S5 E16 | In Vogue but Out of Style: The Persistent Myth of Learning Styles in Education

The Dissidents

#J.D. Richmond #Society #News Politics

38:30

Chef Shuai Wang was the runner-up on the 22nd season of Bravo’s Top Chef and is the force behind two standout restaurants in Charleston, South Carolina—Jackrabbit Filly and King BBQ—where he brings together the flavors of his childhood in Beijing and the spirit of the South in some pretty unforgettable ways. He grew up just a short walk from Tiananmen Square, in a tiny home with no electricity or running water, where his grandmother often cooked over charcoal. Later, in Queens, New York, his mom taught herself to cook—her first dishes were a little salty, but they were always made with love. And somewhere along the way, Shuai learned that cooking wasn’t just about food—it was about taking care of people. After years working in New York kitchens, he made his way to Charleston and started building something that feels entirely his own. Today, we’re talking about how all those experiences come together on the plate, the family stories behind his cooking, and what it’s been like to share that journey on national TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

about a year ago 1:11:21

MP3•Episode home

Podcast description

In this week's episode clinical psychologist Patrick Lockwood joins Elizabeth for a discussion about why, despite all evidence to the contrary, beliefs in learning styles remain strong. We talk about the psychological and institutional forces that promote the myth including the countless journal articles, opinion pieces and websites that make fuzzy suggestions about neuroscience and other vague claims few individual learners and teachers are capable of evaluating for accuracy. Our desires for uniqueness, to blame forces outside our control when we perform at or below average, confirmation biases, and the ubiquitousness of the myth are just a few of the reasons we can perhaps forgive individuals for succumbing to the learning style grift. More egregious is that institutions continue to cling to them. Learning styles are actively taught to future teachers in schools of education, to students of all ages in K-12 classrooms, in tutoring centers, and of course, touted in online forums. Patrick and Elizabeth share literature that debunks learning styles and take the listener on a brief tour of learning habits and strategies that are supported by research.

Podcast notes

Brown SBRE (2023) The persistence of matching teaching and learning styles: A review of the ubiquity of this neuromyth, predictors of its endorsement, and recommendations to end it. Front. Educ. 8:1147498. Link: Brown Myth of Learning Styles

Link to University of Michigan Teaching and Technology summary: Myth of Learning Styles

Rohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2012). Learning styles: Where’s the evidence? Medical Education, 46, 34-35: Where's the Evidence?

Dr. Lockwood has worked for non-profits, treatment centers, has trained with experts in the field of addiction treatment, and worked at every level of the mental health and addiction treatment industry for the past 15 years. He has a podcast on YouTube about topics related to mental health, wellness, psychology, and neuroscience. He is the author of “The Fear Problem,” a book integrating the neuroscience and evolutionary psychology of our fear process to explain why we get triggered by politics and other “hot topics.” Currently Dr. Lockwood teaches at California Lutheran University and is the COO of Oak Forest Recovery Center.

Patrick's website: https://www.lockwoodconsultingsolutions.com/

Patrick's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrPatrickLockwood

His Twitter handle is @DoctorLockwood

257 episodes

The Dissidents

S5 E16 | In Vogue but Out of Style: The Persistent Myth of Learning Styles in Education

The Dissidents

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

Podcast description

Podcast notes

Link to University of Michigan Teaching and Technology summary: Myth of Learning Styles

Rohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2012). Learning styles: Where’s the evidence? Medical Education, 46, 34-35: Where's the Evidence?

Patrick's website: https://www.lockwoodconsultingsolutions.com/

Patrick's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrPatrickLockwood

His Twitter handle is @DoctorLockwood

257 episodes

#J.D. Richmond #Society #News Politics

All episodes

The Dissidents

1
S5 E19 | The Color of Truth: Redefining American Identity 1:20:43

6 days ago1:20:43

1:20:43

On the eve of July 4th, co-authors Jennifer Richmond and Winkfield Twyman joined Equiano Project Head of Content Ada Akpala for an insightful conversation about blackness and race identity with noted podcaster Danielle Romero. A native of Troy, New York, Danielle discovered one day that her putative French and Irish maternal great grandmother Lola Perot had spent all her married life passing for white in New York. In fact, Lola was born Creole (colored) in Louisiana. In a fascinating roundtable, we explore where does Romero land in our country's obsession with racial identity? What does it mean when a European American discovers the story of one's family was a racial lie? Is it possible that Romero's origin story can bring us closer to connection in our universal humanity? Is the true impact of Danielle's story not her ancestor who passed for white, but that Danielle's mixed ancestry is a lens into our racial future as Americans? In a sense, Danielle is the tip of a spear. More and more Americans will discover they are of multiple ancestry groups over time. Come join us for an hour with a national leader in the hunt for identity sans race. Podcast Notes Danielle Romero’s Podcast, NYTN The Equiano Project https://www.theequianoproject.com/ My great grandmother hid who she was. 20 years later I understand why | Opinion , The Tennessean, Danielle Romero Race Is Beginning to Bore Me , Winkfield Twyman, Jr. The Legacies of Black Pioneers: The Problem with Black Excellence with Ada Akpala , The Dissidents Podcast Are Light-Skinned People the White People of the Black Community? Winkfield Twyman, Jr. The Souls of Black Folk , Winkfield Twyman, Jr. This is Your Brain on AI: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly , Dissidents Podcast…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 31: Free Speech, Flourishing, & Empowered Humanity Theory – Let’s Get It Done! | Jason Littlefield 28:24

9 days ago28:24

28:24

In this inspired episode of Free Speech Forward (recorded and released right around Independence Day), Joia and Chris speak with educator and free speech advocate Jason Littlefield, who reveals why the First Amendment isn't just about politics—it's about human flourishing and psychological well-being. Drawing from groundbreaking neuroscience research, Littlefield explains how self-censorship literally damages our brains and prevents both individual and societal progress. As the creator of Empowered Humanity Theory and co-founder of Free Black Thought, Littlefield advocates living by principles rather than party politics as a way to break us free from the toxic tribalism that's poisoning our schools, workplaces, and communities. Discover why both political extremes reject his science-based approach to human dignity, and learn practical strategies for building a culture where free expression and genuine dialogue can thrive again. This episode offers hope and actionable insights for anyone exhausted by our polarized discourse and ready to reclaim the foundational freedom that makes all other freedoms possible – let’s get it done. Learn more about Empowered Humanity Theory at: https://www.empoweredhumanitytheory.com/…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E18 | A Woke Right Keeps the Pendulum Swinging 51:19

20 days ago51:19

51:19

In this week’s podcast, Jennifer Richmond sits down with Dmitri Shufutinsky’s to discuss his latest article for White Rose Magazine, The Woke Right Keeps the Pendulum Swinging . In his article Shufutinsky argues that a faction he terms the "Woke Right" has emerged within conservative movements, mirroring the identity politics and grievance-based ideology of the progressive left while simply reversing the targets and victims. We discuss key figures like Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Joe Rogan, and Jackson Hinkle as representatives of this movement. Shufutinsky contends that rather than rejecting woke ideology entirely, they've adopted its methods while positioning straight, Christian white men as the new victim class. This manifests through historical revisionism (including Holocaust revisionism), anti-Semitism disguised as "just asking questions," and the weaponization of Christian slogans like "Christ is King" for tribal signaling. In foreign policy, Shufutinsky argues the Woke Right paradoxically supports America's adversaries, particularly Russia and Iran, while opposing support for Ukraine and Israel. He finds it particularly troubling that supposed conservatives would back Putin's Russia despite its low church attendance, high abortion rates, and authoritarian nature that contradicts traditional conservative values. He also emphasizes that the idea of America First, shouldn’t be America Only, which seems to be part of the messaging behind this movement’s foreign policy initiatives. Shufutinsky warns that this movement undermines genuine conservative goals by providing ammunition to the progressive left, potentially causing the political pendulum to swing back even harder toward woke leftism. Instead of achieving the "common sense" governance many voters sought in 2024, the Woke Right perpetuates the same divisive dynamics it claims to oppose. Shufutinsky concludes by calling for a more responsible conservative approach that maintains strong alliances, supports genuine diversity and merit, and avoids both extremes of woke ideology to preserve American strength and Western civilization. Podcast Notes The Woke Right Keeps the Pendulum Swinging , Dmitri Shufutinky: https://whiterosemagazine.com/a-woke-right-keeps-the-pendulum-swinging/ Nation of Victims , Vivek Ramaswamy: https://www.amazon.com/Nation-Victims-Identity-Politics-Excellence-ebook/dp/B09PLHGNHD…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 30: Free Speech & Taking Your Ideas to the Gym | 29:44

21 days ago29:44

29:44

Welcome to the latest release from the Free Speech Forward podcast! In this episode, Chris and Joia meet with Angel Eduardo, an artist, writer, and advocate of Free Speech who works with FIRE (Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression). This episode delves into critical free speech arguments, such as the Weimar Fallacy and consideration of 2nd Order consequences, exploring why free speech is the “eternally radical idea”. We also explore why free speech is so crucial for dissidents and those with minority views. Check out more of Angel’s work with FIRE at: https://www.thefire.org/about-us/our-team/angel-eduardo…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E17 | Challenging Ideological Conformity in Social Work Education 1:00:52

5 weeks ago1:00:52

1:00:52

In this timely episode, FAIR Executive Director Monica Harris, joined by Gabriel Nadales and Suzannah Alexander, examines the troubling rise of mandated ideological conformity across professional education programs with Zander Keig and Nafees Alam. Following FAIR's groundbreaking formal complaint to the Department of Education against CACREP (Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Education Programs) for compelling students to adopt specific ideological positions on race and privilege, the panel explores how similar patterns of coerced belief systems have infiltrated social work, medical, legal, and K-12 education programs nationwide. The discussion delves into real-world consequences for students who face academic penalties for expressing dissenting views or religious beliefs that conflict with prescribed ideologies, while offering concrete strategies for promoting genuine viewpoint diversity and protecting students' constitutional rights. As the conversation unfolds, the panelists thoughtfully consider whether FAIR's approach to challenging CACREP could serve as a model for addressing ideological conformity enforced by other accrediting bodies, such as the CSWE (Council on Social Work Education), ultimately asking whether the time has come for a broader movement to restore intellectual freedom and critical thinking in professional education. Podcast notes FAIR is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to advancing civil rights and liberties, and promoting a common culture grounded in fairness, understanding, and humanity. Check out FAIR at https://www.fairforall.org/ and their "American Experience Curriculum" at https://www.fairforall.org/american-experience-curriculum/…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 29: 1-Year Retrospective on Free Speech Forward | Joia Houheneka & Chris Bush 25:16

5 weeks ago25:16

25:16

In this retrospective episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, co-hosts Chris and Joia reflect on their first year of discussions surrounding free speech. They highlight key themes such as the importance of education, the challenges of speaking out, and the diversity of perspectives among their guests. The conversation emphasizes the value of community and collaboration in advocating for free speech and hints at future plans for the podcast, including a new upcoming complementary podcast focused on free markets. Don’t forget to subscribe to our Substack: https://philosophicalliberal.substack.com/…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E16 | In Vogue but Out of Style: The Persistent Myth of Learning Styles in Education 1:11:21

6 weeks ago1:11:21

1:11:21

Podcast description In this week's episode clinical psychologist Patrick Lockwood joins Elizabeth for a discussion about why, despite all evidence to the contrary, beliefs in learning styles remain strong. We talk about the psychological and institutional forces that promote the myth including the countless journal articles, opinion pieces and websites that make fuzzy suggestions about neuroscience and other vague claims few individual learners and teachers are capable of evaluating for accuracy. Our desires for uniqueness, to blame forces outside our control when we perform at or below average, confirmation biases, and the ubiquitousness of the myth are just a few of the reasons we can perhaps forgive individuals for succumbing to the learning style grift. More egregious is that institutions continue to cling to them. Learning styles are actively taught to future teachers in schools of education, to students of all ages in K-12 classrooms, in tutoring centers, and of course, touted in online forums. Patrick and Elizabeth share literature that debunks learning styles and take the listener on a brief tour of learning habits and strategies that are supported by research. Podcast notes Brown SBRE (2023) The persistence of matching teaching and learning styles: A review of the ubiquity of this neuromyth, predictors of its endorsement, and recommendations to end it. Front. Educ. 8:1147498. Link: Brown Myth of Learning Styles Link to University of Michigan Teaching and Technology summary: Myth of Learning Styles Rohrer, D., & Pashler, H. (2012). Learning styles: Where’s the evidence? Medical Education, 46, 34-35: Where's the Evidence? Dr. Lockwood has worked for non-profits, treatment centers, has trained with experts in the field of addiction treatment, and worked at every level of the mental health and addiction treatment industry for the past 15 years. He has a podcast on YouTube about topics related to mental health, wellness, psychology, and neuroscience. He is the author of “The Fear Problem,” a book integrating the neuroscience and evolutionary psychology of our fear process to explain why we get triggered by politics and other “hot topics.” Currently Dr. Lockwood teaches at California Lutheran University and is the COO of Oak Forest Recovery Center. Patrick's website: https://www.lockwoodconsultingsolutions.com/ Patrick's youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrPatrickLockwood His Twitter handle is @DoctorLockwood…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E15 | Decolonization: Erasure or Diversity? 41:02

7 weeks ago41:02

41:02

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Brandy Shufutinsky. In the update to her original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, where she highlighted anti-black racism and antisemitism and the ties between the two, we explore what has changed since 2022, especially in light of the Oct 7 2023 massacre of Israeli citizens and the current conversations around Israel and Palestine. The “Global Intifada” is a strange marriage of Islamist and left-wing extremism, often called the red-green coalition. While it is often easy to spot extreme right-wing antisemitism, the red-green version of antisemitism is often unacknowledged. This does not result in the proliferation of diversity and inclusion but rather an erasure of history and the erosion of common values. Podcast Notes: A Woke Right Keeps the Pendulum Swinging, Dmitri Shufutinsky https://whiterosemagazine.com/a-woke-right-keeps-the-pendulum-swinging/ Whiteshift: Populism, Immigration and the Future of White Minorities, Eric Kaufmann https://www.amazon.com/Whiteshift-Populism-Immigration-Future-Majorities/dp/1468316974 Vatican nativity scene showing baby Jesus on a keffiyeh removed after backlash https://www.timesofisrael.com/vatican-nativity-scene-showing-baby-jesus-on-a-keffiyeh-removed-after-backlash/…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 28: Free Speech & An Academic Journey of Advocacy | Arnold Cantú 25:20

7 weeks ago25:20

25:20

In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Chris and Joia engage with Arnold Cantú, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist, discussing the critical role of free speech in academia and education. Arnold shares his personal experiences as a Colorado State University doctoral student, where he faced challenges to his beliefs and values from faculty. The conversation explores the importance of moral courage, the need for open dialogue in educational settings, and the impact of these experiences on Arnold's professional practice in mental health. Discover more about Arnold’s academic work at: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Arnoldo-Cantu…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E14 | This is Your Brain on AI: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 1:51:56

8 weeks ago1:51:56

1:51:56

In this week's episode Winkfield Twyman Jr. joins Elizabeth to explore our lay view of the pros and cons of artificial intelligence. Our discussion is guided by several reports, popular press articles, and opinion pieces that expose different types of challenges and perspectives. We start with education. teaching, and learning. We include concerns about the effects of AI on information literacy, diversity of thought, and how it has impacted the societal and personal value placed on knowledge. We talk about AI risks and opportunities in research, medicine, psychology, and relationships. Wink marvels at the ability to personalize most any intervention to get targeted AI help with tasks both big and small. Unsurprisingly, he focuses on the positive, while Elizabeth reminds us of the downsides. Podcast notes Everyone is Cheating Their Way Through College The Veldt AI is Amazing The (artificial intelligence) therapist can see you now Alien Intelligence or How We All Became Captain Dunsel How Humans Respond When the Ground Shifts Beneath Them Meet the Women with AI Boyfriends…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E13 | Liberal Alternatives to State Coercion in Economic Affairs 1:13:41

9 weeks ago1:13:41

1:13:41

In this week's Dissident's podcast, James & Chris explore some of the legal, political, and moral arguments that undercut the basis for the modern welfare-regulatory state - which sees coercive powers concentrated in a central government body that intervenes into most human affairs, often in illiberal ways that pit one interest group against another or prioritize the interests of those in power. They show why it can only ever be that way under the current paradigm, regardless of who is in charge. With a particular focus on welfare & IP regimes, they go on to discuss & debate some novel alternatives that could take the place of the current concentrated power structure while yielding safer & more productive outcomes for all citizens. Such liberal alternatives can also still solve many of the human challenges that the prevailing coercive systems seek to remedy.…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 27: The Cultural Revolution Serves as a Warning for the Value of Free Speech | Yukong Mike Zhao 19:30

9 weeks ago19:30

19:30

"Because of lack of freedom of speech, no one was able to tell the truth.” Welcome back – this is the Free Speech Forward podcast. In today’s show, host Chris Bush interviews Yukong Mike Zhao, a prominent advocate for free speech and equal education rights. Mike shares his personal journey from growing up in communist China to becoming a vocal opponent of censorship and political correctness in America. He discusses the importance of free speech, drawing lessons from history, particularly the Cultural Revolution, and emphasizes the need for education about the dangers of authoritarian regimes. Mike also shares insights on organizing for equal education rights, including the importance of public support and the necessity of perseverance in the work of advocacy. Learn more about Mike’s work and the Asian American Coalition for Education at: https://asianamericanforeducation.org/en/about/leadship/…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E12 | Strength, Science and Society: Two Gym Rats Discuss How Their Fitness Journey Complements a Liberal Mindset 54:29

10 weeks ago54:29

54:29

In this episode of The Dissidents Podcast , Jennifer Richmond and Nafees Alam dive into an engaging conversation on the intersections of fitness, mental health, faith, and societal challenges. Beginning with personal stories of their fitness journeys, they explore how physical well-being impacts mental clarity, self-awareness, and day-to-day productivity. Drawing on new scientific insights into gender-specific fitness practices, Jennifer reflects on her own realizations about training and physiology, while Nafees shares his perspective on how fitness builds resilience and fosters intellectual growth. The discussion expands to broader societal topics, including the role of biology in shaping conversations around gender, trans inclusion in sports, and the implications for fairness and personal identity. With compassion and curiosity, they navigate the complexities of these issues while offering potential solutions, such as the idea of separating sports leagues into "female" and "women's" categories. They also explore the critical role of diet and exercise in addressing mental health concerns, with a focus on long-term habits and scientific research. Through humor, humility, and thought-provoking dialogue, Jennifer and Nafees challenge listeners to embrace self-awareness, seek balance between individuality and inclusivity, and approach divisive topics with kindness and curiosity. This episode is a call to action for listeners to reflect on their health, values, and the role of reason in creating a more connected and compassionate society. Podcast Notes: Fair, Inclusive & Safe: A Transgender Sports Policy Panel Discussion: https://youtube.com/live/pyoSzg7Z8MY?feature=share From Worriers to Warriors: The Cultural Rise of Women with Cory Clark: https://youtube.com/live/AUcdKecT3_Q?feature=share Transform Your Mental Health With Diet & Lifestyle | Dr. Chris Palmer , Huberman Lab The Body Reset: How Women Should Eat & Exercise for Health, Fat Loss, & Enery , Mel Robbins Podcast…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 26: Courage and Communication: Standing Up for Free Speech | Dumisani Washington 22:30

11 weeks ago22:30

22:30

"Courage is essential for sharing your ideas." In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, host Chris Bush interviews Dumisani Washington, founder of the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel. They discuss Dumisani's journey into advocacy for free speech and liberal values, particularly in the context of Israel and the Black community. The conversation emphasizes the importance of free speech as a fundamental right, the challenges faced in expressing controversial ideas, and the need for courage in communication. Dumisani advocates for investing in education and literacy as a means to empower individuals and promote a culture of free speech. Learn more about Dumisani and his work with the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI) at: https://ibsi.org/…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E11 | In Search of a Third Space in Trans Care and Conversation with Zander Keig 1:15:31

12 weeks ago1:15:31

1:15:31

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Zander Keig. In his update to his original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, where he shared elegant ways to emphasize heterodox views in trans care, Zander updates us on how the conversation on trans identity has changed over the past three years. Zander continues to approach the conversation always centering the individual and the search for “third spaces” to navigate “third rail” issues. Zander reviews some big changes over the past three years, including the recently discussed science that suggests that rapid and rabid adherence to sex change as a solution for exploring gender identity, may need reconsideration. Unfortunately, what has not changed is the polarization that continues to hijack the conversation, making genuine progress elusive. You can find his original presentation here: https://youtu.be/fJxCDJMPwvY…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E10 | The Boys are Back: The Unique Social Contributions of Men and Masculinity 1:01:54

13 weeks ago1:01:54

1:01:54

In this week's episode we honor the importance of men and masculine traits for a functioning society and human survival, for productive and enjoyable interactions, and for the sake of diversity. That's right, Nafees Alam joins Elizabeth to talk about men--men in the gym, men in the classroom, men and ideology, men's portrayal in the media, masculinity, and relationships. We use as a jumping off point an article about the importance of both belonging and uniqueness. The author argues that young men may feel excluded and unvalued in the current socio-political environment. When society's focus shifts to include and pay tribute to the distinctiveness of some (e.g. women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), the special and important contributions of other individuals and groups may naturally be set aside. Elizabeth and Nafees admit to seeing the basic human needs of belonging and uniqueness reflected in their own behavioral choices and preferences and wonder if this an unavoidable cycle inherent to human societal development. If so, can we all (particularly men in today's society) find ways to define and nurture our own sense of belonging and uniqueness so that cycles will be less personally and socially costly? Nafees helps us close on a positive note because above all, he believes in a resilient society. Podcast notes Versteegen, P. L. (2025). Trump Voters’ social position in U.S. Society: Uniqueness and radical‐right support. Political Psychology , 46 (1), 145–165. https://dcjournal.com/how-toxic-masculinity-becomes-necessary-masculinity https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202502/celebrating-strong-independent-men Please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org . All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 25: From an Ashram to Anarchy to Academic Censure: A Journey for Free Speech | Jake Mackey 29:04

13 weeks ago29:04

29:04

“Academia is an extremely unfree place”. Welcome to the latest episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast. Today, we welcome Professor Jake Mackey, Associate Professor of Classics, author of Belief and Cult: Rethinking Roman Religion (Princeton University Press, 2022), and founding member of Free Black Thought. Jake shares his journey from a repressive upbringing in a cult to becoming an advocate for free speech in academia, highlighting the need to promote a culture of free speech among youth. In addition, he encourages listeners to find shared values in conversations and to be brave in expressing their ideas, despite the risks of censorship. Learn more about Jake and his contributions to Free Black Thought at: https://freeblackthought.com/voices/jake-mackey…

The Dissidents

1
Bonus | Fair, Inclusive & Safe: A Transgender Sports Policy Panel Discussion 1:31:34

14 weeks ago1:31:34

1:31:34

In this bonus episode, we share the recording of our Liberal Values in Practice livestream about transgender sports policies. The panelists, Social Work Professor Nafees Alam, Psychotherapist Stella O'Malley, and author and Social Worker Zander Keig, discuss the nuance and complexities of balancing competitive fairness with inclusivity. They explore scientific research, share their relevant lived experiences, examine multiple perspectives, and consider policy frameworks that aim to protect the dignity and opportunities of all athletes. Concerns about competitive equity and transgender rights are explored with respect and a commitment to liberal values. Resources: Point / Counterpoint: Transgender Sport Participation Policy, Matt Moore and Nafees Alam: https://openjournals.bsu.edu/sportsocialworkjournal/article/view/4192/2175 The Third Space: A Nonconformist's Guide to the Universe, Zander Keig: https://www.amazon.com/Third-Space-Nonconformists-Guide-Universe/dp/1613431686…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E9 | Where Do We Go from Here: The Elusiveness of Peace in Ukraine 1:22:09

15 weeks ago1:22:09

1:22:09

In this week's episode Ken Pope indulges Jen, Matt and Elizabeth in a discussion of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ken, a retired Army officer, shares his personal experiences of living and working in both Ukraine and Russia. He patiently listens to our often naive and occasionally probing questions and does his best to answer in language we can understand without sacrificing the complex nature of the problems and potential solutions. He is tired of the slogans and name calling, which are unproductive and tribally motivated, and offers historical context as well as a pragmatic contemporary perspective on the issues we face. Ken is critical of all sides, particularly NATO, which he suggests must step up to ensure peace in the long term. Join Ken for a follow up Liberal Values Lab, Putin’s War in Ukraine , on April 17 at 7pm ET, live on ILV’s YouTube or X (@ilvalues). Podcast notes What the U.S. Has to Gain from Supporting Ukraine Ending Russia’s War: Why Ukraine’s Victory Is Crucial Ukraine’s growing military strength is an underrated factor in peace talks The Strategic and Military Pathways to a Peaceful Ukrainian Settlement To Really Get Peace in Ukraine, Consider Why Putin Started the War…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 24: Free Speech and The Diversity of Black Voices | Mike Bowen 22:47

15 weeks ago22:47

22:47

Diverse Black Thought Matters. In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, hosts Chris and Joia speak with Mike Bowen, a founding member of Free Black Thought and prominent advocate for free speech and diversity of thought within the Black community. They discuss the importance of recognizing the varied experiences and perspectives among African Americans, the role of free speech in fostering a healthy society, and the need for critical thinking and communication skills. Mike emphasizes the significance of timeless knowledge and virtue in advocacy, and shares his vision for enhancing free speech through new academic publishing initiatives. Learn more about Mike and his work with Free Black Thought at: https://freeblackthought.com/voices/michael-dc-bowen…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E8 | Pursuit of Truth: Curiosity over Compliance 42:32

16 weeks ago42:32

42:32

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Will Reusch. In his update to her original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, where he shared practical tips for difficult conversations and communicating across divides, Will shares with us his latest work on how to Brainwash-proof kids. Despite DEI being on the wane across America, Will tells us that they are now too often baked into K12 academic standards, making them more difficult to dismiss. As education becomes more decentralized with the rise of new school opportunities, Will is taking the momentum to move education from an obedience model that values compliance over curiosity, with his own online courses. His ultimate aim in creating Patterdox is the pursuit of truth that rewards curiosity and critical thinking. You can find his original conference presentation here: https://youtu.be/ZCogWT-6N3E Podcast Notes: Will's socials: https://www.instagram.com/willreusch/ https://x.com/teecherreusch Website: www.patterdox.com The Brainwash Proof masterclass can be accessed here: https://patterdox.com/masterclass Gender: https://youtu.be/-NW6J0uzpXI?si=q9LQKgCWlLYTi0Em Critical Social Justice: https://youtu.be/XaC3ObDSqzQ?si=IYucpCz6Sx8kg2oQ…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E7 | Games People Play: Eroding the Foundations of Public Trust 1:20:57

17 weeks ago1:20:57

1:20:57

In this week's episode Mike and Elizabeth discuss an article that provides a brief history of how tyrants break confidence in democracy by destroying public trust in institutions, and attacking the government as wasteful and incompetent. The author (Anthony Brunello) describes the tactic of cutting government to ensure it is less effective, thus making it easier to sell the idea that government fails us and only a strongman can salvage what is left. We discuss the author's take on Project 2025, American culture wars, and religion. Along the way, Mike helps Elizabeth understand some terminology (NeoLiberal and NeoConservative) and political history. Elizabeth worries that a quote attributed to Kissinger, " . . . people who have become accustomed to stability can't bring themselves to believe what is happening when faced with a revolutionary power and are therefore ineffective in opposing it," is all too apt apt, but Mike ends on a high note. He believes that American democracy is strong and will survive the current challenges. Podcast notes Brunello, A. R. (2025). The Damage Done: A Mandate to Demolish America's Progress Toward a More Perfect Union. World Affairs , 188 (1), e12056. Please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org . All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 23: Free Speech, Effective Communication, & the Value of Civil Discourse | Erec Smith 20:08

17 weeks ago20:08

20:08

“Modeling civil discourse is crucial”. In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Chris and Joia engage with Erec Smith, an expert in Rhetoric, discussing the critical role of free speech in society. Smith emphasizes the importance of effective communication skills, the concept of Defensive Confidence, and the need for resilience in the face of criticism. He shares insights on preparing for public speaking and the significance of modeling civil discourse to foster a culture of free speech. The conversation highlights the necessity of understanding rhetorical principles and the value of individual expression in a thriving society. Discover more about Erec’s work championing the importance of civil discourse and the rhetorical skills necessary to practice it at: https://www.cato.org/video-series/competencies-civil-discourse/competencies-civil-discourse-0…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E6 | Top of the Class: Attractive Teachers with Lenient Grading Get High Marks 1:04:47

18 weeks ago1:04:47

1:04:47

In this week's episode frequent contributors Mark Horowitz, Nafees Alam join Elizabeth to discuss quality college teaching and how it is measured. University students typically complete one of several commercially available evaluation forms at the end of each semester. Administrators use responses to evaluate faculty for reappointment, tenure, and for other forms of recognition. The research on student evaluations of teaching has been mixed, but overwhelmingly show at best a weak relationship between teaching evaluations and student learning. The author of a recent paper revisited prior work and used a variety of data analytic techniques to debunk the usefulness of student evaluations all together. The author, Bob Uttl, describes these evaluations as a highway to hell, as they fuel faculty popularity contests over merit. Mark, Nafees and Elizabeth can find little to disagree with, and each adds their own examples of documented confounds such as whether the course is considered easy, has lenient policies, or an attractive teacher (better ratings), versus more difficult, is science or math oriented, or the teacher has an accent (lower ratings). We try to end on a high note by suggesting different methods, but we admit that a definition of good teaching is elusive and far too nuanced to be captured by a single measure or snapshot in time. Podcast notes Uttl, B. (2024) Student Evaluation of Teaching (SET): Why the Emperor Has No Clothes and What We Should Do About It. Hu Arenas 7, 403–437. Please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org . All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E5 | Give the Devil His Due: Open Mindedness for the Sake of Serenity 1:01:35

19 weeks ago1:01:35

1:01:35

In this week's episode Elizabeth and Matt start by discussing an Op-Ed about the dangers of demonizing Donald Trump. The author (David Scharfenberg) reminds us that when we label a person or group as evil we tend to look away. We may focus on fighting against an enemy, dehumanize, and become more afraid than proactive. We also do not learn. Elizabeth reveals that she chose the article because she recognized her own biases in the description. She admits to demonizing both ideological extremes, and feels squeezed by the potential threats. Matt first suggests that we try to find shared values to remind ourselves of our common humanity. Elizabeth is very skeptical of that strategy, but is more receptive to assurances that we can turn to our own core values and principles for respite and strength. This episode is a little bit of talk therapy for the politically exhausted. Podcast notes Boston Globe Article: "Dealing with the Devil" by David Scharfenberg https://edition.pagesuite.com/popovers/dynamic_article_popover.aspx?artguid=9b0cb8e2-4801-487e-8fa9-dbf0fd531d03&appcode=BOSGLO&eguid=2df733aa-711b-4c1c-8cf4-bb49b7d95a38&pnum=110# ProSocial Workers is committed to creating a viewpoint inclusive and politically diverse environment for social workers and other helping professionals. Professionals can find support and continuing education at ProSocialWorkers.com. Please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org . All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear.…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 22: “Think of Free Speech as a Sort of Release Valve for Society” | Brent Hamachek 22:13

19 weeks ago22:13

22:13

“Check your premises, always.” In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Brent Hamachek joins with Chris and Joia to discuss his journey as an advocate for free speech and individual liberty. He introduces several initiatives he is involved in, including The Common Ground Campus Program, The Free Society Coalition, and The American 250. Brent emphasizes the importance of free speech for individual liberty and societal flourishing, and he shares insights on effective communication and the need for young people to engage in civil discourse. He also points out that history shows societal change often comes from motivated minorities and reminds listeners that personal attacks are a reality when speaking out, so you need to focus on the message. Find out more about Brent’s work at: https://www.commongroundcampus.com/ , https://www.freesocietycoalition.org/ , and www.TheAmerican250.org…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E4 | We Are All Miracles: A Faith and Liberalism Series with Angel Eduardo 1:08:10

20 weeks ago1:08:10

1:08:10

This week Jennifer Richmond and Angel Eduardo continue their conversation on faith and liberalism. The main question we tackle in this conversation is: do we need religion? Jennifer credits her faith to her “upward aim” and “striving” and doubts that she would approach life with such a conviction without her faith. Angel says that he can accomplish this same quest for moral “goodness” without the “baggage” of religion. Instead of “systematizing” his moral objectives to the Bible or Christian principles, Angel takes the good from innumerable stories that span history. What we both know, albeit from different perspectives, is that we are all a collection of miracles. We end the conversation promising to continue the discussion and will do so in our live March Liberalism in Practice Panel Discussion on March 27 at 7pm ET. We hope you can join us. In the meantime, please consider donating to the Institute for Liberal Values, a 501c3 non-profit organization at ilvalues.org. All donations go to support our continued programming to realize our mission to provide the skills and support required to build community where there has been division, encourage free expression where there has been censorship, and foster optimism where there is fear. Podcast Resources: Cross Purposes Book Club: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL_YD42csnK6eXuY1nCI7Yc-OPFzAygC1Z Jesus and Superman: A Faith and Liberalism Series with Angel Eduardo: https://youtu.be/C6CZvlWqETc…

The Dissidents

1
Developing Democratic Citizens with Ellie Avishai | Liberal Approaches to Diversity & Inclusion Podcast Series 54:28

21 weeks ago54:28

54:28

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Ellie Avishai. In her update to her original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, Ellie reminds us that is always our job to be truth seekers despite which way the winds shift. And our conversation shifts from its original emphasis on DEI in the workplace to DEI in schools. In her original talk she underlines the importance of having clarity for workplace values, here we talk about clarity of purpose in our schools. So, just what is the purpose of schools? Well, the answer is complicated and varied, but if Ellie could boil it down to one thing, it would be the development of democratic citizens. The ultimate aim of education is to develop the intellectual capacity and curiosity to engage people different from oneself, and that is exactly the work she does as the Director of the Mill Center at UATX. You can find her original conference presentation here: https://youtu.be/kGE6TsZ00mM Podcast Notes: Public Goods, Private Goods: The American Struggle over Educational Goals, David Labaree, American Educational Research Journal, Vol 34, No 1 (Spring 1997) pp. 39 - 81. The Mill Institute: https://www.uaustin.org/mill…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 21: Free Speech, Religion, & Living Authentically | Sangeetha Shankar 21:07

21 weeks ago21:07

21:07

"Speak up. Your voice is important." In this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, Chris and Joia speak with Sangeetha Shankar, who shares her journey as an advocate for free speech, a journey rooted in her upbringing in India and her experiences as a homeschooling mother. Sangeetha discusses the challenges faced by Hindu communities, particularly in light of the SB 403 bill in California, which she argues would lead to racial profiling and discrimination. She also emphasizes the importance of free speech for individual and societal flourishing, drawing on her Hindu beliefs that celebrate freedom and diversity of thought. Finally, Sangeetha offers insights on effective communication and encourages listeners to find their voice and their community in the face of cultural pressures. She would like to suggest the following tips to help others in sharing their voice: Write, write, write- long-form, journal writing works wonders to get your genuine voice out. Do self podcasts -record yourself on the camera and see how you sound. Talk aloud in the bathtub! Talk to yourself in the mirror. Practice in front of friends, friendly communities like Toastmasters. Get out of your comfort zone and speak on uncomfortable issues. Learn more about Hinduism in America and Sangeetha’s work at: https://www.hinduamerican.org/…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E4 | Truth Will Stand Under Scrutiny 1:10:35

22 weeks ago1:10:35

1:10:35

This week Jen & Wink speak with Susanna McIntyre about her transformation from Catholicism to Atheism, Antifa to Dissident, and an alignment with Preference Falsification that turned into a Preference Cascade. Susanna claims that her journey towards critical thinking was an “accident” but we find inspiration in Susanna’s very intentional search for truth and the embrace of disagreement.…

The Dissidents

1
Series | Bring Back the Social: The Perils of Narrow Ideology in the Field of Social Work 1:08:58

23 weeks ago1:08:58

1:08:58

Respect for human diversity is inherent in social work education, practice, and is an essential element of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics. Yet many social workers and others are unaware that political and religious diversity are referenced several times in the Code. Is social work becoming ideologically intolerant, illiberal, orthodox, and incompatible with the profession’s ethical values and principles? Listen to experiences of several social workers who confronted viewpoint orthodoxy in their education and professional settings. Podcast notes: Tiffanie Jones Interview on Free Black Thought, “ Canceled for Challenging Gender .” Third part of the series: Privileged Perspectives: Orthodoxy and Self-Censorship in Social Work Education Second part of the series: Left Turn in Social Work Education: The Harmful Effects of a Narrow Political Ideology First part of the series: Critical vs. Classical Social Justice in Social Work ProSocial Workers is committed to creating a viewpoint inclusive and politically diverse environment for social workers and other helping professionals. Professionals can find support and continuing education at ProSocialWorkers.com.…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 20: The Fight for Free Speech in Cuba | John Suarez 23:11

23 weeks ago23:11

23:11

Welcome to today’s episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, a conversation between Joia, Chris, and John Suarez, Executive Director at the Center for a Free Cuba. John shares his journey as a human rights advocate, discussing the importance of free speech particularly in the context of Cuba. He describes his early experiences with censorship, the historical repression in Cuba, and the need for regime change to restore free speech. The conversation also touches on the cultural decline of free speech in the U.S. and the courage required to speak out against oppression. Find out more at: https://cubacenter.org/…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E3 | Don't Be Afraid of Ideas 1:05:03

24 weeks ago1:05:03

1:05:03

In introducing this podcast, I first want to acknowledge how darn pleased I am to have advisors in our organization who think differently than me and who aren’t afraid to say as much. This podcast originated when one of our advisors, Pam Hayes-Bohanan, pushed back after an ILV panel discussion on Ethnic Studies. We have had many previous podcasts, labs and panels that question the trends in Ethnic Studies, so when I received this critique, I wanted to know more. Unsurprisingly, although we found many areas where we our perspectives differed, namely around Paulo Freire’s book, Pedagogy of the Oppressed , through the conversation we also found unexpected convergence. In exploring our different viewpoints, we came to agree that one of the biggest problems is the flattening of education. We discuss the myriad of ways this is being done, including devaluing subject matter experts, a closing of ranks within some colleges of education, the rise of “pre-packaged” curricula, a growing number of administrators who micromanage education, often stripping it of its richness including critical thinking, the mechanical teaching for a test versus to instill the love of learning, and the downgrading of curiosity. While each of these problems may require distinct solutions, one thing we can all agree on is the need to, as Pam says, “not be afraid of ideas” and “just read more books”. More specifically, read books you tend to criticize (e.g. Freire in my case) to develop your own critical thinking skills and thereby learn HOW to think instead of WHAT to think. Podcast Resources Precious Knowledge documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi On Settler Colonialism : Ideology, Violence and Justice, by Adam Kirsch A Third Way on the Place of Critical Race Theory in the Classroom , Real Clear Education, by Amna Khalid, David Bernstein and Jennifer Richmond The Pedagogy of the Oppressed , Paulo Freire The House on Mango Street , Sandra Cisneros ILV Ethnic Studies Recordings: Depoliticizing the Classroom: The Role of the Teacher September Liberal Values Lab: Ethnic Studies in Your School Ethnic Studies: From Radical Roots to Government Mandate…

The Dissidents

1
Book Club | Cross Purposes: Thick Christianity 1:04:28

24 weeks ago1:04:28

1:04:28

Today we are rolling out the third and final series of our book club on Jonathan Rauch’s forthcoming book entitled Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy . The book, made available to you by Yale University Press in early February, examines American pluralism and the role of religion in historical and modern democracy. Rauch, a self-described atheist, somewhat apologetically takes us on a journalistic and self-reflective tour of the intersection of religion and human nature. This book is a cultural, civic, and spiritual travel-log for believers and non-believers alike. Jonathan Rauch will join us for a livestream on February 6 at 7pm ET. In the meantime, join Jen (a Presbyterian), Elizabeth (an Atheist, and Matt (a Bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) for 3 book club episodes focused on Cross Purposes. Today we discuss Part III, which is entitled “Thick Christianity.”…

The Dissidents

1
Don't Buy Lemons with Angel Eduardo | Liberal Approaches to Diversity & Inclusion Podcast Series 37:48

25 weeks ago37:48

37:48

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. This week Elizabeth Spievak interviews Angel Eduardo. This interview took place in late 2024, so his views may have changed over the course of the past few months, but in update to his original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, Angel tells us that buying into DEI was like buying a car that is a lemon. We should still buy cars, just not lemons. The best way to create the unity that was the kindest interpretation of some of the DEI movement, is not to dismiss the effort to value diversity and inclusion, but rather to learn to “star-man” our fellow citizens, embracing the best version of our humanity. You can find his original conference presentation here: https://youtu.be/55nDT-9HZws…

The Dissidents

1
Book Club | Cross Purposes: Sharp Christianity 1:01:37

25 weeks ago1:01:37

1:01:37

Today we are rolling out the second in a three part book club series on Jonathan Rauch’s forthcoming book entitled Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy . The book, made available to you by Yale University Press in early February, examines American pluralism and the role of religion in historical and modern democracy. Rauch, a self-described atheist, somewhat apologetically takes us on a journalistic and self-reflective tour of the intersection of religion and human nature. This book is a cultural, civic, and spiritual travel-log for believers and non-believers alike. Jonathan Rauch will join us for a livestream on February 6 at 7pm ET. In the meantime, join Jen – a presbyterian, Elizabeth – an atheist, and Matt – a bishop in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for 3 book club episodes focused on Cross Purposes. Today we discuss Part II, which is entitled “Sharp Christianity.”…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 19: Protecting Kids from Cancel Culture, & Preserving Space to Challenge Groupthink, Wenyuan Wu 22:59

25 weeks ago22:59

22:59

This week we speak with Wenyuan Wu, Executive Director of the Californians for Equal Rights Foundation. Wenyuan shares her journey coming to advocate for and defend students (as young as first graders!) and late-stage career professionals alike from the ravages of illiberal cancel culture that have trampled on free speech rights across large swathes of American society in the last decade. Through her compelling stories, we see first-hand that no one is safe when free speech isn’t respected or protected; but also, that there are many allies out there who can help you find your voice to stand up and speak out to reclaim your voice and rights. She also shares strategies for effective communication when pushing back against prevailing narratives and groupthink, as well as the importance of never giving up fighting for what you believe in, and making sure our constitutional rights remain properly grounded by deeper morals and ideals.…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E2 | A Changing China with Matt Gertken 1:12:37

26 weeks ago1:12:37

1:12:37

In this week's podcast Mike Burke meets up with Matt Gertken to discuss some of the rumours currently circulating around the Chinese Communist Party. They discuss the economic problems of the CCP, the potential for its collapse, changes in Chinese leadership and the future of the Taiwan Strait. Matt is the Chief Strategist for both BCA Research Geopolitical Strategy and US Political Strategy services, where he oversees our coverage of market- relevant policy developments in the US and worldwide. Matt served as a Senior Analyst at Strategic Forecasting, Inc. (Stratfor) and in multiple academic and publishing roles. Matt has 18 years of experience in the field and appears frequently in global news media. Matt holds an MPhil from the University of Cambridge and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.…

The Dissidents

1
Book Club | Cross Purposes: Thin Christianity 1:17:25

26 weeks ago1:17:25

1:17:25

Today we are launching our second ILV book club with a series of discussions of Jonathan Rauch’s forthcoming book entitled Cross Purposes: Christianity’s Broken Bargain with Democracy by Brookings Institution senior fellow and best-selling author Jonathan Rauch. The book, made available to you by Yale University Press in early February, examines American pluralism and the role of religion in historical and modern democracy. Rauch, a self-described atheist, somewhat apologetically takes us on a journalistic and self-reflective tour of the intersection of religion and human nature. This book is a cultural, civic, and spiritual travel-log for believers and non-believers alike. Jonathan Rauch will join us for a livestream on February 5 at 7pm ET. In the meantime, join Jen, Elizabeth and Matt for 3 book club episodes focused on Cross Purposes. We begin our discussion with Part I, which is entitled “Thin Christianity.” Podcast Resources : Pre-order Cross Purposes Save the date for our livestream with Jonathan Rauch (both on YouTube and on @ilvalues on X) Jesus and Superman: A Liberalism and Faith Series with Angel Eduardo How Intellectuals Found God , Peter Savodnik, The Free Press The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism , Tim Alberta Walking with God through Pain and Suffering , Tim Keller Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging , Sebastian Junger On Censorship Book Club…

The Dissidents

1
S5 E1 | Excesses and Ethics of Institutional Review Boards with Lee Jussim 1:15:53

27 weeks ago1:15:53

1:15:53

This week as we join Lee Jussim at USC for the conference on Censorship in the Sciences we are revisiting our livestream with Lee and Catherine Salmon on the ethics Institutional Review Boards, and the role they play in censorship and the decline of academic freedoms. Censorship in the Sciences Conference website: https://dornsife.usc.edu/cesr/censorship-in-the-sciences-interdisciplinary-perspectives/ You can watch the conference via zoom and find the full schedule here : https://drive.google.com/file/d/19YCeirdwU-izcY86aaNQ_4hm8znTaMML/view To be a part of the discussion and join our livestreams, sign up for our newsletter to be informed of all our offerings: https://ilvalues.org/ You can find more interviews of Lee here: How the Compassionate Mislead , Jordan B. Peterson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqa7n2Aq-Bs&t=1s When Anti-Racism Becomes Racism , Jordan B. Peterson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WIpX1ME9Zvg&t=1s The Radicalization of the Academy , Stanford Classical Liberalism Initiative: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-kaFI8JAOvk&t=1s Lee’s Substack, Unsafe Science : https://substack.com/@unsafescience…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 18: From Antifa to Free Thinking & Free Speech | Susanna McIntyre 27:10

27 weeks ago27:10

27:10

n this episode of the Free Speech Forward podcast, co-hosts Chris and Joia engage with Susanna McIntyre, a passionate advocate for free expression and critical thinking. Susanna shares her transformative journey from being involved in Antifa to becoming the Development Associate at Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s AHA Foundation as well as President/CEO of Atheist Republic. Susanna focuses on the importance of free speech, critical thinking, and the challenges of expressing unpopular opinions. The conversation delves into personal growth, the significance of admitting mistakes, and the societal implications of free expression. Watch more videos featuring Susanna’s views on free speech and religion at: https://www.youtube.com/@AtheistRepublic…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 17: Heated Disagreement Without Being Disagreeable | Wink Twyman 27:30

29 weeks ago27:30

27:30

In this engaging conversation, Chris and Joia speak with Wink Twyman, who shares his insights on the importance of free speech and the value of diverse opinions. He emphasizes the dangers of conformity and groupthink, advocating for open dialogue as a means to foster wisdom and understanding. Wink also provides practical advice on effective communication, highlighting the significance of authenticity in writing and speaking. The discussion culminates in a vision for a future where free speech thrives, encouraging individuals to embrace their unique perspectives and courageously express themselves. Get more from Wink at his Substack: https://twyman.substack.com/ Also, check out the book Wink co-authored with our ILV Board Member Jennifer Richmond: Letters in Black & White: A New Correspondence on Race in America .…

The Dissidents

1
S4 E36 | Speaking Truth with Dumisani Washington 1:02:43

31 weeks ago1:02:43

1:02:43

In this week’s podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Winkfield Twyman, Jr. talk with Pastor Dumisani Washington on his journey through his early years, his “God Walk” in Africa, a name change, and finally to Israel. The crux of our conversation centers on how he relates the African story to that of Israel and in particular to the current Israeli-Palestine conflict. Dumisani takes us deep into the KGB propaganda of the 1960s that created the illusion of black solidarity with Palestine, playing on settler-colonial themes and tying them to stories of Jim Crow. This propaganda underlines the current affinity between Black Lives Matter and Pro-Palestinian movements that we see playing out in the United States. But as you will hear, Dumisani speaks truths that unveil this disinformation, taking the co-hosts on an unexpected history lesson that spans the globe, and underlines our common humanity. Podcast Resources : Zionism and The Black Church: Why Standing with Israel Will be a Defining Issue for Christians of Color in the 21st Century , Dumisani Washington Africa-Israel Weekly , IBSI on Substack Islamic Terrorism is the Enemy Israel & Africa Share , Africa Israel Weekly, May 30, 2024 Ta-Nehisi Coates, Louis Farrakhan, & Black Apologists for Islamic Slavery & Genocide in Africa , Africa Israel Weekly, Dec 1, 2024 Disinformation: Former Spy Chief Reveals Secret Strategies for Undermining Freedom, Attacking Religion, and Promoting Terrorism , by Gen Ion Mihai Pacepa & Prof Ronald J Rychlak The American Soviet Mentality , Dissidents Podcast with Izabella Tabarovsky Antisemitism's New Narrative , Dissidents Podcast with Asra Nomani and Izabella Tabarovsky Potemkin Villages: The Origin of Antisemitic Soviet Propaganda & it's Influence on American Education & Media , Dissidents Podcast with Izabella Tabarovsky…

The Dissidents

1
S4 E35 | Jesus and Superman: A Liberalism and Faith Series with Angel Eduardo 1:01:24

32 weeks ago1:01:24

1:01:24

In this week’s podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Angel Eduardo launch a new series on faith and liberalism. They spent some time wrestling with where to begin with such a weighty topic, when they finally landed on simply sharing their own personal faith journeys. They embark on this discussion with curiosity and humility, neither trying to convert, correct or proselytize, but simply in exploration of the origins of their common humanity and shared values. We invite others to join in the conversation with suggestions and questions in the comments, which we will address in upcoming episodes. We will be inviting other guests to join us and look forward to further conversations on the complexities of faith, liberalism and the intersection of both in search of a strategy for human flourishing.…

The Dissidents

1
FSF Ep. 16: Viewpoint Diversity is Key for Intellectual Growth | Nafees Alam 23:56

32 weeks ago23:56