John Anderson: Conversations

Alexandra Hudson joins John to explore the breakdown of modern public discourse and to unpack the crucial distinction between superficial politeness and genuine civility. Hudson argues that true civility is not merely adhering to polite etiquette, but an inner disposition that recognizes the inherent dignity of others, even when that requires having difficult, uncomfortable conversations. Rather than viewing our deep political and cultural divisions as a novel crisis, the conversation frames dehumanisation and the lust for dominance as age-old human flaws. Ultimately, Hudson urges listeners to look inward rather than blaming political figures or the media, emphasizing that true social change begins when individuals take responsibility for cultivating respect, empathy, and personal integrity within their own spheres of influence. Alexandra Hudson is an author, popular speaker, and the founder of Civic Renaissance, a publication and intellectual community dedicated to beauty, goodness and truth comprised of…

John sits down with British historian and broadcaster Rafe Heydel-Mankoo to examine why the West has lost confidence in itself. Rafe argues that while individualism is the quality that set the West apart, generating the social trust, curiosity and appetite for risk that no other civilisation produced, it was only ever safe when held in check by strong institutions and the understanding that rights come with obligations. Once this balance fell away, individualism curdled into the narcissism and identity politics that we see in the present, and the institutions meant to restrain it have themselves been captured by a long march through universities and schools. Rafe contends that the time remaining to reverse this is limited. Rafe Heydel-Mankoo is one of North America’s leading royal commentators and appears regularly on TV, radio and in the print media, covering global royal events such as The Queen’s Jubilee and the wedding of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. An expert in Monarchy, protocol, honours and…

In partnership with Australian Dialogues, join host John Anderson for a compelling constitutional debate filmed at NSW Parliament House. Moderated by Professor Rosalind Dixon, the panel included former Australian High Court Justice Michael Kirby, US Circuit Judge Andrew Oldham, and legal scholar Professor Nicholas Aroney. Together, they tackle one of the most consequential questions in modern jurisprudence: should a constitution be interpreted through the lens of its original public meaning, or as a dynamic, "living" document that evolves with changing times?The panel examines the deep tensions between originalism and living constitutionalism, contrasting the necessity of objective judicial constraint against the realities of governing modern societies. Comparing the Australian and American legal systems, the speakers debate the role of democratic amendments, rights protection, and the decline of public trust in foundational institutions—offering a sharp, nuanced exploration of who ultimately holds the…

Join John in conversation with David Harris as they explore the roots and modern resurgence of antisemitism. They discuss the defining characteristics of antisemitism, its historical evolution, and how contemporary political dynamics shape global attitudes toward the Jewish community and Israel.The conversation examines the blurring lines between antizionism and antisemitism, alongside the changing social climate in Western democracies following the December 2025 terrorist attack at Bondi Beach. Harris calls for principled, bipartisan leadership and a unified societal stance that rejects prejudice and protects fellow citizens.David Harris is an international Jewish advocate and the current Executive Vice Chair of the Institute for the Study of Global Antisemitism and Policy (ISGAP). He served as CEO of the American Jewish Committee (AJC) from 1990 to 2022. He is the author of Anti-Semitism: What Everyone Needs To Know.

John sits down with sociologist and author Frank Furedi to discuss why millions of people across the West are turning against the political establishment, the rise of populism, the collapse of trust in traditional institutions, and the growing divide between ordinary citizens and the elites who govern them. From immigration and multiculturalism to education, free speech, national identity and the future of democracy, Furedi argues that populism is not simply a threat to the political order — it is a response to people feeling ignored by it. The conversation explores what has been lost, why citizenship matters, and whether Western democracies can rebuild a shared culture strong enough to survive. Frank Furedi is Emeritus Professor of Sociology at the University of Kent and the author of 26 books, including most recently In Defence of Populism. His work has focused on cultural developments in Western societies, including the culture of fear, education, identity, national sovereignty and the changing…

In this interview, sitting Danish politician Alex Vanopslagh explains how Denmark became a great and prosperous nation. Contrary to the platitudes from members of the left like Bernie Sanders, who have argued that Denmark is a socialist success story, Alex argues that liberty and individual responsibility have made it great.He also explains how Denmark's Protestant emphasis on individual conscience and responsibility, combined with its high social trust, has put the country in a unique position to deal with issues like mass migration and the rise of political Islam. This has helped Denmark to avoid the pattern seen across much of the West, where right-wing populist parties have surged.Already leader of his party, the Liberal Alliance, at 34-years-old, Alex encourages young people everywhere to take ownership of their own lives and to be contributors to their community and country. Alex’s new book Den usynlige ånd (The Invisible Spirit) comes out on the 28th of August.Alex Vanopslagh is a Danish politician…

Robert P. George joins John Anderson at the ARC conference in London for a conversation that traces natural law back through Cicero and Aristotle to Martin Luther King's Letter from Birmingham Jail. He also discusses his friendship with utilitarian philosopher Peter Singer on the personhood of the unborn as evidence that serious disagreement and real friendship aren't incompatible. The conversation turns to what happens when that capacity disappears: the tribalism of social media and siloed media ecosystems, and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which George calls a tragedy not just for Kirk's family but for civic life in the West. He warns that the U.S. may be "one more assassination away from a civil war," and argues that the way back runs through intellectual humility — a willingness to recognise one's own fallibility and to see one's opponent as a fellow citizen rather than an enemy to be destroyed. Robert P. George is an American legal scholar, political philosopher, and public intellectual. He serves…

Konstantin Kisin argues that Britain is poor and getting poorer, and that almost nobody knows it. He points to polling showing most Britons believe they are as rich as Switzerland, Singapore or Australia, when on a per capita basis Britain sits far down the table and is close to being overtaken by Poland. Konstantin also examines the grooming gangs scandal, which he describes as organised crime run through kinship networks, and rejects outright the idea that Britain can accommodate two legal systems. Konstantin Kisin is a writer, social commentator, comedian, and co-host of the free speech podcast Triggernometry. He is a regular on British and American TV and radio shows including Question Time, Good Morning Britain, BBC Breakfast, Daily Politics, LBC Cross Question, The Joe Rogan Experience, and many others. He is also the author of An Immigrant's Love Letter to the West.

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 suggests about the true scale of secularisation in Australia.The conversation also looks beyond the Census to the broader cultural picture: the changing relationship younger Australians have with Christianity, the difference between religious affiliation and active belief, the enduring influence of Christian institutions and values, and the growing search for meaning in an increasingly fragmented society.Mark McCrindle is an Australian social researcher, demographer, author and founder of McCrindle, a research and communications agency specialising in social trends, generational change and demographic analysis. He has…

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 warns that the sovereignty of the British people has been quietly inverted, and that the country is only now waking up to the consequences. He points to the 440 quangos accounting for roughly a third of state expenditure, a £100 million bat tunnel, and judges who now determine wage rates and fuel policy. Yet for all Starkey's pessimism, he implores Britons to recall their duty and find the courage to fight for a civilisation that is worth preserving.Dr. David Starkey CBE is a British historian, broadcaster and commentator, best known for his work on the English monarchy. Starkey was presented with the Norton…

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 Iran and the Houthis exist for one purpose: sinking American aircraft carriers.Michael Doran is a Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute and director of its Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East. A former George W. Bush administration National Security Council director, he is the author of Ike's Gamble and a leading voice on Iran, Israel and U.S. strategy.

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 the energy transition — a figure he puts as high as $1 trillion.David Pearl is a former assistant secretary of the Australian Treasury and now a full-time writer and commentator on economic and cultural policy. He spent some three decades in the federal bureaucracy, with postings to the OECD in the late 1990s and a period as the Treasurer's representative in the United States, working across taxation, fiscal management and energy policy. He writes regularly for The Australian and The Spectator Australia and appears frequently on Sky News, where he has been among the most persistent critics of Treasury's modelling of…

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 Phillips possesses a storied journalistic pedigree. Having established her reputation at The Guardian and the New Statesman, she now provides sharp political and social analysis for The Times, The Jerusalem Post, and The Jewish Chronicle. A familiar and formidable presence on the airwaves, she has long served as a regular panellist for BBC Radio 4’s The Moral Maze and BBC One’s Question Time. Phillips was honoured with the Orwell Prize for Journalism in 1996 during her tenure at The Observer, and her extensive bibliography includes her candid memoir, Guardian Angel: My Story, My Britain.

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. Together they examine what climate models can reliably predict and why careful analysis matters when shaping long-term policy.The conversation also explores Australia's energy future, the challenges of maintaining reliable electricity grids, the potential role of nuclear power, and the balance between affordability, energy security and environmental responsibility. Koonin reflects on scientific integrity, technological innovation and why societies benefit when evidence, rather than politics, remains at the centre of public debate.Steven E. Koonin is the Edward Teller Senior Fellow at Stanford University’s Hoover…

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 knowledge.From the classical roots of Western education and the Trivium to the ideological capture of teacher training and university management, Haines and Mueller expose the ideas driving the decline and the institutions already proving a better model is possible. What is at stake is not just educational outcomes, but the capacity of the next generation to reason clearly, to govern themselves wisely, and to pass on what they have inherited.Prof. Simon Haines is the Distinguished Professor of Liberal Arts at Campion College Australia, Adjunct Professor at the Australian Catholic University, and a founding Fellow of the…

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 infrastructure disaster. Drawing on international comparisons, primary documents, and on-the-ground testimony, the panel reveals how Australians were sold a false economic promise — and what the true cost to the nation's bills, industry, and security will be.Aidan Morrison is a leading researcher into Energy Systems and currently the Director of Energy Research at the Centre for Independent Studies. In 2023 he exposed how the famous CSIRO report “GenCost” excluded vast costs required to integrate and firm renewables by treating them as “sunk” costs. In 2024 he was amongst the strongest voices calling for nuclear energy in…

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 deliberately disconnected from the culture and heritage it was supposed to carry forward. Carl Benjamin is one of Britain's most followed independent commentators. Widely known online as Sargon of Akkad, Benjamin is the director of the conservative political podcast, Lotus Eaters. He is known for his outspoken criticism of modern feminism, identity politics, Islam, and political correctness.

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 separated from their primary caregivers, why Australia's social media ban is a step in the right direction but far from a complete solution, and what governments could do differently if they genuinely wanted to support families rather than promote institutional childcare.Erica Komisar is a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, parent coach, and author. With over thirty years of experience in private practice, she works to alleviate pain in individuals who suffer from depression, anxiety, eating, and other compulsive disorders. She is the author of Being There: Why Prioritizing Motherhood in the First Three Years…

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, noting Gaza practises what he calls a gravity-based conversion therapy. He closes with a sobering prognosis: the auto-corrections exist, but the West currently lacks the fortitude to implement any of them. Gad Saad is a Lebanese-Canadian evolutionary behavioural scientist and professor of marketing at Concordia University in Montreal. Born in 1964 in Lebanon, he emigrated to Canada as a child. His academic work applies evolutionary psychology and Darwinian principles to consumer behaviour — he's a legitimate researcher with a substantial peer-reviewed publication record, not purely a public intellectual who drifted into…

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 the native population's very existence.Matt Goodwin is an academic, bestseller writer and speaker known for his work on political volatility, risk, populism, British politics, Europe, elections and Brexit. He recently contended in the 2026 Gorton and Denton by-election for Reform UK. He runs one of UK's biggest Substacks at: https://www.mattgoodwin.org/.Visit John's new substack here: https://www.ourcivilisationalmoment.com/Matt's widely acclaimed new book, Suicide of a Nation, is available here:https://www.amazon.com.au/Suicide-Nation-Immigration-Islam-Identity/dp/1919401407Sign up to John's newsletter here:…

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 individual “truths” and objective justice. The result is a powerful discussion on the future of law, freedom, and society. Mark Fowler is an Adjunct Associate Professor at his alma mater, the University of New England School of Law, and an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame School of Law, Sydney. He is an Appeals Panel member for the Australian Council for International Development, the peak body for Australian non-government organisations (NGOs) involved in international development and humanitarian action. He is the author of Beauty and The Law. The Honourable Ian Callinan was appointed as…

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 what the national grid can realistically deliver. This is a timely warning that Australia's energy policy is being driven by political ambition rather than engineering reality, and that the consequences will be felt by every Australian as power bills continue to rise. Aidan Morrison is a leading researcher into Energy Systems and currently the Director of Energy Research at the Centre for Independent Studies. In 2023 he exposed how the famous CSIRO report “GenCost” excluded vast costs required to integrate and firm renewables by treating them as “sunk” costs. In 2024 he was amongst the strongest voices calling for nuclear…

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, while warning that Australia may not be adequately prepared for a potential conflict over Taiwan. Yamagami argues that internal political and economic pressures within China could create a dangerous window for them to take more aggressive action in the Indo-Pacific. This is a sobering reminder that Australia must renew its commitment to its allies and remain vigilant in protecting its sovereign capabilities. Shingo Yamagami is a Japanese diplomat who served as the Ambassador to Australia from December 2020 to April 2023. Yamagami worked in Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs for four decades, also serving in…

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, suggesting that this is a relationship of convenience that will end in betrayal and threatens to destroy the West.The discussion examines the concept of 'third jihad', where democratic processes are being used to implement non-democratic legal codes such as Sharia law. It calls out the stark contrast between Islam and Christianity by examining their divergent views on power, the nature of God, and the foundation of human worth. Ultimately, this conversation is a call to rediscover our conviction in the Christian faith that originally gave birth to individual dignity and freedom.Dr. Michael Youssef is a pastor, bestselling…

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 strategic environment and the limitations of current solutions like electrification for heavy farming machinery. This is a call for leaders to prioritise sovereign security and frank policy advice over populist convenience.Dr. John Coyne is the inaugural Director of ASPI’s National Security Program, overseeing ASPI’s Counter-Terrorism Policy Centre; Statecraft and Intelligence Policy Centre; Climate and Security Policy Centre, and Strategic Policing and Law Enforcement Policy Centre. He is the author of The Role of Strategic Intelligence in Law Enforcement and has published widely on policing, national security,…

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 discussion also explores the role of identity politics, social media, and shifting cultural attitudes in shaping Western democracies. O’Neill suggests that these reactions reflect a deeper loss of confidence within Western institutions in their own values and historical foundations. This is a thoughtful conversation that sheds light on the prevalence of anti-Semitism in the West. Brendan O’Neill is chief political writer and former editor of Spiked. He also a writes for The Australian and numerous other newspapers and magazines. His most recent book is After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation.…

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 ambition with a poor historical record when pursued through air power alone. The discussion unpacks Iran’s ideological foundations, its history of foreign intervention, the erosion of its “forward defence” strategy, and the real limits of military precision in shaping political outcomes. From contested nuclear claims to the future of the rules-based order, this is a sober, strategic assessment of whether the world will emerge safer — or more unstable. Rodger Shanahan is a non-resident fellow at the Lowy Institute specialising in Middle East security and strategic affairs. He holds a PhD in Arab and Islamic Studies from…

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 productivity and rising cost-of-living pressures, they ask whether the balance between administration and wealth creation has drifted out of alignment.The discussion moves beyond numbers to deeper questions of accountability, incentives and institutional culture. From regulatory overreach to major project failures, Newman argues that expansion has too often come without corresponding responsibility. Yet, he also highlights examples where strong leadership and a service-first mindset have delivered genuine reform. It is a serious, practical examination of how Australia governs itself, and what must change to restore…

Introducing us to foundational philosophies of science too often forgotten today, Prof. Batterham applies his wisdom to areas such as climate change, emissions policies and agricultural technology. He makes the case for a promising heterodox technology that may serve to mitigate climate and agricultural problems - soil carbon sequestration.

Dr. Andrew Stone speaks with John about the concerning economic trends following government responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. He and John discuss the rise of Modern Monetary Theory, The Great Reset, climate politics, and Australia’s trade war with China. They explore the relationship between rising interest and inflation rates, house prices, and the large-scale consequences for our economic future.

John talks with Steve E. Koonin, a theoretical physicist and policymaker, about the future of energy and the politics of climate change. Steve reflects on how the politicisation of climate science has led to a lack of transparency regarding climate statistics.

John reads his op-ed published in The Australian, on soil carbon sequestration as a productive means to create a net-zero emissions agricultural sector.

John talks to world-renowned Stanford University Historian Niall Ferguson about global security, the perception of the West, the strength of alliances in the face of communist threats, and what China's rising power means for the geopolitical environment.

John talks to Erica Komisar, a clinical social worker, psychoanalyst, parent coach and author, about the phenomenons plaguing parents and children in today's environments. Erica highlights the crucial periods for children's growth and the importance of intentional and nurturing motherhood from the moment a child enters the world.

In this Direct interview, John is joined by Victor Davis Hanson, Martin and Illie Anderson Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution. Dr. Hanson addresses Biden’s role in the Afghanistan crisis, increased tensions between China and the US, and the future of the US-Australia relationship. They also unpack the authoritarianism of woke politics, the mounting resistance against critical race theory in the West, and discuss Victor’s upcoming book, The Dying Citizen (October 2021).

In this Direct interview, John is joined by Senator Jim Molan, AO, DSC, a former Major-General in the Australian Army and current Senator for New South Wales in the Australian Senate. They re-examine Australia's defence and national security threats in the wake of the United States' disastrous exit from Afghanistan, and consider the potential for war with China in the coming years; how it could come about, how it might be waged, Australia's defence preparedness and the readiness with which we can rely on the United States for support.

In this Direct interview, John is joined by Greg Sheridan, widely-respected foreign editor for The Australian and author of Christians: The urgent case for Jesus in our world. They discuss the Christian foundations of Western civilisation and the importance of religion to society, communities and individuals. They delve into the deep rationality that undergirds the Christian faith and question the capacity for atheist philosophies to truly nourish the human soul.

In this Direct interview, John is joined by Professor Carl Trueman, author of The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self. They discuss the modern self in an age of culture wars, including the societal shift of the perception of happiness and gratification, the technological revolution, and the sexual revolution and its ties to authoritarianism.

In this Direct interview, John is joined by American demographer, academic and author Joel Kotkin. John and Joel discuss some of the key theses of Joel’s widely-praised recent book, 'The Coming of Neo-Feudalism'. Joel shines the spotlight on the Western progressive elite or, as he terms them, the 'new clerisy', who sideline and silence anyone who speak or, increasingly, think against the orthodoxy. He paints a worrying comparison between this status quo, the Chinese experience of authoritarianism and the medieval feudalism known to Europe for hundreds of years.

Human rights activist and author Yeonmi Park grew up in North Korea, a brutal, communist society devoted to the worship of Kim Jong-Il. At the age of 13, she and her family made a daring escape to China in search of a life free of tyranny. In her viral talks, viewed online nearly 350 million times, Park urges audiences to recognise—and resist—the oppression that exists in North Korea, and around the world. In this interview she recounts her story of escape from North Korea, only to be sold into slavery in China, before eventually finding freedom in South Korea and the US. Her personal story is a cautionary one for us in the West as she articulates her concern that there is a creeping authoritarianism spreading through our society and its institutions. She warns us that our freedoms are precious and precarious and that we need to fight to keep hold of them. Her powerful memoir is called, In Order to Live: A North Korean Girl’s Journey to Freedom.

In this direct interview, John is joined by American actor and philanthropist Matthew McConaughey. They discuss Matthew’s new memoir, Greenlights, and delve into his storied life so far – his acting career, upbringing, and the profound lessons he has learnt first-hand about victimhood, courage and self-responsibility. They investigate broader topics; the importance of learning from, rather than erasing history, how to heal a divided America, civility and freedoms, and Matthew’s (potential) political future.

John talks to distinguished American journalist and author Matt Taibbi about the current, perilous state of the media. Taibbi details the politicisation and polarisation of mainstream news media over the past 20 years. He unpacks what he believes to be the contributing factors to this descent, yet shines hope on the future of journalism, arguing that trust can and must be restored between the media and the public. Only after this will journalism be able to recover its important role as a pillar of healthy democracies.