The Dissidents

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

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

Learn more about Mike’s work and the Asian American Coalition for Education at: https://asianamericanforeducation.org/en/about/leadship/

In this episode of The Dissidents Podcast, Jennifer Richmond and Nafees Alam dive into an engaging conversation on the intersections of fitness, mental health, faith, and societal challenges. Beginning with personal stories of their fitness journeys, they explore how physical well-being impacts mental clarity, self-awareness, and day-to-day productivity. Drawing on new scientific insights into gender-specific fitness practices, Jennifer reflects on her own realizations about training and physiology, while Nafees shares his perspective on how fitness builds resilience and fosters intellectual growth.

The discussion expands to broader societal topics, including the role of biology in shaping conversations around gender, trans inclusion in sports, and the implications for fairness and personal identity. With compassion and curiosity, they navigate the complexities of these issues while offering potential solutions, such as the idea of separating sports leagues into "female" and "women's" categories. They also explore the critical role of diet and exercise in addressing mental health concerns, with a focus on long-term habits and scientific research.

Through humor, humility, and thought-provoking dialogue, Jennifer and Nafees challenge listeners to embrace self-awareness, seek balance between individuality and inclusivity, and approach divisive topics with kindness and curiosity. This episode is a call to action for listeners to reflect on their health, values, and the role of reason in creating a more connected and compassionate society.

Podcast Notes:

Fair, Inclusive & Safe: A Transgender Sports Policy Panel Discussion: https://youtube.com/live/pyoSzg7Z8MY?feature=share

From Worriers to Warriors: The Cultural Rise of Women with Cory Clark: https://youtube.com/live/AUcdKecT3_Q?feature=share

Transform Your Mental Health With Diet & Lifestyle | Dr. Chris Palmer, Huberman Lab

The Body Reset: How Women Should Eat & Exercise for Health, Fat Loss, & Enery, Mel Robbins Podcast

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

Learn more about Dumisani and his work with the Institute for Black Solidarity with Israel (IBSI) at: https://ibsi.org/

In 2022 Counterweight, the organization that Helen Pluckrose founded and that was absorbed into the Institute for Liberal Values had a virtual conference on Alternatives to Diversity and Inclusion. Starting in 2025, we will be rolling out one talk a month that was presented at the conference. We sit down with the original presenters throughout 2025 to see what has changed since 2022. With Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives seemingly on the chopping block, we are curious to hear what our original participants are witnessing and experiencing on the ground. Is DEI really dead or just in remission? Are there healthy alternatives to DEI that we should consider, or do we throw the baby out with the bathwater and wipe our hands clean? What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This month Jennifer Richmond interviews Zander Keig.  In his update to his original talk on Liberal Approaches to Diversity and Inclusion, where he shared elegant ways to emphasize heterodox views in trans care, Zander updates us on how the conversation on trans identity has changed over the past three years. Zander continues to approach the conversation always centering the individual and the search for “third spaces” to navigate “third rail” issues. Zander reviews some big changes over the past three years, including the recently discussed science that suggests that rapid and rabid adherence to sex change as a solution for exploring gender identity, may need reconsideration. Unfortunately, what has not changed is the polarization that continues to hijack the conversation, making genuine progress elusive.

You can find his original presentation here: https://youtu.be/fJxCDJMPwvY

In this week's episode we honor the importance of men and masculine traits for a functioning society and human survival, for productive and enjoyable interactions, and for the sake of diversity. That's right, Nafees Alam joins Elizabeth to talk about men--men in the gym, men in the classroom, men and ideology, men's portrayal in the media, masculinity, and relationships. We use as a jumping off point an article about the importance of both belonging and uniqueness. The author argues that young men may feel excluded and unvalued in the current socio-political environment.  When society's focus shifts to include and pay tribute to the distinctiveness of some (e.g. women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+), the special and important contributions of other individuals and groups may naturally be set aside. Elizabeth and Nafees admit to seeing the basic human needs of belonging and uniqueness reflected in their own behavioral choices and preferences and wonder if this an unavoidable cycle inherent to human societal development.  If so, can we all (particularly men in today's society) find ways to define and nurture our own sense of belonging and uniqueness so that cycles will be less personally and socially costly?  Nafees helps us close on a positive note because above all, he believes in a resilient society.

Podcast notes

Versteegen, P. L. (2025). Trump Voters’ social position in U.S. Society: Uniqueness and radical‐right support. Political Psychology, 46(1), 145–165.

 https://dcjournal.com/how-toxic-masculinity-becomes-necessary-masculinity

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pop-culture-mental-health/202502/celebrating-strong-independent-men

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

Learn more about Jake and his contributions to Free Black Thought at: https://freeblackthought.com/voices/jake-mackey

In this bonus episode, we share the recording of our Liberal Values in Practice livestream about transgender sports policies. The panelists, Social Work Professor Nafees Alam, Psychotherapist Stella O'Malley, and author and Social Worker Zander Keig, discuss the nuance and complexities of balancing competitive fairness with inclusivity. They explore scientific research, share their relevant lived experiences, examine multiple perspectives, and consider policy frameworks that aim to protect the dignity and opportunities of all athletes. Concerns about competitive equity and transgender rights are explored with respect and a commitment to liberal values.

Resources: 

Point / Counterpoint: Transgender Sport Participation Policy, Matt Moore and Nafees Alam: https://openjournals.bsu.edu/sportsocialworkjournal/article/view/4192/2175

The Third Space: A Nonconformist's Guide to the Universe, Zander Keig: https://www.amazon.com/Third-Space-Nonconformists-Guide-Universe/dp/1613431686

In this week's episode Ken Pope indulges Jen, Matt and Elizabeth in a discussion of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Ken, a retired Army officer, shares his personal experiences of living and working in both Ukraine and Russia. He patiently listens to our often naive and occasionally probing questions and does his best to answer in language we can understand without sacrificing the complex nature of the problems and potential solutions. He is tired of the slogans and name calling, which are unproductive and tribally motivated, and offers historical context as well as a pragmatic contemporary perspective on the issues we face. Ken is critical of all sides, particularly NATO, which he suggests must step up to ensure peace in the long term. Join Ken for a follow up Liberal Values Lab, Putin’s War in Ukraine, on April 17 at 7pm ET, live on ILV’s YouTube or X (@ilvalues).

Podcast notes

What the U.S. Has to Gain from Supporting Ukraine 

Ending Russia’s War: Why Ukraine’s Victory Is Crucial

Ukraine’s growing military strength is an underrated factor in peace talks

The Strategic and Military Pathways to a Peaceful Ukrainian Settlement

To Really Get Peace in Ukraine, Consider Why Putin Started the War

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

Learn more about Mike and his work with Free Black Thought at: https://freeblackthought.com/voices/michael-dc-bowen