Best Connors Institute Podcasts (2025)

1
ASPI's Justin Bassi on the latest 'Cost of Defence' report 21:32

17h ago21:32

21:32

ASPI this week released our annual Cost of Defence report, which assesses how Australia’s investment in defence matches the strategic challenges the nation faces. In this special episode, ASPI’s executive director Justin Bassi runs through some of the key points of the report: how much we need to be spending, how fast, and on which capabilities. Th…

1
AI expert Connor Leahy on superintelligence and the threat of human extinction 52:00

1d ago52:00

52:00

Many of the brightest minds in artificial intelligence believe models that are smarter than a human in every way will be built within a few years. Whether it turns out to be two years or 10, the changes will be epoch-making. Life will never be the same. Today’s guest Connor Leahy is one of many AI experts who believe that far from ushering in an er…

1
Ep. 46: Wafra's Adel Alderbas on Building Capital Constellation and the Future of GP Staking 37:40

4d ago37:40

37:40

On this episode of the Going Long Podcast, Sarah Williamson welcomes Adel Alderbas, Chief Investment Officer of Wafra, to discuss how the firm is redefining the landscape of alternatives and pioneering new investment models that benefit both asset owners and emerging managers. For listeners interested in the intersection of long-term investing, alt…

1
Nathalie Tocci on the birth of a new Europe, and what it means for Australian security 41:01

8d ago41:01

41:01

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this week initiated a conversation about a security partnership with Australia. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese responded with a ‘maybe, sort of’. To talk about this development and much more, we have Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, former adviser to two EU president…

1
Settler Colonialism and Drivers of Anti-Israel Sentiment with Eric Kaufmann and Adam Kirsch, Manhattan Institute 1:39

10d ago1:39

1:39

Settler Colonialism and Drivers of Anti-Israel Sentiment with Eric Kaufmann and Adam Kirsch, Manhattan Institute by Eric KaufmannBy Eric Kaufmann

1
The Church's Teaching on IVF & Human Dignity, with Stephanie Gray Connors 1:32:40

12d ago1:32:40

1:32:40

Since beginning the Tangent a couple years ago, Fr. Sam and I have had the opportunity to interview some amazing guests. One of those guests, who was kind enough to return to the show, is Stephanie Gray Connors. Stephanie Gray Connors is a prolific pro-life speaker. She’s debated against abortion for decades and is now the author of two books in Wo…

1
Sir Lawrence Freedman on the delusions that plague war planners 37:22

15d ago37:22

37:22

Wars are easy to start, hard to end and are often launched with political goals that are loftier than the planning and capabilities that are committed. In today’s episode, Sir Lawrence Freedman, Emeritus Professor of War Studies at King's College London, talks about the “short war fallacy” and why strategists keep planning for quick victories when …

1
What satellites reveal about the clash over Kashmir, with Nathan Ruser 24:57

17d ago24:57

24:57

ASPI’s geospatial analyst Nathan Ruser reveals what he’s found by studying satellite imagery of the recent India-Pakistan clashes over Kashmir, in a special episode of Stop the World. This includes the use of images for disinformation in ways he hasn’t seen before in his years of poring over satellite pictures. Alongside the military clashes, the I…

1
Forming Families, Forming Saints - with Fr. Carter Griffin 1:02:06

19d ago1:02:06

1:02:06

Father Carter Griffin is a Princeton grad, former Navy Line Officer and now rector of a seminary. His book focuses on how parents can incorporate elements of priestly formation into how they raise their children. LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate OTHER SHOWS Restless Catholic You…

1
Ahmed Kodouda on the spiralling war and humanitarian crisis in Sudan 39:24

22d ago39:24

39:24

The war that has gripped Sudan for more than two years and cost 150,000 lives is a shifting mosaic of alliances and rivalries, lumped under two main groups. There’s the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Force, led respectively by two men who were once allies but are now locked in a titanic power struggle that has displaced 13 million peop…

1
Habemus Papam! Pope Leo XIV! 34:59

23d ago34:59

34:59

Habemus Papam, We have a Pope! LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate OTHER SHOWS: Restless: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SbvGysG6C0mnQRAVcagkg Let Me Be Frank: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCy9oYx0t7imNDH5nLwSiM8Q Daily Gospel Reflection: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDX…

1
Special episode: Will India and Pakistan go nuclear? With Raji Rajagopalan 17:20

23d ago17:20

17:20

After Pakistan-based militants murdered more than two dozen Indian tourists in Pahalgam in Kashmir, India retaliated by striking nine sites it says housed “terrorist infrastructure”. Pakistan in turn says it shot down several Indian fighter planes. In this special snap episode, ASPI Resident Senior Fellow Raji Pillai Rajagopalan gives us her insigh…

1
On American Reformer podcast 1:06:06

25d ago1:06:06

1:06:06

Eric Kaufmann, professor of Politics at the University of Buckingham, comes on to talk about his new book "The Third Awokening" and the future of immigration, populism, and the cultural left. #EricKaufmann #Politics #UK #US #Woke #Left #Liberal #Right #Conservative #TheThirdAwokening Eric is now Professor of Politics at the University of Buckingham…

1
Inside the Conclave: What to Expect 1:23:23

26d ago1:23:23

1:23:23

Fr. Sam and Matt discuss the upcoming conclave, going through the logistics of how it works, the responsibility voting Cardinals hold, the need for the whole to Church to pray for an out pouring of the Holy Spirit, and how the Holy Spirit guides the Church during this time. LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://ww…

1
All the world's a stage but is Australian politics playing its part, with Laura Tingle and Peter Hartcher 42:20

1M ago42:20

42:20

As Australians head to the polls, David Wroe interviews two of the best minds on the intersection of Australian politics and global affairs - the ABC 7.30 program's political editor Laura Tingle and The Age's political and international editor, Peter Hartcher. As well as their reflections on the substance of the election campaign, the conversation …

1
Ep. 45: Brookfield’s Connor Teskey on Digitalization, Decarbonization, Deglobalization 35:10

1M ago35:10

35:10

In this episode, Sarah Williamson speaks with Brookfield’s Connor Teskey on several key trends affecting the global economy, investment strategies, and the role of private capital in shaping the future, ranging from technological advancements and decarbonization to the growing importance of private real assets. This discussion offers valuable insig…

1
Reflecting on Pope Francis's Funeral 52:54

1M ago52:54

52:54

Fr. Sam and Matt reflect on the Holy Father's funeral, especially, the public witness of a Papal funeral, the catechetical elements of the broadcast, and the truly Catholic (as in universal) nature of a papal funeral. LINKS Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Support Veritas: https://www.veritascatholic.com/donate OTHER SHOWS Restless: https:…

1
‘Eric Kaufmann on Liberal Overreach,’ on Andrew Sullivan’s Dishcast 2:11:59

1M ago2:11:59

2:11:59

Eric is a professor of politics at the University of Buckingham, where he runs the new Centre for Heterodox Social Science. He’s also an adjunct fellow at the Manhattan Institute. His new book is The Third Awokening: A 12-Point Plan for Rolling Back Progressive Extremism (its title in the UK is Taboo: How Making Race Sacred Produced a Cultural Revo…

1
Pope Francis (1936-2025) 59:52

1M ago59:52

59:52

Pope Francis, the 265th successor of St. Peter passed away early this morning. Fr. Sam and Matt discuss the "official" mourning the Church welcomes all Catholics to embrace (Papal wake, funeral, etc.) and how all of us, even those who can't go to Rome can participate in it. Most of all, we are called to pray for the repose of Pope Francis's soul. E…

1
Democracy in the age of disinformation, with Audrey Tang 53:48

1M ago53:48

53:48

Audrey Tang is the unflappable Jedi knight of technology and democracy, who can connect with different political perspectives. Audrey was the inaugural digital minister of Taiwan and is now ambassador-at-large for cyber affairs. She came to prominence first as an open source programmer and hacker, before becoming involved in Taiwan’s successful Sun…

1
Civic Education and the Future of American Democracy, with Jeffrey Sikkenga 28:28

1M ago28:28

28:28

At a time when civic knowledge is in decline, political scientist Jeffrey Sikkenga makes the case that the health of our democracy depends on how—and whether—we teach American principles. Sikkenga, executive director of the Ashbrook Center, joined the O’Connor Institute to discuss A Republic, If We Can Teach It, which he coauthored with Hoover Inst…

1
Modern Ideologies are IDOLATRY, w/ Matthew Petrusek of Word on Fire Show 1:15:28

2M ago1:15:28

1:15:28

Matthew Petrusek joins the Tangent again to take a deep dive into utilitarianism, classical liberalism, libertarianism, progressivism (wokeism), and non-theistic conservatism. Perhaps most importantly, he, Matt and Fr. Sam discuss how each of these ideologies understand and live the experience of suffering. This is than contrasted with the Catholic…

1
The FT’s Demetri Sevastopulo on Trump’s tariffs and the disappearing Chinese general 35:32

2M ago35:32

35:32

The United States-China tit-for-tat tariffs have been escalating faster than the bids at a Sydney house auction in the early 2010s. ‘Trade war’ is the headline. But does Donald Trump have a strategy to decouple, or is he angling for a grand bargain? Either way, Xi Jinping is making it clear that China has a vote (even if its people don’t). Demetri …

1
The road to artificial general intelligence, with Helen Toner 44:10

2M ago44:10

44:10

Australian AI expert Helen Toner is the Director of Strategy and Foundational Research Grants at Georgetown University’s Center for Security and Emerging Technology (CSET). She also spent two years on the board of OpenAI, which put her at the centre of the dramatic events in late 2023 when OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was briefly sacked before being reins…

1
Evangelization & Ideology, with Matthew Petrusek of the Word on Fire Institute 57:24

2M ago57:24

57:24

Matthew Petrusek joins Fr. Sam and Matt to discuss the anatomy of various ideologies and the importance of logic in politics. GREATER SUMMARY Matthew Petrusek discusses his transition from academia to the @word-on-fire exploring the intersections of theology, ideology, and education. He emphasizes the importance of true philosophy and logic in unde…

1
How to Save Democracy, with Josiah Ober 46:21

2M ago46:21

46:21

Is democracy in trouble? Many Americans believe so: recent polls consistently rank "threats to democracy" as one of respondents' top concerns. In the new book The Civic Bargain, authors Brook Manville and Josiah Ober look to history for examples of democracies under threat. By examining the ways in which historical democracies confronted their own …

1
Bringing Russia’s war criminals to justice, with Nobel Prize winner Oleksandra Matviichuk 33:09

2M ago33:09

33:09

Ukrainian human rights lawyer Oleksandra Matviichuk heads the Center for Civil Liberties, which won the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize for its work documenting Russian war crimes. She speaks with Stop the World about her hopes that Vladimir Putin and other powerful Russians can be held accountable for their human rights abuses against Ukrainians. Oleksandr…

1
True Masculinity, JPII, & Overcoming P*rn with Nick Clune 1:12:36

2M ago1:12:36

1:12:36

Nick Clune of @heybrotherpodcast joins Fr. Sam and Matt to discuss Nick and Fr. Sam's respective experiences with the Catholic Psych Model of Applied Personalism program, the importance of relationships in healing, and the impact of John Paul II's personalism on counseling. They explore the challenges men face, particularly regarding addiction to p…

1
'In Pursuit of Ideological Balance with Eric Kaufmann,' on The Contrarian with David Bernstein 47:31

2M ago47:31

47:31

The Contrarian with David Bernstein#podcast #college #freespeech #antisemitism https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_xvKsZQxPQJoin David Bernstein and Eric Kaufmann in an enlightening conversation about political bias in academia. Kaufmann shares data revealing a left-leaning bias in various fields, prompting discussions on its impact on academic freed…

1
Vladimir Putin is taking the peace, with Peter Tesch 38:22

2M ago38:22

38:22

During a two hour phone call this week with US President Donald Trump, Russia’s leader Vladimir Putin did what everyone expected—he raised impossible demands, promised next to nothing, and generally made a mockery of Trump’s patience. Australia’s former Ambassador to Russia and Germany Peter Tesch speaks with David Wroe about the dynamic between Tr…

1
Women, Caregiving, and America's Social Safety Net, with Jessica Calarco 41:41

2M ago41:41

41:41

At a time when many Americans struggle with economic insecurity, sociologist Jessica Calarco offers an exploration of how women have become America’s default social safety net. Calarco joined the O’Connor Institute to discuss her latest book, Holding It Together: How Women Became America’s Safety Net. Drawing on extensive research and interviews, s…

1
Faith, Redemptive Suffering, and Miraculous Healing in Catholicism: the Anointing of the Sick 1:20:03

2M ago1:20:03

1:20:03

In this conversation, Fr. Sam and Matt explore the sacrament of Anointing of the Sick, discussing its significance and historical development. They delve into the evolution of sacramental practices, the importance of faith in healing, and the relationship between spiritual care and medical science. Matt and Fr. Sam also explore the connection betwe…

1
The Forge with Harrison Pitt - Part I - The Race Taboo and Fate of White Majorities 1:14:24

3M ago1:14:24

1:14:24

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pNFj5ljED8The European Conservative proudly presents “The Forge,” a new monthly programme which aims to revive the art of Socratic dialogue and intellectual combat at a time when, across the legacy institutions of the Western world, vulgar sophistry and intolerant conformism appear to reign supreme. Presented by Har…

1
What’s happening in Syria, with Aaron Zelin 41:06

3M ago41:06

41:06

Syria has been front and centre in the news in recent days, with international agencies saying that hundreds and perhaps thousands have been killed – many of them civilians – in the coastal regions of the country. In today’s podcast, David Wroe speaks to Aaron Zelin, the Gloria and Ken Levy Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a…

1
Improving American Sociology (w/Bradley Campbell, Jukka Savolainen, & Jacob Mackey) 1:12:29

3M ago1:12:29

1:12:29

This episode of the Utterly Moderate Podcast deals with liberal bias in higher education and what to do about it, with a specific focus on the field of sociology. According to Gallup, a strong majority (68%) of Americans believe that higher education is headed in the wrong direction. Barely more than a third (36%) of Americans express a high level …

1
Understanding the Sacrament of Confession 2:07:51

3M ago2:07:51

2:07:51

Fr. Sam and Matt jump into any and every topic related to the Sacrament of Confession, including: understanding the effect of sin, mortal vs. venial sin, the ecclesial dimension of sin & penance, the healing power of confession, and much more! LINKS Email List: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpeAxbil8_mgC…

1
Europe steps up, with Constanze Stelzenmüller 45:27

3M ago45:27

45:27

Constanze Stelzenmüller, expert on German, European, and trans-Atlantic foreign and security policy and strategy at the Brookings Institution, gives Stop the World her short take on the remarkable sense of urgency that Europe is displaying in building its own security capabilities: “I've never seen anything like this in my life.” Her longer answer …

1
The Economist's Shashank Joshi on Trump, Ukraine and Europe's rearmament 46:16

3M ago46:16

46:16

Donald Trump has upended US foreign policy—in particular his nation’s role in supporting Ukraine’s self-defence against Russia’s unprovoked invasion, and its traditionally close relationship with its NATO allies in Europe. As a consequence, Europe is scrambling to lift its defence investment and capability with a sense of urgency not seen in the po…

1
Navigating Parent-Teacher Relationships 1:14:19

3M ago1:14:19

1:14:19

In this eye-opening episode of Beyond the Bell, hosts Matt Walsh and Jim Connor dive into the evolving parent-teacher relationship with renowned clinical psychologists Dr. Bob Evans and Dr. Michael Thompson. They unpack the lasting effects of COVID-19, social upheaval, and political tensions on schools, revealing why educators faced unprecedented a…

1
Free Will, Our Lady of Knock, The Importance of Silence... and other Tangents! 1:09:08

3M ago1:09:08

1:09:08

In this conversation, Fr. Sam and Matt catch up after Fr. Sam's pilgrimage/vacation to Ireland. They explore the significance of Our Lady of Knock and the importance of silence and contemplation in daily life. They discuss the challenges of balancing personal desires with spiritual discipline, the emotional impact of music and prayer, and the need …

1
FIRE faculty network debate on lack of political diversity in universities 2:07:36

3M ago2:07:36

2:07:36

Professors Pippa Norris (Harvard University), Jon Shields (Claremont McKenna College), and Eric Kaufmann (University of Buckingham) debated whether universities should actively recruit and hire conservatives to increase viewpoint diversity.This conversation delved into fundamental questions about the purpose of higher education, the role of ideolog…

1
Heroes of Abolition and Suffrage 59:09

3M ago59:09

59:09

As we transition from Black History Month into Women's History Month, we share "Heroes of Abolition and Suffrage" from our podcast library. This powerful conversation brings together descendants of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Frederick Douglass, and Booker T. Washington. Coline Jenkins and Kenneth B. Morris, Jr. continue the work of their three signifi…

1
Status update: Responsible state behaviour in cyberspace 52:06

3M ago52:06

52:06

2025 is a pivotal year for international cyber governance. Not only is it the tenth anniversary of the international community’s agreement to a global framework for responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, but it is also the year that the UN Open-Ended Working Group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies will…

1
We Need To Pray for Pope Francis 34:18

3M ago34:18

34:18

Fr. Sam and Matt sit down to discuss the importance of praying for Pope Francis right now (and the Pope always), the importance of a healthy approach to death, and why Pope Francis calling the Jubilee of Hope is so fitting to keep in mind right now. LINKS Email list: https://www.veritascatholic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thetangent_c…

1
The Constitution and American Unity, with Yuval Levin 38:57

3M ago38:57

38:57

At a time when Americans seem more divided than ever, Yuval Levin offers a compelling argument for how we can rebuild a shared national identity. Levin, the director of Social, Cultural, and Constitutional Studies at the American Enterprise Institute, joined the O’Connor Institute to discuss his latest book, American Covenant, which examines the Co…

1
Why Ukraine matters to the Indo-Pacific 23:00

3M ago23:00

23:00

Today on Stop the World, the conversation on Ukraine continues, with ASPI’s Alex Bristow speaking to Jakub Zajączkowski and Saroj Kumar Aryal from the University of Warsaw. They discuss the EU and US approaches to peace in Ukraine, the security guarantees Ukraine needs, and the links between the Indo-Pacific and Euro-Atlantic, including through NAT…

1
On Camilla Tominey Show, GB News 1:45

3M ago1:45

1:45

On Camilla Tominey Show, GB News, 14 July 2024https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iw8k2Wjr4Xo&list=PLA2T8B4OekbxsusNs0j_UdI4lpA9deQjm&index=7By Eric Kaufmann

1
On Vanessa Feltz Show on LBC, 8 Feb 16:11

3M ago16:11

16:11

LBC talk show with Vanessa Feltz, discussing DEI in UK research fundingBy Eric Kaufmann

1
A new world order? Ukraine’s Ambassador on Russia, the United States and Europe 33:26

3M ago33:26

33:26

In this special episode of Stop the World, ASPI’s David Wroe speaks with Ukraine’s Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Myroshnychenko, on the morning after US and Russian representatives met in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Ambassador responds to the blizzard of recent developments affecting the prospect of a peace agreement to end Russia’s unprovoked war o…

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