Kiyah Willis Discusses Her Journey Out of Woke

In this episode of The Rational Egoist, Michael sits down with Kiyah Willis for a thoughtful and compelling discussion about her intellectual transformation—one that took her from the fog of modern “woke” ideology to a life built on clarity, independence, and personal responsibility.

Kiyah is a fellow at the Objective Standard Institute, where she focuses on cultural trends and the ideas driving them. With a degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a background as a data analyst, she brings a rare blend of technical discipline and philosophical depth. Today, her work examines how faulty cultural narratives take hold, why they spread, and what it takes to break free from them.

In this interview, Kiyah shares her journey out of a worldview rooted in guilt, conformity, and emotional pressure—towards a worldview anchored in reality, reason, and the sovereignty of the individual. She explains how intellectual honesty, personal courage, and a willingness to question the dominant culture became essential steps in reclaiming her confidence and her independence of mind.

She also talks about her writing, her love for hiking and spending time with her boxer, Apollo, and the broader mission behind her Substack: helping others untangle themselves from the traps of cultural dogma and rediscover the joy of thinking for themselves.

A powerful and clear conversation—one that highlights the cost of surrendering your judgment, and the freedom that comes when you choose to reclaim it.

About Michael Liebowitz – Host of The Rational Egoist

Michael Liebowitz is the host of The Rational Egoist podcast, a philosopher, author, and political activist committed to the principles of reason, individualism, and rational self-interest. Deeply influenced by the philosophy of Ayn Rand, Michael uses his platform to challenge cultural dogma, expose moral contradictions, and defend the values that make human flourishing possible.

His journey from a 25-year prison sentence to becoming a respected voice in the libertarian and Objectivist communities is a testament to the transformative power of philosophy. Today, Michael speaks, writes, and debates passionately in defence of individual rights and intellectual clarity.

He is the co-author of two compelling books that examine the failures of the correctional system and the redemptive power of moral conviction:

Down the Rabbit Hole: How the Culture of Corrections Encourages Crime

https://www.amazon.com.au/Down-Rabbit-Hole-Corrections-Encourages/dp/197448064X

View from a Cage: From Convict to Crusader for Liberty

https://books2read.com/u/4jN6xj

About Xenia Ioannou – Producer of The Rational Egoist

Xenia Ioannou is the producer of The Rational Egoist, overseeing the publishing and promotion of each episode to reflect a consistent standard of clarity, professionalism, and intellectual integrity.

As a CEO, property manager, entrepreneur, and lifelong advocate for capitalism and individual rights, Xenia ensures the podcast stays true to its core values of reason, freedom, and personal responsibility.

Xenia also leads Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup in Adelaide, where passionate thinkers gather to discuss Ayn Rand’s ideas and their application to life, politics, and culture.

Join us at:

https://www.meetup.com/adelaide-ayn-rand-meetup/

(Capitalism and Coffee – An Objectivist Meetup)

Follow Life on Purpose – Xenia’s thought-provoking essays on Substack:

https://substack.com/@xeniaioannou?utm_source=user-menu

Because freedom is worth thinking about—and talking about.

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