the concluding half of a remarkable and candid discussion on the limits of Darwinian evolution and the arguments for intelligent design. The conversation, recorded in 2019, is hosted by Peter Robinson for his program Uncommon Knowledge, and features philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer, mathematician and author Dr. David Berlinski, and Yale Professor of Computer Science Dr. David Gelernter. In Part 2, Stephen Meyer argues there's a "powerful signal of design" in nature. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation. Source

Does the math behind Darwinian evolution add up? On this ID The Future, host Andrew McDiarmid invites you to enjoy the first half of a remarkable and candid discussion about the limits of Darwinian evolution and the arguments for intelligent design. The conversation, originally recorded in 2019, is hosted by Peter Robinson for Uncommon Knowledge, and features philosopher of science Dr. Stephen Meyer, mathematician and author Dr. David Berlinski, and Yale Professor of Computer Science Dr. David Gelernter. In Part 1, the trio engage in an honest conversation about Darwin, his “brilliant and beautiful” theory, and why it's time to move past it. This is Part 1 of a two-part conversation. Source

Did you think Spoilers! was on the brink? Well, you were only half right! Join your favorite Soul-Podcasters as we talk about the classic 1998 DCOM movie Brink! ******* Andy "Brink" Brinker (Erik von Detten) is the leader of a group of inline skaters who disapprove of corporate sponsorship, believing that skating should be done for fun rather than profit. But when Brink's family starts having financial problems, he's forced to compromise his principles and join a sponsored team led by the arrogant Val (Sam Horrigan). Not knowing his motivation, Brink's friends are stunned by the decision and collectively shun him until the truth comes out. Initial release: August 29, 1998 Director: Greg Beeman Running time: 1h 39m Distributed by: Disney Channel, Disney–ABC Domestic Television Production companies: Fake-Reel Films; Mandeville Films Theme music composer: J. Peter Robinson

In this wide-ranging and richly entertaining conversation, novelist and political satirist Christopher Buckley joins Peter Robinson for a reflection on writing, legacy, friendship, and grace. From their early days as speechwriters for George H. W. Bush to Buckley's prolific career as an author of more than 20 books—including Thank You for Smoking and Steaming to Bamboola—the two longtime friends revisit the formative moments, literary inspirations, and unforgettable characters that shaped Buckley's life and work. Buckley offers sharp, often hilarious insight into the craft of satire, the absurdities of Washington politics, and the cultural shifts in American media and manners. The conversation also turns poignantly to Buckley's late parents, Patricia and William F. Buckley Jr., his transition from political fiction to historical novels, and the enduring influence of figures like Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush. Woven throughout is a deep appreciation for civility, wit, and the lost art of gentlemanly discourse—an ethos embodied by the towering figures of a previous generation, now honored in memory. With warmth and self-deprecating humor, Buckley closes the interview by discussing his father's typewriter (which Christopher has donated to the Hoover Institution Archives), on which William Buckley composed the National Review's formative mission statement: to “stand athwart history and yell stop”; and by reading from the epilogue of Steaming to Bamboola, offering a quietly moving meditation on departure and legacy. Recorded on March 13, 2025

Economist and author Thomas Sowell makes his long-awaited (and oft requested) return to Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson to unveil his newest project: a website titled Facts Against Rhetoric, a powerful resource dedicated to empirical thinking and intellectual clarity. In this interview, Sowell explores some of the most urgent issues in American life—from the collapse of educational standards to the unintended consequences of affirmative action, the impact of tariffs, and the erosion of family and cultural structures within Black communities. Drawing on a lifetime of scholarship and lived experience, Sowell revisits the remarkable but forgotten progress made by African Americans in the century following the Civil War, dismantles myths surrounding capitalism and inequality, and challenges dominant narratives in academia and media. With clarity, wit, and intellectual honesty, Sowell calls for a return to a culture that values facts over feelings—and results over intentions. Recorded on April 1, 2025 RELATED SOURCES: Facts Against Rhetoric by Thomas Sowell

Niall Ferguson, preeminent historian and Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, joins this episode of Uncommon Knowledge with Peter Robinson to discuss the war and ongoing stalemate in Ukraine; the Trump administration's foreign policy and negotiations with Russia; and the broader geopolitical landscape, including the shift in Europe's defense posture as the US signals a reduced commitment to NATO. Throughout the conversation, Ferguson explores historical analogies to better understand Ukraine's position, using comparisons to South Korea and South Vietnam. He discusses China's backing of Russia and its role in what he calls Cold War II, highlighting the long-term implications of this growing alliance. The discussion also covers the shock strategy deployed by Trump and Vice President JD Vance to pressure Europe into taking more responsibility for its own defense, a move that Ferguson believes has finally awakened European leaders to their countries' security needs. Beyond Ukraine, the conversation shifts to the larger economic and military vulnerabilities of the United States, particularly in relation to China. Ferguson argues that America is no longer in a position of overwhelming strength and draws parallels between the US today and Britain in the 1930s: both as declining empires facing an emboldened adversary. He warns that while Trump's realpolitik approach may be a necessary adaptation to America's strategic limitations, its success remains uncertain. The discussion ultimately raises the question of whether this strategy will prevent a major conflict or, conversely, accelerate the decline of American global primacy. Recorded on March 14, 2025