John Anderson: Conversations
Former Deputy Prime Minister of Australia John Anderson hosts in-depth conversations with leading historians, economists, politicians, and thinkers about the ideas shaping society. The podcast covers topics such as Australia's political future, faith, freedom, and the fragility of Western democracy. It aims to provide thoughtful, rigorous, and independent discussions that mainstream media often avoids.
Episodes
What The Census Gets Wrong About Religion | Mark McCrindle and Dorian von Freyhold
John Anderson sits down with social researcher Mark McCrindle and measurement researcher Dorian von Freyhold to examine whether Australia’s Census is giving an accurate picture of the country’s religious identity. They explore how changes to the wording and structure of the religion question may influence responses, why “no religion” does not necessarily mean atheism, and what their research sugge
The End of an Empire: Britain's Self-Inflicted Fall From Glory | David Starkey
Dr. David Starkey sits down with John Anderson to discuss the breakdown of Britain, arguing the crisis is not merely a run of bad prime ministers but a system deliberately broken. He contends that from 1997 the Blair government reinvented British governance on a continental model, displacing the supremacy of Parliament with human rights law, supreme courts and an alien legal architecture.Starkey w
How China Is Using Iran | Michael Doran
Geopolitical expert Michael Doran argues that Middle East stability depends on the U.S. winning its long war with Iran. He warns the “rabid dog” regime remains a paused but persistent danger.Doran also unpacks how China is using the Middle East as a laboratory to test how America defends against missiles and drones before any move on Taiwan. He warns that anti-ship ballistic missiles supplied to I
Treasury Insider: How Ideology Beat Common Sense in Australia | David Pearl
Former senior Treasury official David Pearl argues that Australia's decline is not fate but the product of bad choices made by the people running our institutions.He contends that Treasury, once feared for its razor-sharp scrutiny of policy, has been captured from above by secretaries who treat emissions reduction as a moral imperative rather than a trade-off, and who withhold the true cost of
Iran, Trump, And The Weakening Of The West | Melanie Phillips
In this conversation, Melanie Phillips joins John Anderson to discuss the crisis of Western resolve and moral decline. Drawing on her decades as a commentator, Phillips argues that Iran's perceived strength reflects Western weakness and hesitation. She also explores how anti-Zionism and elite failure have hollowed out Western valuesA pre-eminent voice in British public discourse, Melanie Phill
“Climate Change Is NOT An Existential Threat” | Steven Koonin
Steven Koonin joins John Anderson for an in-depth conversation exploring the science, engineering and economics behind today's climate debate. Drawing on decades of experience in physics, energy research and public policy, Koonin argues that while climate change is real, many public discussions fail to capture the uncertainty, nuance and trade-offs contained within the scientific evidence. Tog
Why Modern Education Is Producing Activists, Not Thinkers | Prof. Simon Haines and Dr. Fiona Mueller
In this conversation, John Anderson sits down with Prof. Simon Haines and Dr. Fiona Mueller to examine how Australia's schools and universities stopped teaching children how to think, and what a genuine restoration of education would look like. The results are measurable in falling literacy, rising school refusal, and a curriculum that has prioritised ideological formation at the expense of kn
The Renewable Lie: How Australia Was Sold a False Promise | Aidan Morrison & Chris Uhlmann
John Anderson joins energy analyst Aidan Morrison and journalist Chris Uhlmann for a forensic examination of Australia's energy crisis. Together, they expose the broken promises behind the renewable transition, the CSIRO modelling built on figures no operating wind farm has achieved, and the legislative blunder that turned the New England Renewable Energy Zone into a multi-billion dollar infra
How the State Became the Enemy of the English People | Carl Benjamin
In this interview, podcaster and political commentator Carl Benjamin joins John to explore the accelerating collapse of English identity and the political crisis that has followed.Carl argues that Britain has sleepwalked into a civilisational emergency: mass immigration without a vote, a bureaucratic state that has outgrown democratic accountability, and a native population that has been deliberat
How Universal Childcare Could Destroy a Generation | Erica Komisar
Psychotherapist and author Erica Komisar joins John to make the case that what happens in a child's first 3 years shapes their emotional security for life, and that current childcare policy is built on a dangerous ignorance of child development.They also discuss why ADHD is better understood as a stress response than a disorder, what the evidence tells us about cortisol levels in babies separa
Suicidal Empathy Is Destroying The West | Gad Saad
Professor Gad Saad argues that empathy directed at the wrong targets becomes a tool of civilisational self-destruction, and that every idea enabling this collapse was spawned on a university campus. Drawing on his own experience fleeing Lebanon as a Jewish child, Saad examines Britain's grooming gang scandal, the pathologisation of masculinity, and the incoherence of Queers for Palestine, noti
Suicide of a Nation: Britain on the Brink of Collapse | Matt Goodwin
In this interview, author, political commentator and Reform UK candidate, Matt Goodwin joins John to unpack the impending collapse of the United Kingdom.Matt explains how a managerial class of politicians have embraced a worldview of 'suicidal empathy' resulting in mass migration.This unelected decision has increasingly come at the cost of English culture, economic security and ultimately
Beauty, Law and the Lies of Post-Modernism | Mark Fowler & Ian Callinan
What makes Australia’s Constitution so effective, and why do so few people understand it? In this interview, Ian Callinan and Mark Fowler unpack the origins of our legal system, the role of philosophy in shaping law, and the importance of keeping power accountable.They also tackle modern challenges: the push for a Human Rights Act, the rise of postmodern thinking, and the growing tension between i
Betting The Farm On Renewables Will Ruin Australia | Derek Bush and Aidan Morrison
Aidan Morrison and Derek Bush join John for a frank conversation about Australia's cumbersome renewable energy transition, and the real costs being borne by the communities expected to host it. They make the case that rural Australians are being overrun by a policy conceived in cities and imposed on regional areas, exposing the considerable gap between the government's 2030 targets and wha
Former Japanese Ambassador: "Placating China Is A Recipe For Disaster" | Shingo Yamagami
Former Japanese Ambassador to Australia Shingo Yamagami joins John for a frank conversation about the bilateral relationship between Japan and Australia. Yamagami makes the case that this relationship is essential to the stability of the Indo-Pacific region, especially in light of an assertive and expansionist China. The discussion calls for a refusal to cower beneath China’s authoritarian demands
An Unholy Alliance: Islam and Progressives Will Topple The West
In this special episode for Easter, John is joined by Dr. Michael Youssef to explore the complexities of political Islam and its impact on the West, challenging viewers to move beyond superficial secular answers and confront the deep-seated belief systems that continue to shape the contemporary political landscape. Youssef critiques the 'unholy alliance' between Islamism and progressivism,
Nothing Left In The Tank: Australia's Fuel And Food Crisis | Dr. John Coyne
Dr. John Coyne joins John Anderson to provide a sobering assessment of why Australia has fallen behind its international peers in maintaining essential fuel reserves. They trace the history of global energy shocks to explain how current complacency regarding diesel and urea threatens the heartbeat of the Australian agricultural sector.The conversation considers the 'cascading risks' of the modern
Why the West Condemns Israel but Ignores Iranians | Brendan O'Neill
In this conversation, Brendan O’Neill joins John to discuss the global reaction to October 7 and what it reveals about the state of Western culture. They examine why protests and activism erupted across university campuses, how narratives about Israel spread rapidly through Western institutions, and why many of these institutions appeared to respond with hostility rather than solidarity.The discus
Iran's Regime Change, Future & The End of the Rules-Based Order? | Rodger Shanahan
Rodger Shanahan joins John Anderson to examine the true objectives behind U.S. and Israeli military action against Iran. Is this about preventing a nuclear capability, dismantling Iran’s proxy network, or ultimately forcing regime change? Shanahan argues that while public messaging has been inconsistent, the rhetoric and targeting patterns increasingly point toward regime change — a strategic ambi
Australia: The World’s Most Bloated Bureaucracy | Mike Newman
John Anderson sits down with former NSW Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner Mike Newman to examine the culture, size and direction of Australia’s modern public service. While both men acknowledge the vital role of capable public servants, they question whether the system has become bloated, inward-looking and detached from the realities faced by households and businesses. At a time of falling
The Rejection Of Atheism Is Turning Boys Into Men | Wes Huff and Dan Paterson
John Anderson speaks with Wes Huff and Dan Paterson about the striking cultural shift among younger generations towards a renewed search for meaning, transcendence, and moral grounding. They reflect on disillusionment with secular narratives and the renewed interest in Christianity as a source of lifelong direction and purpose. Huff and Paterson explore the impact of numerous online role models fo
After Bondi: We Can No Longer Ignore Islam | Ayaan Hirsi Ali
John Anderson speaks with Ayaan Hirsi Ali to examine the growing ideological, spiritual, and civilisational pressures confronting the West. Drawing on her personal experience, historical analysis, and cultural commentary, Hirsi Ali argues that radical Islam, institutional secularism, and the erosion of Western moral confidence are converging to produce a crisis of identity and social cohesion. Thi
Multiculturalism And Extremism Are Sabotaging The West | Henry Ergas
Henry Ergas joins John to explore the erosion of historical understanding, the rise of ideological extremism, and the weakening of social cohesion across Western nations. Ergas argues that a balance of freedom and order are needed to sustain societies or else they will risk succumbing to the enemies of democracy, who possess a vitriolic hatred of the present, yet no unifying vision of the future.
Born Into Decline: Gen Z’s Fight to Rebuild The West | Gerard Holland, Freya Leach & Jossiah Langton
John Anderson hosts a candid discussion with Gerard Holland, Freya Leach and Jossiah Langton about the immense social, economic and political pressures facing Gen Z. This generation is often described as disillusioned, anxious, and disengaged, yet beneath the headlines lies a complex story shaped by economic hardship, cultural uncertainty, and a loss of shared meaning. This is a conversation with
Radical Islam, Depopulation & Identity Politics: The UK In Crisis | James Orr
John Anderson speaks with James Orr to examine the deeper moral, cultural, and institutional pressures shaping Britain and the wider Western world. Drawing on political philosophy, social analysis, and recent events, Orr challenges the prevailing assumption that economic management and procedural politics can sustain a stable society. He argues that questions of identity, belonging, and shared obl
Faith, Family And The Films Audiences Actually Want | Ted Baehr
John Anderson speaks with Ted Baehr, founder of Christian film review site Movieguide, to examine what contemporary film choices reveal about the moral instincts of society. Drawing on decades of data, Baehr challenges the prevailing narratives around the relationship between a film's content and its success. He argues that popular entertainment is quietly moving in a different direction from elit
No Longer The Lucky Country For Jews | Julian Leeser
Julian Leeser joins John Anderson for an assessment of the disturbing return of anti-semitism to the Australian public sphere. Leeser sets out the historical contours of anti-semitism and why Hamas's October 7 attacks became a catalyst for hostility on Australian soil. The conversation criticises the failure of the current Australian government to curb anti-semitic rhetoric and acts of vandalism.
Why The World Still Needs Coal | Michelle Manook
John speaks with Michelle Manook about the realities of Australia’s energy system, the misconceptions driving policy, and the widening gap between ideology and practical national interest. Manook explains why technological advances in sustainable coal production, including Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and High Efficiency Low Emissions (HELE) power plants, make coal a legitimate energy option f
The UK Is Funding & Importing Cultural Chaos | Connor Tomlinson
Connor Tomlinson joins John for a compelling examination of Britain’s fractured politics and its loss of cultural self-belief. Tomlinson offers a frank account of how mass immigration and rising Islamist separatism are reshaping the social fabric of Britain. Difficult but necessary questions are examined concerning integration, national cohesion, and whether the country still has the confidence to
Exposing Australia’s Radical Transgender Clinics | Helen Joyce
Join John in conversation with Helen Joyce for a measured and penetrating examination of gender ideology, the erosion of safeguarding principles, and the profound human rights concerns emerging across clinics, schools, and public institutions. Joyce warns that while the UK is returning to evidence-based practice, Australia continues to pursue practices driven by radical ideology such as puberty bl
What Charlie Kirk’s Murder Reveals About Us | Dave Rubin
Dave Rubin of The Rubin Report joins John Anderson in Sydney for a searching conversation on the crises reshaping Western democracy and culture. They examine the collapse of reasoned debate, the rise of identity politics, and how outrage and censorship have supplanted open dialogue. Rubin reflects on the assassination of his friend Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about a society increasingly will
Insiders Expose China’s Proxy War In Myanmar | David Eubank and Sean Turnell
John Anderson speaks with David Eubank and Dr. Sean Turnell about the realities of China's involvement in Myanmar’s civil war following their 2021 military coup and why it matters for Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. They reflect on Eubank's first-hand experience providing humanitarian relief at the front line of guerilla warfare in the jungle, and Turnell's harrowing ordeal as a political p
The True Story Of Australia: A Nation Of Heroes | Tony Abbott
Join John in conversation with former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott as they discuss Tony's new book, Australia: A History. From its Indigenous heritage to its British foundations and immigrant character, Abbott explores how the nation’s past informs its present and future. He urges a renewed appreciation for the principles of egalitarianism and justice that shaped Australia’s remarkable jo
“What starts with the Jews never ends with the Jews” | Josh Hammer
In this conversation, Josh Hammer examines the perilous moral confusion of our age through the prism of Israel and its survival. The attacks of October 7 and the confused global response revealed, he argues, a civilisation that has lost confidence in truth itself. When so many can no longer distinguish between barbarism and freedom, the very survival of Western civilisation is at stake. Hammer mai
Why Christianity Still Defines Us | Greg Sheridan
In this conversation, Greg Sheridan explores Christianity’s defining influence on Western civilisation, showing how its revolutionary impact—from the early Church through to modern times—has shaped culture, morality, and human dignity. He argues that the decline of faith in recent generations has coincided with deep cultural and societal crises, and he calls for a renewed recognition of Christiani
Love Isn’t Enough: Gay Marriage, Surrogacy & Divorce | Katy Faust
Katy Faust discusses the importance of stable, biological family units, asserting that children have a fundamental right to their mother and father. She critiques the cultural shift toward sexual autonomy, which she sees as undermining children’s well-being.Through personal stories and data, Faust explores how intentional family disruptions, like surrogacy or divorce, harm children more than tragi
The Science Points to Purpose: A Logical Defence of Intelligent Design | Stephen Meyer
In this conversation, John is joined by Dr. Stephen Meyer who articulates the scientific foundation that supports intelligent design, arguing that the universe’s fine-tuning and the digital code in DNA point to a purposeful intelligence. He challenges materialistic assumptions, urging a re-evaluation of life’s origins through rigorous scientific reasoning.Stephen analyses the shortcomings of evolu
Erasing Sex & Reality: The Tickle v Giggle Case | Sall Grover
In this conversation, John chats with Giggle for Girls founder Sall Grover about her recent high-stakes Federal Court appeal concerning the right to operate a women-only social networking app. Grover warns that without clear sex-based protections, women’s rights to privacy, safety, and dignity in public and private spaces risk being dismantled.The conversation explains why the ruling will not mere
Islam and The Battle For Britain: Past, Present and Future | Sean Oliver-Dee & David Goodhart
John is joined by Dr. Sean Oliver-Dee and David Goodhart to discuss immigration, national identity, and the role of religion in modern Britain. They examine how liberal democracies are struggling to maintain social cohesion amid rapid demographic and cultural change, including the mass importation of Islamic culture.They revisit Britain’s imperial identity, debate the prospects for Muslim integrat
Q&A with John: Politics, Principles, Priorities
Join John for a special episode as he answers 11 of the most frequently asked questions from viewers and supporters.From lessons learned in politics to the values that shape his worldview, John offers candid reflections on leadership, national priorities, and the future of Australia. If you have a question for John, we’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below for a chance to have it featured
Epstein, Immigration and War: A Deep Dive | Victor Davis Hanson
Victor Davis Hanson examines the Jeffrey Epstein saga’s divisive impact on American politics and the MAGA movement, while commending the Trump administration’s military, technological, and immigration policy successes. He urges Australia to strengthen its defence, fortifying the ANZUS alliance against autocratic threats like China.Critiquing distorted historical narratives that skew policy, Hanson
Will Xi Jinping’s Maoist Vision Cause China’s Collapse? | Robert Suettinger
Robert L. Suettinger examines China’s political evolution, from Mao’s devastating Great Leap Forward and Cultural Revolution to Xi Jinping’s reversal of market reforms. He underscores the Chinese people’s persistent desire for freedom, countered by the regime’s repressive surveillance and control.Exploring Hu Yaobang’s legacy and the Tiananmen Square protests, Suettinger critiques Beijing’s econom
Why Climate Fanaticism Is Killing Us | Lord Matthew Ridley
In this interview, Lord Ridley examines the pervasive pessimism shaping climate narratives within the media and academia. He addresses the transformative power of affordable energy for developing nations and warns against beliefs about energy and climate that ignore the needs of those in poverty.Ridley also criticises the politicisation of science in both climate and Covid modelling, arguing it di
The End of Weakness: Trump’s Stand Against Iran | Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs
John Anderson and Dr. Rebeccah Heinrichs examine the geopolitical consequences of the conflict between Israel and Iran, highlighting the United States’ role in shaping global security and the future of the Middle East. They discuss how President Trump’s decisive military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure has undermined Tehran's influence and reasserted US supremacy in the region.The con
Religious Freedom: The New Blasphemy | Paul Coleman, Kristen Waggoner & John Steenhof
John joins Paul Coleman, John Steenhof and Kristen Waggoner for a powerful discussion on the state of religious freedom in the West. Together, they explore the rise of hate speech laws, the weaponisation of anti-discrimination regimes, the erosion of conscience rights, and the emergence of a new secular orthodoxy that punishes dissent. Drawing on major legal cases across Europe, the US, and Austra
Iran’s Nuclear Threat, Trump’s Choice and Global Stability | John Lee
John Lee examines the critical decision President Trump faces on Iran’s nuclear program, underscoring its profound implications for global stability. He critiques Australia’s passive foreign policy, urging a robust defense strategy to counter emerging threats.Building on this, Lee examines power shifts in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific, pressing Australia to strengthen alliances with the U.S. an
After Collapse: A Strategy for Renewal In The Age Of AI | Daniel Priestley
Daniel Priestley joins John to discuss how entrepreneurship can address economic stagnation and declining living standards. He examines the power of innovation to create jobs and wealth, urging individuals to seize opportunities in a competitive global market.From AI’s transformative potential to the need for affordable energy, Priestley offers a compelling case for proactive leadership. His insig
The Great Energy Deception: The True Cost Of Renewables | Chris Uhlmann
John Anderson and journalist Chris Uhlmann confront Australia’s energy crisis, revealing the stark costs of renewable energy. Despite claims of affordability, electricity prices have soared 70% in a decade, tied to a rise in renewables. South Australia’s costly grid and Spain’s blackout expose renewables’ instability, a risk worsened by Australia’s isolation. The discussion questions why leaders d
The Vibe Shift: Christianity’s Subversive Comeback | Bethel McGrew
John speaks with writer and mathematician Bethel McGrew to unpack the cultural and spiritual currents of our time, from navigating political alliances, to countering secular scepticism. She discusses Jordan Peterson’s role in sparking spiritual curiosity among young men, while highlighting his hesitation to fully grasp the Gospel’s divine message. McGrew also examines the evangelical divide over D
Britain’s Path to Renewal and Reform | Matt Goodwin
Matt Goodwin joins John to unpack the UK’s economic, cultural, and political turmoil. Matt describes a Britain grappling with stagnant growth, a severe cost-of-living crisis, and the fallout of mass immigration, including the grooming gang scandal that has shaken public trust. He highlights the rise of Nigel Farage’s Reform Party, which is surging in polls by addressing voter frustrations over bro
Post-Election Breakdown with Tony Abbott
Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott joins John to discuss the recent Australian election, which exposed deep divisions and missed opportunities for meaningful change. This episode explores the Coalition’s inability to champion solutions for the cost-of-living crisis, national security vulnerabilities, and eroding cultural cohesion, leaving the nation vulnerable to further decline.With a focus on pri
UK Supreme Court Ruling: The Triumph Of Reality | Louise Perry
Louise Perry joins John to dissect the UK Supreme Court’s recent ruling that anchors “woman” to biological sex in the Equality Act. The verdict, Perry argues, unveils the fraying tapestry of progressivism, which clings to the flawed thesis of human interchangeability. In focusing on women's safety and biological integrity, the Court's decision mirrors a broader recognition of transgender
Why Your Way Of Life Is Collapsing: Green Paganism & The Depopulation Bomb | Philip Pilkington
John speaks with economist Philip Pilkington to explore the unraveling of global liberalism, tracing its roots from British imperialism to America’s post-World War II dominance. Pilkington argues that economic liberalisation failed to universalise liberal values, as nations like China and India embrace markets while rejecting cultural liberalism. A multipolar world emerges, where non-liberal power
Trump’s New World Order: Tariffs, China and Nationalism | Walter Russell Mead
Join John Anderson as he speaks with Walter Russell Mead, distinguished historian and foreign policy expert, recorded on April 8, 2025. As President Trump escalates his tariff war—threatening a 50% hike on China—Mead unravels the strategy behind this divisive move. Their dialogue spans the potential consolidation of American authority, the transformation of global trade, and the erosion of the pos
Can Islam Co-Exist? | Dr. Mark Durie and Dr. Richard Shumack
John speaks with Islam scholars Dr. Mark Durie and Dr. Richard Shumack to explore the complex relationship between Islam and Western culture, drawing a contrast between Muhammad’s leadership, shaped by military endeavors, and Jesus’s Gospel of peace. They discuss how Islam’s foundational texts—the Quran and Hadiths—emphasise submission and sacred struggle, which stands in tension with Western valu
Australia Isn’t Ready For War | Michael Pezzullo
John speaks with Mike Pezzullo, former Secretary of Australia’s Home Affairs Department (2017-2023), about the nation’s historical resilience and current security challenges. They explore how Australia’s early naval power deterred threats like German warships in WWI, yet today, the country faces a "real and present danger" from China’s naval deployments, such as the recent task group in the Tasman
Konstantin Kisin | The Western Reset: Immigration, Energy, and Cultural Confidence
Konstantin Kisin joins John in the midst of Britain’s discontent, six months into the Labour government's reign. They paint a nation adrift—stagnant in economy and spirit—where illegal immigration surges, cultural pride wanes, and policies like VAT on school fees sting the middle class. Against this backdrop, they trace a deeper malaise spanning decades, unshackled from any single party, as Britai
Melanie Phillips, Journalist, Author and Broadcaster IV
Join John and British journalist Melanie Phillips as they explore the escalating misuse of "genocide" in the Israel-Gaza conflict, exposing how propaganda and liberal denial have inverted reality. She argues that it is Israel who faces a genocidal threat from Islamists like Hamas, while anti-Semitism surges across a West blind to its own history. From torn hostage posters to distorted narratives,
Kevin Roberts – The West’s Last Stand
Join John Anderson as he hosts Kevin D. Roberts, President of the Heritage Foundation, for a thoughtful discussion on the changes shaping America and the broader Western world. This episode covers a range of topics, from Donald Trump’s unexpected return to the presidency to unconventional proposals like transforming Gaza into a luxury resort. Alongside these, they explore the evolving landscape of
Peter Hitchens, Journalist and Author IV
In this episode, John and Peter dive into the cracks forming in Western society—failing institutions, rising crime, and a loss of trust in leadership. They examine the energy crisis, the decline of national security, and the unchecked consequences of mass immigration, each part of the ideological shifts driving politics away from reason, and into chaos.
Against the backdrop of history, they refle
The Hon John Howard OM AC – 25th Prime Minister of Australia
Join John and former Australian Prime Minister John Howard as they discuss the issues that will determine the upcoming Australian election in 2025. Economic issues play a prominent role, with concerns over declining productivity and rising living costs. Energy policy especially features, where debates around nuclear power versus renewables highlight the need for reliable, affordable solutions. The
Aidan Morrison, Director – Energy Program, C.I.S.
Join John and leading energy researcher Aidan Morrison as they outline why nuclear power should be at the centre of Australia’s energy strategy. Aidan argues that modern nuclear technology is safe, and superior to renewables in terms of its reliability and cost. The discussion illuminates the misinformation which has characterised Australia's energy debate, calling for a shake-up in energy governa
Dr. Nigel Biggar CBE, Emeritus Regius Prof. of Moral and Pastoral Theology, University of Oxford; Dr. Stephen Chavura, Author and Academic
John speaks with Dr. Nigel Biggar and Dr. Stephen Chavura to explore the complexities of history, challenging one-sided narratives of colonisation and conflict. Their discussion sheds light on the nuanced relationships between settlers and Indigenous peoples, revealing both moments of mutual respect and undeniable tragedy. The discussion emphasises an understanding of history within its true conte
Marilynne Robinson, Pulitzer Prize-Winning Novelist And Author
Author Marilynne Robinson talks with John about the enduring power of literature, the spiritual depth of Genesis, and the role of faith in shaping civilisation. With grace and wisdom, she explores how ancient texts like the Bible continue to offer moral clarity and insight into human dignity, while lamenting the cultural shift toward superficial modernity. Her reflections remind us that true wisdo
David Bahnsen, Managing Partner of The Bahnsen Group & Author
John speaks with author and wealth expert David Bahnsen on the moral and economic forces shaping modern society. They explore the meaning of work, the soul of capitalism, and the erosion of cultural values, offering insights rooted in faith and timeless principles. Bahnsen's vision of flourishing challenges the errors of status quo thought, blending hope with sound economics.
John and David also
Amy Dangerfield and Tom Ellsworth, Co-Hosts of The Decision 2024 – Valuetainment
Amy and Tom of The Decision 2024 share their thoughts on Trump’s resounding win in the recent U.S. election. From polling inaccuracies to middle America’s frustrations with Democrats, they outline why the result resonated with voters. Their analysis sheds light on Biden’s early exit, the failure of Harris’s campaign to gain traction, and how issues like immigration and the economy overshadowed pro
Katy Faust, Author and Children’s Rights Activist
In a world where children are too often cast as props in adult narratives, this episode unveils the urgent need to place their rights and well-being at the heart of every cultural, economic, and political decision. From the erosion of masculinity and femininity to the silent crisis of family breakdown, Katy Faust joins John to explore how modern ideologies have stolen stability and identity from t
Victor Davis Hanson, Historian, Commentator and Author
Victor Davis Hanson joins John after President-elect Trump's victory to explore why his direct style resonated with middle America. Hanson examines the economic and social factors driving Trump’s appeal, from rising inflation and border insecurity, to the sense of exclusion felt by many Americans. This interview highlights the stark divide between global elites and everyday citizens, examining how
Niall Ferguson, Historian And Senior Fellow, Stanford University
Historian Niall Ferguson joins John to discuss the challenges facing Western societies, the geopolitical landscape, and cultural issues. He reflects on the shifting nature of Western academic institutions, which he believes have moved away from intellectual diversity and become dominated by progressive orthodoxies, prompting him to support the creation of a new university in Austin dedicated to op
Shawn Ryan, CIA Contractor and Former Navy Seal
Shawn Ryan, former Navy SEAL and CIA contractor, joins John to discuss politics, war, and the psychological toll of military service. Shawn reflects on his experiences in conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan, the rise of his podcast "The Shawn Ryan Show," and how it resonated with listeners craving authenticity amidst a media landscape they no longer trust. He shares his personal struggles, in
Patrick Bet-David, Entrepreneur and Podcast Host
Patrick Bet-David joins John to reflect on his inspiring journey from immigrant to thriving entrepreneur. He shares personal stories about the challenges and successes that shaped him, from his early life to his rise in the business world. Bet-David highlights how discipline, self-reliance and resilience have been crucial for him in overcoming life’s obstacles.
Bet-David wants people to know that
Dale Ahlquist, President of The Society of G.K. Chesterton
Dale Ahlquist, President of the G.K. Chesterton Society, joins John to discuss the lasting relevance of Chesterton’s works in today's world. Ahlquist highlights how Chesterton’s observations on issues like government power, the virtues of faith, hope, and charity, and the decline of reason in modern society, remain remarkably pertinent. With his trademark wit, Chesterton was able to tackle profoun
Victor Davis Hanson, Historian, Commentator and Author
Victor Davis Hanson joins John to explore the 2024 presidential election and the escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Hanson criticises President Joe Biden, suggesting his cognitive decline has left a power vacuum in the American government. He also sees Vice President Harris’ policy shifts as strategic rather than genuine, causing confusion among voters about where she truly stand
Tim Cross, British Army Officer and Military Logistics Expert
Major-General Tim Cross joins John to discuss his experiences in the military amidst global security challenges. Reflecting on his involvement in the 2003 Iraq invasion, he acknowledges the failures of the post-war period, criticising the poor decisions that undermined lasting nation-building efforts. He also examines the growing threats from authoritarian regimes like Russia and China.
Cross arg
John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics, Oxford University and Author
Join John as he speaks with Oxford Professor John Lennox about the intriguing connections between science, religion, and modern cultural shifts. Lennox reflects on how figures like Jordan Peterson have opened the door for renewed dialogue between Christianity and science. He argues that historical scientific pioneers were driven by their faith in a divine lawgiver, a perspective that has regained
Steve Tsang, Professor of China Studies, Author, Political Scientist
John sits down with Professor Steve Tsang, a political scientist and historian of China, to discuss Xi Jinping and the Chinese Communist Party.
Professor Steve Tsang describes Xi Jinping’s leadership style as "Sinocentric Consultative Leninism": absolute control by the Communist Party. This control is maintained through surveillance, ostensible 'anti-corruption' campaigns, nationalism, and the
Justin Brierley, Writer, Podcaster and Apologist
In this episode, John sits down with Justin Brierley, an English academic, writer, podcaster, and Christian apologist. They explore cultural shifts in the West, particularly the rise and decline of New Atheism, and how recent years have seen a surprising resurgence of interest in Christianity, even among secular intellectuals.
Brierley discusses his experiences hosting debates between Christians
Lord Mervyn King, Baron of Lothbury, Economist and Author
John Anderson speaks with Lord Mervyn King about the shortcomings of modern economics, including its detachment from practical issues and over-reliance on modelling. They discuss the failures of economic forecasting during the COVID-19 pandemic and on climate change, stressing the importance of humility and honesty from policymakers. The discussion extends to socio-economic challenges like rising
Konstantin Kisin, Comedian, Podcaster and Writer
Konstantin Kisin returns to discuss his recent tour in America and analysis of the UK election: the decline of the Conservative Party, the rise of the Reform Party, and the structural challenges in Britain that now face the Labour Party.
Reflecting on broader geopolitical issues, Kisin also shares his views on the Ukraine conflict and the need for decisive leadership. Drawing on his experiences t
Peter Hitchens, Journalist and Author III
Join John Anderson as he interviews Peter Hitchens after the recent defeat of the Tories and the ascension of Keir Starmer. Hitchens offers a critical perspective on the Conservative Party and their gradual embrace of Tony Blair’s New Labour policies. He and John also explore the impact of public disengagement, the influence of public relations & advertising on politics, and the decline of traditi
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