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Along with James Talarico, Graham Platner has become the signature figure of the 2026 Democrat push to retake the Senate, with a history of Nazi tattoos, repugnant Reddit comments, adultery, and more. The show dissects what he says about the Democrats of today. Bo and Gabe from TPUSA Frontlines give firsthand reporting on the left's siege of a New Jersey ICE facility. Dr. Rob Henderson discusses the fertility collapse, its causes, and whether it can be fixed, and Fox's Rachel Campos-Duffy shows off her new book celebrating America's 250th with an introduction by Erika Kirk. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Along with James Talarico, Graham Platner has become the signature figure of the 2026 Democrat push to retake the Senate, with a history of Nazi tattoos, repugnant Reddit comments, adultery, and more. The show dissects what he says about the Democrats of today. Bo and Gabe from TPUSA Frontlines give firsthand reporting on the left's siege of a New Jersey ICE facility. Dr. Rob Henderson discusses the fertility collapse, its causes, and whether it can be fixed, and Fox's Rachel Campos-Duffy shows off her new book celebrating America's 250th with an introduction by Erika Kirk. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we present a special bonus episode: a live conversation between author Rob Henderson, who famously coined the term luxury beliefs, and MLI Managing Director Brian Lee Crowley.The event was recorded in April 2026 before a live audience in Vancouver, as part of MLI's Voices That Inspire speaker series.In their conversation, Crowley and Henderson discuss the formative childhood experiences that led the author to his ideas about elite hypocrisy, Crowley asks whether discrediting the value of intact families is an example of a luxury belief, and Henderson reveals his views on the future of reading.
In this bonus episode, I spoke with Rob Henderson about the link between the decline in marriage rates and the decline in fertility rates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Matthew Browne, a high-profile advocate for pan-psychism, compels his reluctant co-host to endure a public struggle session on the topic of consciousness, hopefully for the last time.Supplementary Material 4900:00 Introduction02:47 Returning to the Emerald Isle03:44 Irish History Segment: The Titanic & Potato Famines10:45 McGilchrist Reflections12:51 Knowledge Fight has ended26:23 Podcasting Motivations34:37 Calibrated Expectations41:03 The Problem with the Patreon Members42:51 Shermer's Activist Skeptic Research47:24 Research on Support for Political Violence in the US54:35 Rob Henderson and Decorative Scholarship58:11 Ryan Holiday Stoically Flames MAGA01:04:41 Zuby and Motivated Reasoning01:07:15 Monocausal Explanations for Declining Birth Rates01:08:51 More credulity from Shermer01:10:25 Bryan Johnson and Testicular Optimisation01:14:41 Testicle Fixation Gurus01:15:24 Professor Jiang thinks Trump is Immortal01:19:57 When Dawkins Met Claude01:30:00 The Great Consciousness Debate of 202601:42:47 When Cladius met Claudia01:52:39 Chris's Concession01:54:23 Animal Minds and AI Consciousness01:56:31 Russell Brand vs Piers Morgan02:10:13 Thirsty Christian dunks on Dawkins02:13:18 Brand's Family's Response02:22:39 Hasan Piker is the one who knocks!02:27:44 Outro02:28:36 A final message of hope!LinksKnowledge Fight's Last Episode – The End of the RoadJordan's video on the OnionDan's blog on his next plansRob Henderson's thread promoting the Shermer Skeptic StudyPolarization Research Lab- Low levels of support for partisan violencePolarization Research Lab - Did the 2024 Election Change American Attitudes About Democracy?Ryan Holiday's response to the Shellenberger videoRyan Holiday responding to article that he is ‘fuming' at IvankaZuby's insights on Birth Rate DeclineVice article on the history of testicle transplants"Massive GRIFTER!" Piers Morgan Grills Russell Brand On Allegations, Prison, 'Truth' & ReligionUnHerd: When Claudia met Claudius- So are they really conscious?UnHerd: When Dawkins met Claude Could this AI be conscious?‘Professor' Jiang on Trump's ImmortalityMehdi Hasan dunking on Dawkins
In this bonus episode, Rob Henderson and I discussed a recent controversial New York Times podcast featuring Hasan Piker and Jia Tolentino speaking in defence of so-called 'microlooting' and other criminality. We spoke about the backlash to this episode and whether the Left is now pivoting away from peak-woke priorities like language policing and towards something more militant and more masculine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this bonus episode, Rob Henderson and I discussed Louis Theroux's manosphere documentary for Netflix.Discussed in the episode:MMM episode on ‘Adolescence'Peep Show, “I'm Louis Theroux, I'm Louis Theroux”‘When Louis met... Jimmy'Louis Theroux on Modern Wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Baz Richards chats with Peter Winterbottom MBE the former England rugby openside flanker (58 caps) about The 3 Amigos Night on the 16th March at Esher Theatre - Mike Teague, Dean Richards and Peter Winterbottom with the help of Ireland and Lions Legend 'host' Rob Henderson will be sharing the stories and experiences both on and off the pitch.
In this bonus episode, Rob Henderson and I discussed the legacy of Aaron Sorkin, and the end of the political era that his work represented.Discussed in the episode:Sorkin interviewed on the BBC.Rob's NYT piece on The West Wing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Get original articles, extended podcasts, and direct access to Blendr News on our Substack Channel: blendrnews.com-This episode is brought to you by The Tallowed Truth. Use promo code "Blendr" for 15% off:www.thetallowedtruth.com/blendr-In this episode of "The Blendr Report," Liam and Rob Henderson discuss:00:00 Understanding Social Status12:25 The Concept of Luxury Beliefs24:54 Envy and Its Role in Social Dynamics32:41 Collective Identity and Movements34:17 Elites and Aspirational Elites37:13 The Role of Ideology in Revolutions39:49 Dostoevsky's Insights on Radicalism44:59 The Nature of Hatred and Discontent49:10 Nietzsche and the Weaponization of Morality57:54 The Virtuous Victim Effect-Connect with Rob Henderson: X: @robkhendersonSubstack: substack.com/@robkhendersonRob's Book "Troubled": a.co/d/04hUtwOC-Follow BLENDR News:Twitter - @BlendrNewsInstagram - @blendr.report TikTok - @blendrnews-Follow Liam:Instagram - @liam.out.loudTwitter - @liam_out_loudYouTube - @liam-out-loud
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comAs I told Chuck Klosterman, I planned to do a pod on his Football book with non sports fan Rob Henderson. So what did our favorite sports agnostic intellectual think of such a deep dive into America's favorite game? Topics! Include!* When one's job is a bigger marker of identity than one's race* Is the NFL a more positive racial story than what gets relayed in media?* Why did conservative media know football was coming back during Covid?* Most retired NFL players have painful daily injuries. Most of the injured have no regrets* How does NFL culture deal with certain positions being higher/lower Wonderlic?* Libs are fine with young women doing Only Fans; Cons are fine with young NFL players damaging their brains* Rob Henderson is fascinated by the gender implications of how the WNBA reacted to Caitlin Clark* Why are NBA teammates rarely friends?* Rob is interested in why soccer is an elite sport in America but working class sport elsewhere* Rob and I both loved one particular passage in Klosterman's book about how his dad reacted to Doug Flutie's miracle play
Rob Henderson, Theodore Dalrymple, and Rafael Mangual examine the real drivers of antisocial behavior and crime—and the growing disconnect between policymakers and the communities most affected by violence. They explore how elite "luxury beliefs" shape public narratives around criminality, often minimizing harm while insulating decision-makers from the consequences of their ideas.
Megyn Kelly opens the show by discussing the feds arresting two alleged agitators in connection with the anti-ICE protest in a St. Paul church, the background of the women arrested, the charges they are facing, the chances of Don Lemon facing a similar fate, and more. Then Allie Beth Stuckey, host of "Relatable," joins to talk about the arrest of BLM activist Nekima Armstrong in connection with the St. Paul church protest, Don Lemon's role in the incident, what trouble he could find himself in legally, Megyn's bizarre encounter with a hostile man at the grocery store, how it connects with the disturbing mindset of the anti-ICE church protesters, why the incident should be a wake up call for Christians, and more. Plus, Rob Henderson, senior fellow of the Manhattan Institute, joins to discuss Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz encouraging anti-ICE protestors while standing outside his mansion, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani telling "The View" he supports abolishing ICE. Then MK True Crime host Phil Holloway joins to discuss a magistrate judge rejecting the effort by the Department of Justice to bring charges against Don Lemon for his involvement in the Minneapolis church protests, Mayor Jacob Frey's silence on the protests altogether until calling for Nekima Armstrong to be released, and more. Stuckey- https://x.com/conservmillenHenderson- https://www.robkhenderson.com/Subscribe to MK True Crime:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mk-true-crime/id1829831499Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4o80I2RSC2NvY51TIaKkJWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MKTrueCrime?sub_confirmation=1Social: http://mktruecrime.com ARMRA: go to https://tryarmra.com/MEGYN to get 30% off your first subscription orderDone with Debt: https://www.DoneWithDebt.com & tell them Megyn Kelly sent you!Paleovalley: Visit https://Paleovalley.com and use code MEGYN at checkout to get 20% off your first orderMelania: Go behind the scenes of power and precision—watch MELANIA, only in theaters January 30; get your tickets today! Follow The Megyn Kelly Show on all social platforms:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/MegynKellyTwitter: http://Twitter.com/MegynKellyShowInstagram: http://Instagram.com/MegynKellyShowFacebook: http://Facebook.com/MegynKellyShow Find out more information at:https://www.devilmaycaremedia.com/megynkellyshow Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In this bonus episode, I spoke with Rob Henderson about Jacob Savage's viral article in Compact on discrimination against white men in creative industries. Discussed in the episode:'The lost generation' - Compact Magazine'The vanishing white male writer' - Compact Magazine'The vanishing' - Tablet Magazine'The Daily' episode on media trust Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rob Henderson, known for coining the term "luxury beliefs," joins us to discuss his memoir Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. Rob shares his extraordinary path—from homelessness and the LA foster care system, to adoption in rural Northern California, to enlisting in the Air Force at 17, and eventually studying at Yale and Cambridge. Rob shares research that shows how childhood instability (more than poverty alone) shapes life outcomes; why the foster system is so under-resourced; how elite cultural narratives can unintentionally harm the very communities they claim to help; and how certain "status beliefs" spread through universities and media. We discuss the hypocrisy and social dynamics of campus ideology, the "Halloween costume controversy" at Yale, and why honest conversations about family structure, class, and social policy are so hard to have yet so critical for making real progress. Key themes and Quotes Luxury beliefs give status to the elite—and the costs are paid by people with the least power." Poverty alone doesn't predict failure. Instability does." The people most skeptical of family are usually the ones who grew up in intact families. "They live like it's the 1950s—and talk like it's the 1960s." "I benefited from structure, plan to give it to my kids—and publicly argue others shouldn't." "Elite students condemn capitalism on Monday and interview at Goldman Sachs on Wednesday." "If your beliefs cost you nothing, they're probably luxury beliefs." Foster Care / Instability Truths "You don't need the worst childhood to feel the damage of instability." Privilege / Backlash Lines "Telling struggling kids they're privileged doesn't create compassion—it creates resentment." "If your only options are self-flagellation or rebellion, don't be surprised when kids choose rebellion." https://www.sarahhurwitz.net Check out our website: https://meantforyoupod.com Reach out to us: meantforyoupod@gmail.com Follow us on IG If you enjoyed this episode, you may like these conversations: Brandy Shufutinsky on the Marxist Roots of Ethic Studies Your School's Ethic Studies Curriculum with Monica Harris from FAIR For ALL Key Topics + Timeline 01:00–02:13 – Why labels like "privileged/unprivileged" flatten real life; every story is individual 04:15 – Rob explains who he wrote the book for: the typical educated reader + the kid in chaos who needs hope 07:30–12:00 – Rob's "three names" origin story: biological parents, homelessness, foster care, adoption 11:16 – Red Bluff, CA: family fragmentation, addiction, instability in a working-class town 12:40–16:30 – Foster-care policy: frequent moves to avoid attachment; "least bad option" dilemmas 18:15 – Why foster care gets little attention (and why stories are painful to face) 19:00–23:30 – What made Rob "successful": curiosity + the military as structure, mentors, and environment shift 25:17–29:46 – Research distinction: harshness (poverty) vs instability (unpredictability) as predictors 27:38 – Striking stats: college graduation rates—poor kids vs foster kids (as cited by Rob) 32:10–36:52 – "Luxury beliefs": elites "walk the 50s, talk the 60s"; the social mechanism of cultural messaging 39:18 – After-school programs, screens, and class gaps in supervision/structure 41:39–46:20 – Luxury beliefs as social currency: status signaling through "virtue" positions (white privilege, defund police) 46:20–53:21 – Ethnic studies curricula + backlash: why telling struggling kids they're "privileged" can fuel resentment 57:46–01:02:27 – Yale 2015 Halloween controversy + the irony of Rob being told he's "too privileged" 01:03:00–01:07:07 – Veblen → Bourdieu → Henderson: from luxury goods to cultural capital to luxury beliefs 01:09:09–01:11:18 – Careerism + hypocrisy: condemning institutions while competing to join them 01:11:18–01:15:45 – Post–Oct 7 campus protests; when beliefs meet real consequences 01:15:45–01:18:03 – Hope for higher education: reform, alternatives, and "you don't have to go to college" 01:18:03–01:20:27 – Why the story resonates beyond foster care; instability, immigration, divorce, loneliness
The MSM is getting coal this Christmas. Santa's last straw: a recent Washington Post story that attempted to portray DC National Guard ambush suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal as a struggling Afghan immigrant weighed down by job issues and post-war stress. Despite their years-long insistence to “trust the experts” the media immediately changed their tune once Trump returned to the White House. Suddenly, major outlets are eager to decry the FDA's demands for a science-based approval process of vaccines, post headlines defending criminals, and publish countless paragraphs speculating about the President's health (Biden excluded, of course). Curtis Houck is the Managing Editor of NewsBusters. He previously served as a news analyst for the Media Research Center's News Analysis Division, covering network evening newscasts, primetime cable shows, and late-night programs. Follow at https://x.com/CurtisHouck Rob Henderson is the author of “Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class”. His work explores social class and human behavior and has earned praise from public figures including Jordan Peterson and Vice President J.D. Vance. Follow at https://x.com/robkhenderson Dr. Chloe Carmichael is a clinical psychologist and author of “Can I Say That?: Why Free Speech Matters and How to Use It Fearlessly” and “Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety”. She serves on the Women's Health Magazine Advisory Board and is a USA Today bestselling author. Follow at https://x.com/drchloe_ 「 SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 」 • AUGUSTA PRECIOUS METALS – Thousands of Americans are moving portions of their retirement into physical gold & silver. Learn more in this 3-minute report from our friends at Augusta Precious Metals: https://drdrew.com/gold or text DREW to 35052 • FATTY15 – The future of essential fatty acids is here! Strengthen your cells against age-related breakdown with Fatty15. Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit Subscription at https://drdrew.com/fatty15 • PALEOVALLEY - "Paleovalley has a wide variety of extraordinary products that are both healthful and delicious,” says Dr. Drew. "I am a huge fan of this brand and know you'll love it too!” Get 15% off your first order at https://drdrew.com/paleovalley • VSHREDMD – Formulated by Dr. Drew: The Science of Cellular Health + World-Class Training Programs, Premium Content, and 1-1 Training with Certified V Shred Coaches! More at https://drdrew.com/vshredmd • THE WELLNESS COMPANY - Counteract harmful spike proteins with TWC's Signature Series Spike Support Formula containing nattokinase and selenium. Learn more about TWC's supplements at https://twc.health/drew 「 ABOUT THE SHOW 」 Ask Dr. Drew is produced by Kaleb Nation (https://kalebnation.com) and Susan Pinsky (https://twitter.com/firstladyoflove). This show is for entertainment and/or informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Executive Producers • Kaleb Nation - https://kalebnation.com • Susan Pinsky - https://x.com/firstladyoflove Content Producer & Booking • Emily Barsh - https://x.com/emilytvproducer Hosted By • Dr. Drew Pinsky - https://x.com/drdrew Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Manhattan Institute's Rob Henderson shares his extraordinary journey from the chaos of the foster care system to becoming one of the leading voices on human nature, social class, and culture. He joined Rep. Crenshaw to break down the roots of America's growing crisis of meaning—especially among young men—and explore why childhood instability, not poverty, drives so many social outcomes. They dig into the failures of the foster system, the erosion of family structure, the search for purpose, and how discipline, responsibility, and strong values can rebuild the foundation of American society. Rob Henderson is the best-selling author of "Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class." He is a Senior Fellow at Manhattan Institute. Find him on X at @robkhenderson.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.louiseperry.co.ukIn this bonus episode, Rob Henderson and I spoke about sexual politics and education. Do men care about whether a potential wife has a degree? Is university the best place to find a spouse? And was ‘Princeton Mom' right? Discussed in the episode:* https://x.com/Rich_Cooper/status/1989676504880386558* https://x.com/sentientist/status/1991591912881680859?s=46… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this episode, I unpack the question - could much of the frustration and difficulty in dating and mating be attributed to (at least in part) to hyper-elite women practicing what is known as ‘Reproductive Suppression'?Vogue published an article titled ‘Is Having a Boyfriend Lame?' Which prompted Rob Henderson to put forth his hypothesis about Reproductive Suppression in this brilliant piece titled ‘Girl Boss Gatekeeping' - https://www.robkhenderson.com/p/girlb... I draw on research from Rob Henderson and Dr. Dani Sulikowski as I break down female intragroup conflict and why all the body positivity, you don't need a man, and red flag culture that seems like it's in solidarity with women might actually be a covert strategy to keep women from finding mates.Listen in to learn about how high-status females (including chimps) keep low-status females away from mates, how modern tech amplifies ‘aspirational' lifestyles, why rom-coms feel like castration for men, how dark-triad traits correlate with anti-natalism, and much more.This one is an evolutionary psychology nerding out episode - enjoy!TIMESTAMPS:00:53 —Intro 01:03 —One on one coaching spots03:15 — The Question of Elite Women as "Mean Girls"05:00 — The Proximate and Ultimate Reasons for Elite Women's Behavior06:16 — Intergroup Conflict and Covert Passive Aggression in Women 07:36 — Unconscious Competitive Strategy to Keep Women from Mates 10:12 — Girl Boss, Body Positivity, & Female Entitlement 13:16 — Technology, Consumerism, and the Tornado of Reproductive Suppression14:37 — Heartbreak of Women Who Prioritised Career Over Family 17:00 — Reproductive Sabotage: Disrupting Women's Mating Preferences 18:01 — Demonising Traditional Masculine Traits & Rom-Com Castration20:50 — Proximate vs. Ultimate Summary & Lying to Women21:58 — Elite Women's Access to Resources and Protection23:55 — Male Envy and Psychopathic Insanity 24:50 — Dark Triad Traits and Lack of Introspection25:52 — The Frustration of double standards27:16 — Historical Examples: Elizabeth Cady Stanton & Victoria Woodhull 28:54 — The Narrative of Oppression vs. Reality for Elite Women 29:57 — The Twisting of Pain into Man Envy (Betty Friedan) 31:17 — Conclusion & Call to Action for Harmony32:24 — Outro___________________________If you found some value today then help me spread the word! Share this episode with a friend or leave a review. This helps the podcast grow.You can also watch the episodes on youtube hereFollow me on Instagram @anyashakhYou can book a discovery call at https://anyashakh.com/mentorship
Pastors across America are reporting real surges in attendance, interest, and spiritual energy the past two months, and it all goes back to one cause: The immense inspiration and example provided by Charlie Kirk's heroic life and martyrdom. Pastors Greg Laurie and Lucas Miles talk about the Charlie revival. Plus, Charlie's final long-form interview guest, Rob Henderson, returns to discuss the election of Zohran Mamdani and how he reflects the "luxury beliefs" of higher-income New Yorkers. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rob Henderson holds a PhD in psychology from the University of Cambridge and is a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. When did having a boyfriend become cringe? For as long as men have been men and women have been women, finding a partner to share life with has been one of humanity's oldest goals. So what changed? Why has wanting connection become something to mock, and what can be done to reverse it Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Get Free Travel Packs, Free Liquid Vitamin D, and more from AG1 at https://ag1.info/modernwisdom Get up to $50 off the RP Hypertrophy App at https://rpstrength.com/modernwisdom Get 60% off an annual plan of Incogni at https:/incogni.com/modernwisdom Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode is presented by Create A Video – Rob Henderson's piece on luxury beliefs as status symbols helps explain the rise of socialist Zohran Mamdani and his election as Mayor of New York City. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePetePod.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code! Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.comGet exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pastors across America are reporting real surges in attendance, interest, and spiritual energy the past two months, and it all goes back to one cause: The immense inspiration and example provided by Charlie Kirk's heroic life and martyrdom. Pastors Greg Laurie and Lucas Miles talk about the Charlie revival. Plus, Charlie's final long-form interview guest, Rob Henderson, returns to discuss the election of Zohran Mamdani and how he reflects the "luxury beliefs" of higher-income New Yorkers. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Only a few days before his death, Charlie recorded a long interview with writer Rob Henderson about the idea of "luxury beliefs": Foolish ideas that elites embrace precisely because they are insulated from the consequences of believing them. They talk about Zohran Mamdani as the avatar of luxury beliefs, the "success sequence" that can bring people out of poverty, the "Dark Triad," and more. It's a wide-ranging conversation that touches many of the themes Charlie cared about most in his life. Check out Rob's book "Troubled" at https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Troubled/Rob-Henderson/9781982168537 Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Only a few days before his death, Charlie recorded a long interview with writer Rob Henderson about the idea of "luxury beliefs": Foolish ideas that elites embrace precisely because they are insulated from the consequences of believing them. They talk about Zohran Mamdani as the avatar of luxury beliefs, the "success sequence" that can bring people out of poverty, the "Dark Triad," and more. It's a wide-ranging conversation that touches many of the themes Charlie cared about most in his life. Check out Rob's book "Troubled" at https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Troubled/Rob-Henderson/9781982168537 Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's no secret that young men are sort of unwell. They are four times more likely to kill themselves, three times more likely to struggle with addiction, and 12 times more likely to be incarcerated than women. If that weren't enough, record numbers of men are not getting married, not dating, not enrolling in school or working, and struggling with serious mental health issues. In response, a cottage industry has emerged—full of influencers and paid courses claiming to teach young men how to become “high value.” But there seems to be a deeper intractable challenge: Young people lack meaning. Fifty-eight percent of young adults say they've experienced little or no sense of purpose in their lives over the past month. Shilo Brooks has a simple idea for all of it. He's telling young men—and really, all young people—to read. Yes, read. The idea is simple: Reading great books can make stronger and better men. He knows he's facing an uphill battle: Reading for pleasure among American adults has dropped 40 percent in the past 20 years. In 2022, only 28 percent of men read a fiction book, compared to 47 percent of women—a 19-point gap. Shilo doesn't have the stereotypical profile for a “lit boy,” as Gen Z might describe him. He's from a small town in Texas and has a thick Southern drawl. When he was a baby, his stepfather stole his mother's savings, leaving them with nothing. And he almost didn't go to college because he couldn't afford it. But today, Shilo is president and CEO of the George W. Bush Presidential Center and Professor of Practice in the Department of Political Science at Southern Methodist University. He has also taught at Princeton, the University of Virginia, the University of Colorado, and Bowdoin College. His prescription is simple. Shilo says: “Great works of literature are entertaining, but they are not mere entertainment. A great book induces self-examination and spiritual expansion. When a man is starved for love, work, purpose, money, or vitality, a novel wrestling with these themes can be metabolized as energy for the heart. When a man suffers from addiction, divorce, self-loathing, or vanity, his local bookstore can become his pharmacy.” This is the driving vision of the new podcast he just launched with The Free Press, called Old School, where he talks to guests about the books that shaped their lives: Fareed Zakaria on The Great Gatsby, Nick Cave on The Adventures of Pinocchio, Richard Dawkins on P.G. Wodehouse novels. Then there's Coleman Hughes, Ryan Holiday, Rob Henderson, and so much more. Think of it like a boy's book club that anyone can enjoy. So, here's what you'll hear today: a conversation between Bari and Shilo about this project, and how it fulfills the desperate needs of a lost generation. Subscribe to Old School with Shilo Brooks. The Free Press earns a commission from any purchases made through all book links in this article. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.louiseperry.co.ukIn this bonus episode, I spoke with Rob Henderson about the ‘Great Feminisation Hypothesis'. Discussed in the episode:https://www.compactmag.com/article/the-great-feminization/
Why are so many young people struggling with mental health? Abigail Shrier, Rob Henderson, and Brian Anderson explore the roots of the crisis and examine the roles played by mental health professionals, shifting parenting styles, the influence of schools, and social media. Their conversation underscores the value of authoritative parenting, the importance of setting high expectations, and the need for parents to take a more active role in their children's development within a culture increasingly shaped by therapeutic narratives.
In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion about the government shutdown and its impact on federal workers, with Max Stier – President & CEO of the Partnership for Public Service. Then, Retired Army Colonel Peter Mansoor – now a military historian at Ohio State University - discusses President Trump and Secretary Hegseth's speech to generals earlier this week. Finally, a conversation with Rob Henderson of the Manhattan Institute on combating political extremism in the U.S. -- and why some young men are increasingly being radicalized online. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does Eric Adams's exit from the 2025 mayoral race mean for New York City's political future? Rob Henderson, Nicole Gelinas, John Ketcham, and Rafael Mangual assess how the sitting mayor's withdrawal reshapes the race for City Hall and analyze the strategies of remaining contenders Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa. They discuss the key issues shaping voter priorities, from crime and public safety to housing affordability. They also explore the controversy surrounding the Democratic Socialists of America's support for convicted cop killer Assata Shakur, who died on Thursday.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.louiseperry.co.ukIn this bonus episode, Rob Henderson and I spoke about downward social mobility and the political instability generated by elite over-production. We also discussed the status anxiety motivating the MAGA movement, whether Mars colonisation would relieve political tension, the role of downward social mobility in the industrial revolution, and why white el…
A conversation with Rob Henderson — Air Force veteran, psychologist, and author of the New York Times bestseller "Troubled". In this episode:Rob's journey from foster care to Cambridge and lessons about status, envy, and human natureThe psychology of envy and jealousy - from Julius Caesar's assassination to modern politicsDifference between dominance and prestige in human behaviorWhy envy is one of the most powerful yet unacknowledged human emotionsHow these dynamics shape personal relationships and societyWhy men are drawn to history and the Great Man theoryWhat academia misses in its focus on present-day issuesLuxury beliefs, status games, and why successful people downplay hard workAttention spans in the digital age and effects of TikTok and short-form mediaWhy biographies and long-form stories matter for character developmentHow reading about great and troubled historical figures helped Rob navigate teenage hardshipInsights on history, psychology, and the hidden forces shaping societySubscribe to the Cost of Glory newsletter for detailed maps, images, and analysis of this pivotal moment in ancient history: https://costofglory.substack.com/Get in touch at:Website: https://costofglory.comX: https://x.com/costofglory
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.houseofstrauss.comSubscriber CJ sent me the following email:Good Evening Ethan,I've got a potential podcast suggestion given current events: Rob HendersonCancel culture reversalCensorship and self censorship changesVibe shiftSpeech and debate on campusesYoung menAlso Rob met and recorded a never (or likely never) to release podcast with Charlie Kirk before his passing. Might would have some insights or thoughts to share regarding him.Just a thought, I've enjoyed y'all's conversations in the past and think it could be a good chat that has some new and revisited topics with updated lenses.I'm nothing if not sensitive to subscribers, so I reached out right away to the great Rob Henderson. Our conversation mirrors that topic list and it is a good one. Thank you, CJ.
Why are so many young men becoming radicalized online? Rob Henderson, Carolyn Gorman, and Isabella Redjai examine the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk and the radicalization of his alleged killer, Tyler Robinson. They explore how social media and college campuses influence political beliefs and discuss the growing epidemic of loneliness and isolation. The conversation also addresses the normalization of violence and the blurred line between mental illness and political extremism, and what these disturbing trends might signal for the future.
Author Rob Henderson joins The Winston Marshall Show to dissect America's deepening political divide.From the shocking murder of Charlie Kirk to the refusal of Democrats in Congress to honor his death, Henderson explores how anger has tipped into hatred — fueling a climate where political violence is no longer unthinkable. He distinguishes between anger as bargaining, and hatred as wishing opponents didn't exist, warning of a dangerous escalation.Drawing on his work in psychology, Henderson explains the “dark triad” — narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy — and how social media rewards these traits, amplifying extremism online. He considers how the lack of a common enemy after the Cold War and 9/11 has turned Americans inward, seeing each other as the threat.From immigration battles and “luxury beliefs” among elites, to the gender divide in politics, marriage, and the rise of anti-natalist ideology — Henderson maps out how cultural and psychological fault lines are remaking American life.Can the US pull back from the brink of hatred-fueled politics?-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------To see more exclusive content and interviews consider subscribing to my substack here: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA:Substack: https://www.winstonmarshall.co.uk/X: https://twitter.com/mrwinmarshallInsta: https://www.instagram.com/winstonmarshallLinktree: https://linktr.ee/winstonmarshall----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Chapters 0:00 Introduction 1:53 Political Division and Emotional Dynamics 14:04 Historical Context and Social Media's Role 16:35 Dark Triad Traits and Political Violence 27:54 Gender Divide and Political Preferences 41:09 Immigration and Elite Ideologies 54:03 Downward Mobility and Radical Politics 59:36 Education and Historical Amnesia 1:11:54 Final Thoughts and Future Outlook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Dr. Rob Henderson is a psychologist, writer, and U.S. Air Force veteran who coined the term “luxury beliefs.” Raised in foster care, he went on to earn a PhD from the University of Cambridge and now writes for major outlets on class, culture, and human behavior. His memoir, Troubled, explores his personal journey and the impact of social class on identity and opportunity.In our conversation we discuss:(00:00) – Luxury beliefs defined(03:10) – Modern examples of beliefs(09:11) – Changes across history(15:52) – Where luxury beliefs fit(17:04) – Skin in the game(18:59) – Consequences of status over truth(22:50) – Cancel culture and enforcement(24:44) – Decline of religion and identity(28:27) – Turning to politics for meaning(31:08) – Cultural differences in status signaling(37:08) – Pressure on young people(42:42) – Men attracting women today(46:09) – Exclusion in dating(50:40) – Polygamy as a luxury belief(52:53) – Purpose for young men(56:59) – Self-improvement before relationships(58:47) – Imposter syndrome experienceLearn more about Rob HendersonInstagram - @robkhenderson Newsletter - https://www.robkhenderson.com/Watch full episodes on: https://www.youtube.com/@seankimConnect on IG: https://instagram.com/heyseankim
This week, I welcome back Rob Henderson, the social psychologist, author, and commentator who coined the concept of luxury beliefs: ideas that confer status on the upper class while inflicting real costs on lower-income communities. Rob was last here in early 2024 discussing his memoir, Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, which chronicles his journey through California's foster system to the Air Force, and onward to Yale and Cambridge. In this conversation, we explore what he's been thinking about since the book's release—particularly the so-called “mating crisis,” why many young people delay or avoid partnerships and family, and what that means for the future. We also dissect the emergence of Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral hopeful who, according to Rob (and I would concur), embodies luxury beliefs in action. Finally, Rob answers questions from Substack readers. Rob will be a speaker at our Unspeakeasy Small Gathering for Big Ideas weekend, October 11-12 in New York City. Programming and ticketing info here. GUEST BIO Rob Henderson is the author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. He grew up in foster homes in Los Angeles and in the rural town of Red Bluff, California. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen, he subsequently attended Yale on the GI Bill and was then awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a PhD in psychology in 2022. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and his Substack newsletter is sent each week to more than 70 thousand subscribers. HOUSEKEEPING
This week, I welcome back Rob Henderson, the social psychologist, author, and commentator who coined the concept of luxury beliefs: ideas that confer status on the upper class while inflicting real costs on lower-income communities. Rob was last here in early 2024 discussing his memoir, Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, which chronicles his journey through California's foster system to the Air Force, and onward to Yale and Cambridge. In this conversation, we explore what he's been thinking about since the book's release—particularly the so-called “mating crisis,” why many young people delay or avoid partnerships and family, and what that means for the future. We also dissect the emergence of Zohran Mamdani, the New York City mayoral hopeful who, according to Rob (and I would concur), embodies luxury beliefs in action. Finally, Rob answers questions from Substack readers. Rob will be a speaker at our Unspeakeasy Small Gathering for Big Ideas weekend, October 11-12 in New York City. Programming and ticketing info here. GUEST BIO Rob Henderson is the author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. He grew up in foster homes in Los Angeles and in the rural town of Red Bluff, California. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen, he subsequently attended Yale on the GI Bill and was then awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a PhD in psychology in 2022. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute, and his Substack newsletter is sent each week to more than 70 thousand subscribers. Want to hear the whole conversation? Upgrade your subscription here. HOUSEKEEPING
Rob Henderson is the best-selling author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class. He grew up in foster homes in Los Angeles and in the rural town of Red Bluff, California. After enlisting in the U.S. Air Force at the age of seventeen, he subsequently attended Yale on the GI Bill and was then awarded the Gates Cambridge Scholarship to study at the University of Cambridge, where he obtained a PhD in psychology in 2022. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Rob's writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Boston Globe, among other outlets, and his Substack newsletter is sent each week to more than 70 thousand subscribers.FOLLOW: @robkhendersonhttps://substack.com/@robkhenderson?utm_source=global-searchIn this thought-provoking episode, Kelsi Sheren sits down with Rob Henderson to explore the concept of "luxury beliefs"—ideas and opinions that confer status on the affluent while imposing costs on the less fortunate. Delve into how these beliefs shape societal norms and policies, often leaving the most vulnerable to bear the consequences. Through engaging dialogue, Rob shares insights from his personal journey and research, challenging listeners to reconsider the impact of their own beliefs. Tune in for a compelling discussion on the intersection of privilege, policy, and social responsibility.Substack: https://substack.com/@kelsisheren - - - - - - - - - - - -SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS - - - - - - - - - - - -RHO Nutrition - Code: KELSI20 - https://rhonutrition.com/KELSIKetone IQ- 30% off with code KELSI - https://ketone.com/KELSIGood Livin- 20% off with code KELSI - https://www.itsgoodlivin.com/?ref=KELSIBrass & Unity - 20% off with code UNITY - http://brassandunity.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -SHOPB&U Jewelry & Eyewear: https://brassandunity.com - - - - - - - - - - - - -Follow #thekelsisherenperspective- - - - - - - - - - - - -CHARITYHeroic Hearts Project - https://www.heroicheartsproject.orgAll Secure Foundation - http://allsecurefoundation.orgDefenders of Freedom -https://www.defendersoffreedom.usBoot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.louiseperry.co.ukIn this bonus episode, Rob Henderson and I spoke about Sydney Sweeney's ad for American Eagle – why has it been so controversial? What does the response tell us about intrasexual competition? Does this indicate a political pivot in popular culture? And why did so many companies embrace the spirit of 2020 in the first place?
Charles Fain Lehman, John Ketcham, Jesse Arm, and Rob Henderson discuss Chicago's pension system and Illinois governor J. B. Pritzker's presidential aspirations, the rising political divide between men and women, and the news that Sydney Sweeney is a registered Republican.
Zohran Mamdani's primary win in the NYC mayoral run shocked many, who wondered why people would support a candidate with so many poorly thought out policy proposals. What is the explanation for the enduring popularity of socialism—particularly among the young and very privileged? In this episode, Meghan Murphy speaks with Rob Henderson about these questions and more, including what the future holds for Gen Z and the secret to enduring relationships. Rob Henderson is the author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class.The Same Drugs is on X @thesamedrugs_. Meghan Murphy is on X @meghanemurphy and on Instagram @meghanemilymurphy. Find The Same Drugs merch at Fourthwall. Support this podcast with a donation!
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.louiseperry.co.ukIn this bonus episode, I spoke with Rob Henderson about expensive weddings, the unexpected consequences of abortion decriminalisation, whether or not hunter gatherers are happier than modern Westerners, and why we should all consider giving up mirrors next Lent.
Charles Fain Lehman, Ilya Shapiro, Rob Henderson, and Neetu Arnold discuss the anti-Israel attack in Boulder, Elon Musk and DOGE, and branded products.
Rob Henderson's dad walked out when Rob was an infant. Not long after, Rob's drug-addicted mother placed him into the foster care system and a near-constant cycle of neglect and displacement. According to his 2024 book, 'Troubled', Rob lived in nine different foster homes before his 8th birthday. This takes a toll on a kid, as Rob's memoir reveals. “By the time I was four or five, my emotions had gone underground,” he writes about the self-preservation defense that kicked in amidst the chaos. So, it probably wouldn't surprise you that Rob was drinking before he was six years old, doing drugs at twelve, getting into fights, committing vandalism, and harboring little hope for a future beyond high school. What will surprise you is that, despite all the trauma, Rob eventually graduated from Yale and earned a PhD from University of Cambridge. Yes, that Cambridge—the one in England.Subscribe to Paul's Substack here: http://words.paulollinger.comFollow Rob Henderson on Substack here: https://substack.com/@robkhenderson/likes This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit words.paulollinger.com/subscribe
He was drinking by age five, shuffled through ten foster homes, and emotionally shut down by the time most kids are starting kindergarten — yet Rob Henderson clawed his way from chaos to Cambridge. In this powerful episode, Rob, author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, shares his incredible journey from trauma and addiction to earning a PhD from Cambridge University. He opens up about childhood instability, military discipline, elite university culture, and his groundbreaking concept of “luxury beliefs”—status-signaling values held by the privileged that often harm the poor. This conversation is raw, eye-opening, and packed with insights about resilience, class, and what truly shapes success. Check out Robs Substack: https://www.robkhenderson.com/ Check out Pauls Book: http://paulollinger.com/the-book
Charles Fain Lehman, Jesse Arm, John Ketcham, and Rob Henderson discuss New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's latest proposal, an HHS review of medical interventions for children with gender dysphoria, and why taking advice from younger generations is never a good idea.
Rob Henderson holds a PhD in psychology from the University of Cambridge and is a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Who holds the power in modern dating? With growing gender divides and political polarization, it's no wonder dating feels harder than ever. So, how did we get here, and what's the way forward? Expect to learn why political division between the sexes has grown so wide, if this is a reaction to the growing sex ratio imbalance of socioeconomically successful women compared to men, why so many men are dealing with ED and if men are to blame for women not being able to orgasm, the traits that predicts relationship satisfaction, what psychology teach us about how to choose a good partner and much more… Sponsors: See discounts for all the products I use and recommend: https://chriswillx.com/deals Get a Free Sample Pack of all LMNT Flavours with your first purchase at https://drinklmnt.com/modernwisdom Get a 20% discount & free shipping on Manscaped's shavers at https://manscaped.com/modernwisdom (use code MODERNWISDOM20) Get a 20% discount on Nomatic's amazing luggage at https://nomatic.com/modernwisdom Extra Stuff: Get my free reading list of 100 books to read before you die: https://chriswillx.com/books Try my productivity energy drink Neutonic: https://neutonic.com/modernwisdom Episodes You Might Enjoy: #577 - David Goggins - This Is How To Master Your Life: https://tinyurl.com/43hv6y59 #712 - Dr Jordan Peterson - How To Destroy Your Negative Beliefs: https://tinyurl.com/2rtz7avf #700 - Dr Andrew Huberman - The Secret Tools To Hack Your Brain: https://tinyurl.com/3ccn5vkp - Get In Touch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriswillx Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/chriswillx YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/modernwisdompodcast Email: https://chriswillx.com/contact - Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Rob Henderson is a developmental psychologist, author of the New York Times bestseller Troubled and columnist for the Free Press and the Boston Globe.In this episode of World of DaaS, Rob and Auren discuss:How elites exploit the poor with luxury beliefsThe vital importance of marriage for upward mobilityThe conspiracy behind useless college degreesThe “late bloomers” phenomenonLooking for more tech, data and venture capital intel? Head to worldofdaas.com for our podcast, newsletter and events, and follow us on X @worldofdaas. You can find Auren Hoffman on X at @auren and on X at @robkhenderson. Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
Are "luxury beliefs" destroying family values? Rob Henderson exposes how elite intellectuals critique the nuclear family without experiencing its consequences. From foster care to Harvard, he reveals a shocking double standard: those benefiting most from traditional family structures are often the first to undermine them. In this discussion, let's challenge the modern narrative that "all family structures are equal" and explore the real-world impact of these convenient, consequence-free beliefs. Discover how virtue signaling hurts the most vulnerable in society. ___________________ Ready to provide your children with moral clarity? Join us at https://hifam.com/studio to develop confident, value-driven parenting.