Best Freespeech Podcasts (2025)

1
Interview wth James Piereson 34:00

4h ago34:00

34:00

An Interview with James Piereson, Senior Fellow, Manhattan Institute, and Trustee, Thomas W. Smith Foundation The vigorous forces shaping American society, politics, and the economy today could have a transformative impact on the country’s future. Even amidst a sea of change and political realignments, our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom…

1
Ep. 239: Columbia University, Mahmoud Khalil, DEI, law firms, and more 1:04:24

32m ago1:04:24

1:04:24

We explore how censorship is impacting institutions — from universities to law firms to the Maine House of Representatives. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:40 Federal government cuts Columbia’s funding 16:57 Updates on the Mahmoud Khalil case 27:01 Ed Martin’s Georgetown letter 34:59 Trump targeting law firms 55:01 Maine House censure of Rep. Laurel Lib…

1
058 - Dr. Manu Seyfzadeh 3:03:42

1h ago3:03:42

3:03:42

In this episode, Robert and Dr. Manu Seyfzadeh explore the latest claims from a team of Italian researchers who used synthetic aperture radar to detect what may be massive underground structures beneath Khafre’s Pyramid—giant vertical shafts wrapped in spiral staircases, a limestone platform housing two enormous chambers, and a possible ancient wat…

1
Rerelease - Dr. Seuss Warned Us 30:59

1h ago30:59

30:59

This episode was first released on May 2, 2023. Dr. Seuss wrote a story about a Hawtch-Hawtcher Bee-Watcher whose job it is to watch his town’s one lazy bee, because “a bee that is watched will work harder, you see.” But that doesn’t seem to work, so another Hawtch-Hawtcher is assigned to watch the first, and then another to watch the second... unt…

1
Interview with Mark Klug 29:42

3h ago29:42

29:42

An Interview with Mark Klug, Chief Executive Officer, Christian Family Solutions Public awareness about mental health has never been greater, but barriers to treatment remain. According to our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom, integrating faith with proven therapeutic treatment can have a transformational impact on those who are dealing w…

1
Ep. 238: On Mahmoud Khalil 39:26

16d ago39:26

39:26

First Amendment lawyer Marc Randazza and immigration lawyer Jeffrey Rubin join the show to discuss the arrest, detention, and possible deportation of green card holder Mahmoud Khalil. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 00:53 Latest updates on Khalil 02:51 First Amendment implications 06:08 Legal perspectives on deportation 11:54 Chilling effects on free expre…

1
057 - Neven Paar 1:09:15

13d ago1:09:15

1:09:15

In this mind-expanding episode of Think Tank, Robert sits down with Neven Paar, a modern Hermetist, esoteric researcher, and the author behind Serpent Rising. Neven shares his profound journey into mysticism, from a spontaneous Kundalini awakening in 2004 to his deep exploration of Hermeticism, the Golden Dawn, Kabbalah, astrology, and ceremonial m…

51
Ep. 237: A tech policy bonanza! The FCC, FTC, AI regulations, and more 1:04:48

22d ago1:04:48

1:04:48

Does a cat stand on two legs or four? The answer to that question may tell you all you need to know about the government involving itself in social media content moderation. On today’s show, we cover the latest tech policy developments involving the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission, AI regulation, and more. Guests: - Ari …

1
Jane Calvert: The Imperative to Study America's Founding 27:25

23h ago27:25

27:25

In this episode, ACTA Vice President of Policy Bradley Jackson talks with Jane Calvert, director of the John Dickinson Writings Project and a member of ACTA’s National Commission on American History and Civic Education. They contend that the study of history is less about rote memorization and more like being a detective excavating an unsolved myst…

1
Juniata College: Embracing Debate from the Campus to Classroom 1:08:44

25d ago1:08:44

1:08:44

In this episode, Sadie Webb, ACTA's Associate Director of the College Debates and Discourse (CD&D) Alliance, discusses the Alliance’s extensive work with faculty and student leaders at Juniata College. Dean of Students Matthew Damschroder, Dean of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Derek James, and four students share how participating in classroom an…

1
056 - Jai Gobind 1:37:01

1M ago1:37:01

1:37:01

In this fascinating episode of the Think Tank Podcast, Robert sits down with Jai Gobind, an expert in astrology, Gene Keys, human design, and esoteric wisdom. Jai shares her unique ability to weave together these ancient systems, revealing deep insights about self-discovery, life purpose, and the hidden matrix of reality. The conversation explores …

1
Interview with Victor and Dawn Barnett 30:33

1M ago30:33

30:33

An Interview with Victor and Dawn Barnett, Leaders of Running Rebels It’s a magical sight when a once lifeless plant begins to blossom because of the right conditions. According to one of our guests on this episode of Voices of Freedom, working with young people from challenging circumstances is analogous to tending a garden. When someone is strugg…

1
Ep. 236: JD Vance, 60 Minutes, the Associated Press, the FCC, and more 1:06:27

1M ago1:06:27

1:06:27

From JD Vance’s free speech critique of Europe to the Trump administration barring the Associated Press from the Oval Office, free speech news is buzzing. General Counsel Ronnie London and Chief Counsel Bob Corn-Revere unpack the latest developments. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:49 JD Vance’s speech in Europe 13:27 Margaret Brennan’s comment on the H…

1
Jon Hardister: Theory and Practice of Excellent University Governance 24:30

1M ago24:30

24:30

ACTA’s chief of staff and SVP, Armand Alacbay, sits down with Jon Hardister, who once chaired North Carolina's House Education Committee, and now serves as a trustee at Western Carolina University. Hear his insider insights on the key role trustees play in university governance, student success, and protecting free speech on campus.…

1
Ep. 235: Cancel culture, legal education, and the Supreme Court with Ilya Shapiro 1:19:24

2M ago1:19:24

1:19:24

Over the years, elite institutions shifted from fostering open debate to enforcing ideological conformity. But as guest Ilya Shapiro puts it, “the pendulum is swinging back.” He shares his firsthand experience with cancel culture and how the American Bar Association’s policies influence legal education. Shapiro also opines on major free speech case…

1
Interview with Laura Sumner-Coon 32:38

2M ago32:38

32:38

An Interview with Laura Sumner-Coon, Executive Director of Racine Literacy Council (RLC) It might seem counterintuitive for leaders of nonprofit organizations to try to work themselves out of their jobs. Yet our guest on this episode of Voices of Freedom believes that should in fact be their goal. Laura Sumner-Coon, Executive Director of Racine Lit…

1
Ep. 234: The Chicago Canon 1:07:31

2M ago1:07:31

1:07:31

The University of Chicago is known for its commitment to free speech and academic freedom. Why are these values important to the university? Where do they originate? And how do they help administrators navigate conflicts and controversies? Tony Banout and Tom Ginsburg direct the University of Chicago’s Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression, which r…

1
Ohio Senator Jerry Cirino: Fortifying Open Discourse in the Buckeye State 33:56

2M ago33:56

33:56

ACTA president Michael Poliakoff speaks to Ohio Senator Jerry Cirino, vice chair of the Senate's Higher Education Committee, on his promise to enact legislation to enhance the quality of higher education in the Buckeye State. Senator Cirino aims to safeguard open discourse and intellectual diversity for both students and faculty, mandate institutio…

1
Mitch Daniels: The Heart of the Academic Enterprise 29:32

2M ago29:32

29:32

Focusing on the role of higher education in preparing young Americans for citizenship, ACTA's president Michael Poliakoff speaks with Mitch Daniels, former Governor of Indiana, who also served as president of Purdue University from 2013 to 2022.

1
Joshua Dunn: Intellectual Diversity and Informed Patriotism 36:01

2M ago36:01

36:01

ACTA's president Michael Poliakoff speaks with the distinguished scholar and education leader, Joshua Dunn, who took on leadership of the recently established Institute of American Civics at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in June, 2023. Professor Dunn was previously the executive director of the Center for the Study of Government and the Ind…

1
Ep. 233: Rethinking free speech with Peter Ives 1:21:06

3M ago1:21:06

1:21:06

Is the free speech conversation too simplistic? Peter Ives thinks so. He is the author of “Rethinking Free Speech,” a new book that seeks to provide a more nuanced analysis of the free speech debate within various domains, from government to campus to social media. Ives is a professor of political science at the University of Winnipeg. He researche…

1
055 - Adrian Grenier 21:39

3M ago21:39

21:39

This episode of Think Tank is truly special, offering a glimpse into Adrian Grenier's life, from his successful Hollywood career to his transformation into a steward of the land, shaped by a new spiritual worldview. Far from a typical interview, Adrian opens his home and heart, sharing stories of personal growth, community, and his mission to creat…

1
054 - Jenny Dinovi 1:26:39

3M ago1:26:39

1:26:39

In this enlightening episode of the Think Tank podcast, Robert sits down with Jenny Dinovi, a global sensation whose authenticity and deep wisdom have made her an almost overnight phenomenon on social media. Known for her ability to channel profound insights and connect deeply with her audience, Jenny has rapidly risen to prominence, inspiring mill…

1
053 - Chloe Macintosh 1:28:06

3M ago1:28:06

1:28:06

In this profoundly thought-provoking episode of Think Tank, entrepreneur and thought leader Chloe Macintosh shares her transformative journey from co-founding the billion-dollar company Made.com to pioneering work in sexuality, personal development, and relational healing. Join Robert and Chloe as they explore topics often shrouded in societal tabo…

1
Aaron Sibarium - On the Record 1:06:39

3M ago1:06:39

1:06:39

ACTA's Paul and Karen Levy Fellow in Campus Freedom, Steve McGuire, interviews Aaron Sibarium, a journalist who writes for the Washington Free Beacon. Sibarium graduated in 2018 from Yale University, where he was the opinion editor of The Yale Daily News. Much of his reporting for the Free Beacon focuses on issues in higher education, and he has au…

1
Ep. 232: We answer your free speech questions 1:06:49

4M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

FIRE staffers take your questions on the TikTok ban, mandatory DEI statements, the Kids Online Safety Act, Trump vs. the media, and more. Joining us: Ari Cohn, lead counsel for tech policy Robert Shibley, special counsel for campus advocacy Will Creeley, legal director This webinar was open to the public. Future monthly FIRE Member Webinars will no…

1
052 - Sean Clayton 1:11:42

3M ago1:11:42

1:11:42

In this insightful episode of Think Tank, Robert Grant sits down with Sean Clayton, an American entrepreneur and spiritual guide based in Texas. Sean is known for his inspiring journey, from overcoming challenges to mentoring others in personal development and spirituality. He founded "Science of Abundance," a platform dedicated to helping individu…

1
Interview with Anthony McHenry 36:30

4M ago36:30

36:30

An Interview with Anthony McHenry, Chief Executive Officer, Milwaukee Academy of Science When it comes to urban education, the news is almost always negative. Poor academic performance, abysmal graduation rates and unruly classrooms have become the norm. Students have suffered because of these failures, often falling through the cracks. Yet there a…

1
Peter Skerry: Embracing Uncomfortable Campus Conversations 43:54

4M ago43:54

43:54

Higher Ed Now producer Doug Sprei interviews Peter Skerry, professor of political science at Boston College, who has served as a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution and research fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. He has been featured in a variety of scholarly and national media publications, and is the author of Counting on the Cen…

1
Ep. 231: What is academic freedom? With Keith Whittington 1:07:00

4M ago1:07:00

1:07:00

“Who controls what is taught in American universities — professors or politicians?” Yale Law professor Keith Whittington answers this timely question and more in his new book, “You Can’t Teach That! The Battle over University Classrooms.” He joins the podcast to discuss the history of academic freedom, the difference between intramural and extramur…

1
051 - Paul Austin 1:41:31

4M ago1:41:31

1:41:31

In this captivating episode of Think Tank, Robert sits down with Paul Austin, a pioneer in the world of psychedelics, to unravel the profound impact of plant medicines and psychedelics on human history and personal growth. Together, they explore the historical use of psychedelics in ancient civilizations, from the Eleusinian Mysteries of Greece to …

1
Interview wth Paul Clement 33:52

4M ago33:52

33:52

An Interview with Paul Clement, Appellate Lawyer and Distinguished Lecturer in Law The US Constitution has long been revered by its citizens, yet also robustly challenged. Knowing that it would be tested, the founders created the judiciary to serve as an independent bulwark that would protect Americans’ rights. Yet the judiciary’s independence has …

1
Ep. 230: Wilson vs. FDR: Who was worse for free speech? 1:09:43

4M ago1:09:43

1:09:43

Woodrow Wilson or Franklin D. Roosevelt: which president was worse for free speech? In August, FIRE posted a viral X thread, arguing that Woodrow Wilson may be America’s worst-ever president for free speech. Despite the growing recognition of Wilson’s censorship, there was a professor who wrote a recent book on FDR’s free speech record, arguing tha…

1
Ep. 229: Ayaan Hirsi Ali will not submit 45:10

5M ago45:10

45:10

Ayaan Hirsi Ali grew up in a culture of conformity. She was beaten and mutilated. She was told who she must marry. Eventually, she rebelled. “You don’t speak up at first,” she told us. “First you leave and you find a place of safety. It’s only after that experience that it occurred to me to speak up about anything.” Hirsi Ali is a human rights acti…

1
Alumni Free Speech Advocacy at MIT: Wayne Stargardt and Peter Bonilla 43:32

4M ago43:32

43:32

For the past several years, ACTA has collaborated with the Alumni Free Speech Alliance (AFSA) to defend free expression, academic freedom, and viewpoint diversity on college and university campuses. With hundreds of alumni advocates across 27 institutions, AFSA represents a national movement empowering alumni to exert positive, meaningful influence…

1
Interview with Victor Davis Hanson 29:57

5M ago29:57

29:57

An Interview with Victor Davis Hanson The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation The principles enshrined in the US Constitution have historically united us as Americans. We may have different customs, backgrounds or religious beliefs from our fellow citizens, but we share the values of freedom and the rule of law that are afforded to us as citizens. I…

1
Ep. 228: Does artificial intelligence have free speech rights? 1:10:43

5M ago1:10:43

1:10:43

In this live recording of “So to Speak” at the First Amendment Lawyers Association meeting, Samir Jain, Andy Phillips, and Benjamin Wittes discuss the legal questions surrounding free speech and artificial intelligence. Samir Jain is the vice president of policy at the Center for Democracy and Technology. Andy Phillips is the managing partner and c…

1
050 John Petersen 1:22:19

5M ago1:22:19

1:22:19

In this episode of Think Tank, Robert engages in a captivating conversation with John Petersen, a renowned futurist, strategist, and expert on large-scale change. John discusses his career, which includes leading the Arlington Institute and advising various government agencies, including the Department of Defense. The conversation covers a broad ra…

1
049 - Matias De Stefano 2:00:20

5M ago2:00:20

2:00:20

In this episode of the Think Tank Podcast, Robert sits down with Matias De Stefano, a well-known Argentine philosopher and spiritual teacher who focuses on consciousness, ancient wisdom, and the universe's energy systems. The conversation explores Matias' recent travels to Mexico and Bali, where he participated in profound spiritual ceremonies, inc…

1
Ep. 227: Should there be categories of unprotected speech? 1:03:31

5M ago1:03:31

1:03:31

The FIRE team debates the proposition: Should there be any categories of unprotected speech? General Counsel Ronnie London and Chief Counsel Bob Corn-Revere go through each category of speech falling outside First Amendment protection to decide whether it should remain unprotected or if it’s time to “remove an arrow from the government’s quiver.” R…

1
Interview with Robert P. George 40:46

6M ago40:46

40:46

An Interview with Robert P. George It’s no secret that viewpoint diversity has long been scarce among faculty and staff at most universities. Yet events on college campuses since October 7, 2023 have exposed for many just how entrenched progressive ideologies have become within higher education, causing an awakening among alumni, families and stude…

1
048 - Special Solo Episode - Robert Edward Grant 58:29

6M ago58:29

58:29

In this special solo episode of Think Tank, Robert delves into his latest discoveries and thoughts on the future of human evolution. He explores the concept of "homo sanctus luminous," discussing the potential for silicon to replace carbon as the backbone of our DNA, leading to more resilient and advanced genetic structures. Robert touches on the i…

1
Rerelease - So You Think You're a Critical Thinker 43:51

6M ago43:51

43:51

This episode was first released on March 21, 2023. The promise of the internet was that it would be a tool to melt barriers and aid truth-seekers everywhere. But it feels like polarization has worsened in recent years, and more internet users are being misled into embracing conspiracies and cults. From QAnon to anti-vax screeds to talk of an Illumi…

1
Ep. 226: ‘Shouting fire,’ deepfake laws, tenured professors, and mask bans 1:05:35

6M ago1:05:35

1:05:35

The FIRE team discusses Tim Walz’s controversial comments on hate speech and “shouting fire in a crowded theater.” We also examine California’s AI deepfake laws, the punishment of tenured professors, and mask bans. Joining us are: Aaron Terr, FIRE’s director of Public Advocacy; Connor Murnane, FIRE’s Campus Advocacy chief of staff; and Adam Goldste…

1
Core Texts in a Hispanic Context: a Special Spanish Episode of Higher Ed Now 59:37

5M ago59:37

59:37

In this episode of Higher Ed Now, the second of two conversations devoted to core texts, ACTA’s Academic Affairs Fellow Veronica Bryant speaks in Spanish with Clemente Cox, classics and philosophy scholar and the Academic Director of the Center of General Studies at the Universidad de los Andes. Their conversation includes the differences between A…

1
Ep. 225: Debating social media content moderation 1:12:21

6M ago1:12:21

1:12:21

Can free speech and content moderation on social media coexist? Jonathan Rauch and Renee DiResta discuss the complexities of content moderation on social media platforms. They explore how platforms balance free expression with the need to moderate harmful content and the consequences of censorship in a digital world. Jonathan Rauch is a senior fell…

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